Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 63 - Ripples on the Lotus Pond

Prince Liu Shang of Sha Hai stood on the balcony of his grand castle, gazing pensively at the bustling dock below. The grandeur of his castle framed the scene perfectly, its imposing silhouette a testament to the kingdom's power. Sha Hai, a formidable realm in the southwest of Khufu, owed its prosperity to its strategic maritime position, reaping fortunes from countless trade routes that stretched to distant lands. The dock, a sprawling hive of activity, was renowned across the Southern Lands for its immense size and ceaseless commerce.

"The Baron's swift consolidation of power is impressive," mused the Prince, his eyes tracing the flurry of activity as workers unloaded spice crates from The Baron's ships. The rhythmic clatter of goods being transferred echoed through the air. "Within mere months, he's brought together tribes and barbarian forces from the western wastelands, expanding not just his influence but also his spice trading empire."

Turning to Duke Fengxian, the Prince's tone took on a note of intrigue. "Do you believe sabotaging a few of his spice-laden vessels was sufficient to shake his confidence?" he inquired, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

Duke Fengxian, calm and composed, raised a teacup to his lips and took a leisurely sip before responding. "No, Your Highness," he replied with a faint smile. "But it certainly sends a clear message, doesn't it?"

Prince Liu Shang joined the Duke at the tea table on the balcony, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of blooming jasmine from the garden below. As he settled into his chair, he asked, "Is it wise to strike back so quickly, especially with our Dache members still in their hands?" His voice was filled with skepticism and caution. "What if they extract information from our captives and expose the rest of our network? If my father finds out, I'll be in serious trouble."

"Your Royal Highness," Duke Fengxian interjected, cutting off Liu Shang's train of thought. "Calm yourself. No one will be exposed. Our shadow assassins will ensure Dache remains concealed."

Prince Liu Shang's expression darkened as he absorbed the Duke's reassurances. "Are you suggesting we eliminate the captured members? Do you forget that some of them hold influential positions in their respective kingdoms, crucial for our mutual objectives?"

The smile on Duke Fengxian's face faded, replaced by a grave expression. "Do you doubt my understanding of our situation?" His tone was resolute. "The assassins will endeavor to safeguard their lives. Nevertheless, should any of them be unfortunate enough to fall into enemy hands again, the assassins will take necessary measures."

Prince Liu Shang's eyes widened at the Duke's words, a sudden realization dawning on him. He leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of astonishment and relief. He silently thanked the universe for sparing him from such dire circumstances thus far. The thought of being captured sent shivers down his spine; as the Crown Prince of Sha Hai, he was next in line to one of the most powerful kingdoms in the region, alongside Khufu and Rensha. He couldn't fathom the repercussions if he were to fall into enemy hands.

Nestled along the coastline and extending gracefully into the boundless sea, Sha Hai boasted a naval force as formidable as the crashing waves against its shores. Its fleet, mighty and imposing, rivaled even the maritime might of Rensha, earning Sha Hai a reputation as a maritime powerhouse. While its ground forces paled in comparison to the colossus that was Khufu's army, Sha Hai's impressive vessels commanded respect and admiration, even from the formidable empire of Khufu itself.

Despite Khufu's unmatched military prowess and territorial ambitions, the sight of Sha Hai's powerful navy gave pause to any notions of conquest. The strength of Sha Hai's maritime defenses, coupled with its strategic positioning, dissuaded Khufu from entertaining thoughts of subjugating the kingdom. Recognizing the mutual benefits of cooperation over conflict, the two kingdoms chose diplomacy and signed a historic peace treaty.