The war between the Central Plains and Western Xia had dragged on for three full years. This protracted conflict had long since exhausted the morale of the invading Western Xia soldiers, and coupled with a shortage of provisions, they were finally pushed to the brink. After yet another newly transported shipment of grain was intercepted mid-journey by the Great Xia State's main army, Fang Tianba received the peace surrender overture he had hoped for from the Western Xia commander-in-chief. The Western Xia envoy stated their purpose: they were willing to submit to the monarch of the Central Plains for the next fifty years. In seven days, all Western Xia cavalry outside West City would willingly lay down their arms and surrender, handing over five thousand warhorses and thirty chests of gold, silver, jade, and precious artifacts. Furthermore, they promised that from then on, Western Xia would voluntarily pay an annual tribute of one thousand cattle and sheep, along with one million catties of green salt, to the ruler of the Central Plains.
The green and white salt of Western Xia was inexpensive yet deliciously flavorful, far superior in quality to the rock salt of the Central Plains. Upon receiving the frontline dispatch, Your Majesty in the Imperial City was exceedingly pleased with the sincerity of Western Xia's tribute, and thus gladly accepted the enemy's surrender. Furthermore, Your Majesty immediately bestowed upon Fang Tianba the title of Grand General of the Western Gu…
Chapter 27