Liu Hong, sitting on the throne, looked somewhat unnatural. Although the Northern Xiongnu and the Han Dynasty had been enemies for hundreds of years, he believed that now was not a good opportunity to destroy the Northern Xiongnu.
The Song Dynasty's alliance with the Jin to destroy the Liao and its alliance with the Mongols to destroy the Jin were two bloody lessons that the officials in the court might not know, but Liu Hong knew very well that a single dominant power was not a good thing.
Then Liu Hong had a sudden thought, looked at the upright official who had made the initial suggestion, and said with a smile:
"To unite with the Xianbei to destroy the Xiongnu is indeed a good idea. I never imagined that you would have such talent and strategy. I am very pleased!"
"Your Majesty flatters me. These are merely my humble opinions, and I do not deserve such praise!"
The upright official who received Liu Hong's praise said on the surface that he didn't deserve it, but anyone could see the smug look on his face.
Liu Hong smiled happily, "Hehe~ You don't need to be modest, but I have something to ask you!"
"Your Majesty, please speak!"
Liu Hong asked, "Hmm, since it's an allied expedition against the Xianbei, I wonder if the Han or the Xianbei will take the lead?"
"Of course, the Han should be the main force!"
Upon hearing Liu Hong's question, the official answered without hesitation.
Liu Hong nodded. "Since the Han Dynasty is the master, then we must first establish a subordinate relationship with the Xianbei, right?"
"Your Majesty is right. Our Great Han is a great and superior nation, and the lowly Xianbei should naturally obey the orders of the Great Han!"
"Good! Well said!"
As soon as the upright official finished speaking, the other officials from the upright faction cheered him on, and even some other passionate officials echoed his sentiments.
Although they looked down on the usual behavior of these upright officials, what they just said was indeed very inspiring!
"In that case, how about you and the others go on a mission to the Xianbei to discuss a joint military campaign to destroy the Xiongnu and demand that they submit to our Great Han?"
After speaking, Liu Hong looked with a smile at the somewhat smug official and several other upright officials.
"Huh? This..."
Just moments ago, Chu Qian and the others were enjoying the flattery of the officials and feeling quite smug. But when they heard that the emperor wanted them to be sent as envoys to the Xianbei, they immediately fell silent and became timid and withdrawn.
What if they refuse to submit to the Han and take the opportunity to kill or detain them? You see, the steppe people are known for their lack of morality, and they have a history of killing Han envoys.
"What? You're afraid to go?"
Liu Hong narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Chu Qian and the few upright officials beside him, his voice growing increasingly cold.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."
Chu Qian stammered and couldn't speak, and the others shrank back, none of them daring to step forward and answer.
"Hmph~ A bunch of cowards who fear death!"
Seeing their state, Situ Huguang couldn't help but snort coldly, then stood up and angrily rebuked Chu Qian and the others.
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