To achieve immortality, I cultivate using Qi Luck - Chapter 725 - Chapter 725: Chapter 321: Hiding the Sky and Crossing the Sea_2

Chapter 725: Chapter 321: Hiding the Sky and Crossing the Sea_2

When that time came, Zhou Country could decisively defeat those barbarians and then sweep southward, attacking the snowy wilderness.

Although Zhou Country had little interest in the barren lands of the snowy plains.

But just like Chu State in recent years, they also sent troops to attack the snowy plains, establishing a Hegu County in the process.

In some areas of the snowy plains with dense rivers and lakes, it is quite suitable for reclamation and agriculture. If they can be occupied, it would not be a problem to establish three to five counties.

Moreover, there are many fertile pastures in the snowy plains. Once occupied, Zhou Country could have countless excellent horse farms, which is another great advantage.

These two benefits are enough to entice Zhou Country.

Therefore, even though the war with the Snow Plains Nomads has been extremely difficult, Zhou Country has persisted without any concessions or intentions for peace in these years.

Even not long ago, when the Snow Plains Nomads sent envoys to seek peace, Zhou Country directly refused, not even agreeing to the opposing party’s conditions.

They had endured so much difficulty previously.

At this point, when victory is within reach, how could Zhou Country give up without a fight?

As long as they can obtain the two benefits mentioned above, all the losses suffered by Zhou Country due to the war in recent years can be instantly compensated.

Not only compensation, but if they can expand their territory by three to five counties, obtain countless excellent horse farms, and make millions of barbarians serve them, Zhou Country’s national power could increase by half, instantly approaching the Liang Country that has already unified Qingzhou.

With such great benefits at hand, and victory about to arrive, Zhou Country must continue fighting even if it means selling their possessions.

However, the reality is that Zhou Country is short of grain.

In order to wage this war and cope with the pressure from three sides, Zhou Country mobilized over two million troops, including civilian workers, and is already exhausted.

Reliance on domestic savings and production can no longer sustain such a huge army.

Therefore, to keep the war going, they had to seek help from abroad.

That is the task of Su Xun’s visit to Chu State this time.

It concerns the rise and fall of the country; no matter how much it costs, he must do everything he can to facilitate it.

‘Fortunately, it seems that King of Chu has no hostility towards Zhou Country, which is a great blessing. This mission may be a complete success.’

Su Xun thought about many things in his heart, and couldn’t help but feel slightly invigorated.

However, when it comes to the affairs of state, one cannot be too careful.

Therefore, even though the King of Chu’s attitude seemed very friendly, he did not let his guard down. Instead, he continued to observe and test cautiously, not taking the situation lightly.

After this series of tests, the two parties finally reached a consensus.

Lu Yuan looked down at Su Xun, who had agreed on terms with him, and laughed, “Great Chu will sell 10,000 stones of grain to Zhou Country at the price of six coins per catty. The delivery date will be set three months later, at the border between the two countries. After both parties exchange the grain and cash, the transaction will be completed. What does the Messenger think?”

Su Xun respectfully saluted, “As a Diplomat, I have no objection and will act as the King of Chu directs.”

Lu Yuan laughed, “Then let’s settle on this in the end.”

With that, the preliminary consensus on the multi-million stone grain trade was finalized.

The remaining specific details were to be further negotiated between the ministers of the court and the Zhou Country’s diplomatic delegation. There was no need for Lu Yuan, the King of Chu, to be concerned with such matters.

Having achieved his goal, Su Xun took the opportunity to leave.

Sun Siwen, however, stayed behind.

After everyone had left, this friend looked at Lu Yuan, slightly worried, “Your Majesty, when we previously made plans, we resolved to take our next steps and plot to take Hanzhong. Now that Your Majesty is selling ten million stones of grain to Zhou Country, once they receive this batch of grain, they will immediately resolve their food shortage and no longer be troubled by the need for military supplies.

At that time, Zhou Country will have a well-trained and well-fed army, and it will not be easy for us to attack them.”

Lu Yuan glanced at Sun Siwen and sighed, “I know all too well that this move is to aid the enemy. However, the Zhou Country has come to buy grain, but they are also testing us.”

Ever since Great Chu declared hegemony over other countries, the surrounding countries have been wary of us, haven’t they?

Now, Zhou Country faces enemies on three fronts, with war raging everywhere. Only their southern border with our Chu State remains relatively peaceful and secure.

Under such circumstances, how could Zhou Country not be wary of us?

They may be worried that we will maintain peace with them on the surface, but secretly amass arms and prepare to ambush them.

So if we don’t sell grain today, I’m afraid the news from Zhou Country’s diplomatic delegation would immediately be sent back to Zhou Country, prompting them to be on guard.

At that time, Zhou Country will be vigilant and reinforce their troops in Hanzhong. It will be ten or a hundred times more difficult for Chu State to attack them than it is now.”

With the situation as it is, what can be done! What can be done!”

Lu Yuan had been through countless battles and calculations over the years since he entered the world. Both his martial arts and Immortal Method have reached major success. His mind and perception have sharpened considerably compared to ordinary people after several transformations.

Previously, Su Xun thought he was hiding his intentions well, but as they conversed and observed each other’s expressions, Lu Yuan had already seen through him.

It was precisely because of this that Lu Yuan agreed to sell grain with the intention of fighting fire with fire.

After hearing his analysis, Sun Siwen couldn’t help but sigh with a hint of unwillingness. “Is there no other way to deal with Hanzhong?”

Capturing Hanzhong, expanding territory, and improving Chu State’s northwest defense are all matters of vital importance to the state.

If Hanzhong is not captured, the Xichuan and Xiangyang regions of Chu will always be under threat from Hanzhong, keeping a large number of troops and horses bogged down in these two regions, making it difficult for Chu State to muster more strength to expand in other directions.

This matter concerns the destiny of Chu State, and Sun Siwen naturally does not want to give up on the verge of success.