I, the prince, only want to be deposed.

Chapter 480: Summon Liu Ju back to Beijing. I miss him.

When the news of Wei Qing's death reached Chang'an, the whole country was shocked!

The Han Dynasty lost its only remaining gem after Huo Qubing's untimely death.

Many people feel overwhelmed, even panicked.

Since Liu Che decided to fight a bloody battle with the Xiongnu, the two great men of the Han Dynasty seemed to be born to restrain the Xiongnu. First it was Wei Qing, then Huo Qubing, who made the Xiongnu terrified one after another.

But now, both Huo Qubing and Wei Qing are gone.

Who else can compete with the Hun cavalry?

Some of the old men, Confucian scholars, and virtuous people from the surrender and marriage factions were ready to submit memorials to persuade Emperor Liu Che to make peace with the Huns.

Never doubt these people's weakness towards the outside world.

If Liu Che could always ensure victory in his military campaigns against the Huns, he could naturally suppress the voices of these people to a certain extent.

Otherwise, these people's strength within the country would be immediately revealed, and they would speak out everywhere, causing turmoil in the court. Even if Emperor Liu Che was decisive in killing and blood flowed like a river, he might not be able to suppress it.

Otherwise, who do you think Liu Che issued the "Luntai Edict" to after Li Guangli was defeated and surrendered to the Huns in history?

In the "Luntai Edict", apart from not continuing to farm and station troops in Luntai, did Liu Che's policy really change?
not at all!
In fact, after Liu Che's death, his policies were still continued.

Even when Huo Guang used the "Salt and Iron Debate" to deal with Sang Hongyang, although he used the mouths of those virtuous and talented writers to refute Sang Hongyang, he also allowed them to indulge in their desire to criticize Liu Che's policies.

But afterwards, Huo Guang only symbolically abolished the small-scale state-run salt and iron industries in the capital area to give an explanation to those virtuous and talented writers, and everything remained the same across the country.

The same is true for external parties.

Neither Emperor Zhao nor Emperor Xuan ever showed a good attitude towards the Xiongnu, the Western Regions, and the nomadic Wuhuan in the north. In the end, war would break out at the slightest sign of trouble.

Otherwise, why did so many Xiongnu kings surrender during the reigns of Emperor Zhao and Emperor Xuan, how was the Protectorate of the Western Regions established, how were the Wuhuan subdued, and how was the saying "soldiers never go out idle" realized?

Just as Liu Ju described the Huns.

The Han Dynasty was bigger than the Huns and had no right to surrender or show weakness. Facing a foreign invasion, the only right thing to do was to fight hard, to subdue them, to scare them, and to beat them until they could not stand up.

Those who expect mercy, trustworthiness and tolerance from their enemies have only reincarnation in their minds.

However, along with the news of Wei Qing's death came the latest news of victory:

By the time this victory report was sent out, a large number of Xiongnu troops, led by Wuwei Chanyu, had crossed the Altai Mountains and arrived at the territory of Wusun, which had paid the bride price but had not yet married the Han princess.

Generals such as Zhao Po Nu pursued the Xiongnu all the way, killing as many as 60,000 people, capturing more than 100 high-ranking Xiongnu officials above the rank of captain, and intercepting more than 7 million Xiongnu livestock, including 90,000 good horses.

In addition, there was a large amount of baggage and supplies that had not been taken away in time.

This kind of migration of the entire family, including all members of the family, indeed gave the Han army more opportunities and caused extremely heavy losses to the Xiongnu.

This is only the statistics of prisoners and spoils of war of the Han army, not including the Huns who got separated and lost during their escape. This time the Huns were definitely seriously injured.

The Huns had a population of one million, which in that era meant they were already a world power that could be counted on five fingers.

But after this migration, if one-third of them can be preserved after crossing the Pamir Mountains, it would have proved that this Uwei Chanyu was no ordinary person, but at least he was a figure.

When Liu Che saw this victory report, he still didn't understand what was going on, but he couldn't help but look at the Xiongnu with new eyes:

"I never thought the Xiongnu would be so stubborn that they would rather migrate their entire tribe than submit to the Han Dynasty?"

"I respect this Wuwei Chanyu as a good man, and I will look up to him from now on."

He had not yet thought that this was because Liu Ju did not give the Huns any chance to surrender, and Wuwei Chanyu was completely forced to lead his people westward to find a new way to survive.

Of course, even if you think about it, you may not believe it.

Not to mention that he had already issued an imperial edict to warn Liu Ju not to act recklessly, even if Liu Ju did not obey, he might not be able to accomplish this task.

After all, even if Huo Qubing had not urinated in the North Sea, he would still have sealed the Wolf's Lair, and the result was only that the Huns would temporarily avoid the attack and come back after the Han army withdrew.

It is actually very difficult to deal with a country dominated by nomadic peoples like this if we choose to avoid war.

"Speaking of which, why did the Xiongnu choose to migrate westward?"

Liu Che was still thinking about Wuwei Chanyu's intentions.

"Isn't it possible to go north or east? Although we don't know what the situation is like north of the North Sea, the Wuhuan east of the Xiongnu is also an option. That place can support the Wuhuan tribe, and the Xiongnu can squeeze in and survive."

"If we migrate westward..."

"I understand. The Xiongnu have seen through my intention to trade with the Western Regions. Seeing that the situation is not good, they are heading to the Western Regions to temporarily avoid the attack of the Han army. At the same time, they also want to block this trade route and ruin my plan!"

"This traitor!"

"I just didn't tell him a word, and he neglected to take precautions, giving the Xiongnu a chance to strike back at the Han!"

"He is still too young..."

"But this time, he was able to achieve such a level in his first official military command. Every battle report he sent back was a great victory, forcing the Xiongnu to flee with their entire clan. This was completely beyond my expectations."

"With a son like this, what else can I ask for?"

"At least now, there will be no forces north of the Han Dynasty that can invade the Han Dynasty for at least a hundred years. It is almost impossible for war to happen on the Han territory again. This is an unprecedented victory!"

"As for the Xiongnu who fled to the Western Regions... they are no longer a concern for the Han Dynasty."

However, Liu Che had no idea that Liu Ju's forcing the Huns to migrate westward was a strategy that would kill two birds with one stone.

First, of course, the Han Dynasty would use the Xiongnu to teach those small countries east of the Pamir Mountains who were unwilling to join the Western Alliance or were still watching, and let the Han Dynasty play the role of the savior. The Han Dynasty wanted both fame and wealth.

Secondly, there is the well-worn “Whip of God” plan;
Once again, this is still a case of nurturing an enemy to protect oneself... The Huns are choking the Han Dynasty, so Liu Che has to deal with it. To deal with it, he needs to use people. Who should he use?

Of course it was his son Liu Ju, who had both the means and experience in attacking the Huns.

Do we really have to go far away and transfer generals and troops back and forth without food and fodder?
Anyway, even if Liu Che had his own ideas and did not want Liu Ju to stay in the Western Regions and asked him to return to Chang'an as soon as possible to report, he would use this as an excuse to force himself to recommend himself. At that time, even if Liu Che was dissatisfied, he would most likely reluctantly agree and would not break off relations with him.

After all, this reason is indeed very legitimate and reasonable.

Even if Liu Ju disobeyed the order, it was out of loyalty and filial piety, which can always be justified...

"Speaking of which, now that the Han Dynasty has lost another jade, people inside and outside the government are in turmoil. This rebellious son has become an indispensable reassurance for the Han Dynasty. He has added another jade to the Han Dynasty, which is enough to shut up those rats."

"The Battle of Loulan, the great victory of Gushi, the great victory of Junji Mountain, the great victory of Zhaoxin City, and the great victory of Xinlong City."

"Every battle this rebellious son has participated in has been an unprecedented victory. The Xiongnu will probably rack their brains to figure out why my son is even more courageous than Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, and why he can leave them powerless to fight back."

"Do we need to guess?"

"Wei Qing and Huo Qubing only have the blood of the Wei family in their bodies, but Liu Ju has the blood of both me and the Wei family in his body. He was destined to be extraordinary since the day he was born."

"Speaking of which, it has been a long time since I went on the expedition."

"Wei Zifu has always been concerned about him. Now that Wei Qing is gone, if he can come back, he can also give Wei Zifu some comfort."

"And his wife and children. Liu Fuling's child can walk now, but he has never held him properly. I hold him more." "I... also miss him a little. He hasn't been causing trouble for me in Chang'an for the past two years. Although I have saved a lot of trouble, it has also become much more boring. It's better for him to come back."

"As for the fact that he mentioned in his memorial that the Wusun Kingdom asked the Han army for help."

"The Xiongnu are now helpless, so it shouldn't be a problem to send Zhao Po Nu and his men there."

"It's a good opportunity to have him come back and recuperate. Don't let him become like Huo Qubing, who ruined his body in the bitter cold. Wei Qing passed away earlier than I did, probably because of this."

"If we lose this rebellious son again, it will be the greatest loss for me and the Han Dynasty."

"Su Wen, draft the edict!"

……

Yumen Pass.

Liu Ju escorted Wei Qing's body all the way here.

He would not be able to see him off in person on the rest of the journey, as Wei Qing had his own destination, which was to be buried in Maoling Mausoleum alongside Emperor Liu Che. This was the greatest honor for any minister.

Liu Ju still remembered what Wei Qing said to him before he closed his eyes:
"My son, your uncle has never felt so relieved in his life..."

"Your mother, your cousins, Huo Guang, Huo Xian, and the members of the Wei and Huo clans will all be taken care of by you from now on."

"You can pee farther than your uncle, so you must be better than him."

"Tell your mother that she and I will still be siblings in the next life."

"Tell your aunt that I still remember her kindness to Wei."

"Tell your father, the emperor is the emperor and the ministers are the ministers. They just do their job. I have never blamed him until my death..."

"Tell your cousins, especially Wei Kang, that I have always been... proud of him, even when he embarrassed me."

Looking at the body-carrying team going away, Liu Ju, who had been tense for the past few days, finally shouted out:
"Uncle, have a safe journey!"

At this moment, tears finally rolled down his cheeks.

It's not that they are not close enough. After all these days, he is no longer as out of tune with this world as he was at the beginning.

Wei Zifu, Wei Qing, Huo Guang, Yi Shuo, Han Ling... Each of them is alive, has entered his heart, and has become his most important relatives.

Also including Liu Che.

Although Liu Ju was always on guard against Liu Che and plotting against him, up to this point, his stepfather had actually been fulfilling his duties as a father, and was not as cold and heartless as described in history books.

Liu Ju could feel all of this clearly, but he never dared to let his guard down.

"General, have a safe journey!!!"

The accompanying soldiers divided into two lines, forming a long dragon several miles long, lining the road to bid farewell to this flying general of Longcheng who had left a significant mark in history.

Some people's eyes turned red, some began to sob, and some cried uncontrollably.

The morning glow in the sky became more and more red, and the sunlight shone on Wei Qing's coffin, as if it was trying its best to exaggerate this man's magnificent life. It was the color of blood.

When Liu Ju calmed down and returned to the big tent.

Su Wu and Liu Xijun were already waiting outside the tent.

Su Wu's eyes were red and swollen, and Liu Xijun's makeup was a little smudged.

"Your Highness, it may be inappropriate to mention this matter now, but it is my duty and I have to mention it. I have to ask Your Highness to bear with me..."

Su Wu hesitated for a moment and said with some embarrassment.

Liu Ju waved his hand and said:

"What you want to talk about is the Wusun Kingdom asking the Han Dynasty for help, right?"

As soon as Liu Xijun came along, it became clear what was going on.

"That's right. I wonder what your Highness will decide?"

Su Wu bowed and asked.

"Rescue is a must. I have ordered people to investigate the current situation of the Wusun Kingdom. If the situation is in line with my expectations, the Han army will go there with the marriage team."

Liu Ju nodded slightly, his eyes moved to Liu Xijun, and then asked,

"What about you? Are you ready?"

"In reply to your Highness, my niece has learned the Wusun language thoroughly. From now on, I will follow your Highness's arrangements."

Liu Xijun said with her eyes lowered.

She had long understood that the fate of the marriage could not be changed no matter what, after all, it was an imperial decree from Emperor Liu Che.

However, Liu was said to be able to exempt her from having to follow the unethical customs of the Wusun, and from having to really commit herself to the old man Lie Jiaomi. This was already the best outcome for her, and naturally she had no objection.

"Yes, I've been speaking more vigorously lately."

Liu Ju nodded in appreciation.
"When you go to Wusun, you must speak more generously and confidently, so that the Wusun people dare not look you in the eye. You don't have to be afraid of anything, because behind you are the Han cavalry that even the Xiongnu can only flee at the sight of them."

"And you are here to give alms and rescue the Wusun. You are their benefactor, and the Han is their savior."

"understand?"

"Niece understands."

Liu Xijun bowed her head and replied.

I don’t know if it’s an illusion, but I feel that this girl has become more beautiful after becoming more confident.

While talking.

Guo Zhen trotted over to report to Liu Ju:
"Your Highness, the scouts who went to Wusun have returned."

"How's it going?"

Liu Ju did not avoid the two parties involved, Su Wu and Liu Xijun, and asked directly.

"After the Xiongnu fled to the Wusun Kingdom, they set their soldiers on fire, killing and looting, plundering a large number of livestock, and also tied up many Wusun people and forced them to be slaves and follow them as they migrated westward."

Guo Zhen replied,

"Three out of ten Wusun citizens suffered. The remnants of Wusun King Liejiaomi fled into the mountains. The troops of the second prince Dalu and the grandson Junxumi were all slaughtered by the Xiongnu. Junxumi was even captured alive by the Xiongnu."

"Then we can send troops to rescue."

Liu Ju pondered and said,
"Send a message to Zhao Po Nu, and immediately charge into Wusun upon receiving the order. If you encounter Wusun King Lie Jiaomi, find an opportunity to shoot him to death with a hidden arrow, and pin the blame on the Xiongnu."

(End of this chapter)