[3rd POV]
Tibet was an Empire located on top of northern India and at the bottom of Western China. Its geographical location made it so that the Empire was like a bridge between China and India.
The Tibetan Empire was a dynasty that reigned for countless years but the size its territory barely expanded due to its powerful neighbours, China and India.
The size of the Tibetan Empire was around three great kingdoms of China combined.
The Emperor of Tibet was known as the Tsanpo and they have the heritage of the great Chiru species - the Tibetan Antelope. This species, the royal family had ruled over Tibet for many generations.
There were also four great noble clans in Tibet. They were the Gar Clan, the Sumpa Clan, Mchims Clan and finally Myang Clan.
They were given territories in the Empire and held many nobility titles according to their merit. They were often appointed as governors of cities or as military commanders and officials.
Other than the noble clans, there was the Council of Ministers which were directly appointed by the Emperor based purely on merit. They help the Emperor in administrating his kingdom.
At the moment, the clan heads of the four noble houses and almost all of the ministers had gathered in the Tsuglahkhan/meeting hall as ordered by the king.
The military commanders and officials were also present in the hall, along with Mei.
The hall was abuzz with activity as the Emperor had not arrived yet. The people were discussing what the meeting would be about and what was so important that so many important people had to be gathered.
Mei observing from the corner like usual. She wore her full clothes so none of her features other than tails and ears were visible but if you could see her face, she would've looked bored.
No one wanted to talk to her or be close to her yet they did not want to offend her either because of her capabilities. Which created this awkward air between her and the rest of the Tiebtan officials.
She was really tired of all these schemes.
Just then, the door of the meeting hall was pushed open violently as the Emperor - a Tibetan antelope - strode in with the confidence of a lion. He had on his face, the most content smile which also begged for praise.
The Emperor made his way to the throne and after he sat on it, everyone except Mei bowed down in respect.
"All hail the Emperor!!"
"Long live Tsanpo!!"
The Emperor raised a hand and the different animals in the hall stopped bowing and looked up with their lord's permission.
"Rejoice my loyal subjects. I - your wise and wonderful king - have managed to secure the alliance with the Northern Kingdom of the Gupta Empire. For the invasion of China!!" The Emperor declared and he unfurled a scroll which was the official writing of the alliance.
Everyone released a gasp of shock as they flocked around the scroll for proof that it was real. The king had an arrogant smirk on his face as he showed off the official scroll.
Even Mie's ears perked up in interest at the news.
How could they not be surprised? A relationship between countries took years to develop. To accomplish an alliance in the short span of two months was nothing but extraordinary.
It shows a certain level of intelligence held by their Emperor. The reason why he ordered his soldiers to steal the weapons of China was not because he feared them or because he wanted to recreate them.
His main aim had always been to make China the common enemy of both India and Tibet. That was the easiest and quickest way to get an alliance.
It took almost 5 minutes for the people to take a look at the scroll and finally digest the shocking news. The Northern kingdom of India ruled by Samudragupta had now allied with Tibet.
"Settle down now, settle down." The Emperor said and things were done in his words.
"Although I have secured the alliance and managed to convince the Gupta Empire to send their troops through our territory to China, that is not the end of it." The Emperor said.
"It is still our war even now that the Gupta had been involved. We have always been aiming to take the land of China which has always been ours since our ancestors. So we cannot leave things to the Gupta Empire. We will also fight along with them. In fact, they are just helpers. We would've done it with or without them. "
"That is why I have gathered you here." The Emperor paused and everyone listened.
"To plan for the invasion of China."
....
"We have sent many spies across the border through the trading routes. Our spies had even settled in China, have their own family and a complicated spy network have been set up. China cannot make a move without us knowing. And right now, they are still busy fighting amongst themselves in the East and the North."
"Each and every one of you will be important in the upcoming war. The Agriculture Minister will have to work on producing more harvest for the provisions of the army. The Minister of Gold and Mining will have to produce a lot more iron and steel and likewise, the Minister of City Affairs will have to inform our citizens of the upcoming war and collect appropriate war taxes."
The Emperor continued his speech on how each and every one would have to work together for the war ahead. It would take a lot of effort but the result would be worth it.
Not only will they enjoy it, it will be for the next generation to enjoy. The rich lands of China will be theirs again.
"Mei, my dear." The Emperor suddenly addressed Mei who perked up when her name was called. That was odd, rarely was she ever addressed in a time like this and because she also had no interest, she usually stayed quiet.
"You will be vital for every operation going forth." The Emperor said, "Your gift will be used to not only strengthen our army but the Guptas as well. You will also have to help in the farming, you will be quite busy from here on out."
"So can I entrust this duty to you? Will you work and sacrifice for your home?" The Emperor asked.
If she was not wearing a mask, she would have vomited it. Actually, she gagged a few times at how he was buttering her up when they needed her but the Emperor took that as her nodding.
Is this what arse licking the guards talked about feel?
"Very well then. On this day, I shall grant you the nobility. Make your Empire proud." The Emperor said causing a small ruckus in the hall.
Empty titles, hollow promises. She hated it all.
But it wouldn't do her harm to participate in the war. Actually, this could be a great time to travel north and search for the home that her father had told her about. The place where she will be accepted.
"Okay then. Now let's start with the logistics. Advisors!!" The Emperor called but then the giant door of the hall was swung open, interrupting him.
"Who is it!!!" The Emperor asked, upset to be disturbed.
"My Lord, My Lord!!" A soldier ran inside with hurried steps. His eyes were shaking and you could tell from his body language that he was clearly panicked.
"It is about our army stationed near the Western borders of China!!"
"They are all gone!!"
!!!
!!!
!!!
That day, in that meeting hall where the Emperor spoke as a victor.
They were reminded of why they had not been able to take over even the tiniest land of China through the passing centuries.
The person who stopped their invasion singlehandedly 20 years ago was still alive.
It was a reminder of the obstacles they had to overcome. With or without the help of the Guptas.
It was the day a debt was paid and a message was sent.
....
The Supreme General of China had come to pay a visit.
Tai Lung was in Tibet.
...
The ignored truth was hammered down in their heart.
They had challenged the strongest warrior in the World.
.
.
.
[IMAGE]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read 15 chapters ahead on my patreon!!!
Patreon : Emmanuel_Capricorn