Chapter 362: Greater Northeast Development Plan

The civil administration came to a temporary end, but the military administration encountered new troubles.

Intelligence shows that the nomadic peoples in the north, such as the Xianbei and Xiongnu, are not doing well this year and are likely to head south again to forage for food.

Even if the size of the nomadic people is no longer as large as before, if they cannot survive, they will still move south because of their nature.

The Hebei region had finally been well governed, but was now facing destruction. This was something Jinmao could not tolerate.

It just so happened that all the smart people from all over the country gathered together, so Jinmao solicited their opinions.

Some said that they sent messengers to cause trouble, and then found an opportunity to send troops to suppress them.

Some say that a highway was built outside the Great Wall.

There is also a theory that it was to instigate a counterattack by the surrendered nomadic peoples.

There is just no valid opinion.

There was no other way, Jinmao could only seek help from its on-the-job think tanks.

Soon, Pang Tong came with the geomancy maps of Youzhou and Bingzhou.

"Your Highness, the Xianbei, Xiongnu and other tribes mostly live in the bitter cold land outside Liaodong and Yanmen. It would be better to build roads to these two places, and then use waterways to transport food and supplies."

Pang Tong said confidently: "Once we build a strong city in each of these two places, the border troubles can be completely eliminated."

There are cities on the Liaodong Peninsula, but there is no fortress with high defense. In addition, the Gongsun clan is entrenched there. Their ancestors can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty, and they have been managing this place for a long time.

In the past, Gongsun Zan was just a more outstanding son among them. Now the Gongsun family has long recovered from the damage they suffered.

It can be said that if you want to conquer the Liaodong Peninsula, you must first conquer the Gongsun clan.

As for Yanmen County of Bingzhou (northern Shanxi), it had long since become a pasture for the Xianbei and has not yet been completely taken back.

However, as Emperor Wu of Han said.

[Attack and defense can be changed, the enemy can go where I want to go]

Now, as long as there is no natural disaster, Jinmao does not have to worry about food problems. The success of the new grain varieties in the Northwest has long been publicized, making it known to the whole country.

People in all states are eagerly waiting for it, and it will be promoted nationwide next year.

By then, crop yields will increase exponentially. Today, when the population cannot grow rapidly, national infrastructure is still a bit exaggerated, but mobilizing a few million more people will not be a problem.

Pang Tong took this into consideration and immediately formulated the Greater Northeast Development Plan.

Pang Tong was jealous of Zhuge Liang's success. Who wouldn't want to be the person in charge of a big project?

What's more, he was the first to join the army, but was overtaken by Zhuge Liang. How could such an arrogant person like Pang Tong tolerate this?
"Shi Yuan," Jin Mao said helplessly, "I know you are eager to make achievements, but Budugen has already surrendered and become a vassal of the Han Dynasty. How can we defeat him?"

Pang Tong smiled slyly and said, "This is easy. My lord, you only need to send me as an envoy to the Xianbei, and Budugen will rebel on his own."

This is an old traditional skill of the Han envoys.

Jin Mao used to think that Su Wu had suffered a lot of injustice, but when he really understood it, he felt that Su Wu deserved to die.

Those things are really not something a human could do, but Su Wu did them. In the end, the Huns resisted and were beaten into Southern Huns and Northern Huns by the Western Han Dynasty. It is so tragic that it cannot be described with just one word.

"Someone will take care of the envoy's affairs." Jin Mao pressed his hands down and said, "Shi Yuan, continue to tell me your plan."

Pang Tong immediately took out a paper feng shui map drawn by another hand, which also had a detailed route map on it.

"Your Highness, please look." Pang Tong was well prepared: "General Zhao has stationed troops in Liaoxi County. We only need to build a city a few hundred miles north. It will not be easy for the Xianbei in the east to move south."

Jin Mao looked intently and saw that the location was exactly Chifeng City in later generations, and there was a river running across the east and west nearby.

"Your Highness, please look." Pang Tong pointed to the river and said, "Although this river does not flow into the Bohai Sea, it stretches a thousand miles from east to west. If we place a navy here, and plunder the eastern Xianbei rear area when the river surface is not frozen in summer or autumn, will the Xianbei still have a chance to reproduce?"

"Great!" Jin Mao's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but clap his hands in praise. "Shi Yuan's plan is really a stroke of genius! Using the advantage of the navy to launch a surprise attack can not only effectively contain the forces of the Eastern Xianbei, but also make them unable to take care of both ends and run around. Although this river is not near the sea, it has become our natural barrier and a way to launch a surprise attack. It is really God's help!"

"Furthermore," Pang Tong continued, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, "Your Highness can send elite infantry and cavalry to set up an ambush along both sides of this river, and echo the water force to form a pincer attack. Although the Xianbei cavalry is brave, their mobility will be greatly reduced in the complex terrain and the crisscrossing water network. In addition, our army will catch the enemy by surprise, which will surely inflict heavy damage on the enemy, making them terrified and afraid to move south easily again."

"In addition," Jin Mao took over the conversation, his mind expanding rapidly, "we can also build a supply base in this city, store food and weapons, and provide solid support for long-term operations. At the same time, relocate the Han people and train militias to enhance defense capabilities, deepen ties with the people, and stabilize the rear."

"Your Highness is wise!" Pang Tong bowed. "In this way, we can not only take the initiative in military affairs, but also win the upper hand in the hearts of the people. The threat of the Xianbei in the east can be resolved in one fell swoop, and a solid foundation can be laid for the complete stability of the northern border."

Jin Mao looked at the map, feeling extremely proud, as if he had already seen the scene of the land with Han flags flying and people living and working in peace and contentment.

Then, Jin Mao looked at another topographic map with mountains and rivers marked on it, frowned and said, "Unfortunately, there are many mountains and forests here. If we want to build a road, the money and food consumed will be an astronomical figure!"

The Greater Khingan Range is located across the middle. Building a road here would be much more labor-intensive than digging a canal.

Pang Tong smiled confidently and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I have already thought of a perfect plan."

After that, Pang Tong pointed to Liaodong County (Shenyang), "This place has a flat terrain and a city has been built. We only need to strengthen the city walls and repair the roads, and we can use it as an outpost."

As for the Gongsun clan entrenched in the middle, all the nobles in the Central Plains are almost extinct, so why would they be afraid of a powerful person from a remote area?

Jin Mao nodded. This place was adjacent to the Bohai Sea, and there were mountains and forests nearby. There was no shortage of food, fodder and materials. It was indeed the first choice for building a city.

Then, Pang Tong pointed to a place slightly west of the north of Liaodong County and said, "The terrain here is flat, so it won't be difficult to build a road."

Moving further north and pointing to the Liao River, Pang Tong continued, "This river connects the east and the west. If we build another city here, we can go west along the waterway. Then, building another city will be a piece of cake!"

In other words, Pang Tong believed that if he wanted to dominate the Northeast, he had to build two cities and reinforce another city.

In fact, only one road needs to be built, which is the section from Shenyang to Tongliao in the future.

Although the straight-line distance is nearly 400 miles, if it is completed, the Northeast region will no longer be troubled by nomadic migration. In addition, the current climate conditions are not as cold as in later times, and the land in the Northeast Plain is fertile. If rice and wheat can be grown, the harvest may be more than the two-season rice in the south.

What Jinmao couldn't refuse the most was that the Northeast rice was so delicious.

"This plan is feasible."

However, Jin Mao did not let his desire to talk get to his head, and said helplessly: "But we can't see the actual effect right now."

Even if millions of people work at the same time, the project can be completed in two or three years because no one disturbs them.

But the Northeast is different. How can you work in winter? Besides, the nomadic people may move south this year. If you can't even solve the problems at hand, what's the point of thinking about the future?
Pang Tong also knew this very well, and had a plan in mind. He said, "Your Highness is right, but preparation is the key to success. Although the northeast is very cold in winter, construction is inconvenient, but we can take this opportunity to make adequate preparations, including recruiting craftsmen, preparing materials, and planning the layout. At the same time, we should strengthen border defense to ensure that nomadic peoples cannot easily invade and buy time for long-term plans."

"Furthermore, Your Highness, have you ever thought that if we can really open up vast rice fields in the Northeast, not only will the grain output increase greatly, but it will also effectively ease the pressure of rice transportation in the South, reduce the burden on the people, and attract people to move north, promoting economic and cultural exchanges between the north and the south. This is a strategy that kills two birds with one stone."

"As for the threat of nomadic tribes, we can continue with the current policy. If Budugen is sensible, then let him live. If not, I think the soldiers on the border have already been starving and thirsty."

Jin Mao suddenly became enlightened when he heard this, and said with a smile: "Shi Yuan is really considerate of the border troops."

Pang Tong repeatedly said he dared not.

Jin Mao didn't care. Zhao Yun was in charge of 30,000 cavalrymen (some of them were laid off), and spent countless food and supplies every year. If he didn't use them now, when would he use them?

Maybe you won’t need it in the future.

Pang Tong unfolded another map.

"Your Highness, please take a look."

Pang Tong pointed to the northeast corner of the Yellow River's bend, then extended it to the northeast and drew a circle.

This place is the plain near Hohhot in later generations, north of Bingzhou, and not within the territory of the Han Dynasty.

At this time, a blush appeared on Pang Tong's face. After all, expanding territory was a very rare thing.

"Your Highness, there is also a river here that goes straight to the northern mountains (Daxing'anling). We just need to go north along the Yellow River and build a city at the end of the river, and then the central Xianbei will have nowhere to hide!"

Budugen was the Central Xianbei. Strictly speaking, as long as a city was built here, Budugen would not be able to survive near the Han border.

However, this place is outside the Great Wall, and no one has built a city here since the Spring and Autumn Period.

Hearing this, Jin Mao looked into the distance with deep eyes, as if he could penetrate the mountains and reach the untamed land. "Pang Shiyuan's plan is indeed far-sighted. Although the land outside the Great Wall is a foreign land, the power of the Han Dynasty cannot be limited to bricks and tiles. In the past, the First Emperor built the Great Wall to resist foreign aggression. Now we should use wisdom and courage to open up new territories and let the light of Han civilization shine everywhere."

He turned to face the crowd and said firmly, "I have made up my mind. From today, I will gather craftsmen and soldiers to build a city here, named 'Anbei'. This city will not only be a solid fortress to resist foreign invasion, but also a hub to connect the north and the south and promote trade, so that visitors from all over the world can feel the prosperity and openness of our Han Dynasty."

Pang Tong added: "Your Highness has a far-sighted vision. I have a plan to offer. In addition to building the city, we can implement the military farming system here. On the one hand, we can solve the need for military food, and on the other hand, we can attract civilians to settle down and gradually change the desolate state of this place. At the same time, we can strengthen exchanges with the various ethnic groups in the north, educate them with culture and virtue, and make them sincerely convinced and submit to our Han Dynasty."

Everyone present expressed their agreement. They knew that true strength was not just about conquering by force, but also about winning over culture and people’s hearts.

"This place has been a pasture for herdsmen for many years, and no crops have been planted there. The strategy of establishing a military farm here is still under discussion."

Jin Mao pondered and said, "It won't be too late to discuss it after the city is built."

Pang Tong bowed and said, "Your Highness is wise!"

"Pang Shiyuan, listen to my orders!"

"Chen is here!"

Jin Mao said solemnly: "The construction of Liaodong City will be postponed for the time being, and the construction of Anbei City will be fully entrusted to you!"

"I will definitely live up to your trust!" Pang Tong accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with determination and wisdom. He knew very well that Anbei City was not only a key military defense town, but also a bridge for cultural exchange and integration between the Han Dynasty and the various ethnic groups in the north. So he immediately started planning and decided to consider the location of the site, which should not only be strategic and easy to defend, but also convenient for exchanges with surrounding tribes to promote trade and cultural exchanges.

“First, we need to send envoys to each ethnic group to convey the Han Dynasty’s desire for peaceful coexistence, and invite leaders of each ethnic group to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of Anbei City to show our sincerity. At the same time, set up a market in the city to encourage merchants of all ethnic groups to settle in and trade the materials needed by both sides, so as to enhance understanding and eliminate barriers.” Pang Tong already had a plan in mind and continued.

"In addition, schools should be set up in the city to teach the children of all ethnic groups Chinese language, Chinese etiquette and farming techniques, while also introducing their language and cultural courses, so that the Han people and the children of all ethnic groups can grow together, learn from each other's strengths, and form a cultural atmosphere of diversity and inclusion."

Jin Mao nodded approvingly upon hearing this: "Pang Shiyuan has foresight. In this way, Anbei City will not only become a solid barrier in the north, but also a shining pearl of cultural integration. You must do your best to make this city a model of peaceful coexistence between the Han Dynasty and the various ethnic groups in the north."

"I will do my best to live up to your highness's expectations!" Pang Tong thanked him again, and a picture of prosperity and harmony was already painted in his mind. He knew that although this road was long and difficult, as long as he had enough patience and wisdom, he would be able to make this land bloom with unprecedented brilliance.

"Send the order!"

Since Pang Tong is responsible for the Greater Northeast Development Plan, someone has to fill the vacancy in the Construction Bureau.

"Order Lu Su and Lu Zijing to discuss with the deputy directors and promote an outstanding person to take over Pang Shiyuan's position in the northwest. This matter must be reported to me in a memorial."

"Yes." The messenger took the order and went down.

As for Pang Tong, his original position remained unchanged as deputy director of the Construction Bureau, but his responsibilities changed greatly and he became the person in charge of the development of the Greater Northeast.

In this way, all the ministers will understand that this Construction Bureau is very powerful, and its status in the future may be above the leaders of all parties.

The world of fame and fortune that originally belonged to the younger generation was soon infiltrated by a group of old guys.

These people have not been doing well elsewhere. They have abilities but shortcomings in various aspects, which has prevented them from getting promoted.

Among them, the remnants of the party headed by Cao Ang seemed to see hope and enthusiastically joined the ranks of building the Greater Northeast.

There were also others such as prisoners of war, soldiers and civilians who settled in farms, and so on. Anyone who was ambitious signed up enthusiastically, as everyone wanted to be the next lucky one.

At the same time, Jinmao also paired Pang Tong with a group of capable young people.

Xu Shu, Liu Ye, Chen Deng, Hua Xin and so on.

(End of this chapter)