Chapter 331: Huchuquan of the Southern Xiongnu surrenders and launches an attack on Xiliang
When Jin Mao came to power, the first thing he did was to issue an edict ordering Han Sui, Ma Teng and Ma Chao to lead their troops to surrender.

Although they said they were submitting, in reality it was no different from surrendering. However, Jin Mao left the three of them with nominal positions for their retirement.

Ma Teng handed over the army to his son Ma Chao, and hurried to Luoyang with his family of more than 200 people to serve as an official.

Han Sui and Ma Chao were not so obedient. They appeared to be submissive on the surface, but did nothing secretly and even recruited soldiers.

Jin Mao said nothing more and sent Zhou Yu to lead generals including Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, Sun Ce, with a total of 20,000 cavalry, 40,000 infantry, and 40,000 auxiliary troops to flatten Xiliang.

Most of these cavalrymen were prisoners of the Western Liang Army. They were all killed in battle, but Jin Mao didn't feel sorry for them and let Zhou Yu build them however he wanted.

If all the cavalry officers are replaced by their own people, there will be no need to worry about betrayal.

Unexpectedly, before the army set out, the new Khan of the Southern Xiongnu, Huhuquan, led 30,000 men to surrender, including 10,000 combat soldiers and the rest were experts in animal husbandry.

Jinmao was very interested, as animal husbandry had always been its weak point. Although the number of people starving to death was decreasing, the families that could still eat enough did not have much meat.

So Jin Mao met with Huochuquan.

Beigong Shangshutai.

"Your Majesty, the King of Wu, Huochuquan offers you the highest respect."

Huchuquan put one hand on his chest and bowed.

Jin Mao sat at the top. The Shangshu Terrace was originally where the Shangshu Ling handled government affairs, but now it became Jin Mao's office. In order to handle government affairs more conveniently, he simply moved into the palace.

With this behavior, even Huochequan thought he understood Jinmao's ambition and kept a very humble attitude.

"No need for formalities." Jin Mao raised his head from his desk, his eyes full of fatigue. It was completely different from what others thought. Jin Mao didn't like dealing with government affairs at all. Whoever wanted to sit for the emperor could sit, but he wouldn't sit.

He had already made up his mind that after Liu Xie had completed his training, he would keep him in this position until his own successor emerged, and then he would replace him with another person to become emperor.

In his life, he was the King of Wu who ruled the country from behind the scenes. He was in charge of major matters, while minor matters were handled by the emperor.

If the emperor disobeys, just beat him behind closed doors. Isn't that better than being the emperor?

Or to put it another way, the emperor is in charge of internal affairs, diplomacy and military affairs. It is the emperor's responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people, and it is his responsibility to defend the country.

If the emperor can't even manage the people's livelihood, replace him.

pretty good.

It just has a bit of the flavor of divine right of kings, but unfortunately, it will sow the seeds of disaster for future generations.

Coming back to his senses, Jin Mao looked at Huochuquan and said, "You have come from afar to be my friend. I welcome you very much."

"In order to prove your loyalty, I will take care of your old and weak, but there is one thing I need you to do."

Without giving Huochuquan a chance to return it, Jin Mao took out a piece of paper from the desk. The servant bent down and took it, then stepped back to Huochuquan before handing it to him.

Huochuquan could speak elegant language, but he couldn't understand the official script, so he looked up with a confused look on his face.

Jin Mao smiled and explained, "This is a task list I gave you. It lists some tasks you need to help me complete. They are all for the purpose of strengthening the friendly relations between our two tribes and promoting the prosperity and stability of your tribe. Don't worry, I will send a translator who is fluent in Xiongnu language to accompany you to ensure that you can fully understand and execute them."

"First, I hope you can help me promote farming techniques in your tribe. I know you are good at nomadic farming, but farming can provide a stable source of food and reduce famine caused by natural disasters and man-made disasters. I will send agricultural technicians to teach planting techniques and provide the necessary farming tools and seeds."

"Secondly, I hope to strengthen trade. Your tribe is located at a strategic point and is an important channel connecting the East and the West. I will open the market and encourage merchants from both sides to trade freely. You need to serve as a bridge to facilitate the smooth progress of this process while ensuring the safety of the trade route."

"Furthermore, education is the foundation of a country. I plan to build a school in your tribe so that children can have the opportunity to learn Chinese culture and learn how to manage their own homes. This will not only allow you to better integrate into the Central Plains society, but also cultivate more knowledgeable people for your future."

"Finally, I hope you can help me mediate the conflict between your tribe and other surrounding tribes and promote regional peace. Through peaceful negotiations, we can jointly resolve border disputes, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and allow everyone in this land to live a peaceful life."

Jin Mao said this with a gentle but firm look in his eyes. He believed that these measures would not only strengthen the relationship between the two tribes, but also bring long-term benefits to Huochuquan's tribe. He looked at Huochuquan, waiting for his response.

After hearing this, Huochuquan showed a thoughtful look on his face. He knew that these tasks were arduous, but he also saw opportunities and hope in them.

But if nomads don’t know how to be nomadic, can they still be considered nomads?

Huochuquan bowed and said, "Your Highness, King Wu, I am willing to make the tribes assimilated, but they are all barbarians and will not obey discipline. I am worried that I will disappoint Your Highness."

These words are well-founded, and it can be seen that Huochequan has a relatively deep understanding of Han culture.

Jin Mao nodded and said, "This is natural, but in my opinion, grazing and farming are not mutually exclusive, and we can give equal consideration to both."

"I have anticipated all the things you are worried about. Don't worry. I have seen many barbaric and uncivilized people. Your people are nothing."

Jin Mao spoke these words to Huochequan in Xiongnu language, and the latter was completely stunned.

“Your Highness… Your Highness… You…” Huochuquan stuttered, not knowing how to say the words.

"Are you wondering why I speak Xiongnu so well?" Jin Mao said in Xiongnu with a smile, "Because I am the messenger of your Changsheng Tianxia sect, and here we call you Son of Heaven!"

Huochequan didn't even know the origin of the emperor, and was so frightened that he couldn't speak. This was such a great rebellion.

Jin Mao continued to smile and pointed in the direction of Chongde Hall, saying: "It's not the Son of Heaven sitting there, but the real Son of Heaven!"

Every time traveler can be called a son of heaven, there is nothing wrong with that.

But when Huochequan heard these words, it didn't make sense, because Jinmao was challenging the theocracy of the Southern Xiongnu.

To be honest, the Southern Xiongnu actually believed that the king's power was granted by heaven. If a Khan was punished by the Eternal Heaven, he would definitely not be able to be a Khan.

Huochequan's expression suddenly became complicated. He was shocked by Jin Mao's concept of "Son of Heaven" that was beyond the mundane and almost god-like. At the same time, he felt a slight shake in his traditional beliefs.

In his worldview, Changshengtian is an inviolable supreme being, and the position of Chanyu is the embodiment of the will of this god in the world. Now, Jin Mao's words are like a spring, impacting the foundation of his faith, making him begin to doubt whether there is another power that is above Changshengtian and can give people authority beyond blood and tradition.

Seeing this, Jin Mao's tone became gentle and profound: "Huchuquan, times are changing, and the world is much bigger than you and I can imagine. When I say 'Son of Heaven', I don't mean to deny the greatness of Changshengtian, but I want to tell you that in this vast land, there are countless unknowns and miracles waiting for us to explore and understand.

Everyone's fate may be changed by some force beyond nature, and a true leader should be the one who can lead the tribe to a broader world, rather than just relying on the favor of the gods. "

Huochuquan was silent for a long time, as if he was having a fierce struggle in his heart. He looked up in the direction of Chongde Hall, then turned to stare at Jinmao's eyes full of wisdom and confidence.

Finally, he slowly spoke: "Your Highness, King Wu, your words shocked and confused me. But I am willing to believe that the 'Son of Heaven' you mentioned may be the new hope that we Southern Xiongnu need. However, this road is bound to be full of challenges and unknowns. How should we move forward?"

Huochequan was not angry because Jinmao called him by his name. There was a difference in status between the two of them, and this was not considered rude in the Southern Xiongnu.

Jin Mao smiled slightly, with a determined light in his eyes: "Huchuquan, the road ahead is long and difficult, but as long as we have faith and the courage to explore, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome. Let us join hands and meet every challenge with an open mind, and jointly write a new chapter for the Southern Xiongnu and even the entire grassland. Remember, true strength comes from the inner light and the fearless exploration of the unknown."

At this moment, Huochequan seemed to see the dawn of the future. He bowed deeply to Jin Mao and secretly decided in his heart that no matter what the future held, he would fight side by side with this "Son of Heaven" and strive for the future of the Southern Xiongnu.

"Okay, time to get down to business."

After the empty pie was drawn, Jin Mao said: "There are rebels Han Sui and Ma Chao in Xiliang. I want you to bring soldiers to join my army."

"Don't worry, my subordinate Zhou Gongjin will take care of everything. You just need to follow and claim the credit. When you come back, I will confer a title of nobility on you."

Huochuquan hesitated. This was no different from selling out his ancestors for personal gain. What Jinmao meant was that he should hand over his military power.

"There's nothing to hesitate about." Jin Mao said in a somewhat cold tone, "I will put the Xiliang troops and horses in the front line to charge into battle. After they are all dead, it will be your turn."

"Of course, you can refuse."

Jin Mao looked down at him with drooping eyes and said, "At that time, remember to take your people and run away. I will not allow the enemy to exist in the territory of the Han Dynasty!"

Huo Chuquan only took one look at that look and didn't dare to look again. Fear grew in his heart.

If the nobles behave well, Jin Mao will stop, but if the foreigners are disobedient, he will not let them go just because they are taller than the wheels. He must cut the grass and uproot it!
Even if we can't kill them all, there will always be a day when we get tired of killing them.

Huochuquan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and asked, "Your Highness the King of Wu, do you want all of my people to become Han Chinese?"

The frost on Jin Mao's face melted away, and he explained to Huochequan the principle of multi-ethnic coexistence, which was the concept of ethnic minority autonomy in later generations.

Huochequan finally breathed a sigh of relief. So that's how it was. He had worried for nothing when he heard such scary things before.

"Thank you, Your Highness, the King of Wu, for your grace." Huochuquan asked carefully, "Is this a national policy? Will it change after a hundred years?"

Jin Mao couldn't even handle the emperor's affairs, so how could he guarantee this?

But Jinmao is well aware of the importance of stabilizing people's hearts, especially for these tribal leaders who have long lived in marginal areas. It is crucial to give them a clear vision for the future.

He pondered for a moment, looked at Huochuquan with a firm and gentle gaze, and slowly said: "Although I dare not talk about what will happen a hundred years later, what I can promise today is that during my lifetime and within my ability, I will be committed to maintaining the harmonious coexistence of all ethnic groups, respecting and protecting your culture and customs. This is not only a blessing to your people, but also the well-being of all people in the world."

"As for national policy, it is like a river. It may change with the times, but its determination to flow to the sea remains unchanged. I believe that if future monarchs and ministers can uphold the same philosophy, our country will surely become a great country where people of all ethnic groups prosper together and respect each other. And all this requires the efforts and persistence of each of us."

After hearing this, Huochuquan's eyes sparkled with hope. He bowed deeply to Jinmao, and his voice was filled with excitement and gratitude: "Your Highness King Wu has a far-sighted vision, which makes us convinced. I, Huochuquan and my people, will fully cooperate with the court to jointly protect the peace and prosperity of this land."

Jin Mao smiled slightly, held his hands up and said, "If you have nothing else to do, go down and count how many cattle and sheep there are, and how many people are willing to continue the war. Those who are not willing can go down and raise cattle and sheep."

Huochuquan assured: "Your Highness, King Wu, there are no cowards among our warriors!"

Jin Mao waved his hand and said, "I believe you, go and do your business first."

"Oh, by the way, those cattle and sheep are now my property. No one is allowed to slaughter one without my order."

The Southern Xiongnu had a total of more than 30,000 livestock, and were so poor that they could barely afford to sell their trousers. If they continued to slaughter them, the animal husbandry industry would have to wait until the end of time.

"Tell your people to get used to eating corn rice or Hu pancakes from now on. The days of eating meat are over."

Jin Mao was worried that Huochequan would not be able to control the situation, so he specially sent a new group of personal guards to take charge.

The matter was finally accomplished without any danger and no one was lost. The road to success is always paved with blood and tears.

As a result, Zhou Yu had another 10,000 Xiongnu cavalry under his command, and his chances of winning increased by 30%.

...

Jizhou.

When the news of Jin Mao's declaration of kingship came, both Cao Cao and Yuan Shao could no longer sit still.

"Brother Benchu, if you and I continue to fight, we will only be defeated by the Youzhou cavalry in the end."

Outside Zhangwu County, still the old place, Cao Cao invited Yuan Shao for the third time and he came as promised.

Cao Cao said as if he had seen through everything: "I am willing to follow your instructions again, just to fight for that glimmer of hope!"

When Yuan Shao heard this, a complex expression flashed across his brows, showing both surprise at Cao Cao's frankness and deep worry about the current situation. He slowly walked to the edge of the tent, staring at the hazy sky in the distance, as if weighing the weight of every word.

"Meng De, we have had grievances for a long time, but at this moment, with a powerful enemy at hand, personal grievances are indeed insignificant. Jin Mao's ambition to be king is obvious. If we continue to waste our energy, I am afraid that there will be no place for us in the Central Plains." Yuan Shao turned around, staring at Cao Cao with a sharp gaze, "You and I are joining forces not for the sake of temporary benefits, but for the people of the world and for the Han Dynasty."

Cao Cao nodded, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "Brother Benchu, what you said makes sense. Although I, Cao Cao, am not a saint, I also know that when the country is in crisis, every citizen has a responsibility. From now on, you and I should work together to resist foreign aggression. Jinmao is powerful, but as long as we have a common mind, we are not powerless to fight."

"Okay!" Yuan Shao waved his hand, looking extremely determined. "Immediately send an order to stop all unnecessary conflicts and prepare the army for war. At the same time, I want to write a letter to unite Han Sui, Ma Chao and other princes to discuss major plans. Although Jinmao is strong, he has to take into account the enemies on all sides."

"This is a brilliant plan," Cao Cao added. "In addition, we need to strengthen our intelligence network and keep a close eye on the movements of Jin Mao and his subordinates. Only by knowing ourselves and the enemy can we win every battle. I will arrange for spies to infiltrate Youzhou and gather intelligence."

The two of them shook hands and made peace in the sunset tacitly, but once the trust was cracked, it would be difficult to heal.

(End of this chapter)