Centuries later
Bodies of horse and men were scattered across the battlefield, flags flying in the winds. The day began with the ferority of thunder and ended in the howl of the winds and the flow of blood. What was once hundred of thousands participants were reduced to mere thousands of survivors.
"So, this is it," Cyncynnatys said, looking at the king that was beheaded by one of his men. He didn't know who did the honor of killing of him, not whether he was a commonborn or of noble birth, dead or not. Ultimately he cared not. The social status of a person was less important than the deed. He will make sure to commemorate the unknown soldier later.
Ultimately, the Ymaryn came close to annihilation, but the horde was finally stopped.
He turned back to his men. "This isn't over. Rest, because tomorrow we will march. The eastern cities never turned their backs on us, but they paid a heavy price for their loyalty. We will search for survivors."
"Yes sir!" the army shouted as one.
He surveyed the weary urban poor turned levee soldiers and their officers he was forced to promote. So many nobles got killed in the war that he couldn't be picky.
At least the worst of that was over. Maybe Cyncynnatys will be able to retire to his estate after all of this, rest his tired body and soul.
He was certain that he did not want to be King at all.
The Ymaryn came close to annihilation! What value evolved or acquired?
[X][Value] Loyalty - It was the eastern cities' stubborn resistance that allowed the rest of the empire to survive intact.
[X][Value] Humbleness - The People thought themselves the strongest in the world, but there's always someone who's stronger than the People.
[X][Value] Preparation - It was the deep stores and high walls that allowed the People to last as long as they did.
[X][Value] Innovation - The People were brought low by never seen innovations of the Khan.
The court held their breath as the King read the news.
"My men had beheaded their King. The horde is defeated," the King of the People read out, before his mouth hung open. What was silence of the court as they held their breath soon broke out into cries and jubilation.
The King cannot feel any emotion of joy, not for this war. He only felt relief that this tribulation was over.
Now to count the damage...
"What did you say?" the King asked.
"We projected tax collection to be down by half due to not only destroyed cities but also due to losses that we incurred in the lowlands. We'll have to decide where to cut spending."
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" the King screamed.
Where to cut spending?
[X][Spending] Decrease naval patrol and size. (Piracy will dramatically increase.)
[X][Spending] Decrease pay of standing armies, including the Banner companies. (Armed rebellion more likely, banditry increases)
[X][Spending] Decrease civil service. (Random economic damage)
Ah, there it was. His own plot of land. One that has been handed down ge