Big man: I am the Champion Marquis!

Liu Ju had his concerns. Although his position was stable now and he had Wei Huo as his arm in the court, and his younger brothers were either crowned kings or too young to pose a threat.

But he couldn't be completely at ease. After all, as a crown prince, he couldn't be completely at ease until he sat on the throne of emperor.

"Not like oneself" is the worry of Wei Zifu and Liu Ju. These things are also one of the things that Wei Huo sees and is worried about.

Moreover, the current Liu Ju is a little special. Although he is occasionally allowed to regent, the actual power and treatment of the prince are relatively limited and not given full power.

This is not just because the emperor is dissatisfied with the crown prince, but also because the emperor's desire for power is too strong, so he is wary of many things.

Wei Huo’s strength is too strong, which is also something that Liu Che occasionally worries about.

Having Wei Huo as his arm is naturally one of Liu Ju's greatest sources of confidence, but one has to admit that this sometimes makes people worry. The strength of the foreign relatives is too strong, which also poses certain hidden dangers.

This time when he came to the Marquis of Guanjun's Mansion, Liu Ju felt much more at ease. Huo Xian was naturally one of his biggest trump cards.

After Liu Ju left, Huo Xian was very helpless. Some things were not necessarily under his control. Occasionally, some unexpected events would disrupt his plans.

There was nothing that could be done about it. There were just too many twists and turns in the court. Even though Huo Xian didn't like going to court, it didn't mean that he knew nothing or didn't understand anything.

Watching the fire from the other side of the river, seemingly staying out of the matter, is actually the fundamental reason why he is trying to see the situation as clearly as possible.

Although there are still some minor changes now, Huo Xian is in a good mood. The main reason is that things are under control now and there is nothing to worry about.

After the beginning of a new day, Huo Xian was rarely called to attend court. He got up early, but when he arrived at the court, he kept silent and just stared in a daze, as if everything had nothing to do with him.

Many people did not find Huo Xian's attitude strange at all, mainly because Huo Xian himself was like this. Whenever he appeared in the court, he would definitely say nothing, unless the emperor asked urgently, then he would say a few nonsense words.

However, some people found it a little surprising. After all, as long as Huo Xian appeared in the court, it was a rather rare thing.

After the court session, Huo Xian wanted to escape, but he was not successful and was directly called to a side hall.

Prime Minister Gongsun He, together with Grand Minister of Agriculture Sang Hongyang, seemed to be doing some serious business, which really surprised Huo Shan.

Liu Che looked at Huo Xian and said, "The Tianhan Plow was promoted by the Grand Minister of Agriculture. You are all acquaintances, so I think they must be acquaintances."

Huo Xian said without hiding anything, "That's true. I like the Minister of Agriculture. He is capable. If it weren't for him enforcing the laws, it would be difficult for me to fight a war."

Sang Hongyang immediately felt the pressure, even though he was indeed responsible for maintaining the finances of the Han Dynasty and was indeed the emperor's confidant. But he should be more modest, it was not appropriate to say this directly in front of the emperor.

Gongsun He just shook his head slightly, but he didn't think there was anything strange about Huo Xian's attitude. It would be strange if this child learned to be humble and secretive.

Liu Che did not find this strange, and said with a smile, "That's true. The finances have been tight in recent years, but fortunately the Minister of Agriculture is very capable and has great means."

This is not an exaggeration. In the early years, he participated in the establishment of public land for the people, the casting of five-zhu coins, and the establishment of military farming in the northwest. Later, he implemented the state-run salt and iron system and the equalization of transportation system, established the price stabilization system, and implemented policies such as paying grain to gain titles, filling official positions, and redeeming sins.

If Sang Hongyang had not tried his best to maintain the finances of the Han Dynasty, the already broken finances would have collapsed long ago. This man's ability was indeed outstanding.

Then Liu Che said, "I heard that you came up with an idea to extract wealth from the Western Regions?"

Now Huo Xian finally understood why he had to come to the court. After all this talk, it was still because of money. However, these things are indeed worthy of everyone's attention.

Huo Xian did not hide it and said directly, "Yes, I had this idea when I was fighting in the Western Regions. The Xiongnu have been tyrannical in the Western Regions for many years, and the subjects of the Western Regions did not dare to resist."

It is an indisputable fact that the countries in the Western Regions did not dare to resist under the threat of the Xiongnu, and that the Xiongnu's servants and commanders did act tyrannically and plunder in the Western Regions.

Gongsun He said with some worry, "But if this happens, how are we different from the Xiongnu? Moreover, the Western Regions have not yet submitted to the Xiongnu, so this will inevitably cause the Western Regions to become disunited."

Such concerns are normal. After all, it is because the Han Dynasty does not have much foundation in the Western Regions. In order to attack the Huns from both sides, the Han Dynasty has also given many benefits to the countries in the Western Regions. How can it just turn into plunder now?
Huo Xian put forward his own views and opinions, "If we don't suppress them, the countries in the Western Regions will definitely become stronger. I would rather see that the Western Regions are all small countries and cities, which will not be bad for us."

Gongsun He couldn't help but look at Huo Shan. He didn't find Huo Shan's opinions strange at all, but he couldn't help but feel a little worried.

In the final analysis, it is felt that Huo Xian is too overbearing. If his suggestions were to be spread, they would most likely be criticized by some great scholars.

Liu Che did not find it strange. It would be strange if Huo Shan proposed to implement benevolent policies and education on the countries in the Western Regions. He knew that Huo Shan had always wanted to completely incorporate the Western Regions into the territory of the Han Dynasty.

Huo Xian continued to talk nonstop, "Before, there were big countries like Cheshi and strong countries like Wusun in the Western Regions. Although we have gained a foothold in the Western Regions now, it is not enough to wipe out all the rebellious countries."

Liu Che and Gongsun He also nodded. Although the Han Dynasty had already conquered many countries in the Western Regions, they were basically just small and medium-sized countries. The larger ones had only tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and were only countries with one or two cities.

Such countries and cities would not even be considered counties in the Han Dynasty, but they are scattered all over the Western Regions. There are indeed quite a few such small and medium-sized countries.

Huo Xian also continued, "Now the Wusun are wavering between us and the Xiongnu, and they want to see us fight the Xiongnu so that they can profit from it. If the Western Regions are occupied by them, it will be bad for us."

Liu Che and Gongsun He were more in favor of this. They had tried every means to win over Wusun and even chose to marry them to the Xiongnu because Wusun was very powerful in the Western Regions and they thought it could be a force that could attack the Xiongnu from both sides.

It's just that even now, Wusun is still wavering, which inevitably makes the Han emperor and his ministers worried. Especially when Huo Shan went on the expedition last time, Wusun had some disloyalty, which is even more worrying.

"General Huoqi, although our army is now in the Western Regions, it is inevitably a little tired." Gongsun He said worriedly, "If we attack everywhere, I'm afraid it will be difficult to defend the current territory." This is also one of the things that Gongsun He and others are most worried about. In the final analysis, the Han Dynasty's foundation in the Western Regions is really too shallow, and it can even be said to be far from sufficient.

If we attack everywhere, it is hard to say whether we can be victorious or not. After all, the Han Dynasty has suffered defeat in front of Dayuan before.

What's more, the most important task now is to completely defend the occupied land, and then continue to radiate the surrounding areas. After all, the area occupied now is the core area of ​​the Western Region and it is a land with abundant water and grass.

"I know. I am also worried that the Right Wise King of the Xiongnu and the Wusun will take the opportunity to attack." Huo Xian said, "We can cultivate land in the Western Regions and recruit troops from the Western Regions, so the court will not have to send food and grass anymore."

When this was mentioned, Liu Che and others naturally became serious. This is also one of the most important tasks at present, and they really need to consider this proposal carefully.

Conquering the land is a good thing, and an ambitious monarch would certainly want to expand the territory. But conquering the land is one thing, and how to govern it well and win the hearts of the people is another.

The occupied land now needs to be stationed with troops and some food and grass needs to be imported, which is naturally a burden. After all, it is far away in the Western Regions, and transporting logistics all the way is also a huge burden.

Gongsun He said, "The court sent officials to the Western Regions last year to govern, and the cavalry general's troops had also been cultivating the land, so the court's food and fodder were much less."

Gongsun He couldn't help but look at Huo Shan as he spoke. Huo Shan did have some responsibility for starting the war in the Western Regions.

In the final analysis, it was because the farming troops left behind by Huo Xian were too greedy, and coupled with the instigation of the Huns in the Western Regions and other countries, that the war was triggered.

Sang Hongyang said, "I think this is not enough. There are still many good things in the Western Regions. If we just show our kindness, it may not be enough."

"Yes, these people only remember to be beaten and not to eat!" Huo Xian said quickly, "We are kind to them, so they may think we are weak. Beat them up and they will behave themselves. Look how good Dayuan is now!"

Not to mention Sang Hongyang, the financial expert, was tempted, even Liu Che and Gongsun He were a little tempted at this time, and felt that what Huo Shan said was very reasonable.

The Han Dynasty courted the purchase of the Ferghana horses, but the ruler of Dayuan refused to accept the offer. When Huo Xian conquered Dayuan, the Dayuan nobles immediately searched the country for excellent horses for the Han Dynasty to choose from, and they are still paying tribute.

The same was true for Loulan. Before this, under the instigation of the Huns, they often made things difficult for Han envoys and Han merchant caravans. However, after being severely beaten by Zhao Po Nu, they obediently became a vassal of the Han Dynasty.

Even before Huo Xian conquered the countries in the Western Regions, Loulan was a rare follower of the Han Dynasty among the countries in the Western Regions. This was all caused by fighting, which made them feel fear from top to bottom.

Since this is the situation, it means that what Huo Xian said does make sense. The Han Dynasty really does not need to be benevolent and win over people all the time. It still needs to be ruthless when it needs to be.

Huo Xian continued, "Although I think the Western Regions will definitely have ulterior motives, my army is now gathering in the north, and the Xiongnu must also know about this."

Liu Che and others also nodded. The Han army had no intention of hiding their whereabouts, so the Huns must know something about the situation.

The Huns, who are fighting among themselves, now also need to worry about the Han army crossing into the northern desert, which would then lead to a decisive battle.

“Even if the Right Wise King and his men are determined to attack the Western Regions again, once our Han army appears on the grassland, they will have to consider rushing to the aid of the royal court.” Huo Xian said seriously, “I am not particularly worried about the Right Wise King. His army will definitely be pinned down by us.”

Liu Che understood what Huo Xian meant, "Once we destroy the Xiongnu, the countries in the Western Regions will be even more terrified!"

In Liu Che's opinion, once the Han Dynasty launched a war against the Huns again, it would certainly be preparing for a war of annihilation, and at that time it would certainly have to solve this century-old hidden danger in the north in one go.

If the Huns were really destroyed, the north would naturally be stable, and there would be no truly powerful opponents around the Han Dynasty, so the Han Dynasty could rest and recuperate in peace.

At that time, the rulers and people of the Western Regions had no other choice but to serve the Han Dynasty.

Huo Xian nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, if we destroy the Xiongnu, will the Western Regions dare to have other thoughts? At that time, they will not care about benevolence or injustice. They will have no choice."

Although this statement was a bit overbearing, Liu Che and others also thought it was very reasonable, and it was indeed the actual situation.

Just when Huo Xian was about to continue, Liu Che suddenly said, "Okay, go pay a visit to the queen first, and then go see Wuyou."

Huo Xian was unhappy. "Your Majesty, I still have a lot to say. I have been thinking about this for a long time, and it is time for me to say it all. Your Majesty, there is no one in the court who knows the Western Regions better than me!"

Although they felt it was a bit strange, Gongsun He and Sang Hongyang both believed that there was nothing wrong with what Huo Shan said. Indeed, no one in the Han court knew more about the situation in the Western Regions than Huo Shan.

Liu Che smiled and said, "It is because you know the Western Regions too well that I don't want to listen to you. You don't want to think about anything else except fighting. Hurry up and leave!"

Sang Hongyang and Gongsun He also reacted immediately. They were almost deceived by Huo Shan and were being led by the nose.

As expected, His Majesty understood this Marquis Guanjun and had realized that Huo Xian had built everything on the premise that the Han Dynasty would inevitably defeat the Xiongnu. He even considered directly destroying Wusun and other Western countries.

This is very much like a champion marquis, he has not even fought a single battle yet, but he already has enough confidence to win. This is not surprising, a champion marquis should be able to win every battle.

On the other hand, before a battle has even begun, this champion marquis is already thinking about planning the next war. He seems to have an obsessive passion for expanding territory and achieving great things.

If we really continue to listen, we might start planning a war in the Western Regions, which is definitely not appropriate.

Huo Xian shook his head helplessly, but unfortunately no one tried to keep him.

Liu Che said helplessly, "This child doesn't think about anything else except fighting." (End of this chapter)