418: Chapter 418 The Power Situation in the Hexi Corridor

"Alright."

Li You began, "The Hexi Corridor is home to many tribes, and they maintain a delicate and complex balance of power among themselves."

"However, they also attack and pillage one another over the competition for resources."

"But each tribe knows well that once the balance is broken, they will fall into endless warfare. Ultimately, it would only lead to mutual destruction, giving external forces an opportunity to strike."

"Therefore, whenever a conflict arises, the tribal leaders gather together to resolve the issue through negotiation and consultation, maintaining the subtle and fragile peace on this land."

Zhao Fusu said understandingly, "In other words, if our Great Qin enters the Hexi Corridor, we will face a joint attack from all the tribes within it!"

"Yes!"

"Let's start with the three largest tribes."

Holding a map of the Hexi Corridor, Li You said, "In the eastern part of the Hexi Corridor lies the Shiyang Tribe. They are known for being brave and skilled in battle, and their people are all experts in mounted archery. Their camps are mostly built in river valleys with lush grass and water. Their horses are sturdy and well-fed, providing a solid foundation for their formidable military strength."

"With their powerful military force, they occupy vast fertile pastures in the eastern Hexi Corridor, making them a military power that other tribes cannot afford to underestimate."

"Mhm."

Zhao Fusu listened intently.

He was not very familiar with the Hexi Corridor and urgently needed someone who knew the regional powers to explain it to him.

"In the central part of the Hexi Corridor lies the Heihe Tribe. There are large areas of oases here, with fertile land and sufficient water sources, giving them a unique advantage in agricultural cultivation."

"The Heihe Tribe is skilled at cultivating various drought-resistant crops and is also proficient in irrigation techniques. The grain they produce not only meets their own needs but is also exported in large quantities to other tribes."

"Their leader, Heishui, is kind-hearted and focuses on maintaining friendly relations with all tribes."

"Relying on their grain resources, the Heihe Tribe has become a target for other tribes to compete for friendship, playing the role of a stabilizer in the balance of power."

"Mhm."

Zhao Fusu nodded again in understanding.

"The Shule Tribe in the western Hexi Corridor occupies an area that is mostly saline-alkali flats. Outside the oases are vast stretches of Gobi desert and sand dunes."

"Since they are located on the edge of the desert and resources are relatively scarce, the Shule Tribe is very bellicose."

"Those occupying the Hexi Corridor are all Qiang people."

Li You said to Zhao Fusu, "They have no goodwill toward us Qin people."

"How so?"

Zhao Fusu asked curiously.

Li You spoke truthfully, "Because our Great Qin people have entered the Hexi Corridor and occupied quite a bit of territory."

"Oh."

As soon as Zhao Fusu heard Li You say this, he understood.

This was a dispute over territory and interests.

The resources in the Hexi Corridor were already limited. If you take more, I get less—it's inevitable that a fight would break out.

Zhao Fusu said in a heavy voice, "Li You, according to what you're saying, if my Great Qin officially intends to enter the Hexi Corridor, it will certainly trigger a violent reaction from the Qiang people."

"Yes, His Majesty the Head of State!"

Li You've expression also turned somber.

"Then do you know how many Qiang people there are in the Hexi Corridor?"

Zhao Fusu asked curiously.

As the saying goes, 'know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' Only by knowing the accurate situation of the Qiang people in the Hexi Corridor would he know how to deal with them.

"Less than a hundred thousand people."

Li You replied.

"So few!"

After hearing this, Zhao Fusu was somewhat surprised. This number was much smaller than he had imagined!