Bargaining
After making his plans, You Fu began a "friendly" exchange with several patriarchs of the White House Tribe.
"Several patriarchs, I heard from Yu Kuan that you want our Han Tribe's technology. I have the same thought. The taro your tribe grows is a crop our Han Tribe doesn't have. I'm willing to represent the Han Tribe and trade one kind of our grain seeds for your taro. When the ice and snow melt, we'll come again and exchange farming methods. What do you think?"
Exchange crops?!
The patriarchs exchanged glances, and all of them saw astonishment in one another's eyes. What this leader said seemed different from what that man called Yu Kuan had said earlier. Hadn't he said that the Han Tribe wanted unfamiliar tribes to join them?
Of course, that was the pleasant way of putting it. Hoping unfamiliar tribes would join them—in other words, annexing them. Swallowing one after another at every turn. Yet this man called You Fu seemed to have no such intention.
After pondering for a moment, the patriarch of the You Qing Tribe once again spoke on behalf of the White House Tribe.
"You Fu, your companion said earlier that the Han Tribe would force us to join it. Is that true?"
You Fu watched his gestures, then gave a slightly contemptuous laugh. With a hint of arrogance, he said, "Our Han Tribe gives birth to tens of thousands of babies every year—more than dozens of tribes like yours put together. What difference does it make whether you join the Han Tribe or not?"
"Of course, if you're willing to join the Han Tribe, we welcome you all the same. If you're unwilling, we can't be bothered to invite you."
The words sounded extremely arrogant, leaving the patriarchs both astonished and