Just when Liu Wu achieved a great victory on the grasslands south of the desert and began to make large-scale adjustments and arrangements for the Xianbei people.

The news of Liu Wu’s great victory in the southern grasslands of the desert spread into the Han territory like a whirlwind.

The people of the northern states of Bingzhou and Youzhou were the first to learn about it.

Upon learning that the Xianbei people were directly defeated by Liu Wu, the people of You and Bing states became excited and happy.

Even many people in You and Bing states celebrated by dancing lions and other means.

The reason for this is that the two states are located in the northern frontier. In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, nomadic peoples such as the Xianbei often invaded the border, bringing disasters of burning, killing and looting to the people of You and Bing states time and time again.

Therefore, defeating the Xianbei people, defending the border and resisting foreign enemies became an important task for the border generals of the Han Dynasty at that time.

Liu Wu defeated the Xianbei and defended the homes of the people in You and Bing states, allowing them to be free from the suffering of war in the future. This greatly enhanced their sense of security and made them no longer worry about the invasion and plundering of the Xianbei. How could they not be shocked and excited?

The people of You and Bing states were delighted, and Cao Cao, who had just captured Jinyang City, also received the news.

Jinyang City, the county magistrate’s office.

In the hall.

“How is this possible? Liu Wu actually defeated the Xianbei people in the south of the desert in such a short time?”

Cao Cao, with a head full of white hair, listened to Xun Yu’s report in disbelief.

Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi’s two sons, as well as Xu Chu, Le Jin, Zhang Liao, Cao Xiu, Xiahou Shang, Cao Zhen, Zhang Xiu, Ma Teng and others all looked incredulous.

Xun Yu’s eyes were filled with complex expressions. He bowed to Cao Cao and said:
“Reporting to Sikong, this is absolutely true. Liu Wu has escorted all the young and strong men of the Xianbei to the Han territory and made them slaves. He has to repair the city for the Han, open up official roads, and cultivate land. In addition, he has selected beautiful women from various Xianbei tribes and recruited husbands from among the Han men. If a child is born on the grassland, he will be rewarded with ten sheep or a cow, and fifty acres of grassland will be allocated!”

Xun Yu reported all the information he had obtained to Cao Cao.

However, as he said this, Xun Yu’s heart was filled with complicated feelings. His gaze towards Cao Cao changed and he sighed softly.

He, Xun Yu, also known as Xun Wenruo, was born in the Xun family of Yingchuan. When he was young, he was known as “a talent who can assist the king”. He possessed outstanding wisdom and talent. He came from a prominent family and had received the grace of the Han Dynasty for generations. Naturally, Xun Yu also had the ambition to revive the Han Dynasty.

When warlords were fighting for power and the country was in chaos, he traveled around and actively contacted the gentry to save the country.

He successively surrendered to Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, hoping to assist the wise ruler to support the Han Dynasty. Before surrendering to Cao Cao, he saw that Yuan Shao was indecisive and short-sighted, and later turned to Cao Cao, giving him advice and making great contributions.

He, Xun Yu, held an important position in Cao Cao’s camp, responsible for the rear-line and internal logistics, and performed outstandingly.

He once suggested that Cao Cao follow the example of Duke Wen of Jin in welcoming back King Xiang of Zhou and go to Luoyang to welcome back the emperor in order to increase Cao Cao’s credibility, which was a sign of loyalty to the emperor.

He always believed that Cao Cao was a capable minister and was loyal to the Han Dynasty. Therefore, he was willing to assist Cao Cao, hoping that Cao Cao would unify the world and restore the Han Dynasty and return power to the Han emperor.

In fact, Xun Yu’s loyalty was not simply loyalty to Liu Xie or the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, but was more reflected in the maintenance of the Han Dynasty.

He also hopes that the Han Dynasty can stabilize and restore its former glory.

But, looking at it now.

Cao Cao did not fulfill the role of the capable minister in his mind very well. Instead, Liu Wu assisted the emperor in establishing his kingdom, ruled half of the country, and even defeated the powerful Xianbei and incorporated the grasslands south of the desert into the territory of the Han Dynasty. He looked like a genius and a great man.

Sitting in the main seat, Cao Cao’s expression became very interesting as he listened to Xun Yu’s report. He looked at Xun Yu with disbelief and shock.

It seemed that Liu Wu was deeply shocked by what Xun Yu said about his strategy towards the Xianbei.

“This… Liu Wu actually wants to occupy the southern grasslands of the desert?”

Cao Cao was shocked.

Everyone in the hall was in an uproar.

The men of the Xianbei tribe were made slaves and used as laborers in the Han Dynasty, while the Xianbei women served as soldiers in the Han Dynasty and gave birth to children. Wouldn’t that mean they were directly occupying the grasslands south of the desert?

Xun Yu nodded and said in a complicated tone, “This should be the purpose of King Liu Wu of Chu. He has a big appetite and his methods are very fierce.”

“This……”

After Cao Cao was shocked, his expression soon turned ugly.

Yes, Cao Cao was very shocked that Liu Wu was actually able to defeat the Xianbei people. However, after calming down, Cao Cao felt that this was really not a good thing for him.

why?
Because Liu Wu has taken over the Monan grassland, he can raise cavalry on the Monan grassland. By then, with 200,000 or 300,000 cavalrymen sweeping southward, how can he resist such a large cavalry force?
In an instant, Cao Cao realized the seriousness of the problem.

“Liu Wu is really a big worry for me. It seems that when he invited me to attack Bingzhou together, he was planning to capture the south of the desert.”

Cao Cao was quite agitated and felt that he was being used.

Everyone in the hall was quite angry about this.

Xun Yu didn’t say anything, he just felt that his future was doomed.

He has begun to reflect on whether following Cao Cao was the right choice.

………

Xuzhou.

When the news came back that Liu Wu led more than 100,000 cavalrymen to defeat the Xianbei tribe and occupied the grasslands south of the desert, everyone in Xuzhou was shocked.

Penghou Mansion.

In the hall.

Sun Shao sat in the main seat with an ugly look on his face.

At this time, Sun Shao was getting older and more heroic.

However, the news sent back from the north made him a little panicked.

Taishi Ci, Lu Su, Zhu Zhi, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, Jiang Qin, Zhou Tai and other civil and military officials gathered together.

“The King of Chu defeated the Xianbei in a battle on the grassland and occupied the entire grassland south of the desert. I’m afraid that the entire south of the desert will become a training ground for the King of Chu’s cavalry. The King of Chu’s power is increasing. What should we do?”

Sun Shao’s words sounded somewhat anxious. In fact, it was not just Sun Shao who looked unhappy. All the civil and military officials looked unhappy.

The stronger Liu Wu became, the more difficult their situation became.

“My lord, we should step up our contact with Cao Cao. We can’t delay any longer and should start a war with the King of Chu as soon as possible. Otherwise, after Liu Wu has taken over the grassland, hundreds of thousands of cavalry will march south, and we will be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.”

Lu Su bowed to Sun Shao, but suggested going to war with Liu Wu as soon as possible.

Sun Shao listened to what Lu Su said, but nodded and said:

“In that case, Zijing, you should go to Luoyang in person.”

……

In Youzhou, just as Liu Wu had just returned from the grassland, he received good news from Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu led his army out of Wuzhong (today’s Jixian County, Tianjin) and attacked Wuhuan in the east. However, it was rainy and the roads were blocked. In order to prevent Zhou Yu’s army from blocking the important roads, Zhou Yu’s army was blocked.

However, the Wuhuan army did not know that Liu Wu’s advice to Zhou Yu was not to take the main road. Zhou Yu adopted Liu Wu’s suggestion without hesitation and took a remote path to attack the enemy by surprise. He turned back and falsely claimed that he would march again next year in order to confuse the Wuhuan army.

With Tian Chou and Xianyu Fu as guides, Zhou Yu went up Xuwu Mountain (now east of Zunhua, Hebei). Tens of thousands of troops came out of Lulong Pass (now Xifengkou area in Hebei) and marched hundreds of miles through the mountains.

Zhou Yu’s army finally crossed the mountains and encountered the Wuhuan army at Bailang Mountain (southeast of Lingyuan today). The two sides immediately engaged in a fierce battle, which was different from the historical situation in which Cao Cao’s army arrived at Bailang Mountain and Cao Cao was trapped due to his small number of troops. With the outstanding performance of Zhang Liao, Cao Cao keenly perceived the weakness of the Wuhuan army and urged Cao Cao to take advantage of the enemy’s disorganized formation to quickly fight. Zhang Liao then killed the Wuhuan Chanyu Tadun, who was known for his “bravery and martial arts”, on the battlefield.

Zhou Yu had already detected the Wuhuan army and the surrounding terrain, and the army behind him provided continuous support, launching a surprise attack and encirclement on the unprepared Wuhuan army.

A huge war broke out in Bailang Mountain.

The weapons and armor under Zhou Yu’s command were no match for the Wuhuan army, and Zhou Yu’s army launched a surprise attack.

The Wuhuan army was defeated.

Tadun and the leaders of the Wuhuan tribe were all captured, and more than 20 other Wuhuan surrendered.

Youzhou, Dai County, County Magistrate’s Office.

Zhou Yu bowed to Liu Wu, who came to greet him personally at the city gate, and said solemnly:

“Your Majesty, I have accomplished my mission. The population of Wuhuan is over 300,000, and they are all waiting for your disposal.”

Liu Wu was very satisfied when he saw the heroic Zhou Yu.

Although they had his suggestions and had to travel through the mountains, it was still not easy to defeat the Wuhuan. Zhou Yu obviously did a very good job.

“Yes, you did not embarrass me. The treatment of the Wuhuan tribe will be the same as that of the Xianbei tribe. All the young and strong men of the Wuhuan will be taken to the State of Chu and made slaves. They will repair cities, open up official roads, and cultivate land for the State of Chu. If they work hard and make contributions, they may be freed from slavery. Beautiful women from all Wuhuan tribes will be selected to recruit men from among the Han men. If they give birth to a child, they will be rewarded with ten sheep or a cow, and given land and pasture.”

Liu Wu said to Zhou Yu with a smile.

Liu Wu believed that this was the quickest way to occupy the nomadic territory.

Moreover, it can accelerate the genetic integration between the Han people and the nomadic peoples, which will be a great merit even in the future.

“promise!”

“Okay, now the north has been victorious, but the situation in the south is not stable. I have to go back to Xiangyang. However, the north has just been settled and is still unstable. I want to ask His Majesty to confer the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Han Dynasty on you, so that you can guard the north on my behalf. Do you have the confidence?”

Liu Wu asked Zhou Yu.

Letting Zhou Yu stay in the north was a decision made by Liu Wu after careful consideration. The north was just being settled, and not only would the Xianbei and Wuhuan people be disobedient, but even Cao Cao, Sun Shao and others would probably make some moves.

He needed to return to Xiangyang to take charge of the overall situation, and a general must be left behind in the north.

When Zhou Yu heard that Liu Wu was actually asking for him to be appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry to guard the north, he was immediately excited and said to Liu Wu solemnly:

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will protect the north for you!”

Next, Liu Wu explained to Zhou Yu how to treat the grasslands south of the desert and the Wuhuan.

Liu Wu began to move south.

……

Outside Xiangyang City.

As the news of General Liu Wu’s triumphant return spread, the noble families and common people in Xiangyang City poured into the streets to welcome Liu Wu’s triumphant return.

Colorful flags were flying on both sides of the streets, drums and music were playing, and the entire Xiangyang city was immersed in a festive atmosphere.

Outside the city of Xiangyang, there was a bustling crowd of people, and even the emperor Liu Xie came with a group of civil and military officials to personally welcome Liu Wu.

In fact, Liu Wu’s achievements this time were too great.

Defeated the Xianbei in one battle and directly occupied the vast grasslands south of the desert.

Even during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, such an achievement would have been earth-shaking.

What’s more, the Han Dynasty is now in decline.

It can be said that Liu Wu’s achievements this time were so great that even Liu Xie had no chance to find fault with him. He even had to jog when he went out of the city to welcome him.

Among the welcoming crowd, the elders of Xiangyang’s aristocratic families discussed Liu Wu’s achievements:
“The King of Chu is so brave! He was able to conquer those fierce Xianbei people on the grasslands of Monan. He really brought honor to our Han Dynasty!”

“Yes, the King of Chu is not only a martial arts expert, but also a wise and brave man. His triumphant return this time has brought him greater prestige, and it has also made our family better!”

The people of Xiangyang City were also very excited, with pride and joy on their faces:
“The King of Chu is the pride of Xiangyang! Not only did he bring us a relaxed policy, he even avenged the people of our Han Dynasty. In the past, the Xianbei people repeatedly invaded our Han border counties. I heard that this time, all the Xianbei men were made slaves. How satisfying!”

“I heard that the King of Chu was brave and fearless on the battlefield, leading his troops from the front, which is why he won every battle. Your Majesty is so brave, how could you not win a battle?”

Amidst the heated discussions, Liu Wu appeared in everyone’s sight, riding a tall horse, wearing armor, and leading a large army armed to the teeth with sharp weapons.

Wow!
Seeing Liu Wu’s figure, everyone became excited.

“Father, father!”

When Liu Wu came near the emperor and exchanged greetings with him, his eldest son Liu Mu and second son Liu Wei, who had grown taller and stronger, came forward to help Liu Wu hold the reins.

“Mu’er, Wei’er, I haven’t seen you for a year. You both look like little adults now.”

Liu Wu looked at his sons Liu Mu and Liu Wei and smiled.

“Let’s go home.”

After a year of expedition, Liu Wu missed his beautiful wives and concubines very much.

“Ah.”

With his two sons holding the reins, Liu Wu followed the emperor’s dragon chariot back to the King of Chu’s Palace amid the cheers of the onlookers.

As soon as Liu Wu entered the room, Madam Gan, Madam Mi, Da Qiao, Zhen Mi, Sun Shangxiang and other beautiful wives and concubines immediately surrounded Liu Wu.

She pinched this and touched that, fearing that Liu Wu would get hurt.

That night, they slept in the same quilt, which was naturally a very enjoyable experience.

……

A few days later.

Prince Chu’s Mansion.

The meeting hall.

Liu Wu sat on the throne.

Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Pang Tong, Cai Mao, Huang Zu, Mi Zhu, Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang and others gathered together.

Zhuge Liang first reported to Liu Wu that Gan Ning had led the naval ships and had been on the march for several months, but there was no news of his return.

“Your Majesty, Gan Ning and his men have been on the move for several months, and there is no news yet. I’m afraid they are in danger, right?”

Zhuge Liang asked Liu Wu with some concern.

The sea was boundless, and they knew nothing about its depths. If it weren’t for Liu Wu’s solemn promise, they would never have thought of crossing the ocean.

(End of this chapter)