Chapter 223: Meeting

Everyone finished cleaning the battlefield and held a brief meeting.

The previously solemn atmosphere eased slightly.

Liuche leaned back in his chair, gazing at Dong Zhongshu, his eyes full of concern and curiosity, and said, "Dong Zhongshu, since you lost contact on your mission to Rome, I have been worried sick. Now you have returned safely, even bringing aid from the Ptolemaic Dynasty; you must have endured many trials—please tell us about your experiences."

Dong Zhongshu bowed respectfully, cleared his throat, and said slowly, "Your Majesty, while on my mission to Rome I encountered a shipwreck and fortunately drifted to Egypt. When I first arrived in Egypt, I was unfamiliar with the land and almost lost my life. Later, by relying on some curious gadgets I brought from Han and my knowledge of astronomy and calendrics, I caught the attention of local officials and was able to enter the palace."

Huo Qubing leaned forward with interest and asked, "Minister Dong, what happened after you entered the palace?"

Dong Zhongshu paused, then continued, "At that time, Ptolemy IX was deeply entrenched in the turmoil of court intrigue, with various factions openly and covertly vying for power, and the pharaoh's rule hung in the balance. I seized the opportunity, analyzed the situation for the pharaoh and offered counsel. First I helped the pharaoh eliminate opposing forces at court, then I pushed a series of reforms that strengthened central authority. In this process I earned the pharaoh's trust and was appointed High Priest."

Li Guang listened, entranced, and couldn't help but exclaim:

"Minister Dong, your courage and insight are extraordinary! In a foreign land, relying solely on your own strength, you navigated the court intrigue and even attained such a high position."

Dong Zhongshu smiled humbly and said, "This is all thanks to Your Majesty's prestige and Han's reputation. Later, upon learning that the Rome-Parthia allied forces were moving against Han, I felt urgent and informed the pharaoh of the stakes, persuading him to send troops."

After hearing this, Liuche slammed his hand heavily on the table and said with relief, "Dong Zhongshu, though you are in a foreign land and in peril, you still keep Han in your heart, exhausting your efforts to relieve Han's danger—you are truly my right-hand minister!"

Everyone nodded in admiration of Dong Zhongshu's experiences and loyalty.

After the brief respite, everyone understood that the impending war would be the true test.

Inside the tent, tallow lamps cast a dim yellow light, projecting the swaying shadows of those within onto the walls.

Liuche sat in the seat of honor, his gaze sweeping over Dong Zhongshu, Huo Qubing, and Li Guang, and his expression suddenly turned stern as he said, "Although the Rome-Parthia allied forces have temporarily withdrawn, they will surely return. We are outnumbered, so we must devise another plan."

Dong Zhongshu stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said, "Your Majesty, during my time in Egypt I gained some understanding of the surrounding situation. The Great Moon State has long been at odds with Rome and Parthia, and its cavalry is brave and skilled in battle. If we can ally with the Great Moon people and add the strength of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, we will have the means to counter the allied forces."

Huo Qubing nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with fighting spirit, and said, "Minister Dong is absolutely right. The Great Moon cavalry is highly mobile and can coordinate with our Han Army cavalry to exert greater power on the battlefield; the Ptolemaic Dynasty's troops, experienced in desert warfare, can also give us strong support."

Li Guang stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and said, "Merely forming an alliance requires sending a capable person to persuade them. This person must be eloquent and well versed in the circumstances of all nations."

Liuche's gaze fell on Dong Zhongshu, and he said in a deep voice, "Dong Zhongshu, you once undertook a mission to Rome and later lingered in Egypt; you understand the situations of all countries best. Therefore, sending you to the Great Moon State is the only fitting choice."

Dong Zhongshu knelt on one knee, accepted the command, and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured—I will not fail your trust. I will set out now and strive to persuade the Great Moon State as soon as possible to join us in resisting the allied forces."

Afterwards, everyone began to discuss the concrete battle plan.

Huo Qubing pointed at the map and gave a detailed analysis: "Once the allied forces of the various nations gather, we can divide our troops into three routes. The Han Army will attack head-on to draw the allied main force; the Great Moon cavalry will flank from the sides to strike the allied rear; and the Ptolemaic Dynasty's troops will cut off the allied retreat, annihilating them in one fell swoop."

Li Guang added, "Before the allied forces assemble, we must also strengthen our own defenses, reinforce border strongholds, stockpile sufficient fodder and weapons, and prepare for a prolonged war."

After listening, Liuche nodded in satisfaction and said, "What you have said is quite correct. This matter concerns the very survival of Han; we must exert our utmost effort."

After the discussion concluded, everyone, carrying their respective tasks, sprang into action.

Dong Zhongshu set off that very night for the Great Moon State.

Huo Qubing and Li Guang, meanwhile, began to organize the troops and fortify the defensive works.

Liuche took command of the central army, overseeing the overall situation, awaiting the gathering of the allied forces of the various nations; a larger-scale war was about to begin.

Half a month later.

Outside the capital of Magadha, sunlight fell upon the vast plain, turning it a golden hue.

The soldiers of the Han Army and the Ptolemaic Dynasty lined up in neat rows, forming a wide passage.

The Han Army troops wore scarlet battle robes like clusters of burning flames; the Ptolemaic Dynasty soldiers donned white linen armor that gleamed in the sunlight.

As a sonorous horn call rang out, the procession of Ptolemy IX slowly came into view.

The pharaoh rode a golden chariot drawn by four white steeds, its body inlaid with glittering jewels that blazed in the sunlight.

He wore a double crown symbolizing supreme authority, draped in a splendid purple cloak, his eyes revealing dignity and confidence.

Accompanied by Dong Zhongshu, Huo Qubing, Li Guang, and others, Liuche strode out of the gate.

Liuche wore a dragon robe, his waist belted with a jeweled sword, bearing an imposing presence; behind him followed a mighty entourage of guards, each spirited and vigorous.

When Ptolemy IX's chariot drew near, Liuche quickly stepped forward to meet him. Ptolemy IX also descended from his chariot, their gazes met, and both wore friendly smiles. Dong Zhongshu hurried ahead to act as interpreter.

"Your Majesty, this is the pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Ptolemy IX."

Dong Zhongshu introduced him to Liuche.

Afterwards, he turned to Ptolemy IX and said, "Your Majesty the pharaoh, this is the Son of Heaven of Han."

Ptolemy IX bowed slightly, expressing his respect: "I have long heard of Your Majesty's renown; seeing you today, it is truly well deserved."

Liuche smiled and replied, "Your Majesty the pharaoh, you have come far; your journey has been arduous. To be able to join forces with you in resisting the Rome-Parthia allied forces is indeed a fortune for Han."

Amid the entourage of the crowd, Liuche and Ptolemy IX walked side by side into the capital.

Along both sides of the street, the people of Magadha knelt in welcome, their cheers rising and falling.

Inside the palace, a lavish banquet had already been prepared.

The two monarchs took their seats of honor and began formal discussions on how to counter the allied forces.

Liuche spoke first: "Now the Rome-Parthia allied forces harbor grand ambitions, posing a serious threat to all of our nations. Only by joining hands can we resist their invasion." Ptolemy IX nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty's words are quite right. The Ptolemaic Dynasty is willing to fight side by side with Han, sharing weal and woe."

In the ensuing discussions, both sides examined troop deployment and battle strategy in depth.

Dong Zhongshu occasionally offered suggestions from the sidelines, providing important reference for the two sides' communication and decision-making.

A cooperation concerning the fate of the nations formally began in this fervent atmosphere, while the looming war drew ever nearer.