543. Negotiation At The Xianbei's Encampment

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They were also ordered to imply that, while the Han forces were holding the Great Wall, they might not be able to sustain a prolonged assault from a strong enemy, should the Xianbei be inclined to consider the advantages of such a move. This move was to plant the seeds of doubt and curiosity in the Xianbei's mind.

On the other hand, In the Xianbei camp, a tense excitement buzzed among the assembled chieftains. Under the ambitious leadership of Kuitou, who had skillfully united the Xianbei tribes under one purpose just like his uncle Tanshihuai, a meeting was unfolding to exploit the Xiongnu's current vulnerability.

The council of chieftains, an influential assembly representing the interests and strength of each tribe, had gathered once more in the great yurt at the center of Kuitou's encampment. This time, the meeting wasn't limited to council members, almost every Xianbei chieftain who had received Kuitou's summons was present, drawn by the promise of a decisive strike against the Xiongnu filled with revenge for their betrayal.

The preparations for this council were meticulous. Tribal banners fluttered in the wind outside, and a palpable anticipation filled the air as chieftains, warriors, and emissaries from across the Xianbei territories filed into the yurt, exchanging greetings and discussing the news from the borders.

From the scouts that Kuitou had sent under the council of chieftains, words spread of the recent Xiongnu defeats, and rumors whispered of the Han's cunning maneuvers at the Great Wall. For the Xianbei, it was as if the spirits themselves were favoring an attack against their old adversaries.

As the chieftains settled around the large, circular fire in the center of the yurt, Kuitou rose to address the gathering. He raised his hand to call for silence, and the murmurs died down as all eyes fixed on him.

"Our scouts report that the Xiongnu are weakened," Kuitou began, his voice steady and powerful. "Under Tugeh Khagan, they sought to unite against the Han, and yet they have suffered losses that could change the balance of power. The Han have held their ground, forcing the Xiongnu into a retreat. This moment is our opportunity."

The chieftains exchanged glances, many nodding in agreement. Kuitou's words resonated with the council's earlier decisions to consider a coordinated strike. But this time, it wasn't just talk—the Xianbei chieftains had already begun rallying warriors, sharpening weapons, and preparing for the possibility of a large-scale attack.

One of the elder chieftains, known as Satu, rose to speak. He was respected for his wisdom and experience, a voice of caution among the younger and more ambitious leaders. "The Xiongnu may be weakened, but they are not yet defeated. If we strike too soon, we risk drawing their wrath upon our lands. We need to be certain that the Han will honor any agreement and strike in tandem with us."

Kuitou nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Your concern is valid, Satu. That is why we must proceed carefully. We cannot afford to enter into an alliance that benefits the Han more than it benefits us. But if we worked together, we could gain territory, resources, and the upper hand over the Xiongnu. The Han, too, desire stability on their northern border—they would benefit from seeing the Xiongnu's influence diminished."

Another chieftain, Chulun, younger and eager for battle, leaned forward, his voice filled with conviction. "Then let us send a delegation to the Han! Let us demand that they hold to their end of the bargain and strike when we do. The Xiongnu have raided our lands, stolen from our herds, and slaughtered our people for generations. The time has come to make them pay."

A chorus of agreement rose from around the fire, and Kuitou raised his hand once more, calming the crowd. "Very well," he said, his voice carrying an edge of finality. "We will choose emissaries who will represent our tribes in discussions with the Han. They must be strong and persuasive, for we are not merely seeking cooperation—we are demanding respect as equals in this alliance."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd as the chieftains debated who should take on this crucial task. After a heated discussion, three seasoned warriors were chosen as envoys: Kharu, Yaoqiu, and Baluar. These men had proven themselves in battle and were known for their loyalty to the Xianbei cause. Kuitou trusted them implicitly and believed they could negotiate with the Han without yielding too much ground.

With the emissaries chosen, the council turned its attention to the logistics of war. They discussed troop movements, supply lines, and potential strategies. The Xiongnu were fierce fighters, but their recent losses made them vulnerable to a rapid and overwhelming strike. If the Xianbei could surprise them with a swift assault, they might scatter the Xiongnu forces before they had a chance to regroup.

The discussion continued late into the night, with Kuitou leading the council through every possible scenario, every potential risk, and reward. By the time dawn broke over the camp, the chieftains were united in their decision.

The Xianbei would march west, gathering their warriors and striking at the Xiongnu's weakened defenses. The emissaries would leave immediately for the Han's Great Wall, where they would demand a coordinated attack to divide the Xiongnu forces further.

But when the Xianbei emissaries were ready to depart for the Great Wall, a scout returned unexpectedly. He made his way swiftly through the camp to where Kharu, Yaoqiu, and Baluar—the leaders of the delegation—were preparing for their journey. Bowing, he relayed urgent news: a group of people, claiming to be emissaries of the Han, was approaching the Xianbei encampment. The scout's report was met with astonishment.

Kharu, Yaoqiu, and Baluar exchanged startled glances before deciding to bring the news directly to Kuitou, who was still inside his tent with the council of chieftains, finalizing their battle plans.

The council was deep in a heated discussion, organizing each tribe's role in the attack—determining who would form the vanguard, the main force, and the flanks—when the three emissaries entered, bowing respectfully and apologizing for the interruption.

Kuitou immediately sensed the gravity of their news from the tension in their faces. When he heard the scout's report, he shared in their surprise, as did the council of chieftains.

For a moment, the tent was filled with stunned silence, and then Kuitou ordered that a feast be prepared to welcome the Han emissaries, a decision that stirred murmurs of both approval and skepticism among the council members. As the three emissaries left to carry out Kuitou's orders, the council turned to one another with wary eyes, speculating on the Han's unexpected move.

Some council members voiced their suspicion. "Why would the Han send emissaries to us now, just as we are preparing to confront the Xiongnu?" one chieftain asked with a frown. "It is as if they've sensed our intentions."

"Perhaps it is a trap, meant to keep us from striking the Xiongnu," another muttered darkly.

Kuitou raised his hand to calm them. "We shall learn their purpose soon enough. Until then, patience. The Han have no advantage in sending envoys simply to distract us. If they have come, they have come with purpose."

The council fell silent, though unease lingered. Under Kuitou's directive, preparations for the feast began, with cooks setting up large fires, roasting meats, and setting out fermented mare's milk. Warriors sharpened their blades, their eyes flicking toward the distance, where they anticipated seeing the Han's emissaries appear at any moment.

By mid-afternoon, the Han delegation arrived at the outskirts of the Xianbei encampment. Led by a young diplomat named Zhang Wei, the Han emissaries approached with all the formal dignity expected of representatives of a great power.

They rode through the sprawling camp, escorted by Xianbei warriors who had been dispatched to receive them. The envoy's clothing was meticulously clean, their demeanor calm, yet keenly observant as they took in the formidable presence of the Xianbei warriors surrounding them.

As they reached the heart of the encampment, Kuitou and the council of chieftains awaited in the great yurt, seated in a circle around a low fire. The atmosphere was tense but ceremonial, as was customary when meeting with emissaries from distant lands. Kuitou himself sat at the head, with an unreadable expression that masked his curiosity and calculation.

Zhang Wei stepped forward, bowing with respect. "On behalf of the Han Empire and its great prime minister Cao Cao, we extend greetings to the Xianbei and their noble leader, Kuitou. We have come to discuss a matter of mutual interest between us, concerning a common threat, and the opportunity to shift the balance of power along our borders."

Kuitou nodded, gesturing for Zhang Wei to sit. "We are honored to receive you, Zhang Wei. Tell us, what brings the Han Empire to our encampment, and what interest do you have in our affairs with the Xiongnu?"

Zhang Wei met Kuitou's gaze, his expression serious. "The Xiongnu have overextended themselves in their attempts to rally against the Han, and they are now weakened from recent defeats at the Great Wall. We know that the Xianbei, too, have suffered from the Xiongnu's ambitions, which resulted in the fracture of the great Xianbei Confederation under Tanshihuai in the past. Our Prime Minister sees this moment as an opportunity—for both our peoples."

Kuitou's eyes narrowed as he weighed Zhang Wei's words. "An opportunity for the Han, or for the Xianbei?"

Zhang Wei smiled faintly, a hint of shrewdness in his gaze. "For both, if we cooperate. The Han do not wish to occupy or claim Xianbei territory, but we do wish to keep the Xiongnu subdued. We believe that, together, our forces could strike a decisive blow that would not only rid us of a mutual threat but strengthen both our positions."

One of the Xianbei chieftains, unable to suppress his skepticism, leaned forward. "And how would this alliance work? Would the Han expect us to bleed our warriors while you secure your own borders from safety?"

Zhang Wei replied smoothly, his tone respectful but firm. "On the contrary, we propose an equal division of the spoils. We recognize the Xianbei's strength, and we have no wish to antagonize it. Our forces will engage the Xiongnu from the south, while you press them from the north and east. Together, we can force them into a pincer, cutting off their escape and seizing the resources they have hoarded."

This proposal intrigued the council, and they murmured amongst themselves. Kuitou observed the exchange, noting the subtle confidence in Zhang Wei's demeanor. This envoy was well-prepared, skilled in persuasion, and likely entrusted with the authority to make such offers.

Kuitou turned his attention back to Zhang Wei. "And if we agree, how do we know the Han will honor this arrangement? We have seen alliances break over lesser matters."

Zhang Wei nodded, acknowledging the Xianbei's doubts. "We understand your concerns. To show our sincerity, we are prepared to share the intelligence we have gathered on the Xiongnu's defenses and troop movements, information that could benefit your campaign. We will send our own troops to join you at the agreed locations. Both sides would have eyes on the battlefield, and there would be no room for deception."

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0