After writing the secret letter, Che Xiang found one of his trusted subordinates and had him take the letter and leave the capital, heading towards Qiancheshi.

The next day, King Che Qian of Cheshi sent an envoy with gifts to Xie Zhiyu's forces, and at the same time ordered Che Xiang and Che Dan to gather troops to defend the capital.

At this time, the Houcheshi army had a total of 30,000 troops, with the king and his two prime ministers each commanding 10,000.

To prevent conflict between Che Xiang and Che Dan, Che Qian assigned them to guard the north and south gates respectively, while he himself guarded the east gate.

At noon, the envoy from Cheshi arrived at Xiezhiyu's camp.

Xie Zhiyu seemed to have been prepared for the arrival of the envoy from Cheshi, and warmly welcomed him out of the village, personally leading him into his tent.

"May I ask Your Majesty, why have you suddenly launched an attack on the kingdoms of Pulai and led your army here?"

After exchanging greetings, the Cheshi envoy got down to business and inquired about Xie Zhiyu's purpose.

Xie Zhiyu said helplessly, "To be honest, my tribe is short of food and it is difficult to feed so many people. We had no choice but to borrow grain from the countries of Pulai."

Unexpectedly, the countries of Pulei and others not only refused to lend money, but also killed the envoy I sent. Such provocation was not something I would let go of, so I launched an attack!

However, those are all small countries with limited food supplies. They have no choice but to come here hoping your country can lend them some provisions. Once they have the provisions, I will immediately withdraw my troops!

Although Xie Zhiyu's words were fabricated, they were still somewhat plausible. At least they constituted a reason.

The Cheshi envoy then asked, "How much grain does Your Majesty require?"

"not much!"

Xie Zhiyu smiled, then held up two fingers and waved them: "Two hundred thousand shi will suffice!"

"Two...two hundred thousand shi?"

Upon hearing the number announced by Xie Zhiyu, the Cheshi envoy gaped open and stood frozen in place.

Two hundred thousand shi of grain is enough for their 30,000-strong army in Cheshi to use for a year. No one would give away such a huge amount of grain for nothing.

"Alas, to be honest, my troops currently have 30,000 cavalry and 60,000 herdsmen. Moreover, we have just arrived here and our daily consumption is enormous. If we cannot guarantee food, I cannot guarantee that my soldiers and herdsmen will not do anything crazy!"

Xie Zhi sighed and recounted the difficulties of his tribe in a manner that was half complaint and half threat, his eyes fixed on the envoy from Cheshi.

The implication is clear: our soldiers and herders are starving, and the entire population is mobilized for war. If there isn't enough food, they'll have no choice but to rob...

The Cheshi envoy understood the meaning behind Xie Zhiyu's words. As a proponent of peace, he naturally did not want to have a conflict with the Xiongnu.

After a moment's thought, the Cheshi envoy said, "Your Majesty, 200,000 shi of grain is far too much. Our country cannot provide it in a short time. Do you think we could reduce it a bit?"

Xie Zhiyu said in a deep voice, "Less is not impossible, but I have one condition!"

Hearing that there was room for negotiation, the Cheshi envoy's eyes lit up. "What are the conditions?"

Xie Zhiyu smiled and said, "As far as I know, the former Cheshi region has 10,000 Han troops stationed there, and many farmlands have been cultivated, and many shops and workshops have been built, so there must be plenty of food."

Therefore, I intend to attack the vanguard of Cheshi to replenish our forces, and I hope your country can send troops to assist us.”

"Of course, my tribe only needs money, food and supplies; the city and land will all belong to your country!"

Upon hearing this, the Cheshi envoy was also moved.

He knew that taking over the front of Cheshi was a long-held ambition of his king, who had hesitated to act because he feared the Han Dynasty.

Now that the Xiongnu are willing to attack, this is an opportunity for me to go back and give them an explanation.

Thinking of this, the Cheshi envoy bowed to Xie Zhiyu and said, "I will convey King Xie Zhiyu's conditions to my king, and I believe my king will agree!"

Xie Zhiyu smiled and nodded: "That's good then. Your Excellency may return first. I will await your country's reply here!"

"I'll take my leave now!"

The envoy from Cheshi bowed respectfully, then turned and left.

"A bunch of idiots!"

Watching the departing figure of the Cheshi envoy, Xie Zhiyu couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

Xie Zhiyu turned to one of his subordinates and ordered, "Immediately send someone to notify the other two armies to come and join us. Also, order the entire army to expedite the construction of siege weapons!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The subordinate respectfully agreed and then turned to leave.

Meanwhile, the Cheshi envoy, who had returned to the capital, also told Che Qian in detail about what he had learned and the conditions offered by Xie Zhiyu.

"Did Xie Zhiyu really say that? He only wants the money, provisions, and supplies for the Qiancheshi, not the cities?"

Upon hearing the envoy relay Xie Zhiyu's terms, Che Qian was greatly tempted.

The envoy nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty, that is indeed what Xie Zhiyu said!"

Che Dan, who was standing nearby, also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that Xie Zhi's condition can be agreed to."

After all, the Xiongnu were forced to this place by the Xianbei. Without pastures and unable to cultivate the land, obtaining food and supplies to survive was their primary concern.

"That makes sense!!"

Che Qian nodded, clearly agreeing with Che Dan's insights.

Che Xiang wanted to say something, but seeing Che Qian's infatuated expression, he could only shake his head and swallow his words.

After some discussion, Che Qian decided to lend the Xiongnu 100,000 shi of grain and send 20,000 troops to assist the Xiongnu in attacking Qiancheshi.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!