binnovel Chapter 243: Xiliang is bustling with unexpected events
Chapter 243: Xiliang is bustling with unexpected events
The Xiongnu envoy quickly replied, "General, we have come here to express our deepest respect to General Hu Weitian. Due to the urgency of the matter, we have not yet prepared the necessary documents. However, we hope that you will believe that we have no ill intentions."
The commander snorted coldly, "How can we trust empty words? Wait here for now. After we report to the leader, we will make a decision."
The envoy looked helpless and could only wait anxiously, praying in his heart that he could pass smoothly.
Upon hearing this news, the leader of the Shaodang Qiang tribe was undeterred. Ma Chao had unified the Eastern Qiang the year before, and had crushed the Xiongnu in the first half of last year. Yet, there had been no news of the Xiongnu since the beginning of this year. Now, two years later, the Xiongnu suddenly expressed their intention to offer gifts to Ma Chao in Xiliang. Shaodang Qiang territory bordered the Xiongnu, and the leader, knowing full well that Zuo Xianwang had recently invaded the Han Empire, was now threatening to cross the Eastern Qiang to offer gifts to Ma Chao, posed a dilemma. So, while hastily reassuring the Xiongnu envoys, he hurried to the Ehe Reaper Tribe to confer with their leader.
The leader of the Ehe Shaoge tribe had lived a very comfortable life over the past two years. Ever since he and Ma Chao had pacified Mi Tang and acquired their territory, he no longer had to worry about the tribe's survival; instead, he lived a fulfilling and comfortable life. The Ehe Shaoge leader welcomed the arrival of the Shaodang Qiang leader with open arms.
Currently, the situation within the Eastern Qiang is relatively peaceful and tranquil. Thanks to Ma Chao's regular trade, coupled with the mediation of the Protectorate of the Qiang Commandery whenever there are any issues, the situation in the Eastern Qiang is increasingly stable. Faced with this sudden news, the leaders of the Ehe Shaoge and Shaodang Qiang tribes were hesitant and unsure. It was Ehe who first suggested that, although Protectorate of the Qiang Commandery Pang De had already accompanied Ma Chao on his campaigns in the Central Plains, his successor would be Pang Rou, Pang De's brother, also from Western Liang.
Pang Rou was Pang De's cousin, and the two had distinct personalities and specialties. Pang De was renowned for his fearlessness and valor, excelling in leading troops in battle. He was always the first to charge into battle, a formidable figure among his hostile forces, and a fearsome presence among his enemies. While Pang Rou also possessed the ability to lead troops and possessed some knowledge of military tactics, he was more distinguished by his exceptional talent in politics, domestic affairs, and the management of people's livelihoods.
When Pang De first established the Protectorate of the Qiang, Ma Chao left Pang De there to intimidate the Eastern Qiang tribes. Deeply awed by Ma Chao's prestige, the Eastern Qiang tribes dared not make any moves, nor disobey Pang De's orders. Later, when Ma Chao was about to embark on a campaign in the Central Plains, he transferred Pang De's cousin, Pang Rou, to his garrison.
During his time governing the Eastern Qiang, Pang Rou consistently upheld the principles of fairness and justice. He never bullied the weaker tribes, but instead tirelessly supported them, providing them with opportunities and resources for development. He remained unmoved by the allure of vast wealth, maintaining integrity and upholding his principles. Even more so, he remained unmoved by the allure of beautiful women, his heart as firm as a rock, steadfastly upholding his integrity. Under his meticulous governance, the Eastern Qiang gradually flourished, the people's lives significantly improved, and the tribes prospered.
The leader of the Ehe Shaoge tribe had lived a very comfortable life in the past two years. The tribe had herds of cattle and sheep, plenty of food and fodder, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, no longer struggling for survival as they had in the past.
Now, faced with the thorny issue of the Xiongnu's sudden offer of gifts to Ma Chao of Xiliang, the leaders of Ehe and Shaoge, along with the leader of Shaodang, were mired in deep deliberation. Frowning, Ehe and Shaoge paced back and forth within the tent, anxiously declaring, "The Xiongnu's intentions are truly unpredictable. We must proceed with caution." Leader Shaodang sat nearby, his face solemn. After a moment's contemplation, he said, "Yes, this matter is of grave importance. If mishandled, it could bring disaster to the tribe." The three of them debated, weighing various options, yet remained unable to reach a decision. Consequently, after much deliberation, they immediately sought counsel with the wise Pang Rou.
Pang Rou, Pang De's cousin, was different from Pang De. Pang De excelled at leading troops in battle, charging into battle with unstoppable courage. While Pang Rou possessed commanding abilities and a knowledge of military tactics, his greater talents lay in politics, domestic affairs, and the management of people's livelihoods.
When Pang De first established the Protectorate of the Qiang, Ma Chao left Pang De there to intimidate the Eastern Qiang tribes. The Eastern Qiang tribes, fearing Ma Chao's prestige, dared not make any moves. Later, when Ma Chao was about to embark on a campaign in the Central Plains, he transferred Pang De's cousin, Pang Rou, to the post.
During his time as governor of the Eastern Qiang, Pang Rou exercised fairness and justice. He never bullied weaker tribes, but instead supported them. He remained unmoved by the temptations of wealth, always maintaining integrity. He remained resolute in his pursuit of beauty, maintaining his integrity. Under his rule, the Eastern Qiang gradually prospered, improving people's livelihoods and boosting the tribe's prosperity. For this reason, when faced with this difficult situation, the Eastern Qiang leaders immediately sought Pang Rou for counsel.
After listening to the three leaders' statements, Pang Rou, after careful consideration, made a clear decision. He solemnly stated, "If the Xiongnu envoys are indeed normal, we will send troops to strictly guard and accompany them. This operation requires all three tribes to jointly send soldiers to accompany them to Xiliang. This arrangement will ensure that the Xiongnu envoys do not make any unusual moves and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings on the Xiliang side."
After receiving Pang Rou's reply, the three leaders felt relieved and immediately returned to dispatch their elite troops. They personally led these troops and carefully prepared gifts. This arrangement was made to ensure a close watch on the Xiongnu envoys to prevent any mishaps during their journey; it was also to allow them to visit their long-lost sons in Xiliang.
Soon, the soldiers of the three divisions had assembled. They were all in high spirits, well-equipped, and ready for battle. Under the watchful gazes of so many, the Xiongnu envoys feigned composure, but their slightly stiff expressions betrayed their inner tension. However, at this point, they had no choice but to follow the troops.
Before setting off, the three leaders looked serious and carefully reminded the soldiers again: "This trip is a heavy responsibility. You must always be vigilant and not be careless. The slightest mistake will have disastrous consequences." The soldiers responded in unison, their eyes full of determination.
Just as the group was about to depart, the leader, Shaodang, suddenly noticed the faint presence of women in the Xiongnu envoy's carriage. Frowning, he glared sharply at the envoy, "What's your intention?" The envoy quickly explained with a smile, "These two are beautiful women captured by the Left Wise King in Hedong Commandery, the Han Dynasty. The Left Wise King specifically ordered them to be presented to the mighty General Ma Chao."
Hearing this, the three leaders looked at each other.
The leader of the Shaodang clan lowered his voice and said, "I didn't expect the Xiongnu to prepare such a generous gift. In comparison, ours seems rather meager."
Chief E He immediately echoed, "Yes, if we only had what we originally prepared, it would probably not be enough to show our respect for General Shenwei Tian."
After a moment's contemplation, Shao Ge's leader said, "Why don't we quickly select some more beautiful Qiang women from our tribe and present them to General Ma Chao? That way, perhaps we can catch up with the Xiongnu."
The other two nodded in agreement. After some discussion, they decided to immediately select beautiful Qiang women from the tribe and prepare to present them to Ma Chao as a token of their sincerity.
The three leaders had different thoughts. Leader Shaodang's eyes flickered as he thought to himself, "Ma Chao is so prestigious and powerful in Xiliang. He's still unmarried. If he could attract a beauty from my tribe, my Shaodang tribe would surely receive even more protection in the future. Wouldn't that mean we could rise to prominence?"
Chief E'he was thinking the same thing. He stroked his beard and thought to himself, "This is a rare opportunity. If the beauty my tribe presents can catch Ma Chao's eye, my tribe's status will surely rise, and we will surely prosper and prosper in the future."
Shao Ge's leader also had his own plans. He clenched his fists and kept muttering to himself, "If Ma Chao can favor the women my tribe sends, then glory and wealth for my tribe will be just around the corner. I must select the most outstanding Qiang women."
They each had their own thoughts and hurried back to carefully select beautiful Qiang women in the tribe, hoping to take this opportunity to take their tribe to a higher level.
After a careful selection and fierce competition, the three chiefs each selected a beautiful woman from their tribe, each of whom was so beautiful that she could outshine the moon and shame the flowers. These women were all graceful, with beautiful faces and eyes that showed a lively and shy look.
Everything was ready. The three leaders, with their imposing presence, led a vast army laden with treasures, well-trained soldiers, and the beautiful Qiang women who held great promise. Together with the Xiongnu envoys, they marched towards Xiliang. Their procession wound its way forward, flags fluttering, the clatter of horses' hooves and the sound of wheels intertwining, a movement filled with anticipation and the unknown.