In order to survive, the defeated Northern Di soldiers looted any grain they could find and burned any tents they could find. In just half a month, three tribes on the western Turkic border suffered.
This is exactly the effect Wu Shangzhi wanted.
“Tell Ashina Helu’s envoy,” Wu Shangzhi turned around, “that the meeting is fine, and the place should be Shule City. He must come in person and bring a letter of surrender.”
Guo Luo was taken aback: "General, Ashina Helu is, after all, a Khan of his own rank. For him to come and surrender in person..."
"He wouldn't dare not come," Wu Shangzhi sneered. "The defeated Northern Di troops are still rampaging through his territory. If our army withdraws now, the Western Turks will lose at least 30% of their territory. Moreover..."
He looked eastward: "The Grand Commander has already settled the situation in the Central Plains. If the Western Turks still want to establish a foothold west of the Pamir Mountains, they should know what to choose."
Three days later, at Shule City.
Ashina Helu arrived as promised, leading a hundred-man guard.
This Western Turkic Khan was about fifty years old, with hawk-like eyes and a hooked nose. He wore a brocade robe and fur coat, but his brows showed an undisguised weariness.
"General Wu," Ashina Helu said, striking his chest in a traditional steppe gesture, "Your army's might is truly admirable. However, these routed Northern Di soldiers..."
"Khan, rest assured, I will handle the matter of the defeated soldiers myself." Wu Shangzhi sat upright in the main seat, neither humble nor arrogant. "I invited you here today to discuss one matter—the future situation of the Western Regions."
Ashina Helu's eyes flickered: "General, please speak."
“It’s very simple.” Wu Shangzhi held up a finger. “East of the Pamir Mountains is the territory of the Western Regions Protectorate of the Great Yin. West of the Pamir Mountains, the Western Turks can govern themselves, but they must acknowledge the Great Yin as their suzerain, pay tribute every year, and send their sons to the court as hostages every year.”
"This..." Ashina Helu's expression changed.
Before he could refute, Wu Shangzhi continued, "In return, the Great Yin will help the Western Turks clear out the defeated Northern Di soldiers within their territory and open five border markets, where tea, silk, and ironware will be plentiful."
A combination of persuasion and coercion, kindness and severity.
Ashina Helu remained silent for a long time.
He was naturally unwilling to submit, but circumstances forced him to comply.
The defeated Northern Di troops have already turned the border upside down; if the Yin army gives them another push...
More importantly, the Northern Di, once the overlords of the grasslands, are now being pursued by the Great Yin.
"I... am willing to acknowledge the Great Yin as my patriarch." Ashina Helu finally bowed his head.
Wu Shangzhi smiled and said, "The Khan is wise. In that case, please sign and seal this treaty."
A pre-prepared treaty was presented.
Ashina Helu carefully reviewed the terms and conditions. Although he was unwilling, the conditions were still acceptable.
He gritted his teeth, signed the document, and stamped it with the golden seal of the Western Turkic Khan.
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