Mythical Three Kingdoms

This request is something Zhang Su and others are aware of in their hearts. After all, after winning the previous battle agreement, they had estimated that once the opposing party had calmed down, they would need to engage in negotiations.

This is something both the Han Army and Kushan very much need. Some things are lacking unless discussed in person, so Zhang Su and others have also estimated this aspect. However, the place is quite important.

Firstly, it cannot be in either party’s camp. Even though after winning the earlier battle agreement, the Han Army released Kushan, asking Yan Yan to take more than ten people to the Kushan camp was out of the question. Yan Yan is not foolish; this is beyond a matter of courage.

Similarly, even though Kushan was captured and released by the Han Army once, it doesn’t mean Brack is willing to be humiliated like that again. Even if they believe in the generosity of the Han Dynasty, who previously didn’t strike mortally, they wouldn’t do such a thing this time as well, but it’s ultimately not a very comfortable feeling.

Therefore, Kushan would negotiate in detail with the Han Army, but they certainly wouldn’t go to the Han camp for such negotiations. Likewise, as long as the Han Army is rational, they wouldn’t go to the Kushan camp.

Thus, the place for detailed negotiations between Kushan and the Han Army could only be chosen elsewhere. However, the Han Dynasty is not very familiar with the area, and recently the main focus has been on dealing with those vassal states that haven’t proven their existence for many years.

Zhang Su, Qin Mi, and others are also not keen on doing these tedious tasks, so eventually, the matter was handed over to Kushan. It was a gesture of goodwill to them, asking them to propose a plan, as long as it’s acceptable, that’s it.

Now, the proposal coming from Kushan was like this: we know you probably don’t want to come to our camp, and we don’t particularly want to go to your camp either. How about this--we’ll come up with three places, and you pick one. Whatever you choose, we’ll both send people to set it up.

Under the diligent explanation of the Kushan Envoy over the map, Zhang Su and others conferred a bit and settled on the Ganges River. Although it is a bit far from both sides, this is fine. Being distant is good too, so they chose a place more than a hundred miles downstream from where the Ganges and Jamuna Rivers merge, then both sides would make preparations to build something there as a souvenir.

Anyhow, the construction won’t be done by themselves. Zhang Su thought to himself that they would deal with that later when they go. In the meantime, these couple of days would be spent sorting out the nearby vassal states, and after dealing with this bunch, they would talk about going, since there’s still time.

After receiving a satisfactory reply, the Kushan Envoy rode back to his own camp. Compared to the Han Dynasty’s somewhat hesitative actions, Kushan right after confirming the meeting location sent a team of three thousand led by one with Inner Qi Manifestation ahead.

Brack also sent a letter to the Han Dynasty asking whether Kushan should help them prepare the various materials, as Kushan plans to build a permanent structure there, specifically a Buddha Pagoda, and inquiring whether the Han Dynasty has any requirements.

Zhang Su probably didn’t think too much at the time and directly asked Brack to prepare materials for a Forty-nine Heavenly Altar. Anyway, as long as there are major events, the Han Dynasty would have a ritual to the heavens, and such a ritual requires a Heavenly Altar. Zhang Su considered that since the other side will construct a permanent facility, they will build one as well.

Although they can’t build a grand Heavenly Altar of the nine-five system, constructing one for the forty-nine is doable, so they replied to Brack with this. However, when Zhang Su went over after a few days, they hadn’t even collected any stone for the Altar he wanted, and it was then that Zhang Su realized.

”Let’s get ready for the meeting as well; there isn’t much to say this time.” Zhang Su said with a smile to everyone, ”Our task is clear, that is to agree on the details of the state documents from both sides. As for military generals, just don’t lose the prestige of the Han Dynasty.”

”Of course, when the time comes, we won’t avoid inquiries about Kushan’s internal situation, and Kushan will inquire about ours; just say it truthfully, don’t be afraid of them. And lastly, don’t mix that barrel of high-distilled alcohol, take it and give it to Kushan.” Seeing the understanding look on the faces of the Civil and Military Officials, Zhang Su immediately laughed and said.

”Alcohol is really hard to say. I’ve recently gathered a lot of materials from Kushan; their primary way of cultivation is Buddha Visualization.” Qin Mi said with a furrowed brow, ”According to original Buddhist Scriptures, the Buddha doesn’t allow drinking alcohol without cause, though it can be used for medicinal purposes.”

”Uh, is there such a saying?” Zhang Song furrowed his brow and asked.

”Yes, there they emphasize that alcohol can obscure the form among the Five Aggregates, so Buddhists generally don’t drink alcohol, and you can see that they practice using these methods.” Qin Mi said helplessly, ”So, alcohol need not be prepared.”

”Still prepare it, the Great Yuezhi drank back then. Besides, why should we conform to their way? Drinking less is possible, but not drinking at all, does the loser have that right?” Wang Lei said disdainfully, ”For the first three toasts, no matter the reason, they must drink.”

”We are the victors; at least the general ritual must follow our customs. We can accommodate them, but don’t reverse the roles.” Huang Quan laughed and said, ”Not drinking is good, not drinking makes it easier to get them drunk. I don’t believe they’d dare to use Inner Qi to dissolve the alcohol right in front of us.”

Back when Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun showed such prowess at Hulao Pass, but after getting toasted by the Feudal Lords until their heads were spinning, no one dared to dissolve the alcohol using Inner Qi in front of others; that would be utterly disrespectful.