Shaohua is Junqing

Chapter 147

Tuhun, a country bordering the west of China, has a relatively small land area and has long had economic exchanges with China. The Tuhun people are good at raising horses and are mainly engaged in animal husbandry. There are many horses, cattle, sheep and camels, while China is rich in silk and ceramics. The Chinese court opened a mutual market at the border between the two countries, which was specifically used for trade between the two countries. Every year, Tuhun would exchange horses, cattle and sheep for Chinese silk and ceramic products.

For decades, China and Tuhun had been living in peace. When the new emperor of China ascended the throne, Mulian, the king of Tuhun, even presented a valuable gift as a token of friendship.

If things are quiet for too long, there will always be people who become restless and eager to make some moves.

Mu Lianchou, the younger brother of the king of Tuhun, was named King of Xiping. Unlike his brother, he was a warmongerer who was unwilling to live in peace in a corner. He had always been deliberately trying to provoke a war between the two countries, occupy China's land, plunder China's various resources, and make his own country stronger.

Imperial Palace, Tai Chi Hall.

"Your Majesty, this morning the Ministry of War received an urgent document sent from Shanzhou over a distance of 600 miles, saying that the army of Tuhun Kingdom has occupied Wulan County and Michuan County, and has been burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of atrocities. The people are living in misery!" Minister of War Yan Yanfeng stepped forward and handed over a memorial.

After reading the memorial, the emperor frowned and looked extremely worried.

"Shanzhou is the gateway to the north of our country. If it is occupied by the Tuhun Kingdom, they will probably march straight into the capital, and then the country will be in danger!" said Prime Minister Yuan.

"Prime Minister Yuan is absolutely right. We need to come up with a countermeasure as soon as possible."

"What good ideas do you have, my dear ministers?"

Officials from various departments in the hall began to discuss among themselves.

"In my opinion, Your Majesty should send a general to lead troops to recover the lost territory, appease the people, and give the Tuhun Kingdom a certain deterrent." said Prime Minister Yuan.

"What Prime Minister Peng said is absolutely right. Our country cannot be lost. If we leave it alone, the Tuhun Kingdom will think that we are afraid of them, and they will continue to invade us even more. Then the country will be in danger!" said Prime Minister Yuan.

"Who is stationed in Shanzhou now?"

"Your Majesty, it is General Wenda. He is brave and good at fighting, and he is strict in military discipline. He is a good general." Yan Yanfeng said.

"Send the order to him, order him to hold Shanzhou at all costs, and I will send troops to support him."

"Old minister, I obey."

"Which of you is willing to lead troops to Shanzhou to help General Wenda defend the city and repel the enemy?"

"I am willing to go." Chu Shengnan said first.

"General Chu is a man of unrivalled bravery, and is qualified to take on this task."

"Your Majesty, I don't think this is appropriate."

"What do you think is wrong, uncle?"

"General Chu is both wise and brave, capable of taking on the important task, and the most suitable candidate, but I have other concerns."

"Uncle, you might as well speak frankly."

"The Tuhun Kingdom suddenly launched an attack and occupied our city. Normally, we would definitely send troops to retake it. What I am worried about is that when we send our generals to lead the army to retake the lost city, the Tuhun Kingdom will take advantage of the empty defense of the capital and lead its army to attack. Once the capital falls, the consequences will be disastrous."

"Your Highness is right about what you are worried about." Yan Yanfeng said.

"My idea is to let General Chu lead the imperial guards of the capital to protect the capital and the emperor's safety, and the people who will go to the Shanzhou camp to help General Wenda will be selected separately."

"Does the emperor have a suitable candidate in mind?"

"I am willing to go there myself." He said calmly but firmly.

"The Emperor's uncle is going in person?" The Emperor was slightly surprised.

"Yes, as a descendant of the royal family, I have the responsibility to protect the stability of the country and the people. At this time, foreign tribes have come to invade and destroy the stability of our country. I must take on this responsibility of protection."

"The Imperial Uncle is not only my Imperial Uncle, but also the backbone of the entire Chinese nation. If there is any mistake, it will definitely shake the foundation of the country!"

"I know what your Majesty is worried about. In times of national crisis, someone from the royal family must come forward to take responsibility for this matter and make the royal family's attitude clear. The people must know that the royal family will not abandon the country and the people. The people must know that the royal family will fight the enemy to the end and report the safety of the country. It is more important to stabilize the people's hearts at this time. I have made up my mind, and I hope your Majesty can agree."

The emperor knew his uncle's temper. Once he made a decision, it would be difficult to change it, so he stopped trying to persuade him.

"Okay, I will immediately issue an order to appoint Prince Chen as the Grand Marshal of the Longyou Road Army, in charge of all military and political power, and to lead the army on my behalf. Wherever I go, it will be as if I am personally in charge, and no one dares to disobey me."

"Thank you, Your Majesty for your grace."

"The battle ahead is critical. After returning, uncle, please pack up and set off as soon as possible."

"Yes, I obey your order."