"What a remarkable Xun Wenruo! No wonder His Majesty once said he possessed the talent of a king's advisor!"
Looking at the detailed data Xun Yu had listed in his memorial, Yang Biao couldn't help but admire him.
Yang Biao's words drew the attention of the other cabinet ministers.
"Gentlemen, please take a look at this first!"
As Yang Biao spoke, he handed Xun Yu's memorial to Tian Feng beside him. The others also got up and surrounded him.
"Good! If what Xun Wenruo said is true, then we must take over the area surrounding Rinan County!"
"Indeed, the Han navy is rapidly developing, and with this granary, the imperial court and the inner prefectures will have an easier time!"
After reading Xun Yu's memorial, everyone shared their opinions.
Since the area surrounding Jihnan County has such great strategic value, it is only natural that we should firmly hold it in our own hands.
After several years of maritime trade, the Han Dynasty not only controlled the economic lifeline of all tribes in the surrounding areas of Rinan, but also promoted the Chinese language, Han clothing, and Han culture.
Therefore, in the cabinet's view, the Han Dynasty would face almost no difficulty in conquering that area.
As for the miasma and harsh environment in the jungle, it wasn't a big problem for the medically advanced Han Chinese.
Furthermore, after years of development, the population of the southern barbarian tribes south of Jingzhou and Jiaozhou has increased significantly, making it a good time to relocate them there.
After some discussion, everyone quickly reached a consensus and drafted a simple strategy plan, which was attached to the memorial.
Subsequently, several cabinet ministers signed the document and sent it to the palace.
Deyang Palace.
Liu Hong sat behind his desk, looking intently at the memorials sent by the cabinet.
Beside Liu Hong's imperial desk was a small table, behind which sat a handsome young man.
This person was none other than Zhuge Liang, who was already fifteen years old.
Since Zhuge Liang topped the imperial examination last year, Liu Hong appointed him as a court attendant and kept him by his side to assist him in handling government affairs.
Since Liu Hong ascended the throne, he has retained three Zhongshilang (a high-ranking official in charge of internal affairs): the first was Xi Zhicai, and the second was Xun Yu. Both of them were undoubtedly trusted confidants of the emperor.
Therefore, for Zhuge Liang, being able to become the third Palace Attendant was undoubtedly a blessing from heaven. So when he assisted the emperor in handling government affairs, he was always extremely cautious, for fear of making any mistakes.
Liu Hong undoubtedly greatly admired Zhuge Liang's approach to governance.
The Han Dynasty is currently in a period of active expansion, and everyone is thinking about how to gain more benefits from abroad.
As the saying goes, maintaining an existing business is more difficult than starting one. In this era of nationwide pioneering, most people, both inside and outside the court, are bound to act somewhat radically.
Therefore, there is a great need for a person who can stabilize the rear, so as to increase the Han Dynasty's margin for error when it is advancing, and avoid many unnecessary sacrifices and losses.
Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of Shu Han, was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
Liu Hong kept him by his side to train him so that he could better assist his son in the future.
Today, the Han Dynasty is teeming with talent, and Zhuge Liang no longer needs to personally handle every matter and suffer from overwork as he did in the original history. This allows him to have more time to assist his son and lead the Han Dynasty to even greater heights.
After reading the memorial sent by the cabinet, Liu Hong smiled and looked at Zhuge Liang beside him.
"Kongming, come and take a look at this, and tell me your thoughts!"
As he spoke, Liu Hong handed the memorial in his hand to Zhuge Liang.
"Here you go!"
Zhuge Liang respectfully accepted the memorial and began to read it carefully, pondering as he went, looking for any omissions or errors.
About half an hour later, Zhuge Liang finally finished reading the contents of the memorial and the suggestions attached by the cabinet.
"Your Majesty, the area surrounding Rinan is of great benefit to the Han Dynasty. I believe the proposals of the Cabinet and Prefect Xun are feasible."
However, I believe that most of the indigenous tribes living there are still uncivilized. Even if the court were to send troops directly and defeat them, it would be difficult to wipe them all out.
If those indigenous tribes flee back into the deep mountains and forests, it will inevitably cause endless trouble for subsequent development..."
Upon hearing Zhuge Liang's words, Liu Hong nodded in agreement. Unlike those countries with independent governments, the indigenous tribes living in the dense forests of South Asia had loose territories scattered throughout the mountains and fields.
If they cannot be annihilated in one fell swoop, the expeditionary force will inevitably be dragged into endless guerrilla warfare.
At that time, not only would the Han soldiers be exhausted from running around, but the people who had submitted to the Han would also find it difficult to produce in peace. This was not the kind of consequence that Liu Hong wanted to see.
"Since Kongming has raised this question, he must already have a solution, right?"
Liu Hong looked at Zhuge Liang and asked with a smile, waiting for a satisfactory answer.
Upon hearing Liu Hong's question, Zhuge Liang immediately straightened his posture and said earnestly, "I have devised a plan for enfeoffment and absorption, and I humbly request Your Majesty's approval!"
"No need to hold back, just say it!"
Seeing Zhuge Liang's serious expression, Liu Hong smiled and waved his hand.
"Your Majesty, as the cabinet ministers have said, through overseas trade over the years, the tribes around Rinan have come to recognize the strength and prosperity of our Great Han."
Therefore, Your Majesty can issue an edict first to confer titles and territories upon the leaders of those tribes, in order to establish the Han Dynasty's leadership over them.
For tribes that refused to be granted titles, the imperial court could offer them generous rewards to incite other tribes to attack them.
Once all tribes have accepted the investiture, they can be treated with preferential treatment, provided with houses, seeds, and farming tools, so that they can gather their followers to leave the mountains, cultivate wasteland, and grow crops.
In just three to five years, once the people of these tribes have all become accustomed to farming, they will no longer want to return to the jungle. At that time, the imperial court can easily take over those places..."
Looking at Zhuge Liang speaking eloquently, Liu Hong's eyes were full of admiration.
Zhuge Liang's plan can be described as killing multiple birds with one stone. It can win over those tribes that are loyal to the Han Dynasty, reduce some resistance, and let them fight against those who are not convinced. It can also show favor to those natives, let them accept the rule of the Han Dynasty, and at the same time, it can use the strength of those natives to help the Han Dynasty develop that area in advance. Finally, it can also incorporate that area into the territory of the Han Dynasty without lifting a finger.
This meticulously planned and flawless scheme was undoubtedly exactly what Liu Hong wanted.
Liu Hong then smiled and said, "Kongming, write down your plan in a memorial and send it to the cabinet so they can all see it!"
"Here you go!"
Zhuge Liang agreed and then bowed and withdrew.
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