Chapter 278 Sending envoys to the west, the battle situation in Hanzhong
There was a clear look of expectation in Lu Duoxun's brows, and Liu Chengyou said slowly: "I have an errand, let's talk about it first. It's not a nice job. It can even be described as hard, complicated, and dangerous. I wonder if you are willing to do it?" Willing to take it!"
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Lu Duoxun was slightly stunned when he heard this. A trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, and he asked tentatively: "May I ask, Your Majesty, if it has something to do with Longyou and Hexi?"
A smart person reacts quickly. Liu Chengyou also showed a little smile in his eyes, and said leisurely: "You just mentioned that the Central Plains has been in decline and chaos for hundreds of years, so that thousands of miles of mountains and rivers in the northwest have fallen into the hands of foreigners. The civilization of the country declined, and the majesty of the celestial dynasty was lost.
Now, I am the lord of the world and am committed to restoring the rivers and mountains. As you said, one day, I will lead everyone to march westward, recapture Hexi, and reconnect the Western Regions.
At present, although I am committed to bringing peace to the world and opening up a prosperous age, I have to think long-term. The land west of Hexi has been separated from the Central Plains for a long time. What is the current situation? Most of the business travelers come from the east. According to the envoy, the current situation is ultimately Chaos, blur!"
After talking for a while and looking at Lu Duoxun, Liu Chengyou made his plan: "This time I will send Bu Jia Shi to Beijing and ask the imperial court to send envoys to the town. I agree and intend to send some officials to assist him.
Since you have carefully studied the affairs in Hexi and have gained a lot of experience, I would like to send you to the west to inspect the situation in Longyou and Hexi, as well as its tribes, cattle and horses, cities, roads, mountains and rivers, all the details, and observe them carefully in return.
By the way, as my envoy, I will appease the various ethnic groups in Hexi and the remaining Chinese people, and promote the reputation of the Han Dynasty!"
"We have traveled thousands of miles here, and the journey is long and arduous. Our safety and danger are uncertain. Whether we go or not, I won't force you..." After a pause, Liu Chengyou said again.
After saying that, he picked up the book he had put down and flipped through it, quietly waiting for Lu Dosun's decision.
Lu Duoxun, on the other hand, looked obviously troubled. In fact, the emperor had said so, so how much room for choice was left for his ministers?
It is true that Lu Duoxun could refuse, and Liu Chengyou would not blame him, but since then, he will probably continue to stay in Zhaowen Hall. He may be able to move to the Third Hall, but his future will definitely be slim. Or he may have to wait for some qualifications. , one can become a county magistrate or judge, but that will be the case for the rest of his life.
And this was obviously not what the young and ambitious Lu Duoxun wanted. After just going through it in his mind, the idea became clear. The only thing that made Lu Duoxun hesitate was the risk of traveling westward. As Liu Chengyou said, this It's a hard job, and may even put your life and property in danger...
His eyes fluctuated and he struggled in his heart, but Lu Duoxun was not too entangled in the end. Letting the emperor go for too long would be a loss of courtesy. Seeing that Liu Chengyou's attention seemed to be focused on the book, Lu Duoxun took a deep breath and cupped his hands. : "I am willing to travel westward to promote the prestige of our country. I will live up to my mission. Even though the land is full of thorns, I am willing to go there!"
"Okay!" Seeing that he was serious about what he was doing, Liu Chengyou smiled faintly. His attitude was always calm. He stretched out his hand and said, "Get ready when you go home!"
"Your Majesty, I am alone and have no worries. I can leave at any time!" Lu Duoxun immediately asked with a positive attitude.
Liu Chengyou nodded slightly, but said: "It's a long way to Guanshan. Zhang Qian is heading west, and there are still more than a hundred people accompanying him. How can I let you go alone? I still need to pick some people to assist you. I will return to Liang after I leave Jia Shi. Zhou, during this period, you can also find some people who can pass through, and I will make other arrangements!"
"yes!"
After returning from Zhaowen Hall, Liu Chengyou was still thinking about Hexi. The map was not very clear, and his mind was even more blurry. No matter how much he thought about it, he could only lament that it was not enough.
Returning to Hexi is still out of reach for the current Han Dynasty. However, it is still possible to make some preparations in advance, investigate and infiltrate.
"Guiyijun..." Liu Chengyou leaned lightly against the imperial desk, holding the imperial pen in his hand.
In the past few years, the Guiyi Army has also come to Tokyo several times and paid tribute to some local products, but they were only insignificant contacts. The imperial court did not have the strength to exert influence on the land of sand and melon.
After much thought, Liu Chengyou finally secretly made up his mind to find a way to strengthen contact with the Guiyi Army. However, it is not that easy to travel thousands of miles away and be blocked by various barbarians.
"Shi Hongzhao." Liu Chengyou suddenly thought of Shi Hongzhao in Lingzhou.
"Pass an edict and ask Duke Zheng to return to Beijing to report on his duties!" Liu Chengyou summoned a Chongzheng Lang and ordered.
Speaking of which, Shi Hongzhao has been in Lingzhou for some years, guarding the northwest frontier for the Han Dynasty. It is time to call him back and keep in touch with each other. Speaking of which, after all these years, Liu Chengyou really has a lot of respect for this domineering commander. Such an inexplicable miss...
...
On the winter solstice, the whole city of Tokyo celebrates. The people are happy, wearing new clothes and eating dumplings.
In the palace, Liu Chengyou held a family banquet. The three generations of old, young, women and children gathered together, and it was quite lively.
The weather was very cold, and under the dark night, there were snowflakes fluttering, falling on the eaves and the ground, making a rustling sound. Wearing a brocade jacket made by the queen herself, she walked among the palace rooms, drank some wine, and looked a little drunk. Liu Chengyou was a little dazed for a moment by this snowy scene in the palace, as if he was fascinated or drunk.
A few snowflakes hit his face, bringing a chill to his face. He became more alert. Liu Chengyou suddenly remembered the war in Hanzhong. It had been a month since Xiang trained his troops in Linxi County, and according to the frontline military report, the Shu army was clinging to the defense. , it never rained. Of course, the most important reason was the weather. A winter rain that lasted for ten days greatly hindered the progress of the Han army.
Due to the fierce fighting in winter, the defeat of the fortified city, and the wrong climate, the newly occupied prefectures and counties were unstable and the people were uneasy. The grain road was extended by more than 200 miles, making transportation more and more difficult. Therefore, it could not be avoided. Some ministers in the court suggested that Liu Chengyou should order the withdrawal of the troops because they had to work for a long time and waste money and food.
"The march in winter is going against the times after all!" Liu Chengyou sighed softly as he raised his hands behind his back and exhaled a mouthful of white steam.
It was already mid-winter, and the weather was severely cold. In fact, Liu Chengyou already wanted to retreat. There was still no progress with Xiang Xun. He had already made the decision to let Xiang Xun withdraw his troops and return to Xingzhou to rest for a winter until next spring. Try to make progress again.
Xiang Xun was not to blame for the situation this time. It was originally expected that Li Tinggui's ragtag group of defeated soldiers and newcomers would not be able to stop him. Soldiers, horses, money, food, and civilians were all prepared, but the rain was too deadly.
Thinking of retreating, Liu Chengyou was most unwilling to give the Shu army more time to prepare and adjust. Originally, the Shu army was defeated and Hanzhong's troops were weak. The Han Dynasty took advantage of the victory and advanced, intending to win it in one fell swoop and prepare the ground for the southward march to Shuzhong. Base.
But in the spring of next year, Liu Chengyou was only worried that the Shu army would regain some strength and devote itself to the defense of Hanzhong...
