Wang Zhong finished speaking and looked at the local tribal leader in the fading light of the setting sun.
He noticed that the leader was wearing a rather exquisite mechanical watch, clearly not something that could be produced in the backward country of Balas.
"Hello," the leader began, "I am Bahram, the chief of the local tribe. I thank the general for coming to rescue us from dire straits."
Wang Zhong replied, "Rescue from dire straits? Is the Royal Family of Balas somewhat... anthropomorphic?"
Bahram's wrinkled face twitched, as if all his wrinkles were about to squeeze together, "Balas is a poor country, but the Royal Family lives in luxury. Our tribe has embraced the ideas of the Secular faction. We want to live like human beings, just like the Royal Family."
Living like human beings, it was a simple phrase, vague indeed, but to Wang Zhong, this austere wish was enough to motivate a rebellion.
