Chapter 432

Chapter 432

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Side Story: The Winds of the Western Regions (1)

Belonging to the book:


Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 432 Side Story: The Winds of the Western Regions

Longevity—

This roundabout statement is indeed an affirmation of Qiao Yan’s completed mission!

Although the system was speechless about how Qiao Yan completed the task, at the moment of judging the task’s completion, it still felt a surge of excitement.

It almost rushed to the system center to boast, as its Strategist System 068 achieved a complete victory, directly accomplishing the first host’s mission perfectly.

Moreover, since Qiao Yan completed this task in just thirteen years, it now has a vacation of eighty to ninety years.

This is quite a feat to brag about.

Internally, the system might grumble a bit, saying her methods were all about coercion and bribery, leveraging her position as the Son of Heaven and using next year’s subordinate-exclusive Victory Coin as a bargaining chip to gain recognition from all sides.

But externally, if any wandering system came to it for advice on how to achieve such a difficult task in the late Han dynasty, it would definitely say:

“Coercing” subordinates to acknowledge her as the top strategist totally counts as completing the mission!

As long as it gets the job done, any method is acceptable.

After all, if one were to choose the top strategist in the world, it should at least be among the civil officials who followed Qiao Yan in conquering the realm.

It certainly wouldn’t be from among Yuan Shao’s subordinates still serving hard labor, or those who just passed this year’s imperial examination and entered the Da Yong bureaucracy.

Even though the former includes people like Ju Shou and Shen Pei, and the latter has top scorer Dong Zhao, to be the top strategist at this point in time, one must have some notable achievements to show.

And when these people all acknowledge that Her Majesty Qiao Yan is more deserving of this “top” title, then Qiao Yan is naturally the undisputed top strategist!

[Fortunately, you only need to throw this question to the civil officials.] After submitting the report on achieving the ultimate goal, the system said with some relief.

The civil officials entrusted by Qiao Yan, even if not as shrewd as Jia Xu or Li Ru, must be young prodigies like Zhuge Liang or Sima Yi, and they wouldn’t misunderstand the hidden meaning behind her words.

Although the question Qiao Yan posed to them was a bit strange, considering she previously gave them a problem about beast formations, this time it was just Her Majesty wanting to hear some praise from her subordinates after smoothly overcoming the crisis in the second year of Yuan Zhao, which is quite normal.

If this question were posed to Dian Wei, he might seriously ponder whether Cheng Yu or Guo Jia better fits Qiao Yan’s needs, but when given to the civil officials, the responses received were along these lines—

“As Your Majesty said, there is no first in literature, but when comparing the two, there must be a conclusion. Your Majesty excels in long-term planning, with no omissions in the overall strategy, which I cannot match.”

“A good military strategist captures cities without attacking. Looking at the wise men of the world, Your Majesty is first-rate.”

“A good strategist should be good at recognizing talent. There are many strategists, but few like Bole.”

“…”

In summary, there’s only one meaning—

No matter which aspect of a strategist is considered, Qiao Yan ranks first.

Even if not directly stated, it implies that Qiao Yan is ahead of them.

Thus, there’s no room for dispute!

The only slight exception was Yang Xiu.

When he received this special inquiry, he specifically came to Qiao Yan to ask if Her Majesty’s action had any other meaning, unlike others who directly gave an answer.

Earlier, due to overthinking and misunderstanding, Yang Xiu was once sent to Baidao River. Now, with Yang Biao stepping back and placing all hopes of the Hongnong Yang family on him, Yang Xiu couldn’t help but worry. If Qiao Yan wasn’t hinting for her subordinates to declare her as the top but merely wanted an objective evaluation, he might step on a landmine again.

Regarding Yang Xiu’s unnecessary worry, Qiao Yan chose to send him to Leping Academy to improve his normal comprehension skills, and then recall him to Chang’an next spring.

After all, thirteen years ago, Yang Xiu lost to her at Dingzhong Temple, and he never had a chance to turn the tables. Whether he answered or not didn’t affect the outcome.

However, as Yang Xiu sat in the carriage heading to Bingzhou, he saw a letter from Qiao Yan stating that his mission to search and confiscate hidden households from various noble families was temporarily suspended.

Although Yang Xiu’s main tasks this year were in Ji, Qing, Yan, and Yu provinces, next year’s favorable conditions made it unsuitable for further coercive actions.

Even if they were to use soft tactics, they should let the meat fatten up a bit first.

Instead, Yang Xiu should first go to Leping Academy on her behalf to explain the various laws handled by the Secretariat since her ascension to the throne over the past year and a half to the students there. This would provide these future pillars of the state, besides the Leping Monthly Report, another channel to stay in touch with the times.

The last sentence in the letter was, if Yang Xiu couldn’t even understand these few words, then the Hongnong Yang family should send someone else to her.

Whether Yang Xiu would sigh “the ruler’s heart is hard to fathom” is uncertain, but Qiao Yan certainly didn’t take this episode to heart.

After successfully resolving the death crisis that would have appeared in six or seven years, and with the coming winter making drought disasters unnecessary to consider, she could focus more on the changes in the Western Regions.

The Western Regions…

In the past, Emperor Wu of Han had to conquer the Western Regions and establish the Protectorate of the Western Regions because it was an important source of supplies for the powerful Xiongnu.

If they could control the Hexi Corridor and further manage the Western Regions, even if they couldn’t win battles in the north, they could cut off a vital arm of the Xiongnu.

Qiao Yan’s current situation is somewhat different from Emperor Wu’s.

The land once occupied by the Xiongnu had long since become a settlement for the Xianbei people due to the westward migration of the Northern Xiongnu and the internal submission of the Southern Xiongnu. With Budugen’s submission to Da Yong, the region was under Qiao Yan’s control, posing no threat to the northern provinces. Thus, there was no need for such roundabout methods to curb the northern Hu people.

Her goal to take over the Protectorate of the Western Regions was more about expanding Da Yong’s territory and delivering a significant blow to the watchful Kushan Empire, ensuring the overland Silk Road remained under her control!

Moreover, in her mind, having received modern education, Xinjiang is undoubtedly an inseparable part of China.

Although the basin is currently scattered with dozens of small states without clear borders, making it difficult to unify them all after troops march west from Yumen Pass, it doesn’t hinder Qiao Yan’s ambitions!

They must act quickly.

They must not let part of this land be swallowed by her neighboring land power.

Lu Yuan only guessed from Zhang He’s reports that the young king was no ordinary figure.

But Qiao Yan knew clearly that after Bo Diao ascended the throne, he reversed the decline caused by his predecessor, King Huvishka II of the Kushan Empire. If not for Bo Diao’s later folly and the rise of the Sassanid Empire amidst the chaos, he might have truly brought the Kushan Empire back to its peak.

Thus, it is necessary to quickly disrupt his actions!

Even if they don’t make an enemy of him now, they must keep the initiative in their hands.

Moreover, taking advantage of this military expedition, they must make the thirty-six states of the Western Regions clearly see that the Central Plains are no longer in a state of neglect beyond Yumen Pass, but a mighty nation capable of hosting all who come to pay tribute!

——————

When Lu Yuan and Jiang Tang arrived in Dunhuang County, all those needed to assist in this campaign had already gathered.

Xu Rong and his deputy Yan Xing were naturally here.

Ma Teng, who returned to Chang’an, left Ma Dai stationed here, who had also taken his seat.

Since Ma Chao excelled in battles in Liangzhou’s terrain, he was likely to have some advantages beyond the Hexi Corridor, so he was transferred here by Qiao Yan in August.

With Xu Rong as the main general here and Ma Chao arranged to fight in Yizhou, Xuzhou, and Qingzhou, even if he and Ma Dai joined forces, Qiao Yan wasn’t worried about any trouble from the Ma family army.

Additionally, Zhang He, who didn’t receive Yuan Shao’s support in the Hebei battles, chose to come to Liangzhou to assist in the campaign to reclaim the Protectorate of the Western Regions, given Qiao Yan’s two options.

Then there’s Pingliang Middle General Fu Gan, and Zuo Ci, Yu Ji, and Yu Fan, who had followed Lu Yuan to Liangzhou earlier.

This gathering truly showcases a wealth of talent.

When Ban Chao was sent to the Western Regions, he didn’t have such a grand setup, let alone the conditions they have today, with years of trade along the Silk Road, recording all the details along the way from Yumen Pass to Dayuan and other places on sheepskin scrolls, finally summarized on the sand table before them.

Lu Yuan sat at the head, nodding to Xu Rong, “I’d like to hear General Xu’s thoughts.”

Xu Rong said, “I agree with Lu…”








The Governor said, “We must strike the Kushan before they can develop their strength.”

“Years ago, I discussed the western regions with His Majesty, mentioning that the Kushan Empire was established after the Da Yuezhi plundered the lands north of India. According to this, the Kushan king is a descendant of the Da Yuezhi, who roamed around Zhangye and Dunhuang during the Qin and Han dynasties. Although they are a Qiang and Hu tribe, they can still be considered our people.”

“However, the trade missions we sent in recent years have had increasing interactions with them, and we have learned that the Kushan and the Da Yuezhi should not be confused. Regardless of the alternation between the Greater and Lesser Yuezhi and the Kushan, the current Kushan king, Bo Diao, is actually from the Bactrian region, not a descendant of those who migrated from our Liang Province to Bactria.”

“Those who are not of our kind will surely have different intentions. We must not allow them to rise!”

In other words, the Yuezhi were forced by the Xiongnu to migrate to Bactria, destroyed the Bactrian kingdom, divided it into five parts, and the Kushan, which grew stronger, eventually replaced them.

Thus, the Kushan king Bo Diao traces his lineage to the native Bactrians of Central Asia, not to the nomadic tribes of Liang Province.

For them, there might be a possibility of alliance, but it’s also prudent to treat them as enemies first!

If we don’t crush their ambitions of coveting the 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions and even observing the situation in the Four Commanderies of Hexi, trouble will inevitably arise.

Lu Yuan’s decision aligns with his thoughts.

Everyone present felt somewhat reassured.

Xu Rong has always been cautious. Initially, Ma Dai, Yan Xing, and others were worried that Xu Rong might oppose Lu Yuan’s proposal to attack in winter.

His Majesty’s decision has not yet reached Dunhuang, which could lead to disputes.

But now that both are in favor of war, things are much easier.

Seeing Lu Yuan signal him to continue, Xu Rong said, “Moreover, the experiences of the Former Han in repeatedly attacking Dayuan and other countries have set an example for us. If it were just like when I and Ma Shoucheng went to transport horses, that would be one thing. But if we are to engage the Kushan, we should first establish a stronghold.”

“During the Former Han, the Yihou Commandant was stationed in Yiwu, the Wuji Commandant in Liuzhong, and the former Protectorate of the Western Regions was located in Tugan. All these places have kings who could be revived. After exiting Yumen Pass, taking the southern route to Shanshan is also an option.”

Xu Rong pointed at the sand table and said, “My point is, although we need to send troops, we should not rashly embark on a long-distance expedition. Either we head north to the Tianshan Mountains, first capture Jushi, retake Liuzhong, and re-establish the Protectorate of the Western Regions and the Wuji Commandant, or we head south to Shanshan and establish a foothold at Puchanghai.”

Jushi, also known as Gushi, was originally located in the salt marshes. After being repeatedly attacked by the Han army, they were forced to move north and settled at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.

Shanshan, originally named Loulan, was renamed after General Huo Guang of the Han Dynasty sent Fu Jiezi to assassinate the Loulan king during the fourth year of Emperor Zhao’s Yuanfeng era, and installed the king’s younger brother as the new ruler.

These two places, one in the north and one in the south, are crucial points after passing through the dependent territories beyond Yumen Pass.

If, as Xu Rong suggests, we don’t directly cross the Protectorate of the Western Regions to attack the Kushan but instead advance step by step, first securing the military bases in the Western Regions, then choosing which route to take is undoubtedly a critical issue!

Xu Rong continued, “The situation in the northern route is known to all. Liuzhong and Yiwu both have old defensive cities, which are more suitable for our long-term garrison. Moreover, if we can successively capture the front and rear parts of Jushi, the Tianshan gap will be back under our control, and the Northern Xiongnu, who have retreated to Kangju, will have no chance to invade south. Whether we succeed in conquering the Kushan or not, we can first eliminate a potential threat for His Majesty.”

“As for the southern route, it’s similar to when Zhao Ponu led troops through the Great Sea Route. The winter snow and hail can serve as water sources for our army crossing the desert. Additionally, Shanshan is farther from neighboring countries, making it easier for our army to move stealthily and conceal our movements.”

Choosing which route to take, given the harsh environment of the Western Regions and the season of the campaign, has its difficulties, but each also has its advantages.

Xu Rong has already analyzed this clearly.

However, before Lu Yuan could analyze this further, Ma Chao interjected, “Why bother with north or south routes? Although Shanshan and Jushi are called kingdoms, they each have only about ten thousand registered people. Even including slaves, the number of able-bodied men available for combat is only six to seven thousand. Not to mention, Jushi is divided into four parts: the front kingdom, the rear kingdom, the commandant kingdom, and the rear city chiefdom, located on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, making communication inconvenient and interests unaligned. They are nothing but a ragtag group.”

“Give me three thousand elite soldiers, and I will wipe out both sides!”

Ma Chao’s words were indeed arrogant.

But upon closer examination, his proposal isn’t entirely impossible.

The 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions, over the years, can be aptly described by a statement made by the Loulan king when he was captured and brought to Chang’an for questioning.

He said, “A small state between two great powers cannot survive without submitting to both.”

At that time, the great powers were the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu.

Later, after the decline of the Xiongnu, another great power could be the Kushan.

These kingdoms, accustomed to playing both sides over the years, likely have little combat effectiveness among their able-bodied men, as Ma Chao suspects.

Moreover, Jushi and Shanshan do not border the Kushan but are adjacent to the Four Commanderies of Hexi, having seen little military action in recent decades.

Thus, for our elite soldiers, fighting one against five is not difficult.

In fact, given that Da Yong inherits the impression left by the Han Dynasty on foreign nations, once we open a breach in the battle, we can immediately form an unstoppable, formidable offensive!

Even ignoring the differences in military preparedness and historical evolution between the two sides, just looking at today’s morale, our Da Yong troops far surpass the enemy!

Ma Chao is not someone to be trifled with.

His father earned his place in the Xuanyuan Pavilion by bringing back cotton seeds and fine horses. He hasn’t achieved that yet.

If he doesn’t seize this opportunity to gain some military merit, there might not be a better chance for him.

Everyone present understands this.

However, as soon as Ma Chao finished speaking, someone in the room chuckled.

Ma Chao turned his head towards the source of the laughter and saw Yu Fan’s not yet fully composed expression.

He frowned and asked, “What are you laughing at?”

He was certain that the laughter wasn’t a mistake but a genuine sound from the other person.

Yu Fan waved his hand, “General Mengqi, don’t worry. I’m not laughing at your boast. With our army’s strength, it’s feasible to send three thousand elite soldiers to attack both Jushi and Shanshan, as you suggested. At most, the losses would be greater, and it would be easier for the Kushan to detect our movements. I was just thinking—”

“If I recall correctly, in the early years, there was a rumor that General Mengqi’s eyesight wasn’t very good? I wonder if there might be any issues with navigation in these foreign lands?”

A vein throbbed on Ma Chao’s forehead.

What does he mean by “eyesight not very good”?

Yu Fan might as well have said outright that it was when Ma Chao mistook Lü Bu for their Majesty during an attempt to assassinate Qiao Yan.

He doesn’t know how this Yang Province official learned about this incident, but he clearly understood the sarcasm and disapproval in Yu Fan’s words regarding his proposed military strategy!

But for Ma Chao to give up on this idea just like that is also quite frustrating.

He asked Yu Fan, “If, as you say, my eyesight is indeed poor, that’s fine. But you, sir, must have some skills, given your fame in prophecy. If you were to serve as my military advisor and guide, would that be feasible?”

Yu Fan replied leisurely, “I don’t think that’s advisable either. The Western Regions are a wild and desolate place. Without having personally traveled there, it’s hard to move swiftly or navigate the terrain. I fear we might both end up buried in the yellow sand. That would be most unfortunate.”

“Future generations, upon seeing General Mengqi’s corpse, might say, ‘Here lies a brave general of Da Yong, alas, too reckless, perished among the dunes.’ But if they see me, Yu Fan, they would probably say—”

Yu Fan laughed and said frankly, “What a fool who didn’t know his own limits!”

Author’s note:

Yu Fan, a man who never hesitates to insult even himself.

The joke about the Loulan beauty and the mummy number two (just kidding).

Of course, at this stage, the name Loulan no longer exists, as explained in the text.

He doesn’t support attacking both routes simultaneously, but he’s not against attacking in general. Just to clarify, I’ll add this.

Today’s update is a bit shorter. Starting tomorrow, we’ll return to the usual schedule of updates at 9:30 AM and 9:00 PM.

The Western Regions section won’t be too detailed, with occasional interludes of Qiao Qiao and her subordinates bantering (just kidding).

Don’t say you’re not familiar with this part of history; even I’m not that familiar.

Historical records of the Western Regions during the Three Kingdoms period are scarce, including the power transitions of the Kushan Empire during this time. Specific years are somewhat vague, so I had to make up some parts.

This section… actually, if you look at the Kushan king’s timeline, different references can vary by up to 20 years.

Especially for this Bo Diao, who coincides with the late Eastern Han period. I checked four different timelines, and his ascension years range from 190, 191, 195, to 213. It’s ridiculous.

Anyway, no need to stress over it. Just write it in a way that makes sense.

See you tomorrow at 9:30 AM~