Three Kingdoms: Domination of the World

Chapter 53: Northland Construction

October, 182 AD.

The imperial court appointed Suo Chao as General Zhenbei, responsible for governing most of the captured areas south of the desert.

This place was officially established as Mo Nan Commandery by the imperial court, with Suo Chao as its first governor. Suo Chao was fully aware of the heavy responsibility and was determined to lead this vast land to prosperity.

After the Battle of Mobei, the remaining Tuoba tribe migrated north and joined forces with the Tan Shihuai tribe and the Murong Ke tribe in Liaodong, forming a new Xianbei tribal alliance. The five elders of the alliance were Murong Ke, Tan Shihuai, Tuoba Tao, Murong Chui, and Budugen.

The position of Khan rotated annually among the five elders, with the size of their territories determined by their achievements. After several months of development, the Xianbei army had grown to over 20 men, and their power was even greater than before. In the first year, Tan Shihuai was the Khan. He was a powerful leader who had unified the Xianbei tribes and held a high prestige. Murong Ke and his companions, new arrivals, were reluctant to usurp the throne, leaving the others with little to say.

A man who looked like a god, his eyes seemed to be burning with the fire of expectation. He was Tuoba Tao

"Khan, what is our next plan?"

Tan Shihuai narrowed his eyes slightly, looked into the distance, and said after thinking for a moment:

"We need to consolidate our existing forces and then look for new opportunities.

Tuoba Tao clenched his fist and shouted loudly.

"We must take back our homeland in Mo Nan and avenge our previous humiliation!"

The handsome man beside him looked like a meticulously carved statue, his features three-dimensional like a sculpture, his body straight and upright like a pine tree, his hands slender like ape's arms, hanging down past his knees. Murong Chui said slowly.

"We need to put this matter aside for now! The people of the Han Dynasty are already in dire straits, and corruption is rampant. We can wait and see."

"General Chui is right." Murong Ke agreed.

Murong Ke knew the historical direction of the Eastern Han Dynasty and believed that lying low and waiting was the best strategy.

"Khan, I believe that the most urgent task right now is to recuperate and train our troops for war."

Tan Shihuai became interested and stared at Murong Ke curiously.

"Oh! I wonder what General Murong Ke has to say?"

"Our Xianbei development plan can be divided into two steps."

"The first step is to recuperate. First, we must ease tensions with the Han people, actively purchase food, and store it for emergencies, to prepare for a rainy day."

"I think we can do that."

"On the one hand, we can send money and cattle to the Han Dynasty as a gesture of goodwill. Emperor Ling of Han is greedy for money and will not continue to escalate the war."

"On the other hand, we are doing our best to befriend Liu Yu, the deputy governor of Youzhou, and Ding Yuan, the governor of Bingzhou. They boast of their superior abilities and are not afraid of us Xianbei. We should show our weakness to the enemy."

"Step Two: Lay low and wait, and prepare for war. The Han Dynasty is rife with corruption, from the emperor down to the civil and military officials. Within a few years, internal turmoil will surely break out. We can then seize the opportunity to sweep across the northern grasslands and then slowly conquer the Central Plains."

Tan Shihuai thought it made sense, nodded repeatedly, and said to Murong Ke.

"General Ke is right. Let's do this."

Tuoba Tao's face was unhappy. He had lost many soldiers and territory. If he continued to retreat, it would not be his character.

"Suo Chao and Huangfu Song in the north are a serious threat. We cannot sit idly by."

"I heard they've established the new Monan County. This is a great shame and humiliation. We can't let them develop."

"Yes. The land south of the desert has always been ours. General Tuoba can choose the opportunity to train his troops."

......

Suo Chao often led his troops to patrol the border, and the two armies had constant minor frictions. He was well aware of the Xianbei tribe's ambitions and could not take them lightly.

Suo Chao repeatedly reminded Ding Yuan, the governor of Bingzhou, and Liu Yu, the deputy governor of Youzhou, to be wary of the Xianbei and to do a good job of defending the border counties, but with little success.

"Governor Ding, the Xianbei are ambitious. We should advise His Majesty to strengthen the defenses of Jiuyuan County."

"Oh? What do you think, General Zhengbei?"

"Why not recall General Lu Bu back to Jiuyuan? He's been so far away in Jincheng Commandery. Being a Protector of the Qiang is really a waste of his talent."

"Well, General Zhenbei is worrying too much! Tan Shihuai has given His Majesty a lot of wealth and cattle and sheep, and he's already scared by us."

"As for recalling General Lu, it is also unnecessary. His Majesty has clearly ordered us not to escalate the war with the Xianbei!"

......

"Liu Beijia, the new Xianbei alliance tribe is powerful. Youzhou must speed up the time to strengthen the city defenses and train troops for war!"

"General Zhenbei, don't worry. The Xianbei are nothing to worry about. We should use gentle means to win over the hearts of the nomadic tribes."

Suo Chao was speechless. He knew the habits of these nomadic tribes like the back of his hand. The north is a bitterly cold land, lacking in abundant resources. Once you become weak, facing the wealthy Han people, no one will act like a saint.

After all, this world is still a world where the strong prey on the weak. In desperation, Suo Chao had to seek development on his own.

Suo Chao first united the forces of Wuwei, Beidi, Shang, and Shuofang Commanderies to launch a vigorous construction campaign. Monan Commandery and the four counties assisted each other in economic development and military training. The five Beidi Commanderies experienced unprecedented growth.

In terms of military farming and training, Suo Chao led by example, like a hardworking old farmer, personally supervising and imparting advanced farming concepts.

"Soldiers! Food and supplies are the key to winning a battle."

"It is better to rely on ourselves than on others. We must be self-sufficient."

"Can you do it?"

The sound of roaring mountains and tsunami sounded.

"It can be done!"

Suo Chao's words were like a spring breeze, encouraging the soldiers to reclaim the wasteland. Their sweat was like a gentle rain that moistened the land. They diligently tilled the land, painting a beautiful picture of the future, hoping that through their diligent hands, they could stockpile sufficient supplies for future battles.

Beidi County's 5 cavalry were ready. Suo Chao trained his troops and prepared for battle while cultivating crops. He and General Huangfu worked together to build this cavalry.

"Old General! You've worked hard!"

"Bo Yi. This is what I should do."

"The boy is still inexperienced, and the old general is better at training soldiers."

This was no compliment. General Huangfu, a veteran of many battles and rich in experience, was as sharp as old ginger. He and Suo Chaoyao complemented each other well, adding even more power to the tiger, and the training was highly effective.

During the training, the soldiers were eager to improve their combat skills, ready to fight at any time, and preparing to defend Mo'nan County.

To strengthen the defense line, Suo Chao ordered the construction of strong fortresses and city walls. Soldiers and workers worked together tirelessly, building a solid barrier against foreign enemies brick by brick.

At the same time, Suo Chao also focused on gathering intelligence. He learned about the Xianbei tribes of Tanshi, Murongke, and Tuoba Tao, and knew that their strength should not be underestimated. He must remain vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality.

Suo Chao actively engaged in diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and established friendly relations with the Xiongnu leader Maodun Chanyu. Through diplomatic means, he secured a relatively stable environment for the development of Mo Nan Commandery.

In agriculture, Suo Chao vigorously promoted the cultivation of potatoes and sweet potatoes. These crops were highly adaptable and high-yielding, providing ample food for the Han people. The people of Mo Nan County also joined in the planting, working diligently and anticipating the joy of a bountiful harvest.

In order to attract more people to settle in the North, Suo Chao launched a series of preferential policies. People could receive houses, farmland and seeds for free. This measure greatly attracted people from all over the country and many of them came to settle there.

Thanks to Suo Chao's efforts, Monan County is flourishing. However, he knows this is just the beginning, and more challenges await him. Undeterred, he remains determined to lead this land toward an even brighter future.

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