Hong Yingtai said, "I do know a little about the Redwood River. Over the years, our Southern Yue Kingdom and the Fragrant Kingdom have quarreled endlessly over who owns this land, but in truth, neither has ever gained real control of it. Many peoples live here, and none will bow to the others. Every tribe believes itself the true master of the Redwood River. It was only a little over ten years ago that the Red Yi people took control of Fire Tree City. Their leader, Bage, ruled it then. Although he was one of the Red Yi people, he was generous and fair, and he kept Fire Tree City in excellent order. Because he acted justly, the other tribes accepted his authority, and everyone lived in peace during his rule. Unfortunately, the good times did not last." He paused.
Hu Xiaotian listened eagerly and could not help asking, "What happened?"
Hong Yingtai clinked cups with him and drank a cup of wine. "Bage was one of the few members of the Red Yi Tribe with true foresight. He realized that the Redwood River's unusual geographical position would inevitably make it a prize coveted by many powers. His tribe lacked the strength to hold this land for long. Sooner or later, they would be swallowed up. He therefore decided to find a great tree among the surrounding powers beneath which they could shelter. In the end, he chose to submit to the Fragrant Kingdom."
Long Xiyue nodded. She had heard something of this herself. Bage had approached the Fragrant Kingdom of his own accord, but she did not know why the matter had come to nothing.
Hong Yingtai said, "Two years ago, Bage went in person to Coconut Breeze City in the Fragrant Kingdom. He had actually arranged to meet