Capítulo 431: 417. The Negotiation Between The Ma & Cao Clan
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Back in Tianshui, Wang Yi finished her own preparations. Her belongings were packed, and her servants were ready to move at a moment's notice. She just needs to wait for the right opportunity to come, where she will immediately slip out from Tianshui the moment the opportunity appears, she also informed the people loyal to her and her husband of her decision.
Her loyal officials and generals gathered in the main hall of her residence, their faces etched with concern. Among them were General Li Jun, a close friend of her husband, and Advisor Luo Yun, a shrewd strategist. They listened intently as Wang Yi outlined her plan to leave Tianshui.
"Lady Wang, you cannot leave," Li Jun implored, his voice filled with urgency. "It's too dangerous outside. Here in Tianshui, we can protect you. We can keep you safe from those who wish you harm."
Luo Yun nodded in agreement. "General Li is right. The outside world is fraught with peril, especially now with the ongoing conflict. If you leave, we cannot guarantee your safety. It is better for you to stay here, where we can shield you from any threat."
Wang Yi's eyes were resolute, her voice unwavering. "I understand your concerns, but my mind is made up. I cannot stay in Tianshui while we align ourselves with my husband's murderers. This place is no longer safe for me, nor does it align with my principles."
Hearing Wang Yi's words, Li Jun and Luo Yun wanted to protest but Wang Yi raised her hand stopping them, "I will move when the time is right, especially now that Jia Kui has left for Jincheng. His departure has left Tianshui vulnerable, and it is the perfect time for me to slip away."
Li Jun's brow furrowed. "But Lady Wang, without Jia Kui here, it is precisely the time when we need you most. Your mind and leadership are crucial to maintaining order and morale among our people."
Wang Yi shook her head. "My presence here would only serve as a distraction and a point of contention. I am a symbol of resistance to this alliance, and my staying here would only cause more division. My departure will allow you all to focus on the larger goal without the burden of my conflict with Ma Teng."
Luo Yun sighed, seeing the determination in her eyes. "If you insist on leaving, then at least allow us to provide you with a trusted escort. We will ensure you have the resources and protection needed for your journey."
Wang Yi nodded, appreciating their loyalty and concern. "Very well. I will accept an escort and any resources you can spare. But remember, my departure must be swift and unnoticed. The fewer people who know, the better."
Both Li Jun and Luo Yun exchanged glances, both resigned to the inevitability of her decision. "We will make the arrangements," General Li Jun said finally. "You will be safe, Lady Wang. We owe you and your husband that much."
Before leaving, Luo Yin turned around and ask Wang Yi his last question, "Lady Wang, if I may know where you plan to go after leaving Tianshui?" this question caused Li Jun to stop in his track, and turned around wanting to know Wang Yi's answer as well.
"I don't know, Master Luo Yun. Maybe I will head toward Xu Province, where it was a safe area from the ongoing conflicts that are happening at this time." Wang Yi replied to Luo Yun's question, while she is using her hand to touch her hair.
Lu Jin and Luo Yun looked at each other, surprised by Wang Yi's location choice. Because even though Xu Province was out from the effect of conflicts since Lie Fan took over, it became the center of one that was happening right now.
But there's nothing they can do about it, so after giving their acknowledgment the two of them leave the hall, followed by the others as Wang Yi looked at their backs leaving the hall.
As the preparations were made in secret, Wang Yi continued to bide her time, waiting for the right moment to leave Tianshui. The city, now slightly less guarded with Jia Kui and his escort on their way to Jincheng, offered her a slim window of opportunity. She knew she had to seize it.
Meanwhile, Jia Kui and his envoy journeyed towards Jincheng, their minds occupied with the delicate negotiations ahead. They knew that the outcome of these talks would significantly impact the balance of power in the central plains.
As Jia Kui and his envoy approached Jincheng, the fortified city loomed ahead, its walls standing tall and imposing. The journey had been long and arduous, but they had finally arrived.
Jia Kui felt a sense of anticipation as they neared the gates, knowing that the negotiations ahead would be critical for the future of Cao Cao's cause.
At the gates of Jincheng, Ma Teng, and Ma Chao stood waiting, flanked by a small contingent of their best soldiers. They had been informed by their scouts of Jia Kui's imminent arrival and had prepared to greet him with the formality and respect befitting such a crucial negotiation.
As Jia Kui and his group reached the gate, they dismounted their horses. Jia Kui stepped forward, his demeanor calm and composed. Ma Teng, a seasoned leader with a stern countenance, approached him, followed closely by his son, Ma Chao, whose fierce eyes betrayed a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.
"Master Jia Kui," Ma Teng began, his voice deep and authoritative. "Welcome to Jincheng. I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Jia Kui nodded, offering a polite bow. "Thank you, Lord Ma Teng. Our journey was long but without incident. I appreciate your hospitality in receiving us."
Ma Teng returned the bow, a gesture of mutual respect. "These are turbulent times, and hospitality is a rare commodity. But we are here to discuss matters of great importance. Please, follow me."
As Jia Kui and Ma Teng exchanged formal greetings, Ma Chao, Zhang Ji, Xu Huang, and Cao Hong stood to the side, their eyes scanning the surroundings and each other. There was a palpable tension in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the precarious nature of their meeting.
Inside Jincheng, Jia Kui and his group were led to a grand hall, where the negotiations would take place. The hall was adorned with banners and emblems of the Ma Clan, a reminder of the power and influence they wielded in Liang Province once.
As they took their seats, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Jia Kui took a seat on the left side of the table, with Zhang Ji, Xu Huang, and Cao Hong standing behind him, their presence a reminder of the might they represented.
Ma Teng seated himself on the right side of the table, with Ma Chao standing behind him, his eyes blazing with barely contained anger.
Ma Teng opened the discussion, his voice steady and measured. "Master Jia Kui, you come with the authority of Cao Cao. Thank you for agreeing to meet me at Jincheng to discuss the Ma Clan serving under Cao Cao's government as an independent force."
Jia Kui nodded a polite smile on his lips. "Thank you, Lord Ma Teng, for receiving us so graciously. The times demand that we find common ground, and I am here to facilitate that. Let us get straight to the matter at hand. Lord Cao Cao is prepared to agree to your request, but there are conditions that must be met."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Ma Teng. "First, the Ma Clan must submit completely and fly the Cao Clan banner alongside the Ma Clan banner. This is non-negotiable. Second, the Ma Clan must promise to never expand inward but to direct their efforts outside of China, particularly in guarding the border regions. These measures are to ensure stability and trust within our cooperation."
Ma Chao's face darkened, and his fists clenched at his sides. He took a step forward, ready to voice his outrage, but Ma Teng raised a hand to stop him. Ma Chao froze, his eyes wide with frustration, but he respected his father's silent command.
Ma Teng's expression remained composed as he considered Jia Kui's words. "Your terms are clear, Master Jia Kui, and I understand their necessity. However, there is one condition I must add. In exchange for our submission and agreement to your terms, we request the release of Pang De, our esteemed general, and his safe return to the Ma Clan."
Jia Kui's eyes narrowed slightly as he weighed this new demand. Pang De was a valuable asset, and his release would not be a decision taken lightly by Cao Cao. He glanced at Zhang Ji, Xu Huang, and Cao Hong, who remained stoic and vigilant.
Jia Kui finally nodded. "I will convey your request to Lord Cao Cao. The release of General Pang De is a significant concession, but given the importance of this cooperation, I believe it can be arranged. However, it must be understood that any breach of our agreement will have severe consequences."
Ma Teng inclined his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Of course, Master Jia Kui. We have no intention of betraying this alliance. Our goals are aligned with maintaining the stability and security of our borders. We will honor our word, as long as the conditions are met."
Ma Chao's tension eased slightly at his father's assurance, though his eyes still burned with the fire of his convictions. He knew the importance of this cooperation, but it did not sit well with him to bow to the authority of Cao Cao. Still, he trusted his father's judgment and would follow his lead.
The negotiations continued, with both sides hashing out the finer details of their agreement. The terms were laid out clearly, and assurances were exchanged. It was a delicate dance of diplomacy, with each side striving to maintain their honor and their strategic advantages.
As the discussions drew to a close, Jia Kui stood, offering his hand to Ma Teng. "I will return to Tianshui and send letters to Xuchang to present these terms to Lord Cao Cao. I am confident that he will see the wisdom in your proposal and agree to the release of General Pang De."
Ma Teng grasped Jia Kui's hand firmly. "We await your return, Master Jia Kui. Let us hope that this alliance will bring peace and stability to our lands." With the negotiations concluded, Jia Kui and his envoy prepared to return to Tianshui, their mission a tentative success. As they leave through the gate of Jincheng, both Ma Teng and Ma Chao keep looking at their back until it is long gone in the distance hoping that the decision made today was the right one.
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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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