Chapter 912: Salt Pond

Chapter 912: Salt Pond

Chapter 912: Salt Pond

Across the vast land, countless troops are marching.

The Yicong army chased the enemy to Tailuo River (Pianguan River), and tribes near and far agreed to protect each other, and then sent envoys to negotiate surrender - they made a lot of gestures, expressed their submissive surrender, and sent cattle and sheep to reward the troops, but they did not actually lay down their arms.

The Luoyan Army and the Zhuosheng Army advanced northward to the bank of the Shutui River (Qingshui River), and captured some people who came from the tribes north of the Yinshan Mountains. They were unable to escape for a while, but were instead scattered among the Suotou of nearby tribes.

After collecting some supplies, they quickly headed north to join up with Jin Zheng's troops.

Duan Mobo was eager to make a contribution, so he sent 500 cavalrymen north to Shengle.

The rope leaders they met along the way had no intention of resisting and just watched from the sidelines. But for some unknown reason, they suddenly turned against them one day later and surrounded the vanguard of the Luoyan Army in the valley, and only drove them out after a long time.

Jin Zheng reported secretly: This may be the order from Madam Wang, so this woman should be executed quickly.

Of course, what Jin Zheng said may be a little off. Wang did have this intention, but she did not dare to do it openly.

As for why those tribes that originally belonged to Tuoba Yihuai suddenly became strong again as if they had found their backbone after they were in despair - well, we can only say that Wang was clear-headed, but others might not be, such as Liu Lugu.

As the General Zhendong of Dai State and the leader of the Dugu tribe, his cousin Liu Hu was the General Zhenjun appointed by Lady Wang. Liu Lugu had considerable power. Although he was not one of the four assistant prime ministers, no major state affairs could be handled without him, and his opinions had to be heard during discussions.

Liu Lugu had been fighting in the Chanhexing area before. After hearing about Aitou's defeat, the tribal leaders lost the will to continue fighting, so they sent envoys or went to Yanchi in person to pay a visit to Khatun and Daigong.

The Salt Lake is the Daihai Lake in later generations, a saltwater lake, which was called "Yanze" in the Han Dynasty.

There is dense aquatic plants growing around the salt pond. You know what, cattle and sheep actually like to eat them. I wonder if it’s because these plants contain salt.

Starting from June 11, a large group of young men arrived at the Salt Lake and built a city on a ridge near the west bank as a place for the Khatun and Daigong to receive homage from nobles of various tribes.

It was originally named "Kedun City", but Wang refused. Because the city is located on a mountain ridge, it was named "Liangcheng", which was a bit like trying to please Shao Xun.

"Greetings to the Khatun!" A large group of people prostrated themselves on the ground and shouted in unison.

The wind blew gently, knocking down large patches of wormwood.

Deep in the grass, Wang was wearing an ochre cross-collared silk robe that reached past her knees, and a loose black hakama with a narrow opening that was tucked into her long high leather boots.

Two black braids hung in front of her chest, reaching her waist, swaying when she walked.

His chest was high, straight and firm, making his robe bulge out.

The youthfulness and fear in his eyes have faded away, replaced by a vague ambition and a hint of inexplicable confusion and longing.

Who would have thought that she was only 21 years old? But the unpleasant title of "hen crowing at dawn" has been firmly placed on her head.

Dou Yuzhen quietly raised his head and saw the waves of Daihai Lake gently lapping against the cliff. The sunlight shone on the lake, making the waves sparkle and it was beautiful beyond words.

As the wind blew the grass, the hem of Khatun's robe fluttered in the air, like that of a goddess.

He lowered his head humbly, secretly blaming himself for not being able to complete the tasks assigned by the Khatun.

The appeasement was only half completed. The other half of the tribes did not give him face and instead accused him of betraying his master and resisting brazenly. In the end, they had to resort to war.

The Khatun must be very disappointed, right?
She took off her riding cap, looked at it carefully, stroked it gently, and looked sad and lonely. She must be blaming me for my poor performance.

"Hao Wang, your tribe lived in Mangganshui. Do you know what the situation is in Shengle?" Wang's voice came from the wind.

She was wearing a riding cap and leading a chestnut warhorse. Her leather boots made a crackling sound as they stepped on the grass.

Hao was a major surname among the Wuhuan people and one of the noble clans.

Hao Wang claimed to be a descendant of Qiuliju, the Wuhuan leader from Liaodong who besieged Gongsun Zan in Guanzi City for more than 200 days.

Later they moved to Pingcheng and then to Shengle.

After the death of the Wuhuan King Kuren, Tuoba Liwei was worried that his descendants would rise again, so he handed his people over to the Hao family for leadership.

This tribe has always been barbaric and fierce, more like the Suotou than the Wuhuan.

But under the general trend, he surrendered, there was no other way. Moreover, surrendering to a Wuhuan noble like Madam Wang was not something that was unacceptable, and they were closer emotionally.

Hearing Wang's question, he immediately answered: "Many people are unwilling to take action against Yihuai, and just wait for him to leave. Once he escapes to Yixin Mountain, we will occupy Shengle and wait for the Khotun."

This answer was very subtle. The person being treated was "Khadun" instead of "Dai Gong". It was obvious that even though the Wuhuan and the Suotou had been living together for decades, they were still not as close as before and there was still a rift between them.

Wang's footsteps were getting closer and closer, and finally stopped in front of Hao Wang.

After a moment of silence, he said, "Yihuai harmed the people, and Aitou persecuted the nobles. How can we spare their lives?"

Hao Wang raised his head and looked at her, and said, "I understand."

"Hurry up." Wang said in a low voice.

Hao Wang understood, stood up and said, "I'll leave now."

Wang did not stop it and obviously acquiesced.

After hearing this, the other leaders felt a little relieved.

After all, Khatun and the Jin people were not on the same page, so they surrendered for good. Otherwise, after avoiding this storm, they would have to welcome Yihuai back sooner or later.

A person who is disloyal will never gain their true loyalty.

"Yiluo Chinu, when will Liangcheng be repaired?" Wang looked at another person and asked.

Chinu means wolf in Xianbei language, and this Yiluo Chinu really has some wolf cub characteristics. When he looked at Wang, he was somewhat unruly, fearful, and even greedy. However, wolves are also cunning creatures. When the situation is unfavorable, they will retract their sharp claws and pretend to be a harmless dog that pleases the owner. He only said: "In at most another twenty days, this mountain city can be built."

"This city is like a phoenix's nest, with thirty-six beautifully carved windows. The largest one faces east, and inside the room is a silver bed on which the Khatun sits. When the sun rises, he radiates golden light, like a second sun."

"When the moon rises, the Khatun sits on the silver bed, shining like a spark. Under the shining light of the Khatun, there is no need for lamps in the dark night. Young girls can sew clothes and embroider, and young boys can herd horses on the river beach."

"The radiance emanating from Khatun's body is like the precious light on the Chanyu's throne..."

Wang listened quietly, looked up at the sky, with a faint smile on her lips.

She suddenly thought of the shameful years in Pingyang when she was in dire straits. At this moment, she was even more delighted to hear Yiluo Chinu's flattering words.

This is the difference between men and women.

If Shao Xun had heard such exaggerated and limitless flattery, he would have kicked the man over.

But Wang liked it very much.

Of course, she was also sober.

Yiluo Chinu was a wolf cub, and temporary obedience did not mean eternal obedience. If she had the chance, she would not mind killing Yiluo Chinu, but at this moment, she would still happily listen to the wolf cub's praise of her.

Women are so emotional and contradictory.

She then met with several ministers who were both famous and powerful, and promised each of them the title of general.

Everyone left happily, each with their own agenda.

After the surrendered people left, Wang discussed matters with her confidants including Wang Feng and Changsun Rui.

"Is everyone here?"

"coming."

"Quickly recruit the troops." Wang said, "Select a group of strong and brave men and send them to Pingcheng to be incorporated into the imperial army and guards."

"Yes."

This time, we march westward, using both suppression and appeasement.

Since some tribal leaders followed Helan Aitou south, they have not been seen until now. Those who stayed behind were defeated by the Pingcheng tribes that advanced westward at lightning speed, and were then dispersed and incorporated.

The Changsun, Dugu, Feng, Lan and other tribes all ate their fill and their strength increased greatly.

Naturally, they would pay tribute to their superiors for the benefits they gained, and even keep the largest share for them.

Wang Feng ate a lot, and of course Mrs. Wang wanted some too.

"Lizhen is my youngest son. How can he start a family and build a career in the future without followers?" Wang said leisurely.

Everyone was startled and said yes.

Among Lady Wang’s two sons, Dai Gong Shiyijian certainly had his own tribe, which was half of the Tuoba clan.

According to grassland rules, the youngest son Tuoba Lizhen should also have his own tribe and corresponding officials.

This child was a taboo in Pingcheng, and generally no one would mention it. If they really had to mention it, they would follow Mrs. Wang's tone and admit that he was a descendant of the Tuoba clan.

Now, from what Madam Wang said, maybe some of the personal guards will be assigned to Li Zhen in the future. There is no doubt that this is her way of cultivating the military power that she can control - but it is not easy because she is a woman.

Wang Fengze had a complicated expression when he heard this.

After becoming the prime minister, he was ecstatic for a while, thinking that all major affairs of the country were decided by his single word.

His sister is just a cover, only suitable to sit in the palace. Shouldn't he, as her elder brother, be in charge of external affairs?
But after three years, he found that he was a little too optimistic.

My younger sister obviously has her own will. She is not willing to be a puppet. She even uses the names of King Liang and Duke Dai many times to openly seize benefits.

A group of noble children around Shi Yijian were all won over by her one by one, and then in turn influenced various tribes.

Officials of the Shanyu Protectorate would discuss matters with her first, which in turn strengthened her authority and forced Wang Feng to discuss many matters with his sister. Outsiders would naturally know what was more important and what was less important when seeing this.

Of course, although he felt bad, Wang Feng knew the importance of the matter. In this situation where powerful enemies were everywhere, he and his sister were one, and a few minor disputes between them would not affect their unity in facing the outside world.

"You don't have to stay here any longer. Let's go to Shengle as soon as possible." Wang stroked her braids and said, "If you have a chance, kill Yihuai right here and send his head to me. I don't want him alive."

"Yes." Everyone agreed without any hesitation.

On June 13, the vanguard of Liu Lugu's troops arrived at Shengle City.

When he learned that Helan Aitou and his men had fled north to Baidao City, he sent troops to pursue them, but was defeated when they reached the mountain.

Liu Lugu summoned the tribes around Shengle to pursue, but they all refused. Only the Wuhuan of the Hao clan came to join him.

Almost on the same day, Jin Zheng received the follow-up food and fodder, so he seized the baggage wagons, set up camp around the wagons, and headed north to Shengle.

Obviously, he knew it was difficult to distinguish between friend and foe at this moment and was very cautious.

On the 14th, Shao Xun arrived at Shanwu and without stopping, he headed north along the Wo River straight to the Salt Lake.

Before leaving, he received news: the Hun army had been attacking Hou Feihu for ten days, and their camp was still as impregnable as a rock.

(End of this chapter)