A closer look
Most modern diplomats complain about unfavorable hotel service, but Chinese envoy Zhang Qian spent ten grueling years enslaved by hostile steppe nomads just to fulfill a mission. Sent by Emperor Wu of Han to find allies, Zhang was immediately captured by the Xiongnu. After finally escaping, he continued his trek into Central Asia, bringing back critical intelligence about "blood-sweating" horses and exotic goods. His insanely stubborn geopolitical road trip accidentally laid the geographical foundation for the entire Silk Road.
