บท 532: 510. Hostages Arrival
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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.
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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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