Chapter 141

Alright, since everyone agrees, let's proceed with Mr. Zhongshu's plan.

「Well, since everyone thinks so, let's carry out Master Zhongshu's plan. 」

Finally, after being persuaded by everyone, Emperor Wu of Han nodded slightly.

Finally, after being persuaded by everyone, Han Wudi nodded slightly.

After Nala Ya, Li Guang, Huo Qubing, and others left, only Emperor Wu of Han and Dong Zhongshu remained in the palace.

After Nalaya, Li Guang, and Huo Qubing left, only Han Wudi and Dong Zhongshu remained in the palace.

Emperor Wu of Han looked at Dong Zhongshu with puzzlement: "Dear Minister Dong, you are always meticulous in your thinking; today you advocate not unifying religion, surely you have other considerations?"

Han Wudi looked dubiously at Dong Zhongshu: "Dong Zhongshu, you are always meticulous; advocating against religious unification today, you must have other considerations, right?"

Dong Zhongshu bowed respectfully, his expression serious, and said slowly: "Your Majesty is sagacious. Actually, this idea largely drew inspiration from the Son of Heaven. Over these years, the Son of Heaven, in handling numerous affairs, has consistently upheld the principle of adapting to local conditions and analyzing specific problems specifically, achieving remarkable results."

"The situation of the southern city-states is extremely special, with religion and people's lives tightly intertwined; forcibly unifying religion seems simple and direct, but in fact brings endless trouble."

Liuche also nodded in deep agreement.

His gaze steady, he continued to expound clearly: "Different religious beliefs, while causing divisions among the people, also make it difficult for them to form a united strong force to oppose us."

"Moreover, their caste system clearly divides hierarchies. We need only have the high castes among the ruling class identify with and respect the Great Han system, using their control over the lower populace to achieve indirect and effective rule."

"Thus, we can both reduce the cost of direct governance for the Great Han and maintain local relative stability; gradually planning, long-term peace and order can be expected."

"Marvelous, you scholars are truly... extraordinary!"

Liuche listened, the doubt in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by sudden realization and admiration.

I never imagined that the idea could enable you to devise such a thorough strategy. It seems these years of practice have indeed let you develop some useful thoughts.

Dong Zhongshu nodded in agreement, adding: "The Son of Heaven bears the world in mind; in inspecting and governing various places, he has accumulated vast practical experience. This also lets me deeply realize that only by respecting local conditions and adapting policies flexibly can the Great Han's grace truly reach all directions."

"This strategy toward the southern city-states indeed borrows the Son of Heaven's thinking, not imposing a unified model by force, but adapting to circumstances and following the local religious and social structure, thereby securing rule while winning popular support."

Liuche could not help but slap the table in praise: "Marvelous, to have a subject like you who can comprehend the imperial will is a fortune for the Great Han."

Dong Zhongshu bowed humbly: "Your Majesty overpraises me; to serve the Son of Heaven, to share your worries, and to add bricks and tiles to the foundation of the Great Han is my honor."

Liuche sat upright in the chief seat, looking down at Dong Zhongshu, his satisfied expression evident; the grudge born from earlier ideological differences had long vanished.

He leaned forward slightly, his expression turning grave: "Now the situation of the Great Han is not optimistic."

"Please, Your Majesty, speak plainly."

Dong Zhongshu raised his brows, eyes full of doubt, his gaze falling on Liuche.

Liuche let out a long sigh, his voice full of anger and anguish: "Sang Hongyang and Jin Rizhe actually conspired with the southern clans to rebel! Considering how much I once trusted them, entrusting them with important duties, they have committed such heinous treason—truly hateful!"

He slammed his hand heavily on the armrest, saying: "Moreover, I truly do not understand; this southern development undertaking is too radical, likely giving those with ill intentions an opportunity."

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhongshu's face flashed with a hint of surprise.

After a brief pause, he cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, although Sang Hongyang and Jin Rizhe have shown movement, they also have many disadvantages. Though the southern clans have been won over, they each harbor their own thoughts and are not a monolith; moreover, their rebellion lacks justification, making it hard to gain broad support. In contrast, the Great Han court boasts strong troops and sturdy horses, with the people's hearts turned toward it—this is our advantage."

After a pause, Dong Zhongshu's gaze deepened as he said: "Your Majesty, in my view, the Son of Heaven's promotion of the southern development is actually far-sighted. Chang'an's population has now surged, overcrowding the city, competition in all industries is fierce, and development space is limited. The southern development can not only disperse the populace and ease Chang'an's pressure, but also expand the Great Han's new territory and seek new development opportunities. I suppose the Son of Heaven surely has a more long-term plan, certainly not merely focusing on the present."

Liuche fell into deep thought.

Next, Dong Zhongshu bowed slightly, his tone firm: "For now, the plan is to first fully conquer the Mo Jie Tuo Guo. After unification, we can use it as a base to support Your Majesty's southern development plan. I have preliminarily drafted detailed guidelines: the Mo Jie Tuo Guo is rich in resources, its products can be transported to the Great Han to fill the treasury; its manpower can also be used by us to participate in southern construction."

"At the same time, send capable officials there to strengthen governance of the Mo Jie Tuo Guo, spread Great Han culture, and consolidate rule. Thus, not only can we resolve the present rebellion crisis, but also lay a solid foundation for the Great Han's long-term development."

Liuju nodded slightly, a flash of approval in his eyes, saying: "Your words, beloved subject, exactly match my intention. However, quelling the rebellion still requires careful planning."

Dong Zhongshu's eyes flashed, then he said: "Your Majesty, I believe we can join forces with the Southwestern tribes to attack Sang Hongyang's rebel army. The Southwestern tribes border the south and are familiar with the local terrain and customs."

"Their participation would give our army added strength like a tiger gaining wings. Moreover, the Southwestern tribes are numerous; if we can join hands this time to quell the rebellion, we will not only boost our military strength but also take this opportunity to further strengthen ties with the Southwestern tribes, bringing them completely under the Great Han's sphere of influence—truly a double gain."

Liuju lightly stroked his chin, pondering a moment, then said: "Allying with the Southwestern tribes, this plan is excellent. But the various Southwestern tribes have different intentions; how can we make them willingly send troops to assist?"

Dong Zhongshu, unhurried, spoke clearly: "Your Majesty, have you forgotten that I also wield some prestige among the Southwestern tribes?"

Liuche looked at the confident Dong Zhongshu, and this time realized, "He has become a sage in the Southwestern tribes!"

Liuju's eyes blazed with light as he said: "Good! Beloved subject, this plan is excellent. Now send people to the Southwestern tribes to discuss joint rebellion suppression."

Dong Zhongshu bowed and saluted: "Your Majesty is wise."

Under the joint planning of Emperor Wu of Han Liuche and Dong Zhongshu, the Great Han's military actions swiftly and powerfully unfolded.

Liuche's gaze shone like a torch, his finger sweeping across the vast southern region of the Mo Jie Tuo Guo on the huge map, his voice firm:

"This expedition must be swift and decisive, capture the southern city-states, and expand the Great Han's territory!"

The Han Army's elite, under the leadership of their commanders, surged like a raging tide toward the southern city-states.

Great Han soldiers, following the tactics devised by Liuche and Dong Zhongshu, at times launched fierce frontal assaults, displaying the might of the Great Han;

at times they flanked and surrounded the enemy, striking unexpectedly.

Although the southern city-states' troops resisted stubbornly, under the Han Army's prepared offensive they gradually grew weak.

After months of arduous and exceptional combat, the Han Army finally captured all the city-states in the south of Mojiétuó State.

As the fires of war waned, Emperor Wu of Han began to vigorously implement the caste system.

The people of Mojiétuó State were divided into different ranks: the Brahmins handled religious rites, the Kshatriyas were responsible for military and administration, the Vaishyas engaged in commerce and agriculture, and the Shudras served as lowly laborers.

Over time, the caste system gradually took root in Mojiétuó State.