Chapter 19

Good, you all are the pillars of my Han Dynasty; I know your loyalty, and I know your talent and strength. Liu Bian said to the several people.

I also told you, I'll tell you my current situation; you all speak. From where should I break the deadlock? Liu Bian looked at everyone, full of expectation, asked.

Your Majesty, relying on the technique you have taught us, once the soldiers successfully cultivate, who in the world could be our opponent? Then, with my fifty-thousand Xiliang Army soldiers, I will be able to sweep the world for Your Majesty! Lü Bu raised his head, looking at Liu Bian with an arrogant expression and said.

Hahaha, Fengxian truly lives up to being the world's greatest warrior, but before the Innate Realm, internal energy can only be released outward three chi, and most are merely at the Postnatal First Layer, with pitifully little internal energy, unable to withstand battlefield arrows and army charges. What I want is to minimize casualties as much as possible; no matter what, they are all soldiers of my Han Empire, having contributed greatly to the Han Empire. Liu Bian looked at the several people and said.

Your Majesty, what Lu General said about cultivation, how does it work? The newly joined Jia Xu, with a bewildered look, asked.

Looking at the newly joined Jia Xu, Liu Bian also explained cultivation to him, and incidentally transmitted the Vast Righteous Qi Technique to him as well.

Hiss, Your Majesty truly is a heavenly person; with this technique assisting, as long as cultivation achieves some success, then the Thirteen States of the Han Dynasty, to Your Majesty, is as easy as taking something from a bag. After receiving the information, Jia Xu sighed.

Your Majesty, I suggest we first win over those loyal to the Han house; for those with disloyal intentions, we then send troops to win them over. Xun Yu thought for a moment and spoke.

Your Majesty, I think what Lord Xun said is correct, but I suggest we first take one province, then win over; in that way, many hesitant people will surely make the correct choice, after all, we are the orthodox Han house. After Xun Yu finished speaking, Jia Xu beside him added.

Good, that's exactly what the two beloved officials said; then we'll decide like that, and when the time comes we'll give them a 'kill the chicken to scare the monkey'. Liu Bian said solemnly.

Your Majesty, I suggest we take Liangzhou as the opening move; if we can capture Liangzhou, then have Zhang Liao General take over Bingzhou, and by then Your Majesty will have Sili, Liangzhou, and Bingzhou—three states—under your command, meaning the Han Dynasty's Thirteen States will have recovered three states. Cao Cao also said timely.

Bingzhou is easy to talk about; since Ding Yuan's death, now Dong Zhuo's son-in-law Niu Fu commands two ten-thousands troops stationed at Taiyuan Commandery; this man is a mere fool, only appointed to guard Bingzhou because he is Dong Zhuo's son-in-law; as soon as our army moves, he definitely will not dare to resist. However, the only worry is the Xiongnu occupying Yunzhong Commandery, Wuyuan Commandery, and Shuofang Commandery; at that time, they are estimated to station heavy troops for defense, which is unfavorable to us. Cao Cao said after pondering for a while.

As for Liangzhou, there are ten commanderies in total; among them, Donghuang, Jiuquan and six commanderies have already been occupied by Ma Teng and Han Sui; these places are tough to attack. However, the remaining four commanderies are occupied by Dong Zhuo's subordinates Duan Wei and Xu Rong; if we lead our troops to attack them, they are likely not to put up much resistance. Cao Cao then said.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Although Liangzhou is remote, it is an important strategic point; for restoring Han house rule, it is of great significance. If Liangzhou can be successfully captured, not only can the court's sphere of influence be expanded, but also control over the northwest region can be strengthened.

At this moment, Jia Xu suddenly spoke: "Ma Teng is a descendant of the Fubo General; he should still be loyal to Your Majesty. At that time, Your Majesty can issue him an Imperial Decree ordering him to cooperate with the Imperial Court in recovering Liangzhou. If Ma Teng accepts the decree, it shows he remains loyal to Your Majesty. However, Han Sui may possibly collude with the Qiang people to rebel."

Jia Xu's words drew everyone's attention. Ma Teng, as a descendant of the Fubo General, has always been known for loyalty and righteousness. Meanwhile, Han Sui is a fickle person who has repeatedly betrayed the Imperial Court. Therefore, dealing with Han Sui requires extra caution.

Liu Bian nodded, indicating his agreement with Jia Xu's view. He deeply knows that the Liangzhou situation is complex and must act cautiously; if mishandled, it could trigger greater turmoil.

Good, that's settled then; tomorrow I will issue Ma Teng an Imperial Decree, ordering him to cooperate with the Imperial Court's army. Liu Bian immediately made the decision.

Fengxian, you have nothing else to do next; just go back. When you return, make sure to instruct all the soldiers properly: this expedition to attack Liangzhou will be led by you commanding the Xiliang Army. Liu Bian solemnly instructed Lü Bu.

Yes, this subordinate will, after returning, keep an eye on them and cultivate diligently, absolutely not letting Your Majesty down! Upon hearing this, Lü Bu instantly overjoyed, solemnly said to Liu Bian.

Afterwards, Liu Bian, Cao Cao, and the three of them discussed many ways of governance; in the end, ruler and minister all gained much, each person satisfied. Until night fell, the three declined Liu Bian's invitation to have dinner together, then each bade farewell and left the Imperial Palace.

One day passed in a flash; the next morning, after Liu Bian had finished writing the Imperial Decree for Ma Teng, he arranged for someone to send it out. Because Liu Bian required everyone to go cultivate, this month's court assembly was canceled unless there was a major event, in which case officials would be summoned.

Idle Liu Bian planned to study the System; as for the System, he hadn't properly researched it yet!

System, help me open the Attribute Panel. Liu Bian thought to the System.

System: Wanjie Emperor System

Host: Liu Bian

Realm: Postnatal Seventh Heaven

Talent: Hongmeng Grade

Physique: Supreme Emperor Body

Divine Ability: Probe Eye

Technique: Supreme Emperor Technique

Equipment: Emperor Sword, Emperor Armor

System Space: National Seal

National Fortune Value:

System, how did the National Fortune Value become over seventeen thousand? I thought I only had one thousand National Fortune Value left! Liu Bian wondered to the System.

Ding, the host has completely controlled the Sili region of the capital, increasing fifteen thousand National Fortune Value; the rest is the recognition of the subjects under the host's rule, each person can provide the host with 0.5 National Fortune Value per year.

What, there's also this! This is truly an unexpected joy. Upon hearing the System's reply, Liu Bian instantly became overjoyed.

Since National Fortune Value can be obtained this way, if I do some good deeds for the people, won't the National Fortune Value skyrocket? Although it can only be obtained under my rule, other places in the Han Dynasty currently cannot; however, currently, the entire Sili region possesses seven commanderies and one hundred six towns, with approximately six hundred ten thousand households and three million population; if I can gain recognition from half the people, that would also be several hundred thousand National Fortune Value! Liu Bian excitedly drooled.

If there are several hundred thousand National Fortune Value, then in the System Mall, Heaven Grade treasures can be bought at will.

Let me think hard, how can I quickly gain the people's recognition?...