Chapter 1314: Scheming Against Goryeo

The hall fell silent for a moment. After Liu Xi and Li Chongju recovered from the forceful, even overbearing, aura emanating from Emperor Liu, Liu Xi asked, "How should we reply to the envoy?"

Emperor Liu thought for a moment, then instructed, "There's no need to refuse outright. Haven't I said as much? We still need to deliberate with our ministers—that takes time. The Goryeo people spent half a year preparing for war; surely they can wait this long. As for that Seo Hui, this is his first visit to court, is it not? Then let him stay a few more days in Youzhou, so we can properly fulfill our duties as hosts!"

"See to this matter yourself," Emperor Liu instructed Liu Xi.

"Yes!"

"Yan Tuo, convey my order—have Li Ye, Chu Zhaofu, and Li Jixun come to the temporary residence for deliberation!" Emperor Liu commanded Yan Tuo.

"It seems our attention to Goryeo has been somewhat lacking!" Seated back at the imperial desk, after the eunuch had refreshed his tea and he had taken a sip, Emperor Liu, now fully composed, remarked calmly to Li Chongju, who had remained largely silent.

Hearing this, Li Chongju could no longer remain still. He rose from his seat and, with a crisp bow, said, "This minister has failed in his duties!"

Looking at this favored confidant, Emperor Liu felt somewhat speechless. It had nearly become a conditioned reflex—every time a similar situation arose, Li Chongju behaved this way, voluntarily taking the blame.

To be sure, this often demonstrated his sense of responsibility and made it hard for Emperor Liu to be overly harsh with him. But after this happened so many times, Emperor Liu could not help but feel somewhat weary of it.

You are the intelligence chief of a secret agency—so slippery that it's hard to get a grip on you. Sometimes, being too humble, too low-key, is not necessarily a good thing. After all, serving a monarch is like living with a tiger...

This time was no different. Emperor Liu virtually ignored Li Chongju's self-accusation, waved his hand, and said as usual, "What is the current situation in Goryeo? Does the Wude Office have no understanding of it at all?"

At this question, Li Chongju grew even more solemn and replied cautiously, "Your Majesty, because we did not attach sufficient importance to it, the information on Goryeo is largely vague and incomplete."

Noticing Emperor Liu's slightly furrowed brow, Li Chongju quickly relayed what he knew: "Based on intelligence received from Goryeo over the years, analysis is possible—the country is not at peace within.

Through King Wang So's internal reforms, Goryeo's national strength has indeed improved considerably, and especially Wang So's authority has grown greatly. However, because Wang So's methods have been overly harsh, nobles, meritorious officials, and dissenting ministers who threatened royal power have been gradually eliminated one by one. This has caused widespread resentment within the Goryeo court, with everyone feeling endangered, and political contradictions growing increasingly severe.

At the same time, Wang So has gradually become confused and uneasy within. To prevent possible rebellion and usurpation, he has greatly expanded the prison system throughout the country. Over more than a decade, tens of thousands have been imprisoned, all subjected to torture. Meanwhile, he has greatly increased the strength of the palace guard forces to protect the royal authority.

As for further details, we still need to spy and confirm!"

Emperor Liu understood that this was probably all Li Chongju could know. Although it was somewhat general talk, not lacking in speculation and analysis.

He did not make things difficult for him. Showing understanding, he instructed, "Then increase your personnel, pick up the affairs that were neglected and set aside. Goryeo has shown its head—your Wude Office must respond in a timely manner!"

"Yes! This minister understands!" Li Chongju's mood lightened slightly as he immediately replied.

"Are you short on personnel?" Emperor Liu asked with concern.

To this, Li Chongju said frankly, "To be honest with Your Majesty, spying on foreign countries and gathering intelligence on their conditions is extremely difficult. Useful personnel can never be too numerous. However, this minister will find ways and do his utmost to overcome the difficulties!"

Nodding, Emperor Liu pondered for a while longer, then said, "If what you analyzed earlier is correct, then this Wang So's days are probably not so comfortable! With contradictions mounting at home, why would he dare to mobilize such forces and meddle in the war between the Great Han and Liao? What is the reason? Could it be that he is using his neighbor as a drain, intending to divert domestic contradictions and conflicts through this war?"

As he said this, Emperor Liu's eyes visibly brightened. Clearly, this was what he believed, this was his judgment. And the more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.

Li Chongju was not a flatterer, but upon hearing this analysis, he offered a rare compliment: "Your Majesty is wise! Very likely!"

"If that is the case, then I certainly cannot let him have his way!" A hint of cunning flashed across Emperor Liu's face. Glancing at Li Chongju, he instructed, "With regard to Goryeo, we can work from within—find ways to bribe and divide, to stir up their internal contradictions.

Some things are inevitable. Wang So's internal reforms, expanding royal power, have offended so many nobles and meritorious officials, infringing upon their interests. How could those whose interests have been damaged be willing to accept it? Perhaps only a spark is needed—didn't a great rebellion break out back then?

In the past, it was the Great Han that supported Wang So and helped him suppress the rebellion. Now, we can switch our support to a different target! In this regard, does the Wude Office have any problems carrying it out?"

"With Your Majesty's guidance and instruction, this minister will exert his full effort!" Li Chongju immediately pledged.

After all, similar matters had been carried out more than once over the years under Li Chongju's leadership. Although they had been directed at Liao and the various tribes and peoples around the Great Han, the principles were the same—just a different target. One could say he was well-versed in this, so Li Chongju felt no difficulty at all.

Emperor Liu continued, "I will also assign you two officials from the Ministry of Rites who are familiar with Goryeo affairs to assist you in carrying this out!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Li Chongju expressed his gratitude. But straightening up, he hesitated briefly, then decided to speak frankly: "Your Majesty, such scheming against Goryeo requires a more thorough plan and more time for preparation before implementation. It is not an emergency measure, and it will be difficult to achieve quick results against the current situation!"

"Distant water cannot quench a nearby fire—I understand!" Emperor Liu acknowledged Li Chongju's words, reassuring him with a single sentence: "What I am thinking of is also the future. There is no rush on this matter; you may manage it patiently. For now, focus first on gathering intelligence and information, especially on the movements of the Goryeo army. Coordinate closely with the Military Intelligence Office, and maintain tight communication with the Liaodong army, reporting promptly!"

"As for the immediate problem—the imminent threat of Goryeo—I will make other preparations!"

"Yes!"

It was not long before several civil and military officials accompanying the imperial entourage arrived. Without any delay, Emperor Liu efficiently had Liu Xi explain the Goryeo envoy's request and communicate Emperor Liu's stance.

As could be expected, objections were raised. Whether it was Li Ye, Chu Zhaofu, or Li Jixun, all expressed that they could agree, in order to stabilize the Goryeo people and prevent the variable of Goryeo's hundred-thousand-strong army from affecting the overall situation in Liaodong.

Chu Zhaofu was the most agitated. At present, due to the war with Liao, domestic pressure was already considerable. Finally, there had been a breakthrough in Liaodong, offering hope of reducing the pressure of war. If a conflict were to arise with Goryeo now, the situation would become difficult to control again.

Liaodong was still unsettled, the northeast even more treacherous, and the Han and Liao sides were locked in a death grip with each other. At such a time, to extend the flames of war to Goryeo—a wise man would not do it.

Without even needing to hold an expanded meeting on the matter, it was clear that Chu Zhaofu's suggestion could probably represent the thinking of most civil officials—prudent statesmanship, unwilling to take great risks, especially disliking any unpredictable surprises.

As for Li Jixun, he also agreed in essence—to endure for the time being. In his view, the prime territories of Liaodong had already been seized and recovered by the court. What remained were mostly mountainous and hilly areas, which held little value in terms of actual benefit. Even if the Goryeo people occupied some cities, they could be considered as temporarily lodged in Goryeo's hands. Once the court freed up its hands, it could raise troops to recover them—no need to rush.

Of course, no matter what they thought, Emperor Liu's mind was already made up, and he would not allow them to oppose it. Li Ye was the most perceptive—sensing the emperor's intent, he decisively expressed his support.

Thus, after an efficient imperial conference, the strategy toward Goryeo was formulated. Although Emperor Liu's attitude was tough, when it came to actual execution, he still exercised a measure of caution.

There was no need for a forceful, blunt refusal. First, stall. In the end, one could agree to their request, and could even send envoys back to Goryeo with Seo Hui to communicate and coordinate on the matter. However, during this period of "delaying without decision," the court needed to quickly complete all preparations and consider every possibility.

On the Liaodong front, efforts to pacify and recruit in the southeastern region of Liaodong should be strengthened and implemented as soon as possible, with troops dispatched to garrison the area. At the same time, the deployment of the main Liaodong army should be adjusted accordingly, shifting part of its attention toward the southeast. The East Sea Navy should also be prepared for battle, ready at any moment to crush Goryeo's navy...

Diplomacy and military—two-pronged preparations, advancing on both fronts. If Goryeo flew into a rage out of humiliation and turned against the Great Han, then Emperor Liu would not mind fighting a battle in southeastern Liaodong.