Call of the Heroes of Chaos in Another World

Chapter 2545 Han Di Expands Border Markets, Great Han Gains Two Passes

Nurhaci brought it up himself, and Su Qin wasn't too surprised.

At this stage, the only things that Nurhaci truly valued for the Han Dynasty were these two passes.

However, on the surface, Su Qin still showed just the right amount of admiration and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and I have indeed come for this matter."

"Now that the situation in the Eastern Yi region has been settled, Yelü Abaoji has been beheaded, and the land has been brought under the rule of the king."

"However, Shanhaiguan and Jianingguan are strategic passes that guard vital choke points and are crucial to the overall layout of the northeastern border defense of our great Han Dynasty."

“If foreign troops are stationed here for a long time, it will not only cause inconvenience to the peace and tranquility of the border between the two countries and the trade and travel, but over time it may also easily breed misunderstandings and damage the current friendship between our two sides. It is not a way to achieve long-term peace and stability,” Su Qin said directly.

The importance of these two passes to the Han Dynasty was something that a powerful ruler like Nurhaci could not have failed to recognize.

Su Qin didn't need to deny this, after all, treating the other party like a fool would only cause displeasure, so it was better to just say it openly and honestly.

Currently, the Han Dynasty holds the dominant position in the relationship between the two sides, so there is naturally no need for them to hide anything during negotiations.

At the same time, by laying out the advantages and disadvantages directly, Su Qin was essentially telling Nurhaci that there was no room for negotiation on this matter, and that the two passes were something the Great Han was determined to take over, no matter what means were used.

“Su Qin, what are you saying?” A straightforward prince standing nearby couldn’t help but speak up.

"Why should we easily give up the land that our army fought and bled for? Just because of a few words from you?"

Su Qin looked at the prince and said in a calm tone, "What the prince says is very true. The blood and sweat of the soldiers should be respected. Therefore, His Majesty does not require the Khan to give it up for free."

Immediately, Su Qin looked directly in Nurhaci's direction, waiting for the other party to propose his terms.

For the Han Dynasty, these two passes were of vital importance to border defense, and the Han Dynasty was willing to give Nurhaci some bargaining power.

Or rather, they wouldn't mind giving the other person something.

For the Han Dynasty, Nurhaci's existence still holds significant importance, and supporting him would be beneficial to the Han Dynasty's next strategic move.

However, while the Han Dynasty was willing to grant Nurhaci the right to set conditions, it also needed to allow him some leeway. If he became insatiable, then the Han Dynasty might as well fight him.

Whether for the Jin or the Han, Nurhaci was nothing more than a dog they used to control the Shuo.

A disobedient dog can be disciplined when necessary.

Furthermore, Su Qin did not believe that Nurhaci would dare to truly be an enemy of the Han Dynasty, given that they had already fully bordered the Great Shuo.

Nurhaci sighed inwardly. He could see that the Han Dynasty's request for him to take the initiative to propose terms was actually a way for him to lower the price, showing that he dared not risk any deterioration in relations with the Han Dynasty.

If relations with the Han Dynasty deteriorate, it will directly affect relations with the Jin Dynasty.

At that time, isolated and helpless, they would only become a piece of fat meat for the Great Shuo. After a moment of contemplation, Nurhaci finally spoke, "Now that the Eastern Yi have been pacified and the overall situation has been initially stabilized, the question of who will govern these two passes needs to be carefully considered. I am also willing to negotiate properly with your country."

At this point, Nurhaci changed the subject, fixing his gaze on Su Qin with piercing intensity, before continuing, "However, as my Eight Banners soldiers have said, stationing troops to defend the land, expending money and provisions, and boosting morale are all no easy tasks. My Qing soldiers cannot have worked so hard for nothing."

“Since your emperor is sincere, then by ceding the pass, my Great Qing must gain something to reassure the army and make up for the losses. My conditions are not complicated.”

These two passes were indeed far less important to the Manchus than they were to the Han Chinese.

Being able to trade for something and gain some benefits was within Nurhaci's acceptable range.

Nurhaci raised a finger and said, “First, the borders must be clearly defined. The current territory of our Manchu people needs to be confirmed by your country’s official letter, and we must jointly survey and demarcate the detailed boundaries, erect a monument to mark them, and ensure that we do not encroach on each other’s territory.”

Nurhaci wanted political recognition and security guarantees. Su Qin neither agreed nor disagreed, but this was beneficial to both sides. Their next goal for the Han Dynasty was the Great Qian Dynasty, and after the Great Qian Dynasty, the Great Wu Dynasty would most likely follow.

Even after that, it's not certain that they will touch the grasslands. And if they do touch the grasslands, it's very likely that it will be after the unification of the Central Plains.

The Han Dynasty, which would not be targeting the other side for a long time to come, would naturally not mind Nurhaci's suggestion.

If one day in the future we really have to take action against the other party, we will naturally have ways to negate these clauses, it will just be a bit of a hassle then.

Of course, Su Qin did not believe that Nurhaci would live to see that day.

In the subsequent development strategy of the Han Dynasty, Nurhaci's existence was beneficial to the Han Dynasty, which is why they were willing to support him.

However, as the Han Dynasty continues to expand, the overall situation and strategy will change accordingly. At that time, it is uncertain whether Nurhaci will still be useful to the Han Dynasty.

Just like the former Sun Country, wasn't it once a partner in establishing diplomatic relations and being utilized, but now it's a target for expulsion?
If one day in the future, the Han Dynasty truly ceases to support Nurhaci due to changes in strategic development, then if the Shu Kingdom were to destroy Nurhaci, it would have nothing to do with the Han Dynasty anymore.

By then, if they were to take action against the grasslands, it wouldn't be considered a breach of the agreement.

Just as various thoughts flashed through Su Qin's mind, Nurhaci extended his second finger.

Then, Nurhaci continued, "Secondly, trade must be facilitated. I, the Khan, do not make empty promises but seek tangible benefits. I request that your country open two more border markets on top of the existing ones, exclusively for trade with my Great Qing."

"The supply of tea, salt, iron, cloth, and medicinal herbs must be guaranteed, and the price must be 10% lower than the market price. However, your country must purchase the furs, horses, cattle, and sheep produced by our Great Qing at a price 10% higher than the market price."

Nurhaci's second point, which was a direct economic benefit, demanded stable and favorable trade conditions. Compared to the first condition, it was the second condition that made Su Qin begin to make a choice.

One percent may not sound like much, but the volume of trade between the two sides is considerable, and over time, it adds up to a substantial amount.

Of course, for the Han Dynasty, even with such a 10% fluctuation, there is still a profit to be made, and a considerable one at that.

Therefore, after a brief deliberation, Su Qin still agreed to the other party's condition.