Chapter 557: Request for the Western Expedition
Hearing Zhao Tong mention that the key factor why the Qiang rebellion has repeatedly surrendered and revolted, and that the key factor in its suppression lies in the administration of officials, Ma Chao's eyes unconsciously stared at him standing below.
His expression moved slightly and he praised, "What General Zhao said is true!"
"The official administration and the contempt of Kanto scholars for Kansai are the most fundamental factors."
"The so-called peace of the imperial court is due to the loss of imperial regulations, and the trust of the military commander Qian Rannuo."
"Even though the imperial court could militarily combat Qiang rebellion every time it raised troops, the DPRK lost effective governance, some generals also lacked basic trustworthiness, and their promises to the Qiang people were not fulfilled."
"After the Qiang rebellion was suppressed, the Qiang people either fell into poverty and embarrassment at the hands of Liangzhou's wealthy families, or they were reduced to slaves doing manual labor."
"But the imperial court is only willing to use strong force to suppress or persuade people to give up the Liangzhou land, and does not care about management at all. Even if the Qiang rebellion has been quelled hundreds of times, what difference does it make?"
"If the Qiang people cannot be properly settled, they will only continue to cause chaos and never have peace!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ma Chao seemed to be showing his true feelings, truthfully revealing the factors that led to the Han Dynasty spending hundreds of millions of military expenditures to quell the Qiang rebellion but could not eradicate it.
Zhang Fei, who was standing by, could not help but change his face slightly after hearing this, and said with a little horror: "So that's it!"
"It seems that if our army takes full control of Liangzhou, issues related to officialdom and the treatment of the Qiang people must be taken seriously."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Tong looked serious and raised his hands and suggested: "No, I think we can start improving governance and dealing with the Qiang people now."
"Oh? What does Atong mean?"
After Zhang Fei heard this, interest suddenly appeared on his face and he asked quickly.
"In fact, after the Cao family took full control of the pass and the land of Liang, the Cao thieves began to pay attention to the lack of official administration. From then on, he gradually started to use Zhang Ji, Yang Fu, Zhao Ang, Jiang Xu and other Liangzhou scholars to govern.
Prefectures and counties are the most intuitive embodiment."
"It's just that because Cao's army had many massacres when pacifying various counties, it created signs that people in the territory were unstable and difficult to surrender."
"This is also the key factor why the people of Longxi County have not completely surrendered yet and were so easily captured by our army."
After saying this, Zhang Fei seemed to have suddenly figured out something, nodding his head in agreement one after another, "Oh, that's it!"
"It turns out that this is the reason why A Tong strictly enforces military discipline on his subordinates. It is to compete for people's support."
"He even did not hesitate to write a letter to warn Prince Yang of Baima Qiang not to plunder all directions."
But when the words fell here, Zhao Tong's expression became fierce unconsciously, and he shouted loudly, "But our army does not need to be too merciful. For those who invade our Han border, if we do not use thunderous means to kill them,
If it is destroyed, how can it show the great power of Han Dynasty?"
After the roar fell, Ma Chao's eyes flew, and he seemed to have some understanding. He stared at him and said, "Does General Zhao want to send troops to the Western Qiang Kingdom that is entrenched in the Huangzhong area to the west of Jincheng?"
"General Ma, what you said is true!"
After Zhao Tong heard this, he nodded solemnly and replied, "The Western Qiang Kingdom has helped the Cao family to fight against our army many times. If we don't wipe them out, how can we, the great Han Dynasty, save our face?"
"Secondly, I heard that Cheliji, the leader of the Xiqiang Kingdom, was a brutal murderer. He killed many of our Han people, especially when the former general led his infantry and cavalry to the west to intercept and kill the elite iron chariot soldiers who came for reinforcements."
"The enemy invaders burned, killed, looted and committed all kinds of crimes around Shicheng, a border town in Longxi County."
"At that time, I told the local people that if the Xiqiang ethnic group was not destroyed, it would be no different for me, the Han Dynasty, to regain Liangzhou!"
"I also ask General Zhang Enzhun to lead his troops to attack the west and eliminate all the Qiang people who are not convinced."
As soon as he finished speaking, the leader Zhang Fei was undoubtedly infected by Zhao Tong's pride, and he secretly agreed, but also reminded:
"Now that Longxi County has been captured, the main force led by Your Majesty is about to arrive!"
"If nothing goes wrong, from now on, a great battle between our army and the Cao family around the Longyou land will begin."
"If you go on this western expedition, you will probably miss a lot of opportunities to make meritorious deeds."
"A Tong, have you thought clearly?"
After saying this, Ma Chao from the side smiled but remained silent.
He could understand Zhang Fei's intentions. After all, he was his prospective son-in-law. Subconsciously, he still hoped that Zhao Tong would make outstanding contributions in this battle.
After these words fell, the military mansion fell into silence for a moment.
Zhang and Ma both had smiles on their faces and glanced at Zhao Tong, quietly waiting for Zhao Tong's decision.
Will he choose to stay here and participate in the war in order to achieve more military exploits?
Or would he give up the opportunity to make great achievements in order to eliminate the Qiang and Di rebels in the west who were dissatisfied with the king's rule?
But soon, Zhao Tong looked firm and held his hands together and said, "In ancient times, there were Huo Qiao riding on the clouds, and the Xiongnu will never be destroyed. Why do we call this home?"
"If the Qiang thieves in Liangzhou are not eliminated, what will happen even if the last general has great achievements?"
"I am willing to follow the example of Fang Xiaowu, love general Champion Hou, and defeat the Hulu!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Tong looked resolute and loudly called for battle.
At this moment, Zhang Fei and Ma Chao suddenly looked extremely solemn!
Is this Zhao Tong’s awakening?
I would rather defeat the Qiang thieves than stay in Longxi to prepare for the next battle with the Cao family.
Such noble and honest qualities are also very admirable.
Zhang Fei was already a forthright person. When he heard these words, his expression became even more joyful. He walked straight down and patted his shoulder and said:
"A Tong, your character is incomparable even if the former champion is reborn!"
"With your great ambition for the country and the people, I will definitely report the truth to the king."
After saying that, he changed the subject and asked: "How many troops does Atong intend to dispatch for the Western Expedition?"
"General Zhang, just deploy an elite team of knights with Tong!"
"The farther west you go from Liangzhou, the more deserts, Gobi and other places become more common. Leading the infantry into the march may not be helpful, but will actually hinder the march."
"In this western expedition, the general is going to imitate the former champion Hou and use light cavalry to make surprise attacks and strike quickly."
After finishing speaking, Zhao Tong slowly looked up at Ma Chao, raised his hands and begged: "However, I am afraid that I will have to rely on the Xiliang cavalry under General Ma to accompany the army."
"I wonder if General Ma is willing?"
As soon as he said these words, not only Zhao Tong looked directly at Ma Chao, with a look of expectation on his face.
Zhang Fei also looked directly at him.
That look in his eyes seemed to say, just accept him, right?
Ma Chao looked at the two sons-in-law and his father-in-law, and couldn't help but laugh or cry for a moment. After thinking for a moment, he responded: "The Xiliang cavalry once followed me across the land of Liangzhou, and they are quite familiar with the climate and geographical advantages of the west."
"General Zhao led the Xiliang army to surprise the Qiang, which can get twice the result with half the effort!"
"Let's do this. You can take Ling Ming with you. He is brave and powerful and can also be your help."
Chapter completed!