Martial Arts: My achievements in Beiliang were so great that they threatened the lord's positio

The cavalry commander was unwilling to give up.

"Let's surrender to the Yan army."

Tuoba Yu'er turned to look at the general, whose eyes burned with anger, but dimmed when they met her pleading gaze.

The general's face turned ashen.

"Let not our people continue to perish under the iron hooves of the Yan army."

Tuoba Yu'er's mind was made up.

soon

A white flag rose from the top of the chaotic city wall, and the Tuoba tribesmen inside the city finally caught their breath.

"Is that General Wutugu, commander of the Azure Wolf Cavalry, standing below the city?"

Tuoba Yu'er stood on the city wall: "I am Tuoba Yu'er, the princess of the Tuoba tribe. I hope to have an audience with Lord Lin Xuan, the prefect of Yan County."

"end."

Wutugu raised his hand and shouted to stop, and the Canglang cavalry stopped in response.

He spurred his horse forward and said in a deep voice, "If you wish to surrender, you must come out of the city in person."

A moment later, the city gate of Luanshi opened, and Tuoba Yu'er walked out alone, clutching a large seal tightly in her arms.

Upon reaching Wutuguma, she presented the seal with both hands, suppressing her fear as she looked up and said, "General Wutugu, this is the seal of the Tuoba tribe king."

"Come with me."

Wutugu led her to the outside of the commander's tent, and after searching her, allowed her to enter.

"Tuoba Yu'er, a criminal, has come to surrender to Prefect Lin."

She knelt down and raised the royal seal high above her head.

The large plate was taken and the seal was presented to Lin Xuan.

He played with it for a moment, then said coldly, "Look up."

Tuoba Yu'er looked up.

It must be admitted that this woman truly deserves the title of "Pearl of the Grasslands".

His appearance and demeanor were both exceptional.

"Why should I accept your surrender?"

Lin Xuan sneered: "Now, tens of thousands of iron cavalry from Yan County are galloping across the grasslands. It would only take a moment to annihilate the Tuoba tribe."

Tuoba Yu'er's face was pale, and she bit her lower lip lightly: "Although the Tuoba tribe was defeated, a considerable number of soldiers fled and scattered."

If they roam the border and raid Yan County, coming and going like the wind, even if you have elite troops, it will be difficult to wipe them out completely.

Secondly, if these soldiers were to defect to the three tribes of Doyan or other tribes east of the Misang River,

Then the strength of all tribes will surely increase greatly.

Thirdly, if the lord refuses to accept the surrender and slaughters the Tuoba tribe, not only will he suffer heavy losses, but in the future, no one in the various tribes of the grasslands will be willing to submit to him.

In times of war, regardless of the size of the tribe, they will fight to the death.

"These are the three evils."

Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow: "Continue."

Tuoba Yu'er said, "If you accept our surrender, there will be three great benefits."

"Firstly, the criminal woman can gather the scattered soldiers and civilians of the Tuoba tribe and order them to stop fighting, so that the Yan army can avoid casualties."

Secondly, the Tuoba tribe still has more than 10,000 soldiers who are ready to fight and are willing to obey your orders; in addition, there are 100,000 women, children and the elderly who can herd cattle and horses.

When children grow up, they can all serve adults.

Thirdly, if the news of the guilty woman's surrender spread throughout the grasslands, your good name will be known far and wide.

After that, wherever the Yan army's iron cavalry went, tribes large and small all submitted without a second thought.

"That makes sense."

Lin Xuan nodded slightly: "Tuoba Gui is still fleeing west. How will you gather your followers?"

"As a princess of the Tuoba clan, this sinful woman holds the royal seal, which is enough to command the tribe."

Tuoba Yu'er bowed and kowtowed.

"allow."

After a moment's hesitation, he nodded and said, "I accept the surrender of the Tuoba tribe."

"You have three days to gather all the scattered clansmen and accompany the army westward."

"I will never forget your kindness, my lord."

Tuoba Yu'er stood up.

"Wutugu, you will lead four thousand Canglang cavalry with you."

With Tuoba Yu'er surrendering her seal of office, Luanshi City also came under the control of the Yan army. The weapons and armor of the Tuoba soldiers in the city were confiscated and they were detained in the inner city.

Lin Xuan walked up the city wall and looked towards the grassland on the other side of the Misang River. Dusk was falling and the light of day was dim.

Three days have passed

Tuoba Yu'er led about 20,000 to 30,000 Tuoba tribesmen and several thousand young men back to the camp at the foot of Cansang Mountain.

The Xuanjia Army was responsible for guarding the area.

The battlefield has been cleared, the Hu people's belongings have been burned, and the fallen Yan soldiers have been buried at the foot of Cansang Mountain.

Here

No longer a foreign land

From this day forward, this grassland will be incorporated into the territory of Yan County.

The camps stretched for miles, with wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys. Lin Xuan rode his horse to inspect the camp for a week before returning to his tent.

"Sir, the figures have been calculated."

Meng Jiao rushed in, carrying a thick stack of booklets: "The people brought back by Tuoba Yu'er, along with the Tuoba tribesmen we captured, total more than 120,000, including 8,000 able-bodied men, all of whom can ride horses and fight."

There are approximately 30,000 children aged eight to thirteen.

"This means that in just a few years, we will be able to conscript tens of thousands of able-bodied men from the Tuoba tribe."

"In addition, 200,000 head of cattle and sheep, 30,000 warhorses, 100,000 taels of gold, 300,000 taels of silver, 3,000 sets of complete armor, and countless other furs were seized."

"We've made a fortune this time."

Meng Jiao was overjoyed.

The Yan army's losses were negligible compared to its gains.

"Tomorrow, I order Tian Hu to lead men to escort all the cattle, sheep, and valuables back to Yanzhou City."

Lin Xuan was in a good mood.

With this batch of wealth and warhorses, the Yan County Treasury can be kept safe in the short term.

A horse won't get fat without night grass, and a person won't get rich without unexpected wealth.

What the ancients said is indeed true.

He has already begun planning for the future.

They recruited soldiers and purchased horses, trained the troops, crossed the Misang River, and pacified the three tribes of Doyan.

"My lord, Tuoba Yu'er requests an audience."

The guards entered the tent to report.

"My lord, I shall take my leave now."

Meng Jiao gave a wink, put down the list, and hurriedly left, just as he passed Tuoba Yu'er.

"This sinful woman greets Your Excellency."

Tuoba Yu'er bowed.

She seemed to have dressed up carefully, with delicate features. When she bent over, her clothes were slightly open, revealing her full curves, and even the two rosy nipples could be vaguely seen, which was quite attractive.

Lin Xuan's gaze lingered on her, and Tuoba Yu'er felt the heat in his eyes.

A faint blush rose to her cheeks, but it quickly faded. She even gently tugged at her clothes, making her chest appear more prominent.

"Come closer and speak."

Lin Xuan waved.

She stepped forward, knelt down in front of the man, and leaned forward.

As a princess of the Tuoba tribe, she always held a superior position.

At this moment, however, they had no choice but to bow their heads and submit for their own future and the survival of their people.

"What is it?"

Lin Xuan reached out to take the teacup, but Tuoba Yu'er beat him to it, offering the cup with both hands.

Lin Xuan accepted it.

"What does Your Excellency intend to do with the Tuoba tribe?"

Tuoba Yu'er parted her lips slightly.

"Westward migration".

He said in a calm tone: "Then divide it into several smaller parts to herd cattle and horses for me."

Although she had expected it, Tuoba Yu'er was still somewhat dazed when she heard it with her own ears.

"You don't want to?"

Lin Xuan took a sip of hot tea.

"willing."

Tuoba Yu'er smiled bitterly: "Winter is approaching, and all the savings of the Tuoba tribe have been taken away by your iron cavalry."

Without fodder for cattle and sheep, half the tribe might not survive until spring.

"so?"

He squinted.

"The sinful woman wishes to borrow 100,000 cattle and sheep and 5,000 warhorses from you, sir."

Tuoba Yu'er said, "Within two years, the Tuoba tribe is willing to repay 150,000 cattle and sheep and 10,000 warhorses."

"not enough."

Lin Xuan said, "I want 200,000 cattle and sheep, and 20,000 warhorses."

"it is good."

Tuoba Yu'er pursed her lips and agreed.

He leaned back slightly in his chair and said calmly, "Tuoba Gui can no longer be the leader of the Tuoba tribe."

"The court needs to select a new leader from among the tribes and bestow titles upon him."

Who do you think is suitable for this task?

"I."

A glint of light flashed in Tuoba Yu'er's eyes—a flame of longing.

If it weren't for the southward advance of the Yan army...

She may have been nothing more than a princess known as the Pearl of the Grasslands in this life, who would eventually be married off to another tribe for the sake of an alliance.

But at this moment,

She felt she had to seize this opportunity to become the leader of the Tuoba tribe.

Even though the title carries no real power, it still symbolizes a degree of authority.

"It makes no difference to me who becomes the leader of the Tuoba tribe."

Lin Xuan raised his eyebrows slightly.

"The sinful woman understands."

Tuoba Yu'er looked up at him and said, "All you need, sir, is an obedient dog."

"And Yu'er is willing to be this docile dog."

She pursed her lips slightly.

"Can you deal with Tuoba Gui?"

He asked with a playful expression.

"meeting."

Tuoba Yu'er did not hesitate at all.

"Let me see how compliant you are."

He reached out and pressed Tuoba Yu'er's head down.

The army did not rush to set off. Instead, Tian Hu and Wutugu led the Xuanjia Army and the Canglang Cavalry to escort the Tuoba tribe back to Yan County.

Lin Xuan, along with Meng Jiao, Huyan Lie, and Xue Toutuo, stayed temporarily in Luanshi City.

Having already taken control of this vast grassland, withdrawing now would be tantamount to handing over the spoils of war to the three tribes of Doyan.

We must build a city.

Things are different now than they used to be.

In the past, the expeditions into the grasslands were only for the purpose of eliminating or driving out the Hu and Qiang tribes, but from now on...

Their intention was to occupy territory, and once they had gained it, they would never give it up again.

After surveying the surrounding terrain, he decided to expand Luanshi City before the snow fell and build a pass on the shore of Luanshi Beach.

The autumn harvest in Yan County is nearing its end. The letter was sent back a few days ago, and I expect it will be available soon.

A large number of artisans and laborers will soon arrive.

Therefore, Lin Xuan specially requested the Demonic Sect to send skilled craftsmen to Yan to help build the city's defenses.

Before departing, Lin Xuan ordered Zhang Wei and Xue Toutuo to lead 7,000 soldiers to garrison Luanshi City.

The purpose was twofold: first, to oversee the construction of city defenses; and second, to guard against invasions from the three tribes of the Doyan.

This is a favorable position, unlike the tranquility of Duanlong Pass. Stationing on the banks of the Misang River would likely mean frequent battles.

With everything arranged, he led the eight hundred battalions away.

There are still many important matters in Yan County that Lin Xuan needs to decide, the most important of which is the plan for the resettlement of the Tuoba tribe.

They traveled day and night at breakneck speed and returned to Yan County in just five days.

The Tuoba tribesmen were temporarily placed in the Yangsui cavalry camp, awaiting orders for their fate.

After consulting with the officials of the prefecture, it was decided to designate three pastures south of Dafu Mountain, establish garrisons there, with the same rank as counties, and relocate some of the Tuoba tribes to these three garrisons.

In name only, the Tuoba tribe still exists, but in reality, it has been divided.

Tuoba Yu'er was officially appointed as the Tuoba King by the Prefectural Governor's Office, but for most of the time thereafter, this king would likely have to serve as a maid in the mansion.

With the garrison established, the Tuoba people gradually moved in, and the prefectural government allocated 100,000 cattle and sheep, 5,000 warhorses, and a certain amount of grain and winter clothing.

The three garrisons thereafter could continue to supply Lin Xuan with labor and livestock.

The Tuoba tribe did not raise many objections to this, and compared to other defeated steppe tribes, their fate was already considered lenient.

"My lord, the household registrations of Qianniu Guard, Tieyang Guard, and Fulong Guard have been completed."

On this day,

The sky was overcast and a light rain was falling. Wang Qing entered the prefect's office to report on the progress.

"The Thousand Bull Guard has a register of 40,000."

Wang Qing said, "Among them, there are three thousand able-bodied men, thirty thousand women and children, and several thousand elderly people."

"The Tieyang Guard has a registered population of 50,000, with 4,000 able-bodied men and 40,000 women and children."

"The Fulong Guard has a registered population of 30,000, including 5,000 able-bodied men and 20,000 women and children."

The three garrisons can mobilize more than 10,000 cavalry.

Lin Xuan instructed: "Transfer a group of refugees from various county towns to Qianniu Sanwei to teach those Hu people farming methods."

"At the same time, the commanders of each garrison were ordered to explain in detail the contents of the 'kill one, kill ten' order to the members of the Tuoba tribe."

The duties of a thousand-household commander are equivalent to those of a county magistrate. Below him are hundred-household commanders and small flag officers, who are responsible for managing the Hu people within the garrison area.

"Yes, ma'am."

Wang Qing reported: "In addition, it needs to be reported that the first batch of craftsmen and laborers dispatched have arrived in Luanshi City."

"The supply of provisions needs to be provided in a timely manner. I will arrange for Wutugu to lead the Canglang Cavalry to patrol the grasslands regularly."

Lin Xuan nodded slightly: "Once the grass on the grassland is basically dry, it can be set on fire to create conditions for spring plowing next year."

"set fire?"

Standing behind, Tuoba Yu'er's eyes were wide open, revealing fear in her gaze, and her body trembled slightly involuntarily.

This is tantamount to completely destroying the livelihoods of grassland tribes.

It is conceivable that once this vast grassland is cultivated into fertile land, the grassland tribes will likely find it difficult to survive in the future.

"I will immediately begin preparations upon my return."

As September approached and the weather gradually turned colder, Yanzhou City was bustling with activity, with carriages and horses coming and going and pedestrians thronging the streets.

This year, the grain harvest in various counties has been bountiful, people's lives are prosperous, and commerce is booming as a result.

The number of people selling goods on East Street alone has nearly doubled compared to previous years.

Many of the previously vacant houses were rented out and turned into teahouses, inns, jade shops, and silk stores.

Grain taxes paid by various counties were successively delivered to the government office, filling the granaries to the brim, and the gold and silver in the warehouses were piled up like mountains.

Lin Xuan led his personal guards to inspect each county, village, and town. After verifying that the data reported by the government was correct, he went to inspect the Qianniu Three Guards.

"grown ups."

Leng Sanqiu, the commander of the Thousand Bull Guard, led the guard officials to greet them.

He was originally one of the eight hundred cavalrymen, and had studied in a private school for several years. He was quick-witted.

"Lead the way, I'll look around."

Lin Xuan gave the instructions.

"Yes."

A number of officials accompanied him.

The Tuoba tribe members within the Qianniu Garrison were divided into dozens of areas.