Chapter 103: The Empire's Power
Weiyang Palace, the Palace of Heart-Surviving.
Emperor Jing was wearing a Yanju suit, usually in deep clothes, with his head curled up, and knelt on a short table. Looking at the bamboo slips on the short table, his thick eyebrows were furrowed, and he fell into deep thought.
Chuntuo stood beside him. He knew that this was the expression that Emperor Jing had only when he thought about major national affairs. He pursed his lips tightly and did not dare to make any sound.
"Zhou Yafu, is Dou Ying coming?" Emperor Jing raised his head and asked.
"Return to the emperor, not yet." Chuntuo replied carefully.
"Tell them to hurry up." Emperor Jing raised his eyebrows, as if he was a little anxious.
Chuntuo responded and turned around and was about to go out to urge him. Zhou Yafu and Dou Ying walked side by side, and the two of them spoke as they walked. Dou Ying had a faint smile on his face, and Zhou Yafu's face was red, as if he was twenty years younger. When he walked, he was like a dragon and tiger stroll. That was not walking, that was floating.
Who is the happiest in Chang'an City? Zhou Yafu must be one of them.
Zhou Yang had such great ability to defeat hundreds of thousands of Xiongnu army. How could he, a father, not be happy? Wherever he went during this period, he would hear a saying, "Master Zhou is the third son of Tiaohou!"
Then, there were a lot of compliments, such as praise, such as generals, tigers, and family background, coming overwhelmingly, and Zhou Yafu's joy became ten thousand.
He has the capital to be happy, who is Zhou Yang so successful?
As soon as he met Dou Ying, Dou Ying praised Zhou Yang and talked about how Zhou Yang fought bloody battles at the border, which was very beautiful. As Zhou Yafu listened, his steady and powerful steps turned into a "space step", floating up, and drifted all the way into the Palace of Yangxin.
"My minister Zhou Yafu, and Dou Ying meet the emperor." The two stepped forward and bowed.
Zhou Yafu was originally dealing with Baiyue in the south. Zhou Yang's great victory this time was beyond everyone's expectations, including Zhou Yang himself. The benefits of this great victory were very obvious, and he won the opportunity for the Han Dynasty to train cavalry and adjust the national policy. The Han Dynasty's national policy and military strategy would undergo major changes. Zhou Yafu, an important official, naturally wanted to call back to Emperor Jing and participate in the discussion.
"Please calm!" Emperor Jing looked at Zhou Yafu and asked with a smile: "Zhou Yafu, Zhou Yang has made such a great contribution. Are you, a father, happy?"
"Haha!" Zhou Yang answered with laughter.
Didn’t Emperor Jing ask this knowingly? Zhou Yafu opened his big mouth and the lines on his mouth extended to the base of his neck. How could he not be happy? He was almost singing out loud.
This was a joke, and Emperor Jing said again: "Haha! As a father, what's the regret of having a son like this? You are naturally happy."
Zhou Yafu was indeed happy and laughed with his mouth. When Dou Ying touched him, Zhou Yafu didn't understand and looked at Dou Ying blankly, not understanding why. Dou Ying shook his head slightly and stepped forward and said, "Emperor, Zhou Yang is certainly wise. If he had not been promoted by the emperor, he would have given the military hierarchy and given the Chixiao Sword, Zhou Yang would not have made such a wonderful achievement!"
He is worthy of being a sleek person and can speak eloquently. Emperor Jing's eyes narrowed together, and he enjoyed it very much.
Dou Ying did not tell lies. Zhou Yang was the commander, but he didn't expect that Emperor Jing had a great courage and chose him. Zhou Yang was under a lot of pressure in the court as the commander, and even Empress Dowager Dou was also opposed. If Emperor Jing had not been brave enough, he would have been a big start and a bad start.
When Emperor Jing thinks about this, he is really a bit satisfied. Not to mention Emperor Jing, if anyone else, it would be one of the biggest moves in life. How could Emperor Jing not be happy after hearing Dou Ying’s words?
Zhou Yafu understood and hurriedly said, "What Wei Qihou said is, these are all the wise and wise of the emperor. I thanked the emperor for his kindness for his understanding!" He knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Emperor Jing, very respectful.
"Haha! Haha!" Emperor Jing accepted Zhou Yafu's thank-you gift very much, and then said, "Sit down!"
Zhou Yafu and Dou Ying thanked each other and knelt down.
"When it comes to Zhou Yang, you are happy, I am happy too. He will not let my expectations down!" Emperor Jing's joy became even more serious, and the topic changed: "But he made me feel itchy and couldn't hold it down, so I found you two and discussed together. You can take a look first."
Hand the bamboo slips in front of Zhou Yafu.
Zhou Yafu took it and looked at it, and was startled: "Attack Hetao?"
He handed the bamboo slip to Dou Ying, and his face was filled with surprise. The Han army had just experienced a great war, and the aftermath of the Great Wall War had not yet subsided, and Zhou Yang was about to make a big fight again. How could Zhou Yafu not be surprised?
"Ah!" Dou Ying saw it, followed Zhou Yafu's footsteps, and exclaimed.
Seeing the two of them surprised, Emperor Jing smiled: "You are surprised, I am also surprised. Do you think it is accurate or not?"
"Emperor, if the Huns are newly defeated, Hetao will be unprepared. If the Han Dynasty takes advantage of this, it will definitely accomplish great things and take down Hetao in one fell swoop." Dou Ying has always been based on the principle of letting Zhou Yafu say it first, but this time he made an exception and rushed to say it.
Emperor Jing nodded slightly and looked at Zhou Yafu: "Zhou Yafu, you are the best military officer, tell me."
"This..." Zhou Yafu pondered slightly and said, "Emperor, the land of Hetao is not a Feng Shui treasure land, with rich soil, beautiful water, green grass, and easy to grazing, but it is better to say it is a sharp sword. Whoever grasps the hilt of the sword will be beneficial to anyone. Hetao is only more than 700 miles away from Chang'an. If the Huns seize the hilt of the sword, then the Hetao sword aimed at Chang'an, the capital of the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty cannot tolerate it anyway. This is also the reason why the previous dynasty sent troops to Hetao."
Hetao is a Feng Shui treasure land. It is precisely because of this that China and the Huns have experienced hundreds of years of competition.
It is precisely because of the extremely important status of Hetao that it has become the most fiercely contested place between China and the northern nomadic peoples. In the long river of thousands of years of history, there are not tens of millions of people who died in the battle for this place, and it is not far apart.
There are many famous battles recorded in history. King Wuling of Zhao defeated the Huns, Meng Tian defeated the Huns, Wei Qing rushed to Hetao, Li Jing attacked Yinshan at night, and Pei Xingjian fought against Heishan. Which battle did not happen here?
This is just a great war that is seen in history, and I don’t know how many of those small wars that are not recorded in history.
Zhou Yafu compared Hetao to a sharp sword, which was very vivid. Emperor Jing and Dou Ying nodded constantly, agreeing with his statement.
"If the great man held the hilt of the sword, the Hetao sword aimed at the Xiongnu's Shanyuting, and the Xiongnu would not endure it." Zhou Yafu then analyzed: "If I expected it was not bad, the great Han sent troops this time would definitely attract revenge from the Xiongnu. Although the Xiongnu's vitality was severely damaged after the Great Wall War and it was difficult to recover in a short period of time, the Xiongnu would not allow Hetao to fall into the hands of the Han Dynasty. It is inevitable that he would raise an army to fight for it before the vitality was restored."
"That's certain!" Emperor Jing agreed with this conclusion: "The time Zhou Yang chose was indeed a good time. I was moved by my heart when I received his memorial. But, again, can the great man defend it? Even if he keeps it, how much does it cost? Use these costs to train cavalry and build elites. Which strategy is more beneficial to the great man? We should discuss it carefully and discuss it thoroughly."
Today, there are many strategies to choose from in the Han Dynasty. If I had to stick to it in the past, there would have been no way to choose from so many strategies to choose from. These were all developed by Zhou Yang.
With more strategies to choose from by Emperor Jing, you have to weigh the pros and cons of each strategy clearly.
It is not a problem to send troops to Hetao immediately and take down Hetao. This is certain. The Huns will inevitably come to fight for it. This fight will be repeated over and over again and for several years. This struggle will cost a lot of manpower, material resources and financial resources. These are not a problem with the national strength of the Han Dynasty.
The problem is that this will limit the energy of the Han Dynasty to Hetao. If Hetao is not solved first, and focus on building elite cavalry, changing national policies, and changing the military strategy of the Han Dynasty, three to five years later, the Han Dynasty's military strength will take a qualitative leap, and it will be more beneficial to recover Hetao at that time.
Although the Han Dynasty won this year and won a great victory, the national policy and military strategy have not changed yet and are not suitable for a war. This takes time. Only by changing the strategies of the entire country can victory last, after all, this is the foundation.
As the emperor, Emperor Jing must grasp the overall situation, think about all aspects, and adopt the most advantageous strategy.
"Solving national policies and military strategies is the foundation of the Han Dynasty. If you are trapped in the battle for Hetao, it will be more than worth the loss." Dou Ying's joy became much less and he became steady: "If Zhou Yang commanded the troops, even if the Huns were to compete for Hetao, they would not succeed."
"That's it! Zhou Yang has a good way to deal with the Huns. It is impossible for the Huns to succeed. It is because of this that I am so moved." Emperor Jing agreed with this: "However, the Han Dynasty had no cavalry. After taking Hetao, he could only defend and not attack. Just like this Great Wall Battle, Zhou Yang had too few cavalry, only 10,000, so he did not occupy the Great Wall. Without solving the cavalry, the Han Dynasty could only compete with the Huns in Hetao and could not attack the Huns' hearts. Even if he defeated the Huns, the Huns would recover and fight again, and this would be endless."
The shortcomings of cavalry restricted the development of the Han Dynasty, which was something that no one could do. If the Han Dynasty sent troops to Hetao now, this would definitely happen.
"If you don't send troops, a piece of fat is on your mouth, you can only see and not eat it. Isn't this a life-threatening person?" Emperor Jing was very embarrassed and couldn't help but touch his forehead, making it difficult to make a decision.
Zhou Yafu pondered without saying a word, Dou Ying thought endlessly. They were as difficult as Emperor Jing and were difficult to make decisions.
Emperor Jing took the lead in breaking the silence: "Someone said that to resolve the Huns, they must attack the northern part of the Huns, destroy the Huns' nests, so that the Huns can never disturb China again. I think this statement is very reasonable, and I am also ready to do so."
"Invade the northern part of the desert?" Zhou Yafu and Dou Ying were shocked.
Invading the northern part of the Mo River and fundamentally solving the Huns' problem is indeed a good idea. Zhou Yafu and Dou Ying were surprised not by this strategy, but by the difficulty of this strategy.
The northern Mohe is located in the depths of the desert, thousands of miles away from the Han territory. Using troops thousands of miles away is a big trouble, not to mention that in the Han Dynasty, it is a big problem in modern society. It will be difficult to transfer troops and supply troops. Not to mention that the Huns are still very strong. If they want to attack the northern Mohe, they must first solve the southern Mohe, and there will be a fight.
Only by seizing Monan can we attack Mobei. How difficult is this? Qin Shihuang's great talent and strategy have not been realized.
"What? Are you afraid?" Seeing the shock of the two, Emperor Jing smiled: "The Huns fought with China for hundreds of years, and they always disturbed each other because Mobei is there. Even if the Huns suffered losses in Monan, they could still escape to Mobei for rest and recuperate. Once the troops were strong, they would come to fight China again. After King Wuling of Zhao defeated the Huns, the Huns fled north; Meng Tian defeated the Huns and the Huns fled north, which did not escape to Mobei to lick the wounds? Only by taking Mobei and leaving the Huns nowhere to escape can China be peaceful! I think this person's view is very reasonable. Although it is a little difficult, it can be achieved with the strength of the Han Dynasty!"
At that time, someone proposed such an idea. Only two words could describe this person, and these two words were "crazy".
Zhou Yafu asked, "Prince, whose strategy is this?"
This is exactly what Dou Ying was asking. He looked at Emperor Jing with his eyes, looking forward to Emperor Jing's answer.
"A generation of talented people!" Emperor Jing did not answer, but praised him.
"Is it Chao Cuo?" Dou Ying knew Emperor Jing. Those who could be praised by Emperor Jing were definitely famous scholars of a generation, and his curiosity was rising.
"Dou Ying, do you still remember my teacher?" Emperor Jing raised his thick eyebrows and stared at Dou Ying.
Dou Ying's face tightened, and his tone turned into a deep pain: "I also regret it!"
When Chao Cuo was killed, Dou Ying also had a share. It was he who recommended Yuan Ang, and Yuan Ang's advice that led to Emperor Jing's killing Chao Cuo.
"It's not Doctor Chao." Emperor Jing shook his head slightly.
"Is it Jia Yi?" Dou Ying guessed again.
"No!" Emperor Jing sighed very much: "You can't guess. If I hadn't read his suicide note, I would have never expected that a person who was scolded as cruel and unkind would have such a broad and profound plan and had such far-reaching plans for China. It's a pity that he did not realize it!"
A brief pause: "I am determined to devote the strength of the Han Dynasty to invade the northern part of the Mo and eliminate the disaster of the Huns!"
It is not so easy to attack Mobei, it requires tenacious will and outstanding talents. Once realized, the benefits need to be mentioned. From now on, the Huns will no longer harm China. How exciting it is.
The reason why Emperor Wu of Han resisted the pressure and launched the "Decisive Battle in Mobei" was to fundamentally solve the Huns' problem. That battle was very expensive, but the benefits were also very great. From then on, China was no longer threatened by the Huns, because the Huns' nation no longer existed, but only existed in history.
Zhou Yafu and Dou Ying were extremely excited and said together: "Emperor, since this is the case, I won't take action against Hetao for the time being."
Dou Ying fully utilized his eloquence of argumentation: "Hetao is very important, but it is worse than the overall situation. We cannot lose the big picture because of small things. The Han Dynasty should concentrate all its efforts to build cavalry, transform national policies, reform military and political affairs, and select talents."
"Did you lose the big picture because of a small loss?" Emperor Jing suddenly stood up: "Okay! Well said! No matter how good the Hetao is, it's just a sword. Can Hetao still run away after taking Mobei? I will issue an order to Zhou Yang to stop the army!"
Although he lost the opportunity to recover Hetao, Emperor Jing's ambition was first shown, and he actually wanted to attack the northern part of the Mo. This idea was broad and profound and had a great impact.
The magnificence of the Han Empire began from this moment!
"Where is this?" Junchen Shanyu was drowsy. He opened his eyes, his eyelids were as heavy as if they were filled with lead.
"Big Chanyu, Big Chanyu!" A charming surprise sounded, crisp and pleasant, as if a pearl hit a jade plate, which was very pleasant.
"You are..." Junchen Shanyu's vision was a little blurred and he couldn't see clearly. He rubbed his eyes and saw clearly that a beautiful man in front of him was the mother of Ahu'er who was driven away by Junchen Shanyu.
Junchen Shanyu never expected that the first person he saw when he woke up was the woman he had driven away by the pain. He suddenly became stupid and opened his mouth wide to the top.
"Da Shanyu." Ahu'er's mother called out in surprise.
"It's you!" Junchen Shanyu woke up and was very excited to see this beauty he liked here, so he turned over and sat up.
Ahu'er's mother stepped forward, supported Junchen Shanyu, and looked at Junchen Shanyu with a smile. Junchen Shanyu held her hand and said with a smile: "Thank you! Why am I here? Where is this?"
"Da Shanyu, this is the camp of the Ahu tribe." Ahu'er's mother gently stroked the hair of Junchen Shanyu: "Ahu'er went out to hunt and found the Da Shanyu, and then she rescued the Da Shanyu."
"Little Prince?" Junchen Shanyu remembered that he was very enthusiastic that day and named Ahu'er the little prince. Junchen Shanyu really didn't have much impression of Ahu'er, the little prince. Junchen Shanyu's impression was on the belly of the beautiful man in front of him, not on Ahu'er.
"Where is he?" Junchen Shanyu asked.
"Ahu'er has seen the Great Shanyu!" Ahu'er came in and saluted Junchen Shanyu.
Junchen Shanyu looked at Ah Hu'er, who was still so handsome and fierce: "How did you escape back?"
"Da Shanyu, I am more lucky. I did not encounter the pursuit of the Han army and returned to the tribe early." Ahu'er answered very briefly. It was not that he did not chase the Han army, but that he had a way of running for life, and he escaped faster than a rabbit. When he saw that the defeat had already been achieved, he took the lead and ran earlier than anyone else. Can the Han army catch up with him?
"Yes!" Junchen Shanyu pondered for a moment: "You saved Ben Shanyu's life, Ben Shanyu wants to reward you. If the right general was captured by the Han people, you will become the right general."
"Right General?" Ahu'er and his mother exclaimed.
The right general, the seventh figure of the Huns, was a high-ranking and powerful figure. Ahu'er never dreamed that he was so surprised that he almost fell to the ground.
"Thank you, Da Shanyu!"
After Ahu'er was stunned, she was ecstatic and hurriedly thanked Junchen Shanyu.
"Is there any roasted lamb? I starved to death." Junchen Shanyu's stomach furious, and he was so hungry that he wrote the back of his heart.
"Yes, yes!" Ah Hu'er, who had just been promoted, couldn't close her mouth anymore and rushed out like a flying man.
Junchen Shanyu hugged Ahu'er's mother in her arms and stroked her body. She cooperated and twisted her, making Junchen Shanyu feel lustful and wanted to have fun immediately. However, she was so hungry that she was powerless that she could only endure it for a while.
"Ben Shanyu first eat mutton, drink horse breasts, and then accompany you. Haha!" Junchen Shanyu had healed his scar and forgot the pain, and became proud: "Ben Shanyu is so blessed!"
Junchen Shanyu liked the beauty in front of him very much. The last time he drove her away, it was because he made up his mind to cure the shame, not because he was heartbroken. After experiencing life and death, Junchen Shanyu suddenly returned to the land of gentleness, which shows his joy.
Ahu'er brought the servants to bring mutton and horse breasts. Junchen Shanyu ate and drank heavily. This was the first delicacy that Junchen Shanyu had after the defeat, and it was like a wind swaying in the wind.
This is a roasted lamb, and he actually ate it all. His appetite is very large, and it is not as big as eating a roasted lamb in one meal. He is all hungry.
Chapter completed!