The study center of the State Shepherd House is naturally manned day and night. The smart little girl Arou is on duty tonight. Although this little girl is illiterate. But very smart. She had heard that the four maids Liu Xin brought back from Chang'an had been expelled for being too talkative. Be extra cautious in doing things. Because most of the time the study room is not patronized at night. Vigil in the study is actually a relatively easy thing. There are ready-made beds in the wing next door. The night watchman can sleep in it. This is licensed by Liu Xin. but. Arou did not sleep. Every time it was her turn to watch at night. She didn't even go to bed. She hopes to be able to wait for an opportunity to perform. Nowadays. She finally got this opportunity as she wished.
It's just four more days. Liu Xin came to the study. A Rou was both surprised and delighted. She hurriedly made tea for Liu Xin. Stand aside with your hands down. Liu Xin didn't go to bed for this little girl. It was also very unexpected. but. All his thoughts were placed on that map. Did not speak to her. Until she asked Jushou.
Arou heard Liu Xin's order. surprised. Hurriedly said: "Master. It's still early before dawn. I'm afraid Master Ju hasn't gotten up yet. At this time..."
Speaking of which. A Rou suddenly stopped. Master has orders. Just execute it. How can I learn from those girls and talk more. In case the master becomes angry. My hard work this night is not in vain. Thought of this. She couldn't continue. I can't wait to slap myself twice.
Liu Xin suddenly realized. She smiled embarrassedly. Said: "You are right to remind. How can you call him here so early. Okay. Wait until dawn and send someone to invite him. Well. You are very good. What's your name."
There are many maids in the house. It has always been managed by a few ladies. Liu Xin didn't care too much. Although looking familiar. But they are rarely able to call out their names. A Rou heard Liu Xin ask her. Hastily blessed a gift. Said: "A Rou, a slave servant."
A Rou is naturally full of love. It's still dark now. In case you can get Liu Xin's favor. Just one step to the sky. Her steps moved forward involuntarily.
But Liu Xin nodded. Said: "Well. You understand things very well. That's right. I'll talk to my wife tomorrow. I'll find you a good house. I don't need to be a slave here."
A Rou secretly cried out in her heart. She is to please Diaochan again. It is again to give up the rest time to express yourself. It is nothing more than hoping to one day be able to enjoy the glory and wealth. But got such a result. It's really clever instead of being mistaken by clever. She couldn't help crying without tears.
How she can conceal that little thought from Liu Xin. Liu Xin and Ma Yun have the same idea. Inside this state animal husbandry. In addition to a few important locations. Other servants and servants only need to be honest and willing to work. They don’t need to be clever. Not tolerate them to be careful. In Liu Xin's view. This arrangement is the best reward for her. It's better than rationing her to a domestic slave. What's more, the mansion will also allocate some property to her. As her dowry. It would not be wrong to treat her.
The sky gradually brightened. Liu Xin finished her practice. Had breakfast. The mood also calmed down. No longer screaming like just now. At this time. Jushou also rushed over. The two came to the study to sit down. Liu Xin pointed to the map. Said: "Gongyou. Take a look. If you build a city here, is it possible."
"Build a city." Jushou couldn't help being stunned by Liu Xin's bold ideas. He said quickly. "There are no masonry on the grassland. There is not even a large wood. The construction of a city is unimaginable. This is something that no one has ever done."
Liu Xin proposed the idea of building a city. Although it was due to an inadvertent sentence from Zhu Qian. But he also thought about it again and again. I feel that this should still be feasible. In Liu Xin's impression. Not to mention that there are many modern cities in Inner Mongolia and Mongolia in later generations. Even after the Yuan Dynasty. Some cities have gradually emerged on the Mongolian grasslands. Explain that it should be possible to build cities on the grasslands.
The reason why there is no city on the grassland now. It's because those nomads don't need cities at all. They also don't have the concept of a city. All they have is a group of mobile tents. This has also been since Hanwu. Although defeated the Huns. The main reason why it is difficult to really control them.
but. If you build a city on the grassland. The situation is different. The migration path of these nomads will be interrupted. You can separate them. It is easier to control them. and. Nomadic tribes do not have large-scale siege equipment. Does not master the commonly used siege tactics. A city stands on the grassland. Advance can be attacked. Retreat can be defended. It can always maintain a deterrent against nomadic tribes.
Liu Xin had long known that Jushou would be skeptical of building a prairie city. He waved his hand. In an indisputable tone, he said: "What the predecessors have not done. It does not mean that we cannot do it. Without bricks, stones and wood. It can be transported from the Central Plains. I believe. Although this cost is high, it will never exceed the construction. A Great Wall."
The construction of the Great Wall began in the Warring States Period. Later Qin Shihuang unified the six countries. It was also ordered to connect the Great Walls of various countries. Until now. The Great Wall played an important role in resisting the nomads on the grasslands. but. Qin Shihuang mobilized a large number of civilian husbands. Build the Great Wall of China. It has consumed national power. It has increased the burden on the people. It is also an important reason for accelerating the demise of the Qin Dynasty.
But Liu Xin knew. Although the Great Wall can effectively stop the invasion of nomads. But there is a fatal weakness. If a point on the Great Wall is broken. Then the entire Great Wall will be in vain. Hereafter in his memory. Those nomads invaded the Central Plains more than once. The Great Wall cannot stop their iron shoes. And the Great Wall is not built once and for all. A large number of troops must also be stationed. It also needs to be trimmed regularly. These require a lot of expenditure.
If you build a few cities on the grassland. Effective control of grasslands. Then the Great Wall has become the second line of defense from the front line. Play a supporting role for the cities on the grasslands. There is no need to spend too much money and manpower on it. Only need to strengthen the control over the most important points. The benefits of this are still there. Villages and towns outside the Great Wall can be prevented from being harassed by nomadic tribes.
Seeing Jushou was lost in thought. Liu Xin continued: "Don't rush to answer me about this matter. You can discuss it with them. It is best to discuss the establishment of the five Huns together. Strive to build a city in each of the five. However, it cannot be delayed. Too long. It must be finalized after the early spring of next year. Then manpower and materials will be mobilized. We will strive to complete the construction before the winter of next year."
after a few days. The 60,000 soldiers who had set off on the grassland for the second time withdrew back to Xiliang one after another. Although many of them are already familiar with the use of war horses. But after all, it is not of nomad origin. There are still many discomforts on the grassland. Just gnaw those beef and mutton every day. Many people have blisters on their mouths. These news reached Xiangyang. It strengthened Liu Xin's determination to build a city on the grassland.
Want to control the Huns. You must show them your strong fist. Not only that. Maintain a certain scale of military power on the grasslands. It can also quell the conflicts between the Huns in time. Frightened the Xianbei, Wuheng and other tribes who were ready to move. but. If the soldiers sent to the grasslands have been dissatisfied for a long time. The combat effectiveness of the army will decline. There will even be non-combat attrition. Deterrence will also be greatly reduced.
It's different if you have a city under your own control. Soldiers cruising in the grassland. You can enter the city to rest every once in a while. Always maintain a strong combat effectiveness. Only cavalry can roam the grassland. The composition of the Han army is dominated by infantry. The established city can be handed over to infantry to defend it. It can be guaranteed that a few cavalry will be used on the blade.
Because all the Huns have sworn allegiance to the big man. The threat on the northern border of Xiliang suddenly eased a lot. In addition, the wedding date of Sun Ce and Liu Rui is approaching. Except for Wei Yan and Jia Xu, they still stay in Liangzhou. Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Ma Chao all started their journey home.
Liu Xin put down the military information document sent by Xiliang. He took a long sigh of relief. The Huns' tribes were calmed down in a daze. Finally we can have a stable New Year.
suddenly. A little maid walked in cautiously outside the door. Said: "Master. Master Chen Gong is asking to see you outside."
Liu Xin looked up. Some noodles. Guess it was a new tune to replace Arou. Cannot help but nodded. Said: "Well. Please come in."
"No." The little maid agreed. Turned around and walked outside the study.
Liu Xin was stunned for a moment. Called her and said: "Come back. What's your name."
The maid had obviously heard of A Rou's story. There was a look of panic on his face. Tremblingly said: "The slave's surname is Xia. The nickname is Feifei."
"Oh. Xia Feifei." Liu Xin smiled. Said. "Your voice is very good. I will let the second lady teach you how to sing when I have time. Please go and invite Mr. Chen in first."
Xia Feifei left the study door. He squeezed his chest hard. It was really risky just now. I thought the master had asked her name. Drive her out of the house like A Rou. It turned out to be just a false alarm.
to be frank. These maids were originally from wealthy families. It's just that their father and brother lost in the battle with Liu Xin. They were even used as official slaves. And Ma Yun is a person who pursues beauty. Able to be elected to serve as a maid in the State Shepherd House. Naturally there is a bit of beauty. And the ones who were sent to the study were the best among them. Arou is like this. The same goes for Xia Feifei. The maid also has the dream of a maid. Now that they have the important capital of a beautiful appearance. There was another chance to hang around in front of Liu Xin. Of course they are not reconciled to just being a servant for a lifetime. They all hope that one day they can fly to the branches like Zhu Qian.
A Rou has been expelled. Xia Feifei didn't want to follow in Arou's footsteps. She has to take her time. Can't be rushed. therefore. Liu Xin asked what she answered. I dare not say a word. In this way, his face was as earthy as he was scared. Even Liu Xin casually said about letting her learn to sing with Bian Yu. I forgot to say thank you.
Liu Xin looked at Xia Feifei at a loss. Could not help laughing. Liu Xin had already seen through their careful thoughts. but. This Xia Feifei at least did not have as much scheming as Ah Rou. You can stay for a while.
He was in a trance. Chen Gong walked in. He folded his hands and said: "Lord. Subordinates have important matters to report."