"The Qiang chieftains' gathering, held once every ten years, takes place in Western Qiang every two weeks. My aunt comes from one of these tribes, and although they have declined, she intends for me to inherit their chieftainship. I plan to use this opportunity to bring the entire Qiang tribe under my control, using force to intimidate and win them over. Western Liang was peaceful and stable in the past, but the later governors were incompetent, causing widespread resentment, and the punishments were even worse than those of the Former Qin!" Lu Ming explained his plan. Subduing the Qiang tribe would be equivalent to suppressing the destabilizing factors in Western Liang.
At that time, Han Sui wouldn't be able to stir up any trouble; he would only be clinging to life in Jincheng.
Dealing with him was only a matter of time, and Lu Ming's reluctance to attack stemmed from his desire to thoroughly cleanse and control this territory.
Otherwise, launching a war with an unstable rear would risk losing all previous advantages should misfortune strike.
Xu Shu was somewhat surprised, then stroked his beard in thought. "What my lord says is true. Harsh and tyrannical rule is the root cause of the constant rebellions in Xiliang. To resolve the Xiliang rebellion, we must also address the Qiang rebellion. Once we conquer them, the entire Liangzhou will be invincible!"
Lu Ming's idea was just that—an idea. To turn it into a plan, he needed Xu Shu's help in planning.
Many details needed to be handled. For example, in this plan to subjugate the Qiang, they needed to identify the most rebellious tribes and then wipe them out in one fell swoop.
As for the more docile tribes that could be won over, and the powerful ones...
What were the personalities of their leaders? How could they be appeased?
Military force was only the foundation; subsequent cultural exchange and assimilation were built upon it.
Without the support of military conquest, success was impossible.
Might was the basis for getting the other side to sit down and negotiate peacefully. Without might, one was destined to be defeated.
"Yuanzhi, give me some advice on this matter. Let's seize Jincheng County in one decisive battle. With the entire Western Liang under our control, we can then open the Silk Road, amass wealth from across the land, and whether we march east beyond Hangu Pass or south to Yizhou, our hegemony will be assured!" Lu Ming was somewhat excited. Conquering so many territories was primarily to satisfy his lust.
The larger the territory, the more people, and the more beautiful women.
Saving the people and restoring the Han Dynasty? These were merely excuses.
"Yes, my lord," Xu Shu bowed respectfully. If initially it was out of gratitude, now he was genuinely offering Lu Ming advice.
Conquering Liangzhou was only the first step, the foundation.
Was Liangzhou desolate?
Desolate!
But if a chosen one were to unite Liangzhou, then Liangzhou could become self-sufficient in grain, and its warhorses could train a powerful cavalry to sweep away any enemy!
Taking Yizhou is equivalent to taking its granary.
Regardless, with the initiative in hand, imperial power is within reach!
Back in Tao County, Lu Ming could finally marry Wang Yi.
The wedding wasn't attended by many; mostly his generals and strategists. Lu Ming, however, had taken in the displaced people under his command as farmhands, giving them two loaves of bread each, and led Wang Yi on a walk around the farmhouses.
He enjoyed the people kneeling and shouting, "May the Governor and his wife live a long and happy life together, a match made in heaven!"
The spectacle was grand, far better than having unrelated people come to visit and freeload. It was also exciting and showcased his power.
Wang Yi's eyes shone with admiration. She had never believed the rumors about her husband, but now, seeing so many people kneeling before him...
She felt a surge of admiration and worship. What kind of person could be so beloved by the people?
Back at his residence, Lu Ming smiled and chatted with his guests, drinking and talking.
To his surprise, the Mi family of Xuzhou had also sent someone, and it was Mi Fang, the second son!
Mi Fang didn't have a good reputation. Historically, he surrendered to Eastern Wu because his sister married Liu Bei, which seemed spineless.
Moreover, he was looked down upon in Eastern Wu and died in despair, dragging his brother Mi Zhu down with him, who also died in Yizhou in grief and indignation.
However, to be fair, Lu Ming could understand. After all, Mi Zhen had already died at that time, at Changban Slope.
And Mi Fang was serving under Guan Yu at the time. Although Guan Yu was known as the God of War, he was arrogant towards his superiors and intolerant of his subordinates; in short, he didn't understand human relationships or how to handle subordinates.
After all, he was only human, with both strengths and weaknesses.
"Greetings, Governor. Wishing you a happy marriage and a long and harmonious life together." Mi Fang, sporting a mustache, treated Lu Ming with utmost respect.
Other merchants accompanied him. This was because Lu Ming was the only governor who dared to openly employ merchants.
Mi Fang's brother, Mi Zhu, also held a high position in Xuzhou, serving as a Prefectural Administrator. However, with each new emperor bringing a new court, and the aging Prefect of Xuzhou, Tao Qian, facing the possibility of a new governor, the Mi family's future was uncertain.
Although Lu Ming was the Governor of Liangzhou, Liangzhou was vast.
He had merely appointed Mohist disciples as village heads, yet Mohist disciples and students of other schools flocked to him. For those from humble backgrounds, advancement was incredibly difficult.
A place where one could rise through the ranks was something everyone would fight tooth and nail for!
Furthermore, the recruited wandering knights didn't need to do anything major; they only needed to spread Lu Ming's name throughout the land.
"Talk about the positions available to people without connections, how wonderful it is there—these are all incredibly attractive to ordinary people!"
"Yes, if you want to get ahead, Liangzhou is the only place."
"These days, local sentiment is very strong, so some people are making moves, but others aren't. That's enough; successful examples are right before our eyes. Spreading fame—that's what he needs."
"Thank you, Young Master Mi, you are indeed a man of great talent. I, the governor, have many positions under my command, and I need someone like you to lend me a hand. His Majesty has entrusted me with the important task of guarding Liangzhou, and also given me the power to avenge my father. The tribes beyond the Great Wall attacked and killed my father; I wish I could kill them as soon as possible. Their territory, once conquered, will be ours. The region needs talented people to govern, and it also has resources." Lu Ming swirled his wine glass, beginning to paint a rosy picture.
"Merchants came here to attend his wedding banquet, and brought many valuable gifts. There's no smoke without fire, no early morning without profit; they definitely want more, and this can be considered an investment."