If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1464 The Situation in the North

The construction of the Great Wall was not Qin Shi Huang's original idea.

For hundreds of thousands of years before the First Emperor, the northern states had already faced invasions from the northern nomadic tribes and built the Great Wall along their borders, following the contours of the mountains.

For example, the Great Wall of the Yan State stretched from Zaoyang in the west to Xiangping in the east, a length of 15,000 li.

At this time, in mid-July, Grand Tutor Yu, who had completed the reconstruction of the Yan region's geological veins, finally entered the "Central Defense Zone" where Meng Yi was located.

Yuyang County in the north, Zaoyang.

Grand Tutor Yu stood atop the watchtower, gazing northeastward into the wind.

The big yellow dog Xiaoqiang climbed up beside her, while the dark-faced Taoist boy Wang E huddled in a sheltered corner, silently reciting a classic text from the Yang Zhu school of thought.

"Master, look to the west." Xiao Qiang listened intently for a while, then stood on tiptoe and turned to the west, where he saw a line of smoke and dust winding its way from forty miles away.

"It's Meng Huo again. Master, do you remember? When we first arrived in Shenzhou, it was while you were admiring the scenery of the northern lands that Meng Huo led a troop of men and came galloping over."

"After several years, I feel a sense of déjà vu, as if I've returned to those days," Xiao Qiang sighed.

Xiaoyu glanced westward and said, "It's the tail end of summer now, there's no heavy snowfall."

Moreover, your eyesight isn't good enough.

Monho wasn't the commander of the cavalry. Look closely at the sixth black-armored knight on his left behind him.

"Although there was no heavy snowfall at this time, the scene was very similar."

Xiao Qiang muttered something to himself and then turned his gaze to the knight his master had designated.

"Oh dear, he noticed my gaze. Such keen insight, such a powerful aura. Oh, it's General Meng Yi! He's actually disguised himself and hiding among the sentry ranks."

He knew you were here, so he came to visit you specifically?

Just as Xiaoqiang turned his focused gaze in that direction, the knight wearing an iron helmet and visor immediately looked up in its direction.

Even from dozens of miles away, Xiaoqiang couldn't help but shiver.

Like a sharpshooter with keen senses who sees the reflection in the scope of a Barrett sniper rifle and instinctively feels fear.

Less than half an hour later.

Meng Yi, dressed in ordinary "Xuanyu Guard" armor, dismounted and walked in front, while Meng Huo, dressed in general's armor, lagged behind two steps.

The two climbed up the Great Wall watchtower and knelt on one knee on the steps beneath Grand Tutor Yu. "This humble general Meng Yi (Young General Meng Huo) pays his respects to Grand Tutor Yu."

Grand Tutor Yu turned around and smiled, "General, there's no need to be so polite. Come and talk to me."

Meng Yi didn't hesitate. He got up and jumped more than ten feet high, landing on the parapet at the top of the watchtower.

After glancing at Grand Tutor Yu, Meng Yi wanted to sigh, "I never imagined that after we parted ways back then, Grand Tutor's circumstances would change so drastically."

Grand Tutor Keyu remained calm and showed no particular reaction upon seeing him.

Meng Yi swallowed his emotions and asked calmly, "What is the Grand Tutor looking at? It seems he has been looking at it for more than half an hour."

He followed Grand Tutor Yu's gaze and saw nothing unusual except for the lush green grass, the winding Yu River like a jade belt, and herdsmen riding horses and herding sheep.

At most, there are a few white clouds on the horizon, dotting the edge of the green carpet-like grassland, creating a picturesque scene.

"I am looking at the aura of the northern barbarians. It is very ominous; the auras from all directions are converging towards the Xiongnu royal court."

Even the earth's vital energy and water's spiritual energy are flowing northward.

The Qi cultivators in the Northern Fulong Court have always wanted to cultivate a 'Human Emperor'.

Perhaps it's not wishful thinking.

Even if he can't become the Human Emperor, he should still be qualified as the Son of Heaven.

There is only one human emperor. However, there may be many sons of heaven, so there is no single emperor on earth.

The Central Plains have their emperors, and the barbarians may also have their emperors.

Meng Yi pursed his lips, his expression tightening, and asked, "Isn't the Grand Tutor reconstructing the earth's veins in the North? Can he lock in the leaking essence and spiritual energy?"

Grand Tutor Yu nodded and said, "One of my purposes in reconstructing the earth's veins is to preserve the land of China and reduce the outflow of the earth's evil essence."

If I achieve my ultimate goal, I should be able to stop the loss of the earth's energy in the north.

There has been considerable relief, but severe cases cannot be cured immediately.

"In his earlier years, the late emperor committed numerous atrocities, leaving behind a huge hole in the system."

Ying Zheng not only frantically destroyed the earth veins and water veins within the land that had the potential to give birth to dragon veins, but also...

Starting more than sixty years ago, they also deliberately destroyed the powerful dragon veins of the barbarian kingdoms.

Dragon veins are the crystallization of the earth's evil energy and human energy. If a dragon vein is destroyed, the earth's evil energy will naturally leak out.

China has a strong foundation, that's a fact, but it can't withstand such excessive exploitation.

By severing the dragon vein of the barbarian state, a great karmic debt was incurred. The cause had been borne, and sooner or later, the consequence would be repaid.

Thus, the pattern emerged where the vital energy of the Central Plains flowed outwards to the barbarian lands, primarily towards the Xiongnu.

When Ying Zheng deliberately destroyed the Qin Dynasty's dragon vein, powerful dragon veins immediately emerged in the barbarian states closest to the Central Plains, such as the Donghu, Yuezhi, and Xiongnu.

It was because Xiaoyu discovered this phenomenon when he first arrived in Shenzhou that he later made the reconstruction of Shenzhou's land veins his top priority after becoming Grand Tutor.

He not only fulfilled his responsibilities as "Grand Tutor of the Divine Land," but also helped the Ying clan redeem some of their sins.

Of course, she also had her own selfish motives. Reconstructing the land veins of the Divine Land would greatly help her comprehend the "Way of the Earthly Fiend Dragon Veins" and would also help her gain control of the land.

Meng Yi frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "The matter of the earth's energy leaking out can be handled by the Grand Tutor and will be resolved sooner or later."

There are a few things, however, that are more urgent than the leakage of earth's energy.

Upon learning that Grand Tutor Yu was there, he rushed over immediately; catching up was only a secondary reason.

"Is it about the Xiongnu's southward invasion and the chaos in the Central Plains?" Grand Tutor Yu asked.

Meng Yi nodded and sighed, "When the Central Plains were not yet in chaos, Grand Tutor Meng used the strength of the whole country to support the North, but even then, he was still unable to do so."

With the Central Plains in such chaos, the supplies for supporting the Great Wall army are dwindling year by year.

The soldiers from the prefectures and counties were also transferred back to defend against the rebels, or they themselves became rebels.

The Xiongnu Four-Horned King and Six-Horned King took turns launching attacks on the Great Wall defense line.

It was even more ferocious than during the time of Zuo Guli and Wang Xiu.

After several years of recuperation, the Xiongnu finally recovered their strength. The Donghu king, whom we had released, however, could no longer hold out. Forget about controlling the Xiongnu; the Donghu king even began paying tribute to them.

It is said that they are considering submitting to the emperor.

The Xiongnu palace system can be simply summarized as an upper four-cornered king and an lower six-cornered king.

The four kings of the upper four corners were the left and right wise kings and the left and right Guli kings, who were the "royal family" of the Xiongnu.

The lower six corners were occupied by the Left and Right Sun Chasing Kings, the Left and Right Grand Protectors, and the Left and Right Grand Ministers, equivalent to the "Qing clans" of the Central Plains.

Xiu Ge, who was forcibly killed by Xiao Yu, was the Left Guli King, considered one of the most powerful and influential figures. This is why it caused such a stir in the world back then.

Peng San'er, disguised as the Left Rizhu King, is considered the head of the "high-ranking officials".

Maodun, the Xiongnu crown prince who killed the commander of Yunzhong Commandery, was the Left Wise King.

Even the Left Wise King has moved south, which shows how fierce the Xiongnu's attacks on the Great Wall defense line have been in the past two years.

Grand Tutor Yu pondered for a moment and said, "It is almost impossible to expect the imperial court to increase its aid now."

"If it weren't for Prime Minister Li's foresight in procuring large quantities of grain from overseas, a widespread famine might have occurred in the Central Plains this year."

This year's harvest is actually much better than last year's; the "rain master" of Xianyang is very helpful.

Natural disasters have lessened, but man-made calamities have increased. Wars and disasters have led to chaos everywhere, and no one is farming anymore.

Grand Tutor Yu continued, "Most of the counties that can provide troops to the north are located in the Yan and Zhao regions."

The situation in Yan was alright; because of Yan Wushuang's public trial, the people of Yan actually calmed down.

But the Zhao state was almost restored, so expecting them to transfer their garrison to the Great Wall defense line to fight the Xiongnu was almost impossible.

The counties and prefectures that were loyal to the Qin Dynasty, such as the fiefdom of King Fusu of Zhao, were also on guard against rebels and were unable to provide support!
Instead, you should look after King Zhao.

The imperial court was simply unable to provide additional aid; it did not mean that the Qin Dynasty had completely abandoned the Great Wall Army.

Every day, convoys carrying grain and fodder could be seen on the imperial road from Xianyang to Jiuyuan.

Fleets transporting grain and fodder northward along the Yellow River from Aocang in Xingyang were also coming and going in an endless stream.

The imperial court no longer conscripts laborers, and the money spent every day to maintain the massive transport capacity is enough to pile up into a small mountain.

The resources invested in the Great Wall Legion each year, converted into gold, are guaranteed to be at least 40 million taels (PS)!
Xianyang had no shortage of silver; even without it, they could continue dismantling the Epang Palace, as Qin Shi Huang had indeed left behind a substantial fortune. However, even with money, they couldn't convert it into grain and transportation capacity.

In transportation spanning thousands of miles, grain loss can reach 20 to 1. If one out of every twenty kilograms of grain successfully reaches its destination, that would be considered highly efficient.

You don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of the household. Even Grand Tutor Yu didn't dare to look at the Qin Dynasty's financial reports, so he handed them all over to Li Si.

It's giving me a headache.

But the food supply is not the most serious problem.

The most serious problem for the Great Wall Legion is that it has suffered heavy losses but has not been able to replenish its forces!
The Qin army was divided into three parts: first, the border troops, such as the four major legions of the east, west, south and north; second, the local garrison troops under the command of the prefectural and county commanders; and third, the imperial guards in Guanzhong.

Local troops are actually the foundation of the border army. Or rather, the border army is originally composed of local soldiers who take turns guarding the border.

The reason why Zhongli Mo ran away with his mother back then was because after Xiao Yu killed Xiu Ge, the war in the north subsided slightly, and the county soldiers who were supporting the front line returned.

Now that the Central Plains are in chaos, the county and prefectural troops are unwilling or unable to go north to support the Great Wall army.

After thinking for a moment, Grand Tutor Yu said again: "The Central Plains lacks manpower, so let the Meng family army recruit a group of Hu warriors from the Western Regions to join the 'Jade Gate Guard'!"

While the might of the Qin Dynasty still lingers, lower the requirements for enlistment and recruit more heroes from other lands to the north, either to fight in battle or to engage in land reclamation.

"That's one way, but too many barbarians are joining the army, which will destabilize the morale of the troops! The people of the Central Plains, especially those from the north, have their homes and businesses in the north and will never betray the Qin Dynasty or be recruited by the Xiongnu."

The Hu people admired China and pursued a bright future, which is why they joined the Yumen Guard.

"Once they figure out the current situation between the Qin and the Xiongnu, they will be easily lured into surrendering by the Xiongnu," Meng Yi said.

"Tell them that those who survive and make meritorious contributions will be richly rewarded by the imperial court; and that the brave warriors who die in battle can become immortals in heaven," said Grand Tutor Yu.

"How can so many gods be appointed?" Meng Yi asked.

“In my hometown of Western Shu, even heavenly soldiers and generals are considered gods,” said Grand Tutor Yu.

“Even heavenly soldiers and generals, not just anyone can go, right?” Meng Yi said.

"It's said to be going to heaven, but it doesn't necessarily mean going to the Heavenly Court. Hengshan Divine Palace can provide at least 300,000 'heavenly soldier' ​​positions," said Grand Tutor Yu.

"The Divine Palace of Hengshan is in the netherworld, not in the heavens."

Grand Tutor Yu waved his hand and said, "Don't get hung up on such trivial details. At least our Great Qin can ensure that they are born as citizens of a superior nation and, after death, be worshipped by all the people of the land, and become deities."

What could the Xiongnu offer them? What made the Xiongnu so attractive that they would surrender?
My great Qin Dynasty is not only virtuous, but also powerful.

You should promote the story of Grand Tutor Yu to them more, so that they understand what it means to control the dragon with nine cauldrons and behead a quasi-Great Luo Immortal with a single sword.

In the Central Plains, there are proclamations to the people; but in the border counties, there are also proclamations to the people.
Tell us more about how Hugh died.

They not only preached to the Hu people of Yumenwei, but also to the Xiongnu Four-Horned King and Six-Horned King.

Especially Modu, the Left Wise King of the Xiongnu.

Don't be too honest, scare him more.

"I've recently gone berserk again and started targeting him. He dares to wreak havoc in the Central Plains; I'll make sure he doesn't return."

“Intimidation alone is probably useless,” Meng Yi said with a conflicted expression. “Because Maodun has already arrived.”

Although he did not venture deep into the north, he crossed the Great Wall. After entering the Great Wall, he swept along the Great Wall defense line.

Once our main force is detected, launch a probing attack first. If an advantage can be gained, continue the attack; otherwise, retreat immediately.

He knows the current situation in the Central Plains; he wants to drag us down and bring down the Qin Dynasty.

Although we all know his purpose, the defending side is always on the defensive.

We also lack the strength to leave the Great Wall and launch a counterattack against the Xiongnu royal court.

If it were during the peak of the Qin Dynasty, not to mention its peak strength, the ability to continuously provide ample food and military supplies would have given Meng Yi the urge to cross grasslands and deserts and conquer the royal court.

Grand Tutor Yu pondered and said, "Back then, I was a wild cultivator. I was content with just myself and didn't care about my family's hunger. I wasn't afraid of all the bad karma I had accumulated."

At this moment, as the Grand Tutor of Qin, if he acts as he pleases, it will only deplete the destiny of Qin.

However, since the Maodun people have all arrived, and I happen to be in the north, I wouldn't feel at ease if I didn't do something.

"Modu is currently outside Yanmen Pass. Once I reach Yanmen Commandery, I will go and meet him."

Even after experiencing the consequences of killing Xiuge, Grand Tutor Yu still had no psychological barrier to killing Maodun.

What she was worried about was the Beiming Kunpeng clan, the Beihai cultivator group, and the Beiju Luzhou demon god behind the Xiongnu.

Like Xiuge back then, Maodun belonged to the "human faction" who were clear-headed, rational, and unwilling to be controlled by the demon race.

With the death of Modu, the "human faction" within the Xiongnu was weakened once again, potentially allowing the demon god to completely control the Xiongnu. Furthermore, she could not remain in the north indefinitely, and the court was unable to provide further support.

The situation in the North could really collapse.

At this time, the Central Plains were in chaos, and maintaining stability was the most rational and cost-effective option.

Just like in winter when food is scarce, many animals will curl up and hibernate to reduce energy consumption.

Unfortunately, at this time, the Qin Dynasty was absolutely incapable of simultaneously dealing with the crazed Hu people and the heroes of the Central Plains who had formed an anti-Qin alliance.

If this is forced, there will only be one outcome: the Great Wall army will collapse, the Great Wall defense line will no longer be able to defend against the Xiongnu, and hundreds of thousands of northern barbarian cavalry will be able to drive straight in, into the lands of Yan and Zhao, and even drink from the Yellow River, so as to "victoriously join forces" with the rebel kings in the Central Plains.

That scene must have been spectacular.

Will the two sides, who once secretly allied, still be able to "work together" at that time?

The current situation in China is quite similar to that of the late Ming Dynasty in Xiaoyu's previous life.

Wu Sangui allowed the Manchus to enter the pass, which led to Li Zicheng and other rebel kings crying out for their fathers and mothers.

Grand Tutor Keyu would never emulate Wu Sangui in any way.

The Great Wall Legion must be preserved; the Great Wall defense line must be held. If she recklessly squanders Meng Yi and Meng Tian's main force, she will be powerless to defend the Great Wall, even if she wanted to.

This kind of one-sided, double-dealing situation is indeed frustrating.

Unfortunately, this is the price to pay for being a "true successor of the Central Plains".

As long as the Great Qin remains the ruler of China, it must bear the responsibilities of that ruler.

　(PS: The expenses of the Great Wall army were based on Emperor Wu of Han's expedition against the Xiongnu.)

　　For each victory, Emperor Wu of Han would reward his soldiers with 200,000 catties of gold!
　　That's two million taels.

　　The war lost 100,000 warhorses. How much money would that cost?
　　There was also the soldiers' armor and rations, and the compensation for those who died in battle.

　　No wonder the Han Dynasty's finances completely collapsed in the later years of Emperor Wu's reign.

　　The Qin Dynasty's expenditure on the Great Wall Legion was 40 million taels of silver, not including rewards, but just normal expenses.

　　After all, the land of Shenzhou in Pangu's world is larger than the China of Xiaoyu's previous life.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)