Chapter 337: No Turning Back Until the Clouds of Yunnan Are Set Right

Lin Qian's expression shifted slightly. He found it hard to believe that a child could escape from a rebel siege, travel over a thousand li, and come alone to Guangzhou City, so he asked his personal guard, "Is this person's identity confirmed?"

The personal guard scratched his head: "His clothes are ragged and torn, but that spirit tablet is truly fine — very large, and the wood used is good too."

The civil and military officials around him looked toward Lin Qian, and Lin Qian explained the situation.

Ye Xianggao said, "No matter. Have the King summon him here, and this old man will know the truth with a single question."

Lin Qian then had his personal guard bring the person in.

A moment later, a youth of around fifteen walked into the government affairs hall. He wore coarse cloth garments, neatly kept.

This person had fair skin, delicate features, long narrow eyes, a steady gaze, and a lean build. After entering the hall, he did not glance around, but walked with measured steps, one by one, until he stood before Lin Qian.

In this era, a person's background could be seen at a glance — common folk and poor families were exposed to wind and sun all day, so their skin could never be white. This youth's appearance and bearing truly did have something of a young duke about him.

Reaching the front, the youth respectfully set the spirit tablet from his bosom to one side, then knelt and pressed his head to the ground, saying, "I beg the Xia King to save Yunnan!" Ye Xianggao gave a look, and a personal guard went to help the youth rise, but unexpectedly the youth said, "Tianbo has sinned against Yunnan, sinned against the people — let me kneel while I speak."

The personal guard looked to Ye Xianggao, who nodded slightly, then asked, "Since you claim to be a descendant of the Mu family, this old man has heard that the entire Mu clan was imprisoned by the chieftains — how then did you escape?"

At this question, Mu Tianbo immediately burst into endless tears: "It wasn't imprisonment... They, they're all dead!"

Then Mu Tianbo recounted the full story of the Sha soldiers' rebellion and his own escape.

When the Sha soldiers rebelled, they sealed off all the city gates. Mu Tianbo lingered in the city for several days and personally witnessed the Sha soldiers carrying corpses out of the Duke's mansion. The bodies of the women were all left unclothed, while the men were almost all dismembered. There were also several dozen charred corpses, one of which was burned beyond recognition, with a placard hanging around its neck bearing six large characters: "Mu Tianbo, Duke of Qian."

To calm the people, Sha Dingzhou tied the charred corpse of "Mu Tianbo" to a wooden pole and had it pulled on a cart, also binding the Yunnan Governor to the cart, parading them through the entire city.

After seizing the Duke of Qian's mansion, the Sha rebel soldiers took the opportunity to loot and plunder within Kunming City, and for a time Kunming was like a living hell.

Fortunately, the Sha soldiers were so busy looting that a gap appeared in the city gate defenses, and Mu Tianbo seized the chance to escape.

Ye Xianggao asked again, "After you fled Kunming, how did you make your way to Guangzhou?"

Mu Tianbo said, "After leaving the city, I wanted to head east and cross the provincial border into Guangxi, but Guard Liu said the Sha-Pu rebels were right at the provincial border, controlling the main roads of communication. That route was fraught with danger, so I could only head northwest — to the west, there were still many chieftains and rotating officials loyal to the Duke's mansion.

Guard Liu had been struck by a poisoned arrow and died not long after we escaped Kunming. I traveled west alone and reached Chuxiong.

The Chuxiong Prefect said that Wu Bikui was causing chaos in northern Yunnan, and the roads to Sichuan and Guizhou were also blocked. Fortunately, Great Xia had established a trading post in Annam, so he told me to go there and seek refuge.

So I took a boat on the Malong River, riding the current all the way down to the Annam river mouth, and at Ha Long Harbor I boarded a coal ship, finally arriving here." After he finished, the civil and military officials around could not help but be moved. This route sounded like a smooth ride downstream, but in truth it was fraught with difficulties and dangers at every turn. The Malong River is a tributary of the Yuan River, and the Yuan River is the upper reaches of the Red River that flows through Annam. The Malong River's currents are swift and treacherous for navigation, requiring constant segmented transfers between water and land.

And the middle reaches passed extremely close to the chieftain rebels' territory, while the lower reaches in Annam were no pushovers either.

For a thirteen-year-old youth, even with the Prefect's help, to stumble and crawl his way through and arrive alive in Guangzhou was no small feat.

Ye Xianggao looked toward Zheng Zhilong, who nodded slightly, meaning that Mu Tianbo's account was credible — the route was dangerous, yes, but it could indeed be traversed, and counting the timeline, everything matched up.

While his identity was being confirmed, Lin Qian looked at the spirit tablet. It was about a foot tall, with a red background and gold characters, bearing the large inscription "Spirit Master of Lord Mu, Posthumously Named Ying," surrounded by numerous small characters introducing his official positions, such as "Martial Minister Who Opened the Founding of the August Ming, Aided Fortune, Sincerely Proclaimed Strength" and so forth.

The tablet was made of camphor wood, with a base of white marble carved with a five-clawed cloud-dragon pattern — this was the regulation for a prince.

Mu Ying had been Marquis of Xiping in life and was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Qianning, hence the tablet used princely regulations.

In terms of materials, craftsmanship, and regulation, this tablet was flawless — undoubtedly genuine.

At this point, Ye Xianggao had also confirmed Mu Tianbo's identity and nodded to Lin Qian.

"The Duke has traveled far and endured much hardship. Please inform us of the situation in Yunnan." After speaking, Lin Qian said to those around him, "Bring the Duke a chair." Mu Tianbo declined at first, but after a few words of persuasion from Lin Qian, he sat. He said dejectedly, "Along my journey, I saw no military intelligence — only the misery of the common people. I don't know if it will be of any use."

Lin Qian said, "No matter. Please speak."

Mu Tianbo said, "In Xinhua Prefecture city, skinned corpses could be seen everywhere along the roads, hung from trees, densely packed along the riverbanks — not a single living commoner to be seen.

In Lin'an Prefecture, large numbers of men, women, and young children were bound with ropes and trafficked outward like livestock.

When I changed to a large boat at Manhao, I saw Pu soldiers forcibly conscripting commoners to mine ore and smelt copper. The riverbanks were piled with the corpses of miners who had died from exhaustion and disease, their bodies covered in lash marks, left unburied — for over a hundred li of river beach, nothing but the stench of rotting flesh.

I used to live in the Duke's mansion, knowing only eating, drinking, and pleasure, understanding nothing of these things. Now that I have seen them with my own eyes, I finally understand the devastation of war and wish to do something — but alas, it is already too late..."

At this point, Mu Tianbo suddenly knelt again and kowtowed three times, hard enough to bruise his forehead red. He gritted his teeth and said, "Xia King, when I left the mansion, my mother told me that even if the Duke of Qian's mansion no longer exists, Yunnan must never be handed over to others.

I am a descendant of Mu Ying. Even if I die, I must die in Yunnan, die on the battlefield. I beg the Xia King, for the sake of our ancestor Mu Ying, for the sake of two million soldiers and civilians, to send troops to Yunnan!

Tianbo is willing to hold the reins and carry the stirrups for the Xia King, and would die ten thousand times without hesitation!"

The hall fell silent for a moment — a dropped needle could be heard — and everyone's gaze turned to Lin Qian.

After a long while, Lin Qian's deep voice was heard: "My mind is made up — we march on Yunnan!"

"Thank you, Xia King! Thank you, Xia King!" Mu Tianbo was overjoyed, kowtowing in gratitude without cease, then tears streamed down his face. The hardships of the journey, the annihilation of his entire family, the suffering of the people — all surged into his heart at once. His weeping grew louder and louder until he nearly fainted from grief.

Lin Qian ordered someone to take Mu Tianbo away to be cared for. As he left, Mu Tianbo did not forget to clasp Mu Ying's spirit tablet to his chest.

After he had gone down, Bai Qing sighed with emotion, "This young duke does have some sense of responsibility."

Zheng Zhilong snorted coldly: "He's just had his entire family wiped out and come to beg us to avenge him. With the Mu family annihilated, who knows — maybe the people of Kunming are applauding!"

Bai Qing asked curiously, "What do you mean?"

Zheng Zhilong laughed: "This Mu Tianbo was only ten when he inherited the title. Do you know why his father died so young?"

Bai Qing shook his head.

"He was poisoned to death by his own birth mother!"

"Ah?" Bai Qing was shocked. "You, you... you mean to say, the young duke's grandmother poisoned the young duke's father?" Zheng Zhilong said, "That's exactly what happened."

Scholar Zhou coughed dryly twice: "Don't go off topic — it's time to discuss the next agenda item."

Lin Qian, however, said curiously, "It's fine — this matter can be discussed in detail, for it bears on how we should treat the Mu family after we take Yunnan." So Zheng Zhilong rose and said, "This young duke's father just now was named Mu Qiyuan — the greatest bastard the Mu Princely Mansion has produced in its entire history.

In his tenure, Mu Qiyuan exhausted every means of extortion and plunder — monopolizing salt wells, water conservancy, and trade routes, annexing over thirty percent of the province's land, and setting exorbitant rents.

He even set up his own private court and treated human lives like grass. Among scholars and commoners alike, anyone who refused him was thrown into his private prison and beaten to death.

He so enraged the people of Kunming that they wished they could eat his flesh and drink his blood."

Qin Liangyu continued, "Not only that — when the She-An Rebellion broke out, the court conscripted him, but he claimed illness and refused to go, repeatedly making excuses. Instead, he privately trained manor troops, drilled a navy, stockpiled grain and weapons, forged military tallies, sidelined the Three Offices, and bombarded the Censor's office... it was no different from open rebellion."

Having fought long in the southwest, she was very familiar with the evil deeds Mu Qiyuan had done.

Because Mu Qiyuan had lost his mind, his mother, to protect the peace of Yunnan and preserve the Mu family's legacy, poisoned her own son.

To the court, she claimed Mu Qiyuan had died of illness.

That was merely a pleasant-sounding story for appearances. How Mu Qiyuan actually died had long been known to everyone — the court didn't even grant him a posthumous title, which was effectively an acknowledgment of his guilt.

Zheng Zhilong said, "When Pu Mingsheng rebelled, the Mu family could hardly mobilize the guard station troops, nor could they recruit militia, so they had no choice but to let the chieftain soldiers into the city — and finally suffered the annihilation of their entire clan. That was the bitter fruit sown by the young duke's bastard of a father."

"If not for the fact that the Sha soldiers plunder the common folk and are no good either, this time it truly would be carrying out justice on heaven's behalf."

Bai Qing said: "No matter how you look at it, the young Duke is still young in years and is always innocent."

Zheng Zhilong couldn't refute this, only saying: "Perhaps when he grows up he'll be just as bad as his rotten seed of a father."

Qin Liangyu said: "That said, although the Mu descendants haven't amounted to much, Mu Ying was still a great hero.

From the founding of Nanzhao to the end of the Yuan dynasty, Yunnan had been divided and ruled by separatist regimes for over five hundred years. Thanks to Mu Ying's single campaign that pacified Yunnan, it was returned to the Central Plains. After he was enfeoffed there, he never slackened—his achievements in civil governance and cultural edification were immense, earning the heartfelt submission of commoners, native chieftains, and mountain folk alike. Even to this day, the people of Yunnan still remember Lord Mu's grace with gratitude.

If our Great Xia attacks Yunnan under the banner of emulating Lord Mu's entry into Dian, we're certain to achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Lin Qian said: "Then that's how we'll do it. When propagandizing, we must distinguish Lord Mu from his descendants, the young Duke and the old Duke, so the people don't think we've come to restore the Duke's mansion's rule."

Qin Liangyu clasped her fists: "This general obeys the order!"

Lei Sanxiang said discontentedly: "'You obey what order? His Majesty hasn't even said he's sending you yet!'"

Qin Liangyu raised an eyebrow: "Yunnan's terrain is rugged, full of miasma, and dotted with native chieftains. Naturally, this old woman should lead the campaign."

Lei Sanxiang wanted to argue further, but Lin Qian picked up the teaching pointer again, tapped the second banner, and said: "Let's not discuss who commands the troops first—only how to fight?" Qin Liangyu spoke up immediately: "This general believes this campaign should enter Dian via the Zuo River, going from Nanning to Taiping Prefecture, then through Xialei Prefecture and Guishun Prefecture into Dian, breaching Fuzhou and Guangnan Prefecture, advancing to Weimo Prefecture, and striking straight at Pu Mingsheng's lair.

This route is somewhat roundabout, but it has the advantage of post roads that can accommodate carts, horses, and artillery. The stretch from Nanning to Taiping Prefecture can use water transport, and the terrain along the way is mainly low hills, so the march won't be disrupted.

Moreover, this route avoids the territories of the Cen clan of Tianzhou and the Cen clan of Sicheng Prefecture. These two Guangxi native chieftains are extremely powerful and have marriage ties with Pu Mingsheng—best not to provoke them."

While Qin Liangyu was speaking eloquently, soldiers from the General Staff pushed forward the sand table. When everyone looked at it, they found that the terrain and landforms, the stations of each native chieftain, and the difficulties and dangers along the way matched Qin Liangyu's words exactly, and they couldn't help but feel great admiration.

After Lei Sanxiang looked it over, he had nothing to say either.

Qin Liangyu took the teaching pointer, pointed at Nanning Prefecture, and said: "This general has petitioned the General Staff and has already stationed five thousand garrison troops here, drilling in mountain warfare day and night, and stockpiling grain, fodder, and equipment.

Summoning another twenty thousand Guangxi Wolf Soldiers, supplemented by a small number of cannons, will be more than enough to defeat the Yunnan native chieftains one by one."

Xu Fengjie frowned and was about to speak when Qin Liangyu reached out and stopped him.

"This old woman knows the concerns of His Majesty and the General Staff, but there are countless native chieftains in Guangxi, and not all of them are unruly and intractable.

Luo Daoqi of Nadi Prefecture has a steady temperament and values his promises. His Wolf Soldiers are skilled in mountain mandarin-duck formations, especially ambushes and close-quarters combat in the mountains, and they are strictly disciplined and fearless of death. Two thousand can be mobilized.

Wei Wenkui of Donglan Prefecture—his family has followed Lord Mu since the early Ming, and for over two hundred years they have protected the borders and reassured the people without ever causing harm. His army keeps large numbers of guoxia ponies and excels at long-distance raids and mountain pursuit. Two thousand can be mobilized."

Qin Liangyu's pointer moved continuously across the sand table as she recited the details of each native chieftain like counting family treasures. Even many empty mountain peaks with no flags planted—where even the General Staff didn't know a chieftain existed—Qin Liangyu could report their military strength.

In an instant, Qin Liangyu had reported on over a dozen native chieftains, most of whom were fence-sitters who could be used for a small amount of benefit.

And the only ones that absolutely couldn't be used and must be guarded against were the Cen clan of Tianzhou and the Cen clan of Sicheng Prefecture.

After finishing everything, Qin Liangyu looked at Lin Qian with blazing eyes.

Lin Qian frowned deeply, pondered for a long while, then asked: "If we don't mobilize the Wolf Soldiers, do we have a chance?"

Qin Liangyu shook her head: "Yunnan's climate and terrain are completely different from Guangdong and Guangxi. Even the Wolf Soldiers might not fully adapt. If the Great Xia land army enters Dian, the losses would likely be considerable.

Moreover, only the Wolf Soldiers are most familiar with the Yunnan native troops' tactics. Close-quarters combat in mountain forests depends entirely on the Wolf Soldiers. If we don't mobilize them, this campaign would be extremely perilous." Lin Qian said to Geng Wu: "Invite Doctor Su and Young Doctor Su here."

Before long, Su Kang and his daughter entered. Lin Qian got straight to the point: "If we mobilize a large number of military doctors to accompany the troops into Dian, how confident are we in preventing and treating miasma diseases?" In recent years, Su Kang had devoted himself to medical research and had become the foremost medical authority in all of Great Xia. His attainments in artemisia cultivation and malaria prevention and treatment had reached heights unprecedented in history.

Upon hearing this, he replied: "Yunnan's miasma is mainly malaria, miasmic dysentery, miasmic poison, swelling miasma, and summer miasma. They are not incurable—all have methods of treatment." Su Qingmei explained: "Malaria is the fever-and-chills illness contracted after being bitten by mosquitoes. Miasmic dysentery and miasmic poison manifest as diarrhea, bloody stool, and vomiting, mostly from eating unclean things or drinking raw water. Swelling miasma is the schistosomiasis His Majesty discovered, and summer miasma is heatstroke.

As long as we equip mosquito nets, burn mugwort, eat plenty of garlic and ginger, and boil all food and water thoroughly, we can prevent most illnesses.

Even if someone still falls ill, as long as they're treated promptly, there won't be major problems."

Lin Qian looked at Qin Liangyu again: "With this method, can we use fewer Wolf Soldiers?"

Qin Liangyu pondered a moment: "We must bring at least five thousand Wolf Soldiers—no fewer... But Your Majesty, when a large army marches through mountainous terrain, the hardest part is securing the supply line. Throughout history, campaigns into Dian have always struggled to keep grain supplies flowing. Realizing Doctor Su's methods is easier said than done."

Lei Sanxiang also said: "Captain, I'm not pouring cold water on this, but during the Battle of Sarhu, eighty percent of the grain carried by supply convoys was consumed on the road. Transporting grain across Yunnan's terrain, I'm afraid the consumption on the road could reach ninety percent.

Within Guangxi it's manageable, but once in Yunnan, there aren't even roads—everything must be carried by Yunnan horses, and we don't have that many Yunnan horses..." As Lei Sanxiang spoke, he looked at Su Kang. Su Kang understood his meaning and shook his head: "To treat these miasma diseases, medicinal herbs are absolutely indispensable. Especially artemisia, which must be fresh—it needs rapid transport."

Su Qingmei counted on her fingers: "Alum can purify water—we need to bring it. Quicklime kills mosquitoes and needs to be sprinkled liberally in latrines—we need a lot.

Mugwort and atractylodes repel mosquitoes. Although the southwest also has them, the Qianpin variety works best. The camps need to burn them every night, so we need to bring a great deal. Linen cloth is also indispensable—it can serve as mosquito netting and patch clothes. In places where malaria runs rampant, torn clothes make it easy to get bitten by mosquitoes and fall ill.

We also need dried ginger slices, garlic, Shenling Baizhu Powder, Huoxiang Zhengqi..."

"Alright, alright. I understand." Lin Qian quickly called for a stop.

Qin Liangyu could also see that the logistical pressure was too great. This wasn't a matter of spending money, but a limitation of productive capacity. Even if ten million taels of silver were thrown at it, if the supplies couldn't be transported, they simply couldn't be transported.

So she gritted her teeth and said: "Ten thousand men!"

"What?" Lin Qian was startled.

Qin Liangyu said: "This general will take only ten thousand men to pacify the Yunnan rebellion!"

At these words, both civil and military officials were shocked. Lei Sanxiang said: "When Mu Ying pacified Yunnan back then, he used three hundred thousand men."

Qin Liangyu said: "Of Lord Mu's three hundred thousand men back then, more than half were civilian laborers.

Moreover, he advanced on three routes with supply lines from Guizhou and Sichuan. Even so, the losses were staggering—countless died of illness.

Our Great Xia's entry into Dian has only the Guangxi route, so it stands to reason we can't support too large an army. This general will take only ten thousand men—even if I must fight to the death, I will pacify the rebellion!"

Lin Qian shook his head: "Take however many troops are needed. General Qin only needs to focus on front-line combat—I will personally oversee the transport of logistics and grain." Qin Liangyu felt warmth in her heart upon hearing this, but still advised: "Your Majesty, the mountain roads of the southwest are rugged. It truly is not... truly is not... something that can be guaranteed even with Your Majesty overseeing transport."

Such words in the Great Ming would be contempt for the sovereign—a grave disrespect—but she couldn't think of a more tactful way to phrase it at the moment.

Unexpectedly, Lin Qian only smiled lightly and said: "Land warfare thinking."

He picked up the teaching pointer and lightly traced a line from Ha Long along the Red River—this was precisely the route Mu Tianbo had taken to flee Yunnan.

"Isn't there an excellent supply line right here?"

Qin Liangyu was stunned, thinking to herself: It's true that the Red River is navigable, but that's in Annam. Would the Xia army boldly march through the heart of Annam to transport supplies—do they take the King of Annam for a fool?

"Zheng Zhilong." Lin Qian said.

"Your Majesty!" Zheng Zhilong clasped his fists and stepped forward.

"You're an old friend of the Trinh Lord. Go persuade him about transporting grain on the Red River."

"Yes!" Zheng Zhilong smiled with a crooked mouth.

The end of the Red River water route was at Manhao, a place southwest of Weimo Prefecture. Therefore, in the early phase of the campaign into Dian, land transport along the Zuo River would still be the primary means. Lin Qian's pointer tapped Nanning: "Once the war begins, I will personally take up position here to oversee grain transport, ensuring General Qin has no worries whatsoever!" Qin Liangyu clasped her fists: "In that case, this general is willing to sign a pledge—until Yunnan is pacified, I swear never to turn back!"

Just as Great Xia was mobilizing its troops and deploying its generals.

Qin Liangyu's envoy also arrived at Pu Mingsheng's stronghold.

Weimo Prefecture was a small town where Han and Yi lived together. The city walls were low, made of rammed earth, barely over one zhang tall, with watchtowers at the four corners. Deep trenches surrounded the walls, and the outer perimeter was covered with caltrops and brambles.

The envoy identified themselves, presented their visiting card and gift list, and waited for the better part of a day before the drawbridge was lowered and the city gates opened, allowing the envoy to enter. Most of the dwellings on either side had been burned down, and the streets were pitted and empty—apart from soldiers, hardly any common folk could be seen.

The air was thick with the smell of horse dung and smoke. The dirt by the roadside was mottled yellow and black, with the occasional clump of thread-like strands poking up from the mud.

Looking closer, it turned out to be a corpse, trampled into the mud by men and horses. The body was in an advanced state of decay, with only the hair left waving in the air.

Someone in the envoy immediately vomited, drawing a burst of loud laughter from the native chieftain's soldiers.

The envoy was led all the way to the native chieftain's yamen. The compound was built in the flat-roofed earth style, blended with elements of Han architecture. Above the main gate hung a plaque reading "Prefectural Magistrate's Residence," and two crudely carved stone lions at the entrance had been blackened by smoke.

The envoy was brought into the great hall, where the light was dim, and a rank, fishy odor hit him at once.

He clasped his hands and said, "Huang Jian, envoy of Great Xia, pays respects to the native chieftain of Weimo Prefecture!"

"So this is the Xia King's gift?" A hoarse voice sounded, followed by the rustling of paper as the gift list was turned over.

"One ring-pommel chopping saber, one set of arm and shin guards, brocade silk handkerchiefs, two embroidered sashes... Hah!"

The speaker crumpled the gift list into a ball and hurled it straight at Huang Jian.

"Do you take me for a beggar?"

Huang Jian hastily said, "The mountains are high and the road is long. I set out in haste and my etiquette was lacking. I have been remiss toward the chieftain—please forgive me."

"Hah! Hahahaha... I was only joking with Your Excellency!"

After Huang Jian took his seat, he got a clear look at the man in the place of honor. Pu Mingsheng was in his forties, with dark skin and arrogant eyes. He wore a black turban on his head with a peacock feather stuck into it, silver earrings in his ears, a black short jacket, balloon trousers, and cowhide boots, with a Ming dynasty crimson military officer's robe over the top and a Husa saber at his waist—a rather incongruous sight altogether.

To Pu Mingsheng's left sat a young woman dressed in Han attire, with tawny skin and a beautiful face, her eyes shaped like peach blossoms.

This must be Pu Mingsheng's principal wife, Wan Cailian. The brocade silk handkerchiefs and embroidered sashes among the gifts were meant for her.

After Huang Jian took his seat, he heard Wan Cailian ask, "Your Excellency, on this journey—have you come only to our Weimo Prefecture, or are you also visiting the other Yunnan chieftains?" "Only Weimo Prefecture."

"You haven't been to Sha Dingzhou in Kunming or Wu Bikui in Yuanmou?"

"That, I would not know."

Wan Cailian smiled and said, "No matter."

Huang Jian and Pu Mingsheng talked for a long while longer. When noon came around, Pu Mingsheng had servants bring out wine and meat, placing them before each person's table.

The dishes could be called quite lavish—braised chicken, clear-broth mutton, red-cooked pork, fried termite mushrooms, and the like, all Yunnan specialties. Though simply seasoned, they excelled in the freshness of their ingredients, with an enticing aroma.

Pu Mingsheng urged Huang Jian to drink and eat, probing Great Xia's attitude throughout the meal.

Pu Mingsheng was the most powerful among Yunnan's native chieftains, with his nose in the air. He had little reverence for Great Xia, yet if he could gain its support, that would naturally be a good thing—so he kept testing the waters with his words.

Huang Jian had been ordered to make initial contact, and dared not make any promises. He only spoke pleasantries, which made Pu Mingsheng's expression grow increasingly displeased.

Just then, a servant carried in a large basin of stewed meat and set it in the center of the hall.

Pu Mingsheng said in a sarcastic tone, "I hear Great Xia is wealthy, its treasuries filled with the rarest wonders of the world. I suppose you look down on this miasma-ridden borderland of ours, this poor and remote corner."

Hearing this, Huang Jian quickly rose from his seat and said, "How dare I? Chieftain, your words are too heavy."

Pu Mingsheng pointed at the large basin behind Huang Jian and said, "Good! If that's so, then eat the meat!"

Huang Jian turned to look—the broth still had flecks of blood floating on it, and there was a faint rank, gamey smell.

"Your Excellency, this is a delicacy of our tribe, made only when honored guests arrive. The bigger the piece of meat, the greater the sincerity shown."

Wan Cailian stepped forward, and under Huang Jian's stunned gaze, pulled out two large chunks of meat with her hands. Each piece was the size of a fist, skin still attached, with no dark soy sauce for color—the flesh was pale, even faintly pink. Just looking at it made Huang Jian's stomach churn.

Wan Cailian handed a piece to Pu Mingsheng, who bit off more than half in one mouthful and chewed with satisfaction.

Wan Cailian also took a bite, then grabbed another piece and handed it to Huang Jian.

Despite every fiber of his being resisting, he still accepted it and steeled himself to take a bite. The meat had only a slight saltiness; its saving grace was that it was fresh and not tough. The taste wasn't exactly nauseating, but it certainly wasn't good either—especially since the piece was so large that the inside wasn't even cooked through. Edible, yes, but it made Huang Jian want to retch. Since he was on a diplomatic mission and had been told by Qin Liangyu to keep a low profile, he could only force himself to eat the entire piece.

"How is it?" Pu Mingsheng asked with a smile.

"Truly... extraordinary."

"Hahaha..." Pu Mingsheng laughed heartily. "Since Your Excellency likes it, have another piece!"

Hearing this, Wan Cailian grabbed another piece and placed it on Huang Jian's plate.

After he finished the second piece, Pu Mingsheng had someone give him a third. Huang Jian could no longer hold it in—he ran outside the hall and vomited until he nearly brought up his stomach. Seeing this, Pu Mingsheng laughed uproariously and kept teasing him before finally letting Huang Jian leave.

After the envoy left, Pu Mingsheng said smugly to his wife, "Everyone says how brave the Xia King is, but I don't see what's so great about him. He's nothing but a toothless little pup. Han people just love to brag."

Wan Cailian first flattered him a few times, then shifted the topic and said to Pu Mingsheng, "Husband, we must immediately inform the Sha and Wu chieftains that the Xia envoy has come to visit!"

Yahei

Pink Round

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