On this day, Zhao Huan finished reading the memorial presented by Tang Ke.

Currently, the military grain supply in Shazhou (Dunhuang) is as high as 300,000 shi (a unit of dry measure), and 30 granaries have been built in Heishui City and Beiting Prefecture.

The number of civilians transferred from Shaanxi Road and Hedong Road reached one million, and an additional 800,000 local reserve troops were added.

Construction has also begun on the railway from Chang'an to Dunhuang.

In addition, Wu Jie's 100,000 elite cavalry stationed in Shazhou have all been equipped with firearms.

A steady stream of grain was transported from the Central Plains, the Jiangnan region, and the Southwest to the Northwest via a well-connected road network.

Shaanxi, Hetao, Longyou, and Beiting—these four places stretch from Guanzhong to Qingtang, and from Qingtang to the grasslands.

It stretches for thousands of miles horizontally and vertically, and also for thousands of miles north and south.

It covers a vast area.

There are hundreds of prefectures and thousands of military camps scattered throughout the region, which is complex and crisscrossed by mountains.

There were also barbarians lying in wait.

Take Longyou for example. It borders Tibet to the south and is located in a high-altitude area. Beiting is situated on the grasslands. The various barbarian tribes in the north all harbor different intentions.

The imperial court is launching another major military campaign in the northwest, and war with Gaochang is imminent.

It is indeed not easy to govern such a large area and population.

Zhao Huan couldn't help but sigh, thankfully Tang Ke was gone, so there was someone to coordinate things.

In this way, Yue Fei and Wu Jie could focus on deploying their western expedition strategy.

The officials of all ranks in Hetao, Shaanxi, and Beiting still recognized Tang Ke, since most of them had been promoted by him.

Efficiency has naturally increased significantly.

Zhao Huan was satisfied with the current progress.

In May, the peonies in Chang'an are in full bloom.

The roadside was bustling with cars and pedestrians.

Compared to ten years ago, Chang'an has expanded several times over.

It seems to be restoring the grandeur of the former Tang Dynasty.

Since February of this year, the imperial court has tightened its control over merchants from the northwest.

Before entering Tongguan and arriving in Chang'an, all merchants underwent strict inspections.

On the streets of Chang'an, people could be seen reading newspapers everywhere.

Everyone seemed very concerned about the battle in the western region.

Sima Junru had just arrived at the Imperial City Office in Chang'an when he received news that Yelü Dashi had defeated the Abbasid army in the Western Regions, absorbed all the forces of the Khalkha Khanate, and cut off the Silk Road.

In May, the Beiting Prefecture was a vibrant place, with birds singing and grass growing tall.

The snow on the grassland has long since melted, and the boundless green stretches to the horizon against the azure sky.

Several years ago, after the emperor's northern expedition to the grasslands, the Beiting Prefecture, which had been built, had already taken shape.

The total population here has reached 800,000.

Along this route, from Xingqing Prefecture to Heishui City and then to Beiting, the imperial court built a total of fifty post stations.

In order to gain complete and firm control over the grasslands, Zhao Huan spared no expense in investing heavily in the area.

Moreover, two years ago, a military fortress was built 300 li north of Beiting Prefecture.

"Young master, you said you discovered a troop of barbarian cavalry by the Qinghe River?"

"That's right, Commander Gu, I saw it for sure!"

The speaker was a handsome young man with an extraordinary air about him.

How many people are you planning to invite?

"About five thousand."

"Young master, this is a matter of great importance to the military and the nation. Do you know the consequences of reporting military intelligence indiscriminately?"

"Commander Gu, I'm willing to stake my life on this!"

Gu Changting pursed his lips. It wasn't that he didn't trust Lu You, but rather that even Pan Weizhi hadn't sent any news about this matter yet.

"I will send out spies to investigate further."

"Commander Gu, the barbarians of the grasslands have been silent for six years. Their sudden appearance this time suggests that this matter is not simple. Why don't we send the soldiers back to the camp first and then make arrangements?"

Gu Changting pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, since it's the young master who vouched for me, I trust him."

Soon, Gu Changting's messengers dispersed from the fortress.

As evening approached, three teams returned from outside.

These teams go out hunting during the day and also patrol the grasslands to check on the condition of the herders.

"Why are only three teams back? Where is Sun Shaokang? Why haven't his men returned?"

"Reporting to Commander Gu, Commander Sun has discovered that a group of herders are planning to relocate, and he is currently handling the matter!"

"Bullshit! I've already given the order, even if the sky falls, you'd better come back!" Gu Changting's temper flared up.

"Military judge, when Sun Shaokang returns, he and his men will each receive thirty strokes of the military rod!"

As darkness fell, a small group of people suddenly appeared in the distance.

They came rushing over.

"Quickly! Open the door!"

The soldiers guarding the city quickly opened the gate, only to find that the returning men were covered in blood, some of them seriously injured.

"Commander Gu!" The messenger rushed to the commander's mansion. "Commander Sun has returned, but he was seriously injured. Only eight of his brothers returned with him!"

Gu Changting was looking at a map when he heard the news and immediately jumped up.

"Call Lu You over!"

He rode his horse and led his men at breakneck speed to the military medical station.

Sure enough, Sun Shaokang and the others were lying on the bed, and all the gauze was stained red.

The doctor is injecting them with a newly developed drug called penicillin, which is said to prevent infection.

Lu You also appeared at the door.

"Sun Shaokang, what exactly happened?"

"General Gu, this humble general is incompetent; we were ambushed by the barbarians!"

"Nonsense! You brought out three hundred brothers for me, all of them elites. Those barbarians on the grasslands were terrified by the Emperor six years ago. They can only hide when they see my Song army. How could this be! Tell me the truth at once!"

Gu Changting's mind was a mess. It wasn't that he didn't trust Sun Shaokang, but this matter had hit him hard.

Three hundred people went out, and eight came back!

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