Han Khan

Chapter 180, Group Wedding

Zhang Sheng stood in the middle of the platform, looking out at the vast grassland of Jinshan in the distance. The setting sun slowly sank to the west, and the golden afterglow sprinkled on the boundless grassland. The grass tips swayed gently in the breeze, like a surging ocean.

However, this beautiful sight failed to calm his inner turmoil.

"That is to say, among these newly arrived Jinhan people, the number of men is almost more than twice that of women, and among so many young and middle-aged people, there are almost no elderly people and children are extremely rare?" Zhang Sheng turned around, a hint of worry in his tone.

Zhang Zhongxian stood behind him and answered with his head down:
“Your Majesty, whether it is war, looting, or the cold winter, a large number of children and the elderly will disappear or even die.

Especially on this grassland, it is even more difficult for the weak to survive.”

Zhang Sheng felt bitter when he heard these explanations.

He closed his eyes and seemed to see the children shivering in the wind and snow and the old people emaciated by hunger.

He said softly: "Indeed, whether in the Central Plains or the grasslands, the ultimate victims of war are always those innocent people."

After a brief contemplation, Zhang Sheng seemed to have made up his mind. He opened his eyes and looked determined:
“Let Yin Shanxiong gather those who followed me in the early days in Jin Hanzhong and can speak Chinese, the heads of the ten households, hundred households, battalions, and regiments who have no wives or children, as well as the warriors and subjects, and bring them here together.

The Tang women were left for them to marry, while the Tang men married the Hu women, thus increasing the Chinese-speaking population in our Jinhan tribe."

Zhang Zhongxian hesitated a little, but still answered respectfully:

"Your Majesty, this move can enhance the cohesion of the tribe, but the Tang men may resist it because they have a more traditional view on marriage."

Zhang Sheng nodded, walked out of the tent, and felt the cool breeze.

He knew that Zhang Zhongxian's words made sense, but the current situation did not allow him much room for hesitation. On the grassland, only the strong can survive.

He turned around and said in a deep voice:
“Let Bonyk bring all the children within the walls of the Temple camp.

Children under the age of seven were assigned to officers and samurai to raise, and they were told to raise these children well as they would be their children in the future.

At the same time, they must be taught to speak Chinese. Boys over the age of seven will be gathered together and incorporated into the Eagle Guard's Junior Guard Reserve for centralized management, training and education. The girls will be managed and raised by Princess Sarah. "

Zhang Anzuo stood aside at this time, his eyes flickering. He knew that this was a great plan, so he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty is wise. This move can not only appease the people, but also greatly increase the number of people who speak Chinese in the Jinhan tribe."

Zhang Sheng nodded slightly and continued, "Give each of the four guards and several unmarried chief priests a woman of outstanding appearance as a wife or concubine."

Zhang Anzuo immediately accepted the order: "As you command! Shall we also arrange for a few women to serve Your Majesty?"

Zhang Sheng smiled and waved his hand, saying, "No need, go and make the arrangements."

After the order was issued, more than a hundred Tang women and all the children were taken to the temple camp by Bonek. As night fell, the bonfire on the grassland lit up the sky red.

More than a thousand lone warriors and subjects who had received orders also gathered at the venue, whispering to each other, their hearts filled with anticipation and nervousness.

When they finally stood in front of the women, Zhang Sheng stood on the platform, watching the scene calmly.

He glanced at the Tang men and found that most of them had complicated expressions. Some had wandering eyes, some had frowns, and they were obviously confused or even resisted by this arrangement.

Zhang Sheng understood that these people from the Central Plains had different cultures and concepts, and forced marriage might cause resistance from them.

The homeless women, whether Tang or Hu, seemed more calm about this arrangement.

They have experienced war and escape, and their demands on life have been lowered.

Jin Han's strong discipline at least saved them from further hardship.

Zhang Sheng knew very well that although this arrangement could temporarily stabilize the situation, in the long run the system needed to be further improved.

He silently planned in his mind that in the future these new families must be provided with more solid social security and educational support to ensure the long-term stability of the Jinhan tribe.

In the end, Zhang Sheng's order was executed. Nearly 11653 Tang men stood together with all the Tang women and more than 4000 Hu women. There were only more than Tang men and all the Hu men, almost people, left, watching all this with helpless eyes.

They realized that they were not assigned a woman, and they couldn't help feeling anxious and dissatisfied.

In order to prevent potential rebellion, the centurion received orders from the imperial guards to quietly lead the soldiers to approach the Hu men who were not assigned to women, ready to respond to emergencies at any time. Zhang Sheng calmly observed the situation and thought about the next arrangements in his mind.

He knew that the rules of survival on this grassland were cruel and simple: only by controlling power can long-term stability be ensured.

"All Jinhan people, now you all stand together with your 'partners' and hold hands. Under the holy flag, I will hold a holy religious wedding for you together with the officiating priest and the priest, and bless your marriage!"

At this moment, the faces of the Jinhan people holding hands were filled with happiness and joy.

Men will have wives and women will have someone to rely on. They will become members of the Jinhan and contribute to the prosperity of the tribe.

Under the holy flag, their vows echoed in the air like the sound of nature, declaring their commitment and loyalty to each other.

Although the remaining 13,000 people were full of jealousy, they did not dare to show it. They understood their situation, sighed, and looked at the Jinhan people who were lucky enough to get married.

More than 11,000 couples completed their weddings under the holy flag. After the ceremony, everyone stood up and looked devoutly at the messenger of Haotian God, their Son of Heaven.

"Haotian witnesses and blesses your marriage and protects your sacred wedding. From now on, you are a family. Please respect your husband and treat your wife well!"

Zhang Sheng stood on the podium, solemn and dignified. His voice echoed throughout the square, allowing everyone to hear his words.

"From now on, you are true members of Jinhan, devout believers of Haotian in the world. You must follow the instructions of the priest and pray to the holy flag three times a day."

Zhang Sheng glanced at the people below; their eyes were full of awe and piety.

"Haotian does not need bloody sacrifices and offerings. As long as you recite sincerely, acknowledge Haotian as the only true God, and worship him, Haotian God will protect you."

Zhang Sheng’s words were like a clear spring, flowing into everyone’s heart and making them feel the power of faith.

"Worship the only true God, Haotian is the Great..."

Following Zhang Sheng's lead, everyone shouted loudly and enthusiastically. Their voices were as deafening as thunder, as if they were going to shake the entire world.

At this moment, these new converts seemed to have been recognized and became extremely fanatical. People's hearts were baptized and they seemed to feel that their souls were sublimated.

They even believed that as long as they worshipped Haotian devoutly, Haotian would bless them with peace and happiness, and that they would go to Haotian's residence after death!

After the crowd quieted down, Zhang Sheng spoke again. His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing throughout the square.

“All the new Jinhan people, I have prepared a large number of livestock for you, and these livestock will be distributed according to certain rules.

These are important resources for your future life, and I hope you can cherish them and use them properly. "

When everyone heard the news, they all showed joy on their faces.

For nomadic people, livestock is one of the most important assets, with these livestock, they can live a better life.

Then, Zhang Sheng continued:
“In addition, I will appoint some people to lead you in herding and fighting.

These people are strictly selected and have rich experience and outstanding abilities.

At the same time, I will also appoint some priests to be in charge of your prayer services.

They will guide you to the right path of faith and comfort your soul.”

Everyone nodded, indicating that they were willing to follow Zhang Sheng's arrangements.

They knew that only by uniting as one could they survive on this grassland.

Finally, Zhang Sheng emphasized:
“You must obey the guidance of the devout and valiant heads of tens, hundreds, and thousands whom I have appointed, as well as the wise and devout priests.

Because they are also following my orders, and their decisions represent my will. "

"I will follow the Emperor's orders......

(End of this chapter)