Chapter 70

The next day.

Liu Ju stood tall on the high city tower of Lofty Orchid City, which had endured the baptism of war, as the bitter wind howled past, making his robes flutter loudly.

He gazed over this newly reclaimed land, his eyes full of heroic ambition and deep contemplation.

Now, the vast grasslands of the Northern Desert and the strategically important region of Lofty Orchid have both been incorporated into the territory of the Great Han.

However, how to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for these newly incorporated regions has become the foremost urgent problem before him.

He turned his gaze to Wei Xiang, who was about to depart for the Northern Desert to take up his post, a man known for his steadfast wisdom and talent in governance.

Liu Ju knew well that although the Northern Desert grassland was rich in water and pasture, its local customs differed greatly from those of the Great Han interior, making governance difficult.

Thus, he spoke with firm and hopeful eyes: 'Wei Xiang, I entrust you with a great mission, to go to the Northern Desert grassland. That land holds immense potential, like an uncarved jade.'

'You must use the thinking you learned in school as your guide, implementing new policies suited to local conditions. Not only should you let the people of the Northern Desert live in peace and prosperity, but you must also guide them to gradually integrate into the vast and profound civilization system of the Great Han.'

Liu Ju paused slightly, then emphasized his tone: 'This mission carries great responsibility, concerning the stability and development of the Great Han's frontiers; I believe you will surely not disgrace the trust placed in you.'

Upon hearing this, Wei Xiang felt a surge of mission; he knelt on one knee, his expression solemn and respectful, and respectfully accepted the order: 'Your Majesty, rest assured, I will exhaust my utmost effort and not betray your trust.'

Liu Ju nodded, speaking earnestly: 'The journey ahead is long; I hope you will return soon after achieving success.'

'Yes!'

Wei Xiang bowed, then turned and mounted his horse, leading five thousand Feathered Forest Guards and the Xiongnu people, organized like Han citizens, out of the city.

Liu Ju watched him go for a long while, then returned to the Lofty Orchid City Palace, which was also his office for handling troublesome affairs; at that moment, Huo Qubing, Zhang Qian, Zhang Tang, and others with dark circles under their eyes had already been waiting for a long time.

Liu Ju looked at Zhang Qian, who had undertaken several missions to the Western Regions and was thoroughly familiar with its geography, local customs, and the situations of various states.

He knew well that to stabilize the Western Regions, promote friendly exchanges among the states, and make the Western Regions a solid bulwark and prosperous trade route for the Great Han, none other than Zhang Qian was suitable.

Liu Ju said to Zhang Qian: 'Marquis Broad Hope, you are well versed in Western Region affairs and enjoy considerable prestige among its states. As Protector General of the Western Regions, you must rely on your wisdom and experience to establish reasonable regulations, coordinate relations among all parties, so that this land of the Western Regions enjoys order and prosperous trade. This is not only for the benefit of the Great Han, but also for the welfare of all peoples of the Western Regions.'

Zhang Qian's expression was resolute, his eyes flashing with determination as he bowed and replied: 'Your Majesty, your wisdom is clear; I will surely exert my utmost effort, not betray your high expectations, and will certainly make the Western Regions a secure rear base for the Great Han.'

After preliminary arrangements were made, Liu Ju summoned Sang Hongyang.

Liu Ju had long known that the Western Regions were not a barren, bitterly cold land, but rather contained various mineral resources that would greatly aid his future plans, making them an indispensable part.

Especially oil, if it could be found and used wisely, would have an immeasurable impact on the development of the Great Han.

Liu Ju pointed toward the Western Regions, his expression grave as he told Sang Hongyang: 'Sang Hongyang, I have heard that the Western Regions may harbor a substance called oil. Its uses are extremely wide-ranging, benefiting both civilian life and military affairs immensely.'

"You lead the skilled artisans of the Ministry of Works deep into the Western Regions to prospect. During the prospecting process, you must give everyone a detailed explanation of the basic knowledge and many benefits of petroleum, so that everyone understands the importance of this discovery."

"After receiving the order, Sang Hongyang knew the responsibility was great, and immediately set to work in an orderly manner, preparing everything: selecting experienced and knowledgeable artisans from the Ministry of Works, and making ample preparations of materials and tools."

"After another day passed, Liu Ju and Huo Qubing, having briefly regrouped, set out again, heading toward the direction in which the Wusun king and the Xiongnu Chanyu had fled, going to the Wusun king's city."

"After their defeat at Loulan City, the Wusun King Xie Jiaomi and the young Chanyu, like a bereaved dog, embarked on a sorry escape route."

"Xie Jiaomi's armor had been torn into ragged strips, fluttering helplessly in the wind; the congealed bloodstains on it seemed like a mark of disgrace from defeat."

"His hair was disheveled like a bird's nest, a few strands stuck to his dirt‑smeared face by sweat and blood; his eyes revealed deep exhaustion and endless resentment, and the regal aura he once possessed had now been largely worn away."

"The young Chanyu was no better off—his mount was emaciated, his body covered in whip marks and wounds, each step accompanied by a painful neigh, his gait so unsteady that he seemed about to collapse at any moment."

"The young Chanyu clung tightly to the reins, his body swaying with the horse's jolts, his face ashen, his lips cracked and peeling, revealing deep despair."

"The defeated remnants behind them were a horrifying sight—some soldiers leaned on broken spears, hobbling forward with difficulty;"

"others had their wounds wrapped in crude strips of cloth, blood still seeping out and staining their garments;"

"Still others had vacant eyes, moving mechanically with the troop as if they had lost their souls. Hunger clung to them like a shadow, gnawing at their intestines, while fatigue weighed upon them like a heavy shackle, binding their bodies."

"Fear hung over them like a haze, covering every heart; they remained constantly vigilant against the Han Army's pursuit, daring not to slacken in the slightest."

"The kicked‑up sand mercilessly pelted them; all around lay a dead‑silent desert, only their heavy breathing and the horses' hooves echoing in the emptiness, like a death knell of fate."

"Finally, when the familiar contours of the Wusun mountains came into view, Xie Jiaomi's eye sockets instantly moistened, and two tracks of tears streamed down his dirt‑covered face."

"\"We… we have finally returned! \""

"His voice trembled, filled with the joy and excitement of having survived the ordeal, and he could not help but burst into loud sobs."

"The young leader could not hold back his emotions either; tears welled up and he choked, unable to speak."

"After enduring countless hardships, they finally shook off the Han Army's pursuit and returned to this familiar homeland."

"Xie Jiaomi lifted his head, gazed at the sky, tears glistening in his eyes, and shouted with all his might: \"We have returned! The land of Wusun, we have returned! Liu Ju, go die! \""

"His voice carried the joy of having survived and a newly kindled fighting spirit."

"The young leader clenched his fists and replied loudly: \"That's right! Though we have been defeated, the strength of Wusun and the Xiongnu remains; if we are given just one more year, we will surely rise again! \""

"His voice was firm and powerful, as if he wanted to convey his resentment and determination to everyone."

"Hearing their leader's call, the defeated remnants, whose spirits had been listless, were roused."

"They gazed upon their familiar homeland, and the flame of hope reignited in their eyes."

"Although their wounds still ached and fatigue had not faded, the joy of returning to their homeland and their hopes for the future restored their confidence."