Chapter 1411: An Expedient Measure

Listening to his account, Emperor Liu merely nodded without speaking. After a brief pause for thought, he asked Liu Yang, "This time, I have broadly invited all the barbarian tribes to the capital as guests. You should be clear on the reason and the intent behind this — you don't truly think it's to discuss matters of state with these inner and outer barbarians, do you?"

Hearing this, Liu Yang revealed a slight smile and gently shook his head, saying, "Though your son is dull-witted and cannot fully grasp Your Majesty's intent, after more than half a year of deliberation and observation, I have some measure of speculation."

As for the talk of discussing state affairs together — not to mention your son, even among the full court of ministers, not many would take it seriously. Father and Chancellor Zhao have governed with this in mind, and have repeatedly mentioned before that the Great Han now needs stability, needs to nurture its people, restore national strength, and adopt a policy of contraction across all fronts to consolidate the foundations.

In recent years, the Great Han has expanded too rapidly — the recovered and newly opened territories number in the thousands of li. Though the military achievements are glorious, the expenditure of money and grain, and the losses of troops and horses, have come at a tremendous cost, leading to unstable foundations that have reached a point the Great Han can barely sustain. Hence the urgent need to halt and regroup, to consolidate the fruits of victory.

At present, peace has already been concluded with Goryeo, and the situation in the Western Regions has gradually stabilized with the recovery of Luntai and Beiting. So long as the court extends goodwill, a period of peace can be maintained for some time in the short term.

Thus, apart from the Khitan in the north, the Great Han has essentially achieved the cessation of hostilities. Only the northwest and southwest regions — with their complex geography, peoples, and customs — are extremely difficult to manage. These years of unceasing conflict have left the frontiers unsettled. Though they are but minor ailments, they still drain no small amount of the court's energy and financial resources.

Moreover, if the court remains unwary, in the long run, a minor ailment could grow into a grave illness. Therefore, if the court can take the lead in drawing in the various tribes, seeking peace, reducing the court's troubles, and allowing the Great Han to devote more energy to domestic recovery and striking at Liao — that would be a choice made in accord with the times..."

"It seems you have indeed put some thought into pondering this matter!" After hearing Liu Yang's views, Emperor Liu's demeanor softened somewhat, and he said to him, "Then tell me, do you think this move will have any effect? If so, how great an effect can it achieve — can it fulfill what the court hopes for?"

Upon the question, Liu Yang thought for a while longer, then let out a light sigh and said, "If we speak of completely eliminating the sources of trouble, achieving peace, and bringing all tribes to shared prosperity — I fear that would be difficult to accomplish. Even if the Great Han were ever so powerful, it would be hard to make the various tribes, inner and outer, submit willingly from the heart. Even if compelled by might, they may appear sincere while harboring cunning within!"

However, if through this move we can recruit a portion of the Han-friendly tribes, ensure that the major powers among the various tribes cooperate with the court in jointly maintaining peace on the western border, then for the court, that would already lighten a considerable burden!

At the very least, through this round of consultations, stability along the various western frontiers can be guaranteed for the next ten to twenty years!"

After Liu Yang finished speaking, he couldn't help but let out a light breath. Emperor Liu, having heard him out, also revealed a hint of a smile — yet he asked with a somewhat inscrutable air, "Over the past decade or more, regarding the Great Han's expenditures on frontier defense, colonization, and administration along the northwest and southwest borders, as well as the various regional conflicts and rebellions that have occurred — have you conducted a detailed investigation?"

Liu Yang was taken aback, but only for a brief instant before he replied, "Though I have not conducted a detailed investigation, I have some understanding — indeed, the costs are considerable. In the four northwestern circuits alone, over sixty thousand garrison troops are stationed year-round, and in recent years, for the sake of the northern expedition, the number has exceeded one hundred thousand. On military expenditure alone, the court's annual outlay is no less than seven million strings of cash!

Additionally, the garrison defense of Yunnan, Qianzhong, and the various frontier prefectures and passes consumes equally enormous sums in pay and provisions, and the other administrative expenditures are likewise no small figure!"

Emperor Liu nodded, not particularly concerned whether Liu Yang had specific details on the matter, but said instead, "Let us set aside the four northwestern circuits and the Yunnan-Qian garrisons for now — those are special circumstances that will gradually be reduced in the future.

Speaking only of the remaining frontier regions — for their defense, governance, and consolidation, the annual official salaries, military pay, and all administrative expenses are indeed considerable, requiring the court's sustained investment and support. But with the Great Han's national strength, can it sustain this?"

Not waiting for Liu Yang to answer, Emperor Liu continued on his own: "I can tell you with certainty — had the previous northern expedition not been so extravagantly costly as to drain the treasury, then with the court's financial resources, these expenditures would be entirely sustainable!

Therefore, devoting effort to regional peace, eliminating troubles along the way, and lightening the court's burden — that is not the primary purpose of this great assembly! So long as the court's national strength and finances recover, everything you spoke of will cease to be a problem!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Yang's face showed a hint of puzzlement, and he then humbly and earnestly sought instruction: "Your son respectfully awaits Father's teachings!"

Emperor Liu then said in a leisurely, measured tone, "Summoning all these powers to the capital this time — speaking nicely, it is for peaceful coexistence and the welfare of the border peoples. But in reality, it is a compromise and concession on the part of the Great Han. On this point, you should have a clear understanding!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang's expression suddenly turned grave, as if somewhat unable to accept it, and he said in a low voice, "Yes!"

"Since the Qianyou northern expedition, I have been forceful for over a decade, and the Great Han has been equally forceful toward the surrounding states and powers for just as long!" Emperor Liu sighed deeply. "But now, we are compelled to make concessions! What you said just now does hold truth, and it does point directly at some of the Great Han's current difficulties and predicaments — but do you know where the Great Han's true problem lies?"

Facing this round of questioning from Emperor Liu, Liu Yang — who was already somewhat slow to respond — found himself momentarily unable to react. His expression visibly turned serious, his brows furrowed tightly, as if racking his brains to think of what he might have overlooked or failed to perceive of His Majesty's intent.

Emperor Liu did not wait for him to think it through completely, but said, "This time, the court's summons met with a hundred responses, and all the barbarians followed like shadows. Why is that? It is because the Great Han's national strength is formidable and its martial virtue is abundant — they dare not disobey. There may be friction and conflict along the borders, but to openly oppose the court and make an enemy of the Great Han — that they also dare not do."

"Their attitude toward the Great Han now is one of fearful submission — first fear, then submission. The Hu barbarians fear might but do not cherish virtue — this is an unassailable truth since ancient times!

This time, for the Great Han to jointly pursue peace with them, the most important prerequisite is that we ourselves be strong — strong enough that they fear us, dare not look at us askance, and cannot withstand our military edge. Otherwise, our goodwill, to these barbarians, would appear as weakness, as a show of feebleness!"

"Therefore, so long as the Great Han maintains its strength, then all problems cease to be problems, and all will remain within the court's control. But!"

At this point, Emperor Liu paused, and his expression turned exceptionally grave: "How long can the Great Han's current strength endure? If one day the Great Han's national power should decline? When the nation's manpower, wealth, and resources can no longer sustain the current garrisoning of all frontiers?

Even at present, the court's control and influence over the border regions remains weak. If that day should come when the Great Han no longer possesses its current might, what would the result be?

At that time, the minor ailment before our eyes could transform into a malignant, grave illness!"

Listening to Emperor Liu speak these words, Liu Yang's face involuntarily turned pale — a sign of tension. Though somewhat difficult to accept, Liu Yang could not help but think in that direction, and he could not but begin to take it seriously. A hint of worry also surfaced in his eyes.

"I can tell you — this step back by the court is merely an expedient measure! As you said, securing ten to twenty years of stability and peace — but what about after those twenty years? For true stability, the root still lies in the Great Han itself. So tell me — do you think the Great Han can remain strong forever?"