Chapter 1920: The Population Reduction Policy, Crossing That Mountain

"I know that Tibet is not a good place—harsh environment, difficult conditions, complex local sentiments. Only those with great perseverance and exceptional ability can take on such a task!"

Seeing Liu Xi accept the charge, Emperor Liu fixed his gaze upon him and said in a calm tone: "However, if you were an ordinary man, I would not entrust such a great responsibility. Not only because you are my son, a Prince of the Great Han!

You are one who spent ten years in Monan. You are well-versed in frontier military and governance, and in the affairs of the minority and barbarian tribes. You have a head for strategy, tactics, and means.

Back then, bringing Monan under governance and reforming it along Han lines were no easy tasks, yet you resolved them one by one. That Monan enjoys stability today and continuously supplies the officials and people of the Great Han with cattle and sheep—all of this is thanks to the foundation you laid in those years.

As for Tibet, I do not demand much. I do not expect it to reach the level of Monan, but I ask that you fully employ your wisdom and display your abilities, so as not to disappoint the decades of learning and experience you have accumulated!"

It must be said that when Emperor Liu praised people, his words were rather pleasing to the ear. Especially with the added weight of his status as imperial father—even though Liu Xi was not a man easily swayed, ripples still stirred within his heart at this moment. He had lived for nearly forty years and had indeed been valued by Emperor Liu, but in the past he had rarely been reprimanded by him, and instances of being praised could be counted on one hand.

And when Emperor Liu set aside his dignity, put on a genial countenance, and showed that he had a request to make of you, what you needed to bear was by no means light. For Liu Xi, the Tibet commission was exactly such a case.

"Your Majesty entrusts me with a heavy charge; your subject can only exert his utmost!" Meeting Emperor Liu's gaze, Liu Xi sighed silently within and answered solemnly.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu wore a satisfied expression. After a moment's thought, he said: "Under the rule of the Great Han, many tribes are governed. Although the court has been promoting Han-style reforms all along, they have ultimately been incomplete, and no small number of compromises have been made.

Toward these minority and barbarian tribes, the policy of luring with profit and overawing with might—many ministers hold such views. However, I have always felt this to be more empty than substantial. Lately, I have gained some insight—perhaps a policy of population reduction can be implemented!

The population of the various miscellaneous tribes within our borders must be controlled, especially those tribes near the heartland of the Great Han. As long as their population remains within a certain limit, even if disturbances arise, they will hardly amount to anything."

The moment the words "population reduction policy" were uttered, Liu Xi's expression could not help but change. He naturally understood the meaning from the literal sense. Six or seven years ago, a "great population reduction" had been carried out against the Tangut tribe, and it had been done thoroughly. The results were horrifying—the vast Yulin region remained empty to this day, with death everywhere. The Pacification Commission dared not publicize the specific details of the Yulin pacification, and the court had always been tight-lipped about the process of quelling the rebellion...

At this moment, Liu Xi truly feared that Emperor Liu might come up with some other appalling idea. Fortunately, Emperor Liu's next words somewhat set his mind at ease: "Of course, reducing population by force is too cruel and extreme a method, prone to inviting future troubles—not worth adopting. Direct physical destruction is also, upon reflection, a genuine waste. Therefore, relocating their settlements is a good approach, especially for those who refuse to submit to royal grace.

Those unwilling to live under the court's civilizing rule—drive them out beyond the borders of the Great Han. Over in Anxi, the hunger for population will likely not be alleviated for decades. Liu Min and the others are precisely in need of outside labor to balance the surviving local inhabitants.

Miscellaneous barbarian tribes may be a disease within our borders, but in a place like Anxi, they are a healing medicine. Within, they may harbor ulterior motives and divided loyalties, but once in Anxi, they can become a powerful aid in establishing the Great Han's rule, and the environment will compel them to stand united with the court!"

As he spoke, Emperor Liu looked toward Liu Xi again and instructed: "I might as well be frank with you. Once the enfeoffment process begins, the Great Han's immigration policy will also change accordingly. No longer will we let things drift and leave it entirely to the people's own discretion. The court shall adopt proactive policy measures to intervene and guide.

As for the specifics, two principles should be upheld: farmers and fishermen go south, hunters and herders go west; Han civilians volunteer first, barbarian tribes are compelled!

Tibet can be considered the foremost barbarian tribe under the Great Han's rule today, and its degree of sinicization is also the lowest. Naturally, it should fall within the scope of immigration. Given Tibet's current situation, the court has not established actual control there, so I will not impose rigid regulations on immigration to Tibet.

However, how to reduce Tibet's population through relocating their tents and migrating them, curtail their development potential, and balance the strength of the various tribes—this is something you might ponder carefully..."

Once everything had become an established fact, Liu Xi's mindset calmed. He did not experience great fluctuations from the information Emperor Liu had revealed or the future policy changes. After a moment of contemplation, he calmly bowed to Emperor Liu: "Yes!"

"There are still six months until the Tibet assembly. You have ample time to prepare. Scheme and plan thoroughly—I trust you will not disappoint me!" Emperor Liu looked at Liu Xi with expectant eyes.

Liu Xi remained as composed and unflappable as ever, which even made Emperor Liu feel somewhat stifled. Having talked for so long, Emperor Liu was also growing weary. Restraining the slight discomfort in his heart, he waved his hand at him, no longer speaking, but the meaning was clear.

Liu Xi was naturally a man who knew how to read the room. Seeing this, he stepped back and bowed once more: "Your subject takes his leave!"

Emperor Liu responded with a soft sound, but just as Liu Xi was withdrawing—before he had even turned around—he suddenly called out to him again, his aged eyes widening: "Wait!"

Liu Xi was slightly surprised, but he maintained his decorum and asked: "Does Your Majesty have further instructions?"

Emperor Liu did not respond immediately. His gaze drifted toward the southwest, as if lost in reverie. After a moment, he asked leisurely: "Upon the high plateau, there are snowy peaks and steep ridges standing in the way. Do you know what lies beyond those peaks, through those mountain passes?"

This question came out of nowhere, somewhat abrupt. But with Liu Xi's intelligence, a brief recollection quickly brought him to realization. Frowning slightly, he said: "It seems to be the India region!"

"This is Tibet's neighbor. If there is spare strength, perhaps a little attention should be paid to it!" Emperor Liu paused, then said in a low voice: "Relying solely on the plateau's population and resources, the potential is limited. Developing it would be exceedingly difficult. If the court wishes to shed this burden, and if Tibet wishes to seek prosperity, the only way is outward!"

As he spoke, Emperor Liu glanced at Liu Xi, who wore a contemplative expression, and continued: "Of course, this is merely a passing thought of mine. Whether it can come to fruition will depend on your adapting to local conditions. I will not insist..."

Though he said this, Emperor Liu's seemingly calm tone was clearly filled with aggression and a desire for conquest. This was hardly a passing thought—it was plainly the result of deep deliberation, a long-held intention.

On the enfeoffment map, that great island across the sea from the Indian continent (Sri Lanka) had already been directly designated by Emperor Liu as a "planned enfeoffed state," while the indigenous nations on the island, such as the Sinhalese and Tamils, were simply ignored.

He had originally thought that was the extent of it, but he had never imagined Emperor Liu's appetite was so vast—it seemed the entire Indian subcontinent had been treated as "prey" for the Great Han's enfeoffed states......