"Just consider me that."
Zhang Xiaojing, Chen Yunqiao, Cui Qi, and others also stepped forward to say goodbye.
These men are now all important figures in the military, largely thanks to Lu Xuan's patronage. Lu Xuan has always been very considerate of his own people.
"General." The three men clasped their hands in a salute to Lu Xuan.
"Alright, after all these years, I still can't get used to you guys bowing to me."
"General, why not stay? The Tang Dynasty is thriving, and a golden age is just around the corner. Why not stay and protect this prosperous era with us?" Zhang Xiaojing was somewhat agitated. He still couldn't understand why Lu Xuan would retire at this time. His lord was still so young.
"The glorious Tang Dynasty... I have seen it all. The rest is in your hands. Take good care of it, and protect it well."
In the distance, the ministers of the imperial court stood. They didn't approach, but from afar, they all bowed in unison to Lu Xuan. Even the most cunning person had to admit that Lu Xuan was the most unique and respectable official they had ever seen. He had set everything in the beginning, leaving the credit to them. Such a person deserved their respect.
At this moment, Li Heng finally came over.
"General, is there nothing about this Tang Dynasty that you would cherish?"
"Your Majesty is joking. The places I go are also part of the Tang Dynasty's territory. In the future, even more distant places will be part of the Tang Dynasty's territory. No matter where I go, I am still part of the Tang Dynasty."
"Hahaha. Well said, well said. No matter where we go, we are still in the Tang Dynasty. General, do you remember a long time ago, you asked me a question? You said, I can give you a prosperous empire, can you keep it?"
"I vaguely remember that there was such a thing."
"Back then, I didn't give you a straight answer, and for many years that has brooded over it. Today, I can answer you. I..."
However, at this moment, Lu Xuan interrupted Li Heng.
"Your Majesty need not answer. Let this question be left for posterity to judge a hundred years from now."
"That's true. A hundred years from now, someone will answer this question for me. General, the journey is long and arduous. Is there anything else you need?"
"His Majesty has already given me everything I wanted."
Lu Xuan's words were true. He wasn't traveling alone in a carriage with a few women. In fact, the procession stretching for miles outside Chang'an belonged to him.
Besides Lu Xuan's family, Li Heng specially gifted Lu Xuan 3,000 elite cavalry and 5,000 militia. Hundreds of cartloads of supplies were also provided, along with countless artisans. The entire group numbered nearly 10,000. This was essentially a migration-like operation.
Before leaving, he was no longer just a minor county magistrate. Li Heng, with a stroke of his pen, directly bestowed upon Lu Xuan the title of King of the Western Regions. This was solely because Lu Xuan had chosen the far northwest when requesting his fiefdom.
Lu Xuan had said that General Wang had defeated the Turks, expanding the Tang Dynasty's territory into the northwest. "Why don't you give me that area? I'll try and see if I can go further west."
The entire court was so moved by Lu Xuan's words that they nearly wept. It was common knowledge that the Northwest region was barren and desolate, a wild and uncivilized frontier. Anyone with a modicum of sense would never choose such a place as their fiefdom.
Lu Xuan's move was seen as a show of loyalty to the imperial court. Lu Xuan did indeed have that intention to some extent. However, what he was more concerned about was that if he continued westward, he would be almost in Europe.
The Northwest is indeed barren. But once you enter mainland Europe, it's a land blessed by nature. Its climate, topography, and resources are perfectly suited for the development of a civilization.
Li Heng was magnanimous and readily agreed. He even added an extra layer of protection for Lu Xuan: "From your fiefdom westward to northward, whatever you can conquer is yours."
Lu Xuan chuckled softly. He couldn't help but recall a joke circulating online from later years: "If Qin Shi Huang had had a world map back then, would we already be settled on Mars by now?"
Li Heng never knew how big the world was. But that's alright, Lu Xuan would tell him.
He bid farewell to everyone. Lu Xuan waved, and the procession of tens of thousands set off in a grand procession. The entire journey might take a year, or even longer. Li Heng had already issued imperial edicts to those along the route.
Throughout the journey, Lu Xuan, the King of the Western Regions, was required to cooperate fully with any needs he might have, without fail. Afterwards, Lu Xuan departed.
..............
postscript.
In the eleventh year of the Tianbao era, An Lushan, the military governor of Pinglu, died in despair. It is said that in the last year of his life, he weighed 350 jin (approximately 125 kg). His abdominal fat even covered his knees. He wailed in agony on his sickbed for three days and three nights before finally finding relief.
In the same year, the Tang Dynasty abolished the position of Jiedushi (military governor) of Pinglu. The Jiedushi system of the Tang Dynasty officially began its countdown.
In the twenty-first year of the Tianbao era, the Tang Dynasty completed its fifteen-year military reforms. The army was reduced by more than half, yet its combat strength increased dramatically. This was because artillery had officially entered the Tang Dynasty's military arsenal. From then on, city walls were no longer an obstacle.
At the same time, due to the court's vigorous implementation of various policies to improve people's livelihoods, the population increased rapidly, and the country's strength grew day by day. Coupled with the guidance of public opinion, a spontaneous trend of thought for expeditions even emerged within the country.
In the twenty-third year of the Tianbao era, Li Heng, 'responding to the will of the people,' ordered a southern expedition. The Tang army, armed with firearms, swiftly annihilated many small kingdoms in South Asia. Within two years, most of South Asia and Southwest Asia had been incorporated into the Tang Dynasty.
When the news reached the Tang Dynasty, the whole country rejoiced. The Tang people's sense of self-identity reached its peak.
All under heaven are barbarians, only the Tang people are noble.
In the 43rd year of the Tianbao era, Li Heng passed away. He was posthumously honored as Emperor Wuzong. By this time, the Tang Dynasty had already subdued all sides, having almost unified the entire Asia. Crown Prince Li Xuan ascended the throne. He continued the Tianbao era name and inherited the Tang Dynasty's strategy of territorial expansion. He began to vigorously develop maritime technology, preparing for expeditions overseas. Thus, the Age of Exploration began in the Tang Dynasty.
Then there's Lu Xuan, who traveled to the far northwest of the Tang Dynasty.
He led his three thousand knights, along with tens of thousands of refugees gathered along the way, to establish a small town in the harsh, far north. Then he began his farming career anew.
Why not farm in the Tang Dynasty and then conquer the world? Because Lu Xuan felt sorry for the people of the Tang Dynasty and for his own nation. He didn't want to start a war in the Tang Dynasty based on his personal preferences. So he chose to leave and start his farming career in what is now Russia.
Compared to starting with just a dog, Lu Xuan starts with three thousand elite cavalry, tens of thousands of civilians and artisans, and countless funds and provisions. Moreover, he's surrounded by other races, so he has no worries whatsoever. Lu Xuan can finally fully experience the joys of farming...
Finally, still feeling the excitement, let's recite a frontier poem.
Frontier Ballad
The Silk Road is shrouded in dust and gloom, while a lone rider, his steed gleaming, cuts through the wind and sand.
Armored warriors, alarmed by the approaching pack of wolves, brandished their swords, ready to strike—they were Han soldiers.
(End of this volume)