The Order of Things Changes the Hearts of Men

Elsewhere, the seated generals were left dumbfounded when they saw the imposing Futu lower his banners and cease his drums in an instant, even speaking words of concession.

They understood the Marshfolk's nature. Even when outmatched in strength, the Marshfolk would not easily yield. This was reflected in the dealings between the Marshfolk tribes and the Central Plains.

In terms of military strength, aside from Buddhist Marsh, the other Marshlands tribes could not be considered powerful. Against the Southern Border troops, they suffered more defeats than victories. Yet even after losing battles, they could sometimes gain benefits. The key lay in one word: "make trouble."

As long as they raised a ruckus, the border troops would come under pressure, and the officials and generals governing the frontier would face questioning. What the court needed was peace on all four borders. For that goal, many matters could be negotiated, and many concessions could be made.

Moreover, policy was often shaped by current events. In recent years, due to the Northern Frontier War, the court's policies toward the other borders had become increasingly "flexible." So long as the tribes living along the frontier knew how to make trouble, knew how to make it spectacular enough for the court's Central Pivot to hear of it, the court would immediately place all manner of pressure on the border troops in pursuit of stability.

Under such circumstances, the Marshfolk had gained no small number of benefits. Having tasted the marrow, they naturally found it delicious, and the tactic never failed them.

This was also why Qiu Yan had spoken so forcefully earlier, with the air that one wrong word would see blades drawn. Even knowing that Qiu Yan's cultivation was profound and that he did not fear the Marshfolk prince, the other generals still had