Chaos of the Three Kingdoms Summons

Chapter 2685 Zhang Qian's Mission, Life in the Harem

"The Kushan Empire is weak. If it is divided among the three powers, its defeat and demise are inevitable!"

"However, the leopards of the west and the wolves of the north have always been friendly. Your Highness, how should we distinguish between them?"

Even though the Kushan Empire was weakened, it was still a country with a population of tens of millions and an army of hundreds of thousands.

If you want to take action against such an opponent, even if you don't consider everything in advance and take every aspect into account, you should at least consider all the problems you can think of and prepare a contingency plan.

How should they be divided?

"But Vilier!"

"Trade with them for silk, tea, ceramics, refined salt, and white sugar!"

"In my humble opinion, the leopard in the west will not help the wolf in the north!" the crown prince replied with utmost confidence.

If the wolves in the north become so powerful that they cannot be contained, will the leopards in the west be happy?
It's important to understand that these two countries are allies because, even if there's a difference in their national strength, they're still on the same level—both are imperial-level powers. With both sides facing formidable enemies, neither dares to attack the other easily!

However, if the West helps the wolves in the North eliminate their Great Jin, do you think the wolves in the North will let them go next?

The reason their two companies were allied before was because of the mutual interests of both sides!
But if it harms my own interests, I'd be lucky not to even attack him, let alone help him! That's how it is between nations; everything is based on national interests!

Therefore, this has never really been a problem!
Furthermore, although they are allies, they are only allies. Why should they go to war with another powerful empire for the sake of an ally? The Second Persian Empire was able to build such a strong nation in such a complex and volatile environment; their leadership must not have lost their minds!
The Third Persian Empire now seeks a balance between several imperial powers, not to blindly help one swallow another, thereby creating a behemoth that it cannot even handle!

"The preparation for post-war trade with the west should be put before the war! The sooner the better! Contact the other side as soon as possible!"

"Alright then, you will draft an imperial edict for me later!"

"Let Zhang Qian, the Assistant Minister of Rites, take charge of this matter!"

The position of Assistant Minister of the Six Ministries was actually just a nominal post with no real power.

After all, there was no direct route to make contact with the Second Persian Empire, regardless of which route one took; one would either have to pass through the territory of the Yuan Dynasty or the territory of the Kushan Empire.

Naturally, they would choose someone of decent status but not so important in the court.

After all, it wouldn't be appropriate to send either Fang Xuanling, the Minister of Rites, or Zhang Yi, the Vice Minister, could it?

If the journey were to end prematurely, the loss for the imperial court would be entirely different.

"Your Majesty, I will immediately convey the decree to Physician Zhang!" the Crown Prince nodded and said.

Within the Ministry of Rites, it would indeed be difficult to find someone more suitable than him.

They have the ability, but their status isn't that high.

"good!"

"You may leave. Have Prince Jin come tomorrow!" Upon hearing the name Prince Jin, the Crown Prince visibly tensed up.

However, he still took his leave in a proper manner.

When the Crown Prince arrived, it was already after his afternoon nap. The father and son had been bickering for so long, and now it was almost evening.

Therefore, he went directly to the rear hall of the detached palace to have dinner with his beloved concubines.

In the rear palace of the detached palace, a scene of singing and dancing unfolded. The melodies played on the musical instruments were soft and gentle, exuding a languid charm. The twelve musicians were all beautiful palace maids.

In the rear hall, there was only Li Xiang, a real man. Even the personal guards would not easily enter the rear hall, but would perform their guard duties in the front hall!

In the center of the hall, the Great Zhou were dancing. This was quite different from usual!
Da Zhou is usually known for her gentle and dignified demeanor, as well as her many talents, but today... she seems like a completely different person!

She was only wearing a tight little top that accentuated her curves, with a loose layer of gauze covering it.

With that jump, her body twisted...

Wow! Everything was faintly visible under the thin veil, especially her trembling breasts, which swayed with her dance steps. Coupled with her alluring and seductive eyes, she looked exactly like a fairy!

Emperor Li Xiang leaned back on the soft couch, holding a wine cup in his hand, his eyes practically glued to the Great Zhou.

The virtuous concubine he was used to seeing suddenly turned wild and seductive, like a fire thrown into his heart, making him thirsty and hot all over!

There was someone sitting next to Li Xiang, Xiao Zhou, Da Zhou's younger sister. She was at the tender age of youth and beauty. When the Central Plains War ended, she and Da Zhou were given to Li Xiang.

However, Xiao Zhou was still young at that time, or rather, that age was nothing for people in ancient times. But for Li Xiang from later generations, it was somewhat unacceptable.

Therefore, it was only several years later that she finally gained the emperor's favor.

She also accompanied the emperor to drink and watch the dance. Her little face was flushed, whether from the alcohol or from being embarrassed by her sister's bold dance moves, she didn't know. Her eyes wanted to look but dared not, and she would steal glances at the emperor's staring eyes from time to time.

Emperor Li Xiang took a swig of wine, but the fiery liquid, instead of extinguishing the fire in his heart, only made it burn even brighter.

He glanced at the alluring and unrestrained Da Zhou on the dance floor, then looked at the shy, innocent, and lovely Xiao Zhou beside him, and for no reason, a surge of anger rose within him.

He grabbed Xiao Zhou's soft little hand and squeezed it in his rough, big hand.

Xiao Zhou trembled in shock, wanting to shrink back but not daring to, her face turning even redder, like a ripe peach. Looking at her flustered yet curious expression, Li Xiang's lustful desire intensified.

"My beloved concubine!" Li Xiang's voice was a little hoarse as he called out to Consort Zhou on the dance floor, his eyes still fixed on Xiao Zhou beside him. "You danced well! Come here! Have a good drink with me... and your sister!"

Upon hearing the summons, Da Zhou abruptly stopped her dance, her body glistening with fragrant sweat, and walked over, leaving a trail of sweet scent. A seductive smile graced her face as she softly nestled against the emperor's other side, her breath sweet as orchids: "I'm glad Your Majesty is pleased..."

The scenery beneath the thin veil is now much closer.

Li Xiang looked left at the glamorous older sister and right at the innocent younger sister, feeling the slightly trembling little hand of Xiao Zhou in his hand, and then at Consort Zhou's captivating eyes. All thoughts of the country and the imperial majesty were thrown to the winds at this moment.