Shuhan

The cold winter wind is like a sharp blade, ruthlessly cutting every inch of the air. With its biting chill, it turns the earth into a world covered in silver.

Snowflakes fluttered, covering every corner of the grassland, leaving only vastness and silence.

In the distance, the mountains are looming in the wind and snow, as if they are the most mysterious guardians of nature, quietly watching the creatures on this land.

On this snow-covered grassland, tents are scattered in an orderly manner. Some are big, some are small, some are new, and some are old. They are a haven for the grassland people to resist the harsh winter and seek shelter.

Cattle, sheep and horses gathered on the leeward slope, huddled together to keep each other warm with their body temperature. Occasionally they lowered their heads to nibble on the grass that had been ravaged by the wind and snow and turned yellow. The rustling sound was proof of life's tenacious struggle in the face of adversity.

In this scene of wind and snow, one tent stands out.

It is located in the center of the entire camp. The outer wall of the tent is made of thick animal skins, embroidered with the totems of the Xianbei people, making it look both solemn and mysterious.

Inside the tent, a fire was burning, emitting a warm glow that dispelled the coldness around.

Tuoba Shoutian was sitting on a carpet woven from wool, wearing a gorgeous Xianbei costume inlaid with various gems, sparkling with dazzling light.

However, in sharp contrast to this gorgeous attire is the expression on his face - Tuba Shoutian's brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed a hint of barely perceptible melancholy.

He held a golden and crispy roasted leg of lamb tightly in his hand and kept tearing it apart, as if he wanted to tear all his troubles apart along with the leg of lamb.

Beside him, a pretty woman in veil was gently filling a cup of hot wine for him. The aroma of the wine filled the air, but it seemed unable to dispel the gloom in Tufa Shoutian's heart.

He took the glass and drank it all, but the depressed mood still lingered.

At this moment, the curtain of the tent was suddenly lifted, and a biting cold wind mixed with snowflakes rushed in, causing the temperature in the tent to drop sharply.

A man in armor and with a resolute face walked in slowly. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle, and he exuded a majesty that should not be underestimated - this was Jiang Wei.

"Leader Tufa." Jiang Wei's voice was steady and powerful, penetrating the noise in the tent.

"I have something important to tell you. Kebi Neng has been defeated and is now wandering in the southern desert with only a few hundred people left. This is a godsend opportunity. If you are interested in unifying the grassland, now is the best time!"

When Tufa Shoutian heard this, his originally dim eyes suddenly lit up, as if two flames were ignited.

He stood up suddenly, not caring about the lamb leg in his hand, and said excitedly: "Okay! I will get rid of Kebi Neng and unify the grassland!"

However, when Tufa Shoutian stepped out of the tent and stood in the snow and wind, his eyes gradually narrowed, becoming deep and complex.

The snowflakes kept hitting his face, but seemed to hit his heart as well.

He looked into the distance, with an indescribable thought in his heart: After killing Kebi Neng, would this vast grassland belong to him, Tubo Shoutian, or would it become the property of the Han emperor?
Tufa Shoutian could not help but recall the various disputes between himself and the Han State.

He was well aware of the power of the Han Dynasty, and Jiang Wei's arrival this time was undoubtedly a signal - the Han Dynasty's ambition for the grassland had never really disappeared.

He took a deep breath of cold air, trying to clear his mind.

Tufa Shoutian knew that once this step was taken, there would be no turning back.

He must carefully consider whether to pursue temporary power or to consider the long-term interests of the Xianbei.

The wind and snow are still howling, as if telling the vicissitudes and changes of the grassland.

Tuoba Shoutian stood in the wind and snow, his figure looking particularly lonely and determined.

He closed his eyes, let his mind connect with the grassland, and felt the call of his ancestors and the future.

Finally, he slowly opened his eyes, with a gleam of determination in them.

On the other side close to the Daijun grassland, Kebineng, the former grassland eagle, is experiencing the most difficult moment of his life.

Although he was once the unrivaled overlord of the grassland, the twists and turns of fate caused him to fall to the bottom of the valley.

However, relying on his deep roots on the grassland and his indomitable will, he miraculously gathered more than 10,000 Xianbei warriors in just half a month. They were like a group of wolves tempered by wind and snow. Although they were covered with scars, they still had bright eyes and vowed to regain their glory on this grassland.

In the camp, the bonfire was blazing, but it could not dispel the coldness all around.

Ke Bineng sat in the simple tent, his brow furrowed and his eyes deep, as if he could see through the snow and wind and see the hope and challenges of the future.

Although his face looked a little tired, his eyes were shining with the desire for victory and the yearning for freedom.

He knew very well that if he wanted to survive in this cruel land, he must constantly build up his strength. Even in this harsh winter, he had to grit his teeth and face the challenges.

On this windy and snowy night, in the distance of the camp, a sudden incident broke the brief tranquility.

The wind and snow grew stronger, accompanied by a strange vibrating sound. The sound was low and powerful, like the roar of an ancient beast, or like the roar between heaven and earth.

For the people of the grassland, this sound is very familiar - it is the sound of thousands of horses galloping, the prelude to war, and the beginning of a life-and-death struggle.

Ke Bineng's heart suddenly tightened. Years of battlefield experience told him that the enemy coming this time was by no means an ordinary one.

Without any hesitation, he immediately ordered his most capable riders to prepare their horses and prepare to evacuate.

In such weather, a head-on confrontation with a strong enemy is like hitting a rock with an egg. Only by preserving your strength can you make a comeback.

Following Kebineng's order, the camp suddenly became busy. The warriors quickly packed their luggage, led their horses and prepared saddles. The atmosphere was tense and orderly.

Ke Bineng himself was armed and went into battle. His heavy leather armor shone coldly in the firelight. He gripped his spear tightly with a firm look in his eyes, as if he would never back down even in the face of an overwhelming force.

At this moment, a huge army appeared in the wind and snow in the distance, like a black torrent, sweeping across the snow.

Those were Tubo Shoutian's troops. They were like a winter wind, fierce and unstoppable.

Tufa Shoutian, the emerging powerful man of the grassland, embarked on the road of conquest with his desire for power, hatred for Kebi Neng, and ambition for the grassland.

Ke Bineng was unwilling to see this, but he also knew that it was not appropriate to fight at this time. He gave an order and everyone rushed towards the depths of the vast snowfield like arrows.

On the snow, only a series of horse hoof prints of varying depths were left, recording the traces of their hasty escape.

Tufa Shoutian led his troops to the camp, only to see a few unburned fires left in the empty camp, swaying lonely in the wind and snow.

With a sneer on his face, he ordered his subordinates to capture all the troops that Kebineng had gathered in recent days, and to suppress those who tried to resist mercilessly.

Jiang Wei, who was watching the battle on the side, had a deep gaze. He looked at Tufa Shoutian's every move and couldn't help but feel a little alert.

He slowly walked to Tufa Shoutian's side, with a hint of probing in his tone: "Are you not going to hunt down Kebineng?"

Tufa Shoutian turned to look at him, a trace of disdain on his face: "It's difficult to pursue him on a snowy day. What's more, I want this grassland, not his life."

Hearing this, Jiang Wei narrowed his eyes and thought secretly in his heart.

Allies and enemies on the grassland are often just a thought away.

Tufa Shoutian's ambition and cunning forced him to re-examine this upstart on the grassland.

He remembered the advice given by His Majesty before he left: "People from the grassland cannot be trusted. Once they have power, they will change."

At this moment, these words seemed like a ray of cold light, penetrating the wind and snow and piercing straight into his heart.

Your Majesty's grassland policy must not be ruined in his hands.

. . .

And on the other side.

Shouchun.

In a study room in the city, candlelight flickered, and warm light sprinkled in every corner, dispelling the chill from the outside world.

The study is decorated very elegantly, with several landscape paintings hanging on the wall. The brushstrokes are delicate and the artistic conception is profound, as if they can bring people's thoughts into the distant mountains and rivers.

The bookshelf was filled with all kinds of books, including military strategies, poetry and songs. Liu Chan was sitting at a sandalwood desk in the middle of the study. He was wearing a red brocade robe with delicate dragon patterns embroidered on the corners, looking both noble and friendly.

He has a handsome face and his eyes reveal a calmness and wisdom beyond his age.

At this moment, he was slightly tilting his head, listening to the report from Huo Yi beside him.

Huo Yi was wearing silver armor, with a sword at his waist, and his brows revealed a heroic look.

He held a secret report in his hand and read the latest intelligence from the Military Affairs Department in a deep and powerful voice: "Zhang Wenyuan has taken office as the General of the Southern Expedition. The power struggle between the aristocratic families and the Emperor of Wei has become increasingly fierce. It seems that neither side intends to give in easily..."

After hearing this, Liu Chan curled up the corners of his mouth into a faint smile, which showed both his insight into the situation and his feeling about the impermanence of the world.

He raised his hand gently and interrupted Huo Yi's words: "Zhang Wenyuan stationed troops in Xiacai and recruited civilians to build the city. Although this move seems strong, it has actually fallen into a quagmire. The aristocratic families and the Emperor of Wei have been fighting for power for a long time. It seems that the outcome will not be determined in a short time. I don't want to help them decide the outcome."

Upon hearing this, Huo Yi frowned slightly, as if he was surprised by Liu Chan's decision.

He glanced at the secret report in his hand, then looked up at Liu Chan and asked tentatively: "Your Majesty, Zhang Wenyuan is busy fighting internally. If our army marches in at this time, we may be able to take advantage of the opportunity and seize the initiative in one fell swoop."

Liu Chan shook his head, his eyes became deep, as if he could penetrate time and space and see the distant future.

"There have been constant disturbances in Wu recently. Someone is causing chaos there. There is also unrest in the four counties of southern Jing. Although our Han is far away from the Central Plains, we cannot stay out of it. To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the country. After six months of war, the soldiers are exhausted and the people are suffering. It is time to rest and recuperate."

As he spoke, Liu Chan stood up, walked to the window, looked at the gradually darkening sky outside, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

He had a bigger plan in mind, which was to wait for the opportunity to realize the unfinished wish of the late emperor in one fell swoop - to restore the Han Dynasty and return to the old capital.

"Your Majesty has thought it over carefully, and we are willing to follow your orders. However, regarding the unrest in Wudi, should we make some preparations?"

Liu Chan turned around and looked at Huo Yi with a firm gaze: "The unrest in Wu will affect the whole body. It's time to calm them down."

The people can suffer a little.

But they can't stand the continuous suffering.

After talking with Huo Yi about some more things, Liu Chan asked him to leave and summoned Pang Tong again.

Pang Tong was standing outside the study door at this moment. After being summoned by Liu Chan, he went in immediately.

In the study, the fire was burning brightly, and the warm atmosphere dispelled the winter chill.

As soon as Pang Tong stepped into the study, he bowed deeply to Liu Chan.

Liu Chan stepped forward quickly, helped Pang Tong up, and the two of them sat together at the desk in the middle of the study.

Liu Chan spoke slowly: "Shiyuan, I am about to leave Shouchun, and all matters in Yangzhou will be handed over to you. The Northern Expedition is related to the future of Shu Han, so it must be carried out. However, restoring the people's livelihood in Yangzhou, cultivating land to restore strength, preparing for military operations, and supporting Qingzhou, each task is as heavy as Mount Tai, do you have the confidence?"

When Pang Tong heard this, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. He took a deep breath and said in a firm and powerful voice: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to live up to your trust. I have a clear idea of ​​the affairs of Yangzhou and will make proper arrangements to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

After hearing this, Liu Chan showed a satisfied smile on his face. He patted Pang Tong on the shoulder and said, "With you in Yangzhou, I am naturally relieved. However, when I return to the north, ships and carriages are of utmost importance. I wonder if you have prepared everything?"

Pang Tong immediately replied: "Your Majesty, the dragon boat is ready and can set sail at any time. As for the carriages and horses, I have also arranged them. We can set off immediately as soon as Your Majesty gives the order."

Liu Chan nodded, secretly thanking himself for having such a wise minister to assist him.

"Okay, in that case, let's not waste any more time."

Liu Chan turned around and said to Pang Tong: "You stay and handle the follow-up matters. I will board the ship immediately."

Pang Tong took the order and respectfully escorted Liu Chan to the door of the study.

At this time, the snow outside the city had stopped, and the sunlight shone through the clouds, onto the snow, flashing dazzling light.

Surrounded by his attendants, Liu Chan slowly walked towards the dragon boat docked at the shore.

The dragon boat has a huge hull, with exquisite dragon patterns carved on it. It looks majestic, like a giant dragon about to take off into the sky, quietly waiting for its owner.

The dragon boat started slowly and went up the river, breaking the calm surface of the water and leaving behind ripples.

The soldiers on the ship were all in high spirits and morale.

Some of them were from Yizhou, and some were from Guanzhong. After fighting for many days, they could finally return home.

As the dragon boat moves forward, the scenery along the way is constantly changing.

Sometimes it is a steep mountain, sometimes it is a vast plain, sometimes it is a prosperous town, and sometimes it is a quiet village.

Liu Chan stood at the bow, looking at all this, his heart filled with infinite longing for the future.

Going up the river, Liu Chan's dragon boat was like a giant dragon, breaking through the waves on the turbulent river.

As the dragon boat slowly sailed into the Jiangling waters, the scenery on both sides gradually became beautiful. The mountains were stacked, the trees were shady, and the river was clear, like a flowing landscape painting.

After a brief stop in Jiangling, the dragon boat continued up the river and went straight into Shu.

Along the way, Liu Chan benefited greatly from everything he saw and heard.

He saw the hard work of the people, heard their laughter, and felt their love and persistence for life.

All these made him more determined to govern the country well.

His arrival brought many good changes to the people of this era.

Only when the world is unified can the people truly live a good life.

The fleet kept moving forward.

Stay in Jiangzhou for a few days and then head straight to Chengdu.

Finally, the dragon boat arrived in Chengdu.

As the secondary capital, Liu Chan naturally had to stay in Chengdu for some time.

The palaces in Chengdu are magnificent and luxurious.

However, Liu Chan did not indulge in this luxury.

As an emperor, he has a heavy responsibility and cannot just indulge in pleasure and neglect state affairs.

Therefore, he got up very early every day, and after dealing with state affairs, he would go to the study in the palace.

Inside the study, there were towering bookshelves filled with all kinds of books and scrolls.

Liu Chan sat at his desk, carefully reading every memorial and report.

His eyes are focused and deep, as if he can see through everything. Whenever he encounters a difficult problem, he will frown, ponder for a moment, and then make a wise decision.

In addition to handling state affairs, Liu Chan also particularly liked to discuss ways of governing the country with his ministers in his study.

He often invited some knowledgeable people from Yizhou to his study to discuss state affairs with them.

The forces within the court still need to be balanced.

This is also the emperor's way of checks and balances.

Afterwards, the emperor went north, and in March, he entered Guanzhong directly from Jinniu Road.

Chang'an is in sight.

At this point, the emperor returns to the court! (End of this chapter)