I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1137 Betrayal by a Subordinate State
Kingdom of Armenia.

A heated debate is unfolding in the royal palace of the capital, Altashat, but the topic is not whether to side with Rome or the Han Dynasty, but rather when and how to send troops.

It's not that the Armenians are trying to play any tricks; it's that they simply have no other choice.

As a kingdom located at the border between Rome and Parthia, Armenia has always been the target of these two great powers. For a considerable period of time, the Kingdom of Armenia practiced a co-governance model in which the Parthians nominated their kings and the Romans crowned them.

The turning point came in 114 AD when Roman Emperor Trajan launched a major invasion and deposed King Parthamassiris. Armenia was then without a king and was directly annexed by the Roman Empire, becoming a province.

This situation did not last long. After Emperor Hadrian, who succeeded Armenia, adjusted the Eastern policy, Armenia was once again released as a vassal state and had its own king.

This vassal relationship was far closer and more unequal than ever before. The Romans maintained firm control over Armenia's domestic and foreign affairs by supporting pro-Roman nobles, sending advisors, and even stationing troops there directly. Successive Armenian kings were less monarchs and more senior agents of the Roman governors; any attempt to break free from Roman control would result in severe punishment or even military intervention.

The current king, Volognes II, relied on the support of the Roman governor of Syria for his throne. His court was filled with Roman spies, his army had Roman "instructors," and even most of the kingdom's tax revenue and mineral resources flowed into the Roman treasury.

Therefore, when the secret order from the Governor of Syria—demanding that Armenia immediately assemble its army to attack the flanks or supply lines of the Han army before the main force had fully crossed the Euphrates River and established a firm foothold—was delivered to Arta Saud, Vologis II had absolutely no room to refuse.

Refuse? That would mean being immediately deposed by Rome, and might even lead to a Roman legionary "suppression" of the rebellion.

Therefore, in the royal council chamber, the focus of the debate was not "war or surrender," but "how to fight."

"We must send troops immediately!" a young nobleman deeply influenced by Rome declared passionately. "This is the best opportunity to demonstrate our loyalty to Rome! Although the Han army is numerous, they are exhausted from their long journey and have just taken over Ctesiphon, so they will surely be lax. Our army is familiar with the terrain, and if we can launch a surprise attack, we will surely inflict heavy losses on the enemy. When the Roman army arrives, we can attack from both the east and the west, and we will surely achieve a complete victory! His Majesty will also gain special favor from the Roman Senate for this achievement!"

"Reckless!" an old general with gray hair retorted sharply. "A surprise attack? What kind of surprise attack? The Han army's scouts are like vultures everywhere. They'll know the moment our army moves! Look at the Parthians' fate! How did Ecbatana fall? How did the 30,000 iron cavalry at Bailaomen disappear? Can a surprise attack defeat that kind of enemy? We're throwing eggs against a rock. We're bleeding Armenia dry for the Romans' ambitions!"

"Just because the enemy is strong, are we going to sit idly by and wait to die, betraying Rome's trust?" the young nobleman retorted. "If we don't send troops, once the Han army has completely conquered Parthia, our next target will be us! At that time, will Rome still protect a disobedient vassal?"

"Rome's protection?" The old general scoffed. "When have they ever truly protected us, other than demanding gold and soldiers? Where are their legions? It's just empty words! Sending us to our deaths!"

"You're a coward! You're a traitor!"

"You are foolish! You are going to destroy the country!" The two sides argued endlessly, their voices growing louder and louder, almost to the point of drawing their swords. The courtiers were also divided into several factions, some advocating war, some advocating defense, and others filled with fear and confusion.

Volognes II sat on the throne, his face grim, his fingers gripping the armrests so tightly his knuckles turned white. He knew all too well that this was a Roman scheme to use one enemy against another, and he knew that this journey was fraught with peril. But he had no choice. His power, his crown, even the lives of his family, all rested on the Romans' whim.

However, he also keenly noticed that the arrival of the Han people might be the key to breaking the shackles of the Romans.

So he slowly mobilized his troops, declaring that he would respond to the Romans' call, while secretly sending trusted envoys to the Han Chinese city of Anxi to report on the situation there.

"Armenia is quite interesting."

Su Yao pinched his chin and, after listening to Jia Xu explain the reason, suddenly realized that this seemed to have given them a very good opportunity to intervene.

"While feigning goodwill towards Rome, he secretly extended an olive branch to us. This Vologus II is indeed a clever man who knows how to assess the situation."

Jia Xu bowed slightly and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty is wise. According to reports from our spies, there is already widespread resentment within Armenia towards the oppression of Rome. Although Volognes II is under Roman control, he has been looking for an opportunity to break free. Now that our army is advancing westward with unstoppable momentum, he naturally sees the possibility of using our strength against us. This secret report is both a gesture of goodwill and a test—he wants to see if Your Majesty is willing to accept Armenia's surrender, and what conditions Your Majesty can offer."

"Conditions?" Su Yao laughed, stood up, and walked to the huge map hanging in the tent. He pointed to Armenia. "Tell Vologis that my conditions are simple: if he is willing to lead the entire nation of Armenia to submit, I will grant him a hereditary Armenian throne, allowing him to continue ruling his country. However, he must accept my investiture, obey my commands, use my reign title, practice Han etiquette, and learn the Han language. His army must be reorganized by generals appointed by me and incorporated into the Anxi Protectorate system. As for Rome..."

Su Yao's lips curled into a cold smile: "I just happen to need a reason to march west. If the Romans dare to wage war against me for this, I will personally lead my army to conquer Syria and storm the Roman Senate! I will make sure they have no need to worry about the Roman threat; my military might will be their strongest backing!"

A glint flashed in Jia Xu's eyes, and he immediately understood Su Yao's strategic intentions: "Your Majesty is wise! In this way, we can take Armenia, this barrier to Rome, without shedding a drop of blood, and use it as a breakthrough to further intimidate the western countries. I will arrange for a reliable person to have a secret talk with the envoy from Vologus, and I will make sure to convey Your Majesty's divine might and grace clearly."

"Go," Su Yao waved his hand. "And tell Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun that while the glory of conquering a country is gone, there will be plenty of opportunities to expand into the western frontier and show off to Rome. Let them prepare their armies for war. Once the Western frontier is sealed, I will personally lead them across the Euphrates River to meet those so-called 'invincible' Roman legions!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Jia Xu bowed and withdrew, his steps light and quick.

Upon hearing this, the generals in the tent, whose morale had been somewhat low due to missing the decisive battle of Ctesiphon, instantly surged again, and their eyes blazed with renewed fervor.

(End of this chapter)