After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 741 - 731: Delay

Liu Huanle thought Liu Yi had become foolish from reading too much. In these times, was he still talking about morality? The Sima family could swear to the heavens one moment and break an agreement the next. They hadn’t even signed a treaty, just made a verbal agreement. Why couldn’t it be renegotiated?

In a fit of anger, he poured out the plan he had thought of on the way, "The negotiation is just a discussion between Ji Yuan and me; neither Your Majesty nor the court ministers have agreed. The ministers can always oppose it. By then, we can shorten the duration of non-engagement to within half a year and have Zhao Hanzhang compensate us with some grain and treasure. If she agrees, the matter is settled. If not, we can proceed to send troops rightfully. Seventh Prince, you are a prince of our Xiongnu Khanate; you should consider the interests of the Xiongnu and not be bewitched by Zhao Hanzhang."

Liu Yi said, "I am not bewitched by her; I am seriously considering the interests of our Han Kingdom, Grand Tutor. Since father proclaimed himself emperor, war has persisted for years, the people suffer excessively and, without easing slightly, I fear the outside might not collapse first but our internal situation might become chaotic."

During several days at the Zhao Family Army Camp, Zhao Hanzhang took Liu Yi to meet many Xiongnu and Jiehu. They were all captives Zhao Hanzhang had taken from the battlefield; robust and strong, they formed a fierce cavalry division within the Zhao Family Army.

Liu Yi quietly asked them; some even had relatives in the Han Kingdom. He inquired if they wished to return, as he could request Zhao Hanzhang to let them go back.

Most firmly refused, while a few hesitated but ultimately also declined, instead asking him to have their families released and taken to Yu State.

Fundamentally, it was because the Xiongnu had been at war for years, and the people lived in misery; even the Xiongnu found it unbearable, let alone other Hu clans and Han people.

Liu Yi felt this could not continue, "Father, let the people recuperate; since a two-year discussion has been agreed upon, it shouldn’t allow warfare. How about preparing grain and fodder first?"

Liu Yuan nodded to him, "My son is benevolent, this matter will be discussed with the ministers; you haven’t seen your mother since you returned, go see her and set her mind at ease."

Seeing Liu Yuan’s gentle demeanor, Liu Yi relaxed, agreed, and withdrew to find Empress Shan.

After Liu Yi departed, Liu Yuan spoke to Liu Huanle, "The matter of negotiation is not urgent; Grand Tutor, don’t you think by sending out troops now, we might reclaim the lost land from Zhao Hanzhang, or Luoyang?"

Liu Huanle bowed his head in thought, after some time he replied, "If we mobilize all forces nationwide, we should be able to."

Zhao Hanzhang’s forces are strong now, but our Han Kingdom is no weaker. However, if Gou Xi and Liu Kun also take this opportunity to deploy troops, then maybe not. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Liu Huanle pursed his lips, "Gou Xi is cunning; he might wait until both we and Zhao Hanzhang are weakened and then strike at Jizhou and Bingzhou. Zhao Family Army is currently high-spirited, it’s not wise to confront them head-on, unless..."

Liu Yuan said slowly, "Unless Shi Le is willing to act as the vanguard, to first confront this tough opponent, it would be easier for us to send troops after that, leaving room to handle Gou Xi. As for Liu Kun, he’s restrained by Wang Jun, though willing but powerless, not to be feared."

Liu Huanle: "But Liu Kun and Tuoba Xianbei are on good terms, mutually sworn as brothers; if he invites Xianbei to march south..."

Liu Yuan frowned, "It’s a concern that must be guarded against."

He turned to Liu Huanle, "So, dear minister, do you think it’s still appropriate to send troops now?"

Liu Huanle felt an obstruction in his heart and asked, "Shall we just comply with Zhao Hanzhang’s wishes and sign the treaty?"

"Naturally, we shouldn’t just follow her," Liu Yuan said, "We’re just temporarily refraining from sending troops; it doesn’t mean we have to sign a treaty with her, just delay it."

He sneered, "As long as we haven’t signed a treaty, Zhao Hanzhang’s army will remain confined here, consuming considerable amounts of grain and fodder daily. Little Seven also said it right; we indeed need time to gather resources, half a year should be sufficient."

Liu Huanle widened his eyes, lowering his voice instinctively, "Your Majesty means?"

Liu Yuan murmured quietly, "Emperor Wu passed the throne to such a fool; Jin’s realm should have perished during Emperor Hui’s reign. Our Great Han has been established for four years; it’s time to change the world."

Liu Huanle immediately felt invigorated, his eyes brightened, looking at Liu Yuan and responding affirmatively, "Yes!"

If troops are to be sent, it should be to destroy Jin State, rather than trivial skirmishes with Zhao Hanzhang over a few counties.

To destroy Jin State, one must advance into Yun City, kill Emperor Jin or capture him; only by capturing him before Liu Yuan or he dies at Liu Yuan’s hands, will the subjects of this realm recognize the Xiongnu Khanate as a nation.

Zhao Hanzhang will no longer be able to call him Great Commander sarcastically, mocking him as a Jin Minister.

Liu Yuan clenched his fist; at that time, who is the ruler and who is the subject, he will decide!

Just as Liu Cong was covertly mobilizing troops, intending to attack Beigong Chun, he heard Liu Yi had returned to Pingyang, immediately halting his actions.

He calmly entered the palace to meet the emperor.

Liu Yuan calmly asked Liu Cong, "Where is your Left Army now?"

Liu Cong said, "Your son fears Shi Le might not stop Beigong Chun; therefore, sent the Left Army on guard to prevent Beigong Chun from aiding if Zhao Hanzhang attacks Pingyang City."

Liu Yuan slightly frowned, "Although Shi Le is arrogant, he has skills, and is loyal to Us, if Beigong Chun does dare to dispatch troops against Pingyang, he wouldn’t neglect to intervene. It’s unnecessary to waste troops in such a place."

Liu Cong bowed his head, expressing he would immediately retract the troops.

Only then did Liu Yuan say, "Little Seven has returned, but the few county towns in Hedong County and Fengyi County are still insufficient for us to have a major battle with Zhao Hanzhang; spring plowing is imminent, release the soldiers for spring plowing."

Liu Cong:... How many soldiers in the army need to engage in spring plowing?

The Left and Right Xiongnu divisions are even enclosing good fields for pastures; Zhao Hanzhang’s army needs spring plowing, not theirs, right?

Liu Cong thought swiftly and asked, "Father, has the treaty been settled?"

Liu Yuan said meaningfully, "There’s still room for negotiation, no rush."

Liu Cong: "Then Zhao Hanzhang’s army..."

Liu Yuan: "That’s up to you; keep Zhao Hanzhang’s army confined here. Zhao Hanzhang invaded Si Province; Gou Xi has long been discontent. Just a little instigation, he might not hold back against Yu State; and Gou Xi is severe by nature. His subordinates have long been dissatisfied with him; Emperor Jin can’t restrain him. If we offer significant profits, we should be able to win loyalty."

If not, then it’s Liu Cong and his men’s issue.

Liu Cong felt a cold gaze settling on him, his spine went icy, promptly saying, "Your son will send people with gold, silver, jewels to Yun City immediately."

Liu Yuan looked somewhat satisfied, "Withdraw now."

"Yes."

After Liu Cong withdrew, he went to the harem to see Empress Shan and Liu Yi.

Fearing father might want to deploy troops again, Liu Yi quickly sat beside him trying to reason with him, Liu Yuan just patted his head, "Rest assured, I don’t intend to clash with Zhao Hanzhang now, it would only benefit others."

Liu Yi did not understand, "Benefit whom?"

"There are many possibilities: Gou Xi, Wang Jun, and maybe Tuoba Xianbei," Liu Yuan didn’t want to discuss state affairs with him, instead smiled asking, "What did you do these past few days in the Zhao Family Army Camp? You weren’t really bullied, were you?"