The negotiations were relatively smooth, and the people from the steppe seemed sincere, but it turned out just as Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin had anticipated.
In the midst of it, there were several assassination attempts on Song Chongjin.
The attacks usually occurred just after Song Chongjin left the negotiation site, yet before he returned to the borders of Great Chu. They appeared accidental, but upon closer inspection, bore traces of human intervention.
Incidents like the horse suddenly stumbling, scorpions hidden in the saddle, and poisoned water pouches proved difficult to guard against.
It was unavoidable—Song Chongjin had many guards around him, and once he left the negotiation site, he moved to the military camp, which was the safest place. These were the only places they could act.
They couldn't just brazenly draw a sword to kill in public view as soon as he left the negotiation site, could they?
