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In April of the sixteenth year of the prosperous reign, in the Imperial Study.

The map stretched from the wall to the ground, extending westward from the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, across the Hexi Corridor, across the Western Regions, and all the way to places never before visited...

Arabia, Persia, and even further afield.

Those place names were marked by Suning himself. Some came from historical records, some from merchants' oral accounts, and some were simply referenced from real maps of the spatial world.

Su Ning stood in front of the map, with several important officials from the Cabinet and the Privy Council standing behind him.

Although Wei Renpu and the members of the Advisory Council have retired, they were invited today and were all given seats to attend the meeting.

Nowadays, apart from the grand ceremony of three bows and nine kowtows at the Great Court, the important officials of the court have their own seats at other times.

Zhao Pu, Wang Pu, Li Fang, Cao Bin, Pan Mei, Wang Yanjun, Zhang Yongde, Shi Shouxin, and Li Chongjin all had solemn expressions.

"How many times has the matter of the western expedition been discussed?" Su Ning asked.

Zhao Pu said, “Your Majesty, it has been three years. We started discussing it the day we destroyed Goguryeo, and we have discussed it no less than twenty times. Every time we finish discussing it, there are still a lot of problems. How should we transport the grain? How should we deploy the troops? What should we take the route? What is the situation on the Arab side? We discuss it back and forth, but we still can’t make a decision.”

"We'll stop discussing it today," Su Ning said. "We'll decide today."

Su Ning turned around and looked at those familiar faces.

The old advisor Wei Renpu wore a smile, a smile of satisfaction as he watched the emperor he had personally assisted finally take this step.

Grand Secretary Zhao Pu's eyes shone brightly, the sharp insight of a strategist who had seen the overall situation settled.

Cao Bin, the Deputy Privy Councilor, remained calm, displaying the composure of a seasoned general who had seen it all.

Wang Yanjun's eyes lit up; it was the instinctive reaction of a military officer upon hearing the order to go to war.

No one objected.

What are they opposing? Military power, financial power, public opinion, and intelligence.

After twenty-five years of management, where in the Great Zhou Dynasty would a second voice be allowed?
The cabinet has the final say, the Privy Council has the final say, but who do the cabinet and the Privy Council listen to?
Listen to the emperor.

"The Western Expeditionary Army will be divided into two routes." Su Ning pointed to the map, indicating that the army would start from the capital, follow the newly built railway line westward, cross the Hexi Corridor, pass the Yumen Pass, and stretch all the way to that vast unknown land. "The land route will start from the capital, take the train to Suzhou, and then exit the Yumen Pass, heading west."

Su Ning moved his finger to the eastern coastline and pointed to the location of Dengzhou. "By water, starting from Dengzhou, we will go south along the coastline, pass through Malacca, enter the Indian Ocean, and then land in the Persian Gulf. The two routes will meet and attack the Abbasid Caliphate from both sides."

The generals stared intently at the two red lines on the map.

Cao Bin asked, "Your Majesty, have the people for the land route been selected?"

Su Ning nodded: "It's settled. Wang Yanjun will be the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Expeditionary Army."

Wang Yanjun stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your subject receives the decree."

Su Ning looked at his old subordinate who had been with him since the first session of the reading companion camp.

The skinny boy from back then now has graying temples, but his back is still ramrod straight.

He conquered the Southern Tang, pacified Jingchu, annexed Shu, and destroyed the Khitan, achieving numerous military exploits.

He is steady in his military tactics, calm in temperament, and able to keep the situation under control.

"Pan Mei was appointed as the political commissar and deputy commander-in-chief."

Pan Mei stepped forward: "Your subject receives the decree."

Pan Mei fought alongside Su Ning her entire life, and her military achievements were no less than Wang Yanjun's. What's even more remarkable is her meticulousness and ability to manage people.

Later films and television dramas portrayed Pan Mei as a treacherous minister who harmed loyal officials, but in reality, Pan Mei was a capable minister and general.

Su Ning has always trusted Pan Mei completely, and he feels at ease entrusting him with all sorts of miscellaneous matters in the army.

"Murong Yanzhao and Yang Ye are appointed as deputy commanders-in-chief."

The two men stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, we obey the decree."

Murong Yanzhao is an outstanding young man, daring and fearless.

Yang Ye surrendered from the Northern Han Dynasty. He was skilled in fighting cavalry and was especially familiar with the terrain of the northwest.

Su Ning looked at the four people.

"Your Majesty, how should the land forces be deployed?" Wang Yanjun asked.

"The vanguard will consist of 150,000 Khitan and Jurchen allied troops, with 50,000 elite Class A National Defense Army troops forming the central force," Su Ning said. "If the Khitans and Jurchens want to make a name for themselves, let them lead the charge. The National Defense Army will provide cover, charging when necessary and withdrawing when needed. Remember, the Khitans and Jurchens use swords and arrows, while our National Defense Army uses firearms. In a real battle, let the Khitans and Jurchens charge first to wear down the enemy's forces, with the National Defense Army's artillery providing support. Once they can no longer advance, the National Defense Army will then move in and use our cannons, rockets, and rifles to finish the job."

Wang Yanjun nodded: "Your Majesty understands. Those Khitans and Jurchens are all warriors who fought on the grasslands. They are capable of fighting and willing to fight. The Great Zhou is giving them pay and military merits, which is much better than when they followed the Khitan emperor. I estimate that they will not slack off along the way."

Pan Mei added, "I will keep an eye on them. Anyone who slacks off or deserts will be dealt with according to military law. Anyone who performs meritorious service or kills the enemy will be rewarded. With clear rewards and punishments, they will naturally be willing to risk their lives."

Murong Yanzhao asked, "Your Majesty, how will the grain be transported? It's several thousand miles from the capital to Yumen Pass. Horse-drawn carts alone won't be enough, will they?"

Su Ning pointed to the railway line on the map: "From the capital to Suzhou, take the train. The railway has already been built to Liangzhou, and it will reach Suzhou next year. The 150,000 Khitan allied troops and 50,000 national defense troops can travel by train in batches and arrive in Suzhou in half a month. The grain and supplies will also be transported by rail, which is both fast and reliable."

Yang Ye's eyes lit up: "A train? I've heard of it, but never seen one. I've heard that it runs faster than a horse and pulls more than an ox?"

Zhao Pu laughed and said, "General Yang, you'll see once you get on the train. That thing is indeed faster than a horse and can pull more than an ox. It used to take a month to travel from the capital to Liangzhou on horseback, but now it only takes three days by train."

Yang Ye gasped in astonishment: "Three days? That fast?"

Su Ning said, "Once we reach Suzhou, we'll have to rely on horse-drawn carriages and camels. The railway hasn't been built to the Western Regions yet. However, I've already instructed the Ministry of Revenue to prepare 30,000 camels and 50,000 horse-drawn carriages, which is enough to transport grain and fodder."

Wang Yanjun pondered for a moment and said, "Thirty thousand camels, fifty thousand carriages... Your Majesty, how much would that cost?"

Su Ning smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about the money. The people in the Ministry of Revenue have already calculated that the national treasury has enough silver for ten years."

Wang Yanjun was stunned.

ten years?

Wang Yanjun looked at Grand Secretary Zhao Pu in disbelief, and Zhao Pu nodded.

He then looked at Wei Renpu, who nodded in agreement.

Wang Yanjun took a deep breath. "Your subject understands."

Suning then looked to the other side.

"Zhang Yongde is on the other side of the waterway."

Zhang Yongde stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your subject is here."

Zhang Yongde was Chai Rong's son-in-law, a legitimate member of the imperial family.

He followed Chai Rong in fighting the Khitans and later followed Su Ning in pacifying the south. He was skilled in both land and water warfare and was a true all-rounder.

In his early forties, he was in his prime, full of energy and quick-witted.

"You are appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Expeditionary Navy, leading 50,000 naval troops out to sea in steamships."

Zhang Yongde's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty, are all the ships in the navy newly built?"

Su Ning said, “That’s right. Thirty steam warships and fifty transport ships. The warships are equipped with large cannons, one shot can blow down half a wall. The transport ships are full of ammunition, food, medicine, and tools. Enough for you to use for two years.”

"Wang Huan and Guo Shaoqian are appointed as deputy commanders-in-chief."

The two men stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, we obey the decree."

Wang Huan was a veteran who had fought in naval battles and was familiar with the sea's waves and routes.

Guo Shaoqian was young, but he was quick-witted and learned things fast, especially skilled at tinkering with new equipment.

Su Ning looked at them and said, “Your journey is even longer than the land route. Starting from Quanzhou, you will travel south, cross the South China Sea, pass through the Strait of Malacca, enter the Indian Ocean, and finally land in the Persian Gulf. The journey will take a year or even longer. The ships must be sturdy, the provisions must be sufficient, and the people must remain stable.”

Zhang Yongde said, “Your Majesty, rest assured, steamships are faster and more stable than sailing ships. They can sail with or against the wind, so there’s no fear of no wind. I have brought thirty steam warships and fifty transport ships, with enough provisions and ammunition for two years. There are also imperial physicians, craftsmen, and translators on board. The translators were selected by the Ministry of Revenue from among the Arab merchants; they can speak the Arab language and understand their customs.”

Su Ning nodded. "Once we reach the Persian Gulf, don't rush to land. Send people to scout ahead and find out the situation there. Find out who's in power, who's rich, and who has grudges against whom. We'll make our move together once Wang Yanjun's land army arrives."

Zhang Yongde said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will send a small boat to scout ahead and find out the way before taking action."

Wang Huan asked, "Your Majesty, what should we do if we encounter a storm on the road?"

Su Ning said, “Steamships are more stable than sailboats and can withstand ordinary storms. If we encounter a major storm, we can find a port nearby to take shelter. I have had a nautical chart drawn up, clearly marking which ports are along the route and which places can be sheltered from the wind.”

Guo Shaoqian asked, "Your Majesty, what if we encounter pirates?"

Su Ning smiled and said, "Pirates? With your 50,000-strong navy, 30 warships, and hundreds of cannons, you're not afraid of pirates?"

Guo Shaoqian smiled and said, "I understand. If the pirates don't come, fine; but if they do, let them taste the power of the General's Cannon."

The one million shi of grain and supplies needed for the two armies, as well as tens of thousands of warhorses, firearms, medicines, and tools... Twenty years ago, it would have been unthinkable.

But now, the people from the Ministry of Revenue have done the calculations, and they say, "It's enough. The silver in the national treasury is enough for you to wage war by land and sea for ten years."

This is the power that has been accumulated.

Zhao Pu asked, "Your Majesty, what will happen after we conquer the western frontier?"

Su Ning said, “Just like the grasslands. Establish prefectures and counties, send officials, and station troops. Those people in those places who are willing to submit will be treated equally. Those who resist will be strangled, castrated, or enslaved. The assimilated local governments can retain a certain degree of autonomy, but three things will belong to the court—military power, financial power, and personnel power.”

Wei Renpu nodded: "Your Majesty is wise. It's not a skill to conquer territory, but to hold onto it."

Su Ning said, “What Minister Wei says is true. Therefore, this western expedition is not only about fighting, but also about managing. The cabinet should prepare officials in advance, the Ministry of Revenue should prepare funds and provisions in advance, and the Ministry of War should prepare troops in advance. Once a place is captured, officials should be sent to take over, troops should be stationed to guard it, and the rules of the Great Zhou should be implemented immediately.”

Wang Pu asked, "Your Majesty, the writing and language of those places are different from ours. What should we do?"

Su Ning said, “Promote Chinese characters and the ‘Prosperous Age Rhyme’. Just like on the grasslands, establish schools to teach children Chinese characters and Mandarin. Open a large number of universities in the Central Plains, and invite those who follow the Great Zhou to study at universities. Those who study well can come to the capital to take the imperial examinations, and those who pass can become officials.”

Li Fang said, "Your Majesty, the people in those places believe in a different religion than ours..."

Su Ning said, “I don’t care what religion they believe in. As long as they don’t rebel, cause trouble, or violate the laws of the Great Zhou, they can believe whatever they want. But there is one condition—the law of religion cannot replace the law of the state. The law of religion cannot appear in education. Religion and politics must be separated. The laws of the Great Zhou are above all else.”

Li Fang nodded: "Your subject understands."

……

On the day of departure, outside the north gate of the capital, banners covered the sun and war drums shook the heavens.

Two hundred thousand soldiers stood in formation, their armor gleaming, their morale high.

The sunlight shone on the armor, reflecting a blinding light.

The warhorse snorted and pawed at the ground restlessly.

At the very front was a combined force of Khitan and Jurchen troops.

Those former grassland warriors now wear the uniforms of the Great Zhou army, carry the weapons of the Great Zhou, and await the orders of the Great Zhou.

Their faces showed excitement, nervousness, and anticipation.

Yelü Qilie and Yelü Talie stood at the front of the procession, looking at their former enemies who were now comrades-in-arms, and they couldn't describe the feelings in their hearts.

“Commander, back in the day, we went south to plunder things, but now…” Yelü Qilie shook his head, gave a bitter smile, and said to Yelü Talie beside him, “Now we’re fighting for others.”

Before Yelü Talie could respond, the Jurchen leader Wanyan Helibo beside him said, "Deputy Commander, it doesn't matter who we fight for. The Great Zhou provides pay, food, and military merits, which is much better than what Yelü Xian did. Back then, how many people starved to death in winter while following Yelü Deguang, Yelü Jing, and Yelü Xian? How many died in battle? Those princes and nobles ate meat and drank wine in their tents while we suffered from cold and hunger outside. Now the Great Zhou has come, providing us with food, clothing, and pay. Tell me, which is better?"

Yelü Qilie thought for a moment and nodded, "That's true."

Wanyan Helibo added, "Besides, this trip is to the west to fight those Arabs. The Arabs have money, territory, and women. If we win, everything we plunder will be ours. Great Zhou will only levy taxes, not confiscate anything. This is a worthwhile deal."

Xiao Tianyun, a minor character standing to the side, had his eyes light up. "Really?"

"It's true. His Majesty said it himself. The spoils from the conquered areas will be distributed according to merit. Those who make great contributions will be granted official positions and rewarded with mansions."

Xiao Tianyun took a deep breath, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's fight!"

Yelü Qilie and Yelü Talie exchanged a complicated glance, realizing that the various tribes of the grasslands could no longer escape the rule of the Great Zhou.

Behind the column were 50,000 elite National Defense Army troops.

They were dressed in black military uniforms, carrying new firearms, standing in neat rows, completely silent.

Some of these soldiers are veterans from the accompanying study camp, while others are new recruits in recent years.

Regardless of whether they were veterans or new recruits, they all stood there, waiting for the order to depart.

Behind them were hundreds of large cannons, thousands of swarms of cannons, and countless ammunition and supply wagons.

The cannons, mounted on rubber wheels and towed by internal combustion engines, lined up in a long row, one after another.

Looking down from the city tower, the winding procession resembled a giant dragon, stretching as far as the eye could see.

The dragon's head has already left the north gate, its body is still winding through the city, and its tail is still inside the barracks.

Su Ning stood on the reviewing stand, looking at the team.

Twenty-five years have passed.

From the study camp to the National Defense Army, from Bianliang to the capital, from the Southern Tang to the Khitan, from the grasslands to the Western Regions.

The power accumulated over twenty-five years is about to be unleashed today.

"Set off."

The war drums sounded, and the bugles blared.

Two hundred thousand troops slowly set off.

The sound of horses' hooves was deafening, and the wheels of carriages rumbled loudly.

The flag fluttered in the wind, and the large "Zhou" character on it looked like a burning fire.

On the city wall of the capital, Su Ning watched the giant dragon gradually disappear into the distance and remained silent for a long time.

Zhao Pu stood aside and said softly, "Your Majesty, this trip will take at least three years and at most five years."

Su Ning nodded. "I understand."

"Isn't Your Majesty worried?"

Su Ning smiled and said, "What's there to worry about? Wang Yanjun is good at fighting, Pan Mei is good at managing, and Zhang Yongde is good at navigating waterways. If the Khitans and Jurchens want to make a name for themselves, the National Defense Army will be there to back them up. Firearms are more powerful than swords and arrows, railways are faster than horse-drawn carriages, and steamships are more stable than sailboats."

Su Ning paused for a moment, then said, "The ones who should be worried are the Arabs."

In the distance, the group gradually disappeared into the horizon.

Below the city gate, the people who had come to see him off still stood there, reluctant to leave for a long time.

Some people were waving, some were wiping away tears, and some were shouting for them to come back soon.

On the city wall, Su Ning turned around and walked down the wall.

"Return to the palace."

The imperial carriage slowly drove through the main streets of the capital.

There were far fewer people on the street than usual.

The families of the soldiers who went to war stood at their doorsteps, looking north and praying silently.

Su Ning sat in the carriage, watching those figures without saying a word.

Inside the imperial study, maps were still laid out on the floor.

Su Ning stood in front of the map, staring at the two red lines, and remained silent for a long time.

From the capital to the Western Regions, from Dengzhou to the Persian Gulf.

Those places we've never been to, those lands we've never seen before, will soon belong to the Great Zhou.

The personal eunuch pushed open the door and came in, carrying a bowl of ginseng soup. "Your Majesty, please have some soup."

Su Ning took the soup, took a sip, and then looked at the Grand Secretary beside him, saying, "Zhao Pu, what do you think those Arabs are doing now?"

Zhao Pu thought for a moment, "They're probably sleeping. There's a time difference between us and the Arab world. It's afternoon here, so it should be midnight there."

Su Ning laughed, "Midnight is good. People sleep soundly at night, making it easier to start a fight."

Zhao Pu also smiled.

Zhao Pu knew that Su Ning always planned carefully before acting, and this western expedition would not be risky.

Moreover, even if all 200,000 troops were to perish in the Abbasid Caliphate, it would not have a significant impact on the Great Zhou Dynasty in the Central Plains.

It should be noted that, thanks to the efforts of the three emperors Guo Wei, Chai Rong, and Su Ning, the strength of the Central Plains dynasty now far surpasses that of the Tang Dynasty at its peak.

After all, the Central Plains has now completed the layout of Industry 1.0, and its production capacity is naturally incomparable to that of the purely agricultural society of the Tang Dynasty.

Of course, the Central Plains will need to continue to promote and assimilate industrial culture, since many people are not very accustomed to the changes brought about by industry.

However, Suning is confident that he can accomplish all of this, after all, he is definitely not a short-lived emperor.

...(End of this chapter)