Chapter 1919: To Enfeoff or Not

"Tibetans!" Liu Xi muttered to himself, his brow already furrowing unconsciously, his gaze repeatedly darting toward Emperor Liu, his eyes full of doubt and speculation.

Liu Xi couldn't help but guess at Emperor Liu's intentions. Given the current political atmosphere at court, if he were told he was being enfeoffed as King of Tibet, he wouldn't find it strange in the slightest. But if he were to be enfeoffed to Tibet, wouldn't that perhaps be worse than Andong or Raole?

Moreover, the highland region—whether in geography, economy, religion, or customs—presented difficulties on every front, with limited development potential. Andong and Raole, though they cried and wailed, had pastures and arable land, minerals in the mountains, and fish in the rivers. Even if it was freezing cold, one could add clothing and light fires to ward off the chill. But the highlands weren't a place just anyone could endure or would be willing to go...

In Liu Xi's view, for the court to achieve nominal rule over the highlands—with the various Tibetan tribes acknowledging the court's authority—was already sufficient. Seeking to go further was nothing but thankless toil, losing money just for the sake of empty acclaim.

As for resources like horses, livestock, and hides, wouldn't it be far more convenient for the court to obtain them from Hexi, Monan, or even Mobei?

Perhaps Emperor Liu's recent decisiveness in policymaking had left too deep an impression, for Liu Xi had already subconsciously begun considering the question of having the Tibetan region enfeoffed to himself.

As for this so-called "Resident Minister to Tibet," in Liu Xi's view, it was most likely just a transitional phase. Just as with the affairs of Anxi and the South Seas—though no explicit edict had yet been issued as with Raole, Andong, or Linyi, a consensus had already been reached from top to bottom, defined by Emperor Liu as a mission and task that must be accomplished. It remained unresolved only for lack of the right moment.

That enfeoffment map Emperor Liu had shown his sons back then was hardly mere cartographic fancy. If anything were to happen to Emperor Liu, that map would be the court's most legally grounded basis in matters of enfeoffment.

Liu Xi knitted his brows in deep thought, while Emperor Liu gazed with distant, hazy eyes toward Qianyuan Hall. This most majestic and vast hall in all of history glittered brilliantly under the spring sun, stirring an inexplicable emotion in Emperor Liu.

"The court's management of Tibet has spanned more than thirty years now. Though we haven't poured out money as lavishly as in Andong, Monan, or the Northwest, accumulated over three decades, it's still no small sum.

Not long ago, I reviewed the fiscal accounts of Jiannan Circuit. Of the expenditures allocated to supporting surrounding regions, roughly half went to the tea-horse trade between Sichuan and Tibet and with the Tibetans. Half of the revenue from the Southwest Tea-Horse Market Supervisorate also remained in the circuit, used for administrative maintenance and military construction in Sichuan-Tibet. In terms of mere money and grain alone, it's a loss!

But what the court seeks to achieve with these costs is not merely nominal rule over the Tibetan tribes. After thirty years of empty gestures, it's time to turn to practical matters and obtain something tangible. The court cannot stop at mere influence over the snowy highlands—it must strengthen its control. This isn't me being vainglorious or greedy for completeness; if it were, I would have sent troops westward long ago.

In the Tang dynasty, when discussing frontier troubles, Tibet was an unavoidable topic. Though it has now languished for a century, divided and weakened, back then it swept eastward out of the highlands, invaded our Han territories, seized our He-Long region, and cut off three thousand li of Han land. This must forever serve as a warning! If the Tibetans can be tamed, it would be extremely important for the security of Jiannan and the stability of the Southwest!"

Emperor Liu conveyed his thoughts to Liu Xi, revealing his dominance in a casual, understated manner: "Over the years, the court has cultivated some tribes friendly to it, especially in the Sichuan-Tibet border region. With these tribal forces in place, the court establishing administrative organs locally will have a foundation of 'popular support.'

After you enter Lhasa, besides continuing to implement the court's policy of pacification, your most important task will be to organize a management structure for Tibetan affairs and make it function. You needn't govern their common people directly, but those native officials and tribal chieftains who have received the court's favors and accepted its titles must be kept in line. Those who benefit from the Great Han must abide by the court's rules.

At the same time, continue opening up the roads between Sichuan and Tibet, increasing communication between Han territory and that region. Additionally, as for those stubborn and unrepentant tribes that still intend to resist the court, organize punitive expeditions against them—pursue them relentlessly, strike hard, until they are utterly annihilated.

Over these years, I've heard too much of this tribe causing trouble, that tribe launching raids. It's time to bring it to a conclusion. Since they don't know which way the wind blows, no matter how vast the highlands, there will be no place left for them to shelter!"

At this point, Emperor Liu's tone unconsciously carried a hint of killing intent. His murky eyes sharpened, turning merciless—the "magnanimity" of a Son of Heaven who could leave a million corpses in his wake.

Pausing briefly, he glanced at Liu Xi and, seeing him listening attentively, continued: "Regarding the structure of the Resident Minister to Tibet, discuss and plan it with Zhao Pu. As long as it's within reasonable bounds, I'll approve it all. Your subordinate officials and clerks—your decision entirely!

From the customs and market taxes of the Sichuan-Tibet and Yunnan-Tibet tea-horse trade, set aside a portion as operating funds for the institution. Discuss the specific division with the Finance Commission and the two circuit commissions!

Additionally, for this trip to the great assembly, I'll give you three thousand infantry and cavalry..."

After carefully digesting Emperor Liu's instructions, Liu Xi thought for a moment and said, "Your subject recalls that the court once had an agreement with the various tribes—the Han army does not enter Lhasa city!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu swept Liu Xi with two glances, sizing him up, his eyes seeming to say: Are you really the type to follow rules so rigidly? And am I the type to honor so-called treaties?

Still, he kept his words as "restrained" as possible, speaking in a slow, leisurely tone: "Times change. The court must move with the times. We can't cling to a scrap of treaty for the rest of our lives—wouldn't that be stubbornly holding onto the outdated?

Besides, as my imperial son, Prince of Jin of the Great Han, and chancellor of the court, for you to personally enter Tibet is already a tremendous grace toward them! Your ceremonial procession shall follow court protocol, and those three thousand armored soldiers serve as your personal escort guard. What could they possibly say!"

Faced with Emperor Liu's overbearing rhetoric, Liu Xi's reaction was fairly calm. After pondering for a moment, he finally clasped his hands to Emperor Liu: "Yes!"

At this point, Liu Xi had basically accepted the arrangement to go to Tibet. However, the questions in his heart had only deepened—inconvenient to ask, and somewhat afraid to ask.

But Emperor Liu seemed to see through Liu Xi's thoughts. He smiled at him and said, "That boy Wenhai—I like him very much. He's grown up now, spent time in the military academy, performed well in the army. He can formally establish his own household and take on duties.

As for his placement, I currently have two ideas. One is for him to go to the South Seas with Liu Yun, Liu Xiao, and Liu Chun. The other is southern Yunnan. You're his father—help him make the decision!"

Emperor Liu's words were laden with profound meaning. Liu Xi was briefly stunned at first, then met Emperor Liu's gaze for a while, slowly coming to understand. He lowered his head in long contemplation, his expression returning to calm, and replied: "The situation in the South Seas is somewhat crowded now. If Your Majesty wishes to temper Wenhai, it would be better to send him to southern Yunnan..."