Chapter 1524: Just Did What Should Be Done

After achieving that one-sided victory and entering the capital of Cao Wei, Jiang Wei did not immediately immerse himself in the joy of victory. He knew deeply that although the war had ended, the construction and consolidation of peace were even more arduous tasks. He stood on the city tower of the capital, looking at the busy soldiers and common people below, his heart filled with expectations for the future.

"Prime Minister, have we really won?" A young general walked to Jiang Wei's side, the light of excitement and disbelief flickering in his eyes.

Jiang Wei turned to look at him and smiled slightly: "Yes, we have won. But this is just the beginning; the real challenge is still ahead."

The young general was stunned for a moment, then nodded firmly: "Prime Minister, rest assured, we will definitely follow you and guard this land well."

Jiang Wei nodded with satisfaction, then gathered the generals and began to discuss the next plan.

"Now, we have captured the capital of Cao Wei, but their remaining forces still exist. We must pursue the victory and thoroughly eliminate their effective strength." Jiang Wei's voice was firm and powerful.

"But, Prime Minister, our army is also exhausted; do we need to rest for a period of time?" An old general raised a question.

Jiang Wei pondered for a moment, then said: "Indeed, our army needs to rest. However, war does not wait for people; we must seize this favorable opportunity to defeat Cao Wei's remaining forces in one fell swoop. Otherwise, once they catch their breath, we will fall into a passive position again."

Upon hearing this, the generals nodded one after another, expressing their agreement. They knew deeply that Jiang Wei's decisions were always based on the consideration of the big picture and were for the long-term interests of Shu Han.

Thus, Jiang Wei began to formulate a detailed combat plan. He dispatched elite troops to pursue Cao Wei's remaining forces, while simultaneously dispatching envoys to various places to announce Shu Han's victory, appease the people, and stabilize their hearts.

In the process of pursuit, Jiang Wei encountered an old general of Cao Wei. This old general had once been Jiang Wei's rival, and the two had clashed on the battlefield many times, with each having their own victories and defeats. Now, he was leading the remaining troops, attempting to block Jiang Wei's offensive.

"Jiang Wei, you are indeed formidable. I didn't expect that I would end up being defeated by your hands." The old general looked at Jiang Wei, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

Jiang Wei smiled slightly and said: "General, you are too modest. War has no distinction of victory or defeat, only the difference between life and death. Now, we have captured your capital, and you are powerless to turn the tide. Why not surrender and seek peace together?"

The old general was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly: "Peace? Do you think that after experiencing this war, we can still have peace?"

Jiang Wei's expression became stern, and then he said earnestly: "Of course we can. War is just a means; peace is the goal. As long as both sides can put down their hatred and work together, we will definitely be able to achieve peace."

The old general was silent for a moment, then sighed: "You are right. Perhaps, I really should consider surrendering."

After speaking, he turned and walked toward his troops, beginning to announce the decision to surrender. Although his troops were somewhat reluctant, under the old general's persuasion, they finally chose to surrender.

Jiang Wei accepted their surrender and gave them generous treatment. He knew deeply that these soldiers were also victims of the war; they longed for peace and longed to go home to reunite with their families.

In the following days, Jiang Wei continued to advance post-war reconstruction work. He dispatched officials to various places to announce Shu Han's policies and decrees, appease the people, and restore production. At the same time, he also strengthened the construction and training of the army, improving the army's combat effectiveness.

In this process, Jiang Wei had in-depth exchanges with the common people and soldiers. He listened to their voices, understood their needs, and solved practical problems for them. His approachable image and pragmatic style won widespread praise from the people and soldiers.

"Prime Minister, you are truly our savior!" An old man held Jiang Wei's hand and said gratefully, "Since you came, our lives have become much better. Thank you!"

Jiang Wei smiled and shook his head: "No need to thank me. This is what I should do. As long as you can live a good life, I will be satisfied."

In exchanges with the soldiers, Jiang Wei also gained a lot. He understood the hardships and sacrifices of the soldiers and also heard their expectations and visions for the future. He knew deeply that only by truly caring for the soldiers could he win their trust and support.

"Prime Minister, we are willing to follow you, regardless of life or death!" A soldier said firmly.

Jiang Wei looked at him, his heart filled with emotion: "Thank you all. With you here, I am afraid of nothing."

Under Jiang Wei's leadership, Shu Han gradually walked out of the shadow of war and ushered in a brand-new era. The people lived and worked in peace and contentment, and the country was prosperous and strong. And Jiang Wei, because of his outstanding contributions and great achievements, was remembered by later generations as a great military strategist and politician.

In his later years, he often recalled this period of history. Whenever he thought of those soldiers and common people who fought side by side with him, his heart was filled with emotion and respect. He knew that it was their support and sacrifice that allowed him to reach this step today.

"Peace is hard-won; we must cherish it." Jiang Wei often said to those around him, "Only by constantly working hard can we make Shu Han's tomorrow even better."

Under Jiang Wei's leadership, Shu Han's political and military situation underwent earth-shaking changes. As the threat of Cao Wei was greatly weakened, Shu Han's borders were expanded, and the country's security was guaranteed as never before. However, Jiang Wei knew deeply that true peace was not just military victory, but the allegiance of people's hearts and social harmony.

Thus, he began to carry out a series of social reforms aimed at improving the living standards of the people and enhancing the country's cohesion. He knew deeply that agriculture was the foundation of the country, so he paid special attention to the development of agriculture. He dispatched agricultural experts to various places to teach advanced farming techniques, promote excellent seeds, and encourage the people to reclaim wasteland and expand the area of cultivated land. At the same time, he also built water conservancy projects to improve irrigation conditions and ensure that farmland received sufficient water sources.

"Prime Minister, these reform measures are truly excellent!" A representative of the farmers said excitedly in the court, "Since you came, our harvests have greatly increased, and our lives have become better and better."

Jiang Wei smiled and nodded: "This is as it should be. The people are the foundation of the country; only when the people are wealthy can the country be strong."

Besides agricultural reform, Jiang Wei also paid great attention to the development of education. He knew deeply that education was an important way to cultivate talent and improve the quality of the country. Therefore, he vigorously established schools, recruited excellent teachers, and provided a good educational environment for children. He also encouraged the people to send their children to school and gave them certain material rewards and honorary commendations.

"Prime Minister, you are truly our benefactor!" A parent held Jiang Wei's hand and said gratefully, "Since my child went to school, he has become much more sensible and has also learned a lot of knowledge. This is all your credit!"

Jiang Wei smiled and shook his head: "No need to thank me. This is the effort of your children themselves, and also the hard work of the teachers. I just did what I should have done." ===== CHAPTER 1525 =====