Mythical Three Kingdoms

The sages of the Han Dynasty far away in the Central Plains are completely unaware of the enormous upheaval happening in the distant Parthian Empire.

Previously, their situation was slightly better than Liu Xie’s, but as the nation faces nearly irresistible external threats, internally, there are numerous parasites striving to hollow out the country’s pillars.

If we were to discuss each other’s circumstances, considering the domestic complexities and the enormous threat from Rome abroad, Vologases V might not be much better off than Liu Xie. However, unlike Liu Xie, Vologases V chose to resist.

He sold off the palace’s luxuries and personally sought out capable individuals among the countryside who could assist him, gradually gathering this strength.

Just like the Han Empire, which does not lack Inner Qi Manifestation, Parthia and Kushan also do not lack it. Nevertheless, when Li Jue visited Taysi Sealed, he did not encounter any Inner Qi Manifestation individuals, because they did not acknowledge Vologases V; they were waiting, waiting for a monarch to appear capable of ruling them.

Just like when in Chang’an, Zhong Yao, Sima Lang, and others were looking at Liu Xie, waiting for Liu Xie to make a decision, but what these sages ended up waiting for was only bitterness.

Similarly, when Cao Cao and Liu Bei, with full passion, waited for the Emperor at the beginning, in the end, what these loyal individuals received was only disillusionment.

In chaotic times, heroes are never lacking, and the legacy of the Han still exists, but how many exceptionally wise sages and world-renowned martial artists once waited for the Emperor to show his courage, only to wait until disillusioned, despondent, never having witnessed the Emperor’s heroic side.

In desperation, they could only turn to monarchs who looked agreeable to them; this is the chaotic world, where monarchs choose ministers, and ministers also choose monarchs. If a monarch lacks any outstanding qualities, then even if someone pledges allegiance, it only leads to a dead end.

This is also why there are so many loyal and righteous Inner Qi Manifestation level military generals in the Han Dynasty, yet nothing significant surrounds Liu Xie, because Liu Xie’s performance is too poor, so poor that unless one is blindly loyal, others dare not directly align with him.

Vologases V, however, after halting the battle with Rome, showcased his commanding presence, causing some talented individuals of Parthia to feel that this lord might have potential, so occasionally people came to pledge allegiance, and though so far only three have Inner Qi Manifestation, this already explains a lot.

Therefore, Vologases V now desperately needs to create a significant event to let all of Parthia know that only he, Vologases V, can save Parthia!

In reality, it’s similar to Vasu Deva I’s rhythm; previously, he treated himself like a pig to be raised. Over the years since ascending the throne, the number of experts seeking allegiance was few, and even those who came were merely idling, not giving their all.

However, once Vasu Deva I began to act manically and even displayed heroism on par with the founding monarch, as the visible highest authority in the Kushan Empire, once he showcased the necessary courage, of course, heroes from all over the world surged to swear allegiance.

Similarly, if Vologases V indeed uses the Sulun Family as a whetstone to forge himself into a peerless ferocious soldier, then the talents and sages of the Parthian Empire hidden among All Living Beings will also swarm towards Vologases V like a tide.

This is the true foundation of an imperial emperor; regardless of whether you are a puppet or held hostage, as long as he sits in that position and exhibits enough capability to move the country forward, numerous people will come to pledge allegiance.

This is also the difference between those on stage and those hidden in the shadows; stepping onto the stage has many disadvantages but also many advantages; a power that cannot stand on the stage implies it has an unavoidable shortcoming, which is the inability to obtain benefits openly and fairly.

Vologases V’s current choice is almost a strategic risk, but undeniably, if successful, there is a great possibility that the Parthian Empire will be led down another path by him. As to whether this path leads to an abyss, it no longer matters to Parthia at present; at least having a path is better than facing immediate death.

Additionally, with Vologases V’s thinking, if he has worked this hard and Parthia still fails, then there’s nothing to say; it’s entirely the Lord of Heaven’s problem, so it’s enough to do one’s best and accept the Mandate of Heaven. In any case, doing one’s utmost for the sake of Parthia, at least proves he did not waste his life.

Thus, the current Parthia is in a state of calm before the storm; this eerie atmosphere is even felt by some minor nobles who sense the odd vibes. As for the Seven Great Nobles, because Vologases V has done so well with confidentiality and his own strength is formidable, although curious about what Vologases V intends to do, they are not really afraid.

Among the Seven Great Parthian Nobles is one family—the Kalan Family from Nihavand. This family’s primary significance among the seven is to restrain the Sulun Family, and as a family that has done so before the existence of Parthia, and still hasn’t been extinguished by the Sulun Family, it already sufficiently demonstrates this family’s foundation.

And on this day, the Kalan Family received a secret message from Vologases V, inviting them to join him in suppressing the Sulun Family. As two families that have opposed each other for hundreds of years, of course, they won’t miss an opportunity to undermine the opposite side.