Proper and Respectful

"Your Majesty, rest assured, there will be no problem whatsoever!"

In the great hall, Zhang Qian was brimming with confidence.

Though he had yet to leave Chang'an City, Zhang Qian had made ample preparations and felt thoroughly prepared.

His confidence had soared even higher after he gained the help of Wu Chao, whom Zhang Xuezhou had recommended.

"I have heard that west of Xiong State lies a Yue Kingdom, which has also been at war with Xiong State for years. You may convey my wish to befriend them," the new emperor said. "They too are a tribal kingdom, and like Xiong State, they enjoy sweeping back and forth on raids. They know Xiong State better than we do. If they can tell us where Xiong State's tribes live, that would be a great boon!"

"As you command!"

"If Yue Kingdom can attack Xiong State, we can also send troops to storm its main camp," the new emperor said.

"I accept the command!"

Zhang Qian agreed once more. He pondered for a few seconds before asking a question.

"I've heard that there are three Sacred Lands behind Xiong State. Why doesn't Your Majesty destroy them?" Zhang Qian asked.

"If you think of the forces of the Northern Kuru Continent as a person, the Sacred Lands are the head, while Xiong State is the limbs," the new emperor said. "Sever the limbs, and Xiong State's Sacred Lands will be nothing more than a few large schools of thought, no longer able to stir up wind and waves."

"So that's how it is!"

"Xiong State is what we need to deal with," the new emperor said.

"I understand!"

Zhang Qian agreed eagerly.

Only after the new emperor had given him repeated instructions did he stride out of the great hall.

"You don't understand!"