The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 420: Li Xiang revived the Han Dynasty three times; Chen Xiang was meritorious in destroying Wu; if Kongming were to succeed him, he would surely have the merit of destroying Wei.

On the banks of the Wei River, a refreshing autumn breeze blows.

Golden waves of wheat rippled in the sunlight.

Zhuge Liang stood on a high place, gazing at this fertile land.

Behind him stood the neatly lined-up soldiers of Qi and Han.

"General, the Wei army has retreated thirty li."

"Since Sima Zhao was defeated by me, he has fled to Hanzhong."

"Busy with military affairs, we have no time to attend to this place."

Jiang Wei stepped forward to report.

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly and waved his feather fan gently:

"Order the three armies to harvest wheat and relocate the people without fail."

"Remember, you must treat the people with benevolence and kindness. Anyone who forcibly seizes or robs will be dealt with according to military law!"

"As ordered!"

The generals accepted the order and departed.

Soon,
In the wheat fields along the Wei River, Qi soldiers, wielding sickles, assisted the people in harvesting.

Initially, when the local people saw the army arrive, they all hid and kept their doors and windows tightly shut.

However, the Han army was disciplined and did not rob or seize food or goods.

Instead, they helped the elderly and weak with the harvest, and gradually felt at ease.

An elderly man with white hair, leaning on a cane, walked unsteadily to the edge of the field.

Looking at the busy Han soldiers, his eyes were full of doubt.

Upon seeing this, Zhuge Liang personally stepped forward to help the old man up.
"Old man, there is no need to panic. I am Zhuge Liang, the governor of Yongliang in the Han Dynasty."

"We came here specifically to help the people with the harvest and to relocate to Guanzhong to settle down."

Upon hearing this, the old man's beard trembled with excitement:

"Could it really be Mr. Zhuge Kongming?"

"In my lifetime, I have actually had the pleasure of seeing the king's army!"

"How fortunate!"

Zhuge Liang smiled gently:
"How old are you, sir? How long have you lived here?"

"I am seventy-three years old this year. I have lived here since the Jian'an period. I have experienced wars and the place has changed hands several times."

The old man sighed, "The Wei army levies heavy taxes, seven out of ten, which makes the people suffer terribly."

"If it weren't for our family business here, we would have fled east long ago!"

At this time,

More and more people gathered around, recounting their suffering under the rule of Shu and Wei.

A middle-aged farmer knelt on the ground and cried out:

"Your Excellency is unaware of the fact that there was a drought last year, which made it difficult to collect profits."

"The Wei officials are still forcibly requisitioning military rations, and my son is almost starving to death!"

A woman held a child, her eyes filled with tears:
"My husband was forcibly conscripted into the army and we haven't heard from him since, leaving my son and me to struggle to make ends meet."

After hearing this, Zhuge Liang's expression turned solemn, and he addressed the people:

"I have come here on the orders of the Emperor of the Great Han Dynasty to rescue you all."

"Now that we are moving to Guanzhong, each household will be given grain seeds and farming tools, and will be exempt from taxes for three years."

"From then on, the tax rate will be one-fifteenth of the original amount, and this will be the permanent system!"

Upon hearing this, the people were overjoyed and knelt down in worship.

"The Commander-in-Chief is benevolent! Long live the royal army!"

Now,

The people prepared food and drink to welcome the king's army.

Zhuge Liang ordered that the elders be richly rewarded and that seeds and grain be distributed, which caused great cheers in the Wei River area.

Half a month later,
A new group of residents has arrived in Guanzhong.

Zhuge Liang personally planned the resettlement and ordered his soldiers to help the people build houses.

“Governor, this place is low-lying and prone to flooding during the rainy season.”

"It would be better to build the houses on higher ground."

"Li Yan pointed to the topographical map and offered his advice to Zhuge Liang."

Zhuge Liang nodded approvingly:

"...What the affirmative side said is absolutely right."

"Furthermore, water conservancy projects are the lifeblood of Guanzhong, so this matter will be entrusted to you in full charge."

Li Yan bowed and accepted the order:

"Yan will do his utmost to develop water conservancy projects and make Guanzhong a land of abundance."

Under Zhuge Liang's meticulous organization, the Guanzhong Plain presented a bustling scene.

The Han soldiers and civilians worked together to build houses, reclaim wasteland, and develop water conservancy projects.

One day,
When Zhuge Liang inspected the newly cultivated fields, he saw an old farmer teaching young people farming techniques, so he stopped to watch.

Upon seeing the governor arrive, the old farmer hurriedly bowed.

Zhuge Liang helped the old man up and asked with a smile:
"What does the old man think of the land in Guanzhong?"

The old farmer said excitedly:

"Reporting to the Governor, the land in Guanzhong is fertile, far surpassing that of the Wei River basin."

"Furthermore, the irrigation canal built under the supervision of Lord Li makes irrigation extremely convenient, and next year will surely bring a bumper harvest!"

was saying,

A group of children ran across the field, laughing and holding wheat cakes given to them by the Han soldiers, their faces beaming with happiness.

Zhuge Liang nodded with satisfaction and said to Jiang Wei and the others who were accompanying him:
"The people are the foundation of the state, and the state is at peace when it is at peace."

"He who wins the hearts of the people can win the world."

Jiang Wei felt this deeply:
"The governor's benevolent rule has won the hearts of the people."

"Given time, Western Shu will surely retreat in fear."

Three months later, the Guanzhong Plain had a completely new look.

New houses now stand tall on what was once barren land.

The fields are neatly arranged, and the irrigation canals crisscross the area.

People live and work in peace and contentment, and the market is becoming increasingly prosperous.

this day,
Zhuge Liang summoned his generals and newly appointed local officials to a meeting in the newly built council hall.

Li Yan was the first to report on the progress of the water conservancy project:
"Governor, the main canal has been completed and can irrigate tens of thousands of hectares of fertile land."

"If the weather is favorable next year, Guanzhong will be able to produce enough grain to support the Protectorate of the Western Regions."

Zhuge Liang nodded in satisfaction and then inquired about the people's livelihood.

The newly appointed governor of Guanzhong reported:
"More than 37,000 people have been resettled and more than 50,000 mu of land have been reclaimed."

“Every household will have a place to live, and all will be settled before winter.”

at this time,

Several village elders, representing the people, came to see him, presenting him with the newly harvested grain and a letter of thanks signed by the villagers.

An elderly villager said excitedly:
"The governor's benevolence has enabled us to see the light of day again."

"The people of Guanzhong are willing to be subjects of the Han Dynasty for generations to come, and will never betray them!"

Zhuge Liang accepted the letter of thanks and addressed the crowd:
"This is the grace of the Emperor of the Great Han Dynasty; I am merely acting on imperial orders."

"I hope everyone will work diligently to build our home together."

That night,

Zhuge Liang sat alone in his tent and wrote "Record of the Migration of People to Weibin", detailing the experience of this migration and resettlement.

He knew that the great cause of unification was not something that could be accomplished in a day, and that only by strengthening its foundation could it be sustained.

The moonlight, like water, spilled across the Guanzhong Plain.

This land, once ravaged by war, has finally seen a glimmer of peace.

Zhuge Liang stood by the window, gazing at the starry sky, feeling both gratified and deep in thought.

"Commander, it's late at night."

The guard whispered a reminder.

Zhuge Liang said calmly:

"The people are able to live in peace, and the soldiers' blood and sweat have not been shed in vain."

"However, the world is not yet at peace, and we have a long way to go and a heavy responsibility to shoulder."

The Wei River continues to flow eastward, but the fate of its two banks is quietly changing thanks to the efforts of this benevolent governor.

After the resettlement in Guanzhong was completed,

Zhuge Liang immediately set about dealing with the issue of the various ethnic groups living together in Longxi.

On this day, he summoned Jiang Wei to his tent for a meeting.

“Boyue, you were born in Tianshui, so you must know the problems caused by the coexistence of Qiang and Han people.”

"Recently, a Qiang chieftain came to complain that Han officials were forcibly confiscating cattle and sheep from the Qiang people."

Is this true?

Zhuge Liang, with a solemn expression, handed a scroll of petition to Jiang Wei.

After reading it, Jiang Wei sighed deeply:
"...The Governor is wise and discerning."

“Since the Yongchu period, the Qiang rebellion has been frequent. The root cause of this is the corruption and tyranny of local officials.”

"When I was young, I witnessed a Han official forcibly taking a Qiang woman as a concubine, which aroused the Qiang people to massacre the county government."

Zhuge Liang nodded and said:

“When I read the ‘Records of the Qiang Rebellion in Yonghe’ years ago, it recorded that ‘the counties and prefectures imposed harsh taxes, and the Qiang people sold their children to support their wives,’ which was heartbreaking.”

"Prime Minister Li once said: The greater the oppression, the fiercer the resistance."

"Where there is oppression, there is resistance."

"The principle of governing the border regions should be based on appeasement."

Jiang Wei was filled with respect and exclaimed in admiration:

"The Prime Minister is indeed farsighted."

"However, the Qiang people live deep in the mountains and are known for their fierce nature. How can we win their hearts and minds?"

Zhuge Liang unfolded a map of Longxi and pointed out:
"In my observation, the rifts between the Qiang and Han people mainly lie in three points:"

"Firstly, the Han officials imposed heavy taxes."

Secondly, the Han people seized their pastures.

Thirdly, cultural differences lead to mutual suspicion.

As they were discussing this, a guard came to report:
"The Qiang chieftain, Ehe Shaoge, led his people to request an audience."

Zhuge Liang ordered him to be invited in.

In a moment,

A burly Qiang man, dressed in leopard skin and with pheasant feathers in his hair, strode in.

Several Qiang people followed behind, carrying gifts such as lambs and barley.

"The Governor's benevolent reputation has spread far and wide, and the Qiang people are willing to submit to the Great Han!"

Ehe Shaoge performed the Qiang ethnic group's grand ceremony, his voice booming like a bell.

Zhuge Liang personally helped him up and said gently:
"...Please rise, Chief."

"The Han people will treat you with sincerity and will never betray the hearts of the Qiang people."

Suddenly, Ehe Shaoge knelt down and wept:
"However, recently a Han official forcibly confiscated a thousand head of cattle and sheep from our tribe and also seized three Qiang women."

“If the governor cannot uphold justice, the Qiang people will have no choice but to retreat into the deep mountains again.”

Zhuge Liang's expression changed drastically, and he immediately summoned the relevant officials for questioning.

After verification,
The corrupt official was immediately dismissed and investigated, and ordered to pay double the compensation to the Qiang people for their losses.

Afterwards, Zhuge Liang said to Jiang Wei:

"If the law is not enforced, the orders will not be obeyed."

"I intend to establish the 'Protection of the Qiang' edict. Would you be willing to help me draft it?"

Jiang Wei cupped his hands in greeting:

"I will die for Vivan!"

After half a month of planning, the "Protection of the Qiang People Order" was finally promulgated.

The main contents are:
I. Han officials are prohibited from forcibly seizing property from the Qiang people.

Second, those who marry between Qiang and Han people will be exempt from taxes for three years.

Third, establish a mutual market for fair trade.

Fourth, those Qiang people who wish to farm will be allocated land.

Although the law was promulgated, its implementation encountered resistance.

One day,
When Jiang Wei inspected Didao County, he saw that Han Chinese powerful figures were driving away Qiang herders.

"This is the ancestral pasture of the Qiang people. Why are you driving them away?"

Jiang Wei stepped forward and loudly questioned the powerful Han people.

The powerful man, however, answered with great conviction:

"General, you are unaware of this, but these Qiang people let their livestock destroy our crops; they are barbaric and difficult to tame!"

The old Qiang man cried out:

"General, you are wise! We have been grazing our livestock here for decades."

"Now that the Han people have cultivated this land, they accuse us of destroying their crops."

Jiang Wei pondered for a moment and said:
“I have a plan: demarcate pastoral and agricultural areas, set up stones as boundaries, and ensure that neither side infringes on the other.”

"A separate market was set up, where the Qiang people exchanged cattle and sheep for grain from the Han people, and everyone got what they wanted."

Everyone praised it.

Jiang Wei then invited Ehe Shaoge to his tent to inquire about the customs of the Qiang people.

He Shaoge said:
"The Qiang people mainly eat barley, enjoy drinking dairy wine, and worship the White Stone God."

Jiang Wei noted it down and reported it to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang laughed and said:
"To win someone's heart, first win their food."

“The soldiers can learn to cook Qiang food and also teach the Qiang people how to grow rice and wheat.”

Thus, a strange scene appeared in the Han army camp:

Han army cooks learned to make barley cakes, while Qiang people learned to plant rice seedlings in paddy fields.

Zhuge Liang further ordered the translation of the Book of Poetry and the Classic of Filial Piety into the Qiang language and assigned literate Qiang people to teach their own children.

Three months later, Longxi had a completely new look.

The Qiang-Han trade market was bustling with activity, with the Qiang people exchanging cattle and sheep for cloth, salt, and iron, while the Han people purchased furs and mountain goods.

Several couples of young people from the Qiang and Han ethnic groups intermarried, with Zhuge Liang personally officiating the weddings and bestowing generous gifts.

this day,
He Shaoge and his Qiang people brought a great gift—

Three hundred Qiang warriors volunteered to join the Han army.

"The governor treats the Qiang people with sincerity, and the Qiang people are willing to fight to the death for him!"

He Heshao delivered a passionate speech.

Zhuge Liang was overjoyed and formed a separate battalion there.

He appointed Jiang Wei, who was familiar with Qiang customs, to oversee and train them.

When Jiang Wei was training the Qiang soldiers, he discovered that they were good at shooting and hunting, so he created new tactics.

By combining the hunting methods of the Qiang people with the formations of the Han army, they trained a formidable mountain force.

Seeing Jiang Wei's sincere treatment, Ehe Shaoge exclaimed:
"In the past, Han officials treated us like beasts, but now the general treats us like brothers. How can the Qiang people not fight to the death for us?"

As autumn draws to a close, a peaceful and serene scene has appeared in Longxi.

The Qiang people learned to build Han-style houses, and the Han people also learned the Qiang people's sheep-herding skills.

Zhuge Liang also established schools, allowing Qiang and Han children to study together.

One evening,
Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei strolled along the banks of the Wei River and, seeing Qiang and Han children playing together, couldn't help but sigh:

"Boyue can see that cultural integration is the key to long-term stability and security."

"If you try to subdue people by force, it will not last long."

Jiang Wei bowed deeply:
"I will never forget the Governor's teachings."

"We must always remember the strategy of pacifying distant peoples so that the hearts of people from all over the world may be won over."

As the sun sets, the sounds of Qiang flutes and Han folk songs intertwine along the banks of the Wei River, composing a new chapter in ethnic integration.

Another half month passed,

The Guanzhong Plain is covered in a blanket of silver.

The biting northwest wind whipped up fine snow, which swirled in the air.

Zhuge Liang led a group of officials out of the city for a hundred miles in the bitter cold, waiting for the imperial envoy.

It turns out that Zhuge Liang's achievements in Guanzhong were truly outstanding.

The imperial court decided to send an envoy to personally commend Zhuge Liang and his officials.

Of course, the imperial court would occasionally send officials to offer condolences and rewards to any region.

The purpose is to strengthen ties with local communities.

Let your subordinates know that the favor comes from above, not from the local officials.

"...Commander, the wind and snow are very heavy. Why don't we take shelter in the pavilion for the time being?"

Seeing Zhuge Liang covered in frost and snow, Jiang Wei couldn't help but feel sorry for him and offered some words of comfort.

Zhuge Liang gazed at the official road, his expression solemn:

“Angels represent the imperial court; how can we neglect them?”

While they were talking,

A train appeared in the distance, its banners appearing and disappearing in the wind and snow.

Zhuge Liang immediately straightened his clothes and led his men forward to greet him.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and an elderly man in a purple robe stepped out of the carriage, his movements unsteady.

He was Jian Yong, a founding father and veteran minister under Liu Bei.

As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, he was choked by the cold wind and coughed repeatedly.

"The northwest wind truly lives up to its reputation; it's bone-chilling and chilling!"

Jian Yong wrapped his fur robe tighter around himself, his voice trembling.

Zhuge Liang stepped forward with a smile and bowed:
"...Lord Jian has come a long way and has had a hard time."

"Please follow Liang into the city; it will be warm inside."

No one expected that the person who came to Guanzhong to offer condolences was actually Jian Yong, a veteran figure.

It seems that the imperial court still attaches great importance to them.

Jian Yong looked Zhuge Liang up and down, and seeing that he was only wearing ordinary official robes, he couldn't help but sigh:
"Kongming is not afraid of the severe cold; he is truly a pillar of the nation!" The carriage slowly made its way towards Chang'an.

As they approached the city gate, Jian Yong suddenly felt the chill in the wind gradually dissipate, and looked up in surprise.

The city wall was covered with straw mats, forming a windbreak barrier.

Zhuge Liang explained:

"This is a method taught by the Qiang people. Using straw curtains to keep out the cold can double the temperature inside the city."

Upon entering the city gate, Jian Yong was immediately dumbfounded.

The streets of Chang'an were wide and bustling with traffic, with pedestrians of all ethnicities jostling shoulder to shoulder.

Shops lined both sides of the street, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares rose and fell.

Not only were there Han Chinese merchants, but also Western Region merchants dressed in strange clothes and dark-skinned Sindhu people.

There were even blond-haired, blue-eyed Western merchants.

"Is this...is this still the dilapidated Chang'an of yesteryear?"

Jian Yong found it hard to believe.

Zhuge Liang smiled:
"Since the re-establishment of the Protectorate of the Western Regions, trade routes have been unimpeded, and all nations have come to pay tribute."

"Currently, there are three thousand households of foreign merchants in Chang'an, with daily transactions exceeding ten thousand gold pieces."

Jian Yong saw a crowd gathered in front of a Hu merchant's stall and asked curiously:
What are they selling?

"This is a merchant from the Qin Dynasty, and he is selling glassware."

Zhuge Liang led Jian Yong to take a closer look, and saw that the crystal-clear cups and saucers shimmered and shone in the sunlight.

Jian Yong stroked his beard and exclaimed in admiration:
"The governor's governance is excellent, truly embodying the spirit of 'the ocean embraces all rivers, and all nations come to pay tribute'!"

Upon reaching the center of the market, Zhuge Liang invited Jian Yong to rest at a restaurant.

The restaurant served steaming hot mutton stew with bread, as well as barley wine, a special product of the Qiang people.

Jian Yong was amazed after tasting it:

"I never imagined that such delicious food could be found in the Northwest!"

Zhuge Liang patiently introduced Jian Yong to him:

"This is a delicious dish that blends the styles of the Qiang and Han peoples."

"Nowadays, the people of Chang'an are mostly accustomed to eating foreign food, and the foreigners are also learning to use chopsticks, which can be described as a perfect match."

After the banquet, the two went to the main hall of the Governor's Mansion.

Jian Yong straightened his clothes and read out the imperial edict:

"You, Zhuge Liang, shall guard Guanzhong."

"Defend against powerful enemies abroad and pacify the people at home."

"When the government is efficient and the people are harmonious, all nations come to pay tribute."

"He will be granted an additional 1,000 households of fiefdom, 1,000 catties of gold, and 500 bolts of silk as a commendation."

Zhuge Liang knelt and received the imperial edict:
"Your subject Liang respectfully accepts Your Majesty's grace and will certainly exert all his strength and loyalty, even unto death!"

After the ceremony, Zhuge Liang invited Jian Yong into the inner room for a private talk.

"Lord Jian, is His Majesty in good health?"

Zhuge Liang asked with concern.

Although he was in Xijing, he kept a close eye on the situation at court.

I have indeed heard some rumors that His Majesty's health has not been good lately.

Jian Yong's expression turned worried, and he said in a low voice:
"To be honest, His Majesty has been unwell recently and can only attend to state affairs for three hours a day."

"Compared to previous days, it has decreased by more than half."

Zhuge Liang frowned slightly:
"What about the government...?"

"Fortunately, the cabinet is there to support him, but Prime Minister Chen is also getting old and often finds himself unable to keep up."

Jian Yong looked at Zhuge Liang meaningfully, "Master Kongming has made outstanding achievements in Guanzhong, which has been the subject of much discussion in the court."

"Perhaps you will be summoned back to court soon."

The implication is that you, Lao Zhu, have both military merits and political achievements in Guanzhong.

Who knows, you might be the next prime minister!

Therefore, Jian Yong treated Zhuge Liang with great respect, not daring to offend the future second-in-command of the empire.

Zhuge Liang poured tea from the pot, his expression unchanged.

"I am of limited talent and learning, but I am willing to do my duty faithfully."

"I wonder if the imperial court has reached a conclusion on the strategy for destroying Wei?"

Zhuge Liang immediately changed the subject, bringing up the matter of destroying Wei as the main topic.

After all, Zhuge Liang was no longer the naive young man who first entered Xuzhou.

He is also a seasoned politician who has been in politics for nearly 20 years.

What kind of power does the prime minister wield?

What kind of high position and power?
In Zhuge Liang's view,

Li Yi was able to become the first prime minister because he had made three contributions to the restoration of the Han Dynasty.

Chen Deng became the second prime minister because of his merit in destroying Wu.

If he wants to become the third prime minister, he must have the merit of destroying Wei.

Only in this way can we silence the criticism and win the hearts and minds of the people.

Therefore, Zhuge Liang was actually quite concerned about the campaign against Shu and Wei.

Jian Yong shook his head and sighed:
"His Majesty is still recovering from his illness and has no such intention at the moment."

"Besides..."

He lowered his voice, “Some people in the court advocate peace talks with Wei, believing that the national treasury is empty due to years of war.”

"In addition to the previous locust plague in Hebei, some people have made a big fuss about it."

"It is said that because our dynasty has waged war and failed to practice benevolent governance, Heaven has sent down punishment."

Zhuge Liang remained silent for a moment, and ultimately said nothing more.

Before parting, Zhuge Liang ordered his men to bring back treasures from the Western Regions:
Valuable items such as Qin glass mirrors, Sindhu ivory carvings, and Persian carpets were all gifted to Jian Yong.

"A small gift from the border region, nothing more than a token of my respect."

Jian Yong sighed:

"Under the rule of Zhuge Liang, Chang'an was more prosperous than Luoyang."

"When he returns to the capital, he will surely be able to achieve great things."

After seeing Jian Yong off, Zhuge Liang stood alone on the city tower, gazing eastward.

Jiang Wei approached quietly:

"Governor, it seems the court intends to summon you back to the capital."

Zhuge Liang sighed softly:
"Boyue, governing a country is like playing chess; sometimes it is better to stop than to advance."

"The foundation for our cause in Guanzhong has just been laid; how can we abandon it halfway?"

As dusk deepened, thousands of lights illuminated the city of Chang'an, and the sounds of the Huqin (a type of reed pipe) mingled with Han dynasty music.

Zhuge Liang knew that the prosperity of this city was only a part of his grand plan.

The ever-changing political landscape of the imperial court may bring him new challenges.

The wind and snow rose again, but this time, the warmth within Chang'an was enough to ward off any severe cold.

Inside the Governor's Mansion in Chang'an, Zhuge Liang was writing furiously at his desk, the flickering candlelight illuminating his resolute face.

The pen strokes are like knives, carving out powerful and resounding words on the paper.

At the height of his writing, Zhuge Liang threw down his pen and sighed deeply:

"A moment of peace will surely bring lasting harm!"

Half a month later, the memorial was sent to the imperial palace in Luoyang.

Despite his illness, Liu Bei carefully read the document in his bedchamber.

In his memorial, Zhuge Liang briefly reported on his work in Guanzhong over the past few years.

It also demonstrated the possibility of conquering Wei and destroying Shu.

And at the end, he didn't forget to vehemently criticize the pro-peace faction in the court as spineless cowards.

The book states briefly:

Your subject Liang bows deeply and respectfully reports to Your Majesty:

"Since I was appointed to oversee Yong and Liang, I have been vigilant day and night and have never dared to forget the weighty trust Your Majesty has placed in me."

"The Guanzhong Plain is now experiencing a new look, and the fertile lands of Qin are once again teeming with life."

"I humbly present this to Your Majesty:"

"Firstly, people were relocated to populate the border regions, and the people of the Three Auxiliary Regions returned to their homes

"Last year, three thousand households from Longxi were moved to the north of the Wei River, and were given land, houses, and oxen for plowing."

"The wheat fields are now stretching to the clouds, and the granaries are overflowing."

"More than 70,000 Qiang and Hu tribes came to join us upon hearing the news, and all of them were registered in the household register."

"Teach them mulberry and hemp, and let the Han and Hu people farm together."

"As people chatted among the common folk, the sounds of stringed instruments and singing gradually began to be heard in the hills and valleys."

"Secondly, the land reclamation and agricultural development brought benefits, and the Zhengbai Canal once again received abundant rain."

“We dispatched 30,000 garrison soldiers to repair the ancient canals from the Warring States period, divert water from the Jing River to irrigate the fields, and newly reclaimed 1,000 hectares of paddy fields.”

"The military farms yielded a million bushels of grain annually, while the taxes levied on civilian farms were double those of previous years."

"The Imperial Academy in Chang'an was rebuilt, and students from both Han and non-Han backgrounds studied together."

"The Xiongnu king Huyan Gui was able to recite the Classic of Filial Piety, which was unprecedented in the Han Dynasty."

"Thirdly, the Wei court collapsed, and the time was ripe."

"When the young Emperor Cao Rui took over the court, his favorite concubines held absolute power."

"Sima Yi died suddenly at Wuzhangyuan, and Wei lost its pillar."

“I still remember that in the early years of the Zhangwu era, when I was in charge of Jiaozhou, I ordered Shi Xie to plant sugarcane extensively.”

"Today, sugar mills are everywhere in Sichuan, and seven or eight out of ten wealthy families in Chengdu rely on them for their livelihood."

"If war breaks out and their sugarcane supply is cut off, then the Shu merchants will surely resent the Cao family—"

"This is truly a victory achieved without fighting."

"However, there are actually pedantic scholars in the court advocating for peace talks, which I find deeply distressing!"

"Those people only know how to divide their territory and protect themselves. How can they see that the people of the world yearn for the banners of the Han Dynasty as if they were thirsting for water?"

"In the past, Emperor Gaozu wielded a three-foot sword to establish his rule in Guanzhong, and Emperor Guangwu rose up in Nanyang to sweep away the villains."

"Your Majesty now inherits the heroic legacy of your two ancestors and is situated in a strategically important location."

"If we hesitate and do not move forward, wouldn't we be betraying the mandate of heaven and losing the people's trust?"

"Though I am dull-witted, I am willing to give my all, even unto death."

“The elite soldiers of Longyou are all sharpening their swords and ready to go, and the grain ships of Jingzhou have already gathered in Hankou.”

"But we beg Your Majesty to unleash the might of thunder and lightning, and seize this opportune moment amidst the clouds and the wind."

"Then the day when the people of Sichuan enjoy food and drink together is just around the corner!"

Tears streamed down my face as I wrote this, and I was at a loss for words.

"In the twelfth month of winter in the fifteenth year of Zhangwu, Zhuge Liang, the Grand Commander of Yong and Liang, respectfully submitted this memorial."

After reading Kongming's memorial, Liu Bei remained silent for a long time.

A complex look flashed in his eyes.

The following day at court, Liu Bei ordered an attendant to read Zhuge Liang's memorial, and then looked around at the assembled officials:

"Kongming has suggested attacking Wei. What do you all think?"

Hua Xin was the first to step forward:

"Your Majesty, although Commander Zhuge's words are reasonable."

"However, Cao Wei held the natural defenses of the Shu Road, making them a formidable enemy."

"When Emperor Guangwu of the past conquered Shu, it took him eleven years to achieve victory."

"Your Majesty is still unwell and the national treasury is not full, so it is not the time to wage war."

The ministers echoed this sentiment, all saying that the government should allow the people to rest and recuperate.

Liu Bei looked tired.

"I am indeed feeling tired, so let's discuss this matter later."

He then announced his resignation from court.

That night, Liu Bei secretly summoned Grand Marshal and General Li Yi to the palace.

In the candlelight, the emperor looked haggard, but his eyes were piercing.

"Why did you remain silent in court today, my dear minister?"

Liu Bei asked the question directly.

Li Yi bowed and replied:

"Your Majesty has already made up your mind, so why should I say more?"

Liu Bei raised an eyebrow and asked:
"how do I say this?"

Li Yi stepped forward, lowering his voice:

"The Crown Prince is young. If Your Majesty personally leads the expedition to destroy Wei, the achievement will be a great one for the present generation."

"If we leave it to the Crown Prince, it will be an opportunity for the new emperor to establish his authority."

"Your Majesty, I dare to guess, is this what you are worried about?"

Liu Bei sighed deeply:
"The one who truly understands me is Minister Li."

"However, A Dou is weak-willed, and I fear he will be unable to handle such a great battle."

"...Your Majesty is overthinking it."

Li Yi said solemnly, "The war to destroy Wei is no small matter, and we will do our utmost to assist you."

"Moreover, this battle concerns the fate of the nation. If successful, the Crown Prince's prestige will be immediately enhanced."

"If we fail, the blame will fall on us. This is the best course of action."

Liu Bei pondered for a long time before finally nodding:
"Summon the Crown Prince to an audience."

When Liu Shan nervously arrived at his bedchamber from the Eastern Palace, Liu Bei gazed at his gentle son, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"My son, I pay my respects to my father."

Liu Shan knelt and bowed, his demeanor still showing some immaturity.

Liu Bei said gently:
"Adou, starting tomorrow, you will act as regent on my behalf."

Liu Shan was greatly surprised upon hearing this, and could not understand its meaning:
"Father! Your son is of limited talent and learning, how dare you shoulder such a heavy responsibility?"

"You will inherit the throne sooner or later, and now is the time to learn."

Liu Bei coughed a few times and continued:

"With Prime Minister Li and the other ministers assisting you, you need not worry."

Li Yi also advised:
"Your Highness, His Majesty is unwell."

"A son should share his father's burdens."

Seeing the two men's resolute attitude, Liu Shan had no choice but to kowtow and accept the order.

The next day at court, the throne was empty.

Liu Shan sat in the regent's seat at the lower end of the table, looking nervous.

When the emperor did not arrive, the courtiers all looked surprised.

Hua Xin was the first to retort:

"Does the Crown Prince have an imperial edict authorizing him to oversee the state?"

Li Yi immediately stepped forward, holding the imperial edict, and loudly proclaimed:

"By imperial decree: Crown Prince Liu Shan is benevolent, filial, and intelligent; he shall, from this day forward, act as regent in place of me."

"All of you should wholeheartedly assist me and must not disobey!"

The ministers whispered among themselves, clearly harboring doubts about whether the young crown prince was up to the task.

Suddenly, an old minister stepped forward and reported:

"Your Highness, this old minister believes that Commander Zhuge's proposal to attack Wei is too radical."

"Should we..."

"This matter will be discussed later."

Following Li Yi's prior instructions, Liu Shan responded calmly.

Because his father had already told him that last night.
Don't be fooled by how docile those ministers in the court seem in front of your father, they might not be so obedient in front of you.

Your father's decades of prestige allowed him to keep them in check.

You're young and inexperienced, so don't show your inexperience.

Although he rarely participated in court affairs anymore, Li Yi still accompanied Liu Shan during the Crown Prince's regency.

He was worried that the boy wouldn't be able to control his men.

Someone else probed:

"Your Highness, as regent, shouldn't you familiarize yourself with the affairs of state for a month or so before making any decisions?"

Li Yi immediately rebuked him sternly:

"The Crown Prince is personally appointed by His Majesty to oversee the country; how dare you question him?"

"Does he intend to defy the imperial decree?"

This rebuke immediately stunned the entire audience.

Seeing Li Yi's firm stance, the officials all knew that the Crown Prince's regency was a done deal, and they all kowtowed in agreement.

After the court session ended, Liu Shan let out a long sigh of relief and said to Li Yi:
"It was thanks to the Prime Minister that we were able to escape the predicament just now."

Li Yi said meaningfully:

"Your Highness must remember that a ruler should be both gentle and firm."

"Today is just the beginning."

Watching Liu Shan's departing figure, Li Yi thought to himself:

His Majesty's move not only establishes the Crown Prince's authority but also sets up a strategic plan for the court.

Zhuge Liang's memorial to the throne in Guanzhong became the opening move in this game.

Outside the palace gates, several ministers spoke in hushed tones, their eyes flashing with unease.

They all understood that a deeper political maneuver was hidden behind this regency.

Zhuge Liang's proposal to attack Wei has become the focus of the struggle between the old and new forces.

Deep within the palace, Liu Bei leaned against his couch, listening to the eunuchs report on the court proceedings.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

He knew that the curtain had only just been raised on this power transition.

But the real storm is yet to come.

……

(End of this chapter)