Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 282 Order to Annihilate the Japanese, the wheels are laid flat!
Zhao He thought for a moment and said, "Since ancient times, war has been dangerous and perilous. Who dares to say that victory is certain? The sea is also rough and the winds are high, and many unforeseen things can happen. If Father insists on leading the expedition in person, I suggest that after the vanguard achieves an initial victory and occupies a part of the territory, Father should lead the main force to land in Japan."

"Of course." Zhao Shuo's face was full of satisfaction.

His relief stemmed not primarily from Zhao He's concern for his safety, but from Zhao He's ability to utter the words, "Since ancient times, war has been fraught with peril; who dares to claim certain victory?"

Throughout history, there have been countless wars in which those with overwhelming superiority were ultimately defeated by the enemy. Examples include Cao Cao's Battle of Red Cliffs, Fu Jian's Battle of Fei River, and Emperor Yang of Sui's three campaigns against Goguryeo.

Let's leave aside Emperor Yang of Sui, but who can say that Cao Cao and Fu Jian weren't remarkable heroes?

Zhao He was groomed by Zhao Shuo as his successor from a young age, and he showed remarkable abilities as he grew up, which greatly pleased Zhao Shuo.

His only worry was that Zhao He had had too smooth a life, which might have made him arrogant and look down on the heroes of the world, leading to his downfall later.

It now appears that Zhao He is very clear-headed.

Zhao He then asked, “Father is personally leading the expedition, and I am here to oversee the country. Who should be in charge of the Byzantine Province, the Romanesque Province, the Egyptian Province, the Syrian Province, the Yemeni Province, and the Arab Province? It is probably not appropriate for Shi Songzhi to be in charge for so long. In addition, the soldiers on the western expedition do need to return and rest.”

Zhao Shuo said, "I plan to send the third, fourth, and fifth sons. Yi'er will be stationed in the Byzantine and Romanian provinces, Yu'er in the Egyptian and Syrian provinces, and Xuan'er in the Arab and Yemeni provinces."

"As for the Western Expeditionary Army, apart from the Han Army Thousand-Households among the seven Semu Ten Thousand Households you established locally, the remaining Han Army Thousand-Households, Mongol Thousand-Households, and Semu Thousand-Households will all be rotated. The old rule will still be followed, with one Thousand-Household being drawn from each Ten Thousand Household. The Mongol Thousand-Households for the Western Expedition will be swapped with the Mongol Thousand-Households stationed on the Baluwan Grassland."

Zhao He's western expedition brought him vast territory. He established two Semu (Central Asian) commanderies in the province of Egypt, and one Semu commandery in each of the other provinces, for a total of seven Semu commanderies. Each Semu commandery was headed by a Han Chinese commander of one thousand.

These seven Semu commanders, of course, continued to garrison the local areas.

The remaining troops of the Western Expeditionary Army can rotate with the rear troops.

There are now 460,000 households in other regions, which means that 46,000 troops can be mobilized for garrison duty, which is much more than the previous Western Expeditionary Army.

However, considering that the Western Expeditionary Army initially selected only the most elite troops from the local commandery, the strength after the troop rotation should not have changed much.

With 46,000 troops under the command of Zhao Shuo's three sons, and assisted by Shi Songzhi, Shi Tianze, and Gerile, who will soon be relieved of his post with Hairige, there shouldn't be any major problems.

Zhao He nodded and said, "Father is wise."

After discussing the matter with his son and consulting with the main ministers of the court, Zhao Shuo issued two imperial edicts.

The first imperial edict established the Privy Council, appointing Shi Tianni as the Vice Privy Councilor in charge of the Privy Council.

Originally, Zhao Shuo himself had been in charge of the military affairs of the Zhao Shuo Khanate. It wouldn't be inappropriate to hand it over to Zhao He in the future.

However, the decline of descendants is inevitable, so we must first establish a proper framework.

During Zhao Shuo's eastern expedition to Japan, Zhao He served as regent. He was assisted by Yelü Chucai in political affairs and by Shi Tianni in military matters.

Now, the promotion path for military officers in the Zhao Shuo Khanate is very clear.

Ten households, one hundred households, one thousand households, ten thousand households, banner lord, deputy privy councilor, privy councilor.

Although Shi Tianni, the deputy privy councilor, is about to do the work of a privy councilor, he has neither enough merit to be promoted directly to privy councilor nor is it necessary for him to do so. It would be better to leave some room for advancement.

The second imperial edict was the "Edict to Annihilate the Japanese Pirates".

In this edict, Zhao Shuo first and foremost explained the significance of the annihilation of the Japanese pirates.

Zhao Shuo had already made sufficient preparations for public opinion in the newspapers, so a simple explanation would suffice.

Then, it was announced that Crown Prince Zhao He would oversee the country, with Shi Tianni and Yelü Chucai assisting him, and Zhao Shuo would lead an army of 120,000 men on a personal expedition.

Thirdly, there is the policy towards Japan.

Zhao Shuo announced that any city in Fusang that dared not surrender within seven days of the army's arrival would have its cartwheels flattened, leaving only young women alive.

When passing through rural towns, anyone who fired an arrow at the army was considered to be disobedient and was immediately slaughtered, except for the young women.

Fourth, in addition to the 120,000 regular troops, 100,000 soldiers were mobilized nationwide as reserves.

After the main force has established a foothold in Japan, the Fubing troops will land to help the field army with logistics and stabilize the local area.

After successfully completing the mission, each soldier was rewarded with two Japanese women.

Fifth, people from all over the country can now register to immigrate to Japan. The first batch of immigrants is planned to number 100,000, and the plan is to immigrate 500,000 within ten years.

Sixth, encourage civilian fleets to help the army transport military supplies.

During the Song Dynasty, maritime transport was highly developed, and the number of privately owned ships was quite large. In Quanzhou's Citong Port alone, there were often more than 10,000 ships anchored.

Zhao Shuo's navy of three 10,000-household units was mainly used for fighting wars; cross-sea transportation could be entirely entrusted to civilian ships.

Moreover, the required transportation distance is actually not that long.

Zhao Shuo began preparing for the conquest of Japan ten years ago. By now, he had stockpiled large quantities of grain and fodder at Busan Port in southern Korea and on Tamna Island.

The distance from these two places to Japan and Kyushu Island is only between four and eight hundred li.

After Ryukyu surrendered, Zhao Shuo also stockpiled some grain and fodder in Ryukyu, which was less than 800 li away from Japan and Kyushu Island.

The imperial court paid the freight at a price 20% higher than the normal sea freight rate.

Those who complete major maritime missions will be granted honorary titles, and those who make outstanding contributions will be rewarded with military merits, and it is not impossible for them to be ennobled.

When the imperial edict was issued, the whole country was in an uproar!
Zhang Family Ancestral Hall in Quanzhou City.

"His Majesty has already issued the 'Decree to Annihilate the Japanese Pirates.' We can't interfere with other matters, but maritime transport is the Zhang family's specialty. What do you think?"

Zhang De, the patriarch of the Zhang clan in Quanzhou, had white hair and beard but was still vigorous, his eyes fixed intently on the more than twenty key members of the Zhang family in the ancestral hall.

As the largest maritime merchant family in Quanzhou, the Zhang family had to contribute at this time; the only difference was the amount of contribution they made.

“I believe that since His Majesty has issued this decree, my Zhang family should contribute 20% of our transport capacity to transport grain for the court. In this way, we can meet the court’s needs without affecting our Zhang family’s business. After all, we have already sent out quite a few people to search for new lands overseas.”

"Twenty percent is definitely not enough! It should be thirty percent! Although this kind of business doesn't make much profit, it's a good opportunity to get closer to the imperial court! Even if we lose some profits from maritime trade, it's nothing."

"Forty percent! Don't forget how the Song Kingdom exploited us. Without Your Majesty, could our business have grown so large? To repay Your Majesty's kindness, I believe it is perfectly reasonable for me to contribute forty percent of our transport capacity!"

"Let's go with 40%! Providing this much transport capacity might please the imperial court and earn us official titles, which would be a great honor for our ancestors!"

……

People spoke up, with most agreeing that the Zhang family's allocation of 40% of their shipping capacity was perfectly reasonable. Although Zhao Shuo's price was 20% higher than normal freight rates, the Zhang family primarily engaged in long-distance maritime trade. Compared to this, shorter-distance shipping was less profitable. Giving up a highly lucrative business to transport military rations would result in significant losses.

However, as the voices of the people gradually subsided, Zhang De shook his head slightly.

He said, "Forty percent is still too little. I think it would be appropriate for my Zhang family to contribute seventy percent of the transportation capacity."

"Why?" someone asked.

Forget about the financial loss. Doing business requires integrity. If the Zhang family only uses 70% of their transport capacity, they can only maintain business with a few major clients. Who knows how much reputation they will lose?

If Zhang Desu hadn't been highly respected, people would probably have started to question him at this point.

Zhang De, however, remained solemn and said, "Why? There are three reasons."

"Firstly, this is not merely a matter of reporting the King's kindness, nor is it simply a matter of improving relations with the court; it is a matter of proving ourselves!"

"Since ancient times, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants have been the lowest of the four classes. Your Majesty is benevolent and has shown no discrimination against us merchants. But we must ask ourselves: we do not engage in production, so what gives us the right to possess such immense wealth? Have we truly contributed more to the court than scholars, artisans, and farmers?"

"Now that the king is using us maritime merchants, we should seize this rare opportunity to prove ourselves and our usefulness to the country! How can we not give it our all?"

"Secondly, we are the largest maritime merchant family in Quanzhou. If our shipping capacity is less than that of other families, how will the imperial court view the Zhang family? Therefore, we should do our utmost to ensure that our shipping capacity far exceeds that of other families!"

"Thirdly, His Majesty has always said that he is willing to share the world with the Han and the Mongols. And he has always done so! This world also belongs to us maritime merchants, and it also belongs to our Zhang family! Now that His Majesty himself is about to lead the expedition, and we are still reluctant to part with that little bit of money and reputation, are you even human? I am ashamed for you!"

Wow~~
As soon as Zhang De finished speaking, the ancestral hall erupted in a frenzy, as if a pot had been boiled over.

"Yes! Grandpa Clan Chief is right!"

"Seventy percent! Seventy percent it is! We have a share in this world, so this is actually working for ourselves!"

"Look at the Pu family of Quanzhou back then! They have no place in the maritime trade now. The prosperity of the country is the prosperity of our Zhang family. This is a matter of family and country being one!"

"Yes, use 70% of our transport capacity! Absolutely no less! It's time for us merchants to prove we can serve the country!"

"The businessmen we work with should be able to understand!"

……

The crowd discussed it amongst themselves, and their minds were made up.

The Zhao Shuo Khanate was not only the kingdom of Zhao Shuo's family, but also a kingdom shared by the Han and Mongol people!

The Zhang family in Quanzhou allocated 70% of their transportation capacity to transport military rations!
……

……

Meanwhile, in the Hulunbuir Grassland, in the city of Harka.

"Artana, you have to put in a good word for us with the king! How can we Mongols be absent from this expedition to Japan?"

Although both Dorbodokheshen and Altana were Mongol commanders, it was clear that Altana, being both a member of Zhao Shuo's old guard and stationed in Kharka Guicheng for a long time, was much more valued by Zhao Shuo than Dorbodokheshen.

In the beginning, Zhao Shuo sent Duoerboduoheishen's son, Duoerchidai, to Tamna Island to raise horses, which was a reference to Japan.

When the order was issued, Zhao Shuo personally led the expedition, but apart from the Black Cavalry, he did not bring any other Mongol commanders. Dorbodo Heishenzhen was anxious and came to see Altana.

Altana frowned and said, "How am I supposed to talk to you like this? Of the Mongol commanders under His Majesty's command, some are stationed between Eurasia, on the front lines of the country. Others are in the Baliwan Grassland, suppressing regions like India and Persia. There are only a few commanders left on the grassland, and we still have to be wary of them... Isn't this what you call taking them seriously?"

He didn't specify what he was guarding against, but the meaning was obvious.

Harka Guicheng is not only Zhao Shuo's northern capital, but also has many high-tech workshops. How could he not leave trusted and heavily armed troops to guard it and guard against the people on the grassland?
Even if Zhao Shuo wanted to use Mongol troops to conquer Japan, he couldn't spare many soldiers!

Dorbodohe said, “Then we can transfer some Han troops to guard Harka Guicheng and relieve them in their place! We, the few commanders, will accompany His Majesty on the expedition!”

Altana shook his head again, saying, "On what basis? Do you really think we are stronger than the Han army? Even if the king favors us Mongols, this kind of mobilization is inappropriate, isn't it?"

"That's exactly what I've been waiting for, Altana!"

Dorbodo Heishen slapped his thigh excitedly and said, "In a real fight, we might not be a match for the Han army. But we can endure hardship!"

"I have found out that there are four islands in the whole of Japan: Kyushu, Honshu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido. The Japanese only really occupy three of the islands, while Hokkaido is in the hands of the Ainu."

"The easiest place to reach on a cross-sea expedition is Kyushu Island. However, Japan will definitely be heavily guarding that place. The Hokkaido of the Ezo people, on the other hand, is certainly not under our guard."

"Of course I know why Your Majesty didn't march from Hokkaido. One reason is that the sea route is too long and logistics would be difficult to maintain. Another reason is that the Ezo people are too poor; they don't even have a city. How could they gather military provisions on the spot?"

Altana's eyes lit up, and he said, "When it comes to enduring hardship and fighting without logistical support, no one surpasses us Mongols! You mean, we, a few thousand commanders, should land on Ezo Island, disregard logistical support, and strike directly at the weak points of Japan? In this way, Japan will be attacked from both sides, how can it not be destroyed?"

"That's the truth!"

Dorberdohe said, "The Han army is getting stronger and stronger. How can we, the Mongol commanders of a thousand households, be on equal footing with the Han army's commanders of ten thousand households? We must make our own contributions and earn their respect. The most difficult battles must be fought by us Mongols!"

Altana nodded and said, "The steppe warriors do indeed need to fight and acquire spoils. Alright, it's settled then. We, the commanders of several thousand, will jointly petition the King, requesting to lead a detachment to conquer Ezo Island!"

The Mongol warriors were so eager for battle that the Han army's desire was even stronger.

"Judging from the King's stance, he intends to completely destroy Japan and exterminate its people! I'm so happy! Don't Japanese women like to come to China to 'transfer their seed'? This time, the Chinese people have come directly! Haha!"

Liu Zheng has been approved to join Zhao Shuo's eastern expedition to Japan under Meng Gong's command.

He certainly understood what Zhao Shuo meant by being so harsh on the cities that resisted Japan and by providing female slaves to the soldiers.

The intention was to destroy their nation and exterminate their people. This was simply left unsaid to give the Japanese a false sense of security.

But Liu Zheng was truly ecstatic.

Firstly, as former soldiers of the Song Dynasty, they were hampered by civil officials, making them hesitant to fight. Zhao Shuo's unbridled killing of his soldiers was exactly to his liking.

Secondly, he was extremely eager for fame and fortune, hoping to achieve great things and secure a position for his wife and children.

Zhao Shuo personally led the expedition, demonstrating the importance he attached to this war against Japan.

If he makes great contributions on his trip to Japan, he might very well rise to the rank of a commander of ten thousand households and even become a nobleman!

(End of this chapter)