Chapter 878: The pride of heaven and earth is in my chest

In all the later historical records, the evaluation of the Jiuquan Huishi was a very significant event. It marked the Han Empire's complete victory over the invaders, and it also demonstrated the Han Dynasty's military strength and determination to defend its territory and protect the surrounding vassal states.

Whether it was the northern front or the western front, the victory of the Han army was very thorough. The hundreds of thousands of troops on the western continent gathered by the Persian Empire were all wiped out in this far east. Countless screaming and struggling souls will never return to their hometowns.

Such a victory, although it has long been expected by many. But when it comes to full implementation, it's still going to be exciting. Especially the people of the Western Regions, after some bloodshed, they are more aware of how important it is to have a strong country to act as a protector.

In the eyes of the people of the Western Regions, the Han soldiers who galloped between the Gobi and the river again were even more different from the previous impressions. They are no longer intimidating and awe-inspiring, but genuinely trusted and embraced. This is their protector, blessed and long, and always safe.

By the calm flowing river, Yuan Zhao personally greeted Wei Qing's arrival. They hadn't seen each other for a long time, and they rarely had the opportunity to talk over wine. Those old days, like this river, pass away, never to return.

"I have been studying military books hard all these years, and I dare not slack off for a moment. Even when he was in the army, in addition to the war, he couldn't let go of the book and studied the strategies of the soldiers of the past dynasties...... But compared to your combat methods, after all, it is not as good as sighing! ”

After Wei Qing carefully checked the terrain near Jiuquan, he couldn't help but sigh heartily. He led the troops to fight all these years and almost never lost a battle. Outstanding military feats, powerful in the world. In the entire Han Army, it is already recognized as the first famous general. However, he deeply knew that the young man in front of him in the court was the greatest commander of this era.

"The general is too modest. Over the years, the calm of the entire north has been the credit of the great general. Be humble and self-denying, and your heart is like a rock. This kind of character is always worth learning from. ”

Yuan Zhao replied with a smile. The people around him thought it was his humble words, but it wasn't. In the depths of his heart, which is not known, although the light of famous generals in Chinese history is as bright as the stars, it is innumerable. But there are only two people he admires the most. One of their names is Xu Da, and the other name is Wei Qing.

This is not Yuan Zhao's preference, and it is not a prejudice. Because, he has always believed that only such a character can truly be called a hero of the country.

From ancient times to the present, since there has been a war in the world, there have been too many famous generals. Every nation has its own criteria for judging each nation. But since he is a member of the Huaxia clan, looking at the past from Yuan Zhao's eyes, his criterion for judging is that people of the same clan who kill each other in order to act as minions of power, such as Qin Zhibaiqi, Han Zhihan, Peng and others, should be greatly discounted.

The only way to resist foreign humiliation, expel the enemy, open up territory, and exalt prestige is thousands of miles away! Such a famous general is a real hero. Wei Qing, worthy of the name!

In the face of Yuan Zhao's praise, Wei Qing shook his hand again and again, saying that he would never dare to take it. He actually really wanted to exchange some questions with Yuan Zhao alone in private. In front of so many people, there are many things that are not convenient to say.

As if seeing his thoughts, Yuan Zhao quickly let the people who greeted him disperse. Naturally, he didn't have to worry about the location of the Black Eagle Army. Zhang Qian and the others will arrange it properly. So, not long after, on a grassy plateau by the Jiuquan River, only the two of them were left.

The rain had just stopped for several days. There is a vigorous atmosphere everywhere. The neighborhood finally quieted down, and Wei Qing took a long breath and unsheathed his sword to relieve the fatigue of the continuous march.

"I can't believe that the war ended so quickly. Hehe! When I led the army north that day, I thought that it would take me four or five years to fight! ”

From here, you can see the situation for dozens of miles from afar. The air was very fresh, and since there were no outsiders, Wei Qing finally let go of the majesty of the general and restored the casualness they used to have when they were together.

"Yes, the victory came a little quickly, and even I was a little unexpected. From this point of view, the strength of the country's comprehensive strength is really too important for determining the outcome of the war...... The Han Empire is already far ahead in this regard, and our efforts over the years have finally yielded fruitful results. It's gratifying. ”

Yuan Zhao's expression also relaxed. Through this war in the Western Regions, he finally once again confirmed the war idea he had put forward a long time ago. That is to vigorously develop the road of elite troops, and win every war with advanced weaponry and combat methods that are ahead of this era. Now it seems that the path taken by the Han Empire in terms of military development is very correct.

"Brother Yuan, all of this is actually your credit. Whether it is in the army or in the court, everyone understands it very well. ”

Wei Qing looked at Yuan Zhao's eyes calmly, and felt infinite emotion in his heart. He witnessed the growth of the young man from a seedling to a towering tree. And the country behind them has finally become stronger than they imagined.

"None of that. But it's just the right time! ”

Yuan Zhao didn't avoid his gaze. For a long time, Wei Qing was one of the people who knew him best. Perhaps, he understands his mind.

"Although you want to avoid suspicion, you still have to accept what you should accept. For example, His Majesty the Emperor's reward ....... ”

Wei Qing looked away, and his tone seemed to contain a lot of things. He believes in Yuan Zhao, believes in his selflessness in his heart, and believes in his moon breeze. However, on many sensitive issues, he hoped he would be able to handle them better.

Yuan Zhao was naturally able to understand the meaning of his words. He couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself, a little helpless in his heart, and a little dazed. The goal he wants to achieve most in his heart has a long way to go, and he is not sure whether he can achieve it in his lifetime.

"Brother Qing, I can't hide it, Your Majesty's will to reward you has been in the army for a long time...... Only, that's not what I wanted. ”

Wei Qing was a little surprised. He hurriedly asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Your Majesty the Emperor...... Alas! It's too much of a favor for me. A few days ago, Sima Changqing came from Chang'an, rewarded the three armies by order, and stayed with the army to watch the battle. On the eve of the Wuwei War, he quietly revealed to me that His Majesty's decree to be crowned king was in his hands, and His Majesty specially ordered that if the decisive battle was won and the king of Persia was captured, he would be crowned king in front of the army to show glory...... It's just that this matter has been temporarily suppressed by me. I have sent Pegasus back to Chang'an to express my attitude to Your Majesty, and ask him to only issue rewards for the soldiers. ”

This is no small thing. Wei Qing's face was uncertain. He didn't know why the emperor did this, and he didn't understand why Yuan Zhao was so resolute in his resignation.

"With your merits, even if you are crowned king, it is not too much! Why ......?"

"The White Horse Covenant is still there, how can it be an exception? Emperor Gaozu's testament cannot be violated casually! ”

"What are the old rules...... Didn't you always care about these things? ”

"What I don't care about are the rules and regulations that are holding back the country's development. As for MG Wealth...... But it is not within the scope of my breaking and standing. ”

"But...... That's not fair! ”

"Nothing unfair. Brother Qing, in fact, each of us is born equal. Just like you, whether it is the former status of a slave rider or the current general Wanhu Hou, in my heart, you have always been that upright man. If the future direction of the development of the Han Empire is constrained by the times and has to make a conditional choice, I hope that it is enough to retain only the dignity of His Majesty the Emperor. As for the other princely nobles...... I don't want too many privileges! ”

There was no wind and rain in the quiet air, and there was no sound, but Wei Qing felt like thunder. He looked at Yuan Zhao, who calmly said what he had just said, and felt that he was so familiar and so unfamiliar.

Yuan Zhao, who said the words "all born equal" in front of others for the first time, did not have any excited expression. It was a seed buried deep in his heart, a seed that came thousands of years later. He took it through the river of time and came to the era when the Chinese nation had the most hope of becoming the light of the entire human race. He tried his best to make the country strong, and the ultimate goal he wanted to achieve was nothing more than these four words.

"Brother Yuan, I don't understand a little...... Could it be that ordinary commoners could also be equal to nobles? ”

"In the near future, I hope!"

Yuan Zhao, who confided in his ambition, became extremely determined. Today, he no longer needs to hide this ultimate goal, and if he really needs to pay the price of his life on this difficult journey, he will not hesitate to do so.

"So, what do you need me to do?"

The Wei brothers and sisters who used to be from humble backgrounds, even if they are now rich and noble, they still retain that compassion in the depths of their hearts. After a long silence, Wei Qing didn't say anything more, if Yuan Zhao wanted to create a world that no one had ever seen before, he wanted to help him and see what it was.

In the distance, the Han soldiers were drinking by the river. The mighty caravan came out of the Jade Gate. Many generous people were also heading to the Western Regions, wanting to follow in the footsteps of the Han army. It's their best times!

"After tomorrow, the army will swear, I will follow the westward expedition, and the weight of the family and country will be entrusted to the general!"

"Everything...... Feel relieved! ”

On the bank of the Jiuquan River, Yuan Zhao bowed and bowed, and Wei Qing was a daughter. These two people, known as the Great Han Shuangbi, did not expect at this moment that the mystery was unpredictable and the heavens were jealous of the talents, and this would be their last time together alone.