I Built a Territory in Ancient Times Chapter 92

Chapter 92

Regarding the matter with Mo Jiang, Ming Yu didn’t intervene further. He believed that Mo Jiang could handle it well.

His constant concern was the Western Qi Corridor, wanting to gain control over it as soon as possible.

“So, does that mean my idea is quite feasible?” Ming Yu tapped his fingers, asking Xie Yixiu, who was sitting across from him.

The Red-Robed Army sent out to investigate had already returned. Xie Yixiu knew Ming Yu’s importance attached to this route, so after their return, he immediately arranged for people to go westward along the Western Qi Corridor to investigate.

It must be said that this area indeed serves as a vital passage for heading west. Previously, to travel to the Western Regions, one had to pass through the Suixi Kingdom. Due to the control exerted by the Suixi Kingdom over the Great Yan, the Great Yan’s merchant caravans could not travel safely and freely. This was also why Ming Yu initially chose to establish a caravan with Bu A’tan. Bu A’tan was from the Western Regions, and the Suixi Kingdom’s control over people from the Western Regions was relatively lax. However, even so, Bu A’tan’s caravan still had to pay a sufficient amount of tolls to pass through.

Yet, Ming Yu had no other way. When the situation forced one’s hand, what else could be done except to endure it?

However, with this corridor, they would no longer be subject to others’ control.

“Due to centuries of sediment buildup from the Xiqi River, a long and narrow plain had formed, flanked by mountain ranges on both sides. The northern winds and sandstorms found it difficult to penetrate, creating a natural windbreak. Additionally, the land was fertile, making it a viable location for military garrisons to cultivate fields.” Xie Yixiu summarized the report he had received from his subordinates in simple terms.

“That’s fantastic!” Ming Yu was overjoyed. He spun around a few times, clapped his hands, and laughed. “We should draft a feasibility report. I’ll submit a memorial to Father right away. As long as he approves, everything will be much easier to execute.”

After speaking, he thought for a moment, then shook his head. “No, it would be best to go to the capital and explain it in person. In two months, it will be Father’s grand birthday celebration. I have to return to the capital anyway, so why not take this opportunity to handle the matter? It would be killing two birds with one stone—why not do it? General Xie, you should accompany me to the capital. You can help persuade the court as well.”

Indeed, this matter was not something that could be explained in just a few words. If the Western Qi Corridor were to be officially claimed, they would need to appoint administrative officials, establish policies, plan town layouts, and organize garrison deployment—none of which were trivial tasks. It was not something a single person could accomplish alone; it required collective efforts from the court to ensure smooth execution.

Ming Yu’s safe return had finally put the Emperor’s mind at ease. However, knowing that his youngest son had suffered through this unexpected ordeal made his heart ache. With his own birthday approaching, he decided to issue an edict, summoning Ming Yu back to the capital. In recognition of Xie Yixiu’s contributions in ensuring Ming Yu’s safety, he arranged for him to return as well to receive a reward.

“When Wang Ye arrives in the capital, you can present the plan to Prime Minister Wen. With his support, it will be much easier to gain traction among the court officials. Furthermore, with the Crown Prince’s assistance, it shouldn’t be too difficult,” Xie Yixiu suggested.

He was already aware of Ming Yu’s plans for the Western Qi Corridor, and they were quite promising. If successful, it would greatly benefit the people while also providing strategic military advantages.

If they were to deploy troops through the Western Qi Corridor, they could directly reach deep into Suixi’s territory. In future conflicts with the barbarians, they might be able to shift from defense to offense. Just as the barbarian invaders harassed the Great Yan’s borders with swift cavalry raids, why couldn’t the Great Yan do the same? If the barbarians could invade them, there was no reason the Great Yan couldn’t return the favor.

Thus, the Western Qi Corridor was a matter of national importance, one that would certainly require discussion and deliberation. The court was filled with various factions, ensuring that there would be differing opinions. Prime Minister Wen, however, was known for his integrity and impartiality, free from partisan disputes. Gaining his support would likely sway many others, as officials tended to follow the prevailing winds. As long as they secured majority backing, coupled with the Emperor’s approval, the matter could be settled smoothly.

Ming Yu nodded, recognizing Xie Yixiu’s thorough consideration. “I’ve already written to Father, briefly mentioning the plan. I’m confident about gaining his and the Crown Prince’s support, but Prime Minister Wen…”

Back when he lived in the palace, he had never interacted with high-ranking court officials, and he had no grasp of Prime Minister Wen’s temperament. If he recklessly attempted to persuade him, he feared it might backfire….

Ming Yu felt a bit uneasy. As a rule, royal family members were not allowed to form private alliances with court officials. Even if officials aligned themselves with a prince, they would never do so openly. Their support could only remain covert, for forming factions within the court was considered a grave offense.

“Deputy General Wen Yuzhao of the Red Robe Army is the Prime Minister’s youngest son. He could write a letter to explain the situation, and when the time comes, I can personally visit the Prime Minister’s residence,” Xie Yixiu mused after a moment. “However, the key issue lies with the state treasury. In recent years, the south has suffered continuous natural disasters, and the borderlands have been plagued by wars. I’ve heard that the national treasury is running low. Even our border troops have faced repeated budget cuts. If the construction of the Western Qi Corridor requires a substantial budget, I fear the court might be willing in spirit but powerless in action.”

Ming Yu nodded. “That’s true. We need a comprehensive plan—something that is persuasive, with clear financial projections, so that everyone has a solid understanding of what’s at stake. That way, things might go more smoothly.”

He paced back and forth, feeling anxious. Xie Yixiu had indeed pointed out a significant issue. With such a golden opportunity before them, it would be a great pity if everything came to a halt simply because the court lacked funds.

After all, the sooner they opened this route, the sooner it would generate immense economic benefits. Initial investments were unavoidable—without silver, all plans were mere empty talk.

“If the court has no money, we’ll have to find a way. I need to think this through carefully,” Ming Yu said determinedly.

Here’s the full translation with natural English phrasing while keeping the original meaning intact:

Ming Yu still needed to come up with a way to have the best of both worlds. Even a hero could be stumped by a single coin. His silver had already been invested in the horse ranch and the new workshop—both of which were like bottomless pits consuming money. It would take time before they became profitable. The trade caravan had only just started to generate some income, but compared to the amount he was spending, it was merely a drop in the ocean.

He could only hope that the caravan’s next journey to the west would bring in greater returns. Speaking of which, they had been gone for several months already. Perhaps it wouldn’t be long before they returned?

Sigh! The strength of one person was ultimately limited. If only there were ten, a hundred, or even thousands of caravans traveling back and forth—then just the taxes from their goods alone would be enough to sustain the treasury.

Seeing Ming Yu deep in thought, Xie Yixiu gently reassured him, “There’s no need to worry for now. When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten its course. The future is uncertain, and overthinking won’t help.”

That was true. Hearing this, Ming Yu decided not to dwell on it anymore. Solutions weren’t found overnight, after all. There was still plenty of time to think of something.

Ming Yu smiled and said, “Exactly. If we’re going to the capital, we should start preparing early. Let’s follow the plan for now. If anything unexpected happens, we’ll deal with it then.”

“Of course,” Xie Yixiu agreed without hesitation.

Due to the emperor’s decree, he would be accompanying Ming Yu to the capital this time. He assumed that, aside from rewarding them for their contributions regarding Duan Wang, the emperor likely had other important matters concerning the border to discuss.

After King Hunle’s plan had failed, the barbarian forces had begun to retreat. For now, it seemed unlikely that they would launch another invasion anytime soon.

With Great General Wei stationed at the border, there was no cause for concern. The Red Robe Army had Wen Yuzhao overseeing it, so Xie Yixiu could rest assured. Moreover, A Bing was beginning to show his potential, securing a firm position within the Red Robe Army and earning everyone’s trust. Though he was still a bit inexperienced, this was a necessary step in his growth. Ming Yu had a keen eye—A Bing was indeed a promising talent worth cultivating.

The barbarian army had indeed withdrawn, their massive forces slowly making their way westward.

“Wang Ye, it’s time for your medicine.”

Inside a spacious and comfortable carriage, Hunle Wang Tuoba Ren slowly opened his eyes and saw half of Song Lian’s pale, delicate face.

He had been sick for several days, caught in a cycle of fever and chills, drifting in and out of consciousness. It was only today that he finally felt somewhat clear-headed.

Song Lian helped him sit up against his own shoulder, then carefully brought a bowl of medicine to Tuoba Ren’s lips.

Tuoba Ren hesitated for a moment before drinking it from Song Lian’s hand. He then sighed and asked, “Where are we now?”

Song Lian was unfamiliar with the territory within the borders of Suixi and had no idea of their current location. Lowering his head, he replied, “I do not know, but by my estimate, we should be about five days away from Shi Chongguan. If Your Highness wishes, I can step out and ask for more details.”

“No need,” Tuoba Ren waved his hand dismissively, already having a rough idea. His gaze subconsciously shifted to Song Lian’s face. “Your injury…?”

A shadow flickered in Song Lian’s eyes. Almost involuntarily, his hand reached up to touch the long, jagged scar on the other side of his face. The bleeding had stopped, leaving a deep wound with exposed flesh. A layer of dark brown medicine had been applied, making it look even more grotesque.

Once, in his youth, he had been full of confidence, admired by many for his handsome features. He had been proud of his talent and appearance. But later, in the capital, that same face had led to an unexpected calamity. And now, he had ended up wandering a foreign land with no home to return to.

Given his current circumstances, he no longer knew whether his fate was good or bad. But the debt of that arrow wound—if given the chance—he would surely repay it. With a bitter chuckle, Song Lian shook his head and said flatly, “It’s nothing.”

Tuoba Ren saw that he didn’t seem to care much about it and nodded. “Now that we’ve withdrawn, has the Yan army made any moves?”

That day, his seven to eight thousand men had been utterly routed by just over a thousand from the Yan army. Later, when the Red Robe Army arrived, he had been forced to retreat completely. At the time, he had been so furious that he coughed up a mouthful of blood and lost consciousness, only waking intermittently until now.

“They haven’t, Wang Ye. You can rest assured—they wouldn’t dare pursue us beyond the pass,” Song Lian replied softly.

That made sense. If the Yan army dared to cross the border, they would be wiped out no matter how many came. Did they really think they could defeat his cavalry? Just thinking about the battle at Xiqi Mountain made Tuoba Ren’s chest tighten. He still couldn’t understand how things had ended up like that.

His cavalry had never encountered terrain they couldn’t conquer or formations they couldn’t break through. So how had a mere five hundred-man formation managed to force them into retreat?

“Cough, cough… Tell me, how could this happen? How could our iron cavalry fail to break through a force of just a few hundred men? It’s simply unbelievable. Could it be that even the heavens are favoring them?” Tuoba Ren sighed incessantly.

Recalling the deafening explosions that had ripped through the clear skies still left him shaken. The sky had been cloudless, not a hint of a storm, yet thunderbolts seemed to strike directly into their ranks. Dirt, shattered stones, and severed limbs had scattered everywhere, leaving a horrific scene. He had no choice but to believe it was the will of heaven—human strength could be resisted, but the will of the heavens was inescapable. How could he not be filled with rage and frustration?

“Wang Ye, you must not dwell too much on this matter,” Song Lian spoke gently. “Looking back now, I do not believe this had anything to do with divine intervention.”

For days, he had been analyzing the battle, even having Uncle Ping inquire among the soldiers. Though many were still terrified, unwilling to recall the events, and spoke incoherently when discussing the battle, he had still managed to gather some clues.

“Oh? What do you mean by that?” Tuoba Ren’s spirit lifted slightly—he was eager to hear Song Lian’s insights.

Song Lian carefully sorted through his thoughts before speaking at a measured pace. “They were only a little over a thousand men, yet when they saw our army pursuing them, they did not flee. Instead, they reorganized into formation and fought back. This means they must have had a strategy in place to deal with our forces.”

Tuoba Ren nodded, signaling him to continue.

“I spoke with the frontline soldiers who were lucky to survive. They said that just as they were about to break through the enemy formation, their horses suddenly stumbled for no apparent reason. Unable to control their mounts, they were thrown off, and those behind them suffered the same fate. Therefore, it wasn’t that we couldn’t break their formation—it was that the enemy had done something to our horses. In the Central Plains, there’s a saying: ‘Shoot the horse before the man.’ The same principle applies here. By targeting the horses, they crippled our troops, rendering them powerless. The fallen horses also became obstacles, preventing those behind from charging forward. Each step of the plan was linked together—it must be said, this strategy is truly the bane of cavalry forces.”

Song Lian’s analysis was logical, and Tuoba Ren fell into deep thought. After battling the Yan army for so long, this was the first time he had encountered such a tactic. Could this despicable trick have been devised by that bastard, Duan Wang? It made sense. Otherwise, why had Duan Wang remained so composed when facing their overwhelming forces? If this was the case, then everything fell into place.

“But how do you explain the thunderous explosions?” Tuoba Ren asked urgently. He was desperate to uncover the truth—if these were man-made, then there was nothing to fear. The real terror lay in the fear of the unknown, the superstitions that unsettled the mind.

The ancient teachings warned against speaking of ghosts and supernatural forces. Only by understanding the cause of an event could one break free from fear. Otherwise, the soldiers would forever be haunted by this experience, and in future battles, they would hesitate, afraid of fighting against something beyond human comprehension. If that happened, there would be no need to go to war—they might as well surrender before even stepping onto the battlefield.

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