Chapter 88

Jiang Qi's complaint caused an uproar in the court. Emperor Wu of Han appointed a special task force to conduct a thorough investigation and punishment of the Zhao territory, and Jiang Qi was naturally included in the task force. The task force was highly efficient, and within a month, the matter was settled.

The evidence of Zhao's Crown Prince Liu Dan's guilt was irrefutable, and he was stripped of his title and sentenced to death. Zhao's King Liu Pengzu also suffered a similar fate, with Emperor Wu of Han issuing an imperial edict to reprimand him and taking the opportunity to suppress and warn him.

While things were looking very different for King Zhao, the plaintiff Jiang Qi was just the opposite. He won the favor of Emperor Liu Che and became an imperial envoy under the recommendation of Liu Hong.

The envoy did not hold a high official position, but he was responsible for conveying the emperor's imperial edicts. Being able to walk before the emperor meant that he had a promising future.

Of course, this is what outsiders saw. Liu Ju knew more details.

For example, Liu Pengzu once wrote to the emperor, saying that Jiang Qi was a fugitive and a minor official, and that he should not be trusted, and that the imperial family should not be sentenced to death for such a person. He also said that he was willing to mobilize the warriors of Zhao to help Liu Che fight against the Xiongnu.

In this world, the nobility always has certain privileges, and the royal family even more so. For the royal family, even if Liu Dan's actions were truly perverse and abhorrent to both humans and gods, as long as they weren't treason, they could be pardoned.

Liu Che did hesitate, but was suppressed by Liu Hong's jokes and coquettishness.

Liu Hong even pointed out: "The emperor sentenced Liu Dan to death because he violated the law of the country and could not escape the blame. This is for the public good. The king of Zhao deliberately avoided the important issue and misinterpreted it as a personal grudge with Jiang Qi. What is his intention?

"Comparing my father to someone who took the opportunity to execute princes and royal family members because of someone else's personal grudge, where does that put my father?

"Furthermore, my father issued an imperial decree long ago, promulgating it throughout the country. Regardless of time, place, or status, as long as a brave warrior is determined to join the army to fight against the Huns, no one shall stop him. This decree applies to all counties and prefectures, including the vassal states. Could it be that Zhao is special?"

"Moreover, the Xiongnu are not only a great threat to my father, but also a great threat to my great Han Dynasty. They are the common target of my great Han Dynasty's ambitious sons and daughters. When we are united and work together, the princes are only kings and should obey the orders of the emperor and cooperate with my father.

"Gathering the warriors of Zhao to resist the Huns is his duty as King Zhao. Now he's using his duty to negotiate with my father. If my father doesn't agree, will he not do it, or even try to stop it? What's the point of his actions and threats?"

His words were well-reasoned and pointed out the key points. He also cleverly put the hats of "dissatisfaction with Liu Che" and "threat to Liu Che" on Liu Pengzu's head, hitting the sore spot in Liu Che's heart.

With Liu Che's subtle thoughts about the princes, how could he not be angry after hearing this? So not only was Liu Dan's death sentence suppressed, but Liu Pengzu was also punished.

Liu Ju sighed twice and said, "If it weren't for the wrong occasion, I would have applauded him."

Wei Buyi nodded: "Second Prince, these words are indeed beautiful."

Huo Guang saw another side of the matter: "Jiang Qi's family was destroyed, and he filed a lawsuit in court. His hatred for the King of Zhao is deep. If the Crown Prince of Zhao is not dead, how can he alleviate his hatred? And if the Crown Prince of Zhao is dead, how can the King of Zhao let him go easily?"

"So he needs to find a backer." Liu Ju understood and turned the cup in his hand. "If he is a commoner, or just an ordinary usher, King Zhao, as a vassal, will always find an opportunity to deal with Jiang Qi in the future and avenge today's grudge.

"But if he is the emperor's own son, a close confidant of the second prince, who is quite favored in the palace, the Prince of Zhao, a mere vassal who lives on idleness and waits for death, would have to think twice."

This "quite favored" is not an empty statement. Liu Hong's imperial favor is indeed not as good as Liu Ju's, but Emperor Liu Che is also very good to him. As long as Liu Ju is not involved, he can definitely be regarded as "loved and favored".

Huo Guang's eyes flickered slightly: "If Your Highness wants to stop it, it is also easy."

"Why should I stop him?" Liu Ju chuckled, "I still want to see what he is going to do."

Just as the comments said, even in another time and space, when Wei Huo was alive, the evil spirits would not dare to make a fuss, nor would they have the chance to do so, not to mention that his position is more stable than that of the other "Liu Ju" and his relationship with Liu Che is better.

In the current situation, even if Jiang Qi was taken over, how could they replicate the "Witchcraft Disaster"? It was almost impossible.

Liu Hong is not stupid, and he probably wouldn't insist on doing something as foolish as sticking to a predetermined path. So what is he going to do?

Liu Ju didn't lie, he was indeed very curious and wanted to take a look.

After thinking for a while, Liu Ju lowered his eyes and said, "Zhao Gouyi is at your second brother's farm, right?"

"Yes." Huo Guang was a little surprised and suddenly asked Zhao Gouyi what he was doing?

Liu Ju raised his eyebrows and said, "Since your people have already entered the manor, they can't get close to my second brother, but it shouldn't be difficult to get close to Zhao Gouyi."

Jiang Qi is a thoughtful person and not easy to move; Zhao Gouyi's thoughts are exposed, making it easier to find out.

One is Jiang Qi, the other is Zhao Gouyi. If Liu Hong really had evil intentions, he wouldn't have just kept these two as idle pawns. People are in your hands to be used.

Liu Ju curled his lips, put the matter aside for the time being, and brought up another matter.

While the court was busy with the case of Prince Zhao, letters from countries in the Western Regions had also arrived. Emperor Liu Che reviewed them one by one and accepted all of them.

Liu Ju rolled his eyes and looked at Wei Buzhi: "Do you want to meet the Xiongnu?"

Wei Buyi was stunned: "Me? Didn't you say we won't start a war now?"

"It's not a war. The envoys from the Western Regions are coming to Beijing, and the Xiongnu will definitely make some moves along the way. Since they want to put on a show, we should help them make it even better."

Wei Buyi's eyes flickered: "Your Highness, do you want to send someone to meet the delegation?"

"Why not? The Xiongnu were putting on a show, but they might also be using this opportunity to demonstrate their power to the Western Regions, intimidate the envoys, and force them to carefully consider their attitude towards the Han Dynasty.

"If their hearts are with the Han, they'll have to think about whether they can return alive. If they could have encountered the Xiongnu on their way here, they could have encountered them on their way back. Especially since the Xiongnu were just putting on a show on their way here, that might not be the case on their way back.

"Even if he wants to show off his power, he has to see if the Han Dynasty allows it. I want to tell everyone that any nation that is friendly to the Han Dynasty is a guest of the Han Dynasty. When a guest comes, how can we allow others to harass us, even if they are the Xiongnu?"

"No matter if it's a show or something else, now that you're here, stay here. Don't even think about escaping."

Liu Ju's voice and expression were stern, and his eyes were sharp.

Huo Guang's eyes lit up slightly. "This will not only make the Xiongnu suffer a setback, but also allow the Western Regions to more directly see the strength of the Han Dynasty, and their attitudes and positions will change accordingly."

Liu Ju nodded.

Wei Buyi said, "Your Highness, this idea is indeed good, but even if you send someone, it will be a soldier in the army. I am only eleven years old and have not yet joined the army, so it is not my turn. Besides, my father will not allow it. He will definitely say that the state affairs cannot allow me to cause trouble."

"How is it causing trouble? You're not bad at riding and shooting, you just lack experience. How can you accumulate experience if you're not given the opportunity? Don't use age as an excuse, it doesn't indicate ability."

Liu Ju raised an eyebrow and continued, "Besides, I'm not just asking you to go. There are many young men in the capital, and many of the generals' descendants have grown up. If they are in their teens and have good abilities, I think anyone who is willing can go and give it a try."

Huo Guang & Wei Buyi: ...! ! !

To fight the Xiongnu and send a delegation to show off your power, you're actually planning to send a bunch of "child soldiers"? Are you serious?

Liu Ju disagreed: "The Xiongnu's attack this time is not to prevent the envoys from coming to the capital. On the contrary, they need the envoys to come to the capital. The attack is just a show, so they will not send the main force of the army, nor will they send brave generals.

"This is a small force, with no famous generals or elite troops. It's the perfect opportunity for you to practice. If you don't take action now, when will you? And I've thought about it. I won't let you go alone. I'll let Cousin Qubing lead the team and provide support from the side.

"He's training his troops now anyway. It doesn't matter where they are. If he leaves, I still have my uncle and cousin Cao Xiang over at Mount Li to help keep an eye on them. It won't delay anything."

Huo Guang & Wei Buzhi: ...So they're treating the Xiongnu as mere prey for our troops to train. If the Xiongnu knew, they'd probably die of rage.

However, when it comes to letting Huo Qubing scout the sidelines, it means that he will not take direct action.

Such an arrangement is equivalent to giving Wei Buzhi and his group of young men the greatest autonomy, but it also provides an absolute guarantee for their life line and the outcome of the battle.

Wei Buzhi was very interested, his expression changed, and he was eager to try it.

Liu Ju blinked. "Don't worry about your uncle. Whether he approves or not, I will approve it. You know your uncle's temper. You only need to send out one move. The power of the king is greater than the power of the father. Keep it safe and effective. I'm here. Just charge. I'll cover for you on your uncle's side."

Liu Ju patted his chest, full of pride, but then he felt a little discouraged: "I want to go too. But I'm the crown prince, and my father will definitely not allow it."

Huo Guang's mouth twitched. "Don't even mention His Majesty won't approve." Just a small group of Xiongnu soldiers, was the Crown Prince really worthy of dispatching? Especially since the Western Regions, despite their numerous states, weren't particularly strong compared to the Han. It was already a blessing for the Crown Prince to receive them in Beijing. Was it really worth it for the Crown Prince to travel so far to meet them?

No matter how you look at it, it's inappropriate!

Liu Ju also understood this truth, and could only sigh, not dwell on it. After all, there would definitely be another chance in the future. Definitely, fist pump!

*******

After finishing the plan, it was already winter. After New Year's Day, the weather gradually became colder, but Liu Ju's heart became more and more excited because the thing he had been waiting for for a long time was coming.

Sure enough, at the end of October, Chao Nan, who had been in the south for two months, finally returned, followed by several large carts filled with sugarcane, which were thick and long, like bamboo poles.

Liu Ju waved his hand and had them taken to Bowang Garden. Now Bowang Garden was not only a place for him to relax and entertain guests, but also his experimental base.

This time he stayed in Bowang Garden for more than a month. When he came out, he had many bottles and jars behind him and ran to Xuanzheng Hall again.

Soon, three jars were placed in front of Liu Che.

The first jar contained many small, square pieces of reddish-brown in color;

The second jar also contained small pieces, also square, but not as flat and regular in shape, and the color was transparent and whitish, crystal clear.

The last jar contains small "gravels", which look like mountain salt, but the particles are larger than salt.

Liu Che was slightly surprised: "You made all of this within this month? You made three at once this time?"

“It’s three things, but it could also be called one.”

Liu Che raised his eyebrows. How could three things that looked different be called the same?

"Father, you'll know once you try it."

Liu Ju frowned and started from the first jar, taking a piece and putting it in his mouth. After tasting it, he suddenly understood what Liu Ju meant: "It's all... sugar?"

The tone of uncertainty was because the taste was sweet, but the texture was different from the candies he had eaten before, and the shape and appearance were also very different.

Liu Ju introduced them one by one: "This is brown sugar, this is rock sugar, and this is white sugar. The sugar we used to eat was malt sugar, and these are sucrose."

"Sugar?" Liu Che immediately understood. "Made from sugarcane? You sent Chao Nan to the south just for this? Sugarcane can also be made into sugar?"

"Yes. Theoretically, anything sweet can be made into sugar. It's just that the sugar produced is different, the production methods are not exactly the same, and the sugar yield varies greatly. Sugarcane has a higher sugar yield and is relatively easy to make."

Liu Che looked at the three jars, his face still a little confused. "These two jars, the rock sugar and the white sugar, are somewhat similar, but this brown sugar... one white and one red, are they actually made from the same sugarcane?"

"Yes. Sugarcane normally makes brown sugar, but with a little skill and by removing impurities and pigments, it can be turned into rock sugar and white sugar." Liu Ju narrowed his eyes and smiled sweetly, "Father, I've said before that strategic materials aren't just salt. Sugar is included as well."

Liu Che looked serious.

Indeed, sugar is also one of the most important supplies during wartime.

"During war, soldiers' physical strength is greatly expended. Sometimes, in order to seize the initiative, they march in a hurry and have to make do with their daily meals. Not to mention when two armies are facing each other, it becomes even more difficult to take care of them.

"I asked my uncle and cousin, and they told me that the army would distribute biscuits to every soldier, and if they encountered something like this, they could just take a few bites. But the biscuits were hard and difficult to swallow, so they had to be taken with water.

"Furthermore, this measure can only prevent the soldiers from fainting from hunger, but it cannot guarantee that they will absorb the nutrients their bodies need. Over time, they will lose their strength and become weak.

"Sugar is different. While it can't replace meals, it's better than pancakes and can provide them with essential sugar in times of crisis.

"In the past, we only had malt sugar, but its production capacity was limited and it wasn't easy to carry around for long periods of time. Cane sugar is different. Any of these three can be put into a small pouch, tucked into your arms, and taken out and put in your mouth when needed. It's simple, convenient, and easy to use."

As Liu Che listened, his eyes gradually deepened.

"Sugarcane... There's not much sugarcane grown in the north, but in the south..."

Liu Ju naturally knew what he wanted to ask and chuckled, "Chao Nan didn't just go south this time. I sent him south once in the early spring."

Liu Che was astonished: "You had already thought of making sugar from sugarcane at that time?"

"Yes. However, by the time I had finalized the plan, the sugarcane had already reached its end of maturity, making it difficult to produce. I sent Chao Nan south so he could invest in expanding planting. Don't worry, Father. I've emphasized that no farmland for grains should be occupied."

"What he has sent to Chang'an now is only the first batch. If your father wishes, there can be a second and third batch. However, transportation is difficult. I suggest setting up a sugar factory in the south."

Liu Che thought seriously.

Liu Ju added, "Father, sugarcane has many uses beyond this."

Just as Liu Che was puzzled, he turned around and took out a glass bottle, which was exactly the same as the one that contained alcohol before, and there was also a colorless liquid inside.

"Father, do you remember what I mentioned the other day? Straw isn't the only thing that can replace grain to make alcohol. I've found another one."

Liu Che raised his eyebrows: "Sugarcane?"

"Yes and no. They use sugarcane residue. Sugarcane juice is boiled down to make sugar, and the remaining sugarcane residue can be used to make alcohol. It's a treasure, nothing is wasted."

Sugarcane bagasse, only sugarcane bagasse can be used.

This not only reduces the pressure on straw, without having to worry about affecting livestock breeding; it also eliminates the need to separate raw materials such as sugarcane and reduce sucrose output.

You can have your cake and eat it too.

Liu Che: ...My heart is pounding and my pupils are trembling!!!

He is indeed his good eldest son! Even after all the shocks he has experienced over the years, he can still give him great surprises!