si-mexico Chapter 1790 Recruitment!
Chapter 1790 Recruitment!
In the court, Liu Xiu's eyes swept across the entire audience again, and his voice became heavier:
"However, due to the repeated civil unrest and the depletion of border troops, it is unlikely that we can sustain a long-term resistance against the hundreds of thousands of Chu troops with our existing forces."
"I have decided to issue the 'Conscription Order' effective immediately!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of His Highness and the others, especially the representatives of the noble families, were all changed.
Liu Xiu said clearly, "Order all prefectures and counties to immediately check the household register. For every healthy male household aged sixteen to forty, one out of every three males will be selected, and two out of every five males will be selected!"
"Each county governor is responsible for supervising this. Within one month, a hundred thousand new troops must be assembled and marched to Xunyang for unified training and command by the Duke of Protectorate!"
"Anyone who delays or embezzles conscription funds will be treated as a collaborator with the enemy!"
This order was extremely harsh and was bound to cause a stir in the local area, but at this moment, the country was in crisis and no one dared to speak out against it.
Immediately afterwards, Liu Xiu issued a series of decrees aimed at quickly stabilizing the situation: "Imperial decree: General amnesty! All those who were not involved in the conspiracy of Chen Pin and Liu Cheng, as well as those implicated, will be pardoned and allowed to make meritorious contributions while serving their sentences!"
"Imperial decree: Open the granaries and release grain to stabilize grain prices! The Ministry of Revenue will coordinate efforts to appease the people of the capital and areas affected by the war and prevent the creation of refugees!"
"Imperial decree: Promote those who have made outstanding contributions! During the suppression of the rebellion the other day, all the officers and soldiers who made outstanding contributions will be rewarded according to their merits and given special appointments! The families of those who died in battle will be given generous compensation!"
"Imperial decree: Open the channels for public opinion! Anyone who can offer strategies to strengthen the army, enrich the people, and defeat the enemy, regardless of background, may submit them. If adopted, a generous reward will be given!"
Each edict was clear and focused, directly addressing the core issues of the current chaotic situation: stabilizing people's hearts, recruiting troops, appeasing local areas, and boosting morale.
This series of combined punches shows that the new emperor is not only ruthless, but also has outstanding governance capabilities and accurate judgment of current situations.
His Highness's officials and representatives of the noble families listened to these imperial decrees with awe in their hearts.
They understood that a new era had been forcibly opened. The new emperor cleared the obstacles in the bloodiest way and began to reshape the empire with the most decisive attitude.
They must adapt to the new rules and make choices as quickly as possible.
Liu Xiu finally looked around the room, his voice filled with unquestionable authority: "My dear ministers, the country is in crisis, and we must unite and overcome this difficult time together!"
"I hope that you will each perform your duties and do your utmost to assist me and the Han Dynasty in suppressing the rebellion, repelling the powerful enemy, and rebuilding the country!"
"We obey your command! We will do our utmost to assist Your Majesty and restore the Han Dynasty!"
The ministers bowed again in response, their voices sounding more solemn and respectful than before.
The court meeting in the Weiyang Palace ended, but countless political decrees would be issued from here, changing the fate of the country.
A foreign war and internal reconstruction fell on the shoulders of the newly crowned emperor and his devastated empire.
It is September and autumn is approaching.
Thousands of miles away outside the city of Xunyang, the vast Chu army camp was like a crawling giant beast, with flags fluttering in the wind.
The air was already carrying the dryness and coolness peculiar to the north, but it was unable to cool the solemn and murderous aura that permeated the camp.
In the center of the training ground, the most eye-catching thing is the Modao team that is training.
The five hundred warriors were all selected from the strong men in the army. Each of them was wearing heavy armor and was as strong as a mountain.
The Mo Dao in their hands had long handles and huge blades, shining brightly with cold light. They were extremely heavy and could only be wielded with great ease by those with extraordinary physical strength.
"Get up!" the captain roared, his voice like thunder.
"what!"
The five hundred warriors responded in unison, their voices resounding throughout the field. Simultaneously, they exerted force with both arms, steadily lifting the heavy Mo Dao, the blades pointing diagonally toward the sky. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, and the heavy blades sliced through the air, emitting a heart-pounding hum.
The autumn sun shines on the cold blades and the towering iron armor, reflecting a chilling metallic luster.
"Enter--!"
"kill!!"
With another order, the entire square formation advanced like a wall!
Every step was so heavy that it caused dust to rise and the earth seemed to tremble.
The white breath exhaled from the soldiers' mouths floated in the cold air and mixed with the raised dust.
They have sharp eyes and resolute faces, and every movement of swinging their swords is done to strive for perfection and is full of power.
The huge blade chopped, hacked, or swept, simulating the action of tearing the enemy's formation, and the sound of breaking wind was endless.
Sweat dripped from their foreheads, soaking the lining, but no one wiped it off. Everyone's will was focused on the giant blades in their hands and their comrades beside them.
This terrifying elite force was clearly being forged into a deadly weapon capable of tearing through any solid defense.
At this moment, a swift figure crossed the training ground and headed straight for the central military tent.
The person who came was none other than the brave cavalry general Zhao Yu, who was wearing bright silver armor and had a long sword at his waist.
His face was solemn, and he walked hurriedly. He came outside the tent, bowed, clasped his fists, and said in a clear and urgent voice: "Your Majesty, the Jinyiwei has sent an urgent report from 800 miles away!"
Chu Ning's calm voice came from inside the tent: "Come in."
Zhao Yu lifted the curtain and walked in, only to see Chu Ning standing in front of a huge military map with a deep look in his eyes.
Zhao Yu did not dare to neglect it and presented a secret letter with wax seal intact with both hands: "Your Majesty, this is the latest news from Chang'an."
Chu Ning took it, skillfully opened the sealing wax, took out the letter paper, and quickly scanned it.
Gradually, a playful and slightly surprised smile appeared on his handsome face. He flicked the letter paper lightly with his fingers, and said in a tone of disbelief:
"Tsk tsk, this Liu Xiu... really makes me look at him with new eyes."
"Not only did he overthrow Liu Cheng, he even eliminated the wily and calculating Chen Pin. With drastic measures, he cleansed the court. In just a few days, he took control of the situation and ascended the throne."
Zhao Yu's expression grew increasingly serious upon hearing this. He said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, although this boy is young, he is ruthless and decisive. Now, he has joined forces with renowned generals like Huo Quji and has completely seized control of the Han Dynasty's military and political power."
"Once the internal hidden dangers are eliminated, they will be able to concentrate their forces to fight against our army. Huo Quji is a veteran general and a seasoned tactician. If we wait until he has finished integrating the internal forces before leading reinforcements to Xunyang, our army will be in a very unfavorable situation!"
He stepped forward and suggested urgently, "Your Majesty, while the internal situation is not yet completely stable and reinforcements have not yet arrived, the Xunyang City defenders have limited manpower and their morale will be affected by the changes in Chang'an."
"How about our army launch a fierce attack immediately and capture this city in one fell swoop? That way, we can seize the strategic initiative and attack when we advance or defend when we retreat!"
However, Chu Ning slowly shook his head, his face showing no trace of anxiety, but rather an unpredictable calmness.
He walked to the table in the tent, picked up a cup of warm tea, took a sip, and said calmly, "No rush. Xunyang City is right there, there's no way to escape."
"It won't be too late to attack the city after receiving more detailed intelligence from the Jinyiwei."