Tiger Guards

Chapter 495 The Two-Year Agreement
The following morning, in the guesthouse in the southwest corner of Jinyang City.

After taking a bath and changing into brand-new clothes, Guo Tu put on a yellow cashmere cloak and went out by carriage.

Several knights led the way with flags, and on the wide Linjin Street, Guo Tu observed the early-rising officials and commoners coming and going on both sides of the street.

Jinyang City is simply too large; its current urban scale is already larger than that of Luoyang City.

Of course, Luoyang City is a complex urban system. In addition to the twenty-four pavilions within the city, there are also the near and far suburbs outside the city, all of which are prime locations.

Strictly speaking, the cities and towns within the eight passes of Luoyang can all be considered part of the imperial capital Luoyang, and they play a certain role.

Compared to the well-planned and clearly defined Jinyang New City, the north and south cities of Ye City appear outdated.

Walking along the main street of Linjin, Guo Tu finally understood Zhao Da Sima's city defense philosophy.

Other cities fought over the city walls, and the gain or loss of the city walls directly determined the ownership of the city.

Only after breaching the low, insignificant outer walls of the Jin Yang New City will the real siege and annihilation begin.

Each neighborhood in Jinyang New City is a fortified village, and these fortified villages together form the Jinyang New City.

Even if all sides besiege this place in the future, who would be willing to cross the Fen River and lead troops to participate in the bloody battle?
He observed carefully, intending to report everything he saw to Yuan Shao truthfully.

Ye City also needs to be renovated. Even if the north and south cities cannot be renovated, a new city should be built to serve as the core city of the Yuan family.

The powerful families of Hebei have intricate networks of connections in both the northern and southern cities. Only by establishing a new city can the influence of these powerful families be suppressed and their encroachment prevented.

Heading north along Linjin Street, you'll see the Marquis of Jinyang's residence on the left and the Grand Marshal's headquarters, which resembles a military camp, on the right.

Guo Tu was stunned when he saw the covered walkway and sky bridge connecting the Marquis's residence and the military headquarters, and saw a group of maids carrying food boxes walking towards the military headquarters.

Looking up, he thought of the covered walkway between the South Palace and the North Palace in Luoyang.

There were also covered walkways and sky bridges in Beiye City, but they were only used to connect the pavilions in Yuan Shao's mansion and were rarely used.

Seeing Guo Tu's surprised expression, the Tiger Guard responsible for escorting him explained, "The Marquis of Jinyang dislikes his officials, servants, and other personnel moving about on the streets, as this would disturb the people. Therefore, a covered walkway was built to separate the inside from the outside."

"The Marquis of Jinyang is truly a benevolent man."

Guo Tu praised and complimented Zhao Yan, but he felt that Zhao Yan did this purely to prevent the servants of the mansion from colluding with outsiders.

Before long, the Tiger-like Gentleman led Guo Tu into the Grand Marshal's residence and straight to the East Garden, where guests were received.

Inside the warm hall of the East Garden, Zhao Ji, clad in armor, sat in the main seat, deep in thought as he held the day's itinerary plan.

Before going to war, it was necessary to appease the Xiongnu.

Therefore, at noon, they would meet and have lunch with Huchuquan, who was imprisoned there, to give Huchuquan hope of returning to the Xiongnu court.

Having finally managed to keep this guy under his control, and even in order to corrupt and win over the nobles of the various Xiongnu tribes, Zhao Ji gave up his right to do business.

The Xiongnu nobles currently hold a monopoly on commercial rights. Products from the official markets of Jinyang, Pingyang, and Anyi can be transported by these nobles and sold to smaller Xiongnu tribes or to the Xianbei people.

The corruption has not yet reached its full extent, and the Xiongnu nobles have not yet developed a lifestyle and survival habit that heavily relies on commerce.

The Xiongnu people were actually quite talented in business, and they didn't value promises or contracts much.

Once these Xiongnu nobles prioritize commercial income and despise exploiting their people... then they can consider further steps in registering them as households.

As for Chanyu Huchuquan, wouldn't it be better for him to stay in Jinyang City and enjoy a life of luxury?

Once the various Hu tribes in the three prefectures have been wiped out, Hu Chuquan can be given some more freedom... If necessary, Hu Chuquan can be allowed to move freely and hunt and play near Jinyang.

If he doesn't give Hu Chuquan a chance, he won't dare to run away; if this person doesn't run away, what reason do I have to punish him severely?
Compared to the shrewd and experienced Huchuquan, replacing the Xiongnu with a younger and more inexperienced Chanyu would obviously be more convenient for the shogunate to manage.

While pondering the plan to replace the Chanyu, the chief clerk Wei Ji arrived at the door, cupped his hands, and said, "My lord, the Right General's envoy Guo Tu has arrived outside the door."

"welcome."

"Here."

Wei Ji agreed and turned to greet Guo Tu. Because of his current advantageous position, Wei Ji walked steadily and calmly.

Before long, Wei Kai and Guo Tu were chatting and laughing as they were led into the main hall.

The hall was warm. Guo Tu bowed deeply and said, "This humble subject has come to pay homage to the Grand Marshal on the orders of the Right General."

"Sit." Zhao Ji extended his arms, and as Guo Tu took off his yellow sheepskin cloak and sat down with a smile, Zhao Ji spoke: "I heard that there was a proposal in the court to appoint the Right General as the General of Chariots and Cavalry. Unfortunately, the Right General refused to be ranked alongside me, which is why the court's good intentions have failed?"

This is a mockery of Yuan Shao's official position, which is merely that of a general of the four directions, on par with Gongsun Zan, Sun Ce, and Liu Bei.

Guo Tu's smile remained unchanged as he cupped his hands in a respectful reply: "Why must the Grand Marshal bring up this matter from last year? My lord, General Yuan, is also a key minister of the state and a pillar of the nation. If he cares about the importance of rank and position, why would the Emperor be stingy with it?"

"rational."

Zhao Ji did not argue, which made Guo Tu's eyes light up. This was clearly an important change in attitude.

Zhao Ji's acceptance that Yuan Shao's self-appointment to a high position was tantamount to abandoning the authority of the imperial court.

Zhao Ji then said, "Consort Dong gave birth to the Emperor's eldest son, which is a great service to the country. The Grand General and I intend to recommend General Wei for promotion to General of Chariots and Cavalry. The position of General of Chariots and Cavalry is currently vacant, but General of the Right still has a chance."

Guo Tu, still with his hands clasped in a bowing posture, straightened his back and said, "I have heard that when the Grand Marshal led his troops to the Central Plains, he was suspected by the General and almost came to blows. In my opinion, the General is by nature stubborn and reckless, which is not a blessing for the country and will bring disaster upon himself sooner or later. If the Grand Marshal is willing, my lord is willing to form a marriage alliance with the Grand Marshal."

"Hehe, the disputes between me and my father-in-law, the General, are minor matters. The so-called armed conflict is a misunderstanding."

Zhao Ji smiled and said, "If I reconcile with the Right General, wouldn't that mean I'd be releasing Yuan Xi and Gao Gan for nothing?"

Guo Tu immediately said, "The two young masters can also serve as hostages under the Grand Marshal's jurisdiction."

The change from prisoners to hostages is a significant improvement; at least their personal safety is guaranteed, and they receive basic living benefits.

Guo Tu came this time to deliver living supplies to Yuan Xi and Gao Gan before the heavy snow blocked the roads, so that they would not suffer in the winter.

Secondly, he came to test Zhao Ji's attitude. He didn't expect to reach any alliance; maintaining a ceasefire would be satisfactory.

At this moment, Wei Kai led his servants in and set out dishes on each table. Each table had only four dishes, a soup, a bowl of millet rice, and a pot of tea and wine.

Wei Ji also had a table and sat opposite Guo Tu.

Having experienced great ups and downs, and with his family nearly wiped out, Wei Kai now lacks the refinement of a noble son. He sits down and picks up the millet porridge to eat.

Zhao Ji poured himself some tea and gestured to Guo Tu, saying, "Xizhou is poor, so I'm using tea instead of wine. I don't have any good wine, just a pot of apricot wine. I hope you won't laugh at me, sir."

"Don't dare."

Guo Tu composed himself, his expression serious yet slightly reverent, and said, “The weather is unfavorable, the mountains and rivers are suffering from disasters, and the people have no savings for half a year. The Grand Marshal, who governs the Western Province, has set an example by enforcing the prohibition of alcohol, which is truly something that I, as an official, admire. Not to mention apricot wine, even wormwood wine and mixed wine, I, as an official, would find them delicious.”

"You're very kind, sir."

As Zhao Ji drank his tea, he also picked up his millet porridge. As he grabbed his chopsticks, he said, "The peace between the two families is beneficial to both sides, and I do not object to it in principle. Should Yuan Xi and Gao Gan be held hostage for half a year or a year? If it is a half-year agreement, I will send an envoy to return them to Hebei next May when the grass grows and kites fly."

Guo Tu fell silent, looking troubled.

He was eager to redeem Yuan Xi and Gao Gan as soon as possible. This was not just his wish; once Yuan Xi and Gao Gan returned, they could work together to suppress the local faction in Ji Province.

However, if a new war breaks out six months later, the situation will be even more complicated.

Thinking that it would be difficult to eliminate Gongsun Zan this winter, and disregarding the complaints of Yuan Xi and Gao Gan, Guo Tu gritted his teeth and asked, "May I ask, Grand Marshal, how have things progressed in three years?"

"Three years is too long."

Zhao Ji stared at Guo Tu without a smile: "Even if it's two years, I still find it difficult."

"Then let's do it in two years. After two years, the foreign minister will come to welcome us in person, and we can see the changes in Jinyang then."

Fearing Zhao Ji's objection, Guo Tu held up his wine cup with both hands and looked at Zhao Ji with a sincere expression: "Judging from the changes in Jinyang today, it will surely become a mighty city in the north in the future. If we can restrain the Xiongnu and suppress the Xianbei, the Grand Marshal's achievements will last for thousands of years."

"It's rare that you understand my ambitions, sir. So, two years it will be."

Zhao Ji turned his head to look at the gloomy weather outside the door and squinted: "In August of the fourth year of Jian'an, you can come here ahead of time, sir. If there are no other changes, Jinyang City will be completed, and I would like to inspect the troops here."

Next year will be very tight on time, so we'll probably only have enough savings to hold a military parade the year after.

Military parades naturally have many uses, and it would be best to use this parade to invite more people, such as the core members of Han Sui and Ma Teng's inner circle.

Use the military parade to crush their will to resist, then dealing with Ma Teng and Han Sui will be easy.

Guo Tu raised his wine cup and replied in a deep voice, "How could I dare disobey?"

After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the apricot wine in his cup. The taste was surprisingly smooth and sweet, with a rich apricot aroma that lingered in his mouth for a long time.

(End of this chapter)