Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1207: Chapter 1163: Heart of the Empire

Chen Xi was unaware that the grand vision he painted for Li Youu and others had already been validated by Li Jue, while the Roman Empire, originally on the brink of chaos, was forcibly restrained from self-destruction due to a powerful opponent under the high heavens.

Unlike Parthia, which continued to fail against its own people even after understanding the power gap between the two sides, the Romans faced their adversaries with great solemnity.

The peril of Rome entering the Third Century largely stemmed from a lack of opponents, much like the undefeated Han Dynasty’s global dominance in the past, Rome, after toppling Parthia, entered an invincible state, with the world having no rival against it.

In such an era of strength without external enemies, it seemed that no one could resist the urge for self-sabotage; this situation could not be salvaged by either the East or the West.

In the past, Rome never received news of another powerful empire, but this lifetime, after Ganasis’s battle in Central Asia, whether Rome wins or loses, it understands that it is not alone in the world, as far in the East, there is another mighty empire like theirs aiming to conquer the world.

That vast distance cannot curb Roman ambition, nor do the Romans believe that the sweeping sands can hinder another empire’s determination for conquest.

An empire never extinguishes its aspirations merely because its opponent is far away, nor does it perish simply due to a powerful adversary. An empire does not fear long expeditions nor failure, ever lonely yet proud, constantly ready to conquer its adversary.

A country is destined for ruin through love of warfare; this saying never applies to an empire. For an empire, peace only brings lethargy, while only the battlefield of iron and blood can forge an eternal empire. Once external wars cease, once the empire’s conquests halt, the empire enters its twilight years.

A thriving dynasty always harbors the resolve to expand territories without fearing others and possesses an undefeated conviction. When conquest stagnates, when foes bow, the empire loses its erstwhile authority, and the internal struggles and clashes of vested interests turn the empire into fleeting smoke.

In bygone days, the Han Dynasty, today, Rome, both have already begun to cross their imperial peak. The full moon wanes, as does an empire. The difference is, Romans still have a century-long rival named Parthia, while the Han Dynasty no longer faces enemies.

The collapse of the Parthian Empire also signifies the fall of Rome’s glory. When the conquest halts in Central Asia, it illustrates the empire’s internal strife has commenced, and since the empire’s iron and fire cannot burst outward, they are destined to vent inward.

Neither did the illustrious Rome nor the strong Han Dynasty fall at the hand of external enemies; in the end, they disgracefully crumbled under the weight of their own people. All the empire’s splendor eventually faded, leaving behind traces for reminiscence.

Yet all these will not happen once Li Jue appears in Central Asia and Roman men laugh while holding Parthia in check.

The Romans have no concept of two suns in the sky nor two masters of the land, but this does not mean the Romans would permit a mighty empire, strong enough to plunge them into the abyss, to exist beside them.

Likewise, after sweeping the prairie and subduing the north and south, the Han Empire, when looking back at Central Asia and seeing the formidable Great Qin Empire, would hardly harbor joyful thoughts.

No matter how vast the thousands of miles between them, no matter if they share a land, this cannot impede an empire’s determination. A strong enemy is not a threat to an empire; rather, it should be seen as a driving force!

Because it is strong, because it fears, because it is confident, because it is wary, for countless reasons, however distant, the empire’s heart for conquest does not cease.

Just like the Roman Parliament upon receiving the message from the Duke of Border Commandery, it promptly suppressed parliamentary turmoil, begin redirecting conflicts outward, much like Li Youu and others, upon receiving Li Jue’s transmitted news, first think of achieving unification to compete against the other.

However, unlike Rome, Li Youu and others had already been battered by Chen Xi before the news arrived, having enough psychological preparation, completely different from Rome where many still verbalized disbelief.

Nonetheless, currently the Romans remain a unified nation, possessing considerable advantages in many areas. At least, they have fully integrated their internal situation, summoning vassal states to re-arm faster than the Han Empire.

In summary, when the sages at the top saw another great empire clearly appear on the continent, their eyes turned red. What an ancient empire signifies is understood by both parties, and the power of a mighty empire’s threats is clear to them as well.

The battle of empires began when Li Jue met Ganasis, confident and proud empires, confident and equally proud Romans and Han people, all destined for inevitable conflict.

Even with the vast distance signifying an impossible direct collision, the existence of empires inevitably means refusing to concede. Warfare on home soil is scarcely possible, and the place where they will battle has already been delineated in Ganasis and Li Jue’s conversations.

Like Romans ignoring Parthia, when the Han Empire enters the true competitive phase, it will also disregard Parthian interests. The empire that steps beyond national borders is the true beast; within a country, regardless of circumstances, it cannot exhibit imperial demeanor.

Just as Li Jue stepped beyond national borders and correctly aligned his position following a discourse with Ganasis, an empire is never borne from mere internal bravado, but from stepping beyond borders to conquer, to subdue enemy states, rivals, relying on its own courage to stand firm!

Like dragons not dwelling among snakes, nor tigers considering mad dogs enemies, an empire’s friends and foes are only empires; this empire can be an enemy, or it could be itself, but the empire’s collapse is never the result of small country’s effort, rather it’s usually self-inflicted...

What exactly constitutes an empire, even Chen Xi struggles to articulate fully, but Li Jue can articulate it now—an empire is a will, a demeanor, also a momentum, an attitude allowing you to traverse the world fearlessly.

Majestic Huaxia, during the Late Han, just how many could comprehend Ban Chao leading tens of men subjugating multiple Western Regions’ states mindset, fear that even now few understand during Tang Era when Wang Xuance alone destroyed a nation what mindset that was.

The empire stands behind me, thus I am fearless. Should I perish, my mother country behind me will demand a reckoning from your entire nation.

Compared to the empire’s glory, what worth is my life? Stepping beyond national borders, at the moment, to safeguard the empire’s glory, what worth should I place on my life that cannot be discarded? The strength of the Han and Tang is not merely armor and weapons, stronger still are the imperial hearts hidden within every citizen! (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)