Chapter 212: New Expedition-Rome

The wild wind swept up scorching sand and gravel, mercilessly beating the Han Army's grand tent at the border of Magadha Kingdom.

Emperor Wu of Han Liuche, Dong Zhongshu, Li Guang, Huo Qubing, and others entered the tent with solemn expressions.

The tent was filled with a choking dust smell; the commanders' faces were exhausted, they all knelt on one knee, and their voices low: 'Your Majesty!'

Liuche's gaze was icy; after scanning the crowd, he said in a deep voice: 'In this campaign against the Parthian Empire, our army has suffered repeated setbacks. Under Mithridates II, the Parthian Empire's territory stretches across Mesopotamia and the Iranian Plateau; its strength should not be underestimated. What good plans do you have to help Great Han turn the tide of war?'

Everyone kept sighing and shaking their heads.

Since Emperor Wu of Han conquered Magadha Kingdom, he began the campaign against the Parthian Empire; it has been several months, with more losses than wins, and morale is low.

Dong Zhongshu pondered for a long time, then stepped forward first and spoke loudly: 'Your Majesty, after Marquis Bowang Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions, Great Han and Parthia have had contact via the Silk Road. I believe we should send envoys to proclaim Great Han's prosperity and benevolence, using mutual trade benefits as bait to achieve victory without fighting. If we can turn swords and spears into jade and silk with Parthia, we will not only spare the people from suffering but also secure the Silk Road and promote mutual exchange.'

Li Guang frowned, arms crossed, and snorted coldly: 'Minister Dong, the Parthians are ambitious; would they give up expansion just because of a few words? Their "ironclad cavalry" and horse archers appear and disappear unpredictably, excelling at guerrilla tactics. When we engage them, they use cavalry's high mobility: from afar they harass with horse archers, up close they charge with ironclad cavalry, often breaking our formations. Moreover, Parthia's vast territory and complex terrain mean we know little of the local situation, making us prone to ambushes on the march—this war is truly hard to fight.'

Huo Qubing nodded slightly and added: 'General Li is absolutely right. Moreover, Parthia, relying on its sturdy cities and complex terrain, has built a complete defense system. Our army's long-distance expeditions make grain and supplies transport difficult; once bogged down in a protracted siege, rear supply becomes hard to guarantee, and morale will waver.'

Liuche paced back and forth in the tent, pondered a moment, then said: 'To counter Parthia's ironclad cavalry and horse archers, our army must innovate tactics. Prince Xuanwei, select elite cavalry, strengthen horse-archery training to boost long-range attack capability, and practice flexible, changeable tactics to deal with Parthian guerrilla warfare.'

"As for the difficulty of siege warfare..."

Liuche turned his gaze to the crowd and said: 'We can recruit artisans to develop advanced siege engines such as catapults and siege towers to improve our assault capability. Furthermore, send scouts deep into Parthian territory to gather intelligence, understand troop deployment, terrain, and supply lines, achieving knowing oneself and the enemy.'

"Minister Dong."

Liuche looked at Dong Zhongshu and said: 'You select an envoy with eloquent speech and familiarity with Western Regions affairs, carrying generous gifts to bypass Parthia and go to the Roman Empire. On one hand, proclaim Great Han's prestige; on the other, explore the possibility of allying with them to launch a pincer attack on Parthia!'

Dong Zhongshu and the others looked at Liuche in surprise.

"Why do you all look at me like this, my beloved ministers?"

Liuche looked puzzled at the several people.

Huo Qubing spoke first: 'Your Majesty, how did you come to know of the Roman Empire again?'

Liuche nodded slightly, stroking his beard, and said: 'You all forgot the world map that was given to us? On it there is a Roman Empire, located northwest of Parthia, just now forming an encirclement with us.'

Liuche slowly unfolded the world map in his hand, pointing to the location of the Roman Empire.,

Only then did everyone suddenly understand.

Li Guang's eyes widened as he looked at the Roman Empire marked on the map, and he exclaimed: 'Your Majesty's sagacity! The Emperor's this world map truly opens one's eyes. If we could join forces with the Roman Empire, attacking from east and west, Parthia would be attacked from front and rear; even with ironclad cavalry and sturdy fortifications, they could not withstand the two-pronged assault of Great Han and Rome—this plan will surely win a great victory!'

His thick finger hammered the tabletop, showing he was quite excited.

Dong Zhongshu stroked his beard, eyes full of admiration, and said: 'The Emperor's drawn world map is precise and detailed; it not only marks the locations of Rome, Parthia, and many other states, but also gives us a clear understanding of the global situation. Based on this, the Emperor's strategy of allying with Rome to launch a pincer attack on Parthia is truly far-sighted. Thus, it will not only resolve the present threat from Parthia but also expand Great Han's influence, letting Great Han's fame spread across the four seas.'

Huo Qubing's eyes blazed, and he said: 'Your Majesty, the Emperor's world map not only points out our strategic direction but also lets us see the vast world. Previously, fighting Parthia, we were limited everywhere due to insufficient knowledge of its surroundings; now with this map we can seize the initiative, join with Rome, and form an encirclement. The Emperor's far-sighted wisdom is truly admirable.'

Everyone echoed in agreement, praising Emperor Wu of Han's strategic decision and Liu Ju's world map without cease.

Liuche's face showed a satisfied smile as he stroked his beard and said: 'This world map took considerable effort. With it, we can look upon the world and plan for the future. This time, joining Rome to attack Parthia, we must succeed in one fell swoop to expand Great Han's territory!'

"But the specific details still need my consideration before a final decision."

"Your Majesty is sagacious! The Emperor is sagacious!"

Everyone shouted in unison; the sound reverberated in the grand tent, and morale rose.

Inside Chang'an City, in the Xuanshi Hall of Weiyang Palace.

Liu Ju wore the dragon robe, reviewing the memorials submitted from various regions.

At that moment, a messenger in crimson official robes hurried into the hall, knelt on one knee, and presented with both hands a sealed letter covered with vermilion seal paste:

"Your Majesty, this is an urgent letter sent from Magadha Kingdom by the Grand Emperor Emeritus."

Liu Ju set down his jade paperweight, took the sealed letter, and his long fingers lightly lifted the seal.

As his gaze moved, his sword-brows rose slightly, and a look of admiration appeared on his face.

"The Grand Emperor Emeritus's move is truly far-sighted! Joining with the Roman Empire to launch a pincer attack on Parthia will indeed expand Great Han's influence in the Western Regions; it is indeed a brilliant, far-sighted strategy!"

He thought to himself: Emperor Wu of Han remains that Emperor Wu the Great obsessed with expanding territory—truly, the older, the stronger!

After a moment's contemplation, Liu Ju summoned attendants and ordered: 'Prepare brush and ink; I will reply to my father's letter.'

Once brush and ink were ready, Liu Ju picked up the pen, dipped it in ink, and pondered as he wrote slowly: 'Father's devised strategy, I deeply admire it. After repeated consideration, in dealing with Parthia, religion might play a key role. Most Parthians follow the Ao faith; this religion deeply influences their lives and values. We can use religious power to divide Parthia's internal forces.'

"On one hand."

Liu Ju wrote while speaking, saying: 'Send envoys familiar with religious affairs to contact Parthia's religious leaders, proclaiming Great Han's tolerance and friendliness, letting them understand that cooperation with Great Han brings more peace and prosperity. On the other hand, using religious doctrine, spread ideas favorable to us, weakening Parthian public support for war. Thus, we can reduce resistance on the battlefield and lay the foundation for post-war rule.'

"Furthermore, the Roman Empire borders Parthia; they have both conflicting interests and cultural exchanges. When Great Han cooperates with the Roman Empire, we must fully consider their religious differences to avoid contradictions arising from religious issues."

Liu Ju's eyes deepened as he continued writing: 'We can dispatch officials versed in religion and diplomacy to communicate with the Roman side, formulate a common religious policy, ensuring that in joint operations all parties can understand each other and fight together.'

After finishing, Liu Ju carefully reviewed it once, affixed the jade seal, handed the letter to the messenger, and earnestly instructed:

"This letter is of great importance; be sure to ride at full speed and deliver it to the Grand Emperor Emeritus as soon as possible."

Watching the messenger's departing back, Liu Ju fell into contemplation.