The following morning, the light of dawn filtered through the windows of the Wu estate, casting long shadows across the floor. The air was filled with the scent of freshly brewed tea and the distant clang of swords from the training grounds, a rhythmic melody that signaled the start of another day in the bustling city.
Wu Rei had risen early and had prepared for their meeting with Mei Chi, the leader of Sunset Breeze Pass City in Lord Joshua's stead. He led them through the corridors of the mansion, each step echoing through the stillness of the early hour.
As they arrived at Mei Chi's office, the door was already open, revealing a room that was as efficient and orderly as the city outside. The scent of fresh parchment and ink filled the air, hinting at the countless hours spent poring over strategic maps and letters.
Mei Chi looked up from her desk as they entered, her sharp gaze taking in the newcomers with a swift appraisal. She was a woman of average height, yet her presence seemed to fill the room, her aura of power and authority undiminished by the towering figure of Wu Rei who stepped aside to let them in.
"Welcome to Sunset Breeze Pass City," she said, her voice crisp and to the point.
"Wu Rei has informed me of your purpose here."
Hu Tao and Bi Lan exchanged a quick glance before sitting down in the chairs opposite Mei Chi's desk.
As Wu Re offered them tea.
"Please, tell me the proposal of the Su Empire," Mei Chi said, her eyes sharp and focused.
Bi Lan reached into his bag and pulled out a scroll, the parchment rolled tight and bound with a crimson ribbon. He hesitated for a moment before handing it to Mei Chi.
Mei Chi took the scroll with a graceful nod, her eyes never leaving their faces as she unfurled it on the desk before her. The room was silent except for the rustle of parchment and the distant sounds of the city waking up to the new day.
The scroll contained a detailed proposal from the Su Emperor, outlining the terms of their alliance. Military supplies and large currency were offered in exchange for the protection of their border cities, a clear acknowledgment of the formidable power that now lay at the disposal of Lord Joshua and his forces.
Mei's eyes scanned the scroll, her expression unreadable as she absorbed the gravity of the situation.
"This is all you can offer?" she asked, her voice cool and measured as she met their gazes.
Bi Lan and Hu Tao looked at each other, and Bi Lan spoke up.
"We are but messengers, Madam Mei. We do not have the authority to negotiate or amend the terms presented by the Su Emperor."
Bi Lan's words were polite, but his tone was firm. He knew their role and was unwilling to overstep their boundaries.
Mei Chi studied them both for a long moment before she finally spoke.
"I'm afraid we cannot accept this proposal," she said, her voice as sharp and decisive.
Hu Tao's expression remained stoic, while Bi Lan let out a heavy sigh. The rejection was not unexpected, but it was still a blow to their hopes.
"The terms are not favorable to us," Mei Chi continued, her eyes never leaving the scroll.
"But I understand your predicament. However, I would like to offer a counterproposal."
The sudden shift in Mei's tone caught them off guard, and they looked up from their teacups, hope flickering in their eyes.
"We understand your situation," she said, her gaze level with theirs.
"And while we cannot align ourselves with the whims of the Su Empire, we are willing to offer assistance."
Mei Chi unfurled a fresh parchment and began to write with swift, precise strokes.
"You wish for an alliance," she said, her voice calm yet firm.
"But we cannot be pawns in the Su Empire's game of chess. Instead, I offer you a partnership of equals."
With that, Mei Chi slid the parchment across the desk.
"This is our counter-proposal," she said, her eyes gleaming with a hint of challenge.
The parchment was simple yet elegant, the ink still fresh and gleaming under the light of the candles that illuminated the room. The words were written with precision, each character a declaration of intent.
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Hu Tao and Bi Lan leaned in, their eyes scanning the document with bated breath. The counter-proposal offered a trade agreement that would allow the Sunset Breeze Pass City to operate tax-free within the borders of the Su Empire, a significant concession that could bolster their resources.
The Second condition was a declaration of independence in all but name. They would claim enemy territories and govern them under the banner of Sunset Breeze Pass City. This was a bold move, one that could either cement their status as a formidable power or isolate them from potential allies.
The Third condition Mei Chi offered was a huge amount of people, refugees and orphans that the Su Empire could not support, but were vital to the city's growth and stability.
"These people will become the citizens of Sunset Breeze Pass City," she explained, her gaze steady and determined.
The Fourth condition was a declaration of autonomy in military matters.
"We will not be bound by the empire's commands," Mei Chi said firmly, her gaze unwavering as she met their eyes.
Hu Tao and Bi Lan exchanged glances, the gravity of Mei Chi's words sinking in. The proposal she had presented was a stark departure from the traditional alliances that had been offered in the past.
The silence in the room was palpable, the air thick with anticipation as they processed the implications of Mei Chi's counteroffer.
Hu Tao broke the silence first, her voice measured and thoughtful.
"Your terms are...unexpected," she began, her eyes never leaving Mei Chi's.
"We will deliver the letter to the Su Empire," Bi Lan spoke up, his voice steady as he took the parchment from Mei Chi's outstretched hand.
"But we must be prepared for the possibility that they may not accept such terms."
Mei Chi nodded.
"I thank you for considering our position," Mei Chi said, her eyes never leaving theirs as she spoke.
Both Bi Lan and Hu Tao rose from their seats, the gravity of Mei Chi's words weighing on them as they left the office. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the corridor, a mix of contemplation and anticipation filling the air.
Back in the office, Mei Chi and Wu Rei shared a look.
"Don't you think your terms are too much? Aren't you being too greedy?" Wu Rei questioned, his voice low afraid of others hearing their talk.
Mei Chi looked up from her desk, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Greed is a matter of perspective," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"We are not asking for gold or power, but for the right to survive and thrive without the shackles of imperial decree."
Mei's words resonated with the truth of their situation. Sunset Breeze Pass City had to expand, and it had to be strategic about its growth.
She explained that she couldn't hand over Joshua's forces for them to send to their deaths, so she asked for autonomy for their troops and the lands they conquer, and she proposed trade agreements that would benefit them and the willingness to take refugees and orphans that burdened the empire.
"As long as the Su Empire agrees to the second and fourth conditions, we will consider sending our forces to aid them," Mei Chi clarified, her voice firm yet diplomatic.
"The other conditions are just extra," Mei Chi repeated, her eyes never leaving her brother's.
"But they are crucial for the development of our forces."
"What if they don't agree to the conditions? What would be our next move" Wu Rei asked, his voice rumbling with concern as he looked at Mei Chi.
Mei Chi met his gaze, her eyes cold and calculating.
"Should the Su Empire refuse our terms, we will proceed with our initial strategy," she said, her voice unwavering.
"We will turn our sights to the Long Empire, as planned."
Mei Chi had planned to conquer the Long Empire from the start, seeing them as a potential source of power and wealth. After they rule over the Long Empire, they would look at other empires as opportunities for expansion. It was a strategic move to ensure the Joshua's forces growth and power, not just a desire for conquest.
Wu Rei nodded respectfully and took his leave, his mind racing with the implications of Mei's words. He knew that the decision to decline the Su Empire's alliance was not taken lightly, but he trusted in Mei's judgment.
As he exited the building, he spotted the silhouettes of Bi Lan and Hu Tao waiting for him under the shade of a nearby tree.
"We will take our leave now," Bi Lan said with a formal bow, his face etched with the seriousness of the mission they were undertaking.
"Thank you for accommodating us." Hu Tao said.
Wu Rei nodded, his gaze lingering on the duo.
"Before you go, I must ask," he said, his deep voice resonating with the question that had been on his mind since their arrival.
"What are your thoughts on joining Joshua's forces?"
Wu Rei's question was direct, his gaze unwavering as he studied the expressions of his martial brother and sister.
Hu Tao looked up at him, her eyes thoughtful.
"We have not made a decision regarding the proposal yet," she said, her voice measured.
Bi Lan nodded in agreement, his expression equally thoughtful.
"We appreciate your offer, Wu Rei," he said, his voice laced with respect.
"But as of now, we have not decided on whether to fully commit our Tri Body Hall to Lord Joshua's cause. Our decisions must be weighed carefully," Bi Lan replied, his gaze steady.
Wu Rei understood their hesitance, but he had another proposition in mind.
"In that case," he said, his eyes gleaming with a new idea.
"Since you have not made up your minds about the alliance, I would like to propose something else to take back to Master Hu Bin."
Wu Rei's voice was firm as he spoke, taking a seat to a nearby bench.
"I would like to hire the Tri Body Hall to train our soldiers," Wu Rei said, his eyes gleaming.
Hu Tao and Bi Lan exchanged a surprised look. They had not expected this proposal.
"We will deliver your request to Master Hu Bin, Wu Re."
With a nod, Bi Lan and Hu Tao turned to leave, their heads swimming with the weight of the decisions before them.
As they disappeared into the streets, Wu Rei couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again. He knew the depths of Lord Joshua's ambition, the hunger that burned within him to reshape the world of Di.
Joshua's vision was grander than anyone, even those closest to him, could fathom. He saw a world where the power of the [Bio Chip] and the precision of science could create a new order, a new era of peace and prosperity.
He wanted them to see the potential, the power that they could wield together under a single banner. But he knew that convincing them would not be easy, especially with their pride and the legacy of the Tri Body Hall at stake.
So he could only do this and slowly make them join Joshua. That was the thought that echoed in Wu Rei's mind as he watched the streets where Hu Tao and Bi Lan disappeared to. He knew that time was of the essence and that every moment they spent apart was a moment lost in the grand scheme of things.
