Big man: I am the Champion Marquis!

Huo Xian, who advocated war, naturally hoped to achieve success in one battle, but he also knew the difficulty of defeating the Huns.

This requires not only the ability to foresee the enemy's dangers and to fight bravely during war, but also more thorough preparations in all aspects before the war.

The entire Han Dynasty is now united in purpose, and is basically preparing for a decisive battle against the Huns. This naturally makes people feel happier, and this is also the reason why Huo Xian can seem to have more free time.

Many things are being prepared by others, so he, the commander-in-chief, can take some time off. This is naturally a rare opportunity for him as he doesn't have to do everything himself.

Liu Che looked at Huo Xian with a smile and asked, "Can the Queen tell you something?"

"She's worried that I'm reckless and that I can't take care of myself." Huo Xian complained somewhat dissatisfiedly, "Your Majesty, I'm already a grown-up. I've been fighting outside for years, how can I not take care of myself?"

Liu Che felt that Huo Xian was unreliable. "If you were more stable, the Queen wouldn't be so worried. I feel the same way. It's hard for people to feel at ease when you're away from home."

You may not need to worry too much about the war, but when it comes to his life, there are many things to worry about, mainly due to his personality.

In Liu Che's view, Wei Zifu's worries were not unnecessary, because he himself was also worried that such things might happen.

Huo Xian said nonchalantly, "I am different outside than I am in Chang'an. In the army, I am the commander-in-chief and I am very careful. It is only because of the love of Your Majesty and the Queen that I am a little arrogant."

Liu Che felt that this made sense. Considering Huo Shan's past performance, there was naturally nothing wrong with saying this. It was basically just stating the facts.

Liu Ju came to the palace and saw that it was the handsome young man. "Your Majesty, your son, greets you."

"I was just talking about you." Liu Che smiled rarely and said to Liu Chuan, "Why didn't you bring Jin'er with you?"

Liu Ju replied, "Jin'er is still in school, and the emperor summoned me to discuss state affairs, so it's not appropriate to bring Jin'er with you."

Liu Che was not at all surprised that Liu Chuan said such words and made such a choice, and Huo Shan did not think there was anything wrong with this approach. This prince was a very sensible person.

The son is not like the father, so Liu Che couldn't help thinking too much. His dissatisfaction with Liu Ju was not only because of his political views, but also because Liu Ju's character was too gentle.

He was always polite and polite, and his words and deeds revealed the appearance of a gentleman. Although he abolished all schools of thought and respected Confucianism alone, it was because of the need for governance, not because Liu Che wanted to cultivate a Confucian-like crown prince.

The emperor and the crown prince had very different personalities, and Liu Ju was always very particular about etiquette, so sometimes they really couldn't get close to each other.

As for Liu Ju, he also had his share of grievances. Although he was made the crown prince early on and his other brothers seemed to pose no threat to him, the emperor had expressed his dissatisfaction with him as the crown prince more than once or twice.

Let’s not even talk about Liu Jin. If the father is not close to his son, how can he like his grandson?

Except for the fake grandson, Huo Xian, who was lazily lying on the ground eating fruits, was a little scoundrel that was quite approachable. He had been behaving like this for many years, and it was hard for people to take him seriously.

Liu Che pointed at Huo Xian and said, "He doesn't like knights-errant and criminals. You will be in charge of the arrangements for the criminals recruited this time. You must continue to work hard to transport food and fodder."

Liu Ju immediately said, "Father, please understand. I have already sent people to do it. I think once winter comes, the roads will be muddy and the weather will be freezing. Many laborers will freeze to death."

Liu Che smiled and nodded, saying, "You are thoughtful and kind. From now on, we will need people like you to govern the country, so that the people can live and work in peace. After I defeat the Huns, it will be your turn to govern the people."

Liu Ju was both excited and nervous for a moment, because he really didn't know what the emperor meant.

This seemed to be that the emperor was very satisfied with Liu Ju as the crown prince. He was going to entrust the country to him, and he was constantly affirming the character of the crown prince.

But if you think about it more carefully, it is very likely that the emperor is expressing his dissatisfaction with Liu Ju as always. This is a criticism of Liu Ju for always advocating civil governance and having no intention of any military strategy at all.

Kindness and so on is certainly one aspect, but if we extend it to another aspect, it might be saying that Liu Ju, the crown prince, is a little weak and too soft-hearted, and thus cannot protect the country.

Liu Ju did not continue to think about it, because thinking like this would only make his mind more and more confused. It was more important to concentrate on other things now.

Although he has never been a proponent of war, he also believes that the court has launched too many wars, which has placed a huge burden on the Han Dynasty.

But since the decision has been made and some things cannot be reversed, we should be more resolute in executing it at this time, defeat the Huns thoroughly, and then consider other things.

"Father, I have sent some salt before." Liu Ju answered seriously, "but considering that the army will spend the winter at the border, there is still a lack of cold-weather supplies."

Liu Che nodded and said, "Then think of a way to recruit more. Let's not talk about furs and cloth for now, but we also need to prepare other things."

"It's time to mobilize the army and prepare firewood." Liu Ju said, "I think the dignitaries in Chang'an drink a lot, so we can send some wine to the border."

Huo Xian immediately stood up and expressed his support, "Your Majesty, I think what the Crown Prince said is correct. People in Chang'an drink wine just for pleasure, but the soldiers at the border can rely on wine to keep warm."

Liu Che thought about it carefully and said, "We need to pay attention to the wine and water as well. We should collect some and send them to the border. But it's not a good idea to collect all of them. The people of Chang'an also need to drink."

Ultimately it is a financial issue. Alcohol and beverages are now one of the important financial sources of the Han Dynasty. Naturally, it is impossible to send all the alcohol and beverages to the border. That would add to the burden of the already stretched finances.

Although he was not able to take away all the drinks, he was able to get some of them, which was also a very good thing. Huo Xian certainly supported it.

As for the border soldiers drinking, it is also normal. In winter, the imperial court will indeed relax some restrictions on the border soldiers drinking. This is also an important strategic material.

Things like firewood also need to be considered, as they are also important supplies for keeping out the cold.

Many people think that the ecological environment was better in ancient times, that there was less human destruction, etc., but sometimes the mountains are not always lush and green, and there are not birds and animals everywhere.

Near densely populated cities, many mountains are almost bare, and the trees have been cut down by the people for firewood. This is also the livelihood of many people, who cut firewood and sell it in the city.

Without mentioning other places, let's talk about Saihanba. It used to be a place with abundant water and grass, dense forests, and abundant animals. It was also a hunting ground for emperors of the Liao and Qing dynasties, so the forest protection is excellent.

This was also the Mulan Paddock during the Qing Dynasty, a royal hunting ground. Therefore, it is heavily guarded and ordinary people are not allowed to enter, in order to ensure the survival and reproduction of wild animals and plants.

As a result, during the Tongzhi period, management became lax and a series of land reclamation, logging and timber sales began. As a result, in less than a hundred years, this place became filled with yellow sand and was blown up by the wind.

A series of things need to be prepared, including transporting enough food and fodder, building more cold-resistant earthen houses, and mobilizing the military and civilians to prepare more firewood.

It's not just the officials in Chang'an City who need to work hard, the soldiers at the border also need to act quickly, as this is related to whether they can survive the winter safely.

"Some medicines also need to be sent over. What I am most worried about now is the bitter cold at the border." Liu Ju said with some concern, "If you catch a cold, it may cause an epidemic."

Huo Xian immediately said, "I think your Highness is right to worry, but the plague is unlikely to happen."

Infectious diseases and the like may occur, but plagues and the like are basically unlikely to occur in winter.

However, necessary precautions must be taken. Liu Ju's concerns are very reasonable. Safely surviving the winter is the first test before setting out on an expedition against the Huns, and it is a severe test at that.

Liu Che was quite satisfied with Liu Ju's performance. "You and the Prime Minister should hurry up and finish these things. The northern and southern armies will set out in ten days."

Huo Xian immediately began to calculate, "Your Majesty, if we set out now, the army won't be able to reach the destination in the severe winter."

"You don't have to come all at once, otherwise the border guards won't be able to bear the burden." Liu Che said with a smile, "You can choose the nearest town, and you can gather in the spring without delaying your expedition."

Huo Xian thought it made sense, so he turned to Liu Chuan and said, "Then please ask Your Highness to arrange some officials to accompany us. Military discipline needs to be maintained, otherwise there will inevitably be some disturbances to the people."

Liu Ju was naturally aware of these principles. Once the army chose to spend the winter in some towns, it would definitely have an impact on the local people, so it was very important to maintain military discipline.

Liu Ju looked at Huo Shan with a very gentle and appreciative look. Although Huo Shan looked like a dandy, Wei Qing and Huo Shan were probably the ones who cared most about military discipline in the army.

Strict enforcement of orders and military discipline are what Wei Qing and Huo Xian believe are the most basic conditions for a strong army. It is indeed not easy to serve as a soldier under them.

The so-called love for soldiers like sons seemed to be even less common in Huo Xian. He had always been strict in leading his troops. Fortunately, he was able to lead his troops to victory and rarely disturbed the local people.

Liu Che also smiled and nodded, saying, "Xian'er is right. You should also arrange these matters with the Prime Minister. Go find the general and Cao Zong. They have more experience in maintaining military discipline."

Liu Ju naturally nodded repeatedly. These tasks now fell on him, and it seemed that he had no choice but to take on the responsibility.

If you think about it carefully, in this decisive battle against the Huns, Crown Prince Liu Ju began to slowly gain access to some power, and many things were arranged for him.

It seems that these are all dirty and tiring work, and some rather tedious matters, as if the emperor is too lazy to bother about them. But if you think about it carefully, isn't this a kind of training for the prince Liu Ju?

After being exposed to these things, you will naturally gain experience. Once you need to use troops in the future, you will naturally not be in a hurry.

For this war, indeed too many people are preparing. Whether it is out of their own will or because they have been exposed, everyone now shows that they are united.

Huo Xian was naturally happy about this, and immediately said after Liu Ju left, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has impressed me this time."

Liu Che also smiled. "He has always been like this, a little kind and pedantic, but he can do things well when he is really determined."

That's true. Liu Ju may seem a little pedantic sometimes, but once he really makes up his mind, he is a very determined person and will do his best to get things done.

This is not only because his surname is Liu, but also because Wei Zifu has always taught by example, which shows that she has an extremely strong heart under her calm appearance.

He launched a rebellion, causing a river of blood to flow in Chang'an. After opening the armory, he knew that the prince's rebellion had failed and hanged himself cleanly.

Liu Ju and Wei Zifu now seem to be non-competitive and obedient to the emperor without any disobedience. However, if they are really pushed into a corner, they are not the type to wait to be killed.

Just looking at Liu Ju's performance during this period, he was indeed very organized in logistics, and with the assistance of Wei Qing, he also did an excellent job in deploying troops and transporting supplies.

Liu Che naturally had no reason to complain, and Huo Shan naturally supported the prince even more, so he tried his best to eliminate some hidden dangers, even though no one realized what he had done.

It was all worth it. With such a stable rear area and without any worries, Huo Xian could naturally focus on his expedition against the Huns.

The general is leading the troops outside, so it seems that there is no need to worry about the clan being completely wiped out all at once. This is not an unfounded worry.

After all, in history, Li Guangli was killed in a quarrel during the decisive battle against the Huns, and Liu Che's behavior in his later years is really incomprehensible to normal people.

Now that both the Southern and Northern Armies are about to take action, the last batch of supplies and other items have begun to be transported to the north. Huo Xian also understands that he is getting closer and closer to departure.

Huo Xian, in a good mood, returned to the Marquis of Guanjun's Mansion and carefully checked the preparations of his own troops.

This is his last guarantee of safety, so he definitely needs to pay attention to it.

Although from Huo Xian's point of view, he really needs to wait until his followers can protect him and break out of the siege, it would be more appropriate to choose to die on the battlefield directly to avoid implicating his family.

However, you still need to study on your own when you need to be careful, and there is absolutely no mistake in doing so.

It seems that everything is ready, both in the court and in the personal aspect! (End of this chapter)