Chapter 657: Deliberations on the Aftermath

The arrival of the battle report from the east naturally allowed Liu Chengyou to breathe a huge sigh of relief. He was not the only one with worries—Chancellor Fan was too. He was also an emperor on horseback, with experience leading large armies in winter campaigns.

As for the fighting in Hanzhong, although Liu Chengyou appeared to sit as steadily as a fisherman on a boat, leaving decisions to the frontline generals, in his heart he was constantly concerned.

Fortunately, after years of knowing each other, Xiang Xun had ultimately not let him down. In fact, Liu Chengyou had also reflected carefully on why this campaign had developed to its current extent.

Thinking it over carefully, it was still a matter of insufficient preparation. The initial goal had merely been to fully recover the four prefectures, resolve the hidden worry that had plagued the Great Han's southwestern border for years, and incidentally deal a heavy blow to the Shu army's strength and weaken its national power. Including Liu Chengyou himself, no one had entertained the idea of settling it in one battle, striking straight from Fengxiang all the way to Chengdu.

However, the subsequent development of the war was somewhat unexpected. The Shu army's defeat was certainly decisive, but the Shu court's reaction and dispositions, along with the emptiness of Hanzhong, all showed the ruler, ministers, and generals an opportunity.

So their appetite grew, and Hanzhong was incorporated into the campaign objectives. The advance south went smoothly at first—Xingzhou fell quickly, with soldiers and civilians surrendering alike—but the setback at the walls of Xixian was not due to Li Tinggui's skill at defense, but rather the weather.

With advance blocked and retreat unwilling, tasteless to eat yet a pity to discard, the Eastern Capital's court found itself in endless debate.

Liu Chengyou had never been to Qinfeng. Since ascending the throne, though he had made repeated inspection tours, he had never even set foot in Guanzhong. But that did not prevent him from having a basic understanding of the mountain roads of Sichuan and Shaanxi.

As for Xiang Xun's ability to break the deadlock, fighting against the season, taking Xixian and Nanzheng in succession and securing all of Hanzhong for the court—Liu Chengyou was still somewhat curious about that. It absolutely could not have been easy.

In Chongzheng Hall, several military and political ministers sat in proper array, accompanying the Emperor in brewing tea and savoring it, while summarizing the Hanzhong campaign and discussing the aftermath.

Synthesizing conditions from many aspects, the summary was that the Han army's breakthrough amid difficulty and full capture of Hanzhong could be attributed to three main reasons.

First, naturally, the Great Han's troops were strong, and they carried the momentum of great victory. Though they encountered obstacles, morale remained high. With many fierce generals and a commander who handled the troops capably, the Shu army paled in comparison.

Second, to break the cities and take the passes, Xiang Xun spared no cost and begrudged no casualties, attacking with full force. From Xixian to Nanzheng, the two siege battles were the most brutal and bloody fights since the campaign against Shu began.

Third, it was the response of the Chengdu court. They blundered and miscalculated, focusing on fortifying dangerous passes and strongholds like Jiange while neglecting support for Hanzhong. Especially during that month of stubborn defense at Xixian, it made the Shu court let down its guard.

Given Shu's situation, even with heavy losses, they could still concentrate a force—not necessarily to fight the Han army head-on, but sufficient to hold Hanzhong defensively.

Of course, when Xiang Xun led the attack on Nanzheng, Shu troops from Lizhou did march north to reinforce, but they were decisively and cleanly defeated by Liu Guangyi leading the Wujie Army. With the relief force gone and the Han army's assault ferocious, the Shu troops inside Nanzheng had no reason to simply hole up and await death.

There was indeed the cautionary example of Zhao Jizha, but Zhao Chongtao and Han Baozhen did not abandon their troops and flee. Instead, they led their subordinates in a desperate breakout. With several thousand Shu imperial troops leading the way, desperate to live and longing to return home, they erupted with no small amount of energy. Combined with the fact that Xiang Xun had fought bitterly for a long time and prioritized taking the city over hot pursuit, Generals Zhao and Han escaped with some remnant troops.

Of course, after the Bureau of Military Affairs made its summary report, they placed the Emperor's brilliant wisdom and skill in employing people first. Naturally, Liu Chengyou did not deny having some merit himself, but he was also honest enough to admit it did not warrant being counted as the foremost achievement.

"Everyone, speak up!" After the military summary discussion concluded, Liu Chengyou looked around and said: "Now that Nanzheng has fallen, how should the subsequent matters be handled?"

"Your Majesty!" As his words fell, Fan Zhi immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands: "Your ministers believe that since Hanzhong has been taken, we should vigorously rest the troops and stabilize governance to soothe the people. Your ministers have roughly drafted several proposals, and beg Your Majesty to make the final decision."

"Minister Fan is truly a pillar of the state, thoughtful in all matters and farsighted—you've even thought ahead of me!" Liu Chengyou said with a smile as he looked at Fan Zhi, waving his hand: "Minister Fan, please speak—I am all ears!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Perhaps because of lingering shadows from the past, Fan Zhi always felt the Son of Heaven's words carried a strange, sarcastic tone, but he still responded composedly: "First, the great war between Han and Shu has lasted long. In newly conquered territories, we have been busy with military campaigns and neglected governance. To settle the people's hearts—and since most prefectural and county officials have been retained from the surrendered side—the court should promptly select worthy talents and capable officials to fill posts in Qinfeng, so as to maintain order and transform these lands into proper Great Han prefectures and counties.

Second, the newly incorporated people have long suffered the hardships of war. To supply the fighting, nearly every household now bears mourning, with little surplus grain, and the common folk suffer from cold and hunger. The court should provide relief. Recently, there have even been disturbances among the common people, showing the instability of popular sentiment—we should allocate grain to aid them. Since snow and rain have sealed the mountain passes and transport is difficult, your ministers suggest first using military grain to relieve the people, and when spring comes, the court can replenish the supply.

Third, in this campaign against Shu, the court mobilized over a hundred thousand troops and laborers from within and without, at enormous cost. Qin, Feng, and Hanzhong are devastated and cannot support such numbers. Now that Hanzhong has fallen, we should gradually recall the troops, especially the imperial army."

Liu Chengyou listened attentively to Fan Zhi's proposals, but neither approved nor rejected them. Instead, he looked toward Guo Rong: "On the military side, what suggestions do you have?"

Upon being asked, Guo Rong glanced at Fan Zhi and took up the conversation: "To protect the stability of the rear and coordinate with Hanzhong's governance, the Longqi, Xingjie, and Inner Palace Guard—three armies totaling over twelve thousand soldiers—are separately stationed in Feng, Cheng, and Jie prefectures. Adding the Wujie Army which participated in the attack, the total comes to over sixteen thousand men.

Now that the fighting has ceased, as Chancellor Fan said, there is no need to keep so many troops stationed. Moreover, the soldiers have campaigned long and miss their homes—they should be recalled. However, we should also wait until spring and withdraw the troops gradually.

As for the other southwestern armies, they should be deployed in place—both to guard against the Shu army and to continue training troops and replenishing grain and weapons, in preparation for a future advance south into Shu proper.

Additionally, in the great battles in Qin and Hanzhong, the Shu prisoners captured in total exceed thirty thousand, all veteran soldiers in their prime. These men are currently held separately in Fengxiang, Fengzhou, and Hanzhong. How to deal with them still requires discussion..."

Guo Rong laid out a series of measures, and Liu Chengyou was very satisfied with his opinions. After a brief moment of thought, he said: "I have taken in all your proposals, ministers. Very good—proceed as advised!"

"As for the people of Feng, Cheng, Jie, and Xing prefectures—I know they have truly suffered during this time!" Liu Chengyou sighed softly again, wearing a pitying expression, and said: "Issue an edict: for the newly taken prefectures and counties, remit the two taxes for one year as circumstances allow. For the able-bodied men conscripted in this attack on Hanzhong who were killed or wounded, they are to receive compensation like the laborers of Guanzhong. On this point, it concerns the people's hearts and the stability of the court's governance—have Song Yanwo keep a tight grip on it. Whoever dares to embezzle will be severely punished!"

"Yes!"

"Also!" Liu Chengyou looked toward Wei Renpu, his smile returning: "Minister Wei, the merits of the soldiers who distinguished themselves in this campaign—the Ministry of War can begin verifying and implementing them now. After spring comes, the clothing, food, and weapons for the Hanzhong troops should also be prepared in advance!"

"As commanded!" Wei Renpu rose and bowed, responding obediently. These days, Wei Renpu spoke far less in the Emperor's presence, but handled affairs with greater competence and reliability.

"The transfer of officers and troop dispositions in Hanzhong also need to be controlled—send a special envoy there!" Looking toward Guo Rong, Liu Chengyou continued: "As for the Shu prisoners, we can follow the precedent of Huainan—select the elite among them, and those willing to submit to the Great Han shall be incorporated into the Huaide Army. Meng Chang could not use them well to resist the Great Han, but in the future I will use them to destroy Shu. As for those unwilling to submit—don't release them either. Keep them to build roads, dig canals, and reclaim wasteland for farming—that all works!"

"Your Majesty!" After the discussion dispersed, Zhao Pu took the initiative to accompany the Emperor.

"What are your thoughts on the Hanzhong matter?" Seeming to read Zhao Pu's mind, Liu Chengyou asked directly.

Zhao Pu responded with reverence: "Though Hanzhong has fallen and our court has already discussed ceasing hostilities, how the Shu court will react is still unknown!"

"What do you mean!" Liu Chengyou said flatly: "Could it be that at this point, Meng Chang still dares to continue contending with me, to continue the war?"

Zhao Pu revealed a slight smile: "Your minister's thought is that we might send an envoy to Chengdu, to establish contact and discuss ceasing hostilities and negotiating peace. I believe that if the court shows goodwill, the Shu state will be overjoyed!"