Chapter 416: 402. A Fragile Ceasefire
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After some small talk back and forth between Yan Yan and Meng Huo, King Duosi whispered to Meng Huo that they should start the negotiation now, to which Meng Huo agreed and conveyed his words to Yan Yan. The translator conveyed Meng Huo's words to Yan Yan, who immediately accepted as it was better for them to finish early and so Yan Yan and Meng Huo took a seat on each side of a long table, marking the start of the negotiations.
Yan Yan took a deep breath and began to outline the proposal he was given. "Chieftain Meng Huo, we come not only with gifts but with a genuine request for a ceasefire. We recognize the strength and valor of your people and believe that a temporary truce would benefit both our peoples."
Meng Huo listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "A ceasefire, you say? What assurances do we have that your Lord will honor this agreement? Our shared history is stained with broken promises and betrayal." The translator echoed Meng Huo's concerns.
Listening to the translator's words, Yan Yan prepared his response carefully, "Your concerns are valid," Yan Yan acknowledged. "To demonstrate our commitment, we propose establishing a neutral zone along our borders, where neither side will advance or engage in hostilities." Hearing this the translator immediately conveyed his words.
As Meng Huo and his council listened to the translator's words, Yan Yan continued, "We will also agree to a series of trades that will benefit both sides heavily, we even open access to weapons and tools."
Meng Huo stroked his beard, considering the proposal. "A neutral zone and an open trade between us... these terms show that you are serious about the ceasefire. But tell me, General Yan Yan, why should we trust you? What guarantee do we have that this is not another ploy to weaken us?"
"What My Chieftain have just said is right! You Han people always do many despicable things to weaken us, in the past, you even poisoned the tools you traded to us!" King Duosi who was beside Meng Huo, gave his support to Meng Huo's words as he smacked the table.
Everyone from the Nanman Tribes let out a loud cheer listening to the words of their Chieftain and council member, the translator translated Meng Huo and King Duosi's words to Yan Yan who listened intently.
After listening, Yan Yan met Meng Huo's gaze steadily. "Because, Chieftain, this truce is as vital to us as it is to you. Both sides cannot afford to continue this conflict as manpower and resources were exhausted. The mutual ceasefire is in our best interest."
The translator conveyed Yan Yan's words, which soon caused the area to be surrounded by silence, and Meng Huo soon received words of affirmation from King Duosi, King Mulu, and King Wutugu that what Yan Yan said was right.
The words of his most influential and powerful subordinates caused Meng Huo to weigh Yan Yan's words carefully before finally nodding. "Very well, General Yan Yan. I will need time to discuss this with my advisors, We will give you our answer soon. Until then, let us hold a momentary ceasefire until a decision is made."
Yan Yan cupped his hand to Meng Huo after the translator conveyed his words. "Thank you, Chieftain Meng Huo. We await your response and hope that the answer can satisfy both sides and ensure some momentary peace for both sides."
With that, the meeting was concluded on a cautiously optimistic note, with both sides reaching a momentary understanding and ceasefire, while waiting for Meng Huo and his council's decision.
Yan Yan and his group returned to Jianning under the cover of dusk, and as they approached the gates, they saw Chong Yan and several high-ranking officials of Jianning awaiting their arrival, with expressions of anticipation etched on their faces.
Dismounting, Yan Yan greeted Chong Yan cupping his hand to him. "Governor Chong Yan, the negotiations have concluded. Chieftain Meng Huo has agreed to consider our proposal. We now await his and his council's decision."
Chong Yan was elated with the news and clasped Yan Yan's shoulder. "Well done, General Yan Yan. Let us hope that this ceasefire be realized and brings us the respite we need, especially for the common people."
Yan Yan nodded his head in agreement listening to what Chong Yan had said, even though he was known for his strictness in the military and very stoic, for the common people they had a soft spot in his heart.
The days that followed were tense, each one stretching longer than the last as they awaited word from the Nanman tribes. Yan Yan and his men remained vigilant, as they never knew if the Nanman Tribes would hold their word for the momentary ceasefire.
On the fifth day after the meeting, a messenger from the Nanman Tribes arrived at Jianning's gates bearing the much anticipated message. Yan Yan and Chong Yan, along with the other officials, gathered to hear the news.
The messenger, a young man with a dust covered face wearing a hat made from feathers, shouts loudly. "To the honorable General Yan Yan! I bring word from Chieftain Meng Huo. He and his council have agreed to the proposed ceasefire. They will fully implement it immediately and asked for the trade deals to be started as soon as possible."
As the Nanman tribe's messenger conveyed his words, the translator translated what he was saying to Yan Yan, Chong Yan, and several of Jianning's high ranking officials.
A wave of relief washed over the gathered officials hearing what the translator said. Chong Yan smiled broadly, clapping Yan Yan on the back. "This is excellent news! General Yan Yan, your efforts have brought us this peace. We must now use this time wisely."
Yan Yan nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and cautious optimism. "Indeed, Governor Chong Yan. We must now ensure that our promise to the Nanman tribes is made, to ensure the ceasefire. This ceasefire gives us the opportunity to strengthen our defenses and ensure the security of Jianning."
Yan Yan then turned to the translator, to convey his words that they would uphold the trade deals that had been made with Meng Huo, and he would personally ensure that the trade would happen.
Hearing what the translator said, the Nanman tribe messenger nodded his head and said a loud thank you before taking his leave, and the news of the ceasefire at a rapid speed like a burning fire, spread around Jianning.
The mood in Jianning lifted considerably with the news. The soldiers, though still on alert, found some comfort in the temporary peace made from the ceasefire. The common people, too, sensed the change and saw hope to regrow their lives.
As the news was making Jianning enter a joyous atmosphere, Yan Yan sent word back to Chengdu, informing Liu Zhang of the successful negotiations and the current state of the ceasefire, and also asking for the trade commodity to be sent as soon as possible.
The letter from Yan Yan arrived in Chengdu on a bright morning, and its contents were quickly disseminated among Liu Zhang's advisors and officials. The news of the successful ceasefire brought a wave of relief and joy.
In particular, Zhao Wei and Wang Shan, the masterminds behind the diplomatic strategy, were elated to see their plan come to fruition.
Zhao Wei and Wang Shan celebrated the success of their plan, feeling vindicated by the positive outcome. However, amidst their celebrations, they decided to delay Yan Yan's request for trade commodities.
The two believed that the immediate priority was to consolidate their political gains from the ceasefire and further entrench their influence within Liu Zhang's court. They reasoned that sending the commodities could wait until their position was more secure.
Little did they realize, their delay would have far-reaching consequences. The requested trade commodities were crucial for maintaining the goodwill established with the Nanman tribes.
As days turned into weeks, the Nanman tribes began to grow restless. Meng Huo and his council had agreed to the ceasefire with the understanding that it would bring benefits to their people. The absence of the promised commodities raised suspicions and doubts about Liu Zhang's sincerity.
In Jianning, the atmosphere shifted from one of cautious optimism to growing unease. Yan Yan, sensing the rising tension, sent additional letters to Chengdu, urging immediate action on the trade commodities.
Yet, Zhao Wei and Wang Shan continued to prioritize their political maneuvering over fulfilling the promises made to the Nanman tribes.
News of the ceasefire, meanwhile, spread across the land. Other warlords took note of Liu Zhang's temporary ceasefire with the Nanman tribes, especially Zhang Lu who knew that he would face the full power of Liu Zhang's Army.
As for the likes of Lie Fan, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao, the changes in Yi Province didn't truly concern them as long as Liu Zhang was in power, especially Lie Fan who had his own plans in Liu Zhang's court.
One evening, Meng Huo and his council arrived in front of Jianning with a contingent of his warriors, requesting an urgent meeting with Yan Yan. Hearing this news, Yan Yan and Chong Yan immediately head toward Jianning's wall
Seeing Meng Huo from atop the wall, Yan Yan's face is etched with concern as the translator conveys his words. "Chieftain Meng Huo, I understand your frustration. I have sent multiple requests to Chengdu, urging them to fulfill our promises. Please, grant us a little more time. The commodities will arrive."
Meng Huo's expression was stern. "General Yan Yan, my people are beginning to doubt the sincerity of this ceasefire. We agreed to peace based on the promises made to us. If those promises are not kept, we cannot maintain our end of the agreement."
The translator conveyed Meng Huo's words to Yan Yan who nodded his head, as his mind raced to find a solution. "I assure you, Chieftain, I will do everything in my power to ensure the commodities are delivered. Give me a few more days. I will personally see to it that My Lord understands the urgency."
Meng Huo regarded Yan Yan for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Very well, General. We will wait a few more days, but no longer. My and my people's patience had grown thin for this promise."
As Meng Huo and his council alongside his warriors departed, Yan Yan immediately sent another urgent letter to Chengdu, this time emphasizing the potential consequences of further delay. He sent his fastest riders, hoping that this final plea would reach Liu Zhang and his advisors before it was too late.
Back in Chengdu, the letter arrived at a critical juncture. Zhao Wei and Wang Shan, having enjoyed their political gains, finally realized the gravity of the situation. They hurried to Liu Zhang, presenting Yan Yan's letter and urging immediate action to use his power. Through Liu Zhang, they ordered the immediate preparation and dispatch of the trade commodities to Jianning and not be delayed as it could shatter the fragile ceasefire and plunge them back into conflict with the Nanman tribes.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
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