Chapter 128: Trade (These Days Returning Home to Clean Up)

On the boundless northern grassland, the wind swept up fine grass fragments, dancing wildly in the air.

The grassland's expanse and the sky's loftiness intertwined, forming a magnificent and mysterious scroll.

Su Ye, heading the envoy group sent out from Cangzhou, trod this firm land, confronting the blazing sun and sand, moving forward slowly.

The envoy party was not large, yet each person appeared vigorous, their eyes revealing determination and courage.

After several days of travel, the envoys finally arrived at the settlement of the first weak tribe.

From afar, one could see a cluster of low tents gathered together, cooking smoke curling up, intertwining with the clouds on the horizon.

Tribesmen either rode horses or worked on foot, laboring diligently on this land to sustain the tribe's livelihood.

【8】 The arrival of the envoys drew the tribespeople's attention.

They set aside their tasks, gathered around, and curiously scrutinized these guests who had come from afar.

Their eyes were filled with wariness and curiosity, for on this unpredictable grassland, any outsider could bring unknown risks and opportunities.

The envoys did not hastily reveal their purpose; instead, they first offered sincere greetings according to steppe etiquette.

They brought exquisite gifts, distributing them to the onlooking children and elders, thereby conveying friendliness and goodwill.

The envoys halted before the tribal chief's tent, dismounted per steppe custom, and respectfully saluted inside the tent.

The tribal chief, an old man with a wrinkled face but sharp eyes, slowly stepped out of the tent, followed by several tribal elders and warriors.

"Guests from afar, what brings you to our territory?"

Although the chief's voice was hoarse, it carried an undeniable authority.

From the envoy group stepped a young, handsome man; he took a step forward and respectfully replied, "Honored tribal chief, we are envoys from the Great Qian's Cangzhou."

"We have come hoping to establish friendly relations with your tribe and, through exchange, achieve mutual benefit."

The chief nodded slightly, signaling the envoy to continue.

The envoy then said, "Our Cangzhou possesses a large quantity of arms and armor, all exquisitely crafted and immensely powerful weapons."

"We hope to trade these arms and armor for your tribe's warhorses."

"We believe such an exchange would benefit both sides."

Having heard the envoy's words, the chief fell into contemplation.

He clearly knew that the arms and armor of the various Central Plains dynasties were renowned throughout the steppe, their sharpness and sturdiness sufficient to double any tribe's strength.

And warhorses, for the steppe tribes, are as vital as life itself.

They are not only tools for transport and logistics, but also capable aides in battle and hunting.

"Your proposal is quite attractive."

The chief slowly spoke, "But warhorses are our tribe's pride, bearing our history and glory; we cannot make a decision lightly."

The envoy smiled and said, "We fully understand your concerns."

"But please believe that our lord proposed this exchange out of sincere and friendly intentions."

"We know how important warhorses are to your tribe, so we are willing to trade the finest arms and armor."

"This is not only an acknowledgment of the value of warhorses, but also a symbol of respect and friendship toward your tribe."

As for whether they are the newest, that does not matter.

Looking new is sufficient.

In order to be good neighbors on the steppe.

The top troublemaker.

Su Ye deliberately mobilized a large number of artisans.

He simply refurbished all these old or second-hand standard weapons.

It's no problem to fool these small tribes' barbarians.

As for those larger tribes, naturally there is another batch of more refined

Eh, second-hand goods.

Looking at the envoy's sincere eyes, the chief's heart could not help but waver.

After hesitating a moment, he turned and conferred quietly with the elders behind him.

The elders behind him voiced their opinions, most supporting the exchange, deeming it a rare opportunity;

after all, a hungry wolf with great ambition has suddenly appeared nearby.

Having somewhat better weapons, at least they could sleep a little more comfortably at night.

Others held opposing views, worrying it would invite unnecessary trouble.

"We are willing to conduct an exchange with you."

"But we have a condition: the arms and armor to be exchanged must be the best, most excellent."

"We cannot trade our pride for inferior goods."

After lengthy discussion, the chief finally made up his mind, turned, and said to the envoy.

Although they themselves could not tell whether it was the best.

But that did not prevent them from saying so.

Upon hearing this, the envoy was overjoyed and quickly assured, "Please rest assured, the arms and armor we brought are all top-quality goods carefully selected."

"Our lord attaches great importance to this exchange and will certainly not disappoint you."

Eh.

"This careful selection means they have been carefully refurbished."

Both sides then immediately began detailed talks and negotiations.

The envoys displayed the arms and armor samples they brought, each piece shining brightly and exuding a chilling aura.

These few items are indeed new.

The tribe's chief and elders carefully inspected these weapons, occasionally nodding in professional praise.

They looked at the several brand-new weapons and armor before them.

The tribe's chief and elders were immediately moved by the envoys' sincerity (acting), deciding to send their finest youths to select warhorses to ensure a fair and smooth exchange.

After an inspection, the chief decided to conduct more in-depth negotiations with the envoys.

They engaged in a heated discussion over the details of the exchange, such as the ratio, timing, and method.

The envoys fully displayed the great sincerity and strength from Cangzhou, while the chief firmly upheld the tribe's interests.

The negotiations lasted several days, with both sides striving to find a mutually beneficial solution.

Finally, moved by the envoys' patience and sincerity (coaxing), the chief agreed to the exchange terms.

The arrival of these envoys from Cangzhou was like a massive stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples upon ripples.

The tribes on the plains all sent out scouts, who observed this unfamiliar troupe from afar and speculated about their purpose.

After finalizing the trade with the first tribe, they immediately rushed on to the next tribe—the White Deer Tribe.

The chief of the White Deer Tribe, a middle-aged man of sturdy build and stern countenance, led the tribe's warriors to greet the envoys at the tribe's border.

The envoys dismounted, paid their respects, and presented the letter and exquisite gift from the current Cangzhou Inspector—namely, Su Ye's personal letter and a fine gift.

The White Deer Tribe chief unfolded the letter, read it carefully, and a complex expression appeared on his face.

The envoys took the opportunity to explain their exchange intent, displaying the weapon and armor samples they had brought—sharp swords, sturdy shields, exquisite armor—each emitting a cold gleam.

After a heated discussion and careful consideration, the chief of the White Deer Tribe also decided to accept the exchange.

He sent out the tribe's most shrewd elder in trade to discuss the exchange ratio and details in depth with the envoys.

(End of chapter)