Mythical Three Kingdoms

What’s there to choose from, all three cursed inwardly, yet they dared not show any dissatisfaction on their faces. The Han Dynasty was really too strong, strong enough to make people despair.

”It seems the three of you have already made your choice.” Sima Yi’s lips slightly curved upwards.

”Of course, it’s to eliminate the rebels, but we want to know what’s with that imperial edict summoning us southward?” Liu Bao spoke up immediately after receiving the others’ gaze.

”There was a rebellion in Chang’an. Someone forged an imperial edict, calling you southward, aiming to stir up trouble, but before they could make a move, they were captured.” Sima Yi said calmly, then handed over the edict to Liu Bao.

Liu Bao and the other two carefully examined the edict. After confirming there were no issues with this one, they chose to trust Sima Yi’s words.

The main reason was that Sima Yi spoke so calmly. The news of a rebellion in Chang’an, which would be considered confidential at other times, was directly shared.

But on reflection, it made sense. The Han Army’s strongest corps were now in the North. Even if a rebellion broke out, even if they took down the capital city, it would have no practical impact on the Han Dynasty. At most, it would be a loss of face.

As for the comment that they were merely used to stir up trouble, although it was hurtful, it was the truth. Having lost the unyielding spirit of the Hun Clan, the Southern Huns were no different from other Miscellaneous Hun clans. The Han Army facing five enemies had no pressure.

Although their large Hun army looked fierce, if it really came to blows, the Han Army wouldn’t need many people to defeat them. As for the last edict mentioning the deployment of the Southern Huns into the Southern Army and West Garden, any Hun person with some brains would know there was something fishy about it.

The problem was, did they, the Southern Huns, have the qualification to refuse this goodwill? Of course not, even if it was a misguided order, they would have to bear it. Obediently following orders would leave a way out, while disobeying would give the Han Army enough reason to destroy them based on the previous imperial edict.

Thus, when Sima Yi revealed this, the trio not only didn’t doubt, but found it very reasonable. After all, the Han Dynasty no longer needed external help; instead, it was some petty individuals who might have use for them.

The present time was unlike the past. Compared to when they could raid Bingzhou, the Southern Huns now possessed greater power, but in contrast to the formidable strength displayed by the Han Dynasty, they had completely lost all value.

”Do you have any other questions?” Sima Yi asked the trio.

”We will notify the Han Dynasty in advance before dispatching troops.” Huchuquan said without pressure, then hesitantly asked, ”I wonder how the Han Dynasty plans to deal with us.”

”Two of the three of you bear the surname Liu, and should be incorporated into the Han Dynasty.” Sima Yi said calmly, eyeing the trio.

With Sima Yi’s remark, Liu Bao and the trio showed a struggling expression. Although conditions were tough in Bingzhou’s north, they could still act as local tyrants. If they went to the Central Plains, they’d perhaps only become idle lords, truly powerless to resist.

”You won’t still contemplate opposing the Han Dynasty, will you?” Sima Yi sneered.

”If the three of us join the Han, what about our Southern Hun people?” Liu Bao suddenly asked, the implication of his words clear. Liu Qubi and Huchuquan immediately looked at Liu Bao, only to see him discreetly shake his hand.

Sima Yi naturally didn’t see Liu Bao’s small gesture, but judging from the changes in Liu Qubi and Huchuquan’s expressions, Sima Yi had guessed most of the essence.

”Incorporate into the Han Dynasty all together.” Sima Yi said without hesitation.

”Where will we relocate to then?” Liu Bao continued to ask.

”Settle in place.” Sima Yi suddenly smiled, leaving the three stunned, then overjoyed. They finally understood what the Han Dynasty wanted—not greater integrity though. Although come the time, each of them would have a National Chancellor arranged by the Han Dynasty by their side, this wasn’t a severe issue.

Now, with the Han Dynasty’s powerful influence, inserting people here, they couldn’t possibly stop it. This kind of incorporation into the Han Dynasty seemed very in line with the Han Dynasty’s habits—the distance was far, hard to control, yet they wanted to uphold the Han Dynasty’s prestige, executing this seemed quite reasonable.

Such positions as Protector of Wuhuan, Protector of Xianbei, General of the Household for the Huns evolved this way. When the Han Dynasty was strong, these were influential roles; when the Han Dynasty faltered, these roles became trivial. What did an additional National Chancellor count for?

Naturally, Liu Bao and the others agreed, although none of them noticed the ambiguity in Sima Yi’s words. Sima Yi’s answer referred to the settlement in place of the Southern Huns as common people, not to their nobility.

Sima Yi clearly articulated to Liu Bao that they three needed to join the Han Dynasty. As for where they’d incorporate, certainly not in a place to settle.

Once the Southern Hun nobility was removed, only the ordinary Southern Hun people were left. Sima Yi could guarantee, within five years, Hu Zhao would make the remaining Southern Huns feel shame for their Southern Hun lineage and desperately want to join the Han Dynasty.

”In that case, we’ll agree on the command signal.” Sima Yi said to the three, who nodded repeatedly.

”If there’s an opportunity for night raids, my army will seize the chance when the moon is faint, engaging in a night raid. If there’s no opportunity, in face-to-face combat, after my army beats the drum, three thousand elite troops will break through half of the rebels’ main formation, and then you make your move.” Sima Yi said, looking at the three.