Updated: 2013-07-13

"So, the Western Turkic tribes are about to be defeated?" After Zhao Xun heard what the Privy Council said about the situation in the north, he couldn't help frowning slightly.

Zhang Yuanjing, who was in charge of affairs in the north, said: "Without support, it will be difficult for the western Turkic tribes to hold on. Although many eastern tribes are fighting among themselves because of the position of the khan, more tribes are not able to compete for the position of khan, and they are still mainly based on practical benefits. Therefore, the blow to the Western Turkic tribes was not light. ”

"Now, the strength of the Eastern Turkic tribes has not yet dropped to the level that this king wants to see." Zhao Xun muttered softly to himself, and then asked, "What about the losses of the eastern tribes?" ”

Zhang Yuanjing said in a deep voice: "In the past few years, the loss has been not small. But in comparison, the losses of the Eastern Turkic tribes were much smaller than those in the West. Especially in the middle and late stages of our war with the Southern Alliance, we had almost cut off trade with the western Turkic tribes. At this time, the Western Turkic tribes were also defeated very quickly. Mainly because they, unlike the Eastern Horde, have our rear support and do not need food problems. ”

"However, the Eastern Turkic tribes have the advantage that they have the upper hand, are the victors, and can get supplements. Therefore, after the victory, the eastern tribe received a lot of replenishment, and the population, livestock and other materials were captured quite a lot. There are even some tribes, based on the number of people and livestock before and after, they not only did not decrease, but also increased than before. Of course, on top of strength, there will still be losses. ”

"Compared with the beginning, the current Eastern Turkic tribes have been weakened by more than a notch, although they have all been supplemented, but the 'elite' old men of each of them have suffered countless casualties. Among the current ministries, there are still not many who can fight bravely as before. It has to be said that our promotion of luxury goods in the north in order to disintegrate the fighting power of the Turks still has a great effect. Many tribal leaders and many generals are no longer as brave and fearless as before. Speaking of this, Zhang Yuanjing is still very satisfied.

Zhao Xun lightly tapped the table with his fingers, frowned, and said: "Although the land of the Western Regions is flat, it is also the grass creation period. Not only can we not provide assistance to my Da Zhao now, but we need a large number of grain and grass materials. The Turkic tribes are located in the north of our Great Zhao, west to Shangzhou and east to Dingzhou. Don't let them weaken, how can this king rest assured to go south to conquer. ”

Zhao Xun can't help but worry that if there is any abnormal situation during the southern expedition, then whether the Turks in the north will take advantage of the situation to 'riot' the border of Dazhao, this is a matter that needs attention. Especially in the two states of the Western Regions, if the Turks suddenly move south, and the remnants of the Western Regions countries stir up trouble in them, there will definitely be a big 'chaos'.

Of course, even without these, the Zhao army is about to go south, and there will be no time to care about the north. If the eastern Turkic tribes completely defeat the western tribes, they will dominate the territory of thousands of miles. If they are given some more time, it will definitely be a side trouble for Da Zhao.

Zhao Xun was even thinking that if he had all kinds of hot weapons, chariots, railways and other modern things in his hands, he would have swept away this northern territory a long time ago. However, not now. Of course, Zhao Xun is also arranging for people to do some of these related researches. However, in the era of cold weapons, it was not easy for the Han people to defeat the grassland foreigners on the grassland. And it is even more difficult to take root and survive on this grassland.

It was precisely because of this that Zhao Xun set the northern boundary and gradually expanded outward, building cities and roads wherever he went, cultivating arable fields, burning grasslands, planting trees, and other strategies to change the habits of regional life. The purpose of this is to allow Zhao to gradually expand to the north, gain a foothold in various places, and develop steadily.

Pei Yi said in a sullen voice: "The king is unwilling to let the Western Turks be defeated, which is naturally in our interests. However, there is no way for us to 'intervene' directly. Now, the supporters behind the Eastern Turkic tribes, but our Great Zhao, at this moment, it is unlikely that even a sudden cessation of support for the Eastern Turkic tribes, let alone direct assistance to the enemy. After all, it was none other than my Great Zhao State that let the Eastern Turkic tribes conquer the Western Tribes. ”

Pei Yi and others naturally saw the harm brought by the northern Turks, since ancient times, the foreigners on the northern steppes have always been the great enemies of the Central Plains Dynasty. Although the Western Turkic tribes were attacked by the Eastern tribes because the Zhao State could 'lure' them, it was also to prevent the Western tribes close to the Western Regions from participating in the war in the Western Regions, adding trouble to the Great Zhao, and at the same time weakening the overall strength of the Turks.

When it comes to population, the Han people in the Central Plains are naturally far more numerous than the northern grasslands. But when it comes to the area of territory, the Eastern and Western Turkic tribes combined are no smaller than the Central Plains Dynasty. It's just that the northern environment is not as mild as the Central Plains Dynasty, and the foreign tribes in the northern grasslands are only good at grazing, not good at farming.

The harsh environment also made the northern foreigners more courageous. Therefore, the foreign tribes living on the northern grasslands often invaded from the south, while the Central Plains Dynasty, which had a large population, was often at a disadvantage. Of course, this is also the overall situation of the Cold Weapon Age, not the special situation of a certain dynasty.

It is precisely because of this that the northern foreign tribes have been a headache for all dynasties, and it is also an important reason why Zhao Xun and the important ministers of Zhao State need to make great efforts to weaken the northern Turks.

"Or, let the eastern Turkic tribes stop their westward advance and withdraw to the eastern regions?"

Zhang Yuanjing shook his head and said, "Reason? Under what pretext do we have for the withdrawal of the Eastern Turkic tribes? You must know that the western expedition of the eastern Turkic tribe was carried out by the edict of the king. In addition, there is a question of the interests of their khan. If we suddenly let them withdraw without a reasonable reason, we are afraid that all the tribes will immediately be dissatisfied with us. In this way, not only will these tribes be hostile to us, but it will also cheapen the three khans in the east. ”

"Besides, there is no suitable reason, I am afraid that these tribes will not withdraw their troops immediately for the sake of the interests in their hands. You know, in the past few years, they have gained a lot of loot. The livestock, horses, and slaves that we have 'traded' back from these tribes alone are terrifying. For the sake of these interests, how can they easily withdraw their troops? Not to mention, at this moment, the resistance of the Western Turkic tribes has gradually weakened and is exhausted. This is the best time for them to reap the benefits, and they will not withdraw easily. ”

"In addition, it is precisely because we are the initiators of the conquest of the Western Turkic tribes and the backing of the Eastern Turkic tribes that the Western Regions can no longer continue to provide covert support to the Western Turkic tribes. After all, the land of the Western Regions has all been included in our system. ”

"How about through merchants? You know, it's nothing for a businessman to sell some contraband 'privately'. Neither the Eastern Turkic tribes nor the Western Turks should be counted among them. ”

Situ Liang shook his head and said, "Even so, it can only provide a small amount of help." If this Western Turk can get a large amount of support, I'm afraid. Everyone will suspect that we are complicit. Now, in addition to the three khans, there are also some ambitious people who are extremely dissatisfied with our command of the Eastern Turkic tribes. If they seize the opportunity, they will certainly incite the eastern Turkic tribes to oppose us. Even, it is possible to pull the Western Turkic tribes together to act. If that's the case, we'll lose a lot. After all, our next move will inevitably be south, not north. ”

"There are still many tribes who are dissatisfied with us? Do you still have the ambition to order the Turkic tribes to compete with my Great Zhao? Zhao Xun suddenly said coldly.

"Act immediately to get rid of all these tribal leaders or Turkic nobles. Whatever the method, in short, get rid of them all. ”

"We have a lot of secret agents in the Eagle Eye Division and the Shadow Division, and they have become the magnates of the Western Regions, and they have fled into the Western Turkic tribes in order to escape the capture of Great Zhao. In this way, let them contact our people among the Eastern Turkic tribes, and through intelligence, the Western Turkic tribes can set up an ambush or better escape the pursuit of the Eastern Turkic tribes. For those who pose a potential threat to us, let's use the Western Turkic tribes to clean them up. ”

Ling Xiao suddenly said: "King, since we can't 'intervene' in the war in the north and support the western Turkic tribes, we can let others 'intervene'." ”

Zhao Xun looked sideways and said, "Oh? Tell us what you think. ”

Ling Xiao said in a deep voice: "Great King, in the north, directly north of us is the northern steppe, on this steppe, our great enemies are mainly Turks. To the east of the eastern Turkic tribes are the Murwei people and the northeasternmost Heishui Tatars. They can contain the eastern Turkic tribes for us. ”

"Further north of the eastern Turkic tribes, the Uighurs and Tiele tribes, who can also contain the eastern Turkic tribes for us."

"Of course, in order to prevent the eastern Turkic tribes from directly turning against us, we cannot contact the Uighurs and Tiele and other tribes, but to the west of the western Turkic tribes is the state of Wusun, which we have always had a grudge against us. They can support the Western Turkic tribes on our behalf. ”

Zhao Xun listened, and couldn't help nodding his head secretly. This Ling Xiao could be reused under Situ Lei in the past, and he really had his hand. This Ling Xiao is as meticulous as dust, and his grasp of the overall situation is still very big. Zhao Xun himself was said by Ling Xiao like this, and his heart couldn't help but light up.

Pei Yi said in a deep voice: "What Lord Ling said is very true, this is indeed a very suitable object. However, this western Turkic tribe was instigated by our people to raid the eastern part of the Wusun Kingdom in exchange for various supplies. In this case, how could this Wusun state support the western Turkic tribes? If you want to get the support of Wusun Kingdom, I'm afraid it's very difficult. ”

Ling Xiao smiled and said, "Indeed, what Master Pei said is right, it is indeed difficult. However, now the southeast of Wusun Kingdom is facing the threat of our Great Zhao Shang Prefecture, and the northeastern border is gradually approaching by the eastern Turkic tribes. At this time, if it began to circulate, this eastern Turkic tribe was supported by Great Zhao and first destroyed the western Turkic tribes, and then destroyed the Wusun Kingdom, what would be the situation? When necessary, we can even let the garrison of Suye City move a little to put some pressure on the southeast of Wusun Kingdom. ”

"Good!" "Not bad, good idea!" "This plan works!" Suddenly, several people's eyes lit up and said one after another.

Situ Liang continued: "This will not only allow the Wusun Kingdom to continue to support the Western Turkic tribes and the Eastern Turkic tribes to stalemate and consume each other. And we can continue to promise some benefits, but the eastern Turkic tribes will storm the western tribes. In this way, it can not only weaken the Turks in the east and west, but also consume the strength of the Wusun Kingdom. ”

"More importantly, the support of the Western Turkic tribes in the Wusun State not only allows us to 'take a break' from the situation, but also adjusts the overall situation at any time. If we want the Western Turkic tribes to be defeated, we only need to 'press' west at Suye City and put pressure on the Wusun Kingdom. During this period, we can stir up tensions between the eastern Turkic tribes and the northern Uighurs and Tielers. Even, find a way for the northern Uighurs and Tieles to raid the auxiliaries of the tribes who were escorting the booty. ”

"In addition, we can also send them north to fight against the Uighurs and Tiele people in the north through the men we have placed in the various departments, and we only need to 'intervene' indirectly. None of these northern foreign tribes are good things, and for our Central Plains Dynasty, there will only be disasters, and no benefits. Although the Uighurs and Tieles further north have no great enmity with us, they are even, in some respects, we are closer. However, with them, we can only make use of them, not be credited. ”

"Well said!" Zhao Xun nodded and said, "For these northern foreign clans, we can only use them, not reuse them, let alone trust them." For them, we laid out in advance and made them enemies. ”

"The Privy Council immediately began to arrange this matter, and we had gathered many Turks, Westerners, and other foreigners to serve in the Eagle Eye Division and the Shadow Division many years ago, and now we have placed them in the Western Turkic tribes and the Uighurs and Tieles further north to make corresponding arrangements. In short, we can't let this thing, which spans thousands of miles of the prairie, become a united race. All those who are contrary to the interests of our Great Zhao will be eliminated. ”

"In addition, we will continue to encourage merchants from all over the country to exchange supplies for prisoners of war and slaves from the eastern and western tribes of the Turkic tribes in the north, and these people are good labor for us, and we do not have to worry about their life and death. In addition, we did not get a single slave, correspondingly, on the northern steppes, there was one less. ”

"It is also necessary to increase the trend of outward expansion of the northern states, gradually advance to the north, and begin to expand the territory and roots of our Great Zhao to the north based on Chidao and cities, and oppress the living space of foreign tribes in the northern grasslands."

Zhao Xun had already understood the affairs of the north, and the soldiers had made corresponding arrangements. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, the north will not be easy to fight again for the time being.

And the situation of the southern princes, when Zhao Xun was conquering the Western Regions, has also changed a lot in the past few months. Among them, the Chu army in Xuzhou, after negotiating peace with the Qi army, has not shown signs of being easily dispatched, but has begun to restore people's livelihood and develop the local area. Even, the Chu army's move was quite supported by the local people.

"If Li Chi had done this earlier, perhaps, the Chu army would have become a more powerful prince by now, instead of being pressed and beaten by the Qi army." Pei Yi couldn't help but sigh when he talked about the situation of the Chu army in Xuzhou.

"I don't know if I understand my own situation, the Chu army has now dismissed a lot of soldiers, no longer focusing on military affairs, but has begun to turn to local government affairs. Speaking of which, among the countries that are now 'intertwined' with our Great Zhao, the Chu army is the easiest to attack. Of course, if the Chu army resists desperately, then we will encounter a lot of resistance. Mainly because of the recent actions of the Chu army, the people of Xuzhou began to support them. ”

Lu Ziliang said in a deep voice: "Li Chixiong has been in Xuzhou for more than ten years, and his influence in Xuzhou is quite deep. If Li Chi fights to the death with us, it will indeed bring us a lot of trouble. At best, though, it's just a nuisance. ”

In the land of Jingzhou, the Qi army, the Shu army, and the combined forces of the king of Hanzhong and the king of Luoyang, the three sides continued to fight endlessly. Among them, it is still a coalition army and a Qi army to unite against the Shu army. Speaking alone, the Qi army and the coalition army are far from being the opponents of the Shu army. However, after the two armies were united, coupled with the inland water army of the Qi army, it did bring a lot of trouble to the Shu army. Therefore, the war between the two sides is still bounded by the Yangtze River.

However, because of the 'meddling' of the Qi army, the Shu army failed to seize the land of Jingzhou in the hands of the coalition army. Coupled with Zhao Jun's deliberate actions, there were many rumors in the land under the rule of King Shu, and they all continued to say that the King of Shu was not on the right throne, and his ability was not as good as that of the eldest prince Situ Hao and the third prince Situ Fei in the past

This made Situ Che quite angry, and this bloody rumor was also the reason why Situ Che fought desperately with the coalition army and the Qi army in the north. In fact, Situ Che is much stronger than Situ Hao on the whole. If it weren't for the fact that the Zhao army sent people to provoke the Shu army to govern the land and provide some information for the Qi army and the coalition army, I am afraid that Jingzhou has been occupied by the Shu army. As for the combination of the Qi army and the coalition army, it is simply impossible.

If it weren't for the fact that Zhao Xun sent people to secretly provoke Situ Fei and Situ Hao to separate and stand on their own, I am afraid that now the Yongjun forces will become the overlord of the south. As for Situ Fei and Situ Hao, they are belligerent and have no talent for governing places. One, attached to the old ministers of the previous dynasty, will govern the large and small government affairs, all rely on the old ministers of the former dynasty. Under the rule of King Luoyang, most of the power was in the hands of the old ministers of Dayan.

No matter how it should have been, but now, under the planning of Zhao Jun, Situ Hao and Situ Fei finally joined forces with Murong Cheng, the king of Qi, the former mortal enemy, to jointly counterattack Situ Che, the king of Shu. Since then, the three Situ brothers have no possibility of reuniting at all. Of course, if it weren't for Zhao Jun's meticulous activities, they might have joined forces to fight the enemy when the situation was in crisis. But now, Situ Che, the king of Shu, absolutely regards his two elder brothers as enemies who covet his position, and will never join forces with them, let alone walk with them.