Chapter 96: A Rising StormInside Aeryon tent sat none other than Mayeux.

    The sight of Mayeux brought a sense of relief.

    "I was worried that he might got into some kind of trouble" he did come by late a few days from the estimated time of his return.

    So, he was worried that something might have happened to him

    he swiftly gave orders to his servant, instructing them to bring forth a platter of fresh meat and a jug of warm water.

    Aeryon knew that there is probably many things that Mayeux wanted to share with him

    But Aeryon told him to eat first, to relieve the hunger and to stave off the thirst

    Aeryon understood the importance of nourishment, not only to sustain the body but also to provide a moment of respite and comfort.

    He knew that Mayeux must have traversed great distances and faced countless challenges in his absence.

    Thus, he insisted that Mayeux partake in a meal before delving into the matters that awaited discussion.

    Mayeux, a skilled and capable individual, had proven himself to be an invaluable asset to Aeryon cause.

    Aeryon recognized the significance of retaining such talent and the need to show appreciation for Mayeux’s unwavering dedication and competence.

    It was not enough to merely acknowledge Mayeux’s abilities within his own heart; Aeryon understood the importance of demonstrating his gratitude and fostering a sense of belonging.

    As the platter of meat was brought before them, the aroma of freshly cooked sustenance filled the air, enticing their senses.

    Aeryon gestured for Mayeux to partake first, encouraging him to satisfy his hunger and quench his thirst. It was a small gesture, but one that carried the weight of gratitude and camaraderie.

    With each bite and sip, the weariness of the journey began to dissipate. Aeryon could see that Mayeux is slowly gaining his strength.

    And they talk when they eat and the atmosphere is very good. Aeryon is smiling in his heart

    "Heh, I read all kinds of intrigue stories. How could I not know how to entertain talents?"

    When the wise are recruited to serve in the government, the country will enjoy peace and prosperity.

    To lose them could mean an end to a government. From ancient times until today this recurring theme has not changed at all.

    The ancients said: "An extraordinary leader will use the services of extraordinary ministers. Together with these extraordinary ministers they will attain extraordinary achievements in history."

    A leader must respect his ministers because they are the representatives of the people. He must choose ministers close to him carefully because they are the role models for the people

    The wise king of antiquity would respect the jurisdictions of his ministers, their stipends, and also take good care of them.

    He would regularly visit ministers who had been stricken ill.

    And when a minister passed away he would personally offer condolences to the minister’s bereaved family and attend the complete funeral rites.

    A king would not drink wine or eat meat until the body of the deceased minister had been placed in the coffin.

    Neither would he entertain himself with music before the burial rites were done.

    If a minister passed away during an ancestral offering ceremony, the king would call off the ceremonial music as a sign of mourning for the deceased minister.

    Thus, the kings in ancient time did everything they could to live up to the requirements of the propriety, and their ministers would repay them with undying devotion.

    Aeryon read many things in his original world. And because he reads diverse kind of stories, he also knows different kind of methods.

    There was a story that Aeryon remember

    The Duke of Zhou taught his son, Bo Qin, this lesson: "I am the son of King Wen, the younger brother of King Wu, and uncle to King Cheng. My position is therefore not lowly.

    However, there were times when I had to stop several times in the course of washing my hair; or stop several times in the course of eating, so that I could greet virtuous men who came by for a visit.

    Still, I am afraid that I might have overlooked any virtuous man. When you arrive at the state of Lu, you must remember this—Never regard your status as a king and look down on anybody.

    What does this show? It shows the heart of appreciating talent.

    Maybe, someday, there will be talents that surpasses Mayeux. But for now, in his tribe, Mayeux is the only one.

    He let Mayeux eat with him and let him drink and then after the dishes were brought out, that his hunger was satiated and his thirst is no more

    He acted in a way that even if he is a common person, and accord someone with this kind of hospitality, even they would feel amiable to you

    With this kind of action, how could the subject not pay you with utmost devotion?

    Aeryon seeing that Mayeux is ready to talk is now ready to listen

    ...

    Mayeux bows a bit toward Aeryon and Aeryon nodded

    "How was the journey?"

    Mayeux had already feel touched when Aeryon shares food with him, eating and drinking with him and treat him in such way.

    While the distinction between rulers and the ruled in the Great Steppe is not that strict like the people of Yan and their cumbersome rituals and ceremonies, there is still distinction between rulers and the ruled in the Great Steppe

    The way that Aeryon treat him really touched him

    But then he focused on the question at hand.

    "The journey was not that eventful, Chief. There is some harassment when I was passing through the Kanun area and I had to change my route from passing through Duhai tribe."

    "Instead, I choose to pass through Chagai tribe. I took shelter there for a few days and there I meet with the Chief of the Chagai. I learned a bit about their tribe and they are also very welcoming. I then pass Haltur tribe and then ride straight through Burak tribe and the Bolghar tribe"

    Aeryon listening to this only nods his head.

    "And? How was the negotiation?"

    Mayeux smiles a little and nodded.

    "They agree"

    Hearing this Aeryon slam his hand on the small table in front of him in happiness and joy. And then he laughed

    "Hahaha! What good news!"

    Aeryon was so happy right now that he felt like he wanted to jump.

    Aeryon had sent Mayeux to the western most side of the Southern Great Steppe to meet with the Bolghar tribe to create an alliance.

    The delicate balance of power and strategic considerations often shape the dynamics between tribes in the Great Steppe.

    The Bolghar tribe, despite its sizable military power and population, faces a unique set of circumstances that prevent it from fully expanding its influence over the Southern Great Steppe.

    One crucial factor is the proximity of the Bolghar tribe to the Western Zhou, a formidable foreign power that borders their western territories.

    The presence of such a powerful neighbour poses a constant threat and requires the Bolghar tribe to divert significant resources and attention towards defending their borders.

    The Western Zhou’s military might and its potential to penetrate deeper into the Great Steppe serve as a deterrent to neighbouring tribes.

    Additionally, the Bolghar tribe shares its south eastern border with the Burka tribe, a formidable middle-sized tribe.

    While the Burka tribe could potentially seize some of the Bolghar lands, they too are aware of the looming threat posed by the Western Zhou.

    Engaging in territorial disputes with the Bolghar tribe might leave both tribes vulnerable to an invasion from the Western Zhou’s cavalry forces, whose sheer strength could overpower them individually.

    Hence, a delicate balance is maintained, with both the Bolghar and Burka tribes opting for a more cautious approach, focused on defending their respective territories rather than engaging in large-scale conflicts.

    The Bolghar tribe, despite its military power and population advantage, understands the importance of preserving its strength to withstand potential incursions from the Western Zhou.

    In this complex web of alliances, rivalries, and external threats, the tribes of the Great Steppe carefully navigate their territories, often opting for self-preservation rather than risking large-scale conflicts that could potentially open the door to foreign powers.

    Each tribe must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of expanding their influence against the potential risks posed by neighbouring tribes and external forces. Sёar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Thus, while the Bolghar tribe possesses significant military power and population, their attention is primarily focused on safeguarding their borders and maintaining stability within their own territory.

    The presence of the Western Zhou and the understanding of its military prowess create a strategic balance that keeps the Bolghar tribe from fully conquering the entire Southern Great Steppe.

    Aeryon did not know that much about the tribes in the far west and the far east, just like he didn’t know much about the tribes on the far north.

    But, after he had stabilized his tribe after the victory against the Xewa and Ghar tribe, he began compiling information from the Elders.

    Now, the Elders also included the chief of the subjugated tribes and so from them, Aeryon got more and more information about the tribes on the Southern Great Steppe.

    Aeryon has his own map that he created.

    He had marked many of the large and middle size tribe and even small tribes in the map. Only some part of it is still blank.

    Of course, the map that he has right now only include the map of the Southern Great Steppe.

    But that is enough. When he have more people, more lands and more power, then the map would be completed slowly.

    As Aeryon and Mayeux discuss the tribes of the Southern Great Steppe, their conversations become increasingly intense and filled with strategic planning. Aeryon eagerly absorbs the information that Mayeux gathered during his travels, meticulously noting the military power, alliances, strengths, and weaknesses of each tribe.

    The atmosphere inside the tent becomes charged with anticipation as the two men scheme and plot, their voices rising and falling in the confines of their secret planning.

    Their discussions span from afternoon to evening and into the night

    Outside the tent, the bustling activity of the settlement continues unaware of the storm brewing within.

    People go about their daily tasks, unaware of the strategies being devised in that tent

    The stage is set, and the storm that Aeryon are about to unleash will reshape the destiny of the Southern Great Steppe.

    ....