flstandardbreds Chapter 177 Barbarian Invasion
Chapter 177 Barbarian Invasion
As time goes by, the trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries are like two rushing rivers, converging and blending, and becoming increasingly prosperous.
With the influx of students from Xichu, the domestic universities are becoming more and more lively, like a garden full of flowers.
The university carefully set aside a residence and study area for the students of Xichu. The architectural style of the residence combines the characteristics of the two countries, and the carved beams and painted buildings display the beauty of cultural integration.
The students from the two countries gathered like stars. In the courtyards of the universities, under the flowers and trees, or in the pavilions, they exchanged academic insights and cultural concepts with each other.
The unique literature and philosophical thoughts brought by the students of Xichu are like a fresh spring breeze, blowing into the hearts of students from their own country.
Those poetic and philosophical words are like mysterious treasures waiting for everyone to discover.
And the local students proudly showed them their outstanding achievements in astronomy, arithmetic and other fields.
The star maps drawn by their own students were precise and complex, the result of their painstaking efforts in observing the stars for countless days and nights; the sophisticated mathematical algorithms made the students of Western Chu marvel.
They often sat together around the stone table in the courtyard, reciting poems, painting, and debating academic issues.
When reciting poems, some were passionate and surging, some were graceful and melodious. The sound of reading aloud and the heated discussion were like the most beautiful harmony of the friendly relations between the two countries, echoing in every corner of the university.
In terms of trade, the border market is like a huge stage, bustling with activity.
The fine horses from Western Chu are strong and vigorous, with their manes fluttering in the wind, as if telling the story of the grassland; their soft fur is colorful and feels great to the touch; the characteristic handicrafts are exquisite, and each one embodies the hard work of Western Chu craftsmen.
The stalls were filled with a wide variety of goods, attracting the local people to come and choose. The stalls were crowded with people and laughter. The silk exported by the country was as gorgeous as the clouds in the sky, and its soft texture seemed to float in the wind; the fragrance of tea permeated the air and was refreshing; the porcelain was as warm as jade, and the exquisite patterns seemed to be telling ancient legends. These goods became popular in the eyes of Western Chu merchants, and every arrival would cause a buying frenzy.
To better manage trade, the two countries have set up a trade department at the border.
The officials of the Trade Department were like shrewd housekeepers, carefully planning the layout of the market.
They carefully divide the trading areas for different commodities, taking into account many details such as the flow of people and the loading and unloading of goods, to ensure that every transaction is conducted fairly and justly.
In setting tariffs, they repeatedly weighed the pros and cons of both ensuring national interests and promoting trade prosperity, just like carefully placing weights on a scale.
The Prince of Chen knew that diplomatic relations were like a trickle of water that needed constant maintenance and nourishment.
So he sent envoys from his country to Western Chu.
The envoys brought with them their country's latest agricultural technology books, which recorded advanced irrigation techniques, secrets of crop planting, etc.; they also brought with them exquisite handicrafts, which were so ingenious that every detail demonstrated the superb skills of their country's craftsmen.
As soon as the envoys arrived in Western Chu, they were warmly welcomed and invited to visit the water conservancy projects in Western Chu. The magnificent water conservancy facilities were like long dragons lying across the land, effectively irrigating large tracts of land.
They also studied in depth Xichu's experience in animal husbandry and were filled with admiration when they saw Xichu herders skillfully managing herds of cattle and sheep.
Craftsmen from the two countries also began close cooperation.
The country's porcelain craftsmen and Western Chu's gold and silversmiths worked hand in hand, just like two music masters composing a piece of music together.
In their workshops, they carefully crafted exquisite utensils that combined the characteristics of the two countries. The Chinese porcelain craftsmen used fine clay to shape the prototypes of the utensils with skill and precision, while the gold and silversmiths of Western Chu decorated them with gold foil and silver sheets, inlaying them with exquisite patterns, either mighty mythical beasts or delicate flowers.
Once these utensils were launched, they caused a sensation among the aristocracy in both countries.
Nobles competed to collect them, and these utensils became symbols of status and taste.
With the smooth development of trade between the two countries, the country's wealth poured in like a tide.
A wide variety of novel goods are displayed in shops in the streets and alleys; advanced technology spreads rapidly in various fields like a spark, igniting the flame of innovation; diverse cultures blend and converge here, like a gorgeous rainbow across the sky, making the country more prosperous.
However, the country's prosperity was like a beacon, attracting the attention of barbarians from afar.
The barbarians lived in a bitter cold land on the border, where the wind howled and there was only sparse grass on the vast grassland. They lived a nomadic life, following water and grass, and the resources were scarce like a dry desert.
As they watched the country grow in prominence through trade, the fire of greed ignited in their hearts. The fire burned fiercely in their eyes, driving them to extend their hands to plunder the country.
On a cloudy morning, the sky was like a heavy lead sheet, so oppressive that it made people feel breathless.
The barbarian cavalry surged towards the border like a surging tide.
The sound of horse hooves roared like thunder, and the earth trembled.
The cavalry was like a black torrent, raising dust wherever they passed.
The border guards were caught off guard at first, and the sudden attack by the enemy made them panic, but they soon calmed down and quickly organized a resistance.
The smoke from the beacon tower rose into the sky. The black column of smoke was like a sharp sword piercing the sky, conveying the news of war to the capital.
The guards of the beacon tower were busy in a tense and orderly manner, constantly adding firewood to ensure that the signal smoke continued.
The emperor responded quickly, his expression serious and determined.
He summoned the generals in the court, and the atmosphere in the magnificent palace was solemn.
The generals came one after another, wearing armor, with determination and fearlessness in their eyes.
Everyone gathered together to discuss countermeasures.
The generals were all excited and asked for battle, expressing their willingness to fight to defend the country. Their voices echoed in the palace, full of determination.
The prince also stepped forward, his posture straight and his eyes burning with a fiery fighting spirit.
He requested to lead troops to the border to defend against the enemy, his voice calm and firm.
After thinking for a moment, the emperor agreed to the prince's request and sent the experienced Prince Chen to assist the prince.
The prince led a large army to the border to repel the barbarians.
During the march, the army maintained strict discipline and marched in unison.
The soldiers' armor gleamed coldly in the sun, and the flags fluttered in the air.