I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 46 - 18: All Under Heaven Are Guilty, the Guilt Lies With Me (Part 2)

Chapter 46: Chapter 18: All Under Heaven Are Guilty, the Guilt Lies With Me (Part 2)
He respectfully saluted Liu Zhuang, then opened his mouth to speak: "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion."
"Among the ministers, not all are opposed to the use of military force."
"Recently, the generals who once followed the late Emperor in rejuvenating Han have gradually passed away."
"The young generals are eager to establish their achievements and careers, but the overwhelming momentum of the world deters them from speaking rashly."
"However, Your Majesty can deliberate slowly."
"The ministers do not wish for Your Majesty to use military force, but rather, they don’t want a large-scale deployment."
"If Your Majesty now announces dispatching generals to strike, the ministers would surely rejoice and would not refuse."
"Moreover, it is a good opportunity to train our young generals of the Great Han."
"In two more years, when the national strength of the Great Han is fully restored, even surpassing the times of Emperor Wen, the ministers will have no reason to oppose Your Majesty."
"By then, our Great Han will have strong soldiers and numerous generals, why should Your Majesty worry about not completing the great ambition within?"
Gu Kang calmly and methodically analyzed the political situation for Liu Zhuang.
Perhaps because of impatience, if it were usual times, Liu Zhuang would definitely come up with ways to deal with these officials, but now he needs Gu Kang’s guidance.
But it’s not entirely his fault...
Any emperor with great ambition would not choose to waste time.
Especially with Gu Kang’s presence, Liu Zhuang’s heart harbors even grander aspirations.
He wants to let the strength of the Great Han surpass all the previous dynasties!
Even at the peak of the Former Han, it shall not prevail!
Liu Zhuang, with such aspirations, cannot merely watch time pass idly by?
However, after listening to Gu Kang’s words, Liu Zhuang gradually calmed down.
He looked at Gu Kang with a complex expression, fell silent for a moment, and then sighed: "If all the ministers of the Great Han were like Ji Shi."
"I can hardly imagine the scene of prosperity that the Great Han would exhibit."
These words bore similarity to those spoken in past years, yet laden with deeper sentiment.
"The talent of a minister can only be utilized under a wise ruler like Your Majesty." Gu Kang said humbly, without any hint of claiming credit.
"This time I won’t take your words as flattery." Liu Zhuang chuckled, evidently having made up his mind on the matter.
Then he gathered the ministers and directly announced the matter.
And the ministers’ reactions were as Gu Kang expected, unanimously praising Liu Zhuang’s wisdom.
In fact, it was when pulling back and forth with an emperor as strong as Liu Zhuang, that the ministers felt the greatest pressure.
If not for using Liu Xiu’s actions as a shield.
Who in the world would dare oppose Liu Zhuang?
Now the Emperor has stated it is a raid, which already implies there will not be a large-scale military movement, how could they dare continue resisting?
The matter has thus been settled.
And after Liu Zhuang completely calmed down, his outstanding talents fully emerged.
He quickly formulated a strategy to launch a four-pronged military campaign against the Northern Xiongnu:
— Taipu Ji Rong leads eleven thousand cavalry comprised of Hedong, Beidi, West River Qiang and Hu, and Southern Chanyu troops out of Gaoque Pass;
Captain Dou Gu leads twelve thousand cavalry comprised of Jiuquan, Dunhuang, Zhangye armored troops, and Lushui Qiang and Hu out of Jiuquan;
Captain Geng Bing leads ten thousand cavalry comprised of Wuwei, Longxi, Celestial Water recruited soldiers, and Qiang and Hu out of Juyan Pass;
Cavalry Captain Lai Miao leads eleven thousand cavalry comprised of Taiyuan, Yan Sect, Dai Commandery, Right Beiping, Dingxiang Commandery troops, and Wuhuan, Xianbei out of Pingcheng Pass.
Four-pronged armies advancing north together, united in campaign against the Northern Xiongnu.
After many years, the Great Han’s war machine finally restarted.
Although not pouring all its resources as during widespread chaos, given the Great Han’s current national strength, the power of these four armies is incomparable to the past.
....
"Zhong Sheng!"
Gu Cheng rushed to find Ban Chao, shouting excitedly, "The opportunity for distinction for us brothers has finally arrived!"
"Your Majesty has permitted me to accompany the Captain on the expedition!"
He had truly felt stifled for too long.
Though small-scale wars occurred occasionally in the Great Han over the years, he was never deployed, remaining with the central army to train soldiers.
The opportunity has finally arrived, how could he not be thrilled?
Upon hearing, Ban Chao was overjoyed, immediately standing up and grabbing Gu Cheng’s arm, eagerly asking: "Is it true, brother?"
The two indeed got along well, and after some time, they became sworn brothers.
"Of course it’s true!" Gu Cheng nodded, "How could I joke about such a thing?"
Ban Chao instantly became excited.
In fact, when Gu Cheng mentioned recommending him to the army, he was quite happy.
Because Ban Chao always felt that he was not suited for holding a pen.
Originally, he thought he would face the chance to build achievements, who could foresee waiting for so many years?
Now, the opportunity has truly arrived!
"Zhong Sheng, the two of us brothers must seize this opportunity."
"Brother told me, as long as we achieve great accomplishments this time, Your Majesty will certainly utilize us!"
"Your Majesty is a heroic and wise sovereign, this is our luck, it must not be squandered!"
Gu Cheng earnestly said as he looked at Ban Chao.
"Rest assured, I will not bring shame to the Minister of Agriculture!"
Ban Chao evidently still remembered the favor of Gu Kang’s recommendation.
Such is today’s Great Han.
At a time when virtue is increasingly valued, the grace of recommendation is also considered a great favor.
"I mean you should not waste your own talents!"
Unexpectedly, Gu Cheng suddenly became serious, closely watching Ban Chao, "Do you still recall that prediction?"
"He once said, both of us brothers would be ennobled thousands of miles away."
"I have always remembered this matter."
Saying it with solemnity, Gu Cheng patted Ban Chao’s shoulder with exceptional earnestness, eyes full of expectations.
Seeing Gu Cheng’s eyes, seemingly full of light.