For a major power, interests are certainly important, but face is even more important.
I can have an equal dialogue and transaction with you, but you cannot disrespect me, much less offend me.
The reason I don't hit you is because I don't want to.
The representatives of the three departments understood this principle.
What are the consequences of offending the majesty of the Han Dynasty?
According to local South Asian legends, there was once a kingdom called Dayuan, which was thousands of miles away from the Han Dynasty. Because of a horse, the Han Dynasty sent troops to conquer it and shattered it.
Such a powerful and domineering man is absolutely not someone to be trifled with.
Now that the Han army was right in front of them, how could the local three tribal leaders dare to utter a single word of dissent?
Looking at the silent and domineering Jian Shuo, a smile appeared on his face. Then he turned his head and nodded to Chu Qian beside him.
Chu Qian understood, looked at the representatives of the four departments on both sides, and showed a kind smile.
"I have previously drafted several peace treaties. Since you all agree to the mediation of my Great Han, let us sign the treaties and live in peace from now on!"
As he spoke, Chu Qian made a hand gesture to his subordinates behind him.
The subordinate understood and immediately stepped forward, presenting the four contracts to Lan Minggan and the others.
Looking at the clean, smooth paper and the dense Chinese characters on it, the representatives from each department were taken aback and exchanged glances.
Compared to this unfamiliar paper, they were more concerned with the contents of the treaty on it.
What does it say on this?
I don't understand...
"Explain it to them!!"
Seeing the bewildered looks on the representatives' faces, Chu Qian made a gesture to the guide beside him.
The guide nodded and then explained, “Gentlemen, the treaty has clearly defined your territorial boundaries. You may communicate with each other, but you must never resort to violence again.”
If any major conflict arises, the Han Dynasty must intervene to mediate. If one side disregards the treaty, the other tribes can unite to annihilate it…
After hearing the guide's explanation, the representatives' expressions changed.
Although their tribe was small and they had limited knowledge, they were not fools.
The peace treaty of the Han Dynasty appeared to be for the sake of local peace, but the reality was quite different.
Once the treaty is signed, the decision of whether these tribes can fight, how they can fight, when they can fight, and who will fight whom will all be up to the Great Han.
Of course, they can choose not to sign, and the Han Dynasty can choose to wipe them out right now.
"What? You don't want to sign?"
Seeing the hesitant faces of the representatives, Jian Shuo narrowed his eyes and stared at them with a cold glint in his eyes.
Although Jian Shuo was a eunuch, he was physically strong and quite brave. When he was in Liangzhou, he fought alongside Dong Zhuo.
His imposing presence was no less than that of military generals.
"Sign, we'll sign right now..."
Faced with the domineering Jian Shuo, the leaders of the tribes trembled and quickly agreed.
Even the representative of the Kanda tribe, who had been constantly at odds with the Lanminggan tribe, nodded helplessly and signed the peace treaty.
After ordering someone to put the treaty away, Chu Qian glanced at the group and said with a smile, "Alright, the treaty is signed, let's talk about other things!"
“If the angels have any requests, just give them, and we will certainly comply!” Lan Minggan was the first to speak up and agree.
"Yes, yes, we will certainly comply!"
The others eagerly chimed in to agree.
Chu Qian smiled and said, "It's not a big deal. The local products of your region are still very useful to our Han Dynasty."
Therefore, our Great Han Dynasty has decided to build a port here so that our merchants can come and go to trade.
However, our Han forces are insufficient, therefore we need your units to send some able-bodied men to assist us in the construction.”
"Of course, our Great Han will not conscript your able-bodied men for nothing. During the work period, we will pay you some silver as compensation, and you can decide how to distribute it..."
Chu Qian also explained the specific details of the port construction to the representatives of the various departments.
"That would be perfect!!"
Seeing that the Han Dynasty was interested in long-term trade and could make money from those young men, they were naturally more than happy to agree and readily accepted.
Chu Qian smiled and nodded, then turned to look at Lan Minggan.
"As for the location for the port, it shall be chosen on the coast within your territory."
At the same time, our Great Han needs to lease a piece of land within your territory to build workshops and shops to facilitate trade for our merchants.
"No problem, we'll leave everything to the angels to decide!"
Lan Minggan nodded in agreement to Chu Qian's suggestion without hesitation.
In his view, if the Han Dynasty could build ports and concessions within his territory, he could better establish relations with the Han Dynasty, and his tribe could also develop better with the help of the Han Dynasty.
Seeing this, Chu Qian nodded in satisfaction, then looked at the others and said with a smile:
"Alright, that's enough for today. Everyone, go back now, recruit able-bodied men, and bring back the products from your tribes for trade!"
"yes!"
The representatives from several departments respectfully agreed and then followed the naval soldiers off the ship.
After everyone left, Chu Qian and Jian Shuo went to the railing together and felt the sea breeze.
"Brother Chu, things are almost settled here. Let's rest for a few more days and then head to our next destination!"
Chu Qian smiled and said, "Brother Jian is right. Once their people arrive, we'll leave some people behind to oversee the port construction, and then we'll continue our journey!"
...
Three days later, the four local tribes, following Chu Qian's instructions, each recruited three thousand able-bodied men and brought various products to the coast.
While arranging for merchants to trade with them, Chu Qian also selected several scholars skilled in construction from the delegation and began organizing the able-bodied men of the four departments to build a port there.
Of course, to prevent any accidents, Chu Qian also ordered Zu Mao to lead 500 naval soldiers to stay behind and be responsible for maintaining local security.
Chu Qian also wrote down the local situation in a memorial and handed it over to the returning merchants.
With this, the Great Han officially took its first step in building overseas bases.
With everything prepared, the grand fleet departed Bangkok port and continued its voyage.
Half a month later, the fleet arrived at a coastline north of the equator called Xizhu (present-day Singapore).
Just like in Bangkok, the local indigenous people were utterly shocked when they saw the massive fleet of ships belonging to the Han Chinese.
The local indigenous people readily accepted the various conditions proposed by the burly man.
After leaving some soldiers, scholars, and sailors to oversee the port construction, Chu Qian and Jian Shuo led the fleet into the Strait of Malacca and sailed toward the Bay of Bengal.
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