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80.83% Reborn In The Three Kingdoms / Chapter 536: 514. Lie Fan Exchange Words With Hyejin Pt.2

Chapter 536: 514. Lie Fan Exchange Words With Hyejin Pt.2

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___________________________

But for now, Hyejin had managed to hold her own. She knew that this was just the beginning of a much larger game, one that would require all of her cunning and skill to survive. But if there was one thing Hyejin had learned from her time in the court of Goguryeo, it was that survival often depended on one's ability to adapt. And adapt, she would do for her and the other's survival.

As the conversation between Hyejin and Lie Fan continued, the atmosphere became more intricate, each question carefully framed to elicit information without seeming overly intrusive. Lie Fan's tone remained calm and conversational, but his intent was clear. He was probing deeper, shifting the dialogue towards more significant topics, topics that would give him insight into the inner workings of Goguryeo.

"So tell me, Lady Hyejin," Lie Fan began, his fingers lightly drumming against the table, "what can you share about the current state of Goguryeo? I am curious about your government, your economy, and your people's culture. In my time studying your language, I have also taken an interest in your nation's way of life."

Hyejin's heart quickened, though she maintained her poised demeanor. This was the moment she had anticipated. Lie Fan was not merely engaging in casual conversation; he wanted to extract information—valuable intelligence that could provide him with leverage over Goguryeo.

Whether he sought to destabilize her homeland or simply gain a tactical advantage, Hyejin knew that she had to tread with the utmost caution. She could not afford to let too much slip, but neither could she appear evasive. It was a delicate balance.

She smiled gently, her expression betraying none of her inner wariness. "Goguryeo is a land rich in history and tradition, Lord Lie Fan. Our culture is deeply rooted in our past, and we take great pride in maintaining the legacy of our ancestors. Family, loyalty, and honor are central to our way of life. As for our government, it is much like any other kingdom. The royal family holds power, supported by a network of noble families and officials who oversee the various regions of the kingdom."

Hyejin chose her words carefully, offering just enough detail to satisfy his curiosity without revealing anything that could be used against her people. She spoke in generalities, touching on the strength of Goguryeo's leadership and the unity of its people, but she made sure to avoid any specifics that could hint at internal conflicts or vulnerabilities.

Lie Fan nodded thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving her face. "I see. And how does your economy fare? I imagine that such a vast and powerful kingdom must have a complex system in place to support its growth and development."

Hyejin hesitated for the briefest moment before responding. Lie Fan's interest in Goguryeo's economy was telling. He wanted to know the strength of the kingdom's resources—how well it could sustain itself in times of war or peace. Again, she would have to be careful.

"Our economy is strong, Lord Lie Fan," Hyejin said smoothly. "Our people are industrious, and we have a thriving trade network that spans across the region. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, but we also have skilled craftsmen and merchants who contribute to our prosperity. King Sansang and the court officials have worked hard to ensure that the kingdom remains self-sufficient and resilient, even in difficult times."

Lie Fan's expression remained impassive, but Hyejin could sense that he was processing every word, weighing its significance. She knew that he was still testing her, searching for any signs of weakness or inconsistency in her answers. The conversation had become a battlefield of words, and Hyejin was determined not to lose ground.

"And what of your court?" Lie Fan pressed on, his voice casual but his intent sharp. "The royal family must have many advisers, individuals who help guide the king's decisions. Do they all share the same vision for Goguryeo's future?"

Hyejin inwardly bristled at the question, recognizing it for what it was—a subtle attempt to uncover divisions within the Goguryeo court. If there were factions or political strife within the kingdom, Lie Fan would undoubtedly seek to exploit them. But Hyejin would not give him that advantage.

"Our court is united in its service to the king and the people," she said, her tone firm but not defensive. "As with any government, there are differing opinions on certain matters, but ultimately, all decisions are made with the best interests of the kingdom in mind. We are a proud nation, and our leaders are committed to ensuring the continued prosperity and security of Goguryeo."

Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. Hyejin could tell that he was impressed by her responses, though she also knew that he would not stop there. The conversation was a layered one, and every word she spoke could be analyzed and twisted to his advantage. But she remained resolute, determined to protect the interests of her homeland.

"You speak well, Lady Hyejin," Lie Fan said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "It is clear that you are deeply loyal to your people. I respect that."

"Thank you, Lord Lie Fan," Hyejin replied, offering him a slight bow of her head. "I believe that loyalty is one of the most important virtues a person can possess. Without it, there can be no trust, no stability."

Lie Fan's eyes flickered with interest at her words, as though he were contemplating their deeper meaning. For a moment, the room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with the weight of their unspoken thoughts.

Finally, Lie Fan rose from his seat, signaling the end of their meeting. "I believe we have spoken enough for today. You have given me much to think about, Lady Hyejin. I appreciate your candidness and insight."

Hyejin rose as well, offering him a respectful bow. "It has been an honor to speak with you, Lord Lie Fan."

As she turned to leave, her heart still racing with the intensity of their exchange, she could feel Lie Fan's gaze following her. She knew that this was only the beginning—that their interactions would continue to be a delicate dance of diplomacy and strategy. But for now, she had survived the first test.

Once Hyejin had been escorted back to the mansion by the servants, Jia Xu and Wang Yi entered the grand hall where the meeting had taken place. Both men, trusted advisers of Lie Fan, bowed respectfully before taking their places by his side.

"Well?" Jia Xu asked, his voice low and calculating. "What do you make of her, my lord?"

Lie Fan remained silent for a moment, his eyes still lingering on the door through which Hyejin had just exited. "She is dangerous," he said finally, his tone measured. "But also valuable."

Wang Yi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his master's assessment. "Dangerous in what way, my lord?"

"She is intelligent, perceptive," Lie Fan explained, pacing slowly around the room. "She did not reveal anything of great importance, but her answers were too careful, too deliberate. She is clearly well-versed in the art of diplomacy, and she knows how to play the game. If handled improperly, she could become a thorn in our side."

Jia Xu nodded thoughtfully. "But if handled correctly, she could also be an asset," he mused. "Perhaps even a key to influencing Goguryeo from within."

Lie Fan stopped in his tracks, turning to face his advisers. "Exactly. She may prove to be the leverage we need. If we can gain her trust—or at least her cooperation—she could provide us with valuable insights into the workings of the Goguryeo court. And through her, we may be able to exert influence over her people."

Wang Yi crossed his arms, his expression contemplative. "It will be a delicate operation, my lord. Someone like her will not be easily swayed."

Lie Fan smiled faintly, a gleam of determination in his eyes. "No, she will not. But that only makes the game more interesting. We will take our time, carefully placing each piece on the board. And when the moment is right, we will make our move."

Jia Xu and Wang Yi exchanged a glance, both understanding the weight of their leader's words. They knew that Lie Fan was a master strategist, and if he believed that Hyejin could be used to further his goals, then they would follow his lead.

"What do you propose, my lord?" Jia Xu asked, his voice filled with quiet deference.

Lie Fan turned towards the window, his gaze fixed on the city beyond. "We will continue to observe her closely. Let her believe that she has some measure of freedom, but ensure that we know her every move. I will have another meeting with her soon. In time, she will reveal more—whether she intends to or not."

With that, the meeting came to a close, and Jia Xu and Wang Yi bowed once more before departing. Lie Fan remained by the window, lost in thought. He knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger, but he also knew that the rewards could be immense.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Hyejin sat by her window, her mind racing with thoughts of the day's events. She knew that she had managed to navigate the first encounter with Lie Fan she felt it was successful, but she also understood that the battle was far from over.

This was a game of wits, a dance of power, and both she and Lie Fan were skilled players. The question now was not whether they would continue to test each other, but how far each of them would be willing to go.

And Hyejin, despite the fear that still lingered in her heart, knew one thing for certain—she would not back down. For the sake of her people, and for the future of Goguryeo, she would play the game the best she could.

To the southeast of Xiapi, in Xiangyang, the bustling capital of Jing Province, Liu Bei sat in the grand hall of his newly established seat of power. The hall was impressive, with banners of his emblem hanging from tall columns and a sense of authority emanating from every corner.

However, despite the physical trappings of leadership, Liu Bei knew that his position was still precarious. He had gained the favor of the people and held the loyalty of key generals such as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, but the rapidly changing political landscape meant that his current foothold was far from secure.

Liu Bei was deep in thought when a court official entered the hall, bowing respectfully before stepping forward with a scroll in hand. "My lord," the official began, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of urgency, "a traveling scholar has arrived from the southern regions of Jing Province. He brings news of three hermits who are said to possess unparalleled wisdom and insight. It is also said that these men have trained students who are now becoming renowned as the brightest strategists in the land."

____________________________

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


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
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Chapter 537: 515. Oriole Agents Protecting Zhuge Liang Whereabouts

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___________________________

Liu Bei was deep in thought when a court official entered the hall, bowing respectfully before stepping forward with a scroll in hand. "My lord," the official began, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of urgency, "a traveling scholar has arrived from the southern regions of Jing Province. He brings news of three hermits who are said to possess unparalleled wisdom and insight. It is also said that these men have trained students who are now becoming renowned as the brightest strategists in the land."

Liu Bei's interest was piqued immediately. He had always placed great importance on surrounding himself with skilled advisers, recognizing that he needed such people who could be the difference between victory and defeat in realizing his ambition. The prospect of discovering men who could offer him that kind of wisdom was too tantalizing to ignore.

"Tell me more," Liu Bei said, sitting up straighter in his chair, his eyes focused intently on the official. "Who are these hermits, and what do we know of their abilities?"

The official unfurled the scroll and began to read. "The scholar spoke of three men, recluses who live near the southern mountains of Jing Province. They have lived in seclusion for many years, shunning the politics of the land, but those who have spoken to them claim their knowledge of governance, military strategy, and philosophy is unrivaled. Among their students are two men who have already garnered significant attention in the surrounding area. One is known as the Fledgling Phoenix, and the other as the Sleeping Dragon. These young men are said to be destined to shape the future of the land."

Liu Bei's brow furrowed in contemplation. He had heard vague rumors about these hermit figures before, whispered among scholars and travelers, but this was the first time he had received a direct report. The names "Fledgling Phoenix" and "Sleeping Dragon" intrigued him deeply.

"The Fledgling Phoenix and the Sleeping Dragon..." Liu Bei repeated, the weight of the names lingering in his mind. "What do we know of them specifically?"

The official nodded and continued, "The Fledgling Phoenix is said to be a man of unparalleled intelligence and strategic insight. Despite his youth, those who have met him say that his grasp of statecraft and military affairs rivals even the most seasoned advisers. As for the Sleeping Dragon, his wisdom is considered so profound that he is said to be able to foresee the movements of the world, anticipating shifts in power and events with an almost mystical clarity with a high understanding of statecraft and military affairs."

Liu Bei leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. He had been struggling for years to find his footing in the war-torn land and realize his ambition. Despite his charisma and the loyalty of his men, he lacked the kind of grand strategist that other warlords like Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and Lie Fan possessed.

If even half of what the official was saying about these men was true, gaining the loyalty of either the Fledgling Phoenix or the Sleeping Dragon—or both—could change everything.

"And these men," Liu Bei asked, "are they still in Jing Province? Is there any indication of where we might find them?"

The official looked up from the scroll. "According to the scholar, they remain near the mountain where their hermit masters live. However, their whereabouts are closely guarded. It is said that they only reveal themselves to those they deem worthy. Many have sought their wisdom, but few have been granted an audience."

Liu Bei stood, his eyes blazing with determination. "I must meet them. If what this scholar says is true, then these men could be the key to securing the future not just for Jing Province, but for all of China. Send word to the scholar and offer him whatever resources he needs to locate these hermits and their students. I will make the journey myself if necessary."

The court official bowed deeply and hurried to relay Liu Bei's instructions. As he left, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, who had been standing quietly at the edges of the hall, stepped forward.

"Elder Brother," Zhang Fei said, his booming voice echoing through the chamber, "do you truly believe these recluses will make a difference? We've fought with strength and honor for years now. Do we really need more scholars like Kuai Liang and Ju Shou whispering in our ears?"

Liu Bei turned to his sworn brothers, his expression earnest while inwardly his heart was a bit gloomy with the stupid words Zhang Fe had just said. "Third Brother, strength and honor have carried us this far, but the world is changing. Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and Lie Fan have advisors who shape their strategies, men like Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Jia Xu, Xun You, and Zhou Yu. Without wisdom to match theirs, our swords alone will not be enough to secure victory. We need men who can see beyond the battlefield, who can help us navigate the currents of power in this land."

Guan Yu, ever the more contemplative of the two, nodded slowly. "Elder Brother is right, Third Brother. A general like us can win battles, but a strategist can win wars. If these men are truly as wise as the rumors suggest, they could give us the edge we need in battling against Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and Lie Fan."

Zhang Fei crossed his arms and huffed, though he did not disagree further. "Fine, fine. But I still say we don't need any sleeping dragons or fledgling phoenixes. Just point me toward the enemy, and I'll take care of the rest."

Liu Bei with his acting skills smiled faintly, knowing that despite Zhang Fei's gruff demeanor, brashness, and idiotic thinking, he would support any course of action that Liu Bei deemed necessary.

His trust in Liu Bei was absolute, and that loyalty was much more valuable than any number of strategies for Liu Bei, because he was an idiot that he could fully control for him.

Unfortunately for Liu Bei, fate had other plans. As the wheels of his ambitious search for the reclusive Zhuge Liang and his masters began to turn, far more sinister forces for him were already in motion.

The Oriole agents had been operating in Jing Province for some time, gathering intelligence and keeping a watchful eye on anything that might shift the balance of power in the region. When they caught wind of Liu Bei's search for these famed hermits, they moved swiftly and silently.

The Oriole agents were skilled in the art of espionage, trained to blend into the shadows and strike without warning. They knew that if Liu Bei succeeded in contacting Zhuge Liang, their heads rolling would be the outcome.

For their lord, Lie Fan, Zhuge Liang is already his advisor, and could not afford to allow his handpicked advisor to fall into Liu Bei's hands. The agents wasted no time in following Liu Bei's men, who had been dispatched to negotiate with the traveling scholar.

For three days, the Oriole agents tracked Liu Bei's men through the rural roads of Jing Province. They kept their distance, moving with the precision of seasoned hunters. The men they followed had no idea they were being watched. On the third day, their patience paid off. Liu Bei's men finally met with the scholar who had brought news of Zhuge Liang and his masters.

The meeting took place in a small, unassuming village nestled between the hills. The village was quiet, and the sound of wind rustling through the trees was the only thing that accompanied their conversation.

The leader of Liu Bei's men, a grizzled veteran named Chen Hong, approached the scholar, handing him a pouch filled with silver coins and scrolls of promises for more resources.

"This is from Lord Liu Bei," Chen Hong said in a low voice, glancing around cautiously, as though expecting prying eyes. "He is deeply interested in what you've told him. These resources are yours as agreed upon. In return, he expects you to provide any further information you uncover about the hermits and, most importantly, the location of this Sleeping Dragon, Zhuge Liang."

The scholar, a wiry man with sharp eyes and a weathered face, nodded, pocketing the silver with a satisfied smile. "You have my word. I will continue to seek out more information. Zhuge Liang is elusive, but I have friends in the region. I will find him."

Chen Hong bowed his head slightly. "Good. Lord Liu Bei believed that this Zhuge Liang could be the key to restoring the Han and bringing peace to the land. He will be generous to those who help him in this endeavor."

As Chen Hong and his men turned to leave, the Oriole agents, hidden among the nearby trees, exchanged knowing glances. They had heard enough. They waited until Chen Hong's group disappeared down the road before making their move.

The scholar was walking toward his horse, preparing to depart when the Oriole agents struck. They moved swiftly, surrounding him before he had a chance to draw his weapon or call for help. One agent, dressed in a simple villager's tunic, pressed a dagger to the scholar's throat while another, their leader, stepped forward.

"Stay quiet, and you'll live a little longer," the leader hissed, his voice cold and sharp.

The scholar froze, his eyes wide with fear. "Who… who are you?"

The leader of the Oriole agents smirked. "That's not important. What is important is the information you've been feeding to Liu Bei. We know you've been looking into the hermits of Jing Province. We know you're trying to find Zhuge Liang. Tell us how you came by this information. Now."

The scholar, trembling, stammered, "I… I swear, I don't know much! I overheard rumors from traders traveling through the province. Some spoke of a reclusive strategist in the mountains. I pieced together what I could and brought the information to Liu Bei. I thought… I thought it might earn me a reward."

The leader narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the scholar's words. "And these rumors, where exactly did you hear them?"

The scholar gulped, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Near Xiangyang. A group of traveling merchants spoke of three hermits living in the mountains south of the city. That's all I know, I swear!"

The leader of the Oriole agents nodded to one of his men, who promptly produced a piece of parchment and a quill. "Write down the exact details of what you heard, the names of these merchants, and the location where you met them."

The scholar's hands shook as he quickly scribbled down the information, his mind racing with the hope that he might somehow escape this encounter alive.

Once he finished, the leader glanced at the parchment, then folded it and slipped it into his tunic. "Thank you for your cooperation," he said with an unsettling smile. Then, without warning, he nodded to the agent holding the dagger.

The scholar's eyes widened in shock as the blade sliced across his throat. He collapsed to the ground, blood pooling beneath him as he gasped for air, his life quickly slipping away. The Oriole agents watched in silence as the scholar's final moments played out.

The leader of the agents wiped the blood from his blade and turned to his men. "Burn the body. Make sure there's nothing left for Liu Bei's men to find." One of the agents immediately set to work, gathering kindling from the surrounding area to start a fire.

The others dragged the scholar's body deeper into the woods, where they set it ablaze, ensuring that all traces of the man and his information were erased. The leader of the Oriole agents watched the flames for a moment before turning to his second-in-command. "We need to report this to Lord Lie Fan immediately. If Liu Bei is looking for Zhuge Liang, we need to ensure that he never finds him."

____________________________

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


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Tang12 Tang12

Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!

I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!

Like it ? Add to library!

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