Wind rises time and space gate

Chapter 525 Peace Talks
Zhao Guangyuan's words made Xirong and Fanjue very interested. Even the generals of Daqi present were very interested.

What benefits can the King of Yue give that the King of Qi cannot give?
"After the peace talks, I will build a market outside Hangu Pass, and allow the Western Rong, Fan Jue, and other countries in the Western Regions to come and trade with Qi merchants."

Mutual trade? Can the King of Yue decide to open up mutual trade?
The envoys from Xirong and Fanjue could not believe it, while the generals of Qi were skeptical. Could the King of Yue convince the Emperor to open trade?

Hangu Pass is the most important pass in the northwest of the Great Qi. Since the founding of the country, troops have been stationed here to guard the northwest gate of the Great Qi. If they were planning to open a trade, why would they have to guard it heavily year after year?

Since the founding of the Qi Dynasty, Taizu, there have been constant frictions between the Qi Dynasty and the countries in the Western Regions, with major wars occurring every three to five years and minor wars every year.

Can this open up cross-border trade?
Luo Yasang, the eldest prince of Xirong, did not believe that Daqi would be able to open up trade. "Is the King of Yue trying to tease us?"

"You don't have to doubt my sincerity. I will make the decision at Hangu Pass. If we negotiate peace, I will allow merchants from your two countries to enter the trade market. If we don't negotiate peace, the trade documents issued will not include Xirong and Fanjue."

The Fanjue envoy looked at Luo Yasang anxiously. They couldn't do without Fanjue! Every year they had to secretly exchange goods with merchants from various countries, and they spent a lot of silver.

Moreover, the power of the Great Qi nation is strong, as has been seen this time. The Great Qi nation also has the powerful general King Yue, who can be regarded as the second Duke Lu. At least as long as the King Yue is alive, they dare not attack easily. If the mutual trade leaves them behind, what will happen?

Luo Yasang looked at Zhao Guangyuan, weighing all the pros and cons in his mind.

I don't know whether I should believe what the other person said.

"You, the Western Rong, have come a thousand miles to besiege our Hangu Pass, using all your national strength. Now I'm afraid that our country is running out of food, right? We can't just kill one animal every day to survive. What will we do after we finish killing them? Do you plan to destroy our country?"

Xirong was highly dependent on animal husbandry, and faced a shortage of domestic materials. Coupled with the demise of the industries on which the people depended for their survival, they were afraid that their country would really be destroyed.

"Our Great Qi has a vast territory, but we are short of cattle, sheep and horses. You can go to the market and trade your livestock with us for the rice, cloth, cotton, salt, tea, porcelain and other items we need."

Zhao Guangyuan did not go to the library in vain in modern times. When he was a child, his elder brother followed the Taifu to learn national policy, while he studied other things on the side. When he went to modern times, he was shocked and impressed by the vast amount of books and immersed in them.

It was the essence of thousands of years of experience, and the knowledge he had not learned as a child was supplemented by modern libraries and various media.

In order to avoid war, the Great Qi Dynasty closed its doors to the outside world. In his opinion, opening up trade would have more benefits than disadvantages.

Opening up trade can connect Da Qi with the various tribes and countries in the border areas. In addition to promoting the economy, it can also carry out cultural exchanges and penetration, which is a dual need of politics and economy.

If the Western Rong could unite with the Fan Jue, why couldn’t the Great Qi?

When Da Qi plays the role of a great power, these tribes and small countries will naturally come to attach themselves to Da Qi and become its vassal states. It is not something that other countries can ally with or start wars with at will.

And if he could accomplish this, it would be of great benefit to him.

First, he needs a lot of money, and second, he needs such fame and achievements.

After hearing this, the envoys from Xirong and Fanjue were excited and all looked at Luo Yasang.

As the king who will take over next year, Luo Yasang naturally wants to accomplish unprecedented achievements.

He was defeated this time, and after returning home, no one knew what would happen. Maybe his brothers would join forces with his father, who was in poor health, to replace him.

If he could sign a peace agreement with the King of Yue of the Great Qi, thus saving the country from war, and bringing benefits to the people, thus resolving the food shortage crisis in the country and among the people, then who would dare to question his succession and create obstacles for his ascension to the throne?
"Can the King of Yue persuade the King of Qi to encourage the merchants of Qi to come and trade with us?"

"You don't need to persuade others. You can't even handle my caravan. Merchants are looking for profits. When the trade is prosperous, merchants will come uninvited. I'm afraid you won't have anything to trade."

Luo Yasang was very angry. This clearly showed that they were short of resources in their country.

But he couldn't refute it. It was indeed poor, otherwise they wouldn't have sent troops to fight. He had hoped to capture Hangu Pass, Hangu City and the surrounding cities, but in the end, he was beaten by the Qi army and only 25 troops were left.

It's really infuriating.

Very unwilling, he gritted his teeth and said, "Then, can this compensation document be waived?"

Zhao Guangyuan stopped talking and just looked at him with a smile.

Meng Yan and the others jumped up. "What the hell are you thinking? Our army suffered so many casualties, but you don't want to compensate us. Are you going to let us pay for the pensions ourselves? We also have one million good horses, one million cows, and two million sheep. Not a single one can be missing!"

"This is too much!" Luo Yasang disagreed.

Their national strength was already weak, and they encountered a major disaster, so they concentrated their military forces to rob. How could the national treasury take out so much silver?

Zhao Guangyuan winked at Wei Zuo and other military advisors.

Wei Zuo understood, and together with the other military advisors, they started to settle accounts with the other party...

First, let's talk about how much commercial tax Da Qi can collect in a year and how much economic benefits it can bring. If they open up trade, although the two countries cannot compare with Da Qi, they are not bad either. As long as they collect commercial tax from merchants, they will make a lot of money in a year.

It will also boost domestic industries and the situation will recover within two years.

Hearing that they could earn so much commercial tax in a year, Luo Yasang and Namtso were very tempted.

Wei Zuo did the math for him again. "Our army suffered more than 80,000 casualties. According to our army's death compensation, the cavalry will receive 70 taels, the infantry 50 taels, and if they have made meritorious service, they will receive an additional 16 taels, and officers will receive more. There is also a disability compensation. These alone amount to nearly 10 million taels of silver."

In addition, they were asked to pay 20 million taels of silver for more than two months of food and fodder, as well as various military expenses and weapon losses. This was already a concession made by the King of Yue in order to win a quick victory.

Otherwise, I am afraid that they will be scared and the deadline will be delayed.

"I just calculated with you that you can make up the 20 million taels from commercial taxes in two years at most."

That's true. But the treasury probably doesn't have 20 million taels of silver. And how can we get so many cattle, sheep and horses?

As the two sides failed to reach an agreement, the meeting was adjourned and the issue will be discussed again later.

After the envoys from Xirong and Fanjue left, Fang Sheng and all the generals stayed in the conference room.

Fang Sheng had already planned to follow the King of Yue, so he had no objection to his decision. But Zhan Qian was shocked the whole time today. He didn't expect the King of Yue to be so far-sighted and go this far to open up trade!
The Great Qi State had been established for nearly three hundred years, and some ministers had suggested opening up trade, but no one had ever done it.

If the King of Yue could do it, it would be a great contribution to the creation of a new world. A real great achievement! Zhan Qian could imagine what kind of changes this would bring to Da Qi.

Looking at the King of Yue talking eloquently, I felt that his image became more and more majestic.

Perhaps, the King of Yue can really secure his position as crown prince and ascend to the throne in the future!
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid Xirong and Fanjue can't meet our compensation conditions." Fang Sheng was a little worried. Moreover, the peace agreement was not signed today. What if the other party was scared and tore up the peace agreement?

I'm afraid war will break out again.

Zhao Guangyuan didn't care. "I never thought that we could reach an agreement today. Negotiating peace has always been a one-way street. When my grandfather negotiated peace with Northern Liao, didn't it take more than three months?" "More than three months?"

Lu Ye looked at King Yue worriedly, thinking that three months might not be enough.

The people they sent to stop the military supervisor and the general may be able to stop them for a while, but I'm afraid they won't be able to stop them for long. And if the people in the capital hear what's going on here, I'm afraid they will take action soon.

Moreover, the Western Rong envoys will soon receive news that their eldest prince is negotiating peace with the King of Yue. They will then leave the capital, and the capital will send others to intervene.

This matter needs to be discussed and resolved quickly.

"Don't worry. Sun Yu is still leading his troops to surround their hinterland. We will attack them from the front and back, unless they are willing to give up these 250,000 troops."

Otherwise, if Luo Yasang brought these 25-man army, Zhao Guangyuan would make them stay in Hangu Pass forever.

"That's right. Peace talks are mainly about negotiation. Of course, there is room for negotiation on these compensation clauses." Wei Zuo and others said. It's just like negotiating a deal. It takes several rounds.

After several rounds of discussions, compensation terms were finally drawn up.

The 20 million taels of silver remained unchanged. Thinking that the two countries really could not afford it, they paid 5 million taels first, and then paid tribute of 500,000 taels every year until the payment was completed.

Zhao Guangyuan thought far ahead. Although the amount of silver paid each year was small and the deadline was long, the two countries had to pay back the remaining 15 million taels in 30 years. In that case, at least in the next 30 years, there would be no wars easily, and the people would be spared from suffering.

The number of horses was increased to 300,000, and the number of cattle and sheep to 500,000 each. Thirty percent was also paid in advance, and later it was changed to an annual fixed amount of tribute.

The signing of this peace document was called the "Hangu Pass Peace Agreement", and it stated that compensation and tribute were only owed to the King of Yue.

After Fang Sheng pressed his handprint, he heaved a sigh of relief. This final explanation was very beneficial to the King of Yue. At least if the capital wanted the Western Rong and Fan Jue to submit to the throne, they could not harm the King of Yue's life. At least the King of Yue could stay alive.

Although he did not think that the King of Yue, who was in charge of all this, would fail in the end, it was a relief to have this guarantee.

"Once the compensation materials arrive at Hangu Pass, I will allow you to return home and send a letter to Sun Yu asking him to withdraw his troops. After seeing the compensation silver, I will gather craftsmen to build a shop fifty miles outside Hangu Pass. When you return home, you can publicize this matter to the country."

"Also, out of sympathy for the people in your country who have suffered from the disaster and have a hard time living, I have already transferred one million dan of grain, as well as cloth, cotton, tea, salt and other items. If you need them, you can use the silver to buy them. I will give you a 20% interest rate."

Luo Yasang thought he had heard it wrongly.

Not only was the matter perfectly resolved, the compensation could be paid in installments, and the King of Yue also transferred various materials for them and charged them 20% less silver? Wouldn't that solve the urgent problem in the country?

He was overjoyed and held the King of Yue's hand tightly, nodding repeatedly and saying "yes, yes, yes" over and over in the Chinese language that he had just learned in the past few days.

It looks like the two brothers are getting along well.

Zhan Qian and other military officers who came from the capital looked at the King of Yue and gained a deeper understanding of him.

Previously, people only thought that the King of Yue opened a Huixian Tower and earned enough money from the people of the capital. Later, he opened a Yuefu Opera to enrich the leisure life of the people of the capital. People thought he made a lot of money, but it was still less than the foundation of a century-old family.

Who would have thought that the King of Yue already had such strength when they didn't know!

The King of Yue now cannot be underestimated. Maybe if they follow the King of Yue, they will have unexpected opportunities.

At this moment, after the peace document was signed and after witnessing the courage and strength of the King of Yue, all the generals were truly impressed.

Luo Yasang and others also sincerely admired him. This year, Luo Yasang and others spent the year at Hangu Pass.

They could not return to their country. They had to wait for the compensation materials to arrive from the country, and secondly, wait for the materials from the King of Yue to arrive so that they could transport them back to their country.

Fortunately, although Hangu Pass is located in the northwest, the atmosphere of the New Year is no less than that of the capital. It also allows the envoys from the Western Rong and Fanjue to truly feel the foundation of the great Eastern country. The vast territory, rich resources and prosperous people are such a magnificent scene that they can never reach.

Maybe if the trade fair opens next year, they can also look forward to the grand scene of the Da Qi or the Da Qi.

It was not until the end of the first month that the various compensations from the Western Rong and Fan Jue were delivered to Hangu Pass.

"King Yue, I have made you my friend." Luo Yasang held King Yue's hand, looking impressed.

"I will be the successor of the monarch when I return. State affairs are very busy. Otherwise, I can come to Hangu Pass often to drink and chat with the King of Yue. I hope that the King of Yue can ascend to the throne so that we can continue our friendship and our two countries can truly become brotherly countries in the future!"

"I would like to borrow your words. If I have nowhere else to go, I will seek refuge with you. I hope you will not despise me."

"Hahaha, how could that be? I welcome you. I will prepare a bed for you. If you need anything, please write to me. Whether you need people, things, or soldiers, I will agree to anything."

Luo Yasang had made a friend, the King of Yue, so of course he would help his friend when he was in trouble.

He didn't recognize who the King of Qi was or who the Crown Prince was. He only recognized the King of Yue.

"With your words, I will die without regrets." Zhao Guangyuan expressed his gratitude to him.

The two men exchanged the highest courtesies of their two countries and acknowledged this friendship of life and death.

Only after Luo Yasang was sent out of the city and the long line of people transporting supplies could no longer be seen did Zhao Guangyuan lead his generals back to the city.

"Young Master, what gift did the eldest prince give you just now? It's so mysterious." Meng Yan couldn't help but be curious.

Everyone also looked at Changzhi.

Changzhi opened his palm, and a jade seal lay quietly in his hand. Zhao Guangyuan picked it up and took a look, "It's Luo Yasang's private seal."

Changzhi nodded, "He said he would take me as his godson and that I could go to him if I had any trouble in the future. He can provide me with both men and soldiers."

The generals were shocked. It seemed that the King of Yue and the Crown Prince had formed an alliance with the Western Rong. With the support of the Western Rong, I am afraid that the capital and the emperor would not dare to deal with the King of Yue at will. The generals could not help but straighten their backs again.

With a knife hanging over your neck, who wouldn’t want an extra layer of protection?

Hangu Pass is known as the most important pass in the northwest. One can advance to the west to conquer the countries in the Western Regions and compete for supremacy in the world; one can retreat to defend the pass or go east directly to the capital.

Great goodness.

The generals' eyes became eager.

"Your Highness, it's already the end of the first month of the lunar calendar, and I'm afraid we can't stop them on the road anymore. We received a secret report that the capital has sent a large army, and I'm afraid they're on the way." Fang Sheng was a little worried.