Shuhan

The autumn wind was bleak and the leaves were falling, but there was a solemn atmosphere in the Han court.

The news of the death of Cao Rui, the king of the fallen Wei Kingdom, spread quickly to the ears of Liu Chan, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, as if it had wings.

Liu Chan was sitting in the magnificent palace. The flickering candlelight in the palace reflected on his slightly fat face.

He was dressed in a gorgeous dragon robe embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon, shining with golden light, highlighting his supreme status.

However, at this moment his eyes revealed a complex look, including surprise, emotion, and a subtle melancholy.

When the attendant hurried in, he knelt on the ground and reported in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, Cao Rui of Wei has died."

When Liu Chan heard this, his body trembled slightly and the jade cup in his hand almost slipped.

He stared blankly at the dark night sky outside the hall, his heart filled with surging waves.

Thinking back to the time when Wei was powerful, Han was repeatedly bullied by it. Now that Wei was destroyed and Cao Rui was dead, how could he not be filled with emotion?
At this time, Fei Yi walked into the hall with steady steps.

He was dressed in a scholar's robe with fluttering sleeves, looking elegant and calm.

His face was gaunt, his eyes shone with wisdom, and there was a faint smile on the corners of his mouth, as if everything was under his control.

Fei Yi walked up to Liu Chan, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to ask you."

Liu Chan came back to his senses, nodded slightly, and signaled Fei Yi to continue.

Fei Yi said, "Your Majesty once said that whoever captures Cao Rui will be rewarded with a thousand households. Now Cao Rui is dead and his body has been cut into pieces. Someone is holding dozens of arms, dozens of legs, and body parts such as the heart, liver, spleen, and lungs to ask for a reward. How should we deal with this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan frowned slightly and thought to himself: Although Cao Rui was the monarch of an enemy country, he is now dead, and his death was so miserable. If I reward him based on his merits based on his body parts, wouldn't that be unkind?

Furthermore, if this causes dissatisfaction among the people and soldiers in Hanzhong, it would be a loss.

Thinking of this, Liu Chan smiled indifferently. That smile contained both a response to Fei Yi's question and a sigh for the impermanence of the world.

He said slowly: "Those who take arms and legs, and those body parts, since they are unrecognizable, will be rewarded with a thousand coins and sent away. As for the one who takes Cao Rui's head, I will reward him with a thousand households to show my trustworthiness."

Upon hearing this, Fei Yi secretly admired Liu Chan's proper handling of the matter.

He was about to open his mouth to respond, but he heard Liu Chan continue, "In addition, I have decided to bury Cao Rui with a grand ceremony that exceeds the standards of a prince."

After hearing this, Fei Yi was slightly stunned.

He looked up at Liu Chan, and saw that Liu Chan's expression was firm and solemn, with an inexplicable light flashing in his eyes.

Fei Yi immediately understood that His Majesty's move was indeed a wise one.

Now that the State of Wei has been destroyed, how to win over the hearts of the people of Wei has become the Han State’s top priority.

Giving Cao Rui a grand funeral was undoubtedly a good way to win the hearts of the people.

Fei Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise! I will do it immediately."

After saying this, he turned around and was about to leave, but was stopped by Liu Chan.

Liu Chan stood up, walked to Fei Yi, patted him on the shoulder and said, "You are my loyal and faithful minister, so you must handle this matter properly. Remember, when you bury Cao Rui with honor, you must announce it to the world so that the people of Wei will all know my benevolence."

Fei Yi responded respectfully, "I obey your order." After that, he turned and walked out of the hall.

Liu Chan looked at Fei Yi's departing back, and a sense of inexplicable melancholy welled up in his heart.

He walked to the window of the palace, looked at the dark night sky, and thought to himself: The situation in this world is unpredictable.

The State of Wei was once so powerful, but now it has been reduced to ashes.

And how can my Han Kingdom maintain long-term stability?

Not to mention the vast ocean of stars, even in the country today, there are many problems to be solved.

Thinking of this, Liu Chan couldn't help but sigh.

He turned around and sat back on the dragon throne, his eyes becoming deep and far-reaching. He seemed to see the distant future, the prosperous Han Kingdom under his governance.

However, he also knew clearly that all this required his hard work and struggle.

At this moment, the sunlight shines through the sparse clouds and dapples on the bluestone roads of Luoyang City, bringing a rare touch of warmth to this ancient city that has experienced the baptism of war.

Zhuge Liang, wearing a crane cloak and holding a feather fan, walked steadily towards the palace where Liu Chan was. His face was as calm as water, but his eyes sparkled with wisdom.

Inside the palace, Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne, looking a little tired, but with an unyielding tenacity still visible between his brows.

In the past few days, he has personally directed the pacification work. Thanks to his efforts, Luoyang City is gradually emerging from the shadow of war and restoring its former order.

Inside the hall, the flickering candlelight illuminated the portrait of the late emperor hanging on the wall, as if silently witnessing all this.

Zhuge Liang walked into the hall, gently waving his feather fan, walked forward slowly, bowed, and said: "Your Majesty, I, Zhuge Liang, have come to report the situation inside and outside Luoyang. After several days of pacification and rectification, Luoyang City has basically returned to its original state, and the streets are gradually returning to the atmosphere of fireworks. Although the people are still frightened, their lives are gradually returning to normal. In the treasury, there are still some grains, grass and equipment left. This is the result of the Han army's swift capture of Luoyang. Before the enemy could burn or move, they had already become our army's possessions."

Liu Chan heard this and his brows slightly lifted. A hint of relief flashed in his eyes, but then he frowned again and said, "Even so, I heard that many people in Luoyang have fled and hid in the mountains and forests. Some even gathered together to become bandits and wreak havoc on the area. How do you think we should deal with these matters?"

Zhuge Liang shook his head slightly, his expression solemn, and said: "Your Majesty is right. The people are the foundation of the country. If they are not appeased, there may be chaos. I think we should be lenient and benevolent, and announce it to the world, so that the people who have fled know that the world is peaceful and can return home with peace of mind. As for those who go to the mountains to become bandits, they are really desperate. If they are given a chance to reform themselves, most of them will be willing to give up the dark and join the light."

After hearing this, Liu Chan pondered for a moment, then stood up, his eyes firm, his voice steady and powerful: "You are right. I will immediately issue an edict: the world is at peace, and the people who have fled can return home and rebuild their homes no matter where they are. Those who have gone up to the mountains to become bandits are forced by the situation. I consider their circumstances excusable, and I will pardon their crimes. They must come down the mountains and surrender within ten days, and I will forgive their past. After ten days, if there are still those who are stubborn, the Han army will send troops to eliminate the bandits around Luoyang to ensure peace in the area."

After saying this, Liu Chan wrote quickly and the edict was soon drafted, which he handed over to his attendants to spread everywhere.

Zhuge Liang nodded in agreement, secretly admiring Liu Chan's magnanimity and decisiveness.

He thought for a moment and then asked, "Your Majesty, there are many officials in Luoyang who surrendered. We need to make proper arrangements for how to deal with them."

Liu Chan heard this, and a smile appeared on his lips. With a cunning light flashing in his eyes, he said, "I have already made plans for this matter. Luoyang is an ancient capital with a profound cultural heritage. I want to set up a 'Forest of Merit' here, so that those officials who surrendered can diligently cultivate merit and study the classics. On the one hand, it can make them reflect on the past, and on the other hand, it can make them understand my philosophy of governing the country. After they sincerely repent and understand my thoughts, I will appoint them according to their talents. Isn't it the best of both worlds?"

After hearing this, Zhuge Liang secretly admired Liu Chan's ingenious idea and couldn't help laughing and said, "Your Majesty, this plan is very good. It not only demonstrates the generosity of our army, but also gives those officials a chance to reform. I think this move will surely win the hearts of the people and make Luoyang more stable."

At this time, a breeze blew outside the hall, bringing bursts of flower fragrance, as if cheering for Liu Chan's wise decision.

Liu Chan stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the gradually recovering Luoyang City outside the window, feeling an inexplicable emotion in his heart.

He turned around and said to Zhuge Liang: "Prime Minister, although Luoyang has been initially settled, there is still a lot of work to be done. I want to personally preside over the reconstruction work, and I hope that the Prime Minister can assist me."

Zhuge Liang bowed and said, "I obey your order. I will do my best to assist Your Majesty in rebuilding Luoyang and restore its former prosperity as soon as possible."

Liu Chan nodded, his eyes flashing with determination. Rebuilding Luoyang was not only a difficult task, but also a test of his ability to govern the country.

But he was confident that with Zhuge Liang's assistance, the loyalty of the Han army and the support of the people of Luoyang, he would be able to bring this ancient city back to life.

Afterwards, Liu Chan and Zhuge Liang began to discuss the reconstruction plan of Luoyang in detail.

Liu Chan sat on the dragon throne, tapping the armrests lightly with his fingers, looking focused and serious.

Zhuge Liang stood aside, holding a feather fan, sometimes gently waving it, sometimes giving instructions on how to advance the country. The two of them chatted back and forth, having a very pleasant time.

The candlelight in the hall flickered, illuminating the busy figures of the two people.

The night outside the window gradually deepened, but the hall was brightly lit, full of life and vigor.

Liu Chan and Zhuge Liang seemed to have forgotten the passage of time and were completely immersed in the great cause of rebuilding Luoyang.

As time went by, Luoyang City gradually regained new vitality thanks to the joint efforts of Liu Chan and Zhuge Liang.

Shops opened one after another on both sides of the street, and people showed long-lost smiles on their faces.

The treasury was stocked with food, fodder and equipment, providing a solid material foundation for the reconstruction of Luoyang.

Those officials who surrendered were also arranged into the "Gongdelin".

They studied classics every day, cultivated their character, and gradually understood Liu Chan's philosophy of governing the country.

Among them were many talented people who, after sincerely repenting, were entrusted with important tasks by Liu Chan and contributed their own efforts to the reconstruction of Luoyang.

As for those people who went up the mountain to become bandits, under Liu Chan's lenient policy, they also came down the mountain and surrendered.

They were arranged to live in the newly built village and started a new life.

The Han army sent troops to wipe out those stubborn bandits, clearing the obstacles for peace in Luoyang.

All these changes are inseparable from Liu Chan's wise decisions and Zhuge Liang's assistance.

And thanks to their efforts, Luoyang City gradually became a shining pearl of the Han Dynasty.

At dusk, Liu Chan and Zhuge Liang stood side by side on the city wall of Luoyang, looking at the bustling streets below and the mountains in the distance, their hearts filled with emotion.

Liu Chan patted Zhuge Liang on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Prime Minister, look at Luoyang City. It has a brand new look now. It is all thanks to you and me."

Zhuge Liang smiled and shook his head, saying, "Your Majesty is too modest. This is all due to your wise decision. I am just doing my humble part."

Liu Chan laughed and said, "Why are you so modest, Prime Minister? I know you are talented and wise. With you by my side, why should I worry about the prosperity of the Han Dynasty?"

It is now early spring. The sun shines gently on the earth through the mist, bringing a touch of vitality and warmth to this land that has been torn apart by war.

The breeze blows gently, carrying the fragrance of soil and the freshness of young leaves, as if nature is also celebrating the pacification of Luoyang.

Liu Chan was dressed in a gorgeous dragon robe and wore a crown on his head, looking majestic and solemn.

His eyes revealed a lofty ambition and unremitting pursuit, an ambition to transcend the Kyushu continent and conquer the world.

Zhuge Liang coughed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, now that Luoyang has been pacified, the hundreds of thousands of troops of the Han Dynasty should also be properly settled. The food and grass consumed by the people and horses every day is an astronomical figure. If this continues, not only will the treasury be empty, but the people will also be overwhelmed."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan raised his head slightly and his eyes met Zhuge Liang's.

He knew very well that what Zhuge Liang said was true. Although the Han Dynasty now had hundreds of thousands or even millions of troops, they were all supported by the people. It might be able to sustain it in a short period of time, but if it continued for a long time, it would definitely inhibit the development of the country and might even repeat the mistakes of the tyrannical Qin Dynasty and perish in the second generation.

However, asking Liu Chan to cut down the military was something he could never accept.

He had a grander blueprint in his mind. He wanted to conquer other parts of the world and incorporate them into the territory of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Chan pondered for a moment, tapping the armrests of the dragon throne with his fingers, his expression firm and resolute. He slowly said, "What the Prime Minister said is very true. The long-term stationing of the army is indeed not a long-term solution. However, the foundation of our Han Dynasty lies in strengthening the army and enriching the country. It is difficult for me to decide on the issue of reducing the army."

When Zhuge Liang heard this, he was shocked, but he also understood Liu Chan's ambitions.

So he bowed slightly and continued, "Your Majesty, I am not advocating a complete disarmament, but I suggest selecting the best soldiers in the army to form a strong standing army. The rest of the soldiers can be dispersed to various places to serve as farming troops. They can farm in peacetime and be recruited in wartime. This can not only reduce the burden on the people, but also maintain the combat effectiveness of the army."

After hearing this, Liu Chan's eyes flashed with approval.

He walked up to Zhuge Liang, and the two stood side by side, examining the map together.

Liu Chan pointed to the key points on the map and said slowly, "The Prime Minister's plan is very good. I want to select the best soldiers in the army, with a strength of 500,000, as the standing army of our Han Dynasty. This army must be well-trained and well-equipped to meet unexpected needs. The rest of the soldiers, as the Prime Minister said, will be dispersed to various places to serve as farming troops. If there is a war, they can be recruited to serve and defend the Han Dynasty."

Zhuge Liang nodded in agreement, secretly admiring Liu Chan's decisiveness and foresight.

He knew very well that the formation of this standing army was not only related to the safety of the Han Dynasty, but also to Liu Chan's ambitions.

The establishment of military farming can effectively reduce the burden on the people and promote national development.

At this time, a spring breeze blew outside the hall, bringing bursts of flower fragrance.

Liu Chan and Zhuge Liang looked at each other and smiled, their hearts full of expectations and confidence for the future.

The formation of this standing army will be the cornerstone for the stability of the Han Dynasty.

The establishment of the military farming army will provide a continuous source of power for the development of the Han Dynasty.

He believed that with the joint efforts of the Han army and civilians, the Han Dynasty would become more prosperous.

Afterwards, Liu Chan and Zhuge Liang returned to the palace and began to discuss in detail the establishment of a standing army and the resettlement of the military farming army.

Liu Chan sat on the dragon throne, his fingers swiping across the map, his expression focused and serious. Zhuge Liang stood beside him, holding a feather fan, sometimes waving it gently, sometimes pointing out the situation.

The two of them chatted back and forth, having a very pleasant conversation, as if they had already seen the future of the Han Dynasty.

The candlelight in the hall flickered, illuminating the busy figures of the two people.

The night outside the window gradually deepened, but the hall was brightly lit, full of life and vigor.

Civil and military officials were also busy. Some were responsible for selecting elite soldiers, some were responsible for settling the garrison troops, and some were responsible for preparing military supplies.

The entire hall was a busy and orderly scene.

But in the deep palace, the women were filled with sorrow. (End of this chapter)