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As the stars shone above Gungnae, the kingdom stood at a crossroads. The decisions made in would shape the future of Goguryeo, determining whether it would remain a tributary or emerge once again as a power capable of challenging the mighty Lie Fan. For now, the kingdom would wait, watch, and prepare. But in the depths of King Sansang's heart burned a quiet resolve, Goguryeo would not bow forever.
But what King Sansang didn't realize was that every step he took was being monitored. The Oriole agents, a shadowy network of spies loyal to Lie Fan, had infiltrated deeply into Goguryeo and he had never notice them.
Xu Kai, who was assigned there to mastermind the network's expansion, remained stationed in Gungnae, methodically weaving a web of informants and operatives that now spanned much of Goguryeo's territory. Every order King Sansang issued, every plan his advisors devised, was quietly documented and transmitted to Xu Kai.
In the heart of Gungnae, nestled among the bustling streets, an ordinary-looking tavern served as the hub of Xu Kai's operations. The unassuming facade hid a complex network of covert activity. Inside, Xu Kai sat in a dimly lit room, meeting with a middle-level official from Goguryeo's finance department. The man, visibly uneasy, glanced around the room before taking a seat across from Xu Kai.
The official's name was Eul Bok, a once-loyal servant of Goguryeo who had been turned by Xu Kai's promises of wealth and the safety of his younger sister. The latter was under threat from an influential nobleman whose advances she had spurned.
Xu Kai had exploited Eul Bok's desperation, offering protection and opportunity in exchange for information about Goguryei's financial situation, an important information Xu Kai needs to evaluate Goguryeo's level of threat and whenever he needed to suggest to his lord to increase the amount of Goguryeo's tribute.
"Speak," Xu Kai commanded, his tone calm but authoritative.
Eul Bok leaned forward, lowering his voice. "The treasury is flourishing, thanks to the trade flowing from Lie Fan's domain and the markets of Gongsun Gong. Revenues have surged, and the king is storing the wealth securely. However, I've discovered records indicating that a portion of the funds is being redirected to fortify border defenses. The construction is discreet, but it's happening."
Xu Kai's expression didn't change, but his mind raced. "Good. Continue monitoring the treasury. If you find opportunities to redirect some of those funds to us, take them. My agents will cover your tracks. For every successful transfer, you will receive a quarter of the amount as your reward."
Eul Bok hesitated, then nodded. The lure of wealth and his sister's safety outweighed his lingering guilt. "I understand. I will do as you say as long as you keep your promise."
Their conversation was interrupted as an Oriole agent entered the room without knocking. The agent, a wiry man with sharp eyes, addressed Xu Kai in Chinese, ensuring Eul Bok couldn't understand. "Master Xu, we have new intelligence. King Sansang is accelerating his efforts. He has ordered the expansion of infrastructure, the fortification of borders, and an intensified search for the substance that Lord Lie Fan had protected named gunpowder. These movements are detailed here." He handed Xu Kai a small leather-bound book.
Xu Kai took the book, his eyes scanning the detailed reports. Each page chronicled King Sansang's actions, from the deployment of laborers to the discreet movement of troops. The precision of the intelligence impressed even Xu Kai. His network was growing stronger by the day.
He turned to Eul Bok. "Our business is concluded for now. Continue your work, and await further instructions."
Eul Bok stood, bowed slightly, and left the room, his footsteps fading into the din of the tavern. Once he was gone, Xu Kai flipped through the book again, his mind piecing together the broader picture.
"King Sansang is clever," Xu Kai muttered to the agent. "He's using the wealth from lord Lie Fan's trade routes and Gongsun Gong's domain to build his defenses, hoping to prepare for eventual conflict. But he underestimates how deeply we've infiltrated his kingdom."
The agent nodded. "Shall we move to sabotage their efforts, Master Xu?"
"Not yet," Xu Kai replied, closing the book with a decisive snap. "Let him build. Let him fortify. The more he invests in these projects, the more resources we can drain from within. And when the time comes, his own preparations will serve us instead of him."
Xu Kai leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But keep a close watch on this gunpowder search. If Goguryeo succeeds in obtaining it, it could shift the balance of power. Ensure that our agents remain embedded among their merchants. If any lead emerges, we must act swiftly to intercept it."
The agent bowed and left, leaving Xu Kai alone with his thoughts. The small room seemed to grow quieter, the weight of the unfolding strategy settling like a tangible presence. Xu Kai knew that the game he played was a dangerous one, but he also knew that patience and precision were the keys to victory.
In the days that followed, Xu Kai's network intensified its operations. Agents embedded in Goguryeo's bureaucracy reported on the progress of infrastructure projects, while others monitored military movements. Merchants under Xu Kai's employ mingled with Goguryeo's traders, spreading subtle misinformation and quietly gathering intelligence.
Meanwhile, Eul Bok continued his work in the treasury, carefully skimming funds under Xu Kai's guidance. The stolen money was funneled through a series of clandestine channels, eventually reaching Xu Kai's hands. True to his word, Xu Kai ensured that Eul Bok received his share, further binding the man to his cause.
King Sansang remained unaware of the extent of the infiltration. His focus was on strengthening his kingdom, rallying his advisors, and preparing for the challenges ahead. But the very prosperity he sought to harness was being used against him, his every move shadowed by Xu Kai's agents.
Back in the tavern, Xu Kai sat alone, a map of Goguryeo spread before him. He studied the marked locations of fortifications, trade routes, and key administrative centers. Each mark represented an opportunity, a potential weakness to exploit.
"Lord Lie Fan will be pleased," Xu Kai murmured to himself. "Goguryeo believes it is preparing for independence, but it is merely tightening the noose around its own neck."
After saying so, Xu Kai ordered his agents to create multiple copies of the map and dispatch them discreetly to Jia Xu in Xiapi. These maps, laden with precise details of Goguryeo's infrastructure, fortifications, and troop placements, were to be stored securely and studied meticulously.
Xu Kai trusted Jia Xu's alongside the other advisors strategic brilliance to transform the gathered intelligence into plans for both offense and defense. The stakes were high, but the Oriole network had proven its worth time and again.
Meanwhile, inside the governor's castle at Zhongshan, the atmosphere was charged with triumph and anticipation. Lie Fan, flanked by his generals and advisors, presided over a war council.
The room was alive with the clinking of armor, the rustle of maps being unfurled, and the low hum of discussions. Gathered around the grand table were Sima Yi, Xun You, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, Man Chong, Huang Zhong, Liu Ba, Dian Wei, and Chen Deng. Each bore the weight of their respective responsibilities, their expressions reflecting both pride and vigilance.
The decisive victory they had against Yuan Shao had bolstered their spirits. Lie Fan's forces had dismantled the once-mighty Yuan Clan, capturing an abundance of spoils, including treasures from the Yuan family treasury. The victory not only expanded Lie Fan's domain significantly but also solidified his reputation as the one who possibly will unite the fractured lands of the Han and create a new dynasty.
Lie Fan stood at the head of the table, his commanding presence drawing the attention of everyone in the room. His sharp eyes scanned the group before he began. "With Yuan Shao defeated, we have achieved a monumental victory. However, this triumph brings with it new responsibilities and challenges. The expansion of our domain demands heightened security, especially along our borders. We cannot afford complacency."
He gestured toward the maps spread across the table. "All of our northern and western domain now borders with Cao Cao, who was a cunning and ambitious adversary. Additionally, Liu Bei continues to consolidate his power in the south. We must be prepared to defend our territories while maintaining the momentum of our expansion."
Lie Fan turned to Huang Zhong and Liu Ba. "The Qinlong Army will be stationed at Julu. It is a critical border region with Cao Cao's domain. Huang Zhong, your experience in leading troops will ensure the stability and security of the region. Liu Ba, your administrative skills will support the logistical needs of the army and the governance of Julu and its surrounding area."
Both men bowed, acknowledging their orders. Huang Zhong feeling the wight if the responsibility spoke firmly. "You have my word, my lord. Julu will be secure."
Next, Lie Fan addressed Dian Wei and Man Chong. "The Baihu Army will be stationed at Chenliu, another key border region with Cao Cao's territory. Dian Wei, use your strength and ferocity to keep Cao Cao army at the border, and I trust you to lead the troops with unwavering discipline. Man Chong, your wisdom will ensure that the region remains stable under our control."
Dian Wei thumped his chest in affirmation. "I'll make sure no enemy dares to cross into Chenliu, my lord."
Man Chong nodded, his calm demeanor belying the sharp mind at work. "The region will be well-managed, and the army's needs will be met without fail."
Lie Fan then turned his attention to the Zhuque and Xuanwu Armies, though their leaders, Taishi Ci, Bu Zhi, Zhang Chao, and Zang Hong, were currently away. "The Zhuque Army will remain stationed at Henei to safeguard our border against Cao Cao. Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi have proven their mettle time and again. As for the Xuanwu Army, it will be stationed at Wan, where it will act as a bulwark against both Cao Cao and Liu Bei."
Sima Yi, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward to speak. "My lord, these deployments are strategically sound. However, we must also consider the internal management of our newly acquired territories. The people will need reassurance that our rule brings stability and prosperity. This will require a combination of military presence and administrative oversight."
Lie Fan nodded. "You are right, Zhongda. Stability is not achieved by force alone. Yuanlong, I will rely on you alongside Zichu and Boning to oversee the integration of these territories into our administration. Work closely with the local officials to ensure a smooth transition."
Chen Deng bowed deeply. "As you command, my lord. I alongside Master Liu Ba and Master Man Chong will ensure that the people see the benefits of the governance under your rule, and ensure the transition and integration worked swiftly."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0