Mythical Three Kingdoms

Novelli’s initial disappointment was evident, but he soon turned to the Sassanid Fars with a mocking glance, as if he had caught onto something.

On the Parthian side, those with a keen mind like Orwald instantly understood the implication of Novelli’s look — are the prices you’re offering Parthia enough for the Han Army to support you so earnestly?

Seeing the ridicule in Novelli’s eyes, Zhuge Liang calmly spoke, "General of Fars need not mind; after all, Parthia is an ally of the Han Dynasty. As long as the alliance charter remains intact, it’s only natural for the Han Dynasty to offer help."

Orwald felt disdain inwardly. Yes, helping is natural, but with such strength, we cannot help but worry. Our Parthia is small and cannot accommodate the grandeur of the Han Dynasty. It’s hard to say when the majesty of the Han will crush our Parthian shrine; relations between countries are so uncertain!

How could Zhuge Liang not understand the meaning of Novelli’s words? How could he not understand the impact of saying such things at this time on Parthia? Between nations, there is no eternal friendship, only eternal interests.

As for explanation, it can’t really be clarified. Even Zhuge himself understood that no amount of benefit could employ three Military Spirit Legions, one Celestial God, two Super Elite Legions. These levels, casually equipped with over a hundred thousand Miscellaneous Soldiers, could masquerade as a great empire.

Such power is almost the hallmark of an empire, and even an empire may find it hard to wield such things. Would the Han Dynasty provide this level of support for mere employment by Parthia?

In normal thinking, at this point, rather than putting forth such effort for Parthian benefits, it would be more straightforward and reassuring to bring in more troops and directly eliminate Parthia.

Without even additional forces, the Han Dynasty could openly recruit troops in Central Asia and Western Asia. Believe it or not, both Kushan and Rome would be willing to join forces and share the bounty with the Han.

"Hmm, it seems you have misunderstood." Zhuge Liang was quite adept at detecting the thoughts of others and thus understood the situation the moment Novelli spoke.

"In fact, this outcome was more coincidental. Novelli should have noticed earlier. Our main group comprises young people, including myself, the leader, who is also young. It’s just that our strength is formidable, leading everyone to overlook another direction," Zhuge Liang said with a faint smile. Since the misunderstanding couldn’t be cleared, let it be known we are actually uninterested.

Novelli pulled his lips, though he initially had this suspicion upon seeing Zhuge Liang’s group, speaking it out still felt inexplicably eerie. The purpose of these Han troops’ presence wasn’t to fulfill the alliance with Parthia, but more to protect this group of young people.

"Training? Battlefield training?" Orwald looked at Zhuge Liang with a calm expression.

Zhuge Liang nodded without speaking. The military officers from Parthia and Rome scrutinized the Han entourage, ultimately feeling silent awe. The Han’s grandeur deeply shocked them — using such force to safeguard a group of young people on the empire’s battlefield for training.

Zhuge Liang’s explanation perfectly skimmed over the incident. However, after this slip, friction between Parthia and Rome continued unchanged.

Both sides apparently have intentions to ceasefire, yet no inclination to negotiate peace — both Parthia and Rome harbor a mindset of once domestic affairs are settled, they absolutely intend to defeat the other.

Naturally, under such mentality, discussions boil down to mere squabbling, impossible to reach agreement. Yet, failing to reach consensus doesn’t matter. As long as conflict is avoided, stalling for time is sufficient — both Parthia and Rome hold this attitude, creating an inexplicable mutual understanding.

"The Romans and Parthians have no intention of negotiations; their plan is to stabilize their countries and then gather strength to completely defeat the other," Zhuge Liang said after lunch, while strolling around the camp with others including Chen Gong.

"It’s this mindset that’s allowing the endless squabbling to continue." Chen Gong seemed indifferent, as it didn’t involve the lives of his own children, leaving Parthia and Rome to their own devices.

"Rome’s strength is substantial." Sheni Pei said solemnly, "Earlier, when you mentioned training, Orwald’s face turned unsightly, whereas Novelli seemed to have suspected though."

"If Vologases V could indeed consolidate the noble’s power under the state, then even with Rome’s strength, it’s extremely difficult to annihilate Parthia." Sima Yi pondered, "Moreover, we are offering our aid."

"The issue is significant, Parthia harbors some apprehension towards us, especially after exposure of our strength." Sheni Pei shook his head, then silently transmitted voice to everyone, "Have the Romans contacted any of you privately?"

"They have." Everyone replied, "Should we assist internally and externally to divide Parthia?"

"Forget it, it’s better not to proceed this way. Now is not the time." Zhuge Liang transmitted voice to everyone, realizing that Rome attempting communication already implied several things, though Zhuge had his own concerns.

"We’ve also turned down any offers; now isn’t the appropriate moment." Everyone exchanged voice transmissions.

Meanwhile, Ganasis’ side was also in discussion, "The Han Dynasty refused our proposal."

"As expected, after all, they are an empire too. Once a charter is signed, even if broken unilaterally, a time buffer is necessary. Moreover, have you considered how far the Han Dynasty is from here?" Novelli addressed everyone.

"Taking our roads with Parthia as an example, for the Han Army to arrive, even completely as cavalry, it would take over four months." Novelli sighed, "Which means truly, the Han Army doesn’t have vested interest here; they are indeed here to aid Parthia."

"This is rather troublesome; with the Han Army, Parthia’s high-end forces aren’t afraid of us. And if the Eagle Banner is sealed, Parthia’s unified elite has advantages in battle over us." Ganasis frowned.

"If we could get either Parthia or the Han Dynasty to break the alliance, then overcoming Parthia would be easy." Novelli said with half-closed eyes.

"Such a thing is difficult; Parthia clearly understands their current dependence on the Han Dynasty, while the Han can act anytime they wish." Ganasis sighed, "This country’s strength is substantial, holding a considerable advantage in such situations."

"Don’t worry, for Parthia, the Han Dynasty’s strength is absolutely a thorn. Once Parthia can withstand us, they surely won’t wish for the Han’s continued intervention." Novelli suddenly laughed, "I heard the new Parthian emperor is quite a character."

A group of military generals furrowed brows; when Parthia can withstand Rome, they surely wouldn’t want the Han’s involvement. But at that time, Rome would also be unable to manage Parthia.

"Though their strength isn’t enough, we can certainly create a strength capable of withstanding. Our ongoing wars with Parthia have always been based on our Northwest not being fully stabilized, whereas now we’re about to free our hands." Novelli said with a smile.

Ganasis nodded upon hearing, presenting weakness to make Parthia believe Rome has again reached its limit, and that they have withstand Rome’s extreme strength. By then, the Han Empire might have thoughts but would have no choice but to leave.

Meanwhile, people like Sassanid Fars also discussed the Han’s matter. Regarding negotiations, the Romans could tell the Parthians were unwilling, yet just as Parthians can discern Rome was purely squabbling.

However, both sides needed time to stabilize domestically, hence such negotiations today. To be precise, the negotiations’ purpose wasn’t about drafting an alliance charter but prolonging time until one side’s national power is fully consolidated.

"General of Fars, I believe we need to be cautious regarding the Han Army." Wald advised the General of Fars.

"That would fall into Rome’s trap." General of Fars retorted with some frustration, yet reluctantly admitted Wald made sense.

"We cannot help but guard." Wald said with a bitter smile, "The Han Army is too strong. If the Romans hadn’t mentioned, we wouldn’t even have known they arrived with three Military Spirit Legions. Such strength is hazardous."

"The Han Army isn’t foolish; once we start guarding, they would quickly notice. Moreover, maintaining vigilance at a certain level offers no advantage." The General of Fars evidently considered the difficulty of tactical defense.

"If that’s the case, let’s relax vigilance, merge with the Han Army, and then fully strengthen ourselves. When we possess strength against the Romans, we can reconsider these actions." Wald remained silent for a while after hearing, aware of their current dependence on the Han Army.

Precisely speaking, if Han troops departed now, just Ganasis and Caracalla alone suffice to push over ten thousand Parthian soldiers back to Parthia.

"That’s the only way." Fars sighed deeply. Despite having a decent impression of Han forces, the empire was simply too strong, far beyond Parthia’s capacity to contend.

"Only when we are strong ourselves does it hold significance; else, today’s efforts are merely laughable." Wald similarly sighed, "If we were as strong as the Han Dynasty, Rome wouldn’t treat us so lightly."

All three sides established their own directions, following which the negotiations continued amid endless squabble, allowing both Rome and Parthia the buffer time they needed, and deep hiding of mutual animosity.

For a while afterward, as the territorial dispute persisted publicly, each side shifted its focus inward. Rome needed to address assimilation issues following the barbarian conquest, while Parthia had to resolve noble’s dragging down progress.

Both emperors suppressed their inner restlessness, quietly managing domestic complex affairs, steadily enhancing their nation’s strength, awaiting the onset of another war.