The powerful tribes believed they could manage the Hu people. Therefore, the Hu people in Luochuan were no longer subject to their control.
People within Luochuan also began to fear the 100,000 Hu people outside the city, believing they might pose a threat to Luochuan at any time. Initially, the ordinary Hu people of Luochuan were willing to welcome their compatriots and sell vegetables to them.
Just one night later, a rumor spread near Luochuan that a Hu person from Yifan had broken into a Hu family's home in Luochuan and killed the entire family.
Before the local officials could even investigate, the Hu people of Luochuan began to boycott the group. Then, by sheer coincidence, a drunkard wandered into someone's house and was mistaken for a thief and beaten to death.
The drunkard's family wanted to seek justice, so they argued with the family. During the argument, a group of people from Luochuan arrived and beat them up.
News of the beating reached outside the city again. The group immediately gathered together to demand justice for the family.
The local tribes were also dissatisfied with the arrogance and prejudice of the Luochuan people, feeling that they were just uncivilized peasants from outside the city, as if they were superior.
So, the powerful local tribes initially remained restrained. That is, until a self-important local tribesman from Luochuan mocked the Hakka people at a banquet, calling them a bunch of orphans who now wanted to occupy land.
The city gates should be closed, and the Yi people driven back. They should share life and death with the Crown Prince. After all, they are the Crown Prince's subjects. They've also smeared Li Li's achievements in the Red River region, claiming he feigned resistance against the Northern Huns to deliberately drive the Yi people to Luochuan because he couldn't support them all. They're supposed to eat Luochuan food, wear Luochuan clothes, and ultimately sleep in Luochuan beds.
They turned a man into a bandit.
These words thoroughly enraged the group. This group was also exceptionally tough; instead of immediately smashing and destroying the place, they scouted the location and headed straight for the powerful local lord's house.
They wrecked the lord's house. Afterwards, the lord deliberately paid compensation to settle the matter.
The county magistrate of Luochuan reported the matter to Beiluo. Beiluo was simply impatient and told the magistrate to turn a blind eye and, incidentally, to shut up those in the city who were living too well.
If Beiluo can hold off the Northern Xiongnu, he will have more leverage to negotiate with the Xiongnu king. Therefore, his eldest son, whom he dislikes, can still be of some use.
The county magistrate of Luochuan was not a shrewd or perceptive person. He received orders from the tribal chief to simply maintain order and mediate.
As a result, the county magistrate went to curry favor with the higher-ranking officials, who were satisfied and expressed their willingness to restrain their own people.
When this matter reached the ears of the powerful tribes of Luochuan, it was their turn to become dissatisfied. A group of them secretly began to compete with each other again.
Then some untrue rumors circulated, saying that while the Khan of the Northern Regions was relying on his crown prince to hold the line at the front, he was secretly betraying the interests of the entire Northern Regions by negotiating with the Xiongnu King Aqina.
Whether it's a rumor or not, it has shocked many people.
The Hu people of Luochuan didn't believe it at all, and neither did the local people. It wasn't until someone spread the word that the Hu envoy had arrived in the Northern Regions. And that Hu envoy had walked openly and legitimately through the gates of Luochuan, right in front of many local people.
The people were utterly enraged. They had left their homes because their homeland was the gateway to the entire Northern Region, and their crown prince was still guarding that gateway. Yet their Khan, the ruler of the nation, had surrendered before even engaging in battle.
It wasn't just the local people; the Hu people of Luochuan were also enraged when they heard about this.
The local tribesmen of Luochuan also inquired and learned that the person entering the city gate was indeed an envoy from the Xiongnu, and that he was received by Yelü Wen's men. The other side had actually dared to swagger in at this critical juncture; it was clearly a show of force.
The Hu people and the local tribes of Luochuan immediately united, demanding an explanation from the Khan. The Northern Region, unlike the new Tianjing, had its own separate palace and urban area.
Luochuan in the Northern Region is a main city, surrounded by suburbs, some of which are pastures. The Northern Region is currently in a semi-agricultural, semi-nomadic civilization, a result achieved only thirty years after the reforms of the Northern Region's founding emperor.
Bei Luo ascended to the throne during the most prosperous and wealthy period of the Northern Region, indulging in a life of luxury and extravagance. On the surface, the Northern Region maintained a facade of peace and tranquility. However, beneath the surface, undercurrents of unrest and turmoil were brewing. Hidden within was the hidden danger of a semi-agricultural, semi-nomadic society: ethnic conflict.
The large, assimilated tribes and the smaller, unaffiliated tribes were internally divided. The large tribes embraced Central Plains culture and became new powerful clans, their power undiminished. The smaller tribes, instead of benefiting from assimilation, felt their right to survival was being usurped by the large tribes, leading to discontent. This discontent eventually coalesced into populist forces, and at one point, a movement to return to nomadic life arose within the tribes.
However, they were all temporarily suppressed by Bei Luo using force.
The two forces that were originally well balanced by Bei Luo have now united for the first time because of his reception of the Hu and Xiongnu envoys.
Because compared to the internal divisions in the northern regions, the Huns and Xiongnu have now come to their doorstep. Yet their ruler is warmly receiving an envoy from an enemy state.
This time, even without any intervention from the main force, the tribes of Luochuan were all unsettled. They all considered themselves far more civilized than the Northern Hu and Xiongnu, who were known for their bloodthirsty and uncivilized nature. Dealing with the Northern Hu and Xiongnu now felt like dealing with barbarians, a humiliating act that diminished their own status.
Bei Luo initially didn't think much of it, as the Northern Region had always followed the example of the Southern Central Plains by establishing VIP residences for various countries within its borders to receive visiting envoys.
It was perfectly normal for a Xiongnu envoy to enter and leave Luochuan. Since the new Tianjing also had envoys in the northern regions, the Xiongnu people were used to it regardless of which country's envoy entered Luochuan.
However, the presence of Hu and Xiongnu envoys in and out of Luochuan became an eyesore.
Bei Luo had grievances he couldn't express. It was customary for the Xiongnu envoys to visit once a month. This month's visit was simply following the established procedure.
Moreover, there were envoys from various countries afterward, not just the Hu and Xiongnu envoys. Yet, it was the Hu and Xiongnu envoys who were singled out and relentlessly pursued. This stirred up public resentment and caused misunderstandings among the Hu people.
The fire has now spread to him. Even knowing this situation, Lian Dafan couldn't help but have doubts.
Before the Northern Region Luochuan could even begin to understand the situation at the front, problems had already arisen at the rear.
Many officials from the Central Plains who had already entered the power center of the Northern Region advised Luo Chuan to personally step forward to quell public grievances. They suggested that, if necessary, it would be best to take action against the Xiongnu envoys.
Now that the Northern Hu and Xiongnu have launched an invasion, they are already enemies of the Northern Regions. Not to mention that killing envoys is commonplace during times of war. How could we allow envoys from an enemy state to swagger into the capital during wartime?
Bei Luo subtly suggested to his court officials that they come up with other ideas. Killing the envoy would damage the image of the great northern power.
The courtiers were speechless. The enemy had already reached their doorstep, yet their ruler still demanded they maintain a respectable image. The military generals of the Northern Regions usually looked down on civil officials, especially those from the Central Plains. But now, even the generals agreed with the civil officials.
If we don't make an example of them, we'll truly solidify the reputation of the Northern Regions for being subservient and obsequious to the Northern Hu and Xiongnu.
Bei Luo didn't think it was that serious; the court officials and military generals were clearly harboring personal grudges. There were clearly better solutions, yet they resorted to such extreme measures.
Bei Luo devised a plan and immediately summoned the envoys from various countries to the palace. However, the notifications sent to the envoys were all different. Before the envoys knew what was happening, they were unwittingly used as a smokescreen by Bei Luo to cross the bridge.
Envoys from various countries entered Luochuan city gates one after another, right in front of the local people and the Hu people of Luochuan. This immediately confused them. Why were there so many envoys entering Luochuan today?
Had something happened? The envoys from various countries thought something serious had occurred to warrant their summons. However, upon arriving at the main palace in Luochuan, they discovered it was just a banquet, and the group didn't return until the afternoon after finishing their meal.
Soon, much of the commotion inside and outside the city subsided. The gathered Hu people dispersed. Although some people had doubts, they knew that chaos would benefit no one, so they remained relatively restrained.
The storm had subsided considerably in the main palace. Bei Luo couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
The moment they breathed a sigh of relief, the palace guards rushed into the palace gates, their faces filled with terror: "The Khan, the Hu, the Hu Xiongnu envoy was killed by our Hu people on his way back!!"
Upon hearing this, Bei Luo immediately rolled off the bed. He had drunk quite a bit and was already a little dizzy; now, upon hearing that the Hun envoy had been killed...
He nearly fainted. It was the palace maid beside him who caught him.
Bei Luo steadied himself and raised his hand shakily, asking, "Has the murderer been caught?!"
"They've been captured on the spot," the guard said. "They're Hu people from the Luerqu region!"
Bei Luo's expression immediately turned serious: "Kill the person, then quickly contact the new envoy and tell them the truth."
"Remember, this must be done discreetly."
"Yes!" The guard had just left.
Bei Luo dismissed the palace maids, beginning to doubt whether Yelü Wen's decision was truly feasible. Lu'erqu had always been a place of exile in the Northern Regions, where former nobles were exiled. These nobles, having colluded with the local savages in Lu'erqu, had long since formed an external force.
If it weren't for the Eight Generals secretly using the pretext of exile to wipe out the Lu'erqu forces and take control of Lu'erqu, and imposing exorbitant tariffs on Hu and Xiongnu merchants, their movement in and out of Lu'erqu would likely have been much more difficult.
Now, Hu people from Luerqu have actually entered Luochuan and killed someone. And the person they killed was a Hu envoy. Clearly, they came with a personal grudge. They weren't just targeting the Hu, but specifically him.
The Hun people in the VIP residence did not panic after the Hun envoy was killed.
Instead, the message was sent to the envoy residing at the residence of the Second Prince in the Northern Region, Marquis Shan Yu. It turned out that the envoys sent by the Huns were distinguished by their chief and deputy officials; without careful differentiation, others wouldn't know which envoy was in charge.
The Hu and Xiongnu were notorious far and wide, notorious for their infamy and stigma. The Hu and Xiongnu weren't stupid, so they resorted to some tricks.
Every time someone is sent on a foreign visit, two substitute envoys are prepared.
Upon hearing of his envoy's death, Shan Yuhou immediately left Luochuan for Luerqu. As for who was inciting hatred against the Xiongnu among the Hu people in Luochuan, Shan Yuhou had a guess.
"Heh, those are just little tricks we've used before." Shan Yuhou sneered at those who schemed behind people's backs.
Now that public opinion in Luochuan is rising against the Hu and Xiongnu, he has no choice but to go into hiding.
"Send someone to investigate who is behind this malicious scheme," Shan Yuhou instructed his scouts. "And while you're at it, also investigate the Xie family merchants in Luochuan."
“These Xie family merchants have always been at odds with our merchants. If necessary…” Shan Yuhou gestured by swiping his neck: “Use someone else to do the dirty work.”
It just so happens that they are all from the hands of the Hu people. Ideally, they would be from the hands of the Northern Luo people. This would completely offend the Xie family.
While the battlefield was still being pushed forward by the Hu and Xiongnu, the Hu and Xiongnu army did not rush to attack, spending the first day bombarding the area with artillery fire. The timing of each attack was unpredictable.
They would occasionally bomb grain ships.
Xieji had never hated the mountain opposite him as much as he did now. It was impenetrable and immovable. No one sent to it had ever survived. And their artillery couldn't reach that far anyway.
The total distance is 800 meters. Even with a Type 94 wheeled cannon, the range would be at most around 200 meters. Now, the high mountains have become artillery positions where the Huns and Xiongnu hold the advantage.
The enemy's artillery is also very cunning; they will choose the right time to fire.
Ultimately, this forced Xie's grain transport team to take a detour. This detour took half a day, enough to delay the battle.
Xie Ji felt that things couldn't continue like this.
He devised an empty ship plan, dividing the grain ships into ten, deliberately dispersing them as they passed by to cover the passage of the real grain ships.
The tactic quickly proved effective. The enemy couldn't distinguish which grain ship it was, and initially could only fire randomly, wasting considerable ammunition. As the number of ships increased, the number of cannons dwindled. They eventually decided to abandon the attack altogether.
When Li Li heard that Xie Ji had used an empty ship to deceive the enemy, he couldn't help but praise him: "You really have a way with things."
Xie Ji's face showed no joy; instead, it was rather grave. "Actually, this is just a delaying tactic."
"What should we do if Tianjing sends us new firearms?"
The new firearms might be the key to turning the tide of the war for them. Now that there are some problems with transportation, it's hard to guarantee that it won't affect the course of the battle.
Li Li also came up with a solution: "I have an idea."
"What method?" Xie Ji leaned closer to listen. After hearing it, he immediately gave a thumbs-up and exclaimed, "Brilliant!"
A note from the author:
Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 19:48:49 on February 9, 2022 and 20:17:23 on February 10, 2022!
Thank you to the little angels who threw the landmines: 14 (1 landmine);
Thank you to the little angel who watered the nutrient solution: Xinxin (2 bottles);
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Chapter 203 The Conspiracy and Scheme of Both Sides
Li Li's solution was to use bamboo poles—small and inconspicuous targets—to carry the firearms, which were then tied to waterproof bags and floated on the water. Alternatively, they could use crossbows to launch them at the same location. This would complete the transport.
Two people could manage the transport. New Tianjing did indeed send a batch of new firearms. While their power wasn't as great as the Xiongnu's, their standby time was shorter. And the quantity was enormous—a thousand in total.
They bound their firearms with waterproof leather and threw them into a freshwater lake. The barbarian soldiers went into the water to retrieve them and pulled up quite a few weapons.
With the addition of lines, it becomes much easier to learn how to shoot firearms.
The Xie family already had many trained firearms users. Of the 1,000 firearms airdropped, only 50 were lost. The remaining 950 firearms, along with tens of thousands of other firearms, were all preserved intact.
After receiving the firearms, the enemy suddenly stopped attacking. They also stopped firing their cannons. Xie Ji and Li Li dared not relax their vigilance.
These thousand firearms were produced by the Ministry of Works over two years, working day and night to ensure their stability before being deployed to the battlefield. It's said that the Huayin Kingdom had already deployed fifty of these weapons, with mediocre results. Quantity is key to victory, but it's better than nothing.