The Three Kingdoms began with island farming

Chapter 600 The Envoy's Question

In fact, not only Liu Bei, but also the noble families under the command of other kings have more or less begun to make secret arrangements.

When it comes to frontal combat, their strength is indeed limited, and they must rely on the Seven Kings to form a certain combat power.

But when it comes to their old business, they are very good at it.

Long before Tian Ze proposed the concept of the Western Expedition and took certain actions, some aristocratic families had already begun to secretly take the initiative.

Regardless of whether it works or not, just make a few moves first, just in case it works miraculously.

Even if it is useless, it can still help to open up business routes and leave a way out for the future.

In the past two years, with the decline of the Roman economy, the further aggravation of the East-West trade deficit, and the rise to power of Severus, who came from a military background.

They also gradually developed a negative attitude towards trade with the Han Dynasty.

This operation made it increasingly difficult for countries like Parthia and Kushan, which had prospered by serving as transit points in East-West trade, to survive.

This was undoubtedly a further blow to the Parthian and Kushan empires, which were already showing signs of decline.

Although the seven kings' methods were secretive, they had already approached their doorstep. Even if the Kushans were stupid, they realized the crisis.

For this reason, the Kushans sent envoys to Da Qi several times to inquire about Tian Ze's opinion.

Tian Ze also played Tai Chi in response to this.

Although he could go back on his word like Liu Bang did during the Chu-Han Contention, Tian Ze was unwilling to do so.

A great power must have the confidence and credibility of a great power.

It's just a mere Kushan, why should he lie about it?
I just did it, without expressing my opinion, admitting it, or opposing it.

As for the attitude towards the seven kings, he made it clear directly to the Kushans.

"The seven kings were all your Majesty's former enemies. Although they are nominally under the command of our Great Qi, they are actually independent factions. Moreover, their ambitions have not subsided and they have always had the ambition to fight back to the Central Plains."

Jia Xu sincerely explained Tian Ze's difficulties to the Kushan envoy.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this statement.

Although Tian Ze was not worried, all the ministers were worried.

The Kushan envoy looked at the kind-faced, chubby Jia Xu and heard his sincere tone, and immediately believed him 90% of the time.

"Then, why doesn't His Majesty the Great Qi wipe out these enemies?" The Kushan envoy still had some doubts in his heart and couldn't help but ask.

"Why doesn't your country conquer Khwarezm and Kangju?" Jia Xu asked meaningfully.

"What do you mean, Lord Shangshu?" The Kushan envoy seemed to understand something.

"Da Qi is too far away from Central Asia. Your Majesty's army is simply unable to extend there, let alone conquer it." Jia Xu sighed deeply.

"However, His Majesty is now building a road towards Central Asia. Although some roads have been opened, they are being closely watched by the Seven Kings."

"It will probably take a few more years, until more roads are built and your majesty is fully prepared, before you send troops to drive these people out of Central Asia."

Having said that, Jia Xu silently added the second half of the sentence in his heart.

"Let's go to West Asia."

It can be said that what Jia Xu said was not a lie at all.

It is true that the Seven Kings are a threat, it is true that the army of Da Qi cannot reach Central Asia, and it is also true that the Seven Kings will be driven out of Central Asia in the future.

But when these words are put together, their meaning changes completely.

Jia Xu said the same thing not only to the Kushans, but also to the envoys from Parthia, Rome and other countries.

At this point, Jia Xu looked at the Kushan envoy sincerely and said, "Emissary, the seven kings have nothing to do with our Great Qi, except for some trade exchanges." "If your country is willing to send troops to help our Great Qi wipe out these bandits, I will report to His Majesty and form an eternal alliance with your country!"

Upon hearing this, the Kushan envoy's eyes widened and his face looked embarrassed.

The current situation of the Kushan Empire is extremely chaotic internally. Facing the threats from the seven kings, they are unable to take care of themselves, so how can they have the ability to fight back?

However, faced with Jia Xu's "pleading", the Kushan envoy could not directly refuse.

"Sir, this is a serious matter. I will report it to the Emperor and then give you a reply."

Jia Xu nodded slightly, with an understanding look on his face: "I hope the envoy can convey the sincerity of our Great Qi to your king intact."

"If we can solve the problem of the seven kings, open up trade routes, and restore trade, our Great Qi will be able to exchange what we have with your country and regain its glory!"

Jia Xu naturally understood what the Kushan envoy meant, but he pretended not to know and played out his intentions to the end.

Jia Xu didn't care whether the Kushans sent troops or not.

It would be fine if you didn't send troops, but it would be even better if you did.

The Kushans were strong, especially in defense. Once they broke in, the other side would most likely put aside their past grudges and stop fighting.

But if the enemy takes the initiative to attack, the historical example of the Eastern Wu soldiers, who even Zhou Yu, Lu Xun and others could not lead, is a lesson for us.

If things go wrong, it's not impossible that a similar situation will happen to Sun Shiwan under the city of Hefei.

After getting what he wanted to know, the Kushan envoy said goodbye and left.

Jia Xu got up and went to the palace to report to Tian Ze.

Tian Ze, who was drawing a map, saw Jia Xu coming, gently put down the pen in his hand, and breathed a sigh of relief: "How is it? Did you fool it?"

Jia Xu nodded gently: "Although it is still a bit crude, it is enough to deal with the Kushans."

Tian Ze nodded indifferently: "Just do your best. Even if there is a problem, it's just a matter of spending more effort."

Jia Xu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and said meaningfully: "Your Majesty, don't worry, there will be no problem."

Although he was not very confident about what he had just said, Jia Xu was very confident in Kushan.

Even though the Kushan Empire is now quite powerful, after a deeper understanding, Jia Xu was able to see through its nature as a weak country at a glance.

Although they are strong enough, their core and spirit have not grown much. They are still the Dayuezhi that did not dare to attack the Huns and completely lost their temper after being taught a lesson by the Han Dynasty.

The temperament of a weak country means that even if they notice a problem, they will instinctively think in a positive direction and selectively ignore the worst outcome.

To take a step back, even if there are wise men among the Kushans who see through his plan, so what?
The Kushan Empire is now rotten from within, and they, the seven kings, and the aristocratic families are secretly fanning the flames.

In this political environment, it is simply impossible to be the only one sober while everyone else is drunk.

It is inevitable that those sober "heretics" will be dealt with by the majority of their peers themselves.

Just like Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty.

"Since you have said this, some things cannot be made public." Tian Ze said in a deep voice.

"Tell Wenyuan and the others to be careful and try not to take action. Even if they do, don't use the name of Da Qi."

"When the Western Expedition is over, let's make Wenyuan and his men kings as well."

"The fiefdom is located in the northern part of Parthia. Although it is a little cold, it is not a big problem as I have cotton and fleece clothes. Besides, the place is big enough."

Upon hearing this, Jia Xu immediately bowed in admiration: "Your Majesty's heart is as broad as the sea. I admire you!"

(End of this chapter)