The reason why the King of Western Qiang came to Jiayuguan to wait for Ying Zheng was because he wanted to use the incident of Qiang Hu to express his gratitude and improve the relationship between the two countries.
Before this, although the two countries were not on the same page, they had basically no contact.
But the dividing line between Huaxia and Xirong has always been like that. Over the years, no one has crossed the past half step.
In the eyes of Da Qin, the barren lands to the west did not offer much temptation. The real opponents were the Six Kingdoms of Shandong.
From the perspective of Xiqiang, the Qin State became increasingly powerful after Shang Jun's reforms. It occupied the land of Bashu to the south, annexed Yiqu to the north, and occupied large areas of Chu and Wei territories to the east.
In recent years, there have been fierce generals such as Sima Cuo, Bai Qi, Meng Ao and so on.
He should have worshiped his ancestors without attacking such an opponent, so how could he dare to provoke him so easily?
Previously, the King of Xiqiang promised Yu Tu to send 30,000 troops. Firstly, it was to give Yu Tu a face, and secondly, he also wanted to make some money and grab some things before returning.
However, Qiang Yu took into account his brotherhood with Thorin and hesitated to be arrested, which was not what Great Qin wanted.
What is surprising is that the Qin Dynasty actually released all the Qiang troops, and the King of Qin even became brothers with the Qiang Hu.
As the leader of the tribe, the first and most important thing the King of Xiqiang cares about is the lives of his people. The number of 30,000 people is not a small number for the Qiang people.
Furthermore, he is straightforward and open-minded, and at the same time he admires people with broad minds the most.
This series of actions by King Qin couldn't help but make King Xiqiang feel respectful, and he wanted to take the initiative to make friends with him both in public and private matters.
Therefore, when the King of Xiqiang took the initiative to sign an alliance with Ying Zheng, he did not make a temporary decision after hearing what Elder Mo Li said. He had already made plans before coming to Jiayuguan.
"The Silk Road." Ying Zheng muttered, "This is a good name. With this Silk Road, Da Qin's silk will no longer have to worry about sales in the future."
"Haha, King Qin is really good at joking. For such a good thing, Rong Di and the dignitaries of the Western Regions will break their heads and rush to buy it." King Xiqiang said.
Ying Zheng was extremely happy, but his expression was quite calm: "It sounds good, but I hope we can come up with a formula for how to jointly build the Silk Road."
King Xiqiang nodded, then sighed sadly, and began to tell: "From the topography, this Hexi Corridor is a plain area between two mountains. Although the land is not fertile, it is not fertile either. Barren."
"It's a pity that this long and narrow section has become a battleground for Xirong, Beidi and the Western Regions, because no matter who occupies this section, it is a kind of protection for the local area, but it is also because it often changes hands, so this place Most of them are refugees and herdsmen, and no one is planting crops on the good land, and no one is repairing the good city gates."
"To be honest, although the geographical location of Jiayuguan is very important, if it is snatched away by another country one day, I will not be surprised. Although I will be a little regretful, I will never be sad."
"So, since one's own efforts cannot last long, it is better to build together with the Qin Dynasty and turn this place into a fertile land. In the future, the population will be prosperous and the grain fields will be abundant. Isn't this a meritorious deed?"
After saying these words, King Xiqiang looked deeply at Ying Zheng with his torch-like eyes, and even the elders beside him focused their resolute eyes on Ying Zheng.
Obviously, this matter was also discussed by several people in charge of the Western Qiang tribe. Even if Ying Zheng does not go to the Western Regions this time, I am afraid that the Western Qiang have already had this intention.
Since you can't keep a piece of fat, you might as well give up half of it and keep the other half forever. This is the long-term solution.
As for Ying Zheng, he never expected that he would receive such a big return gift after he sincerely gave several gifts.
After thinking for a while, Ying Zheng said with a smile: "It is a pity that such an important location is abandoned, but if we want long-term peace and stability, a strong city defense is indispensable. In my opinion, renovating this city gate will That’s the most important thing.”
"Secondly, Great Qin will send a garrison to protect this land from being invaded."
"Furthermore, Da Qin will
Slaves, prisoners, etc. were sent here as laborers
land and let them become the first batch of Chinese residents. "
"If everything goes well, then some other groups of people will be moved here."
"I wonder if King Xiqiang thinks this is feasible?"
King Xiqiang pondered for a moment, and then said: "Okay! If we build this place together, we do need to do it step by step, but I don't know how the other Rongdi tribes will react when they see this move."
The King of Xiqiang did not say it clearly, but he was already hinting that this huge change might attract the attention of the Xiongnu, or even launch a surprise attack.
Ying Zheng said: "In fact, not only here, but also in the Central Plains, Qin and Zhao are also harassed by the Huns. For me, there will be a battle with the Huns one day in the future."
In the battle against the Huns, Ying Zheng was not only trying to bring peace to the north, but more importantly, he wanted to ensure safety and privacy when repairing the dragon veins.
"Haha, I'm afraid that if there is any movement on our side, the Huns will immediately raise their troops to attack." King Xiqiang said.
"Hahaha..." Ying Zheng laughed and said, "Is it possible that King Xiqiang has not heard of the Qin army's combat power? If the Huns invade now, I will tell him that he will never come back."
King Xiqiang then remembered that when Qiang Yu returned to his clan, he mentioned to him how the Qin army defeated the Rong Di army, so he also laughed: "In this case, I have nothing to worry about."
"Okay!" Ying Zheng said, "Then it's settled that our two countries will form an alliance and jointly build the Hexi Corridor."
"It's settled." King Xiqiang said, "I was busy talking, but I forgot to greet King Qin. I have prepared the food and wine, and I also asked King Qin to lead everyone away."
"Thank you, King Xiqiang." Ying Zheng said with a smile.
Immediately, the King of Xiqiang held a feast, including sheep milk wine, roasted sheep, boiled sheep liver, etc. It was almost a whole sheep feast.
Ying Zheng didn't show any politeness and took the Meng family brothers and the Xiqiang people to have a drink.
After having a drink, the relationship became more harmonious.
Ying Zheng looked at the porcelain wine glass in King Xiqiang's hand and asked, "I wonder if King Xiqiang is still used to using this porcelain wine glass?"
"Hahaha, this porcelain cup feels delicate and has beautiful patterns. Even the goat's milk wine inside seems to be much mellower than usual. It's really a good thing." King Xiqiang said.
"Then what do you think the people of the Western Regions will think of these goods from me?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Haha, does King Qin know the situation in the Western Regions?" King Xiqiang asked.
"I just heard a rough idea from the old patriarch Yiqu." Ying Zheng replied.
"Haha, if I judge, these treasures of King Qin will definitely be very popular." King Xiqiang said with a smile.
"Why?"
"King Qin, think about it, the territory of the Western Region is almost the same as that of the Central Plains, but there are thirty-six countries. The population is not very dense. In terms of wealth, it is several times better than the entire Qiang people. Since they have no worries about food and drink, then these royal families Their thoughts will definitely be spent on competing with each other, and as long as one country reaches a deal with Da Qin, the remaining countries will have no choice but to do this business." After that, the King of Xiqiang had another drink. After taking a sip, when his lips touched the porcelain cup, his expression was quite intoxicating.
"Haha, it seems to be the case." Ying Zheng smiled, "If this is the case, then our Silk Road really must be built."
"That's right, hahaha." There were so many happy things, and the Xiqiang King smiled from ear to ear.
Ying Zheng seemed to have remembered something, and asked again: "I have never been here, and I don't know where the territory of Xiqiang extends now, and whether it borders Loulan?"
"To be honest," King Xiqiang said, "Jiayu Pass originally belonged to the Yuezhi. My father captured it when he was young. Later, the Xiongnu restricted the Yuezhi's counterattack, and it has been preserved to this day. However, the Huns in the north also I have been thinking about this pass, so thirty miles beyond the pass, it is no longer the territory of the Xiqiang."
"Thirty miles away is equivalent to a blank area. Sometimes the Huns come to inspect, sometimes the Yuezhi people come to station for a while, and sometimes there are conflicts, but
Most of them will not lead to major wars. "
"After this area, there are two passes, one south and one north.
They both belong to Loulan. The one to the south is called Yangguan, which is the south road leading to the Western Regions, while the one to the north is called Yumen Pass, which is the north road leading to the Western Regions. "
"Oh?" Ying Zheng asked urgently, "Which one is closer to Jingjue Country?"
"Of course it's Yangguan in the south." King Xiqiang said, "However, if King Qin wants to go to Loulan Kingdom first, he would go to Yumen Pass to get closer."
"Yumen Pass..." Ying Zheng muttered something in a low voice, and then said, "Okay, let's go to Yumen Pass. Before going to Jingjue, I have to visit Loulan first."
"Yes, Loulan is one of the most powerful countries in the Western Region. It firmly guards the eastern gate of the Western Region. Even the Xiongnu is helpless against it." King Xiqiang said.
"So King Xiqiang, does he know the Lord of Loulan?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Haha, we know each other naturally. You must know that Loulan is a big customer of Xiqiang. Nearly half of Xiqiang's sheep have been sold to Loulan." King Xiqiang said, "Don't worry, King Qin. I have already sent a letter to King Loulan. After passing Yumen Pass, someone will take you directly to Loulan City, and this king will personally take you there."
"Haha, in this way, I thank the King of Xiqiang." Ying Zheng raised his wine glass and said, "I would like to offer a toast to the King of Xiqiang."
"Dry!"
The two men raised their heads and drank the whole drink in one gulp.
At this time, Qiang Yu came over and said to King Xiqiang: "Father, you still don't know. King Qin has a very good capacity for drinking. Before, my son and Solin never drank from Brother Wang. "
"Oh?" King Xiqiang frowned, seeming to be interested.
Thorin also came to join in the fun. He raised his wine glass and said, "Yes, Brother Wang has a really good drinking capacity. I am willing to be the loser. Uncle, didn't you always say that you can't meet your opponent? Why don't we compete today."
"Hahaha, when it comes to drinking wine, I have never met an opponent." King Xiqiang laughed, "But since we are competing, how can we not bring some stakes."
Ying Zheng also said with great interest: "How does King Xiqiang want to bet?"
"What did King Qin say about gambling?" King Xiqiang asked.
Ying Zheng thought for a while and said with a smile: "Since the King of Xiqiang likes the gift I gave you, then my bet is naturally these three things. If I lose to the King of Xiqiang, then I will give you twenty carts of each." Bar."
"Seriously?" King Xiqiang thought he heard wrongly.
"Of course I take it seriously." Ying Zheng said seriously.
"Hahaha..." King Xiqiang laughed and said, "Since King Qin's bet is so high, it would be stingy for me to use cattle and sheep as bets again."
After thinking for a while, King Xiqiang continued: "It's better than this. Since the Hexi Corridor has been jointly built, it should be owned separately. Therefore, if I lose, then half of the territories in the Hexi Corridor will belong to you, Da Qin. Already."
Everyone present looked at King Xiqiang.
However, no one stood in the way.
It seems that this is also the strategy that Xiqiang has already agreed upon in advance.
If half of the land on the north side is allocated to Da Qin, then of course they will have this powerful partner to resist the Xiongnu, and the Xiqiang can rest easy.
And Da Qin will undoubtedly owe Xiqiang a huge favor.
"Okay!" Ying Zheng said, "King Xiqiang must keep his word."
"Hahaha..." King Xiqiang laughed again, "I, the people of Xiqiang, value loyalty the most. As the King of Qin, I don't want to go back on my word."
"Hehe..." Ying Zheng said with a smile, "I don't think you can say anything. How about we make a written statement?"
"That's not necessary, Brother Wang." Qiang Yu said, "With so many people watching the monarchs of the two countries bet, it's hard for anyone to deny it."
"Haha, let's get started." After that, Ying Zheng changed to a larger bowl and drank all the wine in one go.
King Xiqiang also changed the bowl and drank it all in one gulp.
Everyone gathered around and watched with great interest
They were drinking with the monarchs of the two countries, and some even started drinking together.
An hour later, the wine bowl in King Xiqiang's hand fell to the ground, and he also fell down.
