Can I get to the other side?.

Chapter 341 I beg Your Majesty to expand the harem!
"Northern expedition to Wuhuan?"

Hearing Sima Yi's proposal, Liu Xie could not help but frown, "Now that the war has just ended and we need to recuperate, it would be inappropriate to launch a northern expedition at this time, right?"

"Besides, Wuhuan is far outside Youzhou, so it's not easy to send troops to conquer them. This will definitely affect our next plan to go south."

The Wuhuan were a major threat to the border.

Liu Xie certainly understood this.

However, the Wuhuan are quite powerful. If we send troops to pacify them now, it will consume a lot of food, manpower and supplies.

To resist foreign aggression, one must first stabilize the internal situation. In Liu Xie's view, moving the capital to Luoyang and pacifying the world were the most important things, and the expedition against Wuhuan could be temporarily postponed.

We cannot let this delay our pace of moving south.

Upon hearing this, Sima Yi said, "Your Majesty, the Wuhuan are related to Yuan Shao by marriage. Since the death of General Gongsun, they have repeatedly invaded the border and plundered people and property."

"When Gao Gan rebelled before, he contacted Wuhuan and wanted to attack Jizhou together with them. I am worried that if we don't completely suppress them now, when the royal army goes south in the future, Wuhuan will take the opportunity to attack Youzhou."

"By then, we will be attacked from both sides, and the impact will be huge."

Sima Yi explained to Liu Xie one by one the reasons and necessity for the expedition against Wuhuan. The reason why he did not send troops to attack before was because the imperial capital was in Jizhou and Wuhuan did not dare to invade.

But once the capital was moved to Luoyang, the center of the empire would shift, and the expedition to Jingzhou would inevitably leave the north with a troop deficit, which would give the Wuhuan an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

We really have to be on guard.

Sima Yi's strategic vision was still extremely high. His suggestion was based on the overall situation and was a precautionary measure.

Therefore, as soon as this statement was made, it was approved and responded to by Zhuge Liang, Guo Jia and others.

"Zhongda is absolutely right."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly and bowed to Liu Xie, saying, "Your Majesty, it will take a long time to control the two states of Yan and Yu and rebuild Luoyang. We can use this time to completely eliminate the Wuhuan."

The rest of the people also echoed.

Seeing that everyone supported the northern expedition to Wuhuan, Liu Xie naturally would not be stubborn and asked, "In this case, how many troops should be dispatched?"

The power of Wuhuan was stronger than that of Xianbei and Xiongnu, and they were distributed in three counties: Liaodong, Liaoxi and Youbeiping.

It is not easy to destroy them.

Guo Jia said: "Your Majesty, I think there is no need to mobilize a large army to conquer Wuhuan. This will make it more difficult to defeat them."

"Because the army is traveling a thousand miles and has too much baggage, and is moving slowly, the enemy will definitely notice it in advance and prepare for it, which will make it difficult to deal with us."

"The best way is not to carry a lot of baggage, but to imitate the way the Champion attacked the Xiongnu, and send a group of elite light soldiers to advance quickly and attack them by surprise."

"The army conquered the Wuhuan all the way, plundered their supplies along the way, and continued to advance, destroying the enemy in one fell swoop before they could react!"

The battle in which the champion marquis Huo Qubing went deep into the desert and fought for 3,000 miles to attack the Xiongnu royal court was a classic one.

Abandoning the traditional strategy of gradual advancement of the large army, he led a single force deep into the enemy's territory and ultimately won a great victory.

Guo Jia wanted to imitate Huo Qubing's fighting style, not giving Wuhuan any time to react and defeating them with lightning speed.

This move is risky, but the rewards are equally great.

But the prerequisite is that the army is elite enough and the generals commanding the troops are brave enough, and they happen to have both of these.

There is no need to say much about the elite Bingzhou cavalry, not to mention the brave generals who commanded the troops.

Lu Bu, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, Huang Zhong.

Who can't stand on his own?
Which one is not brave and invincible?

Any one of them has a record of taking the leader of an army of ten thousand. It would be perfect for them to lead the troops to conquer the Wuhuan!

"good."

Liu Xie thought for a moment and agreed with Guo Jia's proposal, "I will announce the relocation of the capital and the northern expedition at the court meeting later."

"Let's discuss the specific candidates for leading the troops to the north at the court meeting and see who among Fengxian is willing to lead the troops."

"It's almost time, let's go to court."

Liu Xie summoned them to discuss matters before going to court. After all, for such a major event as moving the capital, he needed to discuss it with Zhuge Liang and others before announcing it.

This is also the reason why the major aristocratic families were so envious and even jealous of Yang Xiu's direct entry into the central government to participate in state affairs.

The emperor will not discuss truly important matters with his ministers, but will only announce the decision. This is the reason why big matters are discussed in small meetings and small matters are discussed in big meetings.

Liu Xie took the lead, and everyone followed closely behind him.

The group soon arrived at Tai'an Hall.

Before long, civil and military officials also gathered together.

Liu Xie sat high on the dragon throne and said to the ministers in the hall: "Now that Yanzhou and Yuzhou have been recovered, the revival of the Han Dynasty is imminent."

"Looking back, it has been five years since I left Chang'an and returned to Luoyang in the east, and then was abducted by Cao Cao to Xu County and then fled to Yecheng."

"In the past five years, I have been thinking all the time about restoring the Han Dynasty and returning to the old capital to comfort the people of the world."

"Now that the north has been pacified and the Central Plains has been recovered, I would like to move the capital back to Luoyang first. What do you think?"

When Liu Xie said this, the ministers were in an uproar.

Moving the capital was an absolutely major event, and no one expected that the emperor would suddenly make such a decision.

But after thinking about it carefully, I feel that it is time to move the capital, because the emperor was forced to make Yecheng the capital.

Now that we are no longer being held hostage by anyone, we hold power and the Central Plains is pacified, what are we waiting for if not moving the capital back?
"Your Majesty is wise!"

Yang Biao was the first to speak out in support, and said excitedly: "Restoring the Han Dynasty and returning to the old capital is the right thing to do!"

"I support moving the capital back to Luoyang!"

His family is the Hongnong Yang family, and their hometown is near Luoyang. Moving the capital back there is great news for him!

However, some aristocratic families in Jizhou and even in Yecheng were somewhat reluctant about this.

If they leave Jizhou, they will lose their local advantages, their influence will be greatly reduced, and they will need to rebuild their power.

Cui Yan said with embarrassment: "Your Majesty, although moving the capital back to Luoyang is a good thing, Luoyang has suffered from wars many times and is now in ruins."

"Moving the capital back now would be a bit..."

It is unacceptable that the emperor of the Han Dynasty would choose a dilapidated city as his capital. This would undermine the emperor's dignity.

Liu Xie smiled faintly and said, "I have also considered this matter. I want the noble families in Yanzhou and Yuzhou to fund the reconstruction of Luoyang to atone for their crimes of treason."

"I will wait until Luoyang is rebuilt before moving the capital back. There is no rush for this matter."

Hearing Liu Xie's thoughtful consideration, Cui Yan was speechless for a moment, because he could not find any rebuttal, so he could only say: "Your Majesty is wise."

Seeing this, other ministers also seconded the motion.

Returning the capital to the old place was related to the reputation of the imperial court, so even if some ministers were unwilling to do so, they had no choice but to support it unless there was a legitimate reason to object.

"Then it's settled."

Liu Xie finalized the matter and said to Yuan Xi: "Xianyi, you will be responsible for raising funds from the major families in Yanzhou and Yuzhou to rebuild Luoyang."

"Are you confident that you can get this done?"

Facing Liu Xie's gaze, Yuan Xi's spirits lifted, he strode out of the ranks, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, please rest assured!"

He was now alone, and didn't care about being at odds with those noble families. He was more aware of their details and methods. Since the emperor had entrusted him with such an important responsibility, he would definitely not disappoint them and make those noble families who dared to rebel bleed!

"good."

Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction, and then continued: "Although the north is now stable, the Wuhuan are still a major threat to the border of Youzhou."

"I want to send a large army to the north to attack Wuhuan. Which general is willing to lead the troops?"

"I am willing to go! (x2)"

As soon as Liu Xie finished speaking, Lu Bu and Zhang Liao spoke in unison and stood up together.

Lu Bu glared at Zhang Liao and said, "Zhang Wenyuan! You just made a contribution, why are you trying to steal my credit now? How can you be so greedy!"

Zhang Liao snorted coldly, "Aren't you dissatisfied with my victory over Sun Quan? This time I will conquer Wuhuan to convince you!"

Lu Bu rolled his eyes and said, "You think I'd be convinced by a mere Wuhuan? Wait until you conquer Jiangdong and capture Cao Cao alive!"

Seeing the two of them arguing again in the court, Liu Xie could not help but hold his forehead helplessly. He knew this would happen.

"Two generals."

At this moment, Huang Zhong suddenly spoke up, with red eyes, and said to the two of them: "As you know, I am already fifty-six years old this year, and I have a seriously ill son to take care of at home..."

Okay, here comes another one to claim credit.

Facing Huang Zhong's old-fashioned rhetoric, Lu Bu said unhappily: "General Huang, you have already made great contributions in the Battle of Hefei. Isn't that enough?"

It would have been fine if Huang Zhong said this before, but he was not going to tolerate it when he said this again shortly after receiving the reward.

"Ugh……"

Huang Zhong sighed deeply and said, "Lord Wen has already been made a duke, but I have not yet been made a marquis due to my lack of military merit."

"Pacifying the Wuhuan was just icing on the cake for Duke Wen, but it was a timely help to me."

"This time, Lord Wen, please let me take the credit."

Although Huang Zhong made great contributions in the Battle of Hefei, the real credit goes to Zhang Liao, and he was still one step away from being granted a title of nobility.

But this step is sometimes a chasm.

It is much harder to become a marquis than to hold an official position, especially for generals like them who come from humble backgrounds. It is extremely difficult to be granted a marquisate based on military merit.

Hearing this, Lu Bu looked hesitant.

He actually forgot that Huang Zhong had not yet been granted a title of nobility.

As someone who also came from a humble background, he could certainly understand the generals' obsession with becoming a marquis or a general. He was now a duke, which was unique among the Han people.

There is really no need to compete for credit with Huang Zhong.

So after thinking for a moment, he glanced at Zhang Liao and said, "As long as Zhang Wenyuan doesn't go to conquer Wuhuan, it's fine to give you the opportunity to go on this expedition."

He can give the credit to Huang Zhong.

But he will not give it to Zhang Liao.

So Huang Zhong turned his attention to Zhang Liao.

Zhang Liao said without hesitation: "If Lü Fengxian doesn't go, I won't go either."

Huang Zhong's performance in the Battle of Hefei was brilliant, which created an excellent opportunity for him to capture Sun Quan alive, but in the end he could only serve as his foil.

So he felt somewhat apologetic.

"Thank you, Generals!"

Huang Zhong burst into tears of gratitude and said to Lü Bu and Zhang Liao excitedly: "Before, Kong Beihai gave up his pears, and now Lü Fengxian and Zhang Wenyuan are giving up their merits!"

"I would like to thank the two generals for their help!"

Hearing Huang Zhong say this, Lu Bu and Zhang Liao both felt a little embarrassed - what they did was nothing like the famous story of Kong Rong giving up his pear.

Kong Rong smiled slightly when he heard this.

Liu Xie didn't say anything when he saw this, because no matter whether it was Lu Bu, Zhang Liao, or Huang Zhong, any one of the three of them had the strength to defeat the Wuhuan.

"Huang Zhong, Guo Jia, listen to my orders!"

"Chen is here!"

The two people whose names were called stepped out at the same time.

Liu Xie said: "The Wuhuan have repeatedly invaded our borders and committed treason. I now order Huang Zhong to be the commander-in-chief and Guo Jia to be the military supervisor, and to lead 10,000 Bingzhou cavalry to attack them."

"Depart in ten days!"

To be on the safe side, Liu Xie sent Guo Jia out as well to prevent anything from going wrong in the battle.

"I accept the decree!"

Huang Zhong and Guo Jia obeyed the order respectfully.

When Sima Yi heard that Liu Xie did not call out his name, he couldn't help but look regretful, because he actually wanted to go with the army.

But now the appointment has been made.

It was useless even if he was unwilling.

After discussing the relocation of the capital and the conquest of Wuhuan, Liu Xie was about to announce the end of the court, but at this time Dong Zhong suddenly stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report!"

Liu Xie dealt with memorials until very late last night, and early in the morning he called Zhuge Liang and others to discuss things. He was now very sleepy.

Hearing this, he said, "If it's not something important, please wait until tomorrow. I'm a little tired."

If it were any other time, the ministers would have tactfully chosen to withdraw after hearing the emperor say this, but Dong Zhong said, "Your Majesty, this matter is extremely important and concerns the safety of our country and society. We cannot delay!"

Seeing Dong Zhong's serious expression, Liu Xie could not help but frown. He had to cheer himself up and asked, "What's the matter?"

At this moment, he was completely confused - how could he not know about something that concerned the safety of the Han Dynasty?
Dong Zhong said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty is now twenty-one years old, having reached the age of coming of age, but you still have no children."

"If a king of a country has no heir, isn't this a matter of great concern to the safety of the country and society?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Guo Jia and Jia Xu's faces suddenly changed.

Even Liu Xie's eyes darkened.

He looked at Dong Zhong deeply and said calmly, "Whether or not you have an heir is determined by heaven. How can I decide that?"

"How can your majesty think so?"

Dong Zhong refuted Liu Xie's words and said sternly: "I think your majesty has no heir because the harem is empty."

"Since ancient times, the emperors have had 3,000 beauties in their harems, but now your Majesty has only eight concubines. It is obvious that your Majesty has no heirs because of the emptiness of the harem!"

“There are three types of unfilial piety, the greatest of which is not having an offspring.”

"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven but has no heirs. This is irresponsible to the people and the country!"

"If your majesty is ill and has no son to inherit the throne, what will happen to the country? What will happen to the people of the world?"

"I beg your Majesty to expand the harem!"

After Dong Zhong finished speaking, he knelt down in front of Liu Xie and kowtowed deeply.

(End of this chapter)