Touching his chin, Lu Ming felt a jolt of shock; it seemed history had shifted and changed. He frowned imperceptibly, unable to understand what Emperor Ling was trying to do. Was he trying to get him to support Liu Bian?
Or was he planning something else?
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Zhang. Come, please sit. Someone, bring the dishes!"
"My lord, I will return to the back courtyard now. Please enjoy your meal, Lord Zhang. Farewell." Princess Wannian had no interest in this kind of banquet. If Lu Ming hadn't been absent, and she hadn't needed to stand up and maintain appearances, she, being pregnant, wouldn't have wanted to move an inch.
Aside from occasionally practicing yoga, she basically preferred sitting and lying down. "This servant respectfully sees the princess off."
Zhang Bao dared not be presumptuous. Although sending eunuchs on assignment was an act and opportunity to assert power, it depended on the person.
Lu Ming was not a man of good temper; the fact that he was being treated politely was already a sign of respect.
Soon, the food and wine were served, and Lu Ming even brought out a hot pot to cook mutton with Zhang Bao. Seeing Zhang Bao enjoying hot pot for the first time, and with the wine, he quickly became drunk and was then tricked into revealing information by Lu Ming.
Through this conversation, Lu Ming still couldn't determine what Emperor Ling intended to do.
Nominally, he was given overall command of the military and political affairs of the Three Auxiliary Regions, but no title or official position was given; he was still to assist Liu Bian.
It was said that Liu Bian would assist him, but was that really the case? And why had Empress He gone to Chang'an? Something seemed off. However, Lu Ming quickly decided to consult Jia Xu about the matter. This cunning strategist was always very astute; Jia Xu preferred stability to ensure his own survival.
Every single thing that seemed like a ruthless scheme to eliminate his enemies was actually a form of self-preservation.
Jia Xu was originally a general under Dong Zhuo. After Dong Zhuo's death, he advised Li Jue and Guo Si to launch a counterattack on Chang'an. After Li Jue and his men failed, he eventually became Zhang Xiu's strategist.
Before the Battle of Guandu, Jia Xu advised Zhang Xiu to surrender to Cao Cao. Zhang Xiu followed Jia Xu's advice and led his followers to submit to Cao Cao. Upon hearing the news, Cao Cao appointed Jia Xu as Commander of the Imperial Guards, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Duting, and promoted him to Governor of Ji Province.
After the pacification of Hebei, Cao Cao reassigned Jia Xu as Grand Master of the Palace.
Jia Xu, believing himself not to be a former subordinate of Cao Cao, yet possessing profound strategic acumen, feared Cao Cao's suspicion. Therefore, he adopted a self-protective strategy, remaining secluded and avoiding private interactions with others. He also ensured his children's marriages did not involve nepotism.
Every step was for self-preservation. If they hadn't counterattacked Chang'an, Lü Bu and Wang Yun would certainly not have spared Dong Zhuo's former subordinates after his execution; they would have wiped them out!
Because Dong Zhuo's entire family had been executed, it was clear that his actions had incurred the wrath of both heaven and man.
After obtaining the information, Lu Ming sent someone to escort Zhang Bao to the post station to rest. He himself went to visit Jia Xu's residence, needing to discuss the matter thoroughly with his strategists.
Currently, Xu Shu was still in Dunhuang, and Jia Xu was the only one he had by his side. Fa Zheng was far away in Beidi County; there was truly no one else he could use, so he had to make do with what he had.
If a member of the Yang family is appointed, they will ultimately find a loophole and be replaced!
Jia Xu was about to take a nap when a servant announced Lu Ming's arrival, so he quickly got up.
"My lord, I apologize for being late."
Jia Xu apologized immediately upon arrival, showing no anger at being disturbed from his nap. How could a subordinate allow himself to be angry with his superior?
Lu Ming shook his head, gestured to the chair, and said, "Wenhe, there's no need for formalities. It's truly urgent, and I have to bother you. I just received an imperial envoy from Luoyang. Because of the attack on our clansman Liu Yan, His Majesty has appointed me to temporarily manage the Three Auxiliary Regions and has sent his eldest son, Liu Bian, to assist me. The Empress has also departed for Chang'an to manage the temporary palace, and the General has sent his eldest son to Chang'an to assume his post."
Jia Xu stroked his beard as he listened to Lu Ming explain the recent intelligence. He frowned in thought, also considering all aspects of the situation. "So, Lord Liu Yan hasn't yet taken up his post in Yizhou. My lord, this is great news. If possible, why not seize Hanzhong? Once we take Hanzhong, we can utilize the Three Auxiliary Regions and Liangzhou, and after a few more years of cultivation, your great cause will be accomplished!"
Jia Xu ignored the affairs of the Three Auxiliary Regions, instead focusing his attention on a seemingly unrelated place: Hanzhong!
Firstly, Hanzhong's mountainous terrain, dense forests, and rugged roads make it ideal for mountain guerrilla warfare, effectively defending against invading enemies.
Secondly, Hanzhong's topography, with its rugged mountains and rivers, provides a favorable position for the defenders, allowing for swift and effective defensive measures.
At the same time, it also presents immense difficulties for the attackers.
Therefore, the Hanzhong region was considered a key strategic point for military commanders throughout history.
Historically, the Hanzhong region was an important area for various regimes, including the Shu Han, the Hanzhong Kingdom, the Jin Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty.
Located at the junction of subtropical and temperate zones, the Hanzhong region boasts a mild climate and abundant resources.
Its diverse geological structure and complex topography, coupled with fertile soil, made it a historically important granary. The Hanzhong region served as a vital passage connecting Sichuan and Chongqing with the Central Plains, holding significant economic and transportation importance.
It was an essential route for the Central Plains' southwestward advance and a crucial node for conquering the Sichuan and Chongqing regions.
Therefore, throughout history, the transportation routes of Hanzhong have always been highly valued, and many politicians and military strategists have fiercely contested this region.
Both Liu Bei and Cao Cao fought crucial battles for control of Hanzhong. Occupying it provided a natural barrier, allowing for both offense and defense.
According to Lu Ming's plan, to advance south into Yizhou, conquer it, and thus control half of the country, a westward advance would inevitably require capturing Hanzhong.
Regardless of whether or not Yizhou is conquered, Hanzhong must be taken.
Previously, there was no reason or excuse; now, taking advantage of the takeover of the Three Auxiliary Regions, they can use righteousness and legitimacy to seize Hanzhong and capture this crucial strategic location!
Although Hanzhong belonged to Yizhou, its proximity to the Three Auxiliary Regions and Longxi Commandery made it crucial to capture.
If Lu Ming didn't aspire to dominate the world, he wouldn't have done this. Jia Xu knew Lu Ming's ambition, which is why he proposed occupying Hanzhong.
Liu Bang's conquest of the Three Qin Regions was a significant event in Chinese history.
He led his army to occupy the Hanzhong region, ultimately conquering Guanzhong and establishing the Han Dynasty. During this process, the military value of the Hanzhong region was fully utilized. Liu Bang used Hanzhong as a natural barrier against enemy attacks, effectively blocking their advance.
During the unification wars of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Hanzhong region became a crucial strategic location. Due to the power struggles and internal divisions among various regimes, Hanzhong was often seen as the "eye of the world," a dangerous weapon in the eyes of all sides.
The military value of Hanzhong was fully realized during this period, with each faction vying to control the region and deploying troops there.
However, under a policy of self-preservation, the region gradually fell into an increasingly precarious situation, its vulnerability a cause for concern.