After Marrying a Vegetative Princess, I Went Crazy With Joy!-Chapter 267:

Chapter 267

Su Li continued while the barbarians appeared concerned, “I understand your concerns. However, all tribes settlement in Tibet will have the opportunity to grow sweet potatoes and potatoes.”

The benefits of these crops were clear. They not only yielded more than triple the rice production but were also better suited to the harsh northwest environment. Even in the current Tang Dynasty, exports of these crops were severely restricted to prevent the northwest barbarian tribes from gaining ample food supplies, potentially becoming a threat.

Yet, now that the entire northwest was under his control, and he aimed for a substantial cultural transformation, it made sense to offer these incentives to the barbarians. After Su Li spoke, a glimmer of hope arose in the hearts of the barbarian leaders. They had heard of sweet potatoes and potatoes, and King Changle's willingness to provide them implied future benefits.

They were willing to consider other conditions as long as they could satisfy their hunger and survive. The barbarians began to feel somewhat more at ease. However, when they gazed upon Su Li's cold and impassive expression, they couldn't help but shudder.

"Of course, my blessings come with conditions. Since you've surrendered to me, the barbarian tribes must follow the new rules."

“As you are now considered Han people, starting next month, barbarians may no longer wear traditional clothing or use their script.”

“Furthermore, you must learn Chinese characters and wear Chinese clothing.”

“Anyone caught wearing traditional clothing will forfeit a cow, and barbarian script cannot be displayed publicly.”

At this point, Su Li had revealed his non-negotiable stance. His goal was more than just uniting the barbarians. He had a more ambitious mission in mind. Conquering a civilization has proven much harder than destroying one, significantly challenging his task.

Getting the deeply resentful barbarians to embrace cultural change wouldn't be easy. Nevertheless, Su Li had made his decision and was prepared for it. It was unrealistic to expect instant assimilation into Han civilization. However, he could eliminate the public display of barbarian clothing, script, and language, with the rest being a matter of time.

He believed that the benefits of Chinese culture would eventually lead to a comprehensive transformation of the barbarians. Newborn barbarian children would start learning Chinese characters, wearing Chinese clothing, and speaking Chinese. There might be little difference between them and the Han people in two or three decades.

Although there was deep-seated hatred, Su Li understood that time could diminish it. As the older barbarians passed away, the new generation would integrate into Han culture. Su Li was aware of the power of hatred, but he had confidence in Han-Tang culture. Minor conflicts that some barbarians might incite were not a major concern.

This was the true essence of suppressing a civilization. Though it appeared bloodless, it was more challenging than taking lives – it was the destruction of culture itself.

After Su Li finished speaking, the barbarian leaders were stunned. Prohibiting barbarian clothing, script, and language? Each measure was tough to accept, let alone all three. Learning Chinese, adopting Chinese clothing, and more – these changes left them uneasy. What was Su Li's ultimate plan? In their eyes, this was a death sentence, an act bordering on rebellion. But they lost the courage to object when they gazed into Su Li's cold eyes. Su Li's authority was undeniable.

Now that they had yielded to Su Li, they had no choice but to adhere to his directives. Disobeying could lead to a fate similar to the million-strong coalition army's previous defeat.

While formidable generals in the past had instilled fear in their tribes, they couldn't compare to King Yongle. Those generals could drive them away, but King Yongle was a different breed, a natural-born tyrant beyond the reach of ordinary men.

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The old barbarian leader listened with wide eyes, his disbelief evident. He stared at Su Li, struggling to respond. “Is there an issue with my orders?” Su Li asked, his tone indifferent. “Or perhaps the barbarian tribes are not truly committed to submitting to me?”

His words sent a shiver through the hearts of the barbarian leaders. Instinctively, they looked away, avoiding Su Li's gaze, fearful of what might come next. While they knew their surrender was a delaying tactic, daring to voice it would surely lead to a fatal end.

The elderly leader quickly shook his head. "Never! King Yongle's might is unparalleled. Surrendering to him is the highest honor. But educating the barbarians is a formidable task. Even for us leaders, it's challenging. Achieving this in a short time is no small feat. Please reconsider, King Yongle. Moreover, our barbarian clothing, script, and language are vital for survival. Abandoning them would be exceedingly difficult."

Though unaware of Su Li's true intentions, the old leader was a wise man with extensive experience. He grasped the gravity of the situation and couldn't let King Yongle impose such significant changes lightly.

Upon hearing this, Su Li cast a cold glance at the elderly leader before breaking into a smile. He rose slowly, looking down at the assembled barbarians.

“I've already made it clear. This is an order. If you can't comply within a month, you're of no use and will be executed. I require citizens dressed in Chinese attire.”

His words left no room for negotiation.

“Those who violate the ban on barbarian clothing, script, or language three times will be executed without exception, regardless of age or gender. Do you understand?” Su Li's words were cold, bearing a hint of brutality.

He aspired to a peaceful transformation, but that didn't mean there wouldn't be bloodshed. Faced with these superficially surrendered barbarians, he knew that full submission would remain elusive without ruthless measures. Not all the barbarians were naive. They would surely find ways to resist if he didn't handle them carefully. Therefore, if he intended to proceed, he had to do so firmly.

The old barbarian leader's face pale. He realized that another word of dissent could lead to death. Sweat poured down the foreheads of the barbarian leaders.

“We obey, King Yongle,” they said, their voices quaking.

Seeing no further objections, Su Li's smile faded slightly, and he continued.