Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 666: The Island Nation's Envoy Arrives

After returning to his residence, Minamoto no Yoshiyasu sat in his study, looking at a long sword in his hand, and fell into deep thought. He was eager to make achievements on the battlefield and expand the territory for the island country. He knew that this situation with Goguryeo was a rare opportunity, but also a huge challenge.

When Taira no Kiyomori returned home, he immediately summoned his trusted advisers to continue discussing countermeasures. He knew that a single imperial meeting was far from enough, and he needed to analyze the situation more deeply and find the solution that would be most beneficial to the island nation.

In the following days, the whole island nation was preparing for the possible war. Soldiers stepped up their training, craftsmen worked day and night to manufacture weapons and equipment, and the people also felt a tense atmosphere of impending storm.

The dispatch of envoys was also in full swing. After careful consideration, Fujiwara no Mitsunari selected a young official named Abe Haruaki as the envoy. Although Abe Haruaki was young, he was extremely intelligent, proficient in diplomatic etiquette, and good at speaking.

Before Abe Haruaki set out, Fujiwara Mitsunari personally summoned him and told him: "Abe Haruaki, this mission is important, you must be careful. Whether in Goguryeo or Jia Changsheng's camp, you must try your best to find out their details and understand their true intentions. At the same time, you must pay attention to maintaining the dignity and interests of our island nation and do not make promises lightly."

Abe Haruaki said respectfully: "Don't worry, sir. I will do my best to fulfill my mission."

Afterwards, Abe Haruaki set out on a journey to the mainland with a team of followers. He was filled with a sense of mission, but also a little uneasy. He knew that he was carrying the expectations of the entire island nation, and the result of this mission would likely affect the future direction of the island nation.

In the palace of the island nation, the emperor still listened to the reports of his ministers every day and thought about the best strategy to deal with the situation in Goguryeo. He was waiting for news from Abe Haruaki and an opportunity for the island nation to gain an advantage in this continental dispute. This game concerning the fate of the island nation has just begun, and the road ahead is still full of unknowns and challenges.

In the open area where Jia Changsheng's camp was located, there were mountains in the distance, the sky was as blue as a wash, and the strong wind was howling and sweeping in, blowing the military flags outside the camp. The soldiers in the camp were training in unison, and the shouts of killing shook the sky, showing the majesty and momentum of a strong army.

On this day, a cloud of dust slowly rose in the distance, and a group of people dressed in exotic clothes came towards the camp. The leader was the envoy from the island country, Abe Haruaki, who had a handsome face and eyes that showed intelligence and cunning. Although he had traveled a long distance, his posture was still upright and his demeanor was extraordinary.

After receiving the report from the sentry, Jia Changsheng raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a barely perceptible sneer: "The envoys from the island country came so quickly, it seems that they are also anxious about the situation." After that, he straightened his clothes, strode out of the tent, ready to face this unknown "contest".

When Abe Haruaki and his party arrived at the camp, Jia Changsheng had already led a group of generals to wait there. Abe Haruaki dismounted, smiling, walked forward quickly, bowed slightly, and said in a stiff but fluent official language: "I have heard of General Jia's name for a long time. I am glad to see him today. He is indeed majestic and extraordinary."

Jia Changsheng looked at Abe Haruaki calmly, with a polite smile on his face, and said in return, "Your Excellency the Envoy is too polite. I wonder why you have come all the way here?"

Abe Haruaki stood up, his eyes swept over the generals behind Jia Changsheng one by one, and said: "General, the situation on the mainland is changing rapidly now. Although my island country is far away overseas, it is also concerned about all parties. I heard that the general's war here is progressing smoothly, so I came to visit you. First, I want to express my island country's admiration for you, and second, I want to discuss the direction of the situation with you. Maybe we can give you some advice and do our best."

Jia Changsheng knew that Abe Haruaki was here to gather intelligence, even though he was being polite. He said calmly, "The envoy is thoughtful. But the war is changing rapidly, and I am just doing my best and following the established strategy."

Abe Haruaki had sharp eyes and noticed the caution in Jia Changsheng's words. He was not in a hurry and continued, "General, you are too modest. On the way here, I heard that your attack on Goguryeo was unstoppable. I believe that you must have a unique way of using troops. My island country has always attached importance to military development. It would be an honor if we could learn a thing or two from you."

Jia Changsheng secretly laughed in his heart. Abe Haruaki was trying to get his military secrets by beating around the bush. He laughed and said, "Your Excellency, you are too kind. The way to use troops is to adapt to local conditions and be flexible according to the actual situation. And sometimes luck is also important on the battlefield."

Abe Haruaki was not discouraged when he saw Jia Changsheng's perfunctory response. He looked around at the neatly arranged tents and busy soldiers in the camp, and changed the subject: "General, your camp is well organized and well-defended, which shows that you are good at managing the army. However, after years of fighting outside, the soldiers are inevitably homesick. How do you boost their morale and make them work so hard?"

Jia Changsheng knew that this seemingly simple question actually contained a lot of mysteries. If he answered it carelessly, the other party might see through some weaknesses of his army. He pondered for a moment and said, "Our soldiers are all determined to defend their country. In order to protect the people behind them, they are willing to sacrifice their lives. As for boosting morale, it is just to distinguish between rewards and punishments, so that the soldiers know that as long as they fight bravely, they will get the rewards they deserve."

Abe nods slightly, but thinks to himself: Jia Changsheng is indeed very shrewd, and every word he says is watertight. However, he does not intend to give up.

At this time, a breeze blew by, and Abe Haruaki suddenly had an idea. He pointed at the military flag fluttering in the wind and said, "General, look at this military flag, it's fluttering in the wind, just like your great military achievements, fluttering between heaven and earth. I guess your next goal must be to completely conquer Goguryeo, and then make great plans on this continent, right?"

Jia Changsheng was shocked. Abe Haruaki's seemingly casual words actually hit the nail on the head. But he remained calm and said, "Mr. Envoy, how can I predict the development of this war? We just need to do well in every step at the moment. As for the future, we will take it one step at a time."

Abe Haruaki realized that it was difficult to get useful information from Jia Changsheng, so he decided to change his strategy. He sighed and said, "General, to be honest, I came here to ask for a favor. My island country has always maintained friendly exchanges with the mainland countries, and I hope to play a role in mediating this dispute. Can we temporarily cease fire and sit down to talk? Maybe we can find a peaceful solution to the problem."

Jia Changsheng sneered in his heart. Abe Haruaki really had a good plan. He knew that the so-called "reconciliation" was just a cover, and its real purpose was to find out his bottom line and intentions. He said: "I appreciate the good intentions of the envoy. But once this war starts, it can't be stopped. Moreover, what Goguryeo did really makes it difficult for this general to swallow this breath. If they can't give a reasonable explanation, the war will probably have to continue." Abe Haruaki was a little disappointed when he saw Jia Changsheng's firm attitude. But he was still unwilling, and continued: "General, I understand your position. However, war will bring casualties and destruction after all, which is not good for all parties. My island country is willing to come forward and build a bridge of communication for both sides, which may avoid more bloodshed and sacrifice."

Jia Changsheng looked at Abe Haruaki and was secretly alert. He knew that the island envoy was so persistent, and there must be a deeper purpose behind it. He said: "Mr. Envoy, thank you for your concern. But on this battlefield, everything must be based on strength. If Goguryeo is sincere in seeking peace, then take practical actions, otherwise, there is no need to talk about it."

Abe Haruaki was annoyed to find that he could not get any useful information from Jia Changsheng. But he was an experienced envoy after all, so he kept smiling and said, "General, you are right. It seems that I have not considered it carefully. However, I believe that as long as both sides are sincere, there will always be a way to solve this problem."

Afterwards, Abe Haruaki exchanged a few words with Jia Changsheng before saying goodbye and leaving the camp.

Jia Changsheng looked at Abe Haruaki's departing back, his eyes revealing a hint of vigilance. He turned to the generals behind him and said, "This island country's envoy has come with ill intentions. Everyone must be vigilant and must not disclose our military secrets due to a momentary negligence."

The generals nodded to show that they understood.

After Abe Haruaki returned to his tent, he sat on the couch and fell into deep thought. His followers gathered around him and asked anxiously, "Sir, how is it going? Did you get any useful information from Jia Changsheng?"

Abe Haruaki shook his head and said, "This Jia Changsheng is really too cunning. Every word he said was carefully considered. We gained almost nothing."

The attendants were a little frustrated after hearing this. Abe Haruaki said, "However, this trip is not without gain. Although I did not get any specific intelligence, through talking with him, I can feel that he is very determined to fight this war, and his military deployment and military management methods are unique. After we return, we will report these situations in detail to the emperor so that they can be prepared to deal with them."

Afterwards, Abe Haruaki and his party packed up and set off on the journey back home. In Jia Changsheng's camp, everything was still going on in an orderly manner. The soldiers continued to drill and the generals continued to discuss the next battle plan. Although there was no smoke of gunpowder on the surface, the intelligence battle between the island envoy and Jia Changsheng was equally thrilling. Both sides were testing and trying to figure out each other's intentions, and this was just a small episode in this complex continental dispute. In the future, there will be more challenges and variables waiting for them.

Inside the ancient and magnificent palace of Goguryeo, the atmosphere was solemn and depressing. On the walls of the palace hung murals depicting the heroic battles of the ancestors, but now, these murals seemed to be saddened by the current crisis of Goguryeo.

Led by his attendants, the island envoy Abe Haruaki walked through the long corridor and entered the palace's council hall. The lights in the hall flickered, illuminating the worried but still majestic face of Goguryeo King Go Won and a group of ministers with solemn expressions.

Abe Haruaki bowed slightly, performed a very Japanese etiquette, and said: "Your Majesty, King of Goguryeo, I have long heard of your great name. This time, I came here to express my island nation's concern for your country, and I hope to discuss the current situation with Your Majesty."

Gao Yuan nodded slightly, motioning Abe Haruaki to stand up. With a scrutinizing look in his eyes, he slowly said, "The envoy has come from afar, and I believe he understands the current situation of Goguryeo. With Jia Changsheng's army approaching, Goguryeo is facing a life-or-death crisis."

Abe Haruaki swept his eyes across the faces of the people in the hall and said, "Your Majesty, on my way here, I heard that Jia Changsheng's offensive was fierce and the situation in your country was indeed serious. But my island country is far away from your country across the ocean. This time I came here to see if I can provide some help to your country, or mediate and find a chance for peace."

Gao Yuan sneered and said, "I appreciate the envoy's kindness. But Jia Changsheng is ambitious and will not give up easily. If he swallows up Goguryeo, I'm afraid his next target will be your island country."

Abe Haruaki was startled, but he remained calm and said, "Your Majesty, why do you say that? There is a vast sea between our island nation and Jia Changsheng's forces. How can he easily threaten our island nation?"

At this time, Goguryeo's general No Eulji Wende stood up and said in a serious tone: "Your Excellency, you don't know. Now Jia Changsheng's power in the mainland is growing. If he completely conquers Goguryeo, he will definitely integrate resources, build warships, and expand the navy. With his ambition, he will sooner or later turn his attention to overseas. By then, although the island country is separated by the sea, how can we guarantee that it will not be invaded?"

Abe Haruaki pondered for a moment and said, "Even so, our island country has its own defense force, and the island country is surrounded by the sea, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack."

Yi Zhiwende shook his head and said, "The envoy is too optimistic. Things in war change rapidly. When Jia Changsheng has the manpower and material resources of Goguryeo, his strength will be greatly improved. Moreover, once he controls the coastal areas of Goguryeo, he can use it as a springboard to launch a surprise attack on the island country. At that time, the island country will be defenseless."

Gao Yuan continued, "Emissary, you must understand the principle of the loss of lips and teeth. Although Goguryeo and the island country are in different regions, under this situation, their destinies are actually linked. If Goguryeo is destroyed, the island country will lose a barrier and face the threat of Jia Changsheng directly."

(End of this chapter)