"A little wisdom is not enough!" Zhao Pu said modestly.
"It's great wisdom to be able to share my worries!" Emperor Liu said with a chuckle. Brick looked at the complete map of Han Dynasty that had been hanging in the hall all year round, and his eyes fell directly on the northeast corner.
"Go and find the detailed atlas of Northeast China. I want to see it!" Emperor Liu ordered Yantuo.
"yes!"
Yantuo went as ordered. Inside Chui Gong Hall, there were many books, pictures and memorials. It could be regarded as a small database for Emperor Liu to consult at any time. Yantuo was very efficient and found him quickly and respectfully helped Emperor Liu lay it out on the imperial case.
Of course, the so-called detailed map of Northeast China is still relatively rough, not due to the level of cartography, but to the lack of a large amount of information. Due to limitations of practical factors, it is impossible to conduct on-site inspections and measurements like the core territories of the Han Dynasty.
A lot of geographical information has been compiled through historical materials and atlases captured by the Han army from Liaoyang, and a general situation has just been outlined. Even so, at the moment, the geographical map of Northeast China owned by the imperial court is the most advanced and complete.
Emperor Liu lowered his head and studied the detailed map of the geographical situation of Northeast China. The forces in the vast area north and east of Huanglong Mansion were clearly marked on it. After pondering for a while, Emperor Liu asked: "Does Zhao Qing have other intentions for this proposal? !”
The chaos in the Northeast, as a follow-up to the Han-Liao War, has been turbulent for almost a year. Even now, although it has not subsided and seems to be a mess, in fact there are threads to follow.
Outside Huanglong Mansion, the tribal forces are complex and can be basically divided into four categories: Shiwei tribes, Jurchen tribes, Liao rebels, and those uncivilized barbaric tribes.
These tribal forces, large and small, have basically formed their own spheres of influence after a year of mutual attacks and annexations.
The Jurchen tribe has the widest distribution. Strictly speaking, the Wanyan tribe is among them. It cannot be considered a particularly powerful tribe, but its cohesion is relatively strong. The most important thing was that they were quick to see the opportunity. They were the Northeastern tribes who surrendered to the imperial court relatively early. They were also rewarded by Emperor Liu, giving them an advantage over other forces.
Although the Wanyan Department has developed and expanded during this major reshuffle of Northeastern forces, due to the disastrous defeat of Huanglong Mansion last year and the subsequent attack by the Liao Army, it suffered heavy losses, and its strength has actually declined a lot. .
In addition, the northwest direction of its headquarters is the activity area of the Tulubushiwei tribe, and there are conflicts between the two tribes. Therefore, the current situation of the Wanyan tribe is not too good. The Jurchen Wanyan tribe, which occupies a part of the Huntong River Basin, is actually surrounded by powerful enemies. In addition to Shiwei, the surrounding Dalugu and other tribes are also in conflict with each other in the subsequent competition for territory and population.
Even so, when Ma Renyu sent his troops north to attack Huanglong Mansion, Wanyan Bahai also selected two thousand warriors from the tribe and went south to assist in the attack. He was completely behaving like a loyal minister and an obedient man. If it were another emperor, he might have been moved to tears by this Wanyan Jurchen.
Facing Emperor Liu's question, Zhao Pu smiled and complimented him habitually: "Your Majesty is wise and has a sharp eye. I saw through this scheming thing right away!"
Then he said calmly: "Your Majesty, I also have some understanding of the current distribution of tribal forces in the northeast. Several hundred miles north of the Wanyan tribe is the former Khitan Tieli tribe's territory. Now Shiwei has expanded eastward, and even the capital of Tieli King It is the basis for it. The imperial court confuses the Jiangbei area to grant Wanyan and let him take it for himself. This can not only fulfill His Majesty's promise, but also if Wanyan's tribe goes north, the imperial court can also use this to slightly hinder the expansion of the Shiwei tribe!"
"Not a bad idea!" Emperor Liu nodded, but did not show too much excitement, but said with a slight doubt: "It's just that such an intention is too obvious. Judging from the cunning shown by Wanyan Bahai before, he may not Don’t you see that he can follow Zhao Qing’s idea and compete with Shi Wei for food? After all, Shi Wei is strong and Wanyan is weak. How can he be so unwise when he uses a weak enemy to fight a strong one?”
Faced with Emperor Liu's slight doubts, Zhao Pu was not surprised. His face was calm and he spoke straightforwardly: "Your Majesty, it is precisely because Wanyan Bahai is quite cunning, ambitious and intends to expand, otherwise he would not have done it before. He would actively seek refuge with the imperial court and raise his troops to rebel against the Liao Dynasty. This time, taking the initiative to request the land of Huanglong Mansion is enough to prove this person's ambition.
The imperial court gave the land of Iron Li to him. Even if this person is calm and sensible and not tempted, he must have this feeling in mind. After all, it is a fiefdom given by the imperial court.
Perhaps due to limited strength, he can suppress it for a while, but how can he suppress it for a lifetime? Although it is bitter and cold outside Huanglong Mansion, for these tribes who have been hunting here for generations, it is a treasure land of wealth. How can they not be tempted?
The Land of Iron Li is like a dog bone thrown by the imperial court, which will inevitably cause the Shiwei and Jurchen tribes to fight! If two dogs compete for food, the court will be safe! Even if they don't fight, the court can push it from the side! "
"Zhao Qing is planning a conspiracy!" Emperor Liu sighed with emotion.
After taking a sip of tea, Zhao Pu continued: "Compared to Shi Wei, the Wanyan tribe may be slightly weaker, but because of this, Wanyan Bahai will rely more on the imperial court, and only with the imperial court behind them can they operate in the Huntong River Basin. Stand, develop, and grow!”
"What do you mean, do you want the court to support the Wanyan tribe to balance the situation in the Northeast?" Listening to Zhao Pu's talk, Emperor Liu couldn't help but frown, as if he had doubts.
Zhao Pu also noticed it and cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, from my perspective, among the tribes in the Northeast, the Wanyan tribe is the most suitable to support and can be used by the imperial court.
Outside of Huanglong Mansion, the area was too vast, the terrain was remote, and the tribal situation was complex. It was almost impossible for the imperial court to fully control it, so it could only use the policy of restraint to subjugate the tribes.
However, if we want to ensure long-term peace, we should also adopt certain balancing measures among the Northeastern tribes. Since the imperial family is powerful, it should be suppressed. In order to avoid the burden on the court, it is also feasible to cultivate some tribes that are close and loyal to the court! "
After Zhao Pu finished speaking, he lowered his hands and looked at his nose with his eyes and his heart with his nose. He was not nervous at all, waiting for Emperor Liu's decision. The others were silent. Emperor Liu subconsciously stroked his beard, thought carefully for a long time, and finally asked: "What if the Wanyan tribe becomes powerful through this? Compared with other tribes, the forces that accept the support of the imperial court are more powerful." Development breakthroughs are possible.
When he keeps to himself, he may be an obedient minister of the court. However, if he suddenly becomes disloyal, his ambition grows, and he betrays the court, how much price will the court pay to eliminate the enemies it has supported? "
In response to this question, before Zhao Pu could say anything, Shi Shouxin spoke calmly and forcefully: "If Shi Wei becomes powerful, then Shi Wei will be suppressed. If Wanyan Ministry becomes powerful, the court will naturally attack him in the same way. If you dare to betray the court, then you will be punished." We have to pay the price of the Yi tribe! The imperial court can support a Wanyan tribe, and naturally it can also support other tribes!"
As he spoke, Shi Shouxin gave Emperor Liu a slightly surprised look, as if he was wondering how Emperor Liu could not even think of this with his wisdom.
Emperor Liu's sullen face finally relaxed, and the corners of his mouth were slightly raised with a slight chuckle. His doubts almost came from an instinct. He was both a Jurchen and a perfect face, so how could he not hesitate in his heart.
However, if you think about it carefully, so what if the Wanyan Jurchen is the current era of the Han Dynasty. If the Han Dynasty is strong, everything will be safe. However, if there is a problem with the Han Dynasty itself, even if there is no Wanyan Jurchen, other forces and other enemies will appear.
After thinking about it, Emperor Liu showed a determined expression and looked at Zhao Pu: "Let's arrange this matter according to Zhao Qing's wishes! Ma Renyu can allocate part of the money, food and military equipment from Liaodong and give it to Wanyan Bahai. A thank you gift from me.
As for the rest, let’s look at the situation and talk about it later. Although the Northeast needs a balanced situation, it cannot involve too much energy from the court! In addition, by asking Wanyan Bahai to come to Beijing, isn't he loyal to the imperial court? Zhao Qing also said that Wanyan is available, so let me meet him first to see if he dares to come! "
"yes!"
Obviously, Emperor Liu still had doubts about supporting Wanyan tribe.
