Chapter 994 Strategy Formulation

Chapter 994: 994 Strategy Formulation

Shortly after, while Lu Ming was still drinking tea, Tian Feng spoke up: "Your Majesty, I suggest a cautious approach.

We should occupy a city every two hundred li, housing all the people of Qin, using these cities as strongholds to support our army’s advance."

This support included more than just food; it also required weapons, supplies, and shelter for the wounded.

These were essential measures, and a cautious approach was always Tian Feng’s style.

Therefore, the Hebei region under his jurisdiction would not experience much turmoil.

Because the transformation would be completed silently.

According to Tian Feng’s plan, this would certainly require a significant investment of financial, human, and military resources.

And although the cost was substantial, it also presented an opportunity.

"For those who migrate, titles and honors may be bestowed.

Their children will have priority in attending academies, but the children of officials must go to cities for practical experience.

His Majesty once said, ’No rainbow without rain.’

Officials raised in a greenhouse may not be capable of shouldering great responsibilities."

Tian Feng’s tone was straightforward, much like Bao Zheng’s.

The two seemed to share a mutual respect.

Speaking often offends people, even the emperor is no exception. He avoids forming cliques, thus earning a high reputation but not many admirers.

What if their children die after being sent out for practical experience?

Someone had said this before, and Lu Ming had also given an answer: "If you’re afraid of death, don’t become an official. I want those who share my burdens and work for me. If you want a life of luxury as a second-generation heir, then be a wealthy person and stay out of officialdom."

Even the emperor said so, who dared to disagree?

The Qin Dynasty was different from the Han Dynasty. While it still inherited many laws, the chaotic atmosphere of the past was gone.

Lu Ming nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Ma Jun, "Ma Jun, the Ministry of Works needs to allocate more manpower to research hot air balloons.

Once the airships are completed, they must be tested quickly and equipped for the army."

Seemingly noticing the doubts of the crowd, Lu Ming smiled, "Airships can carry more troops and are much faster.

From Zoucheng to Xiangyang, it won’t take two days!"

A revolutionary invention, allowing for extremely rapid arrival at the scene.

This high efficiency meant that the army could also arrive quickly, greatly compressing the living space of powerful families.

They were forced to take other paths. The old method of enriching their families by occupying large amounts of land without paying taxes was outdated and no longer viable.

"Your humble servant obeys."

Ma Jun was typically unclear in speech, but his thinking was very clear.

Putting him in charge of the Ministry of Works meant essentially putting him in charge of research and development.

Although the Mohist school had declined, years of support had still produced many talented individuals.

Some specialized in teaching, some in scientific research, and some in crafting.

Irrigation canals for farmland across the land, as well as the production of fertilizers and pesticides, all required the Ministry of Works.

The Ministry of Works was large and important, almost entirely staffed by members of both the Mohist and Legalist schools. The Mohists carried out the work, while the Legalists designed and supervised the plans.

Xu Shu was somewhat excited; building an army was a very meaningful endeavor.

The army’s equipment had been updated relatively quickly, and since the army was fundamental, he dared not be careless.

The promised benefits for the families and widows of fallen soldiers had to be fulfilled, keeping him very busy every day.

This involved the issue of layers of deductions, which he also needed to resolve.

Back on the map, Lu Ming agreed with Tian Feng’s approach.

However, this required first finding a suitable route and establishing settlements along that route.

Moreover, they needed to bypass the desert and settle there, a feat difficult even for modern people, let alone for ancient times.

Through discussion and brainstorming, everyone contributed their ideas, and finally, a basic strategic plan was formulated.

The strategy was finalized in just a few days.

To prepare for the campaign, the Ministry of War issued orders to the armies stationed in Liaodong, instructing them to further reduce the Xiongnu’s living space as quickly as possible.

Afterwards, it was planned to send generals from Hebei, such as Zhang He, to garrison the border regions.

Niu Fu’s Xiliang army and Lü Bu’s Bingzhou army were transferred to Yumen Pass, as they were better suited for external warfare.

In addition, the selection of new officials was to begin.

Occupying and governing a region was a good thing.

If they performed well, they could be recalled later.

However, no one could be recalled without the Prime Minister’s approval, the Grand Secretariat’s discussion, and finally, the Emperor, Empress, or Crown Prince’s approval.

When the emperor personally leads an expedition, the crown prince left behind must sign his name along with the empress for the agreement to be valid.

This is quite intriguing, and some have even begun to consider choosing a daughter for the crown prince.

After all, with the crown prince being groomed in this way, and with no other princes, his chances of inheriting the throne are exceptionally high!

Opportunism is never confined to a specific time; many people might engage in such activities.

And some have their eyes on the empress.

Because the crown prince has signed his name, it’s impossible for the empress not to.

This also made the ministers realize the empress’s extremely high status. Whether it’s Jia Tanchun or Wang Xifeng managing the music bureau, Mi Zhen or Gan Mei managing commerce... or Cai Wenji or Lin Daiyu teaching, or even Zhang Yulan in the medical clinic, none could replace the empress’s position.

The mere act of signing her name, which could determine an official’s future, is a unique honor.

This is real power!

As the empress, having given birth to the crown prince, her position is unshakeable. If it were a concubine, she might be executed and then adopted by the empress.

After all, the Han Dynasty lasted four hundred years.

Such absurd things happened all the time.

Now that the strategy was decided, all that remained was execution.

Even Bao Zheng and Tian Feng’s advice to personally lead the army was useless; they couldn’t change anything.

Lu Ming didn’t want to see them.

But he couldn’t withstand their repeated admonitions, and finally, he had no choice but to go to the Ministry of War and instruct Minister Xu Shu that His Majesty must ensure safety before embarking on the campaign.

He repeatedly mentioned the Tumu Crisis, the battle where Liu Bang almost died at the hands of the Xiongnu.

Xu Shu was forced to take it seriously, finding himself both amused and exasperated. These two upright officials meant well, but their bad tempers were unbearable.

No one would actually confront them. Even former subordinates of Yuan Shao were now keeping a low profile; Yuan Shao’s methods of internal strife were outdated.