Mythical Three Kingdoms-Chapter 1723 - 1635: Seeing the Whole Leopard from a Glimpse of Its Spots (Part 2)
"Leave it to me." Qin Mi nodded, indicating it was easy. "However, how goes the war preparations? I think the Great Yuezhi will soon have to engage with us."
While the Yizhou Scholars and Warriors were actively preparing for war, the Kushan Army halted in eastern India encountered the Han Envoy.
"Who are you?" The Kushan Army had slain countless envoys along the way, to the extent that later the various kings of India dared not send formal envoys.
"Han Envoy Li Xin!" Li Xin replied calmly, clutching the talisman.
The Kushan Officers within the command tent all burst into laughter upon hearing this, relying on external devices to understand most languages, so they clearly comprehended Li Xin’s words.
However, most of them didn’t understand what a Han Envoy meant. They had already killed many such envoys on this journey, considering Li Xin simply another one sent to his death.
Only Brack, seated high in the commander’s position, and the few heads seated below on both sides showed a hint of surprise, looking at Li Xin with more seriousness, as they had not forgotten the Han Empire.
"Give the Han Envoy a seat!" Brack spoke.
Possessing legitimate telepathy ability, Li Xin clearly understood this sentence, thus he solemnly saluted, while the Kushan Officers who were laughing and waiting for Li Xin to be dragged away by Sword and Axe Bearers hid their embarrassed expressions and began whispering among themselves.
At this, Li Xin felt a joy in his heart, but remained expressionless. He remembered that before coming, the tribes of Baisheng Dynasty had told him that the opposite force was like an executioner, hardly anyone returned alive from missions, and just keeping one’s life was considered lucky.
Thus, Li Xin came prepared, not fearing death, which ironically brought a sense of relief to his mind; his gaze showed courage.
Quickly, under Brack’s command, a chair was brought in, and Li Xin did not refuse, sitting upon it. "Thank you."
Brack nodded slightly, motioning for those who had no understanding to leave; only five or six senior officers remained within the tent, then Brack ordered the absence of several senior civil servants to be rectified, after which he asked about various matters.
Seeing this, Li Xin felt more at ease, as the current setup revealed Kushan’s grave importance on the issues, a good sign for him.
As the senior ministers of the entire army gathered, Brack introduced them one by one, finally entering the main topic. The newly arrived civil servants, upon realizing the visitor was a Han Envoy, discarded their earlier frivolous demeanor, sitting solemnly waiting for Brack to speak.
"What is the purpose of the Han Envoy’s visit?" Brack entered the main topic after ensuring everyone was seated properly.
"I come only to stop war; the Kushan Dynasty has reached an appropriate point to cease." Li Xin said calmly, observing everyone, at which point the faces of six senior military officers darkened, while Brack and three civil servants appeared pensive.
After all, they had fought a supply line extending nearly seven or eight thousand miles; if not for the scattered state of Baisheng Dynasty’s tribes, along with this region’s fertile land fostering excess grain, Kushan would have been unable to march further east, the logistics being a major obstacle.
The Kushan forces were essentially thriving off Baisheng Dynasty, continuing combat power through absorption, further eastern attacks posed problems.
"Bold!" Yan Lipu, a leading general seated left of Brack, immediately rebuked angrily, while Brack watched the scene with intrigued eyes.
Seeing Yan Lipu angered, Li Xin calmly focused on Brack in the main seat, almost disregarding Yan Lipu’s rage, pushing him nearly to draw his sword.
"Sit down," Brack lightly commanded seeing Yan Lipu fiercely angered. Yan Lipu’s sword-pausing left hand halted and forcefully sheathed the sword back in, the sound of blade meeting scabbard clearly mirrored Yan Lipu’s wrath.
"Great Han Dynasty, interesting that you are a spokesperson for the Baisheng Dynasty?" Brack remarked calmly, "I wonder what Baisheng Dynasty has to offer right now?"
"I am not anyone’s spokesperson. I am merely here to inform you to cease actions. As former allies without significant conflict over centuries, we have come to inform appropriately," Li Xin shook his head, showing utmost calm, stating nonchalantly, Brack recognized there was no jest.
"Oh, this is intriguing. Is the Han Empire upright to this extent, seeking no profit, coming purely for righteousness?" Brack, aware of the Empire’s tyranny, couldn’t help but mock.
"No, not altruistic, simply unnecessary. What we need, we shall obtain ourselves; no force on this continent can prevent us achieving what we desire. As for your mention of Baisheng Dynasty, indeed they sought aid but we declined." Li Xin directed a confident gaze at Brack, reflecting Han Empire’s undefeated assurance.
Brack and others registered some delight at the final statement, amazed that the Han Empire felt apprehensive of their strength, a thrill indeed, yet ensuing words froze their hearts.
"We require vast fertile lands, but do not desire such ludicrous deals. If we wish to procure something, what can deter us? Hence, our Commander-in-chief General Yan ordered me here to present a challenge letter, to hunt with Kushan during Baisheng Dynasty. If our army prevails, Kushan halts; should we fall, from Baisheng Dynasty eastward, Kushan may assimilate through force as a vassal!" Li Xin proudly retrieves the challenge letter from his chest, presenting it to a nearby escort.
The Kushan figures were astounded, rendering Brack speechless to the presented challenge.
"Why does your nation pursue such a step?" Hirilah immediately questioned, understanding the enormity of Han Empire’s sway; best not to provoke them.
"Simple, states trust interests, trust strength; over a century’s lapse, we’re oblivious to each other’s potency, hence a confrontation to define superiority! To eliminate barriers, remove hidden concerns from outset!" Li Xin stated matter-of-factly, observing them.
"Good." Brack received the letter promptly, "Since your nation wagers on vassalship, Kushan presents sincerity; if we lose, half Baisheng Dynasty’s lands turn over to Han Dynasty, followed by alliances!"
Li Xin couldn’t help but show surprise at Brack’s generosity, for though Baisheng Dynasty’s combat prowess is lacking, its lands are rich reality, fertile thousands of miles, burgeoning crops readily.
Yet the surprise vanished quickly, Li Xin regained composure, immediately responding, "Good, should our forces falter, Kushan sweeps through directly!"
The Kushan generals comprehended Li Xin’s implication, naturally understood it’s words worn in anticipation they’ll advance fiercely if defeated, befitting an Empire believing solely in its strength.
"Good, we’ll arrange time and place, returning it to you then!" Brack nodded, finding no fault.
Truth be told, handing Han Dynasty part of Baisheng Dynasty mainly resulted from Kushan’s saturation; though conquering such a vast area doesn’t imply control, and Brack sensed Li Xin’s formidable aura.
Besides, Han Empire lacked conceit; losing means an assertion to reclaim desires swiftly, if so, gracefully directly offering them the lands saves face and chorally adheres to virtue.
Despite sounding almost defeatist contrary to Empire norms, facing the Han Empire, Brack merely feeling Li Xin’s poise left foreboding; an ordinary envoy audaciously dismisses a great power. This nation is not lunacy, but peculiar, and alas Han Empire isn’t lunacy.
