So first some background info. Recently I hade some of my guys go East to Cathay to scout it out and see what kind of wealth it had, and also to see if it would be a good place to raid or invade. My men found enormous towers, huge cities, and powerful fortifications indicating that this was an enormously powerful civilization. However, they found many of these cities inhabited by nothings but corpses, the ground slick with human bodyfat, and the stench of rotting corpses causing my men to fall ill, which indicates that some terrible invaders swept through the region and somehow destroyed this grand civilization.
So, after this terrifying discovery, I get a trade envoy from some barbarians to the north. Laden with jewels, silks, fine spices, armors, and anything else you can think of, these guys seemed SUSPICIOUSLY wealthy for a bunch of horse barbarians. In fact, the only way for these people to acquire wealth so great would be if they were the ones that looted those Cathayan cities! Realizing this was just a deception, I had them put to death, and I left one man alive to to give whichever dipshit their khan is my retort.
AITA? I know it can be a dick move to kill trade envoys, but these barbarians aren’t exactly angels, after all just look at what they did to those cities! They aren’t beyond using grand deception to win invasions, so I couldn’t risk opening myself up to their spies. Besides, what are some horsemen going to do to MY army, right?
NTA- you did the right thing by seeing through the barbarian's deception and, honestly, what's the worst they could happen? The utter ransacking and destruction of your shahdom and the bloody conquest of the entire Muslim world? Seems unlikely
The Great Khan sent envoys with gifts to you!!! Gifts that were rightfully stolen from the Chinese. Furthermore, the mighty Chinggis Khan is the rightful ruler of the universe and that includes you! Not only did you dare to defy the rightful heavenly selected Chinggis Khan once, but twice, when he gave you from the kindness of his heart a chance to redeem yourself by turning in your uncle to be punished accordingly for his greedy actions. But above all, you have disrespected the most sacred rule of all - hospitality.
YTA.
Feel the wrath of God!
ESH. On one hand, killing a trade envoy just isn't cool yo! But on the other hand, no one likes a bunch of barbs anyway. I'm sure it wont matter in the long run. Whats the worst that can happen?
YTA YTA YTA YTA YTA YTA
You are, most definitely, the asshole.
A fact that I am going to be only too happy to explain to you in person, very shortly.
Since it's obvious that you like gold more than honor or friendship, I wonder if you'll like its taste, as well.
ESH. Come on OP, you're clearly are leaving out details. I don't think it's fair for the Khan here, not that he's absent of fault. Hear me out.
Your relationship goes back a couple of years, trade had already flowed between your empires and communication was good. I understand that you're upset that these barbarians considered you a "son", but the Khan's intentions were noble, he only wanted to express his affection and regard for you like he did his own kin. I think it's a matter of miscommunication.
Also, you two agreed to carve up your Qara Khitai neighbors right? Don't lie and say you don't want a piece of that cathay action. I think your real asshole move here was to kill fellow Muslims, even if some of those traders may have been spies. The guy's just trying to reach out to you. On the other hand, this Khan guy has a lot of red flags with his previous history. If he treats others poorly, I can get being reluctant to deal with him. But, I think you two should apologize to each other and acknowledge that you've both been douchey to each other. In the future try to refrain from such drastic action.
You are saying they are horsemen but wrapped all around with silk and jewelry? Yeah that's a lot of red flags 🚩🚩🚩They probably stole that.
NAH. You have imparted divine judgment.
NTA. Sometimes these messengers need to get got. Amirite /u/LEONIDAAAS?