Negotiation

Hei Zhong and Ge Nie carried their swords and observed the commanders' meeting in progress coldly.

They had both undergone Fang Yuan's training programme and had become formidable warriors. Prince Pan had received them into his camp unhesitatingly and held them in high regard. They were even allowed to attend meetings at the highest level.

Although they only had observer status in these meetings, many of the other officials envied them greatly.

"The Dongyi alliance is being led by the Jiuli Division. Their fighters have unruly shocks of hair and painted faces. They are armed with bronze and are extremely ferocious in battle… the Jiuxiong is the largest among the Dongyi tribes and has contributed 30000 men to their war effort. Their leader has declared himself the King of Dongyi and Lord of the Tribes…"

"The Dongyi army, numbering 80000, has crossed into Shang lands and has taken the two cities of Hui and Ye, where they have conducted massacres."