Conversation in the court continue with Zemarchus describing briefly about the origin of Rome. Roman civillization can be divided into four major eras; Alba Longa Chiefdom, Kingdom, Republic and Empire. The era of imperium still reign until this day. For each era have it's own key figures. Most are the rulers but not necessarily must be one in his criteria.
Aeneas and Numitor are famous figures from Alba Longa. Romulus, Remus and Superbus from Kingdom. Cincinnatus, Scipio, Cicero, Sallust and Julius Caesar from the Republic. The last era are Augustus, Hadrianus, Constantine and Stilicho. Currently the reigning Roman Emperor are Maurice.
"My emperor are asking the well being of the Great Khan," Zemarchus already knew but he still ask regardless.
Valentinos carry the remedies with him. Inside of a red expensive leather. It is made from the mixture of cabbage, thyme, colchicine and honey. Cabbage is famous ingredient in every medicine recipe of Cato the Elder.
"Well you already know ... Zemarchus? Can you explain. What is this," Qianjin almost laugh. She grab a part of the cabbage inside the medicament. Trying to humiliate the Roman envoys.
"The Khan have stomach upsets. Almost everytime when he digest solid foods. I shall bestow your remedies to other nobles," Zhangsun words are soft but his eyes become fiery.
"So you can show your tender nature too. Did Emperor Wen still wary of me?" Qianjin mutter. She is mentioning the reigning Emperor of Sui in here thought.
Cabbage are one of the stapple food in China. People eating two times in a day. Afternoon and on the night. Usually cabbage are eaten with rice, as chewing snack or with soup. The peasant would be baffled. If someone said to them that cabbage can be used in many medicine.
"I assure you many are already recovered Milady and Great General," Zemarchus assure them.
"I see you came here without adequate preparation. It's not the Rome one may imagine, i suppose?" Zhangsun state his dissapointment.
Zemarchus moves behind Georgius. The exchange of argument among them will start. Georgius are experienced orator.
"I came hear bearing gifts for Gokturks not China. Exotic gifts for the steppe monarchs. Perhaps you are mistaken Lord Zhangsun," Georgius ask.
"How can you assume if i were mistaken. Some part of this land already got our influence. Rangan you learn Hanzi right. It will very useful one day,' Zhangsun reply.
Rangan only nod, the 13 years old boy are irritated to be his example. He continue to gazes both of them with caution.
Opinion on the Sui Dynasty slowly shifting. Zemarchus has managed to sway many court members into the East Rome favor. The young 13 years old prince gazes Zemarchus with caution.
"Woah i did not know you learn Hanzi," Tulan grab at his shoulder.
"All of this buffoon think i'm just a spoiled kid. Now how should i gain the upperhand for our empire ...," Rangan still muttering.
"No need to be worked up Rangan. Whoever strike the deal. We got the biggest revenue as middleman," Tulis nod. Two of his older relatives besides him are almost oblivious.
The banter between two factions, East Rome and China continue back and forth. Each already defend their argument and throwing insults at least once in the heated debate. Georgius and Zhangsun are using Persian almost fluently.
"See this is why your nation could not be trusted. Did 200 years of Etruscan domination did not make you realize. Yet here you are. A pity but brother to the eyes. Like i said before my friend. Rome is not one might imagine," Zhangsun use back Zemarchus words.
"Great more ad hominem (attacking someone background). Do you think you are so mighty just because no foreigner conquer you before? What's the point if million die because of a coup." Georgius is quite knowledgeable of China Three Kingdom Era.
"Enough, we already heard all. Trade with us Uncle," Rangan suddenly interupt them both.
Rangan intention are crystal clear. He want the commercial profit to be completely in Gokturk favor.
"How could you make such decisions here. I'm Ishbara Queen, the Khatun. You are a prince and spoiled child at that. Where are your authority to decide, Qianjin remind him.
"What do you think Uncle? Interested," Rangan whisper. The Khatun power in the court is still to strong.
"Get back to your position!" Qianjing chide him.
"Can i ask one more question," Zemarchus ask.
"Quick," Qianjin nod.
"Did Maniakh still maintaining western caravan," Zemarchus eyes meet with Rangan.
Maniakh the retainers of Istami, one of the man that help the two monks to carry silkworms from North Zhou and dealing with western caravan has died. Two small drops of tears fall from his eye. Remembering the kindness from the esteemed merchants.
Zemarchus could not sway the Gokturk court to East Rome side. Personally he did not want to go back, reporting to Maurice with minimal results. Rangan is one of the perfect trade partner if they want to establish caravan route.
Rangan inherit many productive settlements from his father. Controlling southern territorial domain. Aware of this, Zhangsun tighten his authority grip on the boy. Several spies already leave the yurt without anyone noticing.
—
Ishbara is already restless on the early morning. He could not wait to hear the negotiation results with the East Roman Envoy from yesterday. On afternoon he want to meet one of them personally. Also accompanied by his nephew in their lake sightseeing.
"Wah good morning your majesty," the concubine's greet him with smile. She is Yami/Tulis biological mother.
"Qianjin?" Ishbara speak.
"Her again! It should be me who become Khatun. I or her, we both bore you a son. Not that scheming barren Sui," Tulis mother shout.
"Ah yes please call Qianjin here. I want to hear the stories," Ishbara did not care.
"However hear me first Khan," Tulis mother ask.
Smash!
"You dare to oppose me woman?" Ishbara anger burn fiercely after Tulis's mother defy him.
Qianjin pick the expensive porcelains fragment. Gathering it and gluing the object later. Qianjin quickly comfort her sickly and sad husband. The scene that make Tulis's mother could not bear it. Sui physician are called to make preparation on meeting with Valentinos and Rangan.