Pharaoh’s Concubine - Chapter 19.1
The Giza region was mostly desert, with occasional oases. Relying on precious water resources, many small and large villages were built like bamboo shoots after a spring rain [1]. Located at the junction of Egypt and Libya, and across the sea from the Hittite Empire, the Giza region had become an indispensable place for traveling merchants in Egypt and Libya. Even the Hittite Empire from across the sea visited the area. Due to the harsh agricultural environment, the Giza region was originally very poor, but since Seti I had adopted a liberal policy on border trades, villagers in the Giza region began to accept the trade impact brought by merchants from various countries and gradually began to serve their needs.
Most of the wealthy villages in Giza were engaged in two occupations. One was to provide transportation of materials and bodyguard services just like the village of Sittat did. The people of Sittat were proud of having been in the Pharaoh’s army for generations, and their adult men received exceptional physical training from it. Since the opening of border trade, young people who weren’t part of the Pharaoh’s guards no longer insisted on joining. Instead, they joined the mercenaries, escorting merchants who intended to transport precious items to Memphis and therefore earning a huge sum from the commission.
Another is represented by the village of Mule, where the villagers themselves engaged in trade. Many merchants arrive at the border, unwilling to enter Egypt’s mainland because of political or security factors. The more astute villagers in Mule Village use this as a pretext to negotiate huge bargains. They would buy materials from various countries at a relatively cheap price and sell them to other merchants who have the strength to continue to the mainland. They would also spend a day walking to Giza just to sell them to local big transit dealers. This drove the development of Giza.
The region of Giza was the richest part of Egypt. It was no wonder that some people would boldly refer to it as the “Giza Autonomous Region” in private. Without Giza, the variety of goods on Memphis’ market and its sphere of influence would be reduced by half.
Walking across the border from the region of Giza for half a day, one would be able to view the border towns of Libya. However, the two towns showed two scenes distinctly different from each other. In contrast to the prosperousness of Giza, the people living within the border towns of Libya wore ragged clothes, sparsely eating. It was difficult to imagine that Libya had long coveted a treasure of the Chinese’s feng shui practice within their border. But in the past few years, they had been clamped down, making them afraid to offend their superiors.
“If what you told me about Giza’s situation is accurate, then I speculate that there are roughly three reasons for the situation with Libya,” Ivy told Buka while walking briskly to Mule Village. Along the way, Buka briefed Ivy about the economic situation and geographical location of Giza. Ever since the time Ivy had judged the situation accurately and strategically, Buka never dared to underestimate the thin and foreign boy. He seeked his opinion first in everything.
“First, gaining Giza will be good for Libya’s trade. Although Libya covets wealth from Giza, their merchants have also used this platform to earn many benefits from Egypt. Chaos will ruin all of this, so they will not attack very easily.”
Buka nodded, seemingly not quite understanding.
“Second, Libya signed a peace treaty with Seti I. If they are not fully prepared when tearing up the treaty, Libya will surely lose face and their diplomatic status will plummet once they are attacked and defeated afterwards. Libya’s fate would be quite tragic and terrible.”
Ivy walked quickly, her breaths a bit chaotic. Her speech was rushed and devoid of pauses, but she still tried her best to explain to Buka. This also helped clarify her thoughts. Most wars were driven by economic interests. If you viewed the issue as a simple business problem, everything would be much clearer. There would also be various wars between the companies. In fact, they were essentially the same as real wars, except in a different form. She placated her nerves and continued.
“Third, the Libyans believe that they cannot beat Seti I by force. Our former Pharaoh’s military strength was strong, his domestic situation was stable, and his society was prosperous. Libya doesn’t stand a chance at all.”
“Nonsense! Although our former Pharaoh was formidable, His Majesty Ramses is not one bit inferior!” Buka retorted excitedly. His brother had followed the current Pharaoh for many years, and he could tell that his talents were definitely above the former Pharaoh’s. But due to his respect for the late Pharaoh, Buka did not say this.
Ivy waved her hand and licked her dry lips because of the lack of moisture. “You misunderstood. Let me finish talking.”
Buka searched for his water in his backpack, picked it up, and handed it to Ivy. “Drink it. We’re almost there, so hold on.”
Ivy took the water bag and drank it without any trace of politeness, taking a deep breath. “It’s good. This is the best water I’ve ever tasted.” Buka smiled softly. This kid was most likely from a coastal country. Although he was overly thirsty and lacked general knowledge of the desert, his judgment of the situation was extremely accurate and beyond his age.
“Okay, allow me to explain why the Libyans wish to attack Mule Village now.” Ivy finished drinking and wiped the corners of her mouth, donning a serious expression. All the answers were practically lying right in front of her, waiting for her to sort out her thoughts so they can come out one by one. “They do so because the three points that they were worried about are not a problem anymore. First of all, although destroying Mule Village would not be good, it’d be beneficial if they could take over. This is something that Libya has always aspired to do. Second of all, it wouldn’t be good to betray Egypt, but if it’s successful, then the treaty would simply be empty talk. Third of all, Seti I is already dead. “
Buka shook his head. “I still don’t understand. “
“The Libyans are sure that they’ll succeed. This is why I can confirm once again that this incident is not a simple disturbance!” Ivy’s aqua blue eyes radiated a confident look. “If it is a unilateral attack, the Libyans have already started! I speculate that they are anticipating the moment that Egypt loses everything.
“They’re waiting for the death of the Pharaoh they fear most? “
“No,” Ivy replied somberly. “When the new Egyptian dynasty supersedes the old one and a careless mistake arises, they will collaborate with others. They could be treasonous traitors within Egypt, or they could be countries planning to organize a feint to the east and attack in the west [2]. They intend to strike at once and inflict heavy losses to Egypt.
Buka heard her words and felt his limbs grow cold. “This is incredibly dire! Let’s go back to Memphis. We’re going to protect the Pharaoh!”
Ivy sighed. “Going back to Memphis is absolutely useless. What can small fries like us accomplish? It takes a few days to walk back to Memphis, and the enemy’s scheme was already set long ago. I can only hope that the Pharaoh is indeed as smart as you said and can follow the words on the note. Through this catastrophe, all we can do now is to try our best to help the villagers of Mule Village so they will no longer get killed.”
She lifted her head, her beautiful eyes reflecting the color of the sky. The desert wind was blowing slowly and hitting her face, giving her a hot feeling. Looking around, not far ahead, a hint of green appeared.
Mule Village was right in front of them.
Ivy felt her heart beating wildly, almost jumping out of her chest.
She had already boasted and told Buka that she would do her best to help the villagers of Mule Village. Could she really do it?
The two went around a dune near Mule Village and walked to the top of the hill to find a high vantage point in order to observe the situation. Buka pulled out his machete from behind, leaned down, and whispered, “Ivy, follow me. Lower your body.”
Ivy felt a little funny, but fell to the ground obediently. From her school bag, she took out the Smith & Wesson 38 pistol, put it in her pocket, and took out the telescope to observe the movement near the Mule Village from a distance. Although she did not see the Libyan army, the Mule Village was obviously a looted one, standing alone in the desert, chaotic and disorderly.
“Buka, let’s go down.”
“What? Are you crazy?”
“There are no Libyans nearby.” Ivy handed the telescope to Buka and climbed down on her own. “The village has just experienced aggression. This group of Libyan troops is purely bait. Their purpose is to plunder money and alarm the Pharaoh. Now the purpose has been reached, they will not attack Mule Village for the time being, but will rest around and wait for the Pharaoh to come. “
Buka took the telescope and fiddled with it for a while, but he still didn’t know how to use it, so he quickly followed Ivy down. “It’s quite foolish. How could they know that this small border turmoil would make the Pharaoh come? What if the Pharaoh simply ignores it?”
TL Notes:
[1] 雨后春笋 — (spring up like) bamboo shoots after a spring rain — many new things emerge in rapid succession
[2] 声东击西 — make a feint to the east and attack in the west — to create a diversion