1552: Mongols attack a Novorussian caravan at the Silk Road. When the uninterested Grand Prince again disappoints the merchants, they decide to act. Another delegation sent to the Hong emperor is successful: In exchange for them sending a tribute of furs, wax and honey, he allows them to found trade stations in his empire. ~1560: Settlements in Novorossiya as far as upper Amur/Aigun river. 1561: Novorossiyan cities threatened by Mongols and Muslims form "unofficial official" armies to defend them, instead of the irregular defenders they had so far. 1590: Kuriles annexed by Novorossiya.