The mentality of the people of Eastern Islands has always been a twisted one. While worshiping the strong, they simultaneously yearn for the downfall of that same strong entity so that they might step forward and take a share of the spoils.
Regarding their three defeats by the Central Plains dynasties—sixty years ago, two hundred and nineteen years ago, and even one thousand one hundred and forty-eight years ago—these remain indelible shames etched deeply into their hearts.
More than a thousand years ago, the Tang Dynasty and the Eastern Islands clashed in the Battle of Baekgang. The forces of the Eastern Islands were shattered by the elite armored soldiers of the Tang as easily as one might cut melons and vegetables.
Chapter 293