Ma Huzi and Liu Jiuzhi were taken away by Su Feng to rest.
Fang Er turned back to look at Ashina Bibo and the others, pointing to the stool beside them.
Sit down and talk.
After the eight people were seated, Fang Er took out a map and spread it on the table.
From now on, your tribes will be stationed in these areas.
He said, pointing at the map.
Wherever he pointed were places with water sources and mineral resources.
The eight were confused.
Lemo asked, "My Lord, some of the places you're pointing to are all stone. How can we herd livestock there?"
Fang Er smiled and explained.
The eight tribes will no longer have to rely solely on herding for a living. I will provide you with a source of wealth. If done well, it will be more profitable than herding!
The places mentioned earlier contain coal, iron, copper, and other mineral resources!
You can mine for me. As for the wages, it will be ten copper coins per shi. How about that?
As for how you mine, I will not interfere!
Lemo and the others' eyes lit up.
This job didn't require them to do any of the work themselves. The grasslands were vast, and they could just capture slaves to do it.
After finishing with the grasslands, they could go further north!
That area does not belong to the Great Tang, so they could do as they pleased!
Ashina Bibo also thought of this, but looking at the weapons of his subordinates, he felt it was not very secure.
My Lord, can you sell us some weapons?
Huh? Fang Er stared at him sharply.
No, no, no, my Lord, you misunderstand. I only want swords! I fear those yellow-haired barbarians from the north might cause trouble!
Ashina Bibo quickly waved his hands at Fang Er, his expression anxious, as if afraid Fang Er would think he was coveting firearms.
I am willing to trade a sheep for a steel sword, and an ox for a set of armor like those of General Zhuzi's subordinates.
My Lord, I am also willing to pay such a price for some weapons and armor!
Lemo also said upon hearing this.
Fang Er was taken aback by their proposals.
He had expected these fellows to be eyeing firearms, but instead, they wanted to buy cold weapons.
It seems they've learned their lesson and know their limits?
If that's the case, I can agree to provide you with weapons and armor.
However, the price... trading with cattle and sheep is too troublesome!
You can use copper coins or silver.
After I return this time, I will propose to the Emperor to open a market in Shenyang. Then, you can bring your livestock there, exchange them for silver on the spot, and then purchase the supplies you need.
As soon as the word "market" was uttered, the leaders of the eight tribes were all excited.
Trading with the Central Plains was a dream second only to ruling the Central Plains!
Iron, iron, cloth, and various other essential daily necessities were things that the tribes of the grasslands desperately lacked, which was why there were desperate people like Old Zhang who dared to smuggle.
My Lord, can you really allow trade between the grasslands and the Great Tang?
Ashina Bibo was so excited that his speech became stuttered.
Since you have sincerely submitted, I will give you the same treatment as the people of the Great Tang!
Not only trade, but if you've had enough of staying in the grasslands and want to settle in the Central Plains, I, on behalf of the Emperor, welcome you.
Here, these are gifts for you.
Fang Er beckoned behind him.
Su Feng led several soldiers, carrying a wooden chest. Upon opening it, it contained eight pots of "Mendao Lu" and eight boxes of cigars.
Yes, yes, yes, the eight wolf tribes will surely follow the Great Tang's lead. Thank you, my Lord, for your generosity!
Thank you, my Lord, for your generosity!
Everyone stepped forward and took their share from the chest.
Especially Ashina Bibo.
After yesterday's half a pot of Mendao Lu, his head spun, and he stabbed Ashide Fa, who had always disliked him. That feeling was truly exhilarating!
Next, the eight tribes separately chose their future territories.
As the first to submit, the Tian Kui tribe and the Tian Gang tribe, He Yi Jike and Lemo were named by Fang Er to choose first.
Then came the other six tribes.
Fang Er also casually changed the names on the map.
Tian Kui Tribe, the area of what would later be Xilin Gol.
Tian Gang Tribe, the area of Ulanqab.
Tian Ji Tribe, the area of Hohhot.
Tian Xian Tribe, the area of Ordos.
Tian Yong Tribe, the area of Chifeng.
Tian Meng Tribe, the area of Tongliao.
Tian Xiong Tribe, the area of Baotou.
Tian Wei Tribe, the area of Bayannur.
Each tribe was to bring their people to migrate and build their own cities, establishing prefectures with their tribal names!
When I return to court, I will petition the Emperor to send relevant officials to assist you in educating your tribesmen, teaching them Central Plains etiquette, and literacy.
In another ten to eight years, your descendants will also have opportunities to enter the court and serve as ministers.
This promise was undeniably grand. After hearing Fang Er's words, the leaders of the several tribes did not know how to describe their current feelings.
They had originally thought that after surrendering, they would be constantly constrained by the Great Tang.
But they never expected that in just this short while, the benefits Fang Er bestowed were things they had never even dared to dream of.
Livelihood, wealth, trade, education, official careers!
Each was more attractive than the last!
The eight men rose from their stools, approached Fang Er, and knelt respectfully, kowtowing three times in unison.
After Ashina Bibo finished kowtowing, he straightened his body and placed his right fist on his chest.
May the Eternal Heaven bear witness, today, I, Ashina Bibo of the Tian Ji Tribe, swear upon the honor of the Ashina family.
From this day forward, I shall be loyal to the Great Tang, never abandoning, with no ulterior motives, facing blades and fire without hesitation!
If I violate this oath, may I be pierced by ten thousand arrows and fall into the Avici Hell forever!
Led by him, the other seven also took their oaths, expressing their gratitude and determination to be loyal.
Hahahaha! Good! From now on, we are all one family, all citizens of the Great Tang!
Someone! Set up a banquet!
Fang Er laughed and stood up, then took two steps forward and pulled Ashina Bibo up.
Quickly, get up. Today, I will let you taste the delicacies of the Central Plains!
These are things that even the current Emperor cannot forget after eating them!
Daokou Braised Chicken.
Dengcheng Pig Trotters.
Hunan Snail.
Cantonese Preserved Sausage.
Sichuan Cured Meat.
Spicy Rabbit Head.
Fang Er took out the vacuum-sealed instant meals he had exchanged earlier, filling two large tables. There were even two plates of spicy strips on each table!
Of course, the lamb hot pot, the soul of the meal, was indispensable.
The six regimental commanders (including the artillery regiment) were all called over to accompany the drinks.
The war was over, and they could drink freely. Each regiment had deputy commanders watching, so there was no fear of any accidents.
Of course, no one dared to cause trouble now.
The eight men, who had never seen such a grand feast, ate until the end. By the time the alcohol kicked in, they had licked the plates clean.
Watching these fellows, Zhuzi and the others burst into laughter, but Fang Er gently kicked each of them.
After eating and drinking their fill, the men were carried back by their respective guards.
The next day, the eight men came to bid farewell to Fang Er, intending to return and lead their tribes to migrate to their new territories.
Since they had been suddenly summoned by Jieli to fight, they could not bring their cattle and sheep with them.
Therefore, they had to wait until they returned to their tribes to send people to deliver the reparations to Chang'an.
As for defaulting on the payment? Heh heh, it wasn't Fang Er who was afraid of them defaulting now, but rather they were afraid of the Great Tang defaulting.
After all, the "pie" Fang Er had drawn yesterday was too big!
Money is a bastard, we'll rob again after we spend it!
If we can't rob the Great Tang, we'll rob further north, further west!
After they left, Fang Er also ordered the Tian Huo Army to strike camp and return to base.
ps: Second update