The defeat of Shi Wei's army was obviously just the beginning. How to truly turn his newly expanded thousands of miles of mountains and rivers into Han territory was a more difficult matter.
In fact, the imperial court launched this crusade against Shi Wei with a very pure purpose, which was to eliminate this regime that refused to surrender and caused great damage to the stability of the Northeast.
As for the demands for land, there is not much desire. After all, the Han Empire is already large enough. Ten years ago, Emperor Liu had a headache because of the large administrative expenses caused by the overly large territory.
Therefore, the newly occupied territory of thousands of miles did not make the court feel much joy. It was just a side harvest from the crusade against Shi Wei.
And this thousand-mile territory does not have much value that can attract the attention of the imperial court. It is too remote, too far, and too poor. There are many resources in the vast territory of the Han Dynasty that can be replaced and easier to develop.
But for the soldiers of Liaodong, they didn't think so. Compared with the actual interests, opening up territories and conferring titles and titles were exactly what they pursued.
However, it only stopped here. For Liu Xu, there was another consideration. He had to do what the imperial court was unwilling to spend a lot of effort on, and establish the rule of the Han Dynasty in this strange and cold land. Digesting the newly occupied land and bringing it into the imperial court's governance system is obviously a challenge and an achievement.
Therefore, after the Battle of Nahe ended and the Shiwei people's regime collapsed, Liu Xu began to think about how to govern. This really made him nervous. It was indeed difficult to establish effective rule on this land.
In fact, even in the thirteenth year since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the imperial court still did not have a clear conclusion on the development of the Northeast. The Northeast is obviously rich in resources, including land, minerals, animal and plant resources, but it really does not have the basis for large-scale development. Compared with other places, the development cost is equally high.
Just a harsh climate environment can put people off. Of course, the most important thing is the lack of population. Without people, even occupying Baoshan is in vain. As for the imperial court, there was no place where there was no shortage of people, especially Han people.
So far, the imperial court has really made up its mind and supported it only in Liaodong, a region with a solid foundation and foundation. However, compared with the huge Northeast, Liaodong also seems a bit small.
Moreover, when Liaodong had not yet developed, how could the imperial court have spare energy to take care of the entire Northeast region. The purpose of invading the Northeast was only to defeat the rebels, for military defense, and for the strategic security of Liaodong.
After the Battle of Nahe, some people in the imperial court had already suggested that since the disobedient Shiwei people had been destroyed, there was no need for the imperial court to continue to waste money and people and expand greatly. It would be enough for the barbarians in the northeast to surrender to the imperial court.
There is no doubt that this is the most trouble-free method. The court can also gain face, and these lands can be marked as Han territory on the huge map of the Han Dynasty.
Once a thorough occupation is to be carried out, it will inevitably cause a lot of unnecessary troubles and increase a large amount of administrative and military expenditures. The difficulties have been confirmed in the southwest and northwest of the Han Dynasty. Just one ethnic issue is enough to cause headaches.
However, Emperor Liu did not listen to the concerns and worries of the court. After attacking Shi Wei, he still agreed to the request jointly signed by Liu Xu and Ma Renyu to continue advancing into the Northeast.
Emperor Liu's consideration was also very simple. Let's not mention other things for the time being. First, clean up the Northeast and make the name real. As for the future, look at it from a development perspective and put the headaches behind. It cannot be because of difficulties in establishing rule. If you don't do it, you will only leave disaster in the future.
Therefore, in the summer of the 13th year of Kaibao, the Han army, after resting and reorganizing, began to turn its troops and march eastward, deep into the Bohai Sea. This process is easier than the crusade against Shi Wei.
There were not many troops used, only 10,000 Han infantry and cavalry and 3,000 servants. The route advanced eastward along the Duck River Basin. In terms of the whole process, it was not much more difficult than an armed march.
All the way east, along the Duck River Basin, tribal city-state forces such as Yueliji, Penuli, Yuelidu, and Orimi asked to surrender one after another. Some of them chose to fight, but after contact, they fled in a hurry. Far away from the Han army, there is no need to fight.
Everywhere he arrived, Ma Renyu left troops to garrison. What caused difficulties and losses to the Han army were mostly accidental injuries caused by harsh traffic and climate conditions.
As for the coach Ma Renyu, his main task was to meet with local tribes and leaders, accept their surrender on behalf of the court, and declare the court's sovereignty over this vast land.
By the end of May, the Eastern Expeditionary Army, personally commanded by Ma Renyu, had marched more than 1,300 miles and advanced to the Cali tribe (Boli). After a very low-intensity battle, they successfully occupied the area. At this point, the advance of troops was stopped.
The reason why Emperor Liu transferred Tian Qinzuo to serve as Haidong patrol envoy was also on this basis, so that he could clear out the rebels along the route and put an end to chaos in Jing'an. Even during Ma Renyu's march, there were a large number of indigenous barbarians along his march route and the Duck River Basin. They harassed and attacked the Han army stationed there from time to time and plundered the Han army's supplies.
Obviously, it is easy to march into the army, and it is not difficult to establish nominal rule. What is difficult is the various troubles that accompany this march.
When Ma Renyu led the army to advance along the Duck River, Hou Renju also led a partial division on the southern front. His advance was smoother. Except for two conflicts with Pulu Maoduo Jurchen, he was not beaten. After too much resistance, they finally succeeded in occupying the Bin Mansion, facing the sea.
At this point, the Han Dynasty's military operation to advance into the Northeast came to an end.
With the unfolding of the Han army's march, the Han Dynasty's rule over the vast Northeast region also opened a new chapter, and the situation in the Northeast also entered a new stage. As for the pros and cons, it remains to be verified by history, but the Han Dynasty has once again expanded its territory for two thousand miles. Regardless of the actual situation, on the surface, it looks beautiful.
...
Guangzheng Hall, where the political affairs hall is located, also has a fixed official residence for Prince Liu Yang. After being notified, Prime Minister Zhao Pu entered with steady steps.
"Your Highness!"
"Excuse me, Prime Minister Zhao! Please sit down!" Liu Yang showed enough respect for Zhao Pu and stood up in person to greet the waiter and serve tea.
Two years have passed, and Zhao Pu is still the same as before, with not much aging on his face. Power is probably the best beauty.
Compared with two years ago, Liu Yang's biggest change may be that his beard has become thicker and his person has become more reserved. Every move he makes is confident and calm, and his majesty is growing day by day.
After a few words of greeting, Zhao Pu personally presented a memorial and explained: "The Zhengshitang received a letter from His Highness King Qin, and the memorial stated that now that the Northeast has been initially settled, the whole country is not at peace, and measures need to be taken to implement laws and regulations to ensure public security... ..."
Liu Yang frowned slightly and took it to read. Liu Xu's memorial was not long, but his meaning was clearly expressed and his attitude was clear. Obviously, being in the Northeast, Liu Xu hoped that the imperial court could completely digest the land, naturalize the tribes, implement the Han system, and establish a solid foundation in the local area. and effective governance.
Moreover, Liu Xu proposed a set of governance plans. The core idea was to use both suppression and pacification. The specific measures were to build towns and administrative areas in key areas in the Northeast, recruit indigenous people, organize households and integrate the people, and implement thorough royal rule. change......
The goal is clear, the blueprint is grand, and the prospects are bright. Specific measures have also been proposed, but implementation is too difficult. Liu Yang thought for a while, then turned to look at Zhao Pu, who had a calm expression on his face: "I wonder what Mr. Zhao has to say about this?"
After hearing the question, Zhao Pu did not hide it and said calmly: "His Royal Highness King Qin's suggestion is feasible, but it is not that easy to implement it.
Thousands of miles of new land were added, roads were difficult, transportation was poor, and barbarians gathered together. It was not easy for the imperial court to establish effective rule and naturalize all the Manchu people.
So far, a lot of investment has been made in setting up many forts in various places. If we build towns again, it will require even more manpower, money and material resources.
After it was completed, to maintain tranquility and maintain its operation, a large number of officials, officers and soldiers were needed for garrisoning, which was in no way comparable to setting up forts and arranging guards.
Even so, it is not easy to recruit and naturalize barbarians. The reason why barbarians are barbarians is that they are barbaric and do not know etiquette and rules. Applying Han law to them will only get twice the result.
Moreover, the king's army was sweeping across the northeast and all the tribes were surrendering. On the one hand, they were intimidated by the military power of the Han Dynasty, and on the other hand, the court still retained the basic governance rights of its leaders and nobles.
Even so, the attacks on Han forts and strongholds never stopped. If His Highness King Qin's idea is implemented, it may cause even greater turmoil.
After all, the Northeast is not as good as the Northwest and Monan..."
In fact, even in the northwest and north-central border areas, during the process of "eradicating tribes and ethnic assimilation" implemented in the past two years, there was a lot of resistance and it was difficult to escape, let alone the northeast.
"According to Prime Minister Zhao's opinion, do you not agree with this policy?" Liu Yang asked.
In response to this, Zhao Pu was silent for a moment, and then said: "The situation in the Northeast is complicated. His Highness the King of Qin's plan is too big and too comprehensive. The old minister thought that it was better to slow down the plan and not to be impatient!"
Of course, in Zhao Pu's mind, the more important reason is how much benefit it can bring to the court? Obviously, judging from the current situation, let alone the benefits, if Liu Xu's plan is followed, it will only increase the burden on the court.
In the Northeast, developing a Liaodong is enough for the imperial court...
After hearing what he said, Liu Yang couldn't help but fall into thinking, showing hesitation, and pondered for a long time, and said: "Everyone in the political affairs hall has read it, what do you think?"
Zhao Pu: "There is endless debate and there is no unified opinion yet!"
After thinking about it, Liu Yang said: "Then summon the officials to discuss this matter again!"
"yes!"
Liu Yang murmured softly again: "His Majesty often said that the Northeast is a huge treasure house, enough for the country to enjoy endlessly, but it has not yet been developed..."
After hearing this, Zhao Pu also said: "If we want to make full use of it, the investment required by the court will be huge..."
Liu Yang didn't understand what Zhao Pu meant. He shook his head and said, "Let's discuss it first!"
"Your Highness, there is one more thing that may interest you!" Zhao Pu said again.
"Mr. Zhao, please speak!" As soon as Zhao Pu opened his mouth, Liu Yang showed interest.
Zhao Pu: "The Privy Council received a report from the Liaodong Army that Fufeng County's male horse was in arms. He led five hundred soldiers and went north along the Yahe River. He had already occupied Nurgan City. He reached the Beihai Sea and returned with a stone cut!"
