"Your Majesty, there is something that the court should be more vigilant about!" Lu Duoxun handed over.
"Say it!" Liu Chengyou put away his emotion and looked at him.
Lu Duoxun said solemnly: "As far as I can see, Hexi has been separated from the Central Plains for many years, and the influence of the Central Plains has weakened to a certain extent. The old land of the Tang Dynasty has been seriously invaded by Zhuhu, and the local remnants have also declined day by day. Although certain Han customs have been retained, However, they were also greatly influenced by Hu Feng, integrated with him, and no longer considered themselves to be subjects of the imperial court. Even the Guiyi Army was no exception, with a strong sense of Hu Feng.
This is a very bad situation. If the imperial court does not seek changes and takes measures, in the long run, the Hexi hometown will be completely occupied by the barbarians. From the land, cities, and cultural traditions, everything will be separated from the Central Plains and will no longer be owned by the imperial court... ..."
Lu Duoxun's words aroused Liu Chengyou's thinking, and some "existing" pictures emerged in his mind, which made him pay more attention to it. After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "It is conceivable that over the years, the power of the imperial court in Hexi has declined, and it has no real influence anymore, and large areas of land are occupied by barbarians.
The survivors and old people of the Tang Dynasty, without the protection and support of the imperial court, were surrounded by wolves and struggled to survive, so they would naturally seek changes to adapt. Under such circumstances, how can I abandon them and remain loyal and obedient to the court? "
Regarding the situation in the northwest, Liu Chengyou seems to be adopting a tolerant and understanding attitude and appears to be very magnanimous. Perhaps with emotion, perhaps with regret, he also has the heroic ambition to send troops to regain the old land and save the remaining people, but he does not have that kind of extreme resentment. After all, the causes planted by the previous dynasty will lead to the current results. He is very open-minded and just plans to Try your best to save and clean up the old rivers and mountains.
"I am sending you westward not only to understand the situation of spying on Hexi, but also to announce to the survivors of the northwest through your mission that although the Tang Dynasty has died, the Han Dynasty is still there! One day, the banner of the Han Dynasty will be planted in all the cities in Hexi. The Hexi Corridor and the Silk Road should be opened up again, and the prestige and glory of the Han Dynasty should spread to the Western Regions..." Liu Chengyou said solemnly, as if he was making an oath.
Hearing this, Lu Duoxun's face showed joy, and he stood up and said: "My lord, I am willing to drive the oxen and horses, let them be driven, assist the Holy Lord, and achieve the great cause of westward expansion!"
Detective Wang on the side also prostrated himself and said, "The same goes for me!"
After waving his hand, Liu Chengyou looked at the man who had been silent all this time and said gently: "You are from Wude Division, leading the escort mission? What is your name?"
"Exactly, the little one's name is Wang Yinwu!" Detective Wang looked a little embarrassed. This was his first time to meet the emperor.
"It's not easy to bring the Western Envoy team back safely!" Liu Chengyou said.
"As a young man, I have no choice but to fulfill my duties and be willing to die!" Wang Yinwu said solemnly, maintaining extraordinary respect for the emperor.
Since the time of Li Shaoyou, Wu Desi has formed a culture, treating itself as the emperor's eagle and dog minions, and its awe of the imperial power has slowly been integrated into its bones.
"Good!" Liu Chengyou praised: "It is because of heroes and lofty ideals like you that the Han Dynasty can continue to grow stronger and prosperous!"
On the side, Lu Duoxun also said: "On the way to the west, there are many dangerous places, such as barren beaches, Gobi, and deserts. Horse bandits and rogues are rampant, and there are also some tribesmen who are hostile to the Han Dynasty. I have had countless adventures along the way. , wandering on the edge of life and death several times, thanks to Wang Tanshi, who tried his best to survive, he was able to complete his mission and return alive!"
"How many people have come back?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Mentioning this, the mood of the two became slightly depressed, and Lu Duoxun responded: "Including the two ministers, there are only twenty-three people, and the rest died on the way!"
"These people are all heroes of the Han Dynasty!" Liu Chengyou said solemnly, looking at the two of them: "You have lived up to your mission and returned after going through hardships and dangers. You have made great achievements and deserve a heavy reward! If you want anything, just say it!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Duoxun immediately said: "I hope your majesty can reward me with some money, silk, rice, and acres of land!"
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou was slightly surprised by his directness.
Sensing Liu Chengyou's reaction, Lu Duoxun continued: "The return of the ministers is all thanks to the guards who died in the northwest. How can I expect a reward and use it to comfort his family?"
"This is the right thing to do!" Liu Chengyou couldn't help but nodded: "Even if you don't mention it, I should still give grand praise and rewards to the warriors of the Western Envoy, so that I can live up to the loyalty and merit of the heroes!"
"Your Majesty is wise, on behalf of those who died, I would like to thank your Majesty for your grace!" Lu Duoxun said.
Glancing at Lu Duoxun, Liu Chengyou's eyes showed a little strangeness. Of course he could understand his little thoughts. Asking for compensation for the deceased is very beneficial to their reputation and reputation, and can also deepen a good impression on the emperor. At the same time, his contribution to the westward journey was real, and the emperor would not be stingy with rewards for him.
Of course, Lu Duosun may also be sincere and may not have the small intention of seeking fame and reputation. But no matter what, his behavior of making this statement is worthy of encouragement and praise.
"You have come all the way, you are too tired, so I won't ask you any more questions! It's still a long time, I will talk to you later!" Liu Chengyou said kindly and considerately: "Zhang Dejun, I am a good person to serve you. Come on, let them take a bath and change into new clothes!"
"yes!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
While thanking Lu Duoxun, he took out a book from his pocket. It was a thick stack, a little dirty and had some corners, and he presented it carefully: "I will record all my experiences along the way and compile them into a book. Please take a look at it, Your Majesty!"
Liu Chengyou's eyes were slightly bright. He took the booklet handed over by Zhang Dejun and opened it eagerly. He only glanced at it briefly, then looked up at Lu Duoxun and said, "The records are very detailed! This book is very interesting." Value, you are attentive! It seems that I have another book, a must-read book!"
Seeing the emperor's reaction, Lu Duoxun smiled reservedly, cupped his hands and said, "It's good if I can be useful to your majesty and the court!"
On the other side, Detective Wang Yinwu saw this and took out a carefully protected map and presented it: "This is the map of the cities, mountains, rivers, and roads that I was ordered to draw along the way!"
He took it in the same way, spread it out, glanced at it with a tiger's eye, and took out a candle to illuminate it more brightly. After careful observation, his expression of satisfaction became stronger, and he said loudly: "With this volume and picture, I will grant you a title, and I won't even grant you a title." It’s too much!”
"This is what I should do. I don't dare to take credit for it!" Lu Duoxun seemed to be very conceited and disapproving of the Lord.
When Wang Yinwu heard about it, he felt greatly honored. There were so many subordinates in the Wude Division, but only three envoys had been awarded titles, and it was not purely because of their merits in the Wude Division.
After thinking about it for a while, Liu Chengyou said to Lu Duoxun: "In this way, after you retreat, you will make some detailed arrangements on your journey to the west and draw up a statement. After you bring it back to Beijing, you will introduce it to the ministers and let them know. They have an in-depth understanding of the situation in Hexi!"
"yes!"
After Lu Duoxun and the two men retreated, Liu Chengyou's interest remained unabated. He was so happy to see the hunting spirit that he took the pictures and albums and flipped through them. He couldn't put it down. For Liu Chengyou, the report of Lu Duoxun's return was like lifting the veil of a beautiful woman, showing it in his eyes. Although it was still hazy, it was no longer so hazy. After a long time, the emotion passed and I calmed down.
"How excited are you? After all, it's just out of reach!" There was a little sadness at the corner of his mouth.
When he didn't know the situation in Hexi, he could ignore it, pretend not to know, and wait until later. Now that I know it, I can't help but feel a little restless, but if I have the will but the inability, it's still far from the time to advance westward.
However, Liu Chengyou was unwilling to do anything. After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou called out: "Zhang Dejun!"
Zhang Dejun, who had arranged for Lu and Wang, returned and hurriedly waited for orders: "Young man is here! Please give me your Majesty's orders!"
"Send a message to all the officials in the northwest border states to report the situation of trade with the captives!" Liu Chengyou ordered.
"yes!"
After much deliberation, it was found that it was temporarily inconvenient for the army to march westward, so trade could be opened up, organized by the government, through economics and merchants, to open up the Hexi Corridor, penetrate the influence, and prepare for a large-scale westward march in the future.
Making a decision secretly, Liu Chengyou set his sights on Zhang Dejun. Liu Chengyou smiled and said: "I see that you are busy and running back and forth. It is not easy. Do you need to find a few people to help?"
Hearing this, Zhang Dejun's heart tightened and he hurriedly said: "Thank you for the officials' concern. I can take care of it. I am willing to be honored to be able to serve the officials. No matter how busy I am!"
