People in the Three Kingdoms: Starting from Preaching

Chapter 251 Fragrance

"What he said wasn't just polite talk!"

"Yeah, I didn't expect that. When I saw his show of strength, I thought it was something that would be hard to accept, but it turned out to be quite good."

Another day passed, and when Wei Choutai and Bo Gu met again, both of them had strange looks on their faces, because after some study, they found that this alliance was actually quite beneficial.

This also made them speechless. Since it was not a harsh condition, why did they have to be so threatening and intimidating, and why did they have to hold a martial arts show in such a serious manner?

Is this necessary? Who can refuse something that is beneficial?

Of course they didn't understand that the martial arts performance was not held for them. They were just invited by Xu Chen and it happened to be a good opportunity for them to show off their muscles.

To achieve a stable alliance, it is not enough to make others see the benefits, but there must also be an absolute core that occupies a dominant position in the alliance, and this core must have strong power to intimidate allies.

In this way, Xu Chen not only wanted to show them the carrot, but also wanted to show them Xuan Xia's big stick.
However, seeing only the benefits made them feel a little uneasy. As the weaker party, they were worried that there might be some obstacles hidden in the middle. After all, if this alliance was achieved, it would be like pie in the sky for them.

Is Xuan Xia really so kind?

Is Xu Chen really a win-win situation?
The two men sat down together in the center of the courtyard. After sitting down next to the stone table, they looked around and made sure that no one could eavesdrop, then they began to whisper.

"I have repeatedly deliberated on this treaty with my subjects, and it is indeed quite beneficial. However, I do not know why I feel unsure about it. May I ask what you think?"

Bo Gu lowered his voice, his tone conflicted.

Wei Choutai showed an expression of deep agreement.

"I agree. The benefits that this alliance can bring to you and me through tribute trade are immeasurable. Salt, tea, silk and sugar from the Central Plains are what you and I desire. Now even the ironware that was previously strictly controlled can be opened up for trade. This is a good thing for us no matter how you look at it. But why is Xuan Xia so enthusiastic? Is it really because of Prime Minister Xu's win-win concept?"

After he finished speaking, Bogu sighed: "There are hundreds of tribute trade categories. If we can really maintain exchanges, it will be a great blessing for our poor frontier areas. Not only will the people be safe, but it will also be beneficial for you and me to accumulate wealth. Even if it is only for this, I want to sign the treaty immediately."

Wei Qiutai nodded and said, "I also want to agree to it, but Xuanxia's alliance is too good, which makes me hesitate. After all, tribute and trade are only one of the parts. Add the military and cultural parts, this is not an alliance at all, it is simply a gift from heaven!"

At this point, Bogu unconsciously became excited: "If we really set up an alliance army to take the initiative to conquer the outside world, as long as we can occupy 20% to 30% of the vast grassland, it will be enough for our two countries to make a living."

Wei Choutai's breathing quickened as well. Just thinking about this kind of thing made him feel excited.

It has always been Buyeo Xuanxia that has been invaded by the Xiongnu, Xianbei and Wuhuan. When will it be possible for us to fight back and deal with them? Not to mention the benefits, the scenery alone is tempting enough.

Buyeo and Goguryeo also want to try what it feels like to bully others. Although it is not enough to rely on ourselves, we have a big brother behind us!
"In fact, think about it, maybe Prime Minister Xu really has a broad vision. If we only look at the tribute trade and the establishment of the allied forces, there may be some conspiracy that we can't see. But Xuanxia is willing to recruit exchange students from our two countries, which is purely to help you and me."

They both sighed for a while, and the courtyard was quiet for a while before Wei Choutai spoke again.

Among them, cultural cooperation is truly a purely selfless thing. Chinese civilization is a high-dimensional existence to the surrounding countries, which is largely based on the cultural advantage. For example, Japan established its own system and culture after the Tang envoys learned from China. This is exactly the same for other small countries around it.

After all, Xuan Xia also belongs to the Chinese civilization, and actively recruits exchange students to impart culture. In the eyes of Wei Choutai and Bo Gu, this is completely Xuan Xia's altruistic behavior.

Having come this far, it seems a bit too much to still suspect that the other party has bad intentions.

They talked about the main contents of the treaty one after another. Now the alliance is no longer a superficial treaty mainly focusing on establishing a coalition force, but a close alliance covering the three aspects of economy, military and culture.

The actual content of the covenant is, of course, not as simple as they said in a few words, but it is a thick and detailed content.

There are detailed entries on how tribute trade stipulates the status of the suzerain state, what categories of goods are covered by the trade, the scale of each trade, etc.

In the military field, it is also necessary to agree on issues such as the size of the allied forces, cost sharing, benefit distribution, command affiliation, etc.

Even culturally, it is necessary to determine matters related to the selection, study, graduation, funding, etc. of exchange students.

Each of these details was something that could cause the three parties' ministers to argue bitterly. To truly implement them, it would take a certain amount of time for them to be pushed around and repeated. The two rulers, Wei, Chou, and Tai, Bo, were more concerned with understanding the general direction, making decisions, and setting the tone.

The two of them exchanged opinions in a low voice. The more they talked, the more they felt that there was great potential for this matter. Gradually, they began to understand what was going on.

If such an alliance is agreed to, it will benefit everyone. Xu Chen's win-win situation will not only remain on paper, but will bring him real benefits.

Just think about the fact that in the future your own court will lead the tribute trade, and you don't have to deliberately plunder the people. You just need to circulate the goods downward, and you will naturally be able to bring yourself huge wealth.

The king, the court, the dignitaries, and the people can all benefit from it, so there is nothing wrong with doing such a thing.

The military and cultural cooperation is even more exciting. Not only will it make it possible for Buyeo and Goguryeo to turn things around and dominate the grassland, but they can also learn advanced Chinese culture. Why not do it?

But if I refuse, it means that I may face a powerful enemy. Why bother?

The two of them already had some ideas in their minds, and Xuan Xia soon noticed the change in their attitude.

When he learned this, Ju Shou couldn't help but laugh, and then he looked at Xu Chen who was reading a book.

"My lord, once this alliance is concluded, the grasslands can be settled, Buyeo and Goguryeo can pay tribute and submit, and the Xianbei and the Xiongnu will not be far behind. Perhaps one day, I can really see the day when the vast grasslands cannot move within this framework."

Xu Chen put down the book and said with a sigh, "Don't be too optimistic. The alliance framework is ultimately just a product of the times. If the allies don't overthrow it, Xuanxia will also cancel it. If you want to conquer the grassland, you have to rely on industrial power."

(End of this chapter)