Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 85 Khan
Following Li Jian Cheng's meticulous plan, the army marched into Turkic territory in a phalanx formation. The Dragon Banner obscured the sun, the Phoenix Canopy covered the sky, the Imperial Chariot flowed like water, and the Horse Evaluator moved like a dragon.
As it is said, the Throne stood on the celestial path, the Emperor emerged from the Purple Tenuity, thunder struck like drums in mid-air, lightning flashed across miles, thousands of chariots advanced and retreated, three platforms awaited commands, and attendants surrounded him like a fur coat, with palace concubines clustered around in splendid attire.
The Emperor was filled with pride and declared, "Why should Han Wu be admired? The Qin Emperor is not worth longing for. Those who are wealthy and powerful in their inspections are rare throughout history."
However, the Emperor's pride was not without reason. The small Turkic tribes they passed along the way saw such grandeur and believed it to be a descent of Divine Beings from the heavens. Men, women, and children from various tribes rushed to the roadside to bow and pray for blessings.
Qimin Khan also led emissaries from over twenty nations including Shiwey, Xiu Yi, Jurchen, Kucha, Yiwuz, and others to welcome Sage Khan.
Yang Guang ordered an immediate camp to be set up and commanded his soldiers to draw their bows and unsheathe their swords. The infantry stood like mountains while the cavalry resembled an ocean; their armor gleamed brightly as banners waved in the wind, guarding the central procession.
Qimin and the princess along with tribal leaders arrived at the camp and were awestruck by the might of Sui Dynasty's forces. In the center stood a city with its gates wide open and towers fully prepared, leaving them speechless.
"This is no mere army; they are divine beings! How can they be so powerful?"
"The Celestial Empire is indeed formidable; it is beyond our small nations' comparison."
"I wonder what Sage Khan looks like; could he be a god with eight arms and multiple eyes?"
Li Jian Cheng, clad in armor with his left hand resting on his sword at his waist, welcomed them: "Please dismount and enter the city to pay your respects to His Majesty."
They hurriedly dismounted and followed Li Jian Cheng into the city. Upon reaching the hall of audience, they prostrated themselves under Qimin Khan's lead at the steps.
Yang Guang sat on the dragon throne wearing Court Robes adorned with a crown. Below him were civil officials dressed in Court Robes while military generals were fully armored, standing like swallows on either side. The ground beneath them was covered with carpets as soft as feathers.
Qimin Khan led the crowd in worship, and a few individuals dared to glance up, only to be immediately captivated by Yang Guang's flawless beauty, thinking to themselves that he truly was a celestial being.
Yang Guang addressed Qimin Khan, saying, "Does the grace of the Predecessor Emperor, who built cities and upheld righteousness, still linger in your memory?"
Qimin Khan bowed repeatedly, stating, "The Predecessor Emperor showed compassion towards me, granting me Princess Anyi and providing for me in every way. My brothers were envious and sought to kill me. At that time, I had nowhere to turn; I could only look up to the heavens and down to the earth, surrendering myself completely to the Predecessor Emperor.
The Predecessor Emperor took pity on me even unto death, nurturing me and raising me as the Great Khan, while also caring for the Turkic people. Such kindness is something I dare not forget for even a moment. I only hope that after my death, I may serve the Predecessor Emperor Khan in return for his grace."
Yang Guang nodded with satisfaction and then asked, "How many soldiers does your country have?"
"If we count the old and young soldiers, they are everywhere. However, among them, the strong and capable number no more than a million. How can we compare to the grandeur of the Celestial Empire?"
"And how many soldiers do you bring to pay homage to me today?"
"I come riding alone; if I were to bring troops with armor, would that not be disrespectful to Your Majesty? Accompanying me are only a thousand tribal leaders."
"Such loyalty! The Predecessor Emperor knows this and will surely be pleased."
With a wave of his hand, he bestowed upon Qimin Khan and Princess Yicheng each a golden urn, along with a hundred pieces of silverware, two hundred thousand bolts of silk, one thousand bolts of brocade, and twenty beautiful women.
Qimin Khan expressed his gratitude as the other emissaries took turns coming forward to offer their congratulations, each receiving rewards from the emperor.
After the grand banquet, they proceeded along the newly opened imperial road straight to Dali City. The emperor graced Qimin Khan's yurt with his presence while Empress Xiao visited Kehe Dun's yurt with Princess Yicheng. It was the first time in history that a Central Plains Emperor had visited a Prairie Khan's yurt.
Inside Khan's yurt, a special dragon-patterned golden chair was set up for the emperor, accompanied by an incense dragon table inlaid with jade and adorned with longevity symbols. Meanwhile, Qimin Khan led the Turkic nobles in offering thousands of cattle, sheep, llamas, and horses at the entrance of the tent.
Yang Guang pointed at Li Jian Cheng and asked him to compose a poem. Li Jian Cheng replied, "This grand spectacle has not been seen for centuries; I truly have no words to express it. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Yang Guang laughed heartily and recited:
"The deer block the vast banners, the dragon court's emerald chariots return,
The felt curtains rise to the wind, the dome opens to the sun,
Calling for Han Dun's arrival, the butcher Yi follows in line,
As they seek braids to hold mutton, Wei Gao presents wine cups,
How can the Han Emperor merely ascend an empty Chanyu platform?"
The core meaning was that he felt he had surpassed Emperor Wu of Han, who merely drove away the Xiongnu and ascended an empty Chanyu platform. In contrast, he had made the equally powerful Turks bow at his feet, winning their genuine respect. Wasn't that far greater than merely acquiring a vacant piece of land?
The emperor was pleased and bold; indeed, from the current situation, it seemed so.
During the grand banquet, Li Jian Cheng enjoyed a lively conversation with Ashina Tuoji, the son of Qimin Khan. This Turkic prince had a very good impression of Li Jian Cheng and even wanted to exchange bows and horses with him.
Seeing Qimin Khan's servile demeanor made the court's civil and military officials look down on him a bit. If they treated Qimin with such disdain, they certainly wouldn’t regard the mere son of a Khan with any respect.
The two quickly became close friends, even sneaking out to ride horses while gnawing on lamb legs and sharing a pouch of wine.
"You are much better than those people. My Father Khan is too weak; otherwise, we wouldn’t be so looked down upon."
Li Jian Cheng tossed over the wine pouch and laughed, "The Khan is truly an impressive figure. He commands hundreds of thousands of bowmen yet can still humble himself before ordinary men. How could anyone else possess such magnanimity?"
"Can we really not defeat you?"
"The Central Plains and the steppes have always been a cycle of rise and fall. Now that the Sui Dynasty is strong and its treasury full, if we were to fight, you would undoubtedly be defeated."
"Then what about after that? I see your emperor enjoys a life of luxury and indulgence, and I've heard he does not cherish his subjects."
Li Jian Cheng wanted to say that such thoughts were foolish, but the words never left his lips. He looked up at the clear blue sky, lost in a moment of contemplation.
"It seems you also think there is something amiss with your majesty. I have heard you are the heir of the Duke of the Sui Dynasty. If that day ever comes, you may come to me. I would be willing to grant you a throne and divide the grasslands and slave herds for you."
Li Jian Cheng snapped back to reality and replied, "Do you know that if I were to relay this to His Majesty, your Father Khan would personally kill you? There would be no future for you then."
Ashina Tuoji laughed nonchalantly, "Then go ahead and tell him. If my death can restore even a shred of bloodlust in Father Khan, then it would be worth it."
Li Jian Cheng shook his head and turned away from him. He took a large swig from his wine pouch, while Ashina Tuoji's tense right hand relaxed slightly. He regretted saying those words and even contemplated killing Li Jian Cheng to escape to the Western Turkic lands.
"Do you have a wife? My sister is beautiful; she is the most exquisite flower on the grasslands."
Li Jian Cheng was somewhat curious. "But upon our first meeting, you seemed to value me greatly, and now you're even offering me your sister."
"I have heard from General Changsun about your deeds. You are someone who can help others achieve great undertakings."
So it was because of Changsun Sheng that the Turks held him in such high regard; clearly, Ashina Tuoji was one of them.
…………
(End of Chapter)
Comment 0 Comment Count