Chapter 112: The Situation (Unrefined and Unedited)

“What if the lords of the Chakalk Steppe invade us now?” Yang Jie pondered for a long moment before asking in return.

“Are there several lords on the Chakalk Steppe who are frequently in contact with you?”

Xia Rong’s heart tightened. She hadn’t expected that one question would lead Yang Jie to uncover so much information.

“There are a few, but I haven’t taken a stance with any of them.”

“That’s the right approach,” Yang Jie continued.

“As for whether the steppe lords might suddenly strike northward towards Beishan, I honestly don’t know.”

His tone was somewhat helpless, but not deceptive.

“That was a year ago when two factions on the steppe were bitterly opposed, locked in endless skirmishes. After more than half a year of stabilization, the eastern and western factions have long since infiltrated each other—you in me, I in you.”

“Even if tomorrow the east and west suddenly united as one, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

...

Xia Rong was somewhat puzzled by Yang Jie’s meaning and was about to ask when he beat her to it.

“Do the lords seeking you out come from both east and west?”

...

Xia Rong: Yes, and recently they’ve been contacting me quite frequently.

Yang Jie: That’s good. It means the road to unifying the steppe is still long, but one day a figure like Genghis Khan will emerge to unite it all.

Xia Rong: Uh... there’s one more thing—the ancient ruins at the border between the steppe and our plains: the Forgotten City, remember?

Yang Jie: Of course. You’re not still interested in it, are you?

Xia Rong: Not at all. But I’ve heard rumors that the eastern and western factions of the steppe originally planned to divide the ruins evenly, but the negotiations failed and they’re now gathering troops to fight over it.

Yang Jie: They’ve been fighting for so long; there’s no way they’d split it fairly. Negotiations are just probing. They fight their battles; we don’t need to intervene.

Xia Rong: What if, after securing the ruins, they continue marching north?

At this, Yang Jie looked up at Xia Rong and sighed.

Yang Jie: Then you’d better move. I’ve already picked a spot for you—north of the Hooflands, bordering the Norma Corridor. It’s a bit chilly in winter, but manageable.

Xia Rong: Why do you sound so uncertain? We still have the Satyrs and Dark Elves!

Yang Jie: Sigh! My dear, when did they become our allies? Do you really think their siege of Silvermoon was to help us? They were helping themselves.

...

If the steppe lords move northward to attack, it would be lucky enough if they just raid our homes...

Xia Rong was stunned.

Xia Rong: That’s just... unbelievable!

Yang Jie: Have they been contacting you closely lately?

Xia Rong: Not that close, but they contact me weekly and even added me to their large chat group in the Fagon Forest.

Yang Jie: Haha, are they trying to pry information about me from you?

Xia Rong: Ah! You even know that?

Xia Rong stared wide-eyed at Yang Jie, astonished.

Yang Jie: Haha, you know what? Since the war ended, they haven’t contacted me once...

Xia Rong froze, as if anticipating something.

Yang Jie: If they can add you to the chat group, they can just as easily kick you out. The fertile land of the Norsen Plains—if I were them, I’d be envious too.

If I’m not mistaken, their next step will be to buddy up with you and then request to develop the eastern Norsen Plains.

Xia Rong: What should I do then?

By now, Yang Jie had fully taken control of the conversation, while Xia Rong was a bit dazed.

Yang Jie: You have no choice but to agree.

Or rather, they’re just informing you, not asking for your opinion. Our forces aren’t strong enough to take the entire Norsen Plains. This last battle at Gaoting really drained us; I need time.

Xia Rong: Understood! If they make demands, I’ll agree—even ceding the eastern Norsen Plains is fine. And if the steppe civilization presses northward, I’ll retreat north, right?

Xia Rong quickly grasped the meaning behind Yang Jie’s words.

Yang Jie: Exactly. We have no right to negotiate terms now.

In other words, even if the Satyrs and Dark Elves invade our Norsen Plains territory, we can only watch helplessly.

Xia Rong: I understand now. This is the best time to develop!

Yang Jie: And we’re still weak. For my empire, before entering the Bronze Age, this transition period is very fragile.

We ratmen can rely on city defenses to repel enemies; siege warfare is our expertise.

But if I were to confront the steppe lords on their own turf, it would be suicide.

As far as I know, regardless of individual quality, these steppe civilizations already had cavalry units in the Dark Ages, whereas we mainly have light infantry. It’s not even comparable.

Xia Rong: You mean we have no initiative at all.

Yang Jie: Precisely.

If the Human Alliance doesn’t take the initiative to attack, maybe I’d have some reckless thoughts about the City of Illusions. But now you see my situation, so my advice is to be ready to withdraw at any time.

Xia Rong nodded firmly.

Xia Rong: I get it. Your analysis suddenly clarified the situation for me. We’re just too weak.

Yang Jie: That’s temporary.

I have a small favor to ask you...

At once, Xia Rong’s heart skipped a beat.

Xia Rong: Please, don’t hesitate to ask. I will never refuse what I can do.

Yang Jie smiled gently, pleased to hear those words.

Yang Jie: Good. Here’s the thing...

Winter is coming in a few months, and the cold currents from the St. Dis Snow Mountains will soon arrive.

You seized a coal mine from the Dark Elves, right? I was wondering if you could supply me with some.

Xia Rong: Sigh, you really got me there.

She sighed feigning helplessness, but in truth, she would have helped willingly anyway.

Yang Jie: One more thing—I discovered a copper mine about twenty kilometers north of the Hooflands Plateau.

Xia Rong: I already have a copper mine. You don’t need to worry about me.

Yang Jie: The thing is, I’m short on manpower lately. Could you spare some strong men? Once bronze becomes widespread, I can enter the Bronze Age sooner.

Xia Rong: Fine, I’ll help you to the end.

Eight hundred at most, not a single more.

Yang Jie: Then I’m counting on you!

After a brief exchange, the two lords finalized some details. With that, the issues of the copper and coal mines were entrusted to the lizardmen for assistance.

As for the previously signed “Andes Ratmen and Steppe Lizardmen Friendly Mutual Aid Treaty,” neither the rat nor the lizard mentioned it again.

The sun set over the western hills—another busy day came to a close.