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___________________________
"Envoy Jinseok, you and your king have honored your word," Gongsun Gong declared, his tone dripping with condescension. "I commend King Sansang for his wisdom in choosing peace over war. These tributes are impressive, as are the noble hostages you have brought. Goguryeo clearly understands its place in the world."
Jinseok forced himself to smile politely, though every word felt like a slap in the face. "Thank you, my lord," he replied, bowing deeply. "King Sansang values peace above all and wishes only for the continued prosperity of both our kingdoms."
Gongsun Gong chuckled, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed contempt. "Yes, peace is indeed a noble pursuit. And you may tell your king that I will, of course, honor my side of the agreement. The hostages will be treated with the utmost care while they are in my custody. As for the trade agreements, your merchants will have free passage through our territories."
He stepped closer to Jinseok, lowering his voice to a mockingly confidential tone. "You see, I am a man of my word, even when dealing with a... lesser kingdom. Your king was wise to choose submission over annihilation."
Jinseok's jaw clenched, but he maintained his composure. "King Sansang believes that this arrangement will lead to a lasting peace between our peoples, my lord. We are grateful for your magnanimity."
The sarcasm in Gongsun Gong's eyes was unmistakable. "Indeed. Now, if you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to. My men will see to the distribution of the tribute."
As Gongsun Gong turned his attention to the wagons of treasure, Jinseok took a moment to steel himself. He knew that the worst of this ordeal was not yet over.
The hostages would soon be separated from him, taken aboard ships bound for Xiapi, where they would be held under Lie Fan's watchful eye. Goguryeo's future now rested in the hands of foreign warlords, and Jinseok could do little but watch.
Inside the palace, Gongsun Gong summoned several of his trusted advisors. The plan was already in motion, where half of the tribute would remain in Xiangping, enriching his domain and bolstering his forces, while the rest would be transported to Xiapi by sea.
The logistics prepared was somewhat complex, as the port was to the south of Xiangping but Gongsun Gong had faith in his men and in Lie Fan's promise of continued military support.
Meanwhile, Jinseok was left to oversee the final preparations for the hostages' departure. The young nobles, still reeling from the reality of their situation, gathered near the caravans under the watchful eyes of Gongsun Gong's soldiers.
Their expressions ranged from fear to stoic resignation, but none dared to speak openly of their anger or sorrow of the situation they found themselves in.
As the caravans were readied, Jinseok approached Hyejin once more, offering her a small, folded piece of parchment. "This is a letter from your family," he whispered. "Keep it close. It will bring you comfort during your journey and your stay in the town called Xiapi."
Hyejin accepted the letter with trembling hands, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the preparations that was done by Gongsun Gong's men as they took over of the caravan.
Jinseok watched as the young nobles were led aboard to their carriages once again, their futures uncertain. His heart ached for them, but he knew that there was little he could do to change their fate. The best he could hope for was that the peace they had purchased with their blood and treasure would hold long enough for Goguryeo to rebuild its strength.
As the caravan set sail to the town port, Gongsun Gong stood on the walls of Xiangoing, his hands clasped behind his back, watching with satisfaction as the caravan roll out from Xiangoing.
The tribute had been secured, the hostages sent on their way, and his position strengthened. He had no doubt that Lie Fan would be pleased with the outcome.
The journey from Xiangping to the port town was grueling, a three-day trek through rugged terrain and narrow roads that tested the endurance of both men and horses.
Gongsun Gong's soldiers, grim-faced and vigilant, flanked the caravan at all times, their eyes scanning the surrounding landscape for any sign of trouble. Despite the oppressive heat and the occasional rain that turned the roads to mud, the caravan pressed on without rest, driven by the urgency of their mission.
Jinseok, riding near the front, kept a wary eye on the hostages. The young nobles, confined to their carriages, remained quiet, their eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.
They had been given little information about what awaited them at the end of this journey, and the oppressive silence only served to heighten their anxiety. Jinseok did his best to offer them reassurance whenever they stopped to rest, but his own heart was heavy with doubt and fear.
On the second night, the caravan camped in a small valley, surrounded by steep hills that offered some protection from the wind. The soldiers set up a perimeter around the camp, their torches casting flickering shadows on the canvas tents. Jinseok sat near the fire with a few of the older hostages, sharing what little food they had been given.
Hyejin, who had been quiet for most of the journey, finally spoke up. "Envoy Jinseok, what will happen to us when we reach Xiapi?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper, but it carried the weight of all the hostages' unspoken fears.
Jinseok hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He had no clear answer for them, and he didn't want to offer false hope. "You will be well cared for," he said finally, choosing his words carefully. " I heard that Lie Fan is a man of honor, and he has promised to treat you as honored guests, not prisoners. Your families have made a great sacrifice for the peace of our kingdom, and I am sure your time there will not be as difficult as you fear."
Another hostage, a young man named Sungho, scoffed. "Honored guests? We are hostages, nothing more. Do you really believe we will be treated with kindness?"
Jinseok sighed. "I don't know, Sungho. But I do know that your families are counting on you to be brave, to endure this hardship for the sake of Goguryeo's future."
The fire crackled in the silence that followed, and Jinseok looked around at the faces of the young nobles. They were so young, so full of life and potential, and yet they had been thrust into a world of politics and war that they barely understood. He wished he could do more for them, but his hands were tied.
As the dawn broke on the third day, the caravan resumed its journey. By midday, the smell of saltwater filled the air, and the distant cries of seabirds announced their proximity to the port town.
The sight of the sea brought a mix of emotions to the hostages—some were filled with a sense of dread, others with a strange excitement. The ships, docked in the harbor, were massive, their masts towering above the town.
The port town itself was bustling with activity. Fishermen hauled in their catches, merchants haggled over goods, and sailors shouted orders as they prepared the ships for departure.
The presence of Lie Fan's marines, their uniforms crisp and their swords gleaming, added an air of tension to the already chaotic scene. Gongsun Gong's soldiers, weary from the journey, dismounted and began organizing the transfer of the tribute.
The wagons were unloaded with great care, the gold, silk, and jade carried aboard under the watchful eyes of both Gongsun Gong's men and the marines. The hostages, huddled together near the docks, watched in silence as their kingdom's wealth was carried away. Hyejin, standing at the front of the group, felt a surge of anger and helplessness as she watched the treasures disappear into the holds of the ships.
But then something unexpected happened. As the last of the tribute was loaded, the marines turned their attention to the hostages, and a murmur of fear rippled through the group. Hyejin, sensing the panic, took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Please, everyone, stay calm," she said, her voice steady despite the fear she felt. "We must show them that we are not afraid. We are the sons and daughters of Goguryeo, and we will not be cowed by this."
The hostages, startled by her boldness, exchanged glances. Slowly, one by one, they nodded and straightened their shoulders. Under Hyejin's lead, they walked toward the ships with their heads held high, their fear replaced by a quiet determination. Even the marines, who had expected resistance or at least hesitation, were taken aback by their composure.
As they boarded the ships, Hyejin caught Jinseok's eye. He gave her a small, encouraging smile, filled with pride and sorrow. She had shown a strength he hadn't expected, and he prayed it would be enough to see her and the others through the ordeal that lay ahead.
With the hostages and tribute aboard, the marines made their final preparations. The small fleet, consisting of five ships, raised their sails and caught the wind. As the ships pulled away from the dock, Jinseok stood on the shore, watching them disappear into the horizon. He felt a pang of guilt and helplessness, but he knew that this was the only way to protect his people.
The journey to Huai'An was relatively uneventful. The seas were calm, and the marines kept a strict watch, ensuring the hostages remained confined to their quarters. Despite their initial fear, the young nobles gradually settled into the routine of shipboard life. Hyejin, who had become a sort of de facto leader, continued to offer them words of comfort and hope, even as she struggled with her own doubts.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden light across the water, Hyejin stood at the railing of the ship, staring out at the endless sea. Sungho approached her, his expression troubled.
"Do you really believe what you said back at the port?" he asked quietly. "That we are the future of Goguryeo?"
Hyejin glanced at him, then back at the sea. "I don't know, Sungho. But I do know that we can't give up. Our families, our kingdom—they're all counting on us to be strong. If we show weakness now, what hope do we have?"
Sungho nodded slowly, his gaze distant. "I just wish I could do something. Anything. I hate feeling so powerless."
Hyejin reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know. But we have to be patient. Our time will come. And when it does, we have to be ready."
The days passed in a blur of routine. The hostages kept to themselves, whispering among their group and speculating about what awaited them in Xiapi. The marines, disciplined and efficient, maintained their vigilance, though they treated the hostages with a measure of respect. It was clear that they had orders to keep the young nobles safe, if not entirely comfortable.
Meanwhile, in Xiapi, a grand ceremony was underway. The final stone of the outer wall had been laid, marking the completion of a project that had taken years of labor and immense resources. The people of Xiapi, who had endured countless hardships during the construction, gathered in the streets to celebrate this monumental achievement.
Lie Fan, accompanied by his closest advisors—Liu Ye, Mi Zhu, Jia Xu, Zhao Yun, and Mi Fang—stood atop the newly completed wall, looking out over the cheering crowds. The city, now protected by a formidable outer wall, was a testament to his leadership and vision. He raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent.
"My people!" Lie Fan's voice rang out over the crowd, carried on the wind like a clarion call. "Today, we stand united in celebration. This wall, built with the sweat and toil of all of you, is more than just a barrier of stone and mortar. It is a symbol of our strength, our resilience, and our unwavering determination to protect our home."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices echoing off the walls. Lie Fan smiled, allowing the cheers to wash over him before continuing.
"We have faced many challenges, but we have overcome them all. This wall is proof of what we can achieve when we work together. It will stand for generations as a testament to our unity and resolve. And let this be an auspicious sign for the future construction of our outer town buildings, which will bring even more prosperity to Xiapi!"
As the crowd roared their approval, Lie Fan looked to his advisors, each of whom nodded in agreement. The completion of the wall was more than just a military achievement; it was a sign that Xiapi was ready to take its place as one of the most important cities in the region. Jia Xu, ever the strategist, leaned closer to Lie Fan. "This wall will serve us well, my lord. It will not only protect us but also send a message to our enemies that Xiapi is not to be trifled with."
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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
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___________________________
As the crowd roared their approval, Lie Fan looked to his advisors, each of whom nodded in agreement. The completion of the wall was more than just a military achievement; it was a sign that Xiapi was ready to take its place as one of the most important cities in the region. Jia Xu, ever the strategist, leaned closer to Lie Fan. "This wall will serve us well, my lord. It will not only protect us but also send a message to our enemies that Xiapi is not to be trifled with."
Nodding his head in agreement with Jia Xu's word, Lie Fan then asked Jia Xu if there are any words of the Goguryeo's tributes and hostages send by Gongsun Gong, to which Jia Xu replied by saying that he had received a letter early in the morning from one of the Oriole agents that the tirbutes have been received by our navy and was on it's way to Huai'An
Lie Fan nodded at Jia Xu's words, pleased with the swift intelligence coming from his network of Oriole agents. They were vital to his administration, ensuring that he remained well-informed at every step. Goguryeo's tribute had been successfully transferred to their fleet and was now on its way to Huai'An.
This was an encouraging sign that the hostages and their considerable treasure were en route without incident. However, this critical phase of the plan was far from over.
Turning to Mi Fang, who stood a few paces behind, Lie Fan spoke with calm authority. "Mi Fang, I want you to take my personal infantry battalion and head to Huai'An immediately. Once the fleet arrives, you will take command of the escort and bring the tribute and hostages safely back to Xiapi. I trust you understand the gravity of this mission."
Mi Fang straightened his back and bowed respectfully. "Of course, my lord. I will ensure everything proceeds smoothly. We will depart at first light."
Lie Fan gave a small nod of approval, his mind already turning to the broader implications of the Goguryeo deal. The hostages would serve as living symbols of Goguryeo's submission, their presence in Xiapi ensuring that King Sansang would adhere to the terms of their treaty.
But it was the tribute—the treasure and goods—that would prove most useful in solidifying Lie Fan's position both in Xiapi and across the wider region. With those resources, he could strengthen his military, solidify alliances, and continue developing the city's infrastructure.
"Good," Lie Fan said, returning his gaze to the assembled crowd below, still celebrating the completion of the outer wall. "And remind the men that discretion is key. We don't want any unnecessary attention from any of our enemies."
Mi Fang saluted again and took his leave, hurrying off to make preparations for the journey to Huai'An. As he departed, Lie Fan continued to survey the city. It had come a long way under his rule, transforming from a major settlement into a fortified hub of power.
Xiapi's new wall was a testament to that growth. Not only did it serve as a physical barrier against potential invaders, but it also represented the strength and unity of its people—something Lie Fan intended to use to his advantage.
Beside him, Jia Xu remained quiet, watching the festivities below with his usual calculating gaze. After a moment, Lie Fan turned to him again.
"Wenhe," he said, his tone more measured now, "I trust you have considered the broader implications of this tribute. How do you think Gongsun Gong will play his hand in the coming months against Goguryeo? He's no fool—he knows this peace with Goguryeo is tenuous at best."
Jia Xu, ever the shrewd strategist, paused before replying, his words carefully chosen. "Indeed, my lord, Gongsun Gong is a man driven by ambition, though he is also a man who knew how to repay his gratitude and know his place. He will relish the tribute as a sign of his success, both financially and in terms of political influence. However, he also understands the delicate balance of power in the north. By sending the hostages and wealth to Xiapi at a fast rate without any nonsense, he shows his allegiance to you, all the while retaining the advantage of having negotiated the deal with the Goguryeo in the first place. It was a wise move on his part, but it does not come without risk."
Lie Fan considered this. "Do you think Gongsun Gong might seek to undermine the deal we had with the Goguryeo once the hostages are in Xiapi?"
"Not directly," Jia Xu answered. "At least, not yet. He gains more by maintaining the appearance of peace and cooperation with Goguryeo, especially since Goguryeo's forces remain relatively weak compared to us."
"However, if he senses an opportunity to strengthen his position in the north—particularly if Goguryeo does any sudden movement or grow their strength—he may act more aggressively to increase our interest which to the extended was also his as he received a slice of the cake. We must remain vigilant, particularly in how we handle the hostages. The treatment of Goguryeo's nobles will reflect to Gongsun Gong on how we want to act with Goguryeo."
Lie Fan narrowed his eyes, contemplating Jia Xu's words. The hostages would indeed play a pivotal role in the next phase of his plans. He would need to strike a delicate balance between ensuring they were kept under control and treating them well enough that their families in Goguryeo remained cooperative.
Too much harshness would provoke a skirmish to breakout, while too much leniency would embolden them to seek escape or sow dissent.
"Then we must ensure that Gongsun Gong knew what we intend to do with the hostages, which is to make Goguryeo dependent on us," Lie Fan concluded. "Because the tribute and hostages is not just a symbol of Goguryeo's submission, it's leverage that we can use and must use it wisely."
Jia Xu nodded in agreement. "Indeed, my lord. The hostages will be your strongest tool for now to control Goguryeo, and Gongsun Gong should knew that. He will not risk any movement that lead to an open conflict if he sees that we treat the hostages with respect and care."
As the two men spoke, the sun began to set over Xiapi, casting long shadows over the newly built walls. The celebrations in the streets below were still going strong, a testament to the hard work and loyalty of Xiapi's citizens.
Lie Fan knew that the strength of a kingdom lay not only in its military might but also in the unity of its people. And as long as he could keep them focused on the prosperity ahead, he would continue to hold the upper hand.
Three days later, Mi Fang and his battalion who go out from Xiapi under Lie Fan's order arrived in Huai'An. The port town was bustling with activity as usual, but there was an air of expectation as Lie Fan's men took up positions near the docks, awaiting the arrival of the fleet.
Word had already spread among the locals about a feet carrying tribute and hostages, though most kept their distance, wary of attracting unwanted attention from Lie Fan's soldiers and not wanting to revive the ire of their lord who had develop Huai'An to such degree.
Mi Fang, ever the dutiful commander, had ensured his men were well-prepared for the task ahead. His battalion, composed of seasoned veterans, had been handpicked by Lie Fan for their loyalty and discipline. They understood the importance of their mission and were determined to see it through without incident.
As the afternoon sun hung high in the sky, the first sight of the fleet appeared on the horizon. The ships, their sails billowing in the wind, slowly made their way toward the port, their decks bristling with activity. Lie Fan's marines, standing at attention, guided the ships into the harbor with precision.
Once docked, the process of unloading the tribute and transferring the hostages began. The crates of gold, silk, and jade were carried ashore under heavy guard, while the hostages, still silent and composed, were led off the ships. Hyejin, at the head of the group, maintained her calm exterior, though the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on her.
Mi Fang approached the captain of the fleet, saluting sharply. "Captain, I am here under orders from Lord Lie Fan to escort the tribute and the hostages to Xiapi. We will take over from here."
The captain nodded, his face grim. "Everything is accounted for. The journey was smooth, but the hostages are… uneasy, as expected. I advise keeping a close watch on them. They've been cooperative so far, but I wouldn't trust that to last."
Mi Fang glanced over at the group of young nobles. Hyejin stood apart from the others, her expression unreadable. He could sense the tension in the air, the barely concealed fear that lurked beneath their stoic façades. These were no ordinary captives—they were political pawns, and Mi Fang knew that their every move would be scrutinized once they arrived in Xiapi.
With the cargo secured and the hostages gathered, Mi Fang gave the order to move out. The journey back to Xiapi would take several days, and he intended to waste no time. His men formed a tight formation around the caravan as they set out, the soldiers ever watchful for any signs of trouble.
Back in Xiapi, Lie Fan awaited their arrival with a mixture of anticipation and caution. He knew that this moment would be a turning point in his dealings with Goguryeo and with Gongsun Gong. The hostages, once in his custody, would give him leverage, but they would also require careful handling.
As he stood on the walls of Xiapi accompanied by his bodyguards, looking out over the horizon, Lie Fan could not help but feel the weight of the future pressing down on him. The game of politics was a delicate one, and he was determined to play it to his advantage.
The city, now fortified and prosperous, was his greatest asset. But it was also a target. And with each new alliance, with each new tribute or hostage, the stakes grew higher. The hostages were coming, and with them, a new chapter in the ever-evolving power struggle.
Three days later, Xiapi was abuzz with anticipation as Mi Fang and his battalion, alongside the caravan fleet, arrived at the city's gates. The procession caused quite a spectacle, drawing the attention of Xiapi's entire populace. Nobles, merchants, scholars, and commoners alike lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the treasures and hostages that had been brought from Goguryeo.
The sheer scale of the caravan which was laden with gold, silk, jade, priceles artifacts, and the young nobles of Goguryeo inside their carriages turned the moment into a grand event to be seen.
The people whispered among themselves, marveling at the sight. The military might of Lie Fan was well known, but seeing such a large display of wealth and political power reinforced their lord's reputation. The carefully guarded hostages inside their carriages, was seen with their heads held high but eyes filled with uncertainty of their fate, knowing that maybe they will never return home and die in a foreign 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
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
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Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
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