For the old emperor, in the few remaining days of the 29th year of Kaibao, the only thing to be happy about was probably the return of Liu Chun, the crown prince of King Yong. Since Liu Yun, Liu Chun, Guo Liangping and others led the army
It has been almost two years since we went south and formally attacked Nanyang with force.
The expedition of tens of thousands of Han troops across thousands of miles of sea was destined to leave a mark in the history of Chinese wars. This was also different from the war against the Samfoqi Kingdom that was launched to seize Liangping Island. It was not only the scale of the war, but also the scale of the war.
What is important is the goal of the war, which is to destroy the barbarian states and formally establish Han unification in the vast Nanyang area.
This was an action promoted by the old emperor for China to declare sovereignty over the Nanyang region. From then on, the tradition was fundamentally established, giving future generations full confidence and confidence to promote "since ancient times".
Although he was thousands of miles away, the old emperor would ask about the war in Nanyang from time to time. One of his sons was on the way south. Moreover, the strategy of Nanyang had become a knot in his mind. It could also be said that this was his view of the Han Empire.
The final stroke of the blueprint is sketched.
The long distance in space severely hindered the transmission of information. In the past two years, it took basically three months to receive reports from the Nanyang front line. According to the battle reports, progress was rapid.
As for the indigenous states in Nanyang, facing the enemy head-on, it is basically impossible for them to be the opponents of the Han army. The development of the war situation has also proved this. As early as a year ago, those Nanyang countries had basically collapsed, and their fragile political organizations
They simply could not withstand the strong pressure from the Han navy and army.
As a small local power, the Sanviqi Kingdom's rule over the North and South Jinzhou was completely destroyed. Guo Liangping also took over the old port where he made his fortune, where the Nanyang Expeditionary Force's forward camp was deployed.
The North and South Golden Islands refer to Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Due to the prolific gold mines, an increasing number of Han people went to these two places to prospect for gold, and they were gradually called the Golden Islands by gold prospectors.
The collapse of the Srivijaya Kingdom is conceivable. After all, it was bullied by the big men and the weak by the strong. In the past twenty years, the only time it resisted was to cede territory and seek peace.
Also defeated along with it was the Kingdom of East Java. The island of Java has been in a state of division for a long time. Its political organization is more primitive and backward than that of Srivijaya. In recent decades, a country that can barely be called
The "heroic" character Muro Cha.
Under the leadership of Murocha, East Java developed well, especially taking advantage of the overseas colonization trend of the Han Dynasty. It obtained a large amount of fine ironware, cloth and other materials from Han merchants. As early as three years ago, it was almost completed.
The unification of Java.
Originally, Guo Liangping planned to make some fancy moves to stir up disputes between Srivijaya and East Java, and then watch the fire from the other side and reap the benefits. Unexpectedly, Muro Cha did not take this trick. On the contrary, there was
The trend of uniting to fight against the invasion of the Han Dynasty.
So when it came to the back, Guo Liangping had to give up taking things for granted and rely on hard power to bulldoze the situation. He first eliminated the small navy that Srivijaya had worked so hard to manage, then captured North Jinzhou, and then started the battle across the sea. Guo Liangping attacked South Jinzhou, and Liu Chun conquered Java.
On Liangping Island, Qi King Liu Yun was stationed on Liangping Island, serving as the general logistics coordinator for the army.
By now, all the Yi kingdoms have been destroyed, and the war flags of the Han army have been planted in the main towns of the three islands. However, it is conceivable that it is simply impossible to completely control the three islands with only tens of thousands of expeditionary troops.
thing.
Therefore, for the Nanyang Expeditionary Force, conquering Srivijaya and East Java is just the beginning. What is more difficult is how to establish a local political organization, even the most basic one.
So far, the main towns and ports of the three islands are still under the military control of the expeditionary force. The merchants and people of the Han Dynasty in Nanyang have also followed the Wang Division and become a grassroots governance organization subordinate to the expeditionary force under the rough military control system. For decades, the merchants and civilians of the Han Dynasty have
The achievements of pioneering in Nanyang were also further realized in this process. After all, the status of Han merchants and Han people in Nanyang could not be established only by commodities and goods. In the end, it had to rely on the ships of the Han Dynasty and the swords and guns of the soldiers.
The old emperor visited Guangzhou and followed the Guangnan fleet for a lap on the sea. Naturally, he thought of the war in Nanyang again, and even had a doubt whether the turmoil in Guangzhou would have a negative impact on the battlefield in Nanyang. After all,
Even though it is thousands of miles away, Guangzhou is still the most important logistics base for the expeditionary army.
Liu Changyan's answer was to reassure the old emperor. In his words, there will be some impact, but not big. The transfer of military supplies for the expeditionary force is, after all, an independently operating system. How can it be done if it is not a cannibal?
On the contrary, the property collected from the cannibals can also make up part of the Guangnan East Road finance. Of course, compared with the heavy losses of the Guangzhou government in the chaos, it is only a short profit.
As for the old emperor, knowing that it had little impact on the expeditionary force meant that the Sacred Heart was overjoyed, so that was fine. As for Liu Chun's return, reporting on the war in Nanyang was secondary, and the main purpose was to attend the funeral of King Yong Liu Chengxun!
Nearly five months have passed since the death of King Yong. When the news of the funeral reached Nanyang, Liu Chun was still leading his army to wipe out the remaining forces of Java. As soon as the bad news came, he could no longer take care of those remnants. He left the military and political affairs in his hands.
, and immediately return to the country.
After all this running, when they returned to the mainland, it was already the end of late winter. When Liu Chun and his party arrived at Qingshan Port, the old emperor was still there, waiting for his entourage to arrive from Guangzhou.
The two uncles and nephews reunited after many years, and they had a time to express their sorrows and joys. The topic about King Yong Liu Chengxun was enough for them to express their sorrows.
On the old emperor's side, when he saw Liu Chun, Liu Chengxun's voice and appearance appeared in his mind involuntarily, and the pain of losing his younger brother buried deep in his heart was brought out again. The sadness, almost hysterical, was still accompanied by Liu Wenhuan,
Seeing that the situation was not good, the two brothers Liu Wenji and Liu Chun persuaded the old emperor to slowly calm down.
There is a saying that the old emperor had much deeper feelings for Yong Wang Liu Chengxun than his biological son Liu Chun.
Liu Chun was thirty-six years old at the time, but he had lived without Liu Chengxun for more than twenty years. The spatial distance inevitably had a certain impact on the relationship between father and son. Therefore, Liu Chun was certainly saddened by the death of Liu Chengxun, but
It comes more from the moral constraints of traditional filial piety and justice.
Although the old emperor has continuously exposed his ordinary human side in recent years, he is still a political creature after all. His emotions come and go quickly. With the comfort of a few people, he quickly got rid of the memory of his brother and recovered his emotions.
He was usually deep and serious, and asked about the Nanyang expedition.
Liu Chun also ably reported on the war situation in Nanyang in the past two years. Many things were mentioned in previous battle reports, but he went into much more detail. He also focused on describing the current situation in Nanyang and the management issues of the expeditionary force.
.
The old emperor listened very attentively and showed great patience. It was not until Liu Chun finished speaking the manuscript that he had prepared, then he stretched out his hand to motion for him to drink a cup of hot tea, and then uttered a deep sigh: "Thousands of miles away.
Traveling across oceans and attacking foreign lands, it has not been easy for you these past two years!"
When Liu Chun heard this, he immediately said: "Your Majesty, it is indeed not easy! However, for the soldiers on the expedition, it is a great honor! Just imagine, since the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, in all dynasties, a man like me has traveled thousands of miles to conquer.
Don’t be a minister, spread the glory of my great Han Dynasty.
The expedition to the South Seas was a profit for the private sector and a lasting contribution to the public. All the officers and men in the army enthusiastically participated in the expedition and forged ahead with determination."
Liu Chun's words were of course a compliment, and the old emperor thought so too. However, when he noticed the excitement between Liu Chun's brows, he couldn't help but believe that he was sincere. How could it be half of it?
"In the eyes of many of my subjects, I launched the Nanyang expedition just for my own selfish desires. I am so happy to have achieved success!" The old emperor chuckled for a while, then looked at Liu Chun, sighed and asked: "After two years of expedition, it is difficult to see letters from home, military
How is the morale of the sergeant?"
Upon hearing the question, Liu Chun pondered for a while, then cupped his hands and responded: "It's not as good as two years ago. The main reason is that it lasted for a long time, the riots were inevitable, and the remnants of the natives occasionally attacked, which made the soldiers extremely troubled.
Fortunately, there has never been a shortage of supplies, and we have deployed and adopted the strategy of rotating garrison, seizing the big ones and letting go the small ones, and attacking in stages, so that we can alleviate the situation!"
"How have the casualties been since the expedition?"
"When I returned, 4,972 soldiers died in Nanyang, and the total casualties were about 9,000," Liu Chun replied in a deep voice.
After hearing this data, the old emperor looked calm, but he still sighed leisurely: "Another five thousand loyal souls are buried in a foreign land!"
Liu Chun's tone could not help but be heavy, and he immediately paid homage to the old emperor: "Your Majesty, I am returning home this time, and I am also carrying the ashes and relics of the sacrificed soldiers as well as the rewards and pensions obtained in the battle. I beg your Majesty to issue an edict to commend the general."
Pensions are distributed to family members!”
"This is what it should be. I will issue an edict later!" The old emperor nodded affirmatively.
"On behalf of the soldiers on the expedition, I would like to thank your Majesty!" Liu Chun thanked him, and then said after showing a little hesitation: "Your Majesty, these soldiers died for the country, and their pensions must be completely and comprehensively given to their parents, wives and children!"
After saying that, Liu Chun lowered his head. The old emperor was a little dazed, but he quickly said calmly and resolutely: "I understand your concerns. If anyone dares to raise a hand on this matter, I will not only chop him down."
His own hands will destroy his clan!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Chun bowed again.
Waving his hand at him, the old emperor said again: "Although you speak lightly, I can hear that the expedition is not easy. If there is anything else that needs the support of the court, just say it!"
Seeing the old emperor's statement, Liu Chun was not polite and immediately requested: "Your Majesty, the most difficult thing for the expeditionary force at the moment is the lack of troops. The North and South Jinzhou and Java Island are so vast that they are really unable to control them."
"It is not feasible to increase troops!" Liu Chun opened his mouth, and the old emperor knew his intention. He rejected it decisively without leaving any room for it, saying: "Back then, Liu Min also asked me for troops and horses to strengthen Anxi's strength, and I also gave it.
veto.
The expedition to Nanyang was promoted by me. There was already great dissent between the DPRK and China. Although they did not dare to go too far in words, there were many people who complained in their hearts that I wasted the people and money and wasted the national power.
In fact, from the immediate perspective, the harm outweighs the benefits, costing countless money and food, and also affecting overseas trade income.
Although the scale of the Nanyang Expeditionary Force was half that of the Western Expedition, the money and food spent was slightly less than that spent by Anxi.
If we continue to increase troops, the imperial court will definitely react. I am not in the capital, but some people are dancing happily. Of course I can force it to push, but the matter has to be done by the ministers below. Although I don’t want to obey the old man in my heart, I also know that
It is no longer possible for an old man like me to do something against the will of the public."
Unconsciously, the old emperor showed his twilight mentality again. Looking at Liu Chun who was thoughtful, the old emperor restrained his emotions and said: "The problem of insufficient troops has to be solved by the expeditionary force itself.
Nanyang taps local potential!”
With that said, the old emperor gave Liu Chun advice: "The policy you are implementing in Nanyang can be bolder. Whether it is recruiting from Nanyang merchants or training native servants who have surrendered, it is a good method and a solid foundation.
A must-do for the local area.
For example, those from Srivijaya and Java, could they have established a strong and effective rule over the local area? I'm afraid not necessarily, otherwise they would not have been defeated so easily by the king. In the short term, their governance methods can still be borrowed.
What's more, we still have hundreds of thousands of Nanyang merchants and people we can rely on.
After all, overseas is no better than at home. It is not advisable to be greedy for grandeur and seek perfection. Establishing Han unification and promoting Han system is the long-term solution!"
"What your Majesty said is true. This is the only way to do things in Nanyang!" Liu Chun acknowledged the old emperor's words and at the same time carefully said: "It's just that Nanyang soldiers often stay away from home for a long time and miss their relatives.
Worse still, even though he obeyed orders and persisted, his morale inevitably declined.
I would like to think that if it is not advisable to increase the number of troops, we can follow the story of Anxi and gradually replace the officers and soldiers of the expeditionary force and send additional troops from the country."
After hearing this suggestion, the old emperor thought for a moment, nodded slightly, and said: "This proposal is acceptable, but as for the specific exchange, you can propose it to the prince after you return to Luoyang to pay homage to your father."
Liu Chun was slightly surprised, but seeing the old emperor's calm expression, despite his doubts, he still cupped his hands and said, "Yes!"
"Do you have any other requests?" The old emperor seemed a little embarrassed and asked again.
To his surprise, Liu Chun shook his head.
The old emperor couldn't help but be surprised: "Is there no problem with military supplies and logistical supplements for such an expedition?"
Liu Chunkan spoke eloquently: “Although the distance is far away, the sea routes are smooth and the navy has absolute control over the Nanyang waters.
What's more, for a cross-sea expedition, food and materials can be collected locally as much as possible. The local products are so abundant that the soldiers will not go hungry.
The only things that are truly scarce are weapons, gunpowder, cloth, medicinal materials and other locally scarce materials. The supply of these is still very guaranteed.
In the process of conquering and destroying the two countries, many were seized and a large amount of gold and silver artifacts were obtained, which greatly made up for the military expenditure."
After hearing what he said, the old emperor smiled: "It seems that the soldiers of the expeditionary army have made a profit!"
Liu Chun immediately expressed: "This time when my followers return to China, ten ships won by the battle will accompany them in advance, and they are ready to present them to His Majesty!"
"I don't want it anymore, just hand it over to the treasury!" The old emperor waved his hand generously and said, "Just stop some people's mouths!"
"As you command!"
After a brief pause, the old emperor took a deep breath, turned his head and looked at Liu Chun carefully, and asked with a serious expression: "I had the intention to entrust Nanyang, but due to various resistance, I had to put it aside and let you attack.
The expedition to Nanyang was also a preparation for enfeoffment.
Now that you have returned from Nanyang, you have a deeper understanding of the situation there than those in the court who sit high and talk nonsense. In your opinion, is it the right time for Nanyang to be enfeoffed?"