Call of the Heroes of Chaos in Another World

Chapter 2373 Ziya Meets Muren: A Conflict of Interests

Jiang Ziya wanted to quell the external conflict as quickly as possible, but he did not place all his hopes on the envoys sent to the front lines, nor did he expect to secure peace talks with mere words.

Almost before Jiang Chaoyu and Yue Fei went to war, Wang Yingkan of the Han Dynasty secretly began to travel by sea to Zhu Yuanzhang's territory.

By this time, Wang Yingkan had already arrived in Zhu Yuanzhang's territory and the two sides had established initial contact.

After entering Zhu Yuanzhang's territory, Wang Yingkan publicly revealed his identity so that he could meet Zhu Yuanzhang as soon as possible.

Therefore, Wang Ying realized that so much time had passed since they were on Zhu Ming's territory. If Jiang Qian's side still hadn't received any news, they wouldn't be alive now!
During the war against the Song Dynasty, the Han Dynasty couldn't wait to contact Zhu Yuanzhang. This shows that the Han Dynasty definitely considered the Qian Dynasty as its next target.

Under these circumstances, Jiang Ziya would be even less likely to expect to achieve peace through mere words.

The Han dynasty's alliance with Zhu Yuanzhang was a classic example of the strategy of befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones. At the same time, Jiang Ziya's alliance with Mu Ren was also a classic example of this strategy, aiming to increase the Han dynasty's external threats in the northeast.

Muren was a student from the Sun Kingdom studying in Daqian and an important member of the Sun Kingdom's royal family.

The Sun Kingdom not only sent envoys and students to the Han Dynasty, but also to the Great Qian Dynasty, and even the previously destroyed Great Yan Dynasty.

At this moment, in the capital of the Great Qian Dynasty, in a seemingly ordinary yet elegant residence, though not an official post station, it served as a secret meeting place for certain powerful figures of the Great Qian. Outside, the snow continued to fall, but inside, it was warm and cozy, filled with the aroma of tea.

Jiang Ziya knelt on a futon, his hair and beard were silver, his face was thin and gaunt, and his old eyes were half open and half closed, as if he was resting and contemplating all things in the world.

"Student Muren greets Grandfather." Muren bowed deeply according to the etiquette of the Great Qian Dynasty, speaking respectfully.

The man in front of me, Mu Ren, looked to be in his early twenties. His face still had a touch of youthful innocence, but his demeanor exuded a composure and forbearance that belied his age.

Jiang Ziya smiled gently, like a kind elder, and reached out to help him up: "Young friend Muren, there's no need for such formality. I've heard that you have a great understanding of the classics, history, philosophy, and literature at the Great Qian Imperial Academy. You are truly a remarkable person."

"You flatter me, Grandfather." Mu Ren knelt humbly opposite Jiang Ziya, his back ramrod straight.

"The culture of the Great Qian Dynasty is profound and extensive. What I have learned is only the tip of the iceberg. It is truly an honor to be summoned by Taigong."

After the maid served the fragrant tea, she withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the room.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Jiang Ziya changed the subject, saying, "Young friend, you come from the Land of the Sun, so you must also have some insights into the situation of the Eastern Barbarians."

Mu Ren's heart stirred. Jiang Ziya took the initiative to come to him and brought up the situation of the Eastern Yi. His innate political sensitivity made him realize something.

Therefore, he replied, "Although the land of Dongyi is remote, it is rich in minerals and its geographical location is quite important. It is a crucial place for all forces."

Muren's words were actually quite ambiguous.

Jiang Ziya picked up his teacup, blew on it gently, and said, “Important? Heh, for the Han Dynasty, perhaps so. After all, how can we allow others to snore beside our bed? With the Han Dynasty’s current momentum of swallowing up the Song Dynasty and its military might, the meat that the Eastern Yi are nibbling at will probably fall into their mouths sooner or later.”

Although Jiang Ziya's tone was calm, it still made Muren's heart tighten. Even though he had already guessed that Jiang Ziya would focus on the Dongyi region, it was still the region that could most directly provoke the Sun Kingdom.

Muren's fingers tightened slightly as he held the teacup, but he tried to keep his face calm: "What Grandfather said is very true. The Han Dynasty is indeed powerful."

Jiang Ziya took in his subtle reactions, put down his teacup, lowered his voice, and said with a heartfelt tone, "Young friend Muren, befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones is a principle that has been followed since ancient times."

"The Sun Kingdom and our Great Qian are separated by vast oceans and have no direct conflict of interest. However, the Great Han's ambitions probably extend beyond the Central Plains. Once it consolidates its control over the Zhao Song territory, will it let the Eastern Yi go?"

"Furthermore, if the Han Dynasty were to annex the Eastern Yi, where would its naval forces be headed next?"

Mukuren used the excuse of drinking tea to cover his drastically changed expression with his robe.

The Han's offensive power and speed of advance not only shocked the Great Qian Dynasty, but also the Sun Kingdom!
The Great Qian Dynasty did not expect that the Great Han Dynasty would destroy the Great Yan Dynasty in such a short time, and then destroy the Great Song Dynasty in one fell swoop. Did the Sun Kingdom expect this?

If they had anticipated the Han Dynasty's offensive power, their attitude towards foreign affairs in the previous two years would have been completely different.

The lands of the Eastern Barbarians—this is the springboard from which the Sun Kingdom seeks to seize the eastern continent of Tianqi. If they can't start with the Eastern Barbarians, where else can the Sun Kingdom expand? There's simply no other way!

Comparatively speaking, the seas of Daqian are too far away from them, making a cross-sea expedition unlikely!

Apart from the Eastern Yi, the Han Dynasty may have the possibility of launching a cross-sea expedition, but once the Han Dynasty has digested the gains from this battle, can the disparity in national strength between the two sides support them to do so?

Next, in the Northeast region, the Great Han and the Sun Kingdom will likely face the most direct conflict of interest.

"I understand what you mean, Grandfather!"

"But I wonder what the Great Qian can offer my Sun Kingdom?" Mu Ren said calmly after taking a sip of tea.

Seeing this, Jiang Ziya knew that this important member of the royal family of the Sun Kingdom had truly taken his words to heart.

Jiang Ziya indeed preferred talking to these intelligent people. After all, he didn't need to waste his breath on them; a simple explanation was enough for them to follow along with his own thoughts.

In response to Mu Ren's question, Jiang Ziya replied, "Our Great Qian has always been happy to see peace and prosperity throughout the land and strong friendly nations. It is not impossible to provide some conveniences to some far-sighted and promising friends, such as intelligence, some obsolete weapons, or even some 'advisors'."

“Your Excellency is truly virtuous! However… I am but a humble student with little influence. Such a significant matter must be reported to the Emperor and decided upon by the Emperor.” Mutsuhito then spoke up.

Although he was an important member of the royal family, he only had the right to make suggestions on such important matters, but had no right to make any decisions.

Jiang Ziya neither confirmed nor denied this; he only needed to convey the attitude of the Great Qian Dynasty to the high-ranking officials of the Sun Kingdom through Muren.

One day in the future, when the Han Dynasty takes action against the Eastern Yi region, the Sun Kingdom, whose fundamental interests will be affected, will naturally know what to choose.

(End of this chapter)