Mythical Three Kingdoms

While Zhongg Ji in Chang’an was contemplating how to proceed, Zhang Song and others on the Indochina Peninsula were writing letters to Liu Zhang, saying that they had conquered the entire south, and had pushed all the way to the coast. For the stability of the Han Dynasty, they needed to settle down here for a while.

In short, most of these people did not plan to return home. Returning to Chengdu might just invite scolding from Liu Zhang, but not going back and sending a letter to report the victory would be no problem at all, since Liu Zhang would definitely not come personally.

”We must send a few people back this time to report the achievements. As for the smaller countries, those documents from the eight states must be reported. These are our Lord’s accomplishments.” Zhang Su turned his head and spoke to the others around him.

Speaking of Zhang Su, he indeed had moments of misleading Liu Zhang, but honestly, Zhang Su never had any intention of harming Liu Zhang. Therefore, after the war, having acquired substantial benefits and truly established the authority of the Han Dynasty on the Indochina Peninsula, Zhang Su’s first reaction was to report to Liu Zhang.

Because this was indeed a great achievement, reporting it to Liu Zhang would be enough for him to gain some recognition among other Feudal Lords.

”Why don’t I return?” Qin Mi pondered for a moment and then said, ”Given our Lord’s habits, he surely won’t miss reporting to the Emperor, and those ceremonies would inevitably fall on me to handle.”

”If that’s the case, then I’ll go too.” Zhang Song stroked his chin and said, ”Actually, Zichi, you are overthinking. Given the current situation, once we report our achievements, our Lord will surely personally go to Chang’an to report to the Emperor, as he is still young.”

”In that case, I’ll also return.” Yan Yan thought for a moment and said, ”If our Lord decides to head to Chang’an, I can escort him.”

”Alright.” Zhang Su nodded upon hearing this. He was not a fool and knew that this achievement would certainly prompt Liu Zhang, who was constantly lacking in merit, to personally go to Chang’an to report. Though they were uncertain of the Northern Frontier situation, it was obvious to them that a major victory occurred.

Given Zhang Song and others’ speculations about the actual combat power differences between Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and their own strength, they believed this would be the Northern Huns’ last appearance.

Thus, after this battle, there would definitely be ancestral worship at the Grand Ancestral Temple. Even those under orders of not being allowed to leave their feifdom without imperial decree had the privilege to participate such sacrifices.

Because the significance of this report to the Grand Ancestral Temple was extremely vital, the restrictions from future Liu Surname emperors on Feudal Lord Kings were nothing compared to participating in the major celebration of the Huns’ eradication. What’s more, these types of sacrifices inherently granted participation rights to Liu Surname feudal lords.

Given Liu Zhang’s achievements this time, he would surely head to Chang’an, partly to participate in ancestral worship, partly to declare his contributions, and also seize this opportunity when no disruptions are possible to relocate and give proper burial to his two elder brothers’ remains to Sichuan and Shu.

”General E should also proceed all the way there to avoid being looked down upon by others.” Zhang Su glanced at E Huan and mentioned. Since ancestral worship was unavoidable, Liu Zhang’s face could not be smeared. Though unlikely to be slighted, Liu Zhang’s somewhat timid disposition required consideration.

Though during the time of the Northern Huns’ incursion south, Liu Zhang had a seemingly crazy intent to target the Northern Huns, Zhang Su was clear that once that period passed, Liu Zhang would revert to his somewhat cowardly nature, surely being underappreciated upon reaching Chang’an.

Strong power coupled with a timid character meant a gentleman akin to jade, valuing peace; weak power paired with timidity in those times meant a piece of fat meat.

With two capable of Inner Qi Manifestation, along with a sage possessing Spiritual Talent, no one would underestimate regardless of where traveled. Concerning revealing their base, Zhang Su hardly cared. If they could, why not try to attack Yizhou; Sichuan and Shu’s natural fortress was not a joke, those experts could indeed fly left and right but your armies could not fly over.

”Alright.” Yan Yan nodded and remarked, ”Then leave this place in General Zhang’s care.”

”I will certainly give our Lord a satisfying outcome.” Zhang Ren clasped his hands solemnly. He understood that half of Yan Yan’s reason for departure was to relinquish authority to him.

”However, stay here for a few days first; it shouldn’t be long before Kushan offers us a satisfactory reply. Once the framework for both countries’ state documents is established, you can proceed to leave. At that time, Leitong, Wu Lan, Deng Xian, Liu Gui, you all will return together.” Zhang Su addressed Yan Yan.

Hearing his words, everyone clasped their fists and paid their respects. After returning, Liu Zhang was bound to traverse the Yangtze River out of Sichuan, leading inevitably to empty Sichuan and Shu. However, should Wu Lan, Leitong, Deng Xian, Liu Gui each guard Yangping Pass, Jiange, Jiameng Pass, unless facing exceptionally strong opponents, five to six thousand men would be enough to securely hold Sichuan and Shu.

”As for the following days, each of you should lead three thousand men, raze these tribes, and bring back all their stores; take along good items for our Lord; send them back on Dian horses at that time.” Zhang Su said as he took the map from Qin Mi and pointed at the tribes scattered around.

Leitong, Ling Bao, and others lowered their heads to examine the tribes assigned by Zhang Su, then nodded in assurance to complete their task.

”Remember not to spend too much time, return within three days, we are quite pressed for time, but rushing a bit can make it.” Zhang Su addressed the few people, who understood the situation at heart.

”Zichi, dispatch riders swiftly these days to notify the states not needing annihilation, have them prepare documents and the tributary rare treasures, inform them to avoid presenting difficult items.” Zhang Su turned to Qin Mi.

”I previously informed them, but missed that later statement, should I notify them again?” Qin Mi responded immediately. He was originally handling these matters, and since everyone was quite busy, Qin Mi held autonomous power in this regard.

”Then that will be enough, no additional notice needed, leave behind those cumbersome treasures at the camp; someone will deal with them later.” Zhang Su waved casually, completely unconcerned with it, ”How’s the investigation I previously tasked you with?”

”Impossible; the Spiritual Relic is a Kushan treasure, only seven exist in entire Kushan, and one was lost not long ago, their aggressive expansion had much to do with searching for the Spiritual Relic.” Qin Mi shook his head and said.

”What about the backup plan?” Huang Quan asked.

”No problem; I’ve discovered something that allows people to understand other languages can be substituted with another derived treasure bead, and although this treasure bead is rare in Kushan, we can still acquire it.” Qin Mi nodded at Huang Quan.