Chapter 3600
Negotiation is Based on Strength
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If we were to discuss the best option in terms of relationships, the best choice would naturally be Sima Yi, the commander of the Han Empire's army in Central Asia at that time.
Regardless, they were comrades-in-arms who fought side by side and battled for each other on the battlefield.
With this camaraderie and the fact that they are allies, they can use this as a stepping stone for advancement. Even if they don't become extremely successful in the future, they will at least not end up as ordinary people and sink into obscurity.
However, despite having such favorable conditions, Farssasan was not entirely willing and even somewhat resistant to it.
Whether for the sake of face or for practical interests, Sima Yi, the commander of the Han Empire, was not a good choice. Even the strong bond of camaraderie between them could not change this decision.
As the commander of a field army of the Han Empire, Sima Yi was too young, so young that one glance at him was enough to tell that his future prospects were absolutely extraordinary.
But no matter how talented a person is, they are still just a genius. If they don't realize their potential, or their official positions and benefits, the benefits that can be given to them are ultimately limited.
Moreover, the Han Empire, which Sima Yi himself stood behind, probably had a different perspective.
Sima Yi, who was able to assume such a position at such a young age, must have been a key figure in some powerful faction, someone to whom they placed a heavy bet.
Having already amassed power, how could they possibly share their vested interests with outsiders?
Therefore, considering the actual situation, Sima Yi was not considered a good successor in the eyes of Farssasan.
Of course, there is another very important factor involved, namely the issue of saving face.
The Fars-Sassanids, who had once been equals and even held the upper hand, were forced to bow down due to the war and seek refuge with a young man—a move born out of necessity.
If there were no other way out, for the sake of the family, the empire, life, and continuation, it wouldn't be surprising if Farssasan chose to bow down.
However, on the current battlefield, if they choose to retreat, there are other routes they can choose.
One was the Yuan family, which was relatively close and had also sent reinforcements to provide support.
One is the Kusang Kingdom, which is relatively far away, but also has a visiting group.
Regardless of which path they choose, there will be a guide to show them where to go next and where to go.
However, it remains to be seen what benefits can be gained during this guidance process, and whether the parties involved can make decisions.
Although during the ongoing Roman-Parthian War, the Farssasan had already contacted the northern forces of the Kushan Empire to confirm some issues regarding the exchange of benefits and information.
However, the benefits of such negotiations were ultimately based on the premise that Parthia had not yet been completely destroyed.
As long as the empire has not suffered significant losses and still possesses the military power to deter all sides, the interests they discuss naturally come with corresponding guarantees in exchange.
But now that the Parthian Empire has suffered a severe blow, how much of what they promised can they still deliver on?
Once they are on Kushan territory, if the other party is unwilling to pay such benefits, or only pays a very small portion, do they have the right and power to bargain?
In comparison, the Yuan family, as the losers in the struggle against the Han Empire, may not have offered as much benefit as the Kushan Empire, but the aid they have sent now certainly demonstrates their sincerity.
The sincerity and genuineness represented by such concrete actions can create a good impression even before meeting them. Moreover, the strength displayed by the Yuan family is indeed quite good, and compared to their current situation, it cannot be described as an absolute crushing defeat.
In other words, given their current military strength, if they choose to retreat calmly, they also possess the power to conduct normal negotiations and coordination with the Yuan family of the Han Empire.
"Strength is the foundation for sitting at the negotiating table and negotiating." After a simple internal assessment, Farssasan made his decision and choice.
If everything in Parthia is impossible, then the Yuan family must be the best solution.
If the Yuan family can truly provide everything they've said, and show the corresponding respect and trust, then choosing them is perfectly acceptable.
Cooperation benefits both sides, while division harms both. In order to deal with Rome, it is not impossible for them to watch out for and help each other.
If the Yuan family is unable to fulfill all its promises, then given their strength, it would be perfectly acceptable for them to change allegiance or location.
Before that, however, the Farssasan still needed to command his army and do everything in his power to attack the Roman army, trying to break through the Roman army's defenses and try to rescue Vologus V and Atlastomé.
If we can save these two, then we won't have to worry about finding a new home.
The Parthian Empire itself was also an excellent choice.
If Vologis V, as the monarch, can break through the encirclement, then there is no doubt that rebuilding Parthia and leading it to glory is a path that will inevitably succeed.
The benefits one can gain in the future by following this path that guarantees success are naturally greater than those of other options.
Choosing other forces, whether through cooperation or vassalage, essentially puts them at a disadvantage.
Therefore, given the opportunity to save Vologius V, the Farssasans naturally spared no effort in doing so.
Ardashir, who still serves as a legion commander, has honed excellent war skills and battlefield judgment on the battlefield, but in terms of executing orders, he still obeys Farssasan.
This sense of destiny is not only a habit formed over many years, but also a form of trust.
Farssasan, as Ardashir's grandfather and the pillar of the family, had supported the family for decades. Ardashir, who had been in contact with Farssasan since childhood, never considered any other possibilities.
Ardashir could tell the general outcome of the battle just by glancing at the battlefield during lulls in the fighting, but he still resolutely chose to carry out the orders conveyed by Farssasan.
Even if carrying out this order would only further deplete his troops and fail to break through the Roman defenses, he would still resolutely carry it out.
As the opponent's primary support legion, Alessandro also felt uncomfortable about this.
The massive First Auxiliary Legion of Rome, with its formidable strength and exceptional combat capabilities, was a reasonable choice to block Ardashir's legions.
However, a reasonable arrangement does not mean that the current situation will be satisfactory.
Especially for Alessandro… (End of Chapter)