However, in that article, Jia Yi went on, describing exactly how his application of "virtue" would defeat the people of the Great Steppe.
"If the people of the Great Steppe see through the plan . . . there are several solutions. With regards to frontier markets, their cunning won't help them, and they will yearn for the markets. Your Majesty . . . can promise the Great Steppe people large markets . . . There will be so many Steppe visitors flocking through the narrow passes that we will have to chisel them open .
Give generously to them . . . and the many bribes will make them reliant. They will admire and be grateful to Yan. Showing our splendour is a means of beckoning their people. In a matter of three to five years the people of the Great Steppe can be obliterated. This is called "the triumph of virtue."
Aeryon remembered all of this and then said to everyone in the tent
