Chapter 64: Boli's Scheme

  A diagram changed Li Zhēng's desperate situation, and the incredible part of it is not to be told to outsiders!

  Of course, all changes from drawings are just basic.

  For example, those two passes and stone forts are just a large framework, some of the military facilities and materials inside still require considerable effort.

  But with a foundation, everything is easy.

  Li Zhong thought for a moment and felt that with Xun You and others around, these things didn't need to be worried about by himself, so he was at ease.

  Out of the study, stepping out of his own house, Li Zhēng raised his eyes and felt that his field of vision had broadened a lot. In the past, when he went out and looked up, it was just hills, but now it was a vast expanse, with blue sky and white clouds making his heart feel much more relaxed.

  Xin Bu walked along the small path in front of the gate, and before long, he arrived at a wide stone road that had been transformed from a map.

  To meet the transportation needs, Li Zhuang's renovated stone road is very wide, all of which are more than three zhang! And this road in the pasture is four zhang wide!

  This stone road is very flat, even smooth. Moreover, Li Zhēn deeply knows that the roads transformed through his hands are really solid!

  It's no exaggeration to say that it will last for ten thousand years!

  Because this stone road is not a superficial layer of stone tofu residue project - its foundation extends tens of meters deep, all of which are compressed mud and soil thousands of times to form super-hard stone!

  No matter how massive the beast is, no matter how many people trample on it, it's hard to shake this road in the slightest.

  As Li Zhēn walked on the stone road, he saw that in every direction, near and far, were grasslands where crowds of people stood, either gazing at the stone road or staring at the distant hills, each one looking exceptionally astonished.

  Of course, it's just surprising.

  Having grown accustomed to the wonders of the grasslands, people subconsciously felt that under Li Zhong's ownership, anything could happen without arousing suspicion.

  Of course, the awe of Li Zhong also deepened day by day.

  Perhaps facing anything, Li Zhēng himself may not have confidence, but they will definitely be full of confidence in Li Zhēng.

  Just as he was walking, he saw Zhao Wu hastily coming towards him.

  After the courtesy, Zhao Wu also asked about the sudden changes that had taken place, and Li Ding spoke truthfully, only letting Zhao Wu comfort the people in the grassland, telling them what to do and what not to do, and not to panic, then sent Zhao Wu away.

  Along the main road, Li Jing observed all the important facilities of the pasture and found no loopholes. Just as he was about to return home, he saw Xun You coming in big strides.

  He stood still, waiting for Xun Yu to approach. After the two exchanged greetings, Xun Yu handed over a letter and said: "My lord, this is news from Zhou Lin in the Su Bu tribe."

  Li Zhong took the letter and glanced at Xun Yu, finding his expression normal, thinking that the news was not very important. He flipped open the letter and took a look, but couldn't help frowning slightly.

  In June of the year, due to Li Zhēng's orders, Zhōu Lín shifted the focus of the trade caravan's expansion to the grasslands. Several months passed, this was the second time news came back, but it wasn't good news.

  Zhou Lin's letter stated that although the internal strife of the Xiongnu had not yet completely subsided, it was also nearing its end. In early August, the Xianbei tribe joined forces with the Tuyuhun tribe, broke through the Han army's blockade, and attacked Jin Yang, killing Qiang Qu and Governor Chen Yi of Bingzhou!

  However, Qiangqu escaped from Meiji and was unwilling to accept defeat. In order to make a comeback, he sought help from the Han court and went to Taiyuan, Jinzhong, the capital of Pingzhou.

  Now together with Bingzhou Governor, he was finished off by the Xiongnu people, which for Li Jing was extremely bad news.

  With the death of Xiongnu Chanyu, internal strife basically ceased. What remained was to eliminate dissent and consolidate rule. In this way, the Xiongnu naturally had the strength to divide their attention elsewhere, and the day when the White Water River would be at peace was soon approaching.

  As expected, Li Zhēng looked down and furrowed his brow even deeper.

  At the time this letter was sent, Zhou Lin had been under house arrest for several days. The person who took action was Xubowei, who had suffered greatly at the hands of Li Zhuang in the past.

  Zhou Lin said that he had been under very strict surveillance for several days and it was difficult to find an opportunity to send a message. At the same time, he also said that Xubohe Li had threatened him several times, one of which was to make Zhou Lin surrender and become Xubohe Li's internal response, and the other was that his words had a hint of wanting to usurp the throne.

  Finally, I hope Master Li Zhong will make a decision and at the same time express that he is willing to follow Su Wu's example, rather die than surrender!

  He folded the letter, Li Zhēng grasped it tightly in his palm, a corner of his mouth curled up, and he sneered coldly: "The Xiongnu people are indeed extremely wolf-like... Gong Da, follow me to the study to discuss this matter."

  Arrived at Li Zhong's home study, the two sat down, and Li Zhong's emotions had completely calmed down.

  Although he was very angry with Su Buqi's actions, he also worried about Zhou Lin's safety, but Li Zheng knew that these were useless and that finding a way to resolve this situation was the right thing to do.

  "Mr. Gong," Li Zhuo said thoughtfully: "Do you think it's possible to give the Xiongnu people a show of strength before deploying troops southward?"

  This is what Li Zhong has in mind.

  Huangfu Song and Dong Zhuo have just been appointed as the commanders to suppress the rebellion, it will take a lot of time to mobilize troops, deploy generals and transport food and grass. Within two or three months, there should not be any major battles within the borders of Liangzhou.

  In this way, Li Zhong felt that his time was still sufficient.

  Secondly, Li Zhong cannot be threatened. Although he is worried about Zhou Lin's life, Li Zhong does not want to let the Xiongnu people ride on his head and pull shit!

  Revenge!

  We must take revenge!

  Xun Yu observed the words and expressions, then said: "Your Excellency, in that case... The Xiongnu have taken Zhou Lin captive and are holding him under duress. They haven't killed him immediately, which means they want something from us. I suspect that before long, a Xiongnu envoy will come here to negotiate!"

  Li Jing raised an eyebrow and said, "Then let's wait for the Xiongnu people to arrive, first communicate with them, if there is no result, immediately return with color!" As he spoke, Li Jing sneered coldly: "I have heard that in Han law, if a family member is kidnapped and demands ransom, it will not be tolerated, all will be killed! Zhou Lin is an old man under my command, like a family member, but I do not want to be humiliated, nor do I want Zhou Lin to be humiliated! If he dies, I will erect a monument for him!"

  Hiss!

  Xun Yu took a deep breath in surprise, never expecting that his normally gentle and warm master would be so ruthless when it came to taking action.

  However, I highly agree with it.

  What Li Zuo just said is true. Xun Yu understood this very well.

  By doing so, even if the hostages are in hand, they will be killed indiscriminately. The greatest purpose is to intimidate! Before the promulgation of this Han law, there were many similar incidents in the folk, but those involved could only swallow their anger. But after the law was promulgated, although it seemed cruel, there were very few cases of kidnapping afterwards, which can be seen its effectiveness!

  At the same time, Xun Yu also knew that his master was a strong and unyielding person who could not tolerate humiliation. The situation was decisive and severe, and he made up his mind to remember it. To kill or pardon, to decide or to act, this is the demeanor of a ruler! Xun Yu felt relieved in his heart - the more so, the more worthy he was to serve him, wasn't it?

  Xun You nodded and said: "My lord is wise."

  Li Zheng nodded slightly and said: "Also send a message to Zhou Fei, inform him of this matter. Order Bai Lang to lead the Wolf Riders to the east camp of Baishui River, wait for further orders!"

  "Ah!"

  Xun Yu left, and Li Zhen knelt down behind his desk, silent.

  Zhou Lin was also a meritorious minister under his command, and if it wasn't absolutely necessary, Li Zheng really didn't want to give him up. However, Li Zheng's personality couldn't tolerate being manipulated by others.

  He is naturally inclined towards freedom, especially in this era, with a trump card in hand and ambitions in his heart, he cannot tolerate his nature being tainted. Such an extreme idea is also reasonable.

  This time if they can get through negotiations and let Zhou Lin go free, it would be fine. If not... Li Jing's mind was filled with murderous intentions.

  At first, Li Jing let Bo Xi go, and it was also a decision made by Li Jing. Now that Bo Xi has given such a return, Li Jing does not regret it.

  He has never regretted his actions!

  At that time, Li Zhong's situation was such that letting Bo Xi go was the best choice.

  This man has a certain status among the Xūbù clan, being the son of Gǔdōu Hòu. If he is killed or captured, the Xūbù clan will not let it go easily, and at the same time as plotting against Qián Qú, they will also send people to attack Bái Shuǐ Zé to avenge him.

  So Li Zhēn would spare his life afterwards.

  As for what kind of reward Boli would have afterwards, Li Zhong also had some guesses in his heart. First, the extraordinary war steed under Li Zhong's command must have left a deep impression on Boli.

  As a grassland nation, Li Zhēng didn't quite understand the infatuation with mounts, but he could make an educated guess.

  Secondly, the wolf-like nature of the grassland nation implies that Bao Li will never give up easily.

  Li Zhong had already experienced this.

  In the months preceding the use of topographical maps, there were occasional skirmishes on the eastern and northern fronts with soldiers stationed in two large camps.

  Li Zhong had some slight suspicions, although he attached great importance to them, but did not really put his mind at ease. As long as the Xiongnu people did not launch a large-scale attack, it would be fine. In this way, Li Zhong could even use it to train his troops, why not?

  At present, Bohui may think that the internal chaos of Xiongnu will stop and he can withdraw troops to deal with Li Jing, so he begins to take real action, but it is against Li Jing's taboo.

  Zhou Lin is arrested, he deserves to die ten thousand times!

  Li Zhēng slammed his fist on the desk, making a loud "bang" sound.

  As Xun Yu had expected, on the third day after receiving Zhou Lin's message, a group of Xiongnu envoys were escorted by Baishui River soldiers to Shen Zhou Caochang.

  In accordance with the timing, it is likely that this team of envoys was dispatched immediately after Su Wu's imprisonment in the Xiongnu territory.

  After all, although they rode horses, their speed was far from that of the Blue Larkspur Bird.

  Although the changes in Baishui River may surprise and speculate the Huns, but Shen Zhou grassland will not open to these barbarians.

  Li Guang received this group of Xiongnu people at the military camp in the entrance of the grassland.

  The commander of the military camp, Li Zhēn, sat high and looked down at the group of Xiongnu envoys below, his expression cold and stern. Without waiting for these barbarians to speak, Li Zhēn said indifferently: "If you want to take Zhou Lin alive, it's a dead end! You go back and tell him that if he doesn't want to die without a whole corpse, immediately release Zhou Lin and fulfill the agreement. Otherwise... hum..."

  Li Zhong opened his mouth, and the elite soldiers standing on both sides immediately drew their swords, casting a cold and fierce gaze that made the Xiongnu envoys below the hall shocked and bewildered.

  They hadn't even spoken yet, so how did this Protector of the Garrison know that Your Highness had arrested Zhou Lin? Looking around at the soldiers standing by like wolves and tigers, everyone was shocked into silence.

  The leader of this group of Xiongnu envoys was the middle-aged Han Chinese man who had fought alongside Li Jing during their previous battle and had been captured along with Shi Bolü. At that time, he had been lucky enough to be released along with Shi Bolü.

  "This man's eyes rolled, and he calmed down slightly. He clasped his hands together and said: 'General, when two armies are at war, they still don't kill the envoys who come to parley. We have been sent by His Majesty to pay our respects, but we haven't even had a chance to state our business yet - how can we return? Please, General, listen to what we have to say and then make your decision - it's not too late.'"

  "Hey, aren't you going back? Well, in that case, let's all stay!"

  Killing intent, permeates.