As for the border issue Wanyan Liexin had raised, the fault did not lie with Great Yong. The kingdom had been founded barely a hundred years ago, and it had swiftly grown powerful after its founding. Under the banner of reclaiming the Central Plains, it had recovered some of the lands Black Hu had seized from Great Kang. In recent years, however, especially after the death of the Great Yong Emperor, Xue Shengkang, internal power struggles had left Great Yong far less forceful than before. Black Hu had taken advantage of this to occupy considerable territory. In truth, Black Hu had been the first to provoke the fighting between them.
Hu Xiaotian said, "Enmities should be resolved, not deepened. Harmony is precious between people, and why should it be any different between nations? Since ancient times, it has always been the common people who suffer in war."
Wanyan Liexin nodded. "We Black Hu people have always loved peace. Had Great Yong not pressed us so aggressively, we would never have risen to fight back." Everyone liked to gild their own face. Even after bullying someone else, they still had to put on the face of a victim.
Hu Xiaotian nodded, not because he agreed with Wanyan Liexin, but simply to humor him. Since Qiqi had entrusted him with negotiating with both sides' envoys, he had to shoulder that responsibility. In fact, the negotiations were straightforward as far as he was concerned. Great Kang was waiting for the best offer; it all depended on whether Black Hu or Great Yong could provide more tangible benefits.
Wanyan Liexin asked, "What do you think of Great Yong's prospects, Your Highness?"
Hu Xiaotian replied, "Lately, I've had enough trouble looking after my own affairs. I've paid little attention to other countries." It was not