The Three Kingdoms began with island farming

Chapter 706 A Useless Place
Although he held Parthia in utter contempt, Liu Fan suppressed his inner resistance and began to put on an acting show with Arsak.

Times have changed. Liu Fan now has to admit that his Han Dynasty is far from what it used to be, and that he is far inferior to Emperor Wu's talent and ambition. He has no choice but to accept this brotherly state with a heavy heart.

After all, we're brothers. If someone stabs you in the back and takes over your territory, I doubt your brother would be happy, right?

You're eyeing my aid, and I'm eyeing your territory too.

With the deliberate cooperation of both parties, the atmosphere on the field was exceptionally harmonious.

At Liu Fan's invitation, a separate table was set up for Arsak, and fine wine and food were served.

After expressing his gratitude, Arsak calmly sat down and chatted with Liu Fan for a while about the history and current situation between Parthia and the Han Dynasty.

Then, sensing that the pace was about right, Liu Fan asked at the opportune moment, "I heard that your country just had a major battle with the Roman Empire and even lost Mesopotamia. Was Rome really that strong?"

Arsack paused slightly in the gilded wine glass, lowered his eyes to avoid Liu Fanmian's gaze, and said with just the right amount of bitterness in his voice, "The Roman Empire was indeed powerful."

"Their ruler was a soldier by birth and loved war. He commanded an army of no less than 500,000 men, most of whom were heavily armored warriors."

"Although Parthia was not weak, under its relentless attacks, it eventually made a strategic shift, temporarily ceding Mesopotamia, this 'chicken rib,' to Rome."

"Oh?" Liu Fan said in a cryptic tone, "A chicken rib?"

"I have heard that Mesopotamia is a famously wealthy land with a large population and abundant grain production. Your country is truly generous, giving it up so readily."

Arsack's face flushed slightly as he sensed the sarcasm in Liu Fan's words, but he still forced himself to say, "Mesopotamia is indeed a rich land for our country, but for Rome, it is nothing more than a chicken rib."

"Although our country has a small population and a small military force, most of our soldiers are cavalrymen skilled in guerrilla warfare, who can roam freely and move like the wind in Mesopotamia."

"In contrast, Rome, with its mostly infantry, could only hold its ground in Mesopotamia and was completely powerless to invade the Iranian plateau where we are located."

“Mesopotamia, however, became a slaughterhouse where we continued to bleed Rome.”

"Under the continuous harassment from our country, the Roman army in Mesopotamia is now extremely passive and unable to guarantee the normal production and life of the local people. It has become a huge burden on Rome and can only barely survive by constantly receiving financial support."

"Rome must be aware of this now. As long as we take back Mesopotamia, Rome will certainly not dare to invade again."

Hearing Arsak's confident words, Liu Fan sneered inwardly.

It's easier said than done.

You need to have the strength to take back Mesopotamia.

This is similar to the Qiang people of Liangzhou in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, who indeed tied up a lot of the Han court's energy and finances.

But after a hundred years of wrangling, there's still no result.
Parthia's desire to reclaim Mesopotamia was no easy task.

I'm afraid I'll be gone before that time comes.

Although he knew perfectly well what was going on, Liu Fan nodded calmly and said, "Indeed, logistics and supplies are a major problem."

"The distance between the Roman Empire and your country is not short. If it weren't for the well-developed water transport in our country, I'm afraid we wouldn't have the confidence to fight against your country at all."

After speaking, Liu Fan drank a cup of wine with deep emotion.

"The reason why our great Han Dynasty can only remain safe and sound by being far away from the Central Plains is because of this. It's truly a sad story!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yi stepped forward without hesitation, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, as long as we work hard for a few more years, recruit soldiers and horses, we will surely return to the Central Plains soon and restore the Han Dynasty."

Seeing Wu Yi's resolute expression, Arsak's eyes flickered slightly. Liu Fan, however, shook his head listlessly: "We'll discuss this matter later; we mustn't speak recklessly. We're already fortunate to have the opportunity to develop here with the Seven Kings. Even the other six kingdoms..."

At this point, Liu Fan seemed to remember something and suddenly stopped talking. He then turned to Arsak and asked, "Your Excellency, you flatter me. We were just chatting casually. Please don't take it seriously."

Arsak, looking as if he understood perfectly, smiled and said, "I understand."

Liu Fan's attitude and behavior completely confirmed his guess and strengthened his belief.

"Your Excellency has traveled a long way and must be tired. I have prepared a banquet and would be honored to have you join me tonight. After you return to your country, please convey my friendship to your king."

After speaking, Liu Fan feigned exhaustion and prepared to leave the room.

However, Arsak stood up and bowed solemnly to Liu Fan.

"Your Majesty, besides conveying the message of our alliance, I have another matter to discuss with you."

"Oh?" Liu Fan casually straightened his clothes and asked, "What is it?"

Arsak frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials in the court, and said in a deep voice, "This matter is of great importance. Could Your Majesty please silence those around you?"

Liu Fan waved his hand casually and said, "It's alright, these are all my trusted lieutenants."

Even so, Liu Fan gave him a look.

Apart from the civil and military officials on both sides, the rest of the eunuchs and attendants withdrew.

"What's the matter? Tell me."

Seeing Liu Fan's nonchalant attitude, Arsak cursed inwardly, but could only bite the bullet and say, "On behalf of my king, I request Your Majesty to send troops westward to share the land of Mesopotamia with my king."

"To divide Mesopotamia?" Liu Fan raised an eyebrow.

Although he was secretly excited, Liu Fan gave a cold laugh.

"Your Excellency must be joking. Mesopotamia is more than a thousand miles away from my Great Han Dynasty. Moreover, your country is in between. How could I possibly share it with your country?"

Wu Yi, who had stepped forward earlier, also snorted coldly and said, "I'm afraid your country is unable to conquer Mesopotamia and wants to ask our country for military assistance."

Arsak, having his thoughts exposed, was not angry, but gave an awkward smile.

"What you say is not wrong."

"However, please be aware that this matter is entirely beneficial to your country."

"Since my lord has invited your country to share Mesopotamia, there must be sufficient compensation."

Liu Fan pursed his lips and casually continued to fiddle with the ring in his hand: "What's the reward?"

"The land of Kushan!"

Arsak said solemnly.

Liu Fan paused, staring intently at Arsak: "What ability do you have to provide this reward? How can I trust you?"

(End of this chapter)