However, the emperor not only did not respond to these memorials, but sent them all to him, which is enough to show how much the emperor trusted Duan Jiong.

In Deyang Palace, Liu Hong, having received Duan Jiong's reply, handed the letter to Xi Zhicai, who was standing nearby.

"Zhicai, what do you think of Marquis Dingbian's strategy?"

Xi Zhicai smiled slightly, "General Duan is indeed a veteran of many battles. If we follow his plan, I'm afraid we can completely resolve the Western Qiang turmoil in less than ten years."

Liu Hong glanced at Xi Zhicai and said, "You know this is not the result I wanted."

"Your Majesty, General Duan's plan is the most suitable for the Han Dynasty at present. Moreover, I think that Dian Xian is not so simple and may be a variable."

Liu Hong looked at Xi Zhicai with some curiosity, "Oh? Where is the variable that Zhicai mentioned?"

"They're either in Jincheng or among the Xiongnu."

"Jincheng? Xiongnu?" Liu Hong began to ponder. "Could it be that Zhicai means that the Dianxian Association is in contact with the Qiang chieftains in Jincheng?"

Xi Zhicai nodded. "According to General Duan's plan, Dianxian should escape back to the Xianling Qiang tribe and then compete with Shehetai for hegemony over the Xianling Qiang."

However, what General Duan didn't know was that Dian Xian lacked his father's prestige, and coupled with the fact that their tribe had lost more than half of its main force, a wealthy tribe without strong military protection would inevitably be besieged and divided by other tribes.

"Yes! Without strong military protection, even if you are the richest person in the world, you are nothing more than someone else's money bag."

The emperor's sudden remark made Xi Zhicai understand what was going on, and he then comforted him:

"Although our Han Dynasty is often invaded by barbarians from all sides, neither its national size nor its military strength can be compared with theirs. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing were able to emerge, and the same can be said of us today."

"Haha~ I love to hear what Zhicai said."

"Let's continue talking about that Yunnanese scholar," Liu Hong steered the conversation back on track.

Xi Zhicai nodded. "Therefore, I believe that this Dianxian will not be able to withstand the siege of other tribes. If he wants to develop, he should either seek refuge with the Qiang chieftains in Jincheng or open the gates of the northwest to let the Xiongnu over."

"That's very likely, but we don't need to worry too much about Jincheng. As long as Duan Qing is around, they won't dare to show their faces. As for the Xiongnu... they are indeed a problem."

Liu Hong frowned when the Xiongnu were mentioned.