Chapter 108

After a moment, the Western Regions Military District troops, jointly organized by Liu Hanmin leading the Xiongnu people and Han soldiers, launched a tide-like offensive against Er Chanyu.

Er Chanyu looked up at the Han Army below the city, heart pounding with fear, full of panic and unease.

Who would have thought that these Xiongnu warriors, who originally only knew how to run, ride, and conduct flanking raids, would, under the Han Army's instruction, learn siege warfare—it was simply like adding wings to a tiger.

Within less than an hour, the Yuezhi royal city was already on the verge of falling.

Shouts of killing and cries of agony intertwined, echoing throughout the royal city.

On the city walls, the Yuezhi-Xiongnu allied forces still resisted stubbornly, but their eyes were filled with despair.

The Han Army's offensive was as fierce as a raging storm, wave after wave, giving them no chance to catch their breath.

Liu Hanmin took the lead, his spear dancing with tiger-like vigor; wherever he went, enemies fell one after another.

By his side, the former Xiongnu warriors now fought bravely, their eyes full of longing for a new life and hatred for Er Chanyu.

Under the Han Army's powerful offensive, the city gate was finally breached, and the Han Army surged in like a tide.

Seeing that the situation was lost, Er Chanyu's heart was filled with terror, retaining none of his former majesty.

He paid no heed to the remnant troops and defeated generals beside him, taking a few confidants and secretly escaping through the palace's secret passage, hoping to flee amid the chaos.

However, Liu Hanmin had long anticipated this move, having already stationed elite soldiers in ambush at the secret passage's exit.

As soon as Er Chanyu emerged from the secret passage, he was surrounded by the soldiers led by Liu Hanmin.

Seeing the coldly glinting weapons before him, Er Chanyu turned deathly pale and his legs went weak.

"Liu Hanmin, you… you dare to kill me?"

His voice trembling, he forced himself to shout calmly.

Liu Hanmin snorted coldly, a flicker of contempt in his eyes, and said: "Er Chanyu, your time of death has come! Today I will avenge the innocent civilians you slaughtered!"

Having said that, he thrust his spear forward like a bolt of lightning straight at Er Chanyu's throat.

Er Chanyu tried to dodge, but it was too late; the spear pierced his throat with precision.

Er Chanyu widened his eyes, as if unable to believe that his life would end here; he then slowly collapsed to the ground, ending his tragic, sinful life.

Just then, Emperor Wu of Han, Li Guang, Huo Qubing, and others led the great army to arrive.

At this moment, the royal city was littered with broken walls and ruins, smoke filled the air, and the war was drawing to a close.

Seeing Liu Hanmin successfully slay Er Chanyu, Emperor Wu's face lit up with a satisfied smile as he said: "Liu Hanmin, you've done well!"

Liu Hanmin knelt on one knee respectfully and said: "Your Majesty, this is all due to your wise leadership and the soldiers' brave fight against the enemy."

Emperor Wu nodded slightly, then led the crowd into the Yuezhi royal palace.

The Yuezhi king had long been under Han Army control; at this moment he lay collapsed on the ground, trembling.

Emperor Wu looked at this once invincible king, his eyes full of contempt, and said: "As the ruler of a nation, you failed to protect your country and people, colluding with Er Chanyu and daring to oppose my Great Han. Today I will make you pay for your actions."

Having said that, Emperor Wu ordered the Yuezhi king to be demoted to a slave, and all Yuezhi people were also reduced to slaves.

He coldly announced: "Within three years, if you commit no mistakes, you may restore your commoner status; if you harbor any second thoughts, do not blame me for being unsparing."

After settling the Yuezhi affair, Emperor Wu stood on the palace's watchtower, gazing into the distance.

At this moment, his heart harbored a new goal—Magadha.

"Magadha, I hear its land is fertile and its culture flourishing. I will spread the prestige of the Great Han there, so they know that the territory of my Great Han knows no bounds!"

Emperor Wu's eyes gleamed with ambition and vigor.

Li Guang and Huo Qubing exchanged a glance; they would again lead the Great Han to embark on a new campaign.

Inside the Xuanshi Hall, sandalwood incense swirled, yet the atmosphere was unusually solemn.

The officials' gazes all converged on the memorial on the table: inadequate management of the upper Yellow River, population explosion, scarce resources—these problems were like an invisible hand strangling the Great Han and them.

Tian Qianqiu stood below the steps, bowed his head, and said: "Your Majesty, we believe this is the most urgent matter."

Liu Ju stood beside the imperial desk, his eyes falling on the data in the memorial: Chang'an's population has surged by thirty percent in recent years, daily consumption of food and supplies has more than doubled compared to previous years, and competition in all industries is fierce;

The upper Yellow River suffers continual floods, the lower reaches' waterworks are neglected; if no measures are taken… he involuntarily gripped his pen tightly.

As for the Yellow River floods, they have long been on the table, and their management is already being steadily advanced.

But he hadn't expected the population of Long Peace City to surge so much; the memorial reported that even All Yang was overflowing with people.

Has this even spilled over to the Great Han?

It's even caused an economic crisis!

You really are something!

"Your Majesty, I believe the urgent priority is to control the population."

Minister of Revenue Su Wu stood up, his voice booming, and said: "Long Peace City is already nearing saturation; if we do not add restrictions, it may invite greater disaster."

The hall fell silent, and everyone looked at Su Wu.

This suggestion had been raised many times in the imperial court, yet consensus remained hard to reach.

"Lord Su's words are reasonable."

Tian Qianqiu spoke loudly: "But Long Peace City is the capital of the Great Han; a gathering populace naturally signifies prosperity, and it must not be lightly restricted."

"Your Majesty, I believe the most important thing at present is to govern the Yellow River."

Sima Qian stepped forward, his expression solemn, and said: "Since ancient times, the Yellow River basin has been the lifeblood of the Great Han; if we cannot fundamentally control the floods, even the most prosperous capital will eventually collapse."

The hall erupted in an uproar; these words spread rapidly, resonating with many.

"Lord Sima's words are absolutely correct!"

Jin Rizhe said: "Your Majesty, I believe the urgent priority is to strengthen Yellow River water conservancy construction, widely open channels, guide flow and dredge, and establish specialized management agencies along the banks."

"But what amount of resources would such a colossal project require?" Wei Qing also frowned.

Zhang Tang pondered and said: "Your Majesty, I believe we can conscript more civilian labor, broadly open provisions, and simultaneously implement new tax policies to encourage agricultural development along the river basin."

"Lord Zhang's words are reasonable."

Wei Qing nodded slightly, and then said: "But the urgent priority is still to solve Long Peace City's population problem."

Your Majesty.

Zhang Qian stood up, with a hint of worry, and said: "I believe we should encourage the populace to migrate to places like the northern frontier and the Western Regions. The Xiongnu and the Wusun have just been pacified; this is an excellent opportunity for us to expand."

Tian Qianqiu lowered his head and spoke slowly and deliberately: "Your Majesty, I believe the urgent priority is to balance increasing revenue and cutting expenditure. On the revenue side, besides relocating people to the northern frontier, we can also reclaim wasteland on a large scale in Guanzhong and promote new agricultural techniques; on the expenditure side, we should reduce palace spending and advocate nationwide thrift."

Sima Qian shook his head slightly at the side and said in a low voice: "These measures... treat the symptoms, not the root cause."

"Oh, Zichang, what are your high views?" Liu Ju's eyes lit up.

Sima Qian fell silent for a moment, then said slowly: "Your Majesty, I believe the most fundamental problem is still the Yellow River. If we can thoroughly control the Yellow River's floods, the upper reaches will have abundant resources, and the lower reaches can also take this opportunity to undertake large-scale waterworks, thereby driving development throughout the Yellow River basin."

Su Wu sighed: "Your Majesty, the imperial examinations are about to open a new round, and at the same time a large number of people are flooding into Chang'an; their employment has now become a problem as well."

Voices of discussion in the hall never ceased, all kinds of sounds intertwining.

Liu Ju frowned, seated on the throne, his gaze continually sweeping over the ministers, sunk in thought without speaking.