Chapter 1086: national gifts |
Recently, there has been quite a bit of interaction between Qin Country and the Great Tang Empire, so the warfare at Fengjiang has indeed been somewhat lax. Everyone was just about to start a major battle, but it had to be paused due to the need to use Tang Country’s railways for transportation.
In fact, the Dahua Empire also gained some advantages from this, which is why Zhao Chen is increasingly willing to tolerate the truce at Fengjiang.
Some of the materials imported by the Dahua Empire from Tang Country are transported directly through Fengjiang to the interior of the Dahua Empire, maintaining the empire’s industrial operations up to now.
Beyond that, luxury goods urgently needed by the Dahua Empire also travel along this railway: extravagantly luxurious automobiles, designer handbags, opulent merchandise, cutting-edge medicines… all mixed in with new-style weaponry, are brazenly delivered into the interior of the Dahua Empire.
Sometimes Zhao Chen wonders what the point of his hard-fought battles at Fengjiang really is: one day, a truce for someone’s medicine, the next day, a truce for someone’s car…
The problem is, these someones are people you can’t afford to offend; if not the Emperor’s own brothers and sisters, then the Emperor himself and grand Ministers. The other party isn’t haughty at all; the invitations they send are the epitome of humility and politeness, full of pleas and requests – how could Zhao Chen refuse?
Then there’s the war situation, which the front-line soldiers fought for at the cost of their lives: crumbling bit by bit, growing more awkward bit by bit, and bit by bit falling off the original track.
In the past, there were orders commanding him to attack at all costs, yet such urging orders have become a rare sight today. Even when an order occasionally comes through, its wording is so gentle, as if it were afraid Zhao Chen might actually take the command to attack seriously.
Another train from the Tang Empire passes through the Dahua Empire, reaching Wang Luo of Qin Country. This time, the arrivals in Qin Country are staff from the diplomatic department of the Great Tang Empire, tasked with delivering a gift.
To show his importance, the King of Qin, Ying Duo, received the envoys from the Tang Empire in a minor court meeting, an occasion that generally would not accommodate foreign officials.
Allowing the Tang Empire’s diplomats to attend in itself is an honor. The officials of the Tang Empire are also very polite, after receiving permission they stated their purpose: “Your Majesty, the foreign minister is entrusted with presenting tribute, hoping for an everlasting friendship between our two nations.”
After he finished speaking, an attendant carrying the gift stepped forward and handed a long scroll to the attendant of Qin Country. Zhou Huaiyuan, the leader of the Tang Empire’s advisory group stationed in Qin Country, watched with a knowing, wry smile; he already knew exactly what the Empire had sent.
King of Qin, Ying Duo, who is still in the dark about the gift, is very pleased. At the very least, a return gift from the Great Tang Empire signifies that the two nations maintain a very close public relationship.
That’s exactly the effect he wants: at least in the eyes of others, the relationship between the Tang and Qin Countries is solid, allowing Qin Country to take a stronger stance in dealing with Shu Country and Chu Country.
Strength, at times, translates to interests.
Ying Duo, with a smile on his face, starts making formal, empty talk: “Your country is really too kind. From now on we are relatives, and it is right for there to be an exchange of gifts.”
"Indeed, an exchange of gifts is proper. Princess Ying Yue, oh, she should now be referred to as Imperial Concubine Ying Yue, brought with her a map of Qin Country when she arrived in Tang Country, a map that was not listed on the gift inventory.” The diplomat sent by the Great Tang Empire to deliver the gift is alarmingly honest, honest to the point where the ministers from Qin Country have shock written all over their faces.
Brother, why would you so candidly disclose the stealthy proceedings? Isn’t it advantageous for your Great Tang Empire to quietly enjoy the map? Couldn’t you just secretly rejoice without saying anything?
By being so straightforward, how are we supposed to close this matter gracefully? What kind of bizarre maneuver is this? Has your Great Tang Empire never dealt with the marriage of a princess before? What about tradition?
Indeed, it is a newly risen country lacking in refined subtlety; not even understanding the unwritten rules, let alone studying history… Hang on! Surely the Emperor of Tang is not ignorant of the political implications of a ‘princess’ marriage-alliance’?
Because on the Western Continent, a princess’ marriage is a default “money-losing” venture, the political significance of Qin Country taking the initiative in a marriage-alliance is actually enormous. To some extent, it signifies weakness, acquiescence, and a rather clear gesture of appeasement.
But if everyone in the Great Tang Empire is naive, simply thinking that Qin Country has merely presented a beauty to the Emperor of Tang, then wouldn’t Qin Country be casting flirty glances at a blind man?
The King of Qin, Ying Duo, is clearly shocked by the Tang envoy’s blunt words, but he quickly regains his composure and starts speaking in officialese: “I was not aware of this matter; it must have been Ying Yue’s own idea… Frankly, all I can express is deep regret about this situation.”
The envoy from the Great Tang Empire speaks with righteousness and conviction: “Our country also places great importance on this matter. His Majesty The Emperor believes that one should not owe favors in such matters. Marriage is marriage; it should not involve other factors. Therefore, this time he has instructed me to deliver a state gift to compensate for your country’s loss.”
Unfortunately, not a single person present believes this nonsense: if your Emperor had no political considerations, would he marry the Princess of Qin so readily? Shameless!
King Ying Duo of Qin Country was slightly at a loss for how to play this game, as this was the first time he had encountered such a straightforward yet cunning diplomatic tactic. With no other choice, he braced himself and asked, “Then, what exactly is the gift that your country has sent?”
"A map of Qin Country,” the envoy from Tang Country immediately replied.
"Hmm? You mean to say, return that map to our Qin Country?” King Ying Duo was taken aback, then retorted with a smile: He felt he could counter now, thinking Tang Country had seen and copied the map, and now they were simply returning Qin Country’s map – wasn’t that a bit too child’s play?
The ministers of Qin Country also wore a look of disdain: All this was just child’s play. Returning it? Is it like stealing your wife to live in my house for a month and then giving her back to you?
The envoy from the Great Tang Empire replied with a smile, “Yes, but also no. If it were simply returning the original, wouldn’t it be laughable? His Majesty The Emperor appreciated the map brought by the Princess so much that he decided to keep it as a treasured gift. What we have brought this time is a map of Qin Country drawn by the Great Tang Empire.”
"Please examine it, Your Majesty. The accuracy is not perfect, we hope you will not find it inferior.” He finished speaking and stood there, as if watching a group of jesters in the hall.
An attendant carried the map to King Ying Duo, who was uncertain whether to look at it or not. After a few seconds, he clenched his teeth, waved at the attendant holding the map, signaling him to unfold it.
The attendant unfolded the map to reveal beautifully drawn mountains, rivers, cities, and roads. The map even indicated the approximate population and the number of farms, truly meticulous and perfect.
Upon seeing this map, King Ying Duo was stunned. He had never imagined that Tang Mo could possess such a detailed map of Qin Country. Indeed, his side had made a fool of itself.
Although he tried to control his expression, he couldn’t help but let out a soft exclamation, “This
The envoy from the Great Tang Empire, having anticipated King Ying Duo’s reaction, slightly bowed and took his leave, “If King Your Highness is satisfied, this subordinate will return to report.”
"Ah, ah… Very well! Sir Envoy, you have had a long and arduous journey. Bring the finest wine and dishes; we must ensure the envoy enjoys himself!” King Ying Duo quickly ordered his attendants to see the envoy off, while Zhou Huaiyuan also took his leave from the hall.
With no outsiders present, the ministers of Qin Country who had just witnessed King Ying Duo’s panic, naturally hurried to inquire, “Your Majesty
"You take a look,” said Ying Duo, no longer concealing his emotions, and slumped in his chair as he ordered.
The ministers, given permission, immediately crowded around the attendant. When they saw the map, their reactions were akin to seeing a ghost: “What is this!”
"Yes, it’s a map of our Qin Country,” Ying Duo replied with a bitter smile.
Qin Country’s leading general Wang Luo, who was equally shocked, glanced at the royal family member and commander Ying An with a worried expression, “This accuracy… It is much higher than that of our own military maps.”
Ying Duo took over the conversation, speaking directly, “I know, that’s why I lost my composure just now! Those from Tang Country, they have actually drawn a map of our Qin Country without us noticing! This is a warning to me!”
Ying An realized the gravity of the situation. This was clearly Tang Country warning Qin Country that they had long been plotting against Qin Country.
Thus, he asked tentatively, “Then… Your Majesty, should we scale back… somewhat?”
Ying Duo at first wanted to agree, then suddenly with a gesture of his hand made a halting motion and gritted his teeth, “No! Do whatever we’re meant to do! After all, we can’t just marry off a daughter for nothing!”
This map was definitely not surveyed within just a couple of years; the Great Tang Empire’s scheming against Qin Country must have been going on for some time. Now that the other side had revealed its hand, what was there for Qin Country to fear?
Using the marriage alliance as an opportunity to gain the most benefits was the key point. Would the Great Tang Empire spare Qin Country if it were honest and subdued? What a joke, can’t you see they’ve even prepared the map?
In any case, they would first annex Shu Country. Later, they could collaborate with the Tang Empire to divide Dahua. With enough strategic depth, Qin Country would possess the capability to confront the Tang Empire head-on!
If they showed weakness now, and Dahua Empire fell entirely to Great Tang, what barrier would Qin Country have to resist the Tang Empire’s assault?
"Tell Zhang Xuan to continue the attack… and let us… continue preparing for this grand wedding!” Ying Duo’s gaze was fierce, and he clenched his fist as he commanded.