Chapter 29

"Although the matter with the Wuhuan is settled, Gongyu, you still need to write a battle report to the imperial court and request official positions for our brothers. I promised them that. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing for them to still be mere military commanders," Liu Yao said jokingly.

"Thank you, Lord!" everyone thanked him in unison.

"Yes, but Lord, shouldn't we also send some war trophies to announce your strength to the world? I believe this will attract more talented people to recommend themselves to you," Ju Shou suggested after some thought.

"Hmm?" Liu Yao considered for a moment and said, "Then send 5,000 of the finest Da Yuan horses, 8,000 gold, 30,000 cattle and sheep, and the precious treasures we plundered from the Wuhuan to my father, the Emperor." Although Emperor Liu Hong was different from the Liu Hong he knew in his previous life, his greed for wealth and treasures remained unchanged.

"Yes."

"Gao Shun, I won't go to Luoyang this time. You will represent me to deliver the battle report and the war trophies." Liu Yao thought for a moment and decided not to go to Luoyang personally, as there were still many issues in Youzhou that needed to be resolved.

"Yes."

"Now, let's discuss the development of Youzhou. What are your thoughts?" Liu Yao asked.

"Lord, I, Old Zhang, think our troops in Youzhou are too few. The Wuhuan can send more men than our entire army with just a small detachment. This won't do," Zhang Fei said first.

However, Tian Feng did not scold him for his rudeness this time but nodded in agreement, "Lord, Yide is right. Our army in Youzhou is indeed too small. This was evident in the recent battle with the Wuhuan. We are good at defense but lack the strength to advance. If Lord wishes to restore the Han Dynasty, we cannot remain confined to Youzhou. Therefore, I also suggest expanding the army."

"Lord, we have not received any orders from the imperial court. Expanding the army without permission could be seen as treason, even if you are the Crown Prince," Huang Zhong said hesitantly. He had been a military commander in Jingzhou and was well-versed in military matters. Expanding the army without the court's approval could be considered treason.

Liu Yao shook his head, "No problem. When I came to Youzhou, my father, the Emperor, gave me all the authority. Moreover, I have the Chixiao Sword, so others will not have any grounds to impeach me."

Huang Zhong said no more after hearing this.

Liu Yao turned to Ju Shou, "Gongyu, how many new troops should we recruit this time?"

Ju Shou considered for a moment and said, "Lord, the tax rate in Youzhou is one in fifteen, which is relatively low compared to other provinces. Therefore, Youzhou is not very wealthy. Additionally, the population is small. I suggest recruiting 60,000 troops this time."

"Would that be 100,000 in total?" Liu Yao murmured, "No, 100,000 troops are not enough, though it's a good start. I hope to have at least 150,000 troops."

Ju Shou was immediately alarmed, "Lord, how can we do that? Youzhou's financial and population resources are not sufficient to support such a large army."

"No problem," Liu Yao waved to stop Ju Shou, "For the population, we will start absorbing refugees immediately, as population is the key. As for finances, there's no need to worry. With the support of my Fire Cloud Trading Company and my father, the Emperor, exempting Youzhou from taxes for ten years, it should be sufficient."

Ju Shou calculated, "If Youzhou doesn't have to pay annual taxes, then not only 150,000, but even 200,000 or 250,000 troops would be more than enough."

"Good, then how should we allocate the troops?" Liu Yao asked.

Ju Shou shook his head, "I am more skilled in administration, but for military matters, we should ask Yuanhao."

Liu Yao then turned to Tian Feng, "Lord, I believe cavalry is the key in Central Plains. With the large number of horses we have, we can form 23 battalions of 69,000 light cavalry. The remaining 27 battalions of 81,000 will be infantry. Finally, there is the elite 1,000-strong Qian Army under General Gao Shun and the 3,000-strong personal guard under Lord."

Liu Yao considered for a moment and said, "Good, let's do it as Yuanhao suggested. Start recruiting troops in various regions. The salary can be higher than in other places, but the age must be between 18 and 30. I want the most elite soldiers, not those who come to the army to eat and wait to die."

"Yes."

After resolving the development issues of Youzhou, everyone continued to drink until they were unconscious.

The next day, Liu Yao sent Gao Shun and his Qian Army to escort the war trophies to Luoyang.

Luoyang, where Liu Yao had been away for half a year, had not changed much. Emperor Liu Hong continued to pretend to be a greedy and pleasure-seeking emperor, constantly inciting small conflicts between eunuchs and the aristocratic families.

One day, a dusty rider appeared on the bustling streets of Luoyang. "Urgent report from Youzhou..." The crowd parted, looking at the rider with dissatisfaction. This scene reminded people of the urgent report half a year ago. They speculated whether the Wuhuan had attacked again or if Youzhou had suffered a defeat. After all, in their minds, Youzhou's reports were only about these matters.

The battle report and the list of gifts were quickly delivered to Liu Hong by a eunuch.

Liu Hong held the report for a long time without opening it, then turned to Zhang Rang, "Father Zhang, do you think my son has brought good news or bad news?"

"Well, His Highness the Crown Prince is a genius. I believe it must be good news," Zhang Rang said uncertainly.

Liu Hong closed the report again, sighed, and handed it to Zhang Rang, "Father Zhang, you read it to me."

"Yes." Zhang Rang took the report, opened it, and his face lit up with joy.

Seeing Zhang Rang's expression, Liu Hong knew it was good news and snatched the report to read it carefully.

"Good, good, good. Truly worthy of being my son!" Liu Hong's excitement could not be contained. For years, the Han Dynasty had been suppressed by the Wuhuan without any means of retaliation. This victory by Liu Yao not only avenged him but also brought him great glory. "Father Zhang, issue my command to summon all officials to court."

"Yes."

Soon, all the officials of the Han Dynasty gathered, and Liu Hong sat high above them.

Liu Hong, seeing everyone assembled, said, "My lords, Youzhou has sent a report of a great victory over the Wuhuan. Who among you would like to read it to everyone?"

The officials were shocked upon hearing the good news. They never expected the Crown Prince, who was not well-known, to defeat the Wuhuan, a long-standing problem for the Han Dynasty. They looked at each other, but no one volunteered to speak.

Liu Hong looked at the so-called pillars of the state and smiled disdainfully, then turned to Yuan Feng with a cold smile, "Lord Yuan, last time you doubted my son's abilities and opposed his appointment as the governor of Youzhou. Why don't you read the report to everyone?" He then handed the report to Zhang Rang, who passed it to Yuan Feng.

This was a clear slap in the face. Yuan Feng's face turned red with shame, but he could not refuse the imperial command and reluctantly took the report. After reading it, he was stunned and filled with shock.

Seeing Yuan Feng's expression, Liu Hong's mood improved, "Lord Yuan, read it out."

"Yes." Yuan Feng, suppressing his shame, slowly began to read.