Emperor Si Fu was pleased, his sleep had been undisturbed for weeks, his country had a new trade partner who not only brought profits to his empire but also guaranteed the safety of the eastern provinces. Si Fu knew that if any threat to his Empire existed it would come from either the Kamalo republi or the Conciliate of Arbasses who were to his west. The latter in particular was a threat for it possessed two adjacent settlements and had expanded towards the Empire of Khan. It also seemed to be building up a large number of forces on the continent of Aventia Khanian scouts saw large boats offloading hundreds of soldiers into the city. There could be little doubt of the intentions of the Arbassian people. Thankfully friendship with his little brother meant Si Fu was aware of things his western enemies would not expect. Many of his warriors had been shown the fire weapons that Ambassador Verlan Duloire had brought over and once troops had been introduced to such a weapon and its effects they would no longer be surprised by it or fear its terrible sound in battle. Si Fu had considered purchasing such weapons from Aznavor but the councillors from the earth and Fire party advised him against such actions. Why spend Khanian silver on foreign trinkets when his empire had crossbows that could fire at a much greater range and much more frequently than these arquebus could. The men who had demonstrated the weapons to his soldiers boasted about firing four rounds in a minute but each of his repeating crossbowmen could fire near to forty bolts a minute at a slightly greater range. The only apparent advantage of the Edoniran weapon was its accuracy but knowledge of the land and superior numbers would overcome this. If they wanted war his walls would be manned and his people would be ready.

In other news adventurers to the south had written with stories of large grey animals twice as tall as horses with thick hides against which blades did very little damage. It would seem that after many years of building the great southern river had finally been bridged. Si Fu was proud the southern river had always been an obstacle to the southern expansion of the Empire of Khan and it had been one of his fathers’ personal projects to cross the Southern River. It was an accomplishment that Si Fu had overseen his father had believed in working during the dry months when water flow was reduced but no matter how many workers or gold he invested in the project the summer rains would bring the floods that would wash away all construction before a bridge could be completed. Si Fu had followed this approach but with a major modification instead of simply hoping for a late monsoon season he bought his workers more time by building an earthworks damn that would divert the water around the contraction works until a suitably sturdy bridge could be completed. Now he could finally boast that he had achieved his fathers’ dream and that his bold new approach had paid off. He ordered that men be set to the task of domesticating these beasts; no doubt their size and strength could be put to good use. As he dispatched the order the young emperor called for a scribe to write the following letter and send it away immediately.

[hider= King of Aznavor]
Little Brother, 
Your ambassador, our now mutual brother, has told me many good things about your rule that you are both wise and and strong, powerful yet considerate. With enemies at our door and opportunities for both our people in mutual cooperation I propose we reinforce the friendship between our families through matrimony. As I have no heirs of my own yet I propose that a marriage is made between either your son or your Ambassador and brother to my younger sister Yi Na. I have arranged an official portrait of her to be sent along with this letter and await your reply. Unfortunately my advisors have convinced me that your offer of muskets is not in the interests of my Empire at the moment and I must refuse your offer.
His Imperial Majesty Si Fu ruler of the Empire of Khan
[/hider]

Summary
Elephants are discovered in southern Aventia and people are instructed to tame them.
Emperor Si Fu is wary of the Conciliate and prepares his cities for siege as scouts report increasing number of settlers. 
The great southern River is bridged! No immediate expansion yet but the extension of the Empire of Khan is now possible.
Aznavors’ offer of Muskets for GDP is rejected as the Empire sees no use for the slow cumbersome weapons.