Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 648 Arrangements and Goguryeo
In the once prosperous but now devastated palace of Baekje, Jia Changsheng sat in the main hall, surrounded by his trusted generals and advisers. The atmosphere was solemn and serious. The sunlight shone through the mottled windows, shining on everyone, reflecting their tired but somewhat expectant faces.

Jia Changsheng was the first to break the silence. He looked at everyone with a firm gaze and said, "Everyone, Baekje is now under our control, but this is only the first step in our great cause. Next, we must plan how to arrange and repair this land so that it can be revitalized and used for our own benefit. First, let's talk about military deployment. General Zhao, what do you think?"

General Zhao Meng stood up, clasped his hands together in salute, and said loudly: "General, I think the most urgent task is to station heavy troops in the key areas of Baekje. On the one hand, it can deter the remaining resistance forces, and on the other hand, it can be ready to respond to possible threats from the surrounding areas at any time. For example, we can set up our military camps in the capital of Baekje and various transportation routes and military towns, send elite troops to garrison, and build a solid line of defense."

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "General Zhao is right. We must not relax our military defense. So how can we improve our military facilities?"

A general in charge of military engineering continued, "General, we can repair and reinforce Baekje's existing cities and fortifications, and build new fortresses and watchtowers in some strategic locations to strengthen surveillance and control over the surrounding areas. In addition, we need to reorganize Baekje's army, select strong and capable soldiers, and incorporate them into our team. After rigorous training, we can use them to supplement our manpower."

Jia Changsheng pondered for a moment and said, "Well, let's do as you say. However, we must be cautious in dealing with the people of Baekje. The people are the foundation of the country. If we can't let them live and work in peace and contentment, we will not be able to stay here for long. Li Moushi, what do you think about this?"

Li Strategist stroked his beard and said slowly: "General, in my opinion, we should adopt a conciliatory policy. First of all, we should reduce the tax burden on the people so that they can rest and recuperate. At the same time, we should open the granaries to release grain and help the poor who have suffered from the war, so that they can feel our kindness and goodwill. In addition, we can encourage the people to resume agricultural production and provide them with seeds, farm tools and other material support to ensure the supply of food."

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly: "What Li Moushi said makes sense, but it is not enough. We must also focus on the guidance of culture and education, so that the people of Baekje can recognize our rule from the bottom of their hearts. Lord Zhang, what do you think about this?"

Mr. Zhang, who was in charge of cultural education, stood up and said, "General, we can set up schools in various parts of Baekje to teach our culture and values, select some smart Baekje students, and train them to become a bridge for communication between us and the people of Baekje. At the same time, we cannot deny Baekje's original cultural customs, but we must take its essence and remove its dross, so that it can be integrated with our culture to form a new cultural atmosphere and promote national integration and unity."

After hearing this, Jia Changsheng smiled with satisfaction: "Very good, these measures must be implemented as soon as possible. We must not take administrative management lightly. Lord Wang, tell me about your plan."

After a moment of contemplation, Lord Wang said, "General, we can set up administrative agencies at all levels in Baekje and select officials we trust to manage local affairs. At the same time, we can select some talented and well-behaved former Baekje officials to participate in local governance and use their understanding of local conditions to better implement our policies. In addition, we must establish a complete assessment system to regularly assess the performance of officials to ensure that they can serve the people diligently and conscientiously."

Jia Changsheng nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's do it this way. In terms of economy, we must also find a way to restore Baekje's prosperity as soon as possible. Lord Chen, do you have any suggestions?"

Lord Chen stepped forward and said, "General, we can encourage the development of commercial trade, lower tariffs, and attract merchants from all over the country to do business in Baekje. At the same time, we should support local handicrafts, explore Baekje's specialty products, such as Baekje's silk and ceramics, and promote them to the market to increase fiscal revenue. In addition, we should strengthen the repair and construction of transportation roads, open up trade channels with surrounding areas, and promote economic exchanges and development."

Everyone nodded, expressing their agreement with Mr. Chen's suggestion.

Jia Changsheng stood up and said with a firm look: "Everyone, the future of Baekje is in our hands. We must manage this land with our heart and make it a solid foundation for our great cause. Everyone should perform their duties and make sure that the measures we discussed today are implemented. I believe that with our joint efforts, Baekje will usher in a new era of prosperity!"

"We are willing to serve the general!" everyone shouted in unison, and their voices echoed in the hall, full of determination and confidence.

In the following days, Jia Changsheng's army and officials arranged and repaired Baekje in an orderly manner according to the established plan. The army quickly settled down in various places and began to repair fortifications and military facilities; officials went deep into the people, implemented various policies to benefit the people, appeased the people, and resumed production; schools were also established in various places, and the sound of children reading gradually sounded in this land; commercial trade gradually recovered, and the market began to bustle again...

As time went by, the situation in Baekje gradually stabilized, and people's lives slowly got back on track. Jia Changsheng looked at the recovering land, and his heart was filled with a sense of accomplishment and mission. He knew that he was one step closer to the grand goal in his heart.

In the majestic palace of Goguryeo, the atmosphere was so solemn that it seemed suffocating. The King of Goguryeo sat high on the golden throne with a dragon carving, his face as gloomy as the dark clouds before a storm, his eyes revealing deep worry and uneasiness. His Highness, all the ministers lowered their heads, exchanging terrified glances with each other, and the whole court was filled with an atmosphere of impending doomsday.

The King of Goguryeo was the first to break the deathly silence, his voice trembling but pretending to be calm: "My dear ministers, I just received news this morning that Baekje has been destroyed by Jia Changsheng. This Jia Changsheng is ambitious, and his next target is probably Goguryeo. Now our survival is hanging by a thread, do you have any good plans?"

As soon as he finished speaking, an old general in armor and with a solemn expression stepped forward, clasped his fists and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, I think the only urgent thing at the moment is to strengthen the military defense of Goguryeo. Immediately send more troops to the border, reinforce the city walls, and prepare more arrows, slingshots and other city defense equipment. At the same time, recall the garrisons in various places, assemble the elite divisions, and be ready to prevent the attack that Jia Changsheng may launch at any time."

As soon as this was said, the court immediately started to discuss it. A civil official said worriedly: "General, strengthening military defense is important, but this move will undoubtedly consume a lot of manpower, material resources and financial resources, and will greatly affect the lives of the people, which may cause public resentment."

After hearing this, the old general frowned and retorted: "Sir, if we don't strengthen our defense now, once Jia Changsheng attacks, Goguryeo will be powerless to fight back, and the people will suffer even more. We should choose the lesser of two evils. We can't care about that now."

The ministers held their own opinions and argued endlessly, and the whole court was in chaos. The King of Goguryeo rubbed his temples and said tiredly: "Stop arguing! This matter needs to be discussed in the long run." At this time, a man who looked like a counselor stood up. This man had a deep gaze and was known as a think tank in the court. He bowed slightly and said slowly: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, Jia Changsheng's power is now at its peak, and a head-on fight is not the best strategy. We might as well adopt a delaying tactic first, send an envoy to Jia Changsheng, and send a generous gift to show our Goguryeo's sincerity in wanting to coexist peacefully with him, and delay time."

The King of Goguryeo nodded slightly: "What you said makes sense. But will Jia Changsheng believe us so easily?"

The counselor pondered for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, although Jia Changsheng is ambitious, he is not a brainless person. While we are sending envoys, we can secretly strengthen military preparations at home. If the envoys' negotiations fail, we will also have a response plan. In addition, we can use this time to contact other neighboring countries and seek possible allies to fight against Jia Changsheng together."

After hearing this, the King of Goguryeo's eyes lit up: "This is a great plan! In your opinion, if we negotiate with Jia Changsheng, what conditions should we put forward?"

The counselor replied, "Your Majesty, we can propose to divide the sphere of influence, with a river or mountain range as the boundary, and the two sides will not invade each other. At the same time, we can promise to give Jia Changsheng certain preferential treatment in trade, so that he can see the benefits of cooperating with us. Of course, these are just delaying tactics. Our ultimate goal is to buy time and strengthen our own strength."

After hearing what the counselor said, the old general said anxiously: "Your Majesty, don't rely too much on negotiations. Jia Changsheng is a cunning man, and we must be prepared for war. I suggest setting up multiple lines of defense in the border area, taking advantage of the terrain, setting traps and secret sentries, so that Jia Changsheng's army will not be able to break through easily."

The civil officials shook their heads in opposition: "This move will make the people in the border areas live under the shadow of war, which is not conducive to the stability and development of the country. We should still give priority to peaceful solutions."

The King of Goguryeo was in a deep dilemma. On the one hand, he was worried that Jia Changsheng would not be fooled by the negotiations and the war would break out at any moment. On the other hand, he was afraid that excessive military preparations would cause domestic instability. After thinking for a long time, he raised his head and asked, "If the war really breaks out, what are the chances of Goguryeo winning?"

The old general answered without hesitation: "Your Majesty, Jia Changsheng's army has been through many battles and their fighting power should not be underestimated. But our Goguryeo also has our advantages. We are familiar with the local terrain and can use the mountains and rivers to defend and ambush. Moreover, our Goguryeo warriors are loyal to the country and will fight to the death. However, war is unpredictable and I dare not make a rash conclusion."

At this time, the minister in charge of logistics stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, whether it is war or peace, the storage of supplies is crucial. The food and grass in the warehouse is only enough to sustain the needs of a few months. If the war is prolonged, the consequences will be disastrous. I suggest that you immediately collect food and grass from all over the country, and at the same time purchase it at a high price from neighboring countries to ensure the supply of the army."

The King of Goguryeo sighed helplessly: "It can only be done this way. I'll leave this matter to you. Make sure to collect enough food and fodder as soon as possible."

Then, another minister said, "Your Majesty, I heard that Jia Changsheng's army is disciplined and never harms the people, which is very popular among the people. But the people of Goguryeo are now full of fear of war, and the army and the people are unstable, which is extremely disadvantageous to us. I suggest that Your Majesty issue an order to appease the people, reduce taxes, open warehouses to release grain, let the people feel the care of the court, and thus inspire their patriotism and support this war."

The King of Goguryeo thought this suggestion was feasible, so he nodded and agreed: "My dear minister, what you said is very true. I will immediately draft an edict and announce it to the world, saying that the court will do its utmost to protect the safety of Goguryeo and reassure the people."

After a heated discussion, the court gradually divided into two groups: one group supported negotiating with Jia Changsheng to buy time, while the other group advocated actively preparing for war and strengthening military defense. The King of Goguryeo was always unable to make a decision and was in a painful struggle.

Suddenly, there was a sound of hurried footsteps outside the palace, and a soldier hurried into the palace, kneeling down and reporting: "Your Majesty, Jia Changsheng's troops have been mobilized at the border, and the situation is critical!"

This news was like a bombshell, instantly making the atmosphere in the court even more tense. The veteran general stepped forward again and said, "Your Majesty, there is no time to lose. Please immediately order the border defense to be strengthened and prepare to meet the enemy!"

The King of Goguryeo gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind: "Okay! Pass on my order to order the border troops to enter the first level combat readiness state and strengthen patrols and vigilance. At the same time, send an envoy to Jia Changsheng to negotiate with him according to the advice of the counselor. I will entrust this important task concerning the survival of Goguryeo to you. I hope you will fulfill your responsibilities and keep Goguryeo safe!"

"We obey your order!" All the ministers received the order in unison and returned to their palaces to prepare for the upcoming crisis. The King of Goguryeo sat alone on the throne, looking at the sky outside the palace, silently praying in his heart that Goguryeo could survive this disaster.

But what's the use of their preparations? Jia Changsheng has already set his sights on them. No matter how much they prepare, they can't escape as long as Jia Changsheng takes action. Moreover, Jia Changsheng's strength is unimaginable to them. Although Jia Changsheng has not used the system to get rewards for such a long time, he does have many loyal subordinates. In addition, the current territory is strong enough. If he really wants to grow and develop, it will be too easy.

And now, he is ready to make further efforts, capture Gao Gouli, and return to the Southern Song Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)