Shuhan

The night in Chang'an is quiet and deep, like a huge piece of black silk gently covering this ancient city.

The stars are dotted in the night sky, like sparkling gems.

However, before dawn, the second prince Liu Xuan had already woken up.

He sat up from the soft bed, his eyes showing a hint of fatigue, but more of expectation and determination for unknown things.

"Someone come here." Liu Xuan called softly, and his voice echoed in the silent room.

The servants heard the summons and walked into the room quickly and quietly.

They skillfully dressed Liu Xuan in gorgeous and solemn clothes, and every movement was gentle and cautious.

Liu Xuan stood upright, allowing his servants to manipulate him, but his thoughts had already drifted to the upcoming meeting.

He knew very well that today's communication with Fa Zheng in the Secretariat would play a crucial role in his mission of governing the Western Regions.

After getting dressed, Liu Xuan, surrounded by his attendants, headed towards the Secretariat.

The street was quiet and deserted, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing on the cobblestone road.

The breeze blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness. Liu Xuan took a deep breath, feeling the unique atmosphere of Chang'an in the early morning.

At this time, the Shangshu Terrace was shrouded in a hazy morning mist.

The outline of the tall building is looming in the fog, appearing even more solemn and majestic.

Fa Zheng, the elderly and wise Shangshu Ling, arrived early.

He stood in the hall of the Shangshutai, his body slightly hunched, but his eyes were still as sharp as an eagle.

He was wearing a dark purple official robe, the corners of which fluttered gently in the wind.

The old man's hair and beard were all white, shining silver in the dim light of morning.

Liu Xuan walked into the hall and saw Fa Zheng. He quickly walked a few steps and bowed respectfully: "Greetings to the Minister."

His voice was clear and full of the youthful vigor.

Fa Zheng turned around and saw Liu Xuan. He smiled amiably and nodded slightly: "Your Highness, there is no need to be so polite."

Although his voice was a little hoarse, it was calm and majestic.

Fa Zheng turned around, pointed to a huge map behind him, and said, "Your Highness, this is the map of the Western Regions."

Liu Xuan walked forward and his eyes were attracted by the map. The map was drawn very finely, and the mountains, rivers, towns and passes were clearly visible.

The vast land of the Western Regions slowly unfolds on this map, like a mysterious and challenging world.

Fa Zheng raised his hand, pointed to a place on the map, and said, "There are many countries in the Western Regions. Your Highness, please look, this is Shanshan, southwest of Lop Nur."

His fingers gently slid across the map, as if touching this distant land.

"Shanshan is located at the strategic point of the southern route of the Silk Road. Its geographical location is extremely important. It controls the east-west trade route. During the Western Han Dynasty, it had 1570 households, 1.4 people, and 2900 soldiers. After the Later Han Dynasty, its power gradually increased due to the annexation of neighboring countries. Even now, it is still a major country on the southern route of the Western Regions." Fa Zheng said while observing Liu Xuan's reaction.

Liu Xuan frowned slightly and listened carefully to Fa Zheng's introduction, his eyes showing concentration and thought.

His eyes followed Fa Zheng's fingers as they moved across the map, as if he was outlining the appearance of Shanshan in his mind.

"It seems that Shanshan's influence in the southern route of the Western Regions cannot be underestimated. What is their relationship with our Han Dynasty?" Liu Xuan asked with a hint of urgency in his voice.

Fa Zheng smiled and said, "Your Highness is right. The relationship between Shanshan and the Han Dynasty is sometimes good and sometimes bad. They are well aware of the importance of their geographical location. Sometimes they rely on the Han Dynasty to gain trade convenience; sometimes they waver and collude with other forces. Your Highness needs to pay more attention to Shanshan when you manage the Western Regions in the future."

Liu Xuan nodded and kept Fa Zheng's words in mind.

His eyes were determined, as if he was ready to face all kinds of challenges.

Fa Zheng pointed to another place on the map and said, "Look at Khotan, located on the southern edge of the basin, it is one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Western Regions. It is famous for its agriculture and jade trade. During the Western Han Dynasty, it had 3300 households, 1.93 people, and 2400 soldiers. During the heyday of the Later Han Dynasty, it had 3.2 households and 3 soldiers. Last year, Khotan sent envoys to pay tribute to the Han Dynasty as a gesture of friendship."

Fa Zheng's voice was steady as he gave a detailed introduction to the situation of Khotan.

Liu Xuan looked at the location of Khotan on the map and imagined the fertile land and abundant jade resources there.

"The Kingdom of Khotan is so powerful and has taken the initiative to pay tribute. Our Han Dynasty can establish closer ties with it and jointly promote the prosperity of the Western Regions. When necessary, we can borrow its troops to pacify and suppress the Western Regions," said Liu Xuan, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Now that the Han Dynasty is unable to deploy too many troops in the Western Regions, it can only use limited troops to solve more problems.

The soldiers from these pro-Han vassal states might be the main force of the Han Dynasty in the Western Regions.

Fa Zheng nodded slightly and said, "Your Highness, this is a good idea. Khotan is indeed an important ally that our Han Dynasty can win over in the Western Regions. However, the situation in the Western Regions is complicated, and the interests of the countries are constantly conflicting. Your Highness must also act with caution when dealing with Khotan."

Next, Fa Zheng introduced the situations of the Western Regions countries such as Qiuci, Shule, and Cheshi to Liu Xuan one by one.

His narration was detailed and vivid, covering everything from the geographical location, population and military strength of each country to local customs and culture, economy and trade.

Liu Xuan listened with great interest and raised his own questions and opinions from time to time.

"The Kingdom of Kucha is located in the northern part of the Western Regions. It has a large population, strong military force, and is good at music and dance. Their culture is quite influential in the Western Regions." Fa Zheng said with a look of appreciation on his face.

"In that case, our Han Dynasty can carry out cultural exchanges with the Kingdom of Kucha to enhance mutual understanding and friendship," Liu Xuan suggested.

When we say it is culture, we actually mean to localize it in Chinese.

Only by changing customs can a country be completely transformed from within.

Fa Zheng smiled and nodded: "Your Highness has a very good idea. Cultural exchanges often have unexpected effects. Through cultural exchanges, we can not only spread the civilization of our Han Dynasty, but also make the Western Regions more recognizable to our Han Dynasty."

When Fa Zheng introduced Shule State, Liu Xuan asked: "I heard that Shule State is mountainous and has a dangerous terrain. I wonder how is its military defense?"

Fa Zheng replied, "Your Highness is absolutely right. Relying on its dangerous terrain, the State of Shule has established a solid military defense system. Its army is good at mountain warfare and its combat effectiveness should not be underestimated. However, this also makes the State of Shule more cautious in its foreign relations." With Fa Zheng's introduction, Liu Xuan's understanding of the countries in the Western Regions became more and more in-depth.

His heart was filled with curiosity and yearning for this land, but he also felt the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

Fa Zheng cleared his throat and continued, "Your Highness, after introducing the situation of the countries in the Western Regions, I will now talk about the arrangements of the Han Dynasty in the Western Regions."

His voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the empty hall.

Liu Xuan leaned forward slightly, staring at Fa Zheng, his eyes full of concentration and expectation.

Understanding the Han Dynasty's existing layout in the Western Regions was an important foundation for his future management of the Western Regions.

"Our great Han has set up the 'Wu Ji Colonel' and the 'Western Region Chief Secretary's Office in the Western Regions." Fa Zheng raised his hand and pointed out the locations of the Wu Ji Colonel and the Western Region Chief Secretary's Office on the map.

"Wu Ji Xiaowei is in charge of the farming affairs in the Western Regions and is also responsible for military defense. The soldiers under his command cultivate the land and are self-sufficient on weekdays. In times of war, they can quickly go into battle to protect the peace of the area. The Western Regions Changshi Mansion is mainly responsible for handling the diplomatic affairs of the countries in the Western Regions and coordinating the relations between the countries and our Han Dynasty."

As Fa Zheng spoke, he observed Liu Xuan's expression.

Liu Xuan frowned slightly, thought for a moment and then asked, "Minister Fa, how do the Wuji Commandery and the Western Regions Chief Secretary's Office work together?"

There was a hint of doubt in his voice. After all, the functions of the two institutions seemed to overlap, but they also had different focuses.

Fa Zheng smiled slightly and explained patiently: "Your Highness, the Wu Ji Commandery focuses on military deterrence, backed by powerful military force, so that the countries in the Western Regions dare not act rashly. The Western Regions Chief Secretary's Office maintains the Western Regions' submission to our Han Dynasty through means such as generous gifts to various countries and mediation of disputes. The two complement each other and are indispensable."

Liu Xuan nodded, and had a clearer understanding of the Han Dynasty's layout in the Western Regions.

A trace of worry flashed in his eyes, and he said, "Now the main focus of our Han Dynasty is to restore national strength. The issue of land measurement is of vital importance. In order to resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the country. Under such circumstances, for the Western Regions, we can only ensure that the Silk Road continues and maintain the status quo."

There was a hint of helplessness in Liu Xuan's voice. He was well aware of the complexity of the situation in the Western Regions, and the current strength of the Han Dynasty was not enough to carry out large-scale development and management of the Western Regions.

Fa Zheng nodded slightly and said, "Your Highness is right. At present, as long as the Silk Road is unblocked, our Han Dynasty can trade with the countries in the Western Regions, exchange what we have and what we don't, and promote economic development. This is also of great significance to the restoration of our national strength."

Then, Fa Zheng turned his gaze to the map again and his expression became solemn.

"Your Highness, the situation in the Western Region is far more complicated than you might imagine. In addition to the disputes between countries, there is also interference from some external forces."

Fa Zheng pointed to the north on the map.

"The remaining Xiongnu forces are in the grasslands north of the Tianshan Mountains. They have joined forces with the Qiang and Hu tribes to invade the countries in the Western Regions. Although the Xiongnu are now weak, they are still alive and well. They still have influence over Cheshi, Yanqi and other places."

Fa Zheng's finger moved along the route on the map, as if reproducing the invasion path of the remaining Xiongnu forces.

Liu Xuan's eyes followed Fa Zheng's fingers and he pondered secretly in his heart.

"The remaining Xiongnu forces are indeed a hidden danger. They have joined forces with the Qiang and Hu to stir up trouble in the Western Regions, which not only affects the stability of the countries in the Western Regions, but also poses a threat to the Silk Road of our Han Dynasty." Liu Xuan said with a hint of indignation in his tone.

Fa Zheng went on to say, "During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Khotan destroyed Shache and controlled the southern route; Shule had long been competing with Qiuci for dominance of the northern route. The two countries have been vying for dominance of the Silk Road, and the fighting has been ongoing." Fa Zheng's voice was filled with helplessness. The countries in the Western Regions had been fighting endlessly for their own interests, which had brought great difficulties to the Han Dynasty's strategy.

Liu Xuan frowned and said, "Khotan and Shule have been fighting for years for the dominance of the Silk Road, and it is the people of the Western Regions who are suffering. As a great country, the Han Dynasty should mediate and maintain peace and stability in the Western Regions."

There was determination in Liu Xuan's eyes. He hoped to bring peace to the Western Regions with his own strength.

The main purpose is to stabilize the Silk Road and create continuous benefits for the Han Dynasty.

"Your Highness has the world in his heart, which is a blessing for the Western Regions." Fa Zheng praised.

"However, mediation is easier said than done. The countries in the Western Regions each have their own interests. It will take some effort for Your Highness to get them to put aside their prejudices and work together."

Fa Zheng also mentioned: "The repeated rebellions of the Qiang and Hu are also a big problem. They are located between the Western Regions and the Central Plains, and their geographical location is important. If they rebel, the passage between the Western Regions and the Central Plains will be blocked. Therefore, we need to constantly strike at the Qiang and Hu to ensure that the passage between the Western Regions and the Central Plains is unobstructed."

There was worry in Fa Zheng's eyes. The instability of the Qiang and Hu people had always been a major concern for the Han Dynasty.

Liu Xuan nodded and said, "I understand. The issue of Qiang and Hu concerns the relationship between our Han Dynasty and the Western Regions, and must be properly resolved. In the future, I will strengthen the control over Qiang and Hu, using both kindness and force to prevent them from rebelling easily again."

"There are also small countries like Jingjue, Rongyu, etc. They are weak and have to survive in the cracks between big countries. They mostly rely on neighboring big countries or our Central Plains dynasty." Fa Zheng continued to introduce.

"Although these small countries are weak, their attitudes will also affect the situation in the Western Regions. Your Highness needs to pay attention to the movements of these small countries when you manage the Western Regions in the future."

Liu Xuan looked at the small marks on the map, feeling deeply moved.

"It's really pitiful that these small countries are struggling to survive in the game between big countries. As a big country, if our Han Dynasty can protect them, we can also win their loyalty." Liu Xuan said with pity in his eyes.

After introducing the situation in the Western Regions, Liu Xuan looked solemn.

Solving the complicated situation in the Western Regions is by no means an easy task.

He paced in front of the map, constantly thinking of countermeasures in his mind.

"Minister, after hearing what you said, I feel a great sense of responsibility. The situation in the Western Regions is so complicated that I don't know where to start for the moment." Liu Xuan stopped and looked at Fa Zheng with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Fa Zheng stepped forward, patted Liu Xuan on the shoulder, and said, "Your Highness, don't worry. Everything is difficult at the beginning. As long as Your Highness can sort out his thoughts, formulate a reasonable strategy, and take one step at a time, he will be able to solve the problems in the Western Regions. I will definitely assist Your Highness with all my strength."

Fa Zheng's voice was full of encouragement and support, which made Liu Xuan feel warm in his heart.

Liu Xuan took a deep breath and said, "Thank you for your encouragement, Minister Fa. I will do my best to live up to your majesty's trust."

His eyes became firm again, as if he was ready to face any challenge.

At this time, the sunlight had become somewhat hot, shining through the window onto the two of them.

Liu Xuan and Fa Zheng stood in front of the map, their figures outlined particularly clearly in the sunlight.

The road ahead is full of difficulties and obstacles, but for the sake of the Han Dynasty, for His Majesty, and for myself, I will strive for a vague possibility in the future.

He has no choice.

Only by moving forward courageously! (End of this chapter)