My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 107 Staking My Last Respect!

Gao Huan quickly composed himself and looked at Gao Yu, asking a question.

"Erlang, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Gao Yu shook his head. "The Central Plains are suffering from a severe drought, resulting in reduced grain production. The grain that the imperial court sent to the Six Garrisons as a supplement will only be reduced. Little do they know that the Six Garrisons have already reached their limit."

The Six Garrisons are located far in the north, seemingly unrelated to the Central Plains, yet they are closely connected.

The Six Towns are barren lands, unable to be self-sufficient. They need a large amount of supplies transported from the Central Plains to ensure their daily lives and prevent them from going hungry.

If grain production in the Central Plains decreases, the supply to the six towns will inevitably be cut.

If that's all there is to it, tightening your belt will allow you to barely make ends meet.

The people's tolerance and vitality are much higher than we imagine.

That's the problem.

Huai Shuo... no, it's the Six Towns that have experienced heavy snow for two consecutive winters. In order to survive the harsh winter, the soldiers and civilians of the Six Towns have used up all their accumulated surplus grain.

The six towns were caught in a harsh winter, while the Central Plains suffered a severe drought. This double whammy of abnormal weather meant that even a miracle couldn't save them.

Gao Huan knew that Gao Yu hadn't finished speaking, but he wasn't in a hurry and waited patiently.

Gao Yu brought up the most important point.

"After two consecutive harsh winters, the Rouran people were already struggling to survive last year and had to ask the court for grain seeds. But how can the grasslands be cultivated? After another harsh winter, the Rouran people are afraid they can't hold on any longer."

The reason why Gao Yu and Gao Huan ordered the stockpiling of grain.

Because strong winds were still blowing on the grasslands before winter last year, their accumulated experience led them to guess that it would be another harsh winter.

as predicted!

Since ancient times, when nomadic herders on the grasslands could no longer survive, they had only one option: to head south and plunder. This was not based on personal likes or dislikes; the greatest desire of human beings was simply to survive.

Even when Anagui was close to the Central Plains, he could not avoid it.

Looking at it now...

Gao Yu felt that all the conditions were in place, and the only thing missing was a fuse to ignite an uprising by the soldiers and civilians of the Six Towns.

Gao Yu determined that the Rouran people led by Anagui were from this Mars!

"It makes sense."

Gao Huan nodded. "You might as well send someone to Ashina to inquire and see if you can find out any news about the Rouran royal court. With more detailed information, my brother and I can make further plans."

"I also need to visit my father-in-law so that he can make preparations as soon as possible."

The brothers' speculations may not be accurate, but hoarding food is certainly not wrong, even if chaos doesn't break out.

How can food spoil if it can be digested internally?
Well, food really can go bad.

But it's not that they don't eat.

The two immediately split into two groups: Gao Huan led his men to Loujiawu Fortress, while Gao Yu personally led his men to Ashina Tribe.

The Ashina tribe has declared its allegiance to Gao Yu, and Anagui has allocated their ranch to an area close to Huai Shuo. Gao Yu takes time every year to visit the Ashina tribe.

When they went out hunting and training, they would also bring along the brave warriors of the Ashina tribe.

of course……

When he left, he would also take some cattle and sheep with him, which were offered to him by Ashina. He would not accept them for nothing, knowing that Ashina had not been doing well these past two years. In addition to accepting the cattle and sheep from Ashina, he would also give him double the amount of millet.

He arrived at the Ashina tribe's camp on horseback with his personal guards.

Tumen and Shidianmi, along with their brave warriors, personally greeted the enemy at the camp entrance.

"Greetings, sir!"

Gao Yu dismounted and helped him up, saying, "No need for formalities."

It wasn't just their bravery; the girls and children in their tribe would also gather around to watch from a distance, after all, it was a grassland.

Who doesn't know the name of "Peerless Demon and God" Gao Erlang?

Many children in the tribe grew up listening to stories of Gao Yu transforming into a 'ghost god,' and their eyes were filled with worship, while the girls were even more adoring.

This treatment.

Why do I feel like I've truly become the sun for the people?

Tumen personally led Gao Yu into the tent, seated him in the main seat, and poured mare's milk wine for Gao Yu and the others.

"You two brothers are quite capable."

Gao Yu gave a compliment.

The Ashina tribe was well-managed by the brothers Tumen and Shidianmi. On the way here, a quick glance revealed that despite the severe snow disasters of the past two years, the tribe still had herds of cattle, sheep, and horses.

"This is all thanks to your esteemed reputation, sir."

This isn't just flattery from Tumen.

On the grasslands, Anagui, as the Khan, could indeed divide pastures and designate grazing areas for each tribe.

How could the reality possibly be as wonderful as we imagine?
There will always be fertile places and barren places.

Friction between tribes was inevitable, and the Rouran royal court usually turned a blind eye, allowing the tribes to weaken each other, which was actually beneficial to the royal court's rule.

Ashina tribe may not be considered one of the top tribes on the grasslands, but no one dared to invade them, which was indeed thanks to Gao Yu.

Almost all the grassland tribes were present during the battle with the Gaoche, and they witnessed Gao Yu leading only a few dozen men to break through the enemy's army of hundreds of thousands.

In the eyes of these people, Gao Yu is an invincible god, so where do they get the courage to provoke Ashina Bu, who is loyal to Gao Yu?
Besides, the grasslands are vast, and it's not worth causing a conflict with the Ashina tribe over such a small pasture. Moreover, the Ashina tribe is known for its bravery and was previously a blacksmith's slave for the Rouran people, so they are well-equipped with weapons.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gao Yu got to the point, "Have you received any news from the Rouran royal court recently?"

Tumen first shook his head, then spoke again, "I have heard some rumors."

The Ashina tribe, despite its large population, did not all live together. They were scattered into small tribes that grazed their livestock in designated areas, and they would inevitably come into contact with people from other tribes.

"What's the news?"

"It seems that the Great Khan is summoning his people to the royal court for a meeting, but the specifics are unknown. The Great Khan has not sent anyone to inform us."

Gao Yu roughly understood.

Once the grassland royal court summons its people, it will be no small matter.

It seems.

My guess was pretty much right!
As dusk approached, Tumen asked Gao Yu to stay and offered him his own tent for the night, which Gao Yu gladly accepted.

Having been here for so many years, he had already gotten used to this system.

If he doesn't accept Tumen's kindness, Tumen won't feel that Gao Yu is respecting him; instead, he'll feel anxious and constantly wonder if he hasn't treated Gao Yu well enough. Ancient society emphasized a strict hierarchy.

Only by accepting it openly can Tumen feel at ease. He would consider it an honor for Gao Yu to rest in his tent, just as Gao Yu's soldiers all consider it an honor to protect Gao Yu's tent.

into the night.

Gao Yu noticed someone lifting the tent flap, and he looked up.

Two beautiful young women walked over.

Gao Yu was already used to it. He beckoned, then came closer and pinched their chins to examine them carefully.

So-so. There aren't that many stunning beauties on the grasslands, but she does have a graceful figure and fair skin, so she's passable.

"Kneel down and open your mouth..."

………………

Luhunhai Lakeside.

Many grassland tribes are gathering here.

Many people, looking at this familiar place, recalled the battle with the Gaoche people two years ago.

It was also the battle that laid the foundation for Anagui's Khanate.

"By the Eternal Heaven above, since you have chosen Anagui as Khan, why have you sent down natural disasters for two consecutive years..."

The information Gao Yu received was not accurate enough.

The Rouran people not only endured two consecutive years of severe snow disasters, but last summer, many tribes also experienced outbreaks of disease among their livestock, resulting in the deaths of large numbers of cattle and sheep. To prevent riots, Anagui had to squeeze out food from his own tribe and other tribes to help these affected tribes.

This actually dealt a heavy blow to Anaguyi's prestige!

Gao Yu had already seen the problem two years ago.

Anagui gave most of the profits from defeating the Gaoche to the imperial court and Huai Shuo, leaving him with no resources to fulfill his promises to other tribes.

This wasn't a big deal in itself; it can be made up for later.

As a result, the snow disaster combined with the epidemic caused everything to collapse at once.

When a dynasty in the Central Plains encountered a natural disaster, the emperor still needed to issue an edict of self-reproach, offer sacrifices to Heaven, and ask for Heaven's forgiveness.

It's pretty much the same here on the grasslands.

When natural disasters and epidemics occur, it must be because the Khan has done something wrong, which is why he has angered the Eternal Heaven and brought disaster upon the grasslands.

Anagui also sensed that his subordinates were dissatisfied with him.

Prestige is something that can be gradually eroded.

The reason for choosing to gather at the place where he fought the Gaoche people was to remind them of what happened two years ago, in order to increase his prestige.

"Great Khan, we can't hesitate any longer."

Yijufa spoke up to persuade them, "When I inspected the camp, even the soldiers had many complaints... If this continues, the consequences will be unpredictable."

Tutujia also advised, "Why worry? It's not like the Central Plains haven't come to conquer us before. At worst, we can just continue to flee deeper into the northern desert. I don't believe the Central Plains can keep chasing us forever."

Anagui was indeed hesitant.

The situation has reached a point where we have no choice but to seize things; if this continues, the people below will rebel sooner or later.

He sighed and said, "How could I not know the dangers involved? But... every year there are disasters, and the losses of each tribe are very great, with very few able to fight."

The Six Garrisons were established to defend against the southward incursions of nomadic tribes from the grasslands.

The biggest headache for nomadic tribes is besieging cities; they have no way to deal with fortified cities.

Anagui can no longer afford another defeat.

If it fails even once.

His prestige will plummet to rock bottom. What will happen on the grasslands, where rebellions are commonplace?

It's really confusing.

At this moment, Tu Tujia spoke up and made a suggestion.

"Your Majesty, perhaps it would be better to do this..."

He leaned close to Anagui's ear and spilled all his thoughts!

He listened to his plan.

Anagui's eyes lit up immediately, and he exclaimed, "Excellent! This plan is brilliant!"

"Guards! Summon all tribal chiefs, I have something to announce!"

soon.

The chiefs of various tribes then came to Anagui's tent.

Compared to their loyal submission two years ago.

Now, the chiefs no longer have any sense of awe!
Anagui pretended not to see it and instead announced it.

"Disasters have struck year after year; this is my fault. Now we are at a critical juncture of life and death!"

"I swear in the name of the Khan! If all tribes grit their teeth and persevere for another three months, I will ensure that all tribes are free from the suffering of disaster, and that the Khan's people will no longer go hungry!!"

As soon as the words came out.

The chiefs were extremely surprised.

However, they still expressed their support for Anagui.

This was a vow made by Anagui with his dwindling prestige.

Why not trust him just once?

If Anagui still cannot fulfill his promise by then.

If all else fails, we'll just rebel against him!
The grasslands are never short of owners; if this one doesn't work, we'll find another!
The book is titled "A Man in the Mortal World, You Say I Served in the Underworld for Ten Years?"

[At the invitation of an old classmate, you went to a construction site to perform a ritual, angering the evil spirits there. Possessed and controlled by the spirits, you climbed to the rooftop and ultimately fell to your death.]

[After your death, your soul drifted to the underworld, becoming a wandering ghost. Undeterred, you persevered and successfully passed the underworld's examinations, becoming a glorious underworld official!]

[You served diligently in the underworld for ten years. Just then, the higher-ups of the underworld sought to reopen the path between the living and the dead, and you were chosen to return to the mortal realm.]

…………

Chen Yang: "No, buddy, I'm not dead yet!"

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(End of this chapter)