Great Han Empire

Chapter 326 The rain is coming
February 187 AD.

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Although the wars in the Great Han Kingdom spread all over the north of the Yellow River this year, especially in the second half of the year, the rebellions continued one after another and intensified. There has been a tide of freight transportation that has not been seen in a century.

The grain and field materials transported from Guanzhong and Kanto to Bingzhou were filled with horse-drawn carts and ships, and the long transport team stretched thousands of miles without end.Encouraged and led by the wealthy Xu Ling and Qu Zhong in Guanzhong, merchants from the two places devoted themselves to the tide of farming in Bingzhou with unprecedented enthusiasm.The unlimited business opportunities contained in Bingzhou Tuntian attracted the savvy merchants, lest they fall behind and miss the great opportunity to earn a lot of money.

It was the first time in the history of this dynasty that millions of people guarded the frontiers and farmed fields.When the Great Han Kingdom was declining day by day, the determination and boldness of the emperor and the court inspired people all over the world.Everyone seemed to see the brilliant future again in the afterglow of the setting sun. Countless people cheered for Bingzhou to garrison the fields, and countless people were full of hope, waiting for the day when the Great Han Kingdom would thrive.

Taixue Jijiu Ma Rixun, Taixue Li Sheren, Taixue Li Junmou, Taixue Doctors, and great Confucian scholars from all over Beijing who traveled to Beijing were overjoyed. During the debate, there were several exchanges on the help and significance of Bingzhou Tuntian to the revitalization of the Han Dynasty, and the excited Taixue students also wrote several long poems eulogizing their merits and dedicating them to the emperor.

When the emperor was happy, he took the three lords and nine ministers to Taixue and gave a wonderful speech on revitalizing the great Han Tianwei. The big man had a discussion, and he stayed up all night, and his interest was very high.Seeing the emperor's sage, the scholars of Taixue were very excited for a while, and taking the opportunity to send the emperor back to the palace, they paraded in Luoyang for three consecutive days to celebrate the emperor's great achievements.The Son of Heaven is happy, every day he sits on the cloud platform to receive cheers from the living beings and the common people, and he is so excited that he almost runs outside the palace to have fun with the people.

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Both Luoyang and the emperor were immersed in the joy of the great man's rise, but Liu Yu of Jizhou fell into the abyss of defeating Anping.

In order to rendezvous with Bai Rao as soon as possible, Zhang Chun gave up attacking the Xin capital, the capital of Anping, and led his army straight to Guangzong.He planned to march westward from Guangzong City, and the officer army of Jizhou Mu Yangqi would attack Handan from the flank, and then join forces with Bai Rao.Zhang Chun brought only [-] troops to the south this time, including [-] infantry and [-] Karasuma cavalry.The [-] cavalry commanded by the Karasuma Renqiao King Su Puyan were as powerful as a bamboo, and no one could stop them all the way.

In order to hold Zhang Chun back, Liu Yu had no choice but to lead [-] soldiers out of the city to follow, planning to find an opportunity to surprise the rebels.Unexpectedly, when he arrived near the county seat, he was attacked by rebel cavalry instead.Liu Bei, the soldier in Pingyuan County, led his troops to block the attack, and the school lieutenant Zou Jing desperately protected Liu Yu to break through and escape.Zhang Chun and Su Puyan attacked fiercely, and Liu Bei's three thousand Pingyuan soldiers were outnumbered and wiped out.Liu Bei was seriously injured and feigned death. He hid among the dead, and was lucky enough to pick a life.

The rebels came and went like the wind, and retreated in a blink of an eye.After dawn, the scattered soldiers returned to the battlefield in twos and threes. Liu Bei's subordinates Guan Yu and Zhang Fei found the dying Liu Bei from the pile of dead people, and then found a carriage to carry him. With a hundred and ten remnants, they chased Liu Yu all the way went.

After Liu Yu returned to Xindu City, he summoned the remaining soldiers and asked for help from Youzhou Army Gongsun Zan and Tian Kai who were stationed in Hejian Guolecheng City, and at the same time sent emergency documents to Luoyang.

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The Baibo Yellow Turban in Xihe County of Bingzhou gathered a crowd to rebel. Although it could temporarily relieve the emperor's urging, Li Hong did not dare to be too careless. He was worried that the Huns in the north of Xihe would take the opportunity to rebel, so he immediately ordered Xian Yufu, the protector of the Huns, to lead his troops to drive away. He stationed in Liaohe to suppress the Xiongnu.

Li Hong thought about it for a long time, and finally decided to let Xian Yufu lead Fengyun cavalry north to Xihe.

"Yu Xing, although Tu Gehu's Tiger King did not raise his flag to rebel, he sent Mu Gaiting, King of the Nine Plains Banner, to attack the Northern Lands. It is a fact that he betrayed me. At present, our army is stationed in Bingzhou, and he is very afraid. I dare not openly rebel, but privately he may instigate other tribes of the Xiongnu to fight against me, so after you arrive at Duliao River, immediately go to Meiji to meet the Da Shanyu Qiang Canal and ask about the current situation of the Xiongnu tribe."

Li Hong turned his head to look at Zhao Qi who was sitting on the side, and asked, "What do you want to say, my lord?"

Zhao Qi said with a smile: "Since your lord has come to discuss with me about sending troops to guard the Huns, of course I have to say a few words, so as not to waste your meal."

Everyone in the tent burst into laughter.

"The Xiongnu are currently distributed in Xihe, Shuofang, Wuyuan, Yunzhong, Dingxiang, Yanmen, and Daijun in Youzhou, with a population of nearly 30 and nearly [-] cavalry. They are still very strong." Zhao Qi Said, "After years of conquest and annexation by the various tribes of the Huns, there are now three major forces. The strongest is Xubu Guduhou, the Yupeng king of the right tribe, followed by Baimatong, the tiger king of the Tu various tribes. The Dashanyu Qiangqu belongs to the Huns. The left tribe is not the strongest. Let’s not mention the other small tribes.”

"The Tuge tribe has always been restless. Every time the Huns rebelled, he must be indispensable. This tribe is tough and savage, and it is difficult to deal with. But the biggest worry for the Huns is not Tuge's rebellion, but the hatred between the two tribes."

Li Hong, Xian Yufu and the others were taken aback.

Xian Yufu hastily cupped his hands and said, "Please tell me clearly, my lord."

"During the past dynasties, most of the great chanyus were kings from the right tribe. Whoever has the greatest strength is the great chanyu. Our country of Han has never interfered in their internal affairs, but today's great chanyu is my great man. After the Chinese government intervened forcibly, it forced the Huns to accept it." Zhao Qi sighed, "The origin of this incident is the Sunset Plain War in the sixth year of Xiping."

"In the sixth year of Xiping, the Son of Heaven sent Zang Yu, General Zang Yu to protect the Xiongnu, Xia Yu, the captain to protect the Qiang, and Tian Min, the captain to protect Wuwan, led their troops out of the fortress and went north to conquer Xianbei. The Huns' great Shanyu Tu Te Ruoxubu was conscripted by the Son of Heaven and led his troops. Accompanying. Xianbei Wang Tan Shihuai retreated all the way and lured our army to the setting sun. The two sides fought, our army was defeated, and almost the whole army was wiped out. After returning from serious injuries, the Great Dan died soon after, and his son Hu Zheng was immediately supported. For the new Chanyu."

"After the successor Hunnu Zhonglang Zhang Xiu took office, Tu Geren rebelled. Zhang Xiu asked Da Shan Yu Huzheng to send troops to help, but Hu Zheng refused to send troops because the tribe's vitality had not recovered, and Tu Geren's rebellion had a reason. It's fine if he doesn't send troops, but he secretly helped Tu everyone and informed Tu everyone. Zhang Xiu was furious and decided to kill Hu Zheng without authorization, and supported Qiang Qu, the king of the left tribe, as the new chanyu. "

"This is where the hatred between the two tribes came from." Zhao Qi said, "If there hadn't been the Great Sunset War that year, Da Shanyu Tu Te would not have been injured and died. If he didn't die, neither would Tu everyone. Rebellion. If they don't rebel, of course there will be nothing later."

"Now the Great Chanyu Qiangqu has a very harmonious relationship with us. His territory is close to the Great Wall, and his relationship with our Han Kingdom has always been very close. There is indeed nothing wrong with Zhang Xiu choosing him to be the Great Chanyu, but the bad is The bad thing is that he broke the rules. Not only did he lose his own life because of this, but he also provoked civil strife among the Huns. The internal discord among the Huns is a huge worry for the border counties of my great Han country. "

Zhao Qi pointed at Xian Yufu, and said with a smile: "The name of Fengyun Iron Cavalry is known all over the world. They are as tough as the Huns, and they may not dare to block their sharpness. Therefore, after Mr. Xianyu arrives at Du Liaohe, he will first praise me as a big man." Wei, the soldiers forced the slaughter of all the tribes and ordered the tribal king to pay tribute to apologize, otherwise, you can beat him to see if he dares to move."

Li Hong and Xian Yufu looked at Zhao Qi in surprise, with admiration in their eyes.This old man is really brave. At this time, he dared to take the initiative to send troops to provoke the Huns, which is amazing.

"Everyone in Tu didn't dare to move. The king of the right tribe, Xu Bu Gudu, naturally didn't dare to stroke the general's beard casually. This is called knocking the mountain to shake the tiger, and it can scare him to death."

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Although the Xianbei were defeated in Western Xinjiang, they still had one winner, and that was Tuoba Feng.

Kuitou and Tuobatao led an army of [-]. With the tacit cooperation of the Huns, they successfully occupied the four counties of Shuofang, Wuyuan, Yunzhong, and Dingxiang. .

After this battle, the Han army is currently unable to quell the rebellion in Youzhou, Jizhou, let alone go out to fight.In this case, guarding the Great Wall Fortress and Gouzhu, Yanmen and other passes has become a top priority.

Du Liao General Liu Bo, who had retired, couldn't wait for the captive Zhonglang General Xu Rong. Under the urging of the imperial decree, he returned to Beijing to take up the post of Wei Wei.

Li Hong considered that the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Xihe and the guarding of Jinyang needed troops, so he discussed with Xu Rong for a long time, and decided to let Xu Rong take Kuang Fengsha and Yan Wuwei's martial arts battalion to Yanmen Pass.Now Yanmenguan has 1 Liao battalions, 1 county soldiers, and [-] troops including the Wuqi battalion.With an army of [-] guarding the Great Wall and various passes, it is more than enough to protect ourselves.

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The army of Qu Yi, the general of Zhonglang, was also dispatched.

Li Hong didn't dare not send troops. At this critical moment, it would be of no benefit to annoy the emperor, it's better to put on airs.

Li Hong ordered Sheyingtong's hussar battalion to go south with Qu Yi.

"Yuntian, after you led the army to Hedong County, you stationed along the Chidao and Fen River in Linfen and Yong'an." Li Hong pointed to the map and said, "According to the merchants who went to Jinyang, the southeastern foot of Luliang Mountain is often There are bandits infested, which seriously threatens the safety of water and land transportation. Once you get there, immediately organize your troops and start killing along the banks of the Fen River."

Qu Yi understood, and said with a smile: "My lord, do you want to write a letter to His Majesty, saying that the Baibo Yellow Turban has begun to invade Hedong?"

Li Hong thought about it, and said: "You can figure it out. If the situation in Jizhou is critical, and your majesty urges you to urge again and again, you will quickly go south with Sheyingtong's hussar battalion, and the main force will rush to Anyi. Go to Fengling Ferry."

Qu Yi frowned and asked, "But the Yellow River?"

"The key to solving the crisis in Jizhou is to prevent Zhang Chun and Bai Rao from converging, and the focus is on Handan." Li Hong pointed to the map and said, "Even if your cavalry arrives in Hanoi day and night, it will not be able to solve any problems in Jizhou."

"Does your lord have any other rescue measures?"

"I have already ordered Zhao Yun and Liu Ming to take the Changshui camp to Huguan in Shangdang County." Li Hong laughed, "As long as the time comes, Zhao Yun's Changshui camp can quickly cross the Taihang Mountain along the road. Go straight into Handan and hit him with one blow."

Qu Yi looked at it carefully, and said with a smile: "No wonder my lord invited out both my lord and Master Xiangkai in order to appease Yang Feng. It turns out that you have a plan in mind."

"These are two different things, don't talk nonsense." Li Hong said with a smile, "What you want to do is not to go south to Hanoi, but..."

"Be a robber and rob Yanchi." Qu Yi smiled, "I know, my lord is crazy about money, and now he even robs the emperor's money, haha..."

Li Hong laughed loudly, put his arm around Qu Yi's shoulder and said, "It's not because of money, but to be careful of you. If you are killed by those unruly Xianbei soldiers, my loss will be..."

"My lord is still for money, haha..."

"By the way, let's laugh, when will your lord drive Baibo Huangjin to Hedong?"

"Hurry up, I have already asked Yan Rou to take Nie Xiao's Yueqi battalion to Xihe. If there is no accident, Mrs. Guo will quickly withdraw troops up the mountain." Li Hong patted Qu Yi on the shoulder and said, "You have to guarantee that Hedong The safety of the Chidao and Fenhe waterways is the top priority."

"My lord, you have to be careful yourself. Now that [-] cavalry have come out, there are only [-] infantry troops left." Qu Yi said worriedly.

"Now that refugees are coming in droves, the Yellow Turban Army is already battered, how can there be time to rebel?" Li Hong smiled, "Don't worry, I'm fine here, as long as all kinds of materials are transported to Jinyang unimpeded, I'll be fine." Safety."

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Taiwei Cui Lie hurried into the imperial study.

Shang Shuling Huang Fusong, Shang Shu Lu Zhi, Xiao Huangmen Jian Shuo and others knelt on the ground, looking at Cui Lie sympathetically.The master who is looking for scolding is here.

Cui Lie was a little puzzled when he saw that the atmosphere was not right.Isn't the emperor very happy recently, who messed with him again?He hastened to salute.

The Son of Heaven gave him the document in his hand, and said with a sneer, "Master Taiwei, you can see for yourself, what Li Hong has written?"

In order to raise money for farming, Li Hong finally sent Luoyang the proposal to subsidize agriculture with business and let go of salt and iron.

In his memorial, Li Hong said that in order to resettle the refugees, he had borrowed 20 billion yuan of grain and farming supplies from rich Jia in Guanzhong in the name of the Zhenbei General Headquarters. Refugees from all over the country gathered here, and now the Zhenbei General Headquarters has been overwhelmed and it is difficult to continue.However, there are still more and more refugees, and the refugee crisis is imminent.Now, if the farming cannot continue and the refugees riot, it will not only damage the sageness of His Majesty and the might of the Great Han, but also may cause all the lands of Bingzhou to fall, seriously endangering the safety of the capital.But the Dasinong Mansion has no money, the Shao Mansion is empty, and neither His Majesty nor the imperial court can afford to support Bingzhou and farmland. This is also a fact.

Therefore, Li Hong proposed the strategy of reopening salt and iron and letting private businessmen intervene in the operation.Li Hong said that the salt and iron in Bingzhou had not been mined for many years due to the Hu people's invasion and the Yellow Turban disaster, and His Majesty and Shaofu suffered a lot from this.Now that the army is stationed in Bingzhou, the Yellow Turban has been appeased, and Bingzhou is temporarily stable, may His Majesty consider letting go of the salt and iron business in Bingzhou first?

Once the salt and iron are reopened, the Zhenbei General Headquarters can once again go out to the wealthy merchants in the Guanzhong and Kanto to borrow money for farming, and then use the profits of the salt and iron in Bingzhou to repay the borrowed funds year by year.In this way, His Majesty can benefit, the Shaofu can benefit, the Dasinong’s can benefit, private businessmen can benefit, and there will be a continuous source of money for Bingzhou’s farming.Such a thing that benefits the country and the people in one fell swoop, I ask Your Majesty to approve it as soon as possible, so that Bingzhou can continue to garrison the fields, the refugees can be stable, and the army can also free up their hands to go north to Youzhou to quell the rebels.

After Cui Lie finished reading, he said happily, "Your Majesty, this is a good thing."

"Really?" The emperor laughed angrily, "Didn't your lord Taiwei say that Li Hong was deceiving people in Bingzhou? What bad idea do you have? You want me to tell the world and call on all the refugees in the world to go to Bingzhou to farm. What do you want to do?" ? Do you want me to lose the country? What is your purpose? What is your intention?"

Cui Lie was so frightened that he fell to his knees and said in a panic: "Your Majesty, I'm stupid. I really didn't expect the situation in Bingzhou to deteriorate like this. I'm guilty, but..."

The emperor stared at him with small eyes.

Cui Lie glanced at the emperor secretly, and said cautiously: "When your majesty arrives at Taixue, why didn't you take the opportunity to explain to the world, instead..."

"Bastard!" The emperor stood up suddenly, slapped the table with his palm, and shouted loudly, "I knew you were going to say that, and I fell for you people again, I..."

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please calm down..." Cui Lie waved his hands repeatedly and said, "Your Majesty, it is not a bad thing to reopen the salt and iron. For Your Majesty, it will not only benefit you, but also win the hearts of the people in the world. Why is Your Majesty Do you want to blame Yuchen?"

"Don't pretend to be confused anymore, just look at Li Hong's secret performance." The emperor picked up a roll of bamboo slips on the case table, and slammed it on Cui Lie.

Cui Lie took a quick look and knew it was written by Zhao Qi.He is too familiar with Zhao Qi's writing style.This old guy, he doesn't enjoy the blessings when he arrives in Bingzhou, so why is he messing around with that lifeless leopard?Can this matter be mixed?

"Look at what Li Hongmi said, can this work be done? How many people do I have to kill to order the world to release the iron and salt?" The Son of Heaven shouted, "Are you all cooperating with Li Hong to deceive me?"

"Can the laws of the Han Dynasty be changed? Can the laws of the ancestors be changed?"

"Your Majesty, this Great Han Kingdom is His Majesty's Great Han Kingdom. If Your Majesty says to change it, who else dares to say no?" Cui Lie said, "The ones who cheated His Majesty were those who gave money to His Majesty, not us. Those people took the lead, Your Majesty takes the small head, and the loss is the Shaofu, doesn't Your Majesty know? Isn't the Shaofu's money your Majesty's money?"

The emperor looked at Cui Lie thoughtfully.

"If Your Majesty reopens the salt and iron, I am willing to bear the crime of violating the ancestral system and take the blame and resign."

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(End of this chapter)