Tributary system of Imperial Daxia: Difference between revisions

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===Obligations===
===Obligations===
All tributary states were required to submit tribute in the form of crops, alcohol (nomas gave fermented milk known today as [[Slozo]], crafted items (pottery, clothing, utensils, weapons, jewelry), animals (horses, cattle, pigs and exotic beasts such as elephants) and derived products such as skins and valuable tusks, slaves (eunuchs, concubines, mute servants, soldiers), minerals (usually in ingots or as coins) and gemstones (cut ones were preferred but especially large uncut ones that could be shaped by imperial gemcutters were also accepted), spices, salt and any other natural resources as could be found on the land. The tribute was set down on the [[Imperial Tallies (Daxia)|imperial tallies]] at the beginning of the year and had to be delivered before the onset of winter. The amount of tribute was subject to changes and variations depending on the specific need of [[Daxia]], tributary rulers had no way of knowing until their delegations looked at the amounts on the tallies the next year. The Qian dynasty mostly phased out tribute in kind, instead requiring tribute be in the form of gold or silver coins.
All tributary states were required to submit tribute in the form of crops, alcohol (nomas gave fermented milk known today as [[Slozo]], crafted items (pottery, clothing, utensils, weapons, jewelry), animals (horses, cattle, pigs and exotic beasts such as elephants) and derived products such as skins and valuable tusks, slaves (eunuchs, concubines, mute servants, soldiers), minerals (usually in ingots or as coins) and gemstones (cut ones were preferred but especially large uncut ones that could be shaped by imperial gemcutters were also accepted), spices, salt and any other natural resources as could be found on the land. The tribute was set down on the [[Imperial Tallies (Daxia)|imperial tallies]] at the beginning of the year and had to be delivered before the onset of winter. The amount of tribute was subject to changes and variations depending on the specific need of [[Daxia]], tributary rulers had no way of knowing until their delegations looked at the amounts on the tallies the next year. The Qian dynasty mostly phased out tribute in kind, instead requiring tribute be in the form of gold or silver coins.
During and after the era of the Chen dynasty tributaries also sent troops to assist imperial armies on the field of battle. These auxiliary troops were usually a mix of foot soldiers and light cavalry and as a layer of extra security these troops were led by a member of the tributary state's royal family (commonly a son or a brother of the ruler, sometimes even an heir). In this manner the empire had an important hostage to minimize the risk of treachery while on campaign. Nonetheless even with precautions there are many historical instances of a tributary forces quitting the field without orders or joining the enemy at pivotal moments, due to resentment or opportunism or simply to survive a campaign going badly.
===Benefits===
===Benefits===