Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 309 Fame and fortune can only be gained on horseback.

Qinzhou.

Shanggui.

"Reporting to the King of Qin, these are surrender petitions sent from Hezhou, Liangzhou, Dunhuang Town, and other places."

While sending Hou Jing as an envoy to Tuyuhun, Li Shuang also dispatched Li Bi to the Hexi Corridor to pacify the local Han and non-Han peoples.

The Hexi Corridor is prosperous, but this is relative. The oasis economy is extremely dependent on water resources, and the area mainly relies on snowmelt from the Qilian Mountains. Geographical factors have limited the development of local agriculture, which in turn has limited the population.

Even if a powerful state were established in Liangzhou, it would lack the resources for external expansion.

Therefore, most of the forces in Liangzhou and other places were subordinate to the Northern Dynasty.

Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang were established during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. Over the years, whenever someone unified the Northern Dynasties, they would try every means to control these four places.

By controlling these four regions, one controls the Hexi Corridor and the road to the Western Regions.

Looking at the rows of surrender documents, Li Shuang asked:
"Jinghe, did the trip go smoothly?"

Li Bi cupped his hands and said:
"Thanks to Your Majesty's might, this trip has been very successful."

Although the forces in Liangzhou, Hezhou and other places had a strange attitude towards Li Shuang, and many of them even had a hostile attitude towards him, they had no choice at this point.

Li Shuang led his troops up the Longshan Mountains, pacified Qin Prefecture, and his sphere of influence now bordered He Prefecture, Liang Prefecture, and other places.

External forces were unable to influence the Hexi Corridor at the moment. After Li Bi led the elite troops of Longxi to inspect the region, these forces all chose to submit.

War is not something that the forces in Liangzhou and other places want to see.

Becoming the culprit of war and the target of attack is something they certainly do not want to see.

The prosperity of the Hexi Corridor still depends on commerce.

Merchants from Gaochang, Kucha, and even further afield led camel caravans through the Hexi Corridor to Guanzhong and other places, bringing economic vitality to the region.

Once war breaks out and trade routes are cut off, life in Liangzhou will also be difficult.

Li Shuang nodded and said:

“Jinghe, now that Liangzhou is pacified, I have decided to select three thousand elite cavalry from Qin, Liang, and He to accompany me back to Chang’an. In addition, I will establish Zhechong Prefectures in Qin, Liang, and He, and select guards to garrison various towns and horse farms.”

Liangzhou and Qinzhou were important horse-producing areas, and the so-called Western Liang horses were the best in the world.

Now that Li Shuang has taken over this place, he naturally has no shortage of warhorses.

To Li Bi's surprise, Li Shuang wanted to promote three thousand elite cavalrymen at once. It should be noted that there were only seven thousand elite cavalrymen in Chang'an at this time.

Most of these people were Han Chinese followers of Li Shuang, while a small number were elite troops from the Six Garrisons.

The elite cavalry of Chang'an were the core fighting force in Guanzhong, even ranking above the soldiers of the Twelve Military Prefectures.

The sudden addition of three thousand cavalry had far-reaching consequences beyond just military matters.

Li Bi had already realized Li Shuang's determination to control Longyou and other areas.

"Your Majesty understands. However, with so many strong and brave men being mobilized, the deterrent effect on the surrounding Qiang and Hu tribes will likely be reduced, making them harder to control. Especially with the Tuyuhun, Hou Jing has not yet returned, and we do not know the specific situation there."

Li Shuang smiled, took a piece of paper from the table, and handed it to Li Bi.

Li Bi looked at the contents of the paper, his expression turning serious.

"Military meritocracy?"

This document contains the initial concept of the promotion of military merits and titles in the Guanzhong region. It describes in detail the path from the lowest rank of Wuqiwei to the highest rank of Shangzhuguo, as well as the corresponding treatment and rights that can be enjoyed with each title.

Twelve promotions in military service, fame and glory are only gained on horseback!
Li Bi was deeply shocked, not only by the idea itself, but also by the effects it would have if successfully implemented.

Once successfully implemented, the Guanzhong Plain will be completely free from the influence of the Luoyang court and the Jinyang hegemony, becoming an independent system.

The military merit system was formulated in great detail and was clearly not a temporary idea. Li Bi saw Li Shuang's ambition and aspirations in it.

Li Bi had never seen such ambition and aspiration in anyone else.

A man like Li Bi will follow those who have greater ambition and aspirations. Conversely, he will look down on those who are merely content with maintaining the status quo.

Li Bi didn't say anything more, he simply cupped his hands and said:

"Your Majesty, I am willing to follow you, stand firm in the north and south, and bring order to the world!"

Just then, a report came from outside.

Hou Jing is back!
"Your Majesty, I have returned."

Seeing that Li Bi was acting strangely, Hou Jing felt something was amiss. What had happened while he was away?
However, Hou Jing didn't dwell on it, and instead cupped his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, in the next few years, the internal strife within Tuyuhun will likely intensify, leaving them with no resources to intervene in the affairs of Liangzhou and the Western Regions until a new Khan is chosen."

The external force that had the greatest influence on the Hexi Corridor was Tuyuhun.

Once Tuyuhun falls into internal strife, its influence on the Hexi Corridor will diminish. For Li Shuang, the ideal situation would be for both factions within Tuyuhun to choose to rely on him, regardless of their internal struggles, thus maintaining stability in the Hexi Corridor.

Hou Jing's mission achieved this initial goal.

"Your Majesty, after I met with Kualü, I also met with Fofu. They both expressed their willingness to become the Khan. In addition to offering tribute, Fofu also ordered me to bring a hundred Qinghai horses."

The Qinghai Cong is a famous breed of horse near Qinghai. Legend has it that it is a dragon breed, and its best foals can travel a thousand miles a day.

"That's really generous!" Li Shuang couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. "It seems the more Khans the better!"

Li Bi was taken aback, not understanding the meaning behind Li Shuang's words, but Hou Jing's eyes lit up.

"When I went to Tuyuhun this time, I met an official from Gaochang. He told me that Anagui of Rouran has been recruiting soldiers and horses in recent years. He has not only recruited the Tiele tribes in the northern desert, but also extended his reach to the Western Regions, recruiting Turks, Sogdians and other people to serve him."

Li Shuang listened and said:

"It seems that Anagui is up to no good and is preparing to launch a full-scale attack on southern Mongolia!"

Hou Jing nodded and said:

"Your Majesty, should we also grant the title of Khan to those tribal leaders who have been won over by the Rouran?"

"Even if I were willing to give it, they might not dare to accept it. Besides, the journey is long, so giving it wouldn't be of much use."

The reason why Fofu and Kualü of Tuyuhun were willing to accept the offer was because the troops of Qinzhou could actually defeat them and even affect their internal struggle for the throne.

The Western Regions and the northern deserts were different; Chang'an had limited influence over the large and small tribes in these two places.

Hou Jing felt a pang of regret and even a touch of melancholy upon hearing this.

"I have heard that those small countries in the Western Regions are quite wealthy."

Unlike Hou Jing, Li Bi was not frivolous and asked:
"Who are those Khans Your Majesty refers to?"

"Heba Yue became the Grand Commander, overseeing the Hebei region. Yuwen Luosheng also chose to be Heba Yue's deputy Grand Commander. Once they gain a foothold in Hebei, they will pose a great threat to Qinzhou, Yuanzhou, and other places."

In recent years, the vast area north of Guanzhong and south of the Six Garrisons has been experiencing rampant growth as the Rouran retreated to the northern desert and were no longer threatened by external forces.

Once Heba Yue unified the Hebei region, it would pose a huge threat to Guanzhong.

Li Bi listened and asked:
"Does Your Majesty intend to punish them?" Li Shuang shook his head and said:

"Qin and Liang have just been pacified, and it is not advisable to launch a military campaign at this time. Moreover, news has come from Luoyang that the situation in Guandong is unstable. We should stay in Chang'an and observe the situation."

As he spoke, Li Shuang smiled and added:

"If Erzhu Rong can promote and reward these Wuchuan people, I can follow suit and give the Khanate to the leaders of the Hu people in Hebei and Longyou, so that Heba Yue will have a headache."

Hou Jing was immediately displeased upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty, how much gold would it cost to have so many Khans?"

“We can’t give gold crowns to everyone. For those tribes, big and small, gold rings and silver rings will suffice.”

"Your Majesty is wise!"
-
Jinyang.

When Erzhu Rong received the news that Li Shuang had returned to Chang'an, he frowned deeply.

After Li Shuang went to Longxi, he not only brought the three prefectures of Qin, Liang and He into his territory, but also brought three thousand elite cavalry back to Chang'an.

The spies sent by Erzhu Rong to Chang'an also brought back detailed intelligence about the valiant cavalry that came from Longyou.

The three thousand valiant cavalry were all elite soldiers from Longyou, handsome and brave, skilled in archery and horsemanship.

From then on, the number of elite cavalry in Chang'an and armored cavalry in Jinyang was roughly equal.

Once Li Shuang plans to set off from Chang'an, sail downriver to Luoyang, and take control of the court, Erzhu Rong will have no choice but to worry.

After all, Yuan Ziyou from Luoyang had been beckoning to Li Shuang.

If that time really comes, Luoyang will not only not set up defenses, but will also take the initiative to welcome Li Shuang in.

At that time, Erzhu Rong will probably have to suffer in silence!

However, Erzhu Rong's worries didn't last long, as he received two more messages from Chang'an.

Two edicts from the King of Qin were issued from Chang'an. One edict informed the twelve military prefectures in Guanzhong and the various prefectures of the implementation of the twelve-tiered military merit system. The other edict informed the leaders of the Hu people around Guanzhong of the appointment of them as Khans.

Many of these Hu (non-Han) leaders were personally driven out of Guanzhong by Li Shuang.

Erzhu Rong had very mixed feelings about this.

"General Tianzhu, Yuwen Tai has arrived!"

"Let him in!"

Erzhu Rong summoned Yuwen Tai back to Jinyang, but did not see him immediately, instead leaving him out for a while.

If Li Shuang hadn't already returned to Chang'an, Erzhu Rong would have wanted to keep him waiting for a while longer.

Erzhu Rong met Yuwen Tai in his study.

At this moment, Erzhu Rong was dressed in the popular scholar's attire of Luoyang, with his hat standing upright, and was reading a book. Unlike other northerners, he did not wear armor or deliberately display his martial prowess.

When Yuwentai entered the room, he was somewhat surprised to see Erzhu Rong dressed like this.

Having grown accustomed to seeing Erzhu Rong in his military campaigns, Yuwentai had never imagined that he could have such a refined and scholarly side.

"Black Otter, you've come at the perfect time!"

Erzhu Rong put down the book in his hand, only to see Yuwen Tai bow.

"Greetings, General Tianzhu!"

"It doesn't have to be this way!"

Erzhu Rong smiled, stood up, walked up to him, and asked:

Have you read the book I gave you?

"Reporting to General Tianzhu, I have been studying this recently and have gained some insights."

Erzhu Rong smiled and asked:

What insights have you gained?

"The Han people are not as weak and submissive as some of us imagine. If given land, military merit, and guaranteed to be implemented, they will become incredibly brave."

Erzhu Rong nodded and said:
“Indeed, you are more intelligent than any of the other members of my Erzhu clan. In fact, it can be said that no one can compare to you.”

Yuwen Tai was startled and cupped his hands in greeting:
"My subordinates dare not!"

Erzhu Rong smiled and said:
"I've already said, there's no need for that!"

Erzhu Rong treated outsiders with a gentler approach than he did with his own Erzhu clan members, who were often subjected to beatings and scoldings. He looked at Yuwen Tai, who was standing before him with his head bowed, and asked:

"What do you think is the reason behind Ohno Sō's current actions?"

Yuwentai knew that Erzhu Rong had already thought of this answer, so he spoke frankly:
"They probably want to start from scratch!"

Sure enough, Yuwentai heard Erzhu Rong snort coldly, with a hint of sarcasm, and say:

"Starting anew, is it that easy? Will the powerful families of Guandong just watch him start anew and destroy the century-old foundation of the Great Wei in one fell swoop?"

"Now, Ōno Sosuke controls Guanzhong, Longyou, Hedong, Lianghan and other places. The powerful families in these places probably don't have the strength to stop him! If the power of these powerful families is used by him instead, I'm afraid that when Ōno Sosuke becomes emperor in Guanzhong, no one will be able to stop him."

"proclaim oneself emperor!"

This is something Erzhu Rong wanted to do, but never dared to.

At least, he hasn't received the Nine Bestowments yet; he's just an ordinary Prince of Taiyuan with a fief of 200,000 households!

Erzhu Rong pacified the Six Garrisons, stabilized the Northern Wei, and controlled hundreds of thousands of troops. On the surface, no one could rival him. However, he was unable to take that step because the inertia created by the Northern Wei's operation over the past hundred years was preventing him from doing so.

Especially after Emperor Xiaowen's Sinicization reforms, the Northern Wei court became deeply intertwined with the powerful clans of various prefectures and counties. Even though Luoyang became a hunting ground, the puppet-like Yuan Ziyou was still able to gather a force around him and dared to defy Erzhu Rong's will.

"I'm afraid my third brother doesn't just want to be king and tyrant in Guanzhong!"

Yuwen Tai was somewhat surprised. Erzhu Rong spoke these words very calmly, but there was a strange emotion in his words.

Even Yuwen Tai couldn't be sure if this strange feeling was just his imagination.

Yuwentai kept his head down, unaware of Erzhu Rong's expression, but he heard him say:
“Heba Yue wants to secure his position as Grand Commander, and your elder brother wants to secure his position as Deputy Grand Commander. The Shuozhou army is the biggest obstacle. Go to Pingcheng and help Erzhu Tianguang manage Hengzhou. Once the time is right, you and Heba Yue can attack Shuozhou together. Once Shuozhou is secured, Da Yeshuang will lose his biggest support outside.”

Erzhu Rong made Yuwen Tai raise his head.

At this moment, Yuwen Tai saw an extremely cold face, filled with absolute rationality.

"If Da Ye Shuang were to seize Lingxia first, and his military might connect with Shuozhou, then you Wuchuan people would probably be worse off than the Huai Shuo people, and wouldn't even be able to become wealthy men!"

Yuwen Tai's heart tightened, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying:
"My subordinate understands!"

……

(End of this chapter)