Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 487 Side Story: Preparations for War (Part 1)

Spring of the eighth year of Zhaoyuan.

The south received abundant rainfall, and the north also enjoyed favorable weather. Spring plowing, which began in early February, was a top priority for the imperial court. Emperor Zhaoyuan frequently rode his horse to inspect the spring plowing in the fields.

"Mom, I want to go too."

The little monkey is now four years old. She's grown taller, her chubby round face has thinned out, and her delicate features are increasingly resembling her mother's. Her eyes are full of pride and confidence.

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "If you want to go, then come with me. But don't complain about the bumpy ride or that you're tired."

The little monkey was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly.

Shi Yan, who was standing to the side, said solemnly, "I have nothing to do today and wish to accompany Your Majesty. I request Your Majesty's permission."

The exchange of words between the emperor and his ministers was also one of the joys of the couple.

Pei Qinghe smiled and glanced at Shi Yan, then agreed.

The emperor and his minister, accompanied by the little monkey, rode horses to inspect the spring plowing. How was this any different from a family of three enjoying a spring outing? Shi Yan's riding skills had improved quite a bit, but the little monkey still preferred to sit in front of its mother. The feeling of galloping in the spring breeze was too wonderful.

The little monkey wanted to speak, but when it opened its mouth, it was filled with a mouthful of spring breeze, and its little face suddenly puffed up.

Pei Yan, who was traveling with them, laughed heartily: "Look at the little monkey, it looks like a little toad."

The guards turned their heads away and chuckled.

The little monkey was furious and clenched his little fists at Pei Yan.

Pei Yan is only one year younger than Pei Qinghe, and at twenty-eight years old this year, she still doesn't look like an adult. She's exceptionally skilled at bullying children and younger generations. She first gave a lazy smile, then drew her bow and arrow, tilted her head back, and shot an arrow.

An unlucky goose was shot down.

The sullen little monkey was instantly delighted and clapped its hands repeatedly for the amazing Aunt Pei Yan.

Pei Qinghe also became interested. He controlled his warhorse to slow down with his legs, took the bow in his left hand, drew an arrow with his right hand, and the arrow was as fast as lightning. The next moment, a wild goose was shot through the throat and fell straight down.

The little monkey exclaimed, its eyes filled with admiration: "Mom is even more amazing than Aunt Yan!"

“Of course!” Pei Yan said without any shame, “Aunt Yan only respects your mother in this lifetime.”

Shi Yan and Yang Huai both laughed.

Pei Qinghe relaxed her brows, a smile flashing in her eyes, and hugged the excited little monkey: "Sit tight."

In the boundless fields, farmers were working everywhere. Since Pei Qinghe ascended the throne, he had spared no effort in implementing new policies. His decrees were lenient, and he strictly prohibited exorbitant taxes and levies. Except for necessary military needs, he never arbitrarily imposed corvée labor. After several years, the results were already quite evident. The people of the north, after a year of hard work and paying 30% of their land tax, had enough grain left to feed their entire families.

Two years after the implementation of the new policies in the south, the lives of ordinary people had greatly improved. Regardless of the secret grievances and discontent of the powerful and wealthy families, the lives of ordinary people had genuinely improved. Emperor Zhaoyuan's prestige, like the blazing sun in the sky, shone brightly upon the earth.

Pei Qinghe dismounted at the edge of the field and casually picked up the little monkey from the horse.

The little monkey was visiting the field for the first time, and everything was new and exciting to him. He kept talking, "Mommy, there are cows over there."

Pei Qinghe said with a smile, "Farmers pull oxen and hold iron plows, making plowing the fields easy and effortless."

"Mom, look over there, there's already a layer of green shoots."

"Yes, I see. Some farmers have plowed early, and the seedlings have sprouted in the fields." Wildflowers and weeds can also be seen from time to time in the fields. The little monkey happily picked two wildflowers and tucked them into his little pigtail. He then specially found two larger ones: "Mom, bow your head."

Pei Qinghe smiled and lowered her head as the little monkey carefully tucked wildflowers into her black hair.

Pei Yan loved teasing the little monkey, and immediately came over: "Little monkey, Aunt Yan wants flowers too."

The little monkey, quick-witted and sharp-tongued, said, "Aunt Yan needs to have a child of her own so she can find wildflowers for you."

Pei Yan: "..."

It was rare for Pei Yan to be at a loss, so Pei Qinghe smiled and came to her rescue: "Little monkey, don't be silly. Your Aunt Yan has long since decided not to have children. Go find two pretty wildflowers for Aunt Yan."

The little monkey had the upper hand and was very generous. He carefully selected two large and beautiful flowers and put them in Aunt Yan's hair.

Aunt Yan was dark-skinned, tall, and strong, and she was adorned with small yellow wildflowers, which was quite unusual.

The little monkey glanced at it and giggled.

Pei Yan's fists were itching to punch someone else; she would have already taught them a lesson. But it was this little monkey, and she just couldn't bring herself to hit him.

Just as everyone was laughing and chatting, several fast horses galloped over. The young man leading the group was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with thick eyebrows and large, bright eyes; it was Pei Lang. The boy behind Pei Lang was two years younger and slightly shorter, but equally handsome. This boy was Pei Wan's younger brother, Pei Wang.

The Pei family's youths grew up one after another. They were the true foundation and hope of the Pei family.

Pei Qinghe asked with a smile, "Pei Lang, Pei Wang, what brings you here all of a sudden?"

Pei Lang bowed respectfully and said, "Minister Meng sent us to deliver a message, saying that there is unusual activity on the grasslands and the Xiongnu barbarians will soon send troops."

Pei Qinghe's smile vanished, and he immediately said, "I will return immediately."

Eight years ago, the Xiongnu cavalry suffered a crushing defeat, and their commander, Punu, was beheaded by Pei Qinghe. Less than 20% of the Xiongnu cavalry escaped back to the grasslands. This battle utterly destroyed the foundation of the Xiongnu tribes and made Pei Qinghe's reputation resound throughout the grasslands.

In recent years, the Xiongnu tribes have sent small groups of cavalry to harass the border every year, and the Beiping Army and the Liaoxi Army have fought many battles. However, the battles have been kept to a scale of one or two thousand men, and no large-scale war has broken out.

Since last year, the Xiongnu tribes, which had recovered, have been making frequent moves and have begun to stir restlessly.

As the northern lands became increasingly peaceful and prosperous, the Xiongnu barbarians watched helplessly as they could not devour the fat meat; how could they not be anxious?
"The old Khan of the Xiongnu passed away last year. The new Khan is the old Khan's youngest son, named Morton, who is thirty-six years old this year."

Over the past few years, Meng Bing has sent many scouts into the grasslands and knows the situation of the Xiongnu tribes like the back of his hand: "Moton has three older brothers. None of these three are satisfied with Morton's succession. In the past six months, they have already made several troubles. Morton is sending troops now for two reasons: first, he wants to seize some territory in the north; second, he wants to use war to suppress the conflicts within the tribes."

Pei Qinghe sneered: "Modu probably wants to use war to wear down the cavalry of his three brothers!"

Meng Bing nodded: "That should be the intention."

Winning would be great, as it would allow them to reclaim a large amount of money, grain, and able-bodied slaves. Losing would at least weaken the opposition forces. In short, neither victory nor defeat would be a loss.

Maodun certainly had a good plan.

Pei Qinghe raised an eyebrow, her voice as cold as ice: "Regardless of what Maodun's plans are, since he intends to launch a large-scale attack, I will personally lead the army to meet him."

"Immediately issue my oral decree to all garrisons, ordering Pei Feng, Gu Lian, and Sun Cheng to lead their respective cavalry battalions here."

(End of this chapter)