"Do not strike at the enemy's strength, but rather, at his weakness." ~Myamoto Musashi the book of 5 rings
*Cao Cao had read the letter from mohan, and it was with difficulty that he supressed a frown of displeasure. The tone of the letter was rather self rightous. However, Cao Cao was not a man easy to ruffle. And so it was with a cool head that he responded to his oceangoing counterpart:
To the high ruler over all Mohan, we give greetings.
As per your wish, trade shall continue to flow through our two kingdoms, the profit and prosperity of both our citizens is far to important to us both, to risk it through petty squabling over the differences in our respective national policies. It is therefore our wish, that a brief explanation be given for our actions, that our words, and deeds may be understood. Understanding is the root of peace after all.
When Boaam invaded my closest ally, the kingdom of an old comrad, they threaten not only the kingdom of Chulom, but ourselves as well. It is therefore incumbent upon our armies, to defend our ally, and maintain the balance of power, by going to their aid. The complete victory over Boaam by chulom, was unexpected, as the central battle field had been so long indecisive. It is therefore our duty to support them.
The intervention of Stym, and the subsequent death of their Khan, is regretable, however it must be remembered that we of Sunji hold no direct hostility towards that kingdom, nor do we begrudge them for supporting their ally, just as we supported our own. They have done their duty well and honorably, just as we have done ours, when duty conflicts, then an honorable death by a worthy foe, is not to be shrunk from. For this reason I do make no hostile punitive expedition against Stym, nor more against the Kingdom of Boaam. The small sliver of land that we have taken, we am willing to restore when the costs of the expedition are paid for. we pledge now that no unprovoked attack on Boaam, will take place under our banner, so long as they will pledge the same unto my ally. You may term my action cowardly, but we term it prudent. May the ancestors open your eyes to the Tao (way) of governence and wisdom, in the spheres of militarism and governence, as they have in the ways of trade.
(while the letter is diplomatic and cordial, which i rather liked, i'm particurally fond of the subtle dig at the ability of mohan to understand how governence and army management work. its a very small insult, and could be overlooked. but it seems fitting in response to the accusation of a lack of courage towards sunji. btw. the we and our statements are of the royal sort)
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