On the vast grassland, dozens of riders galloped on their horses, startling the birds.
"Your Highness, do you know the origin of the City Amongst the Clouds?”
An old man with white hair and beard asked.
"I know a thing or two." The youth on the horse nodded.
The land in Yunzhong was originally inhabited by the tribes of the grassland such as Linhu and Lou Fan.
Later, Zhao Wuling and Wang Xing reformed the Hu attire, riding, and archery, using the new army to drive these Hu tribes to the north.
Yunzhong, Yanmen, and Daijun were established on this newly developed land.
"Has Your Highness heard of the legend of the swan leading the way?”The old man continued to ask.
This time, the young man shook his head.
Thus, the old man slowly told the beautiful legend of the City Amongst the Clouds.
" Legend has it that one day, a flock of swans flew in the clouds and circled the same place all day long. The ground below the flock of swans emitted a dazzling light.”
"When Marquis Zhao saw this scene, he thought it was an auspicious sign.”
"I decided to build a city here and named it the City Amongst the Clouds.”
Although this beautiful legend could not be completely believed, it also reflected the main reason for building a city here.
There were Huangyu Water and Wu Spring Water that originated from Yinshan Mountain here, and there was also Baiqu Water that flowed through the plain into the Yellow River in the south.
The terrain was flat, with abundant water and grass. It was suitable for farming and grazing. It was a good place to train cavalry and graze horses.
"The Prime Minister is really knowledgeable!" The young man applauded and praised.
"It's just that I've stayed here for a longer period of time. How can I deserve Your Highness 'praise?”
The old man shook his head, and a hint of melancholy appeared on his face.
He had lived on this land for nearly twenty years.
From a recruit who had just joined the army, he had accumulated battle achievements until he was promoted to the position of prefect.
Now, he had become the Prime Minister.
He couldn't help but feel that fate was playing a trick on him.
This group of people was Liu Sheng and the others who had set off from Chang 'an.
They abandoned the main force and only brought a few dozen riders with them.
However, it took them half a month to enter Yunzhong County.
No, it should be called Yun Zhongguo now.
"After passing the outpost in front, we will be able to see the City Amongst the Clouds!”
Wei Shang pointed at a beacon tower not far away.
That was the only way to enter and exit this plain, and a small group of Han soldiers was stationed there all year round.
After entering the sentry post, Liu Sheng and Wei Shang returned to the carriage.
The main reason was that Liu Sheng wanted to get a better understanding of the situation in Yunzhong County before the rest of the convoy arrived. Only then would he be able to formulate a development plan.
It would be best if he could not expose his identity.
"Halt, stop the car and accept inspection!”
The soldiers blocking the way looked as if they were facing a great enemy.
The group of people in front of them were obviously skilled, and their mounts were also good horses. If they suddenly launched an attack, they might not be able to get away with it.
Therefore, the soldiers kept their guard up while informing the nearby garrison.
Soon, Baiyu Cavalry arrived from the northeast.
The leader was a young man with an oily appearance.
"Where did you come from?”
"I came from Chang 'an to do some small business.”
"Do you have a pass talisman?"
"Yes."
Chen Shi took out a sign carved from a bamboo slip from his pocket. On it was a simple record of some information about their trip.
Its function was probably similar to the travel passes of the later generations.
The young man looked at it a few times but couldn't find any problems. He couldn't help but reveal a trace of regret on his face.
"Leave half of the horses behind and you can leave.”
Hearing this, Chen Shi was unhappy and said,"Why?"
He had carefully selected these horses from the Imperial Army, so why should he keep half of them?
"Why?"
"This is our rule. Without horses, how can we fight the Xiongnu?”
The young man couldn't help but laugh and hypocritically persuaded,""Foreigner, I advise you to be honest. Otherwise, you will only lose more.”
This was the hinterland of Yunzhong County, and thousands of cavalry could be mobilized at any time.
That was why he acted so fearless, not afraid that the other party would not give in.
In the carriage.
"Yunzhong County has such a rule?”
Liu Sheng looked at Wei Shang with a half-smile. The latter's face had turned red.
"It's true that there's such a rule, but I've decided to redeem it. You have to pay!”
Yunzhong was located in a border county. In order to guard against the grassland people's attacks, horses were an essential strategic resource.
However, the Great Han were already short of horses. Even the Central Imperial Army did not have many warhorses, and the border troops had even fewer.
Therefore, in order to raise warhorses, the prefects of the border counties had to show their abilities.
Wei Shang was quite skilled in war, but he was at a loss when it came to internal affairs.
Therefore, he had no choice but to target the merchants who passed by.
As a result, fewer and fewer merchants came to Yunzhong, and the economy was declining.
"I'm afraid that even if you pay, you won't be able to pay in full, right?”
Liu Sheng's words hit the nail on the head.
Horses were a rare resource in the Great Han Dynasty, and a good warhorse was worth thousands of gold.
With Yunzhong County's economic strength, how much could they afford?
Although it was said to be a redemption, it was actually a forced purchase.
"This subject is ashamed!"
Wei Shang opened his mouth, but in the end, he didn't say anything to defend himself.
There were many reasons. For example, he did not have enough military funds. He even used most of his income to subsidize the army.
For example, this was the unanimous decision of the officials of Yunzhong County, and it was not done by him alone.
However, these excuses were meaningless to him.
What was done was done. It would not disappear just because you found a few reasons.
Liu Sheng had probably guessed part of the reason, so he did not pursue the matter.
He then pointed at the young man with a greasy face.
"What's the name of the leader?"
"Zhang Qiao, son of Yunzhong County Lieutenant Zhang Ge.”
"Retreat. I don't think this person is suitable to join the army.”
Liu Sheng said softly, but he did not explain the reason for doing so.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Wei Shang smiled bitterly. It seemed like he could only let down his old friend.
Who asked your son to have such bad luck and run into the hands of the Cloud King, who had just arrived?
They saw the troops of both sides in front of them brandishing their weapons.
He knew that he couldn't wait any longer, so he suddenly lifted the curtain of the carriage and shouted angrily,"
"Do you want to rebel?"
.......
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