Chapter 124: Establishing a Military Stronghold

Of course, although Jiaozhou could not play a significant role militarily, it was not without value. In fact, Liu Xie intended to make Jiaozhou very useful. While Jiaozhou itself could not be drawn into the chaos of war, it could provide them with numerous conveniences from outside the battlefield.

When Liu Xie traveled to Jiaozhou this time, he discovered that the region was vast but sparsely populated. In terms of area, Jiaozhou was not much smaller than Jingzhou or Yizhou, yet its population was pitifully low, under two million. It was clear that Jiaozhou had abundant land but lacked people.

Thus, Liu Xie could fully develop their agriculture in Jiaozhou on a grand scale. The local troops recruited there could be entrusted entirely to Shi Xie for management and would not participate in external conflicts. Their sole responsibility would be to defend Jiaozhou itself, turning it into a resource reserve for Liu Xie.

This so-called reserve included troops, provisions, and other necessities. For instance, Liu Xie could establish military bases in Jiaozhou, as well as supply depots and facilities for manufacturing and storing arms and equipment. In this way, Jiaozhou’s role was far from insignificant; it could accomplish much.

“Your Majesty, it seems you are putting great thought into Jiaozhou,” Zhuge Liang observed, discerning Liu Xie’s intentions.

Indeed, the unique situation of Jiaozhou left no choice but to consider many aspects.

“Yes, you are right. Our time is short. At most, three years remain before a true great war begins,” Liu Xie said with a deep breath.

“The Emperor speaks wisely. Cao Cao will likely pacify the northern warlords like Yuan Shao within two years,” Zhuge Liang added.

“Once Yuan Shao is defeated, only four major powers will remain: Cao Cao, ourselves, Sun Ce in Jiangdong, and Ma Teng and Han Sui in Xiliang.”

“For us, the greatest rival is still Cao Cao. As for Jiangdong and Xiliang, though they are strong, they cannot yet pose too great a threat.”

“Xiliang is far from here; it’s unlikely we can capture their cities or resources.”

“As for Jiangdong, I believe Cao Cao will not let them remain unchecked.”

“Given this, our situation is not very optimistic.”

“And as for us, our foundation is still unstable; it is not yet time to send troops to conquer all sides.”

Zhuge Liang’s wisdom was widely acknowledged; his words cut to the heart of the matter.

“That is why I say we have little time left.”

---

“Cao Cao will pacify the north within two years, with at most one year to recuperate; after that, he will dispatch troops everywhere.”

“We, likewise, have at most three years to develop.”

“In these three years, we must strengthen Jingzhou, Yizhou, and Jiaozhou to their fullest.”

“Three years is neither short nor long, so we must seize the opportunity.”

Liu Xie spoke gravely, foreseeing the hardships he would face in the future.

In truth, he had considered this when he first crossed into this era. Though initially their development was promising, the situation grew increasingly difficult over time.

“Your Majesty, it seems you have a plan?” Zhuge Liang smiled as he looked at Liu Xie.

Indeed, after hearing him speak at length, Zhuge Liang believed Liu Xie had formed a clear strategy.

Liu Xie nodded softly. “Yes, I do have some ideas.”

“We need systematic development; key military regions and supply bases must be built.”

As he spoke, thoughts swirled in his mind.

After a long pause, he inhaled deeply, his gaze resolute.

Several days later, during the morning court assembly, Liu Xie stood atop the high hall.

“Starting today, over the next three years, we will enter a vigorous phase of development.”

“Now, I will issue orders.”

“Zhang Liao, you will immediately go to Hanzhong, formerly Zhang Lu’s territory, and occupy it. Command two hundred thousand troops to garrison there!”

“Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, the three of you will proceed to Nanyang’s Wancheng, where we currently have three hundred thousand troops.”

“This time, bring another two hundred thousand soldiers with you. Command five hundred thousand troops stationed at Wancheng.”

“Lü Bu, I will grant you another hundred thousand troops. Train all of them as formidable cavalry, raising your cavalry force to three hundred thousand.”

“These three hundred thousand troops will be stationed respectively in Yizhou, Hanzhong, and Wancheng.”

“Gan Ning, you will serve as Grand Commander of the navy. Wen Pin and Huang Zu, you two will be deputy commanders assisting Gan Ning in naval affairs.”

“Chen Gong, you are the strategist for the entire army; all military logistics and affairs are your responsibility.”

“Jia Xu, continue with your current duties.”

---

“Yuan Shu, Huang Zhong, Liu Xun, Zang Ba, Cao Xing, you five will accompany me to Jiaozhou!”

During the court session, Liu Xie arranged all matters.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang, Jia Xu, and Chen Gong quickly grasped Liu Xie’s intent.

By placing two hundred thousand troops in Hanzhong and five hundred thousand in Wancheng, Liu Xie aimed to establish two key military strongholds, led by capable generals like Zhang Liao, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.

The reason was clear: these areas faced northward threats—Hanzhong bordered Xiliang, and Wancheng was the gateway to Xuchang. Both were likely to face danger in the future.

Naval forces were also arranged, clearly to guard against Jiangdong.

Lü Bu’s cavalry was bolstered by an additional hundred thousand, making his force a full three hundred thousand cavalry. Their speed would allow rapid response to crises anywhere.

Moreover, the remaining forces were concentrated in important locations within Yizhou and Jingzhou, creating key troop reserves.

What puzzled many was why Liu Xie chose to take Yuan Shu, Huang Zhong, Liu Xun, Zang Ba, and Cao Xing to Jiaozhou.

“How is it, gentlemen? Do you understand now?” Liu Xie called out loudly.

“All obey your Majesty’s orders!” the assembly knelt in unison.

Soon, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Liu Xie and Zhuge Liang.

“Your Majesty, I do not understand—why take Yuan Shu and the others to Jiaozhou?” Zhuge Liang asked, voicing his doubts.

Liu Xie took a deep breath before explaining.

“We must send people to Jiaozhou. I intend to make Jiaozhou our most important rear resource depot.”

“In the future, our provisions, battle gear, spears, broad swords, bows and arrows, heavy logistics, and all manufacturing and production will be based in Jiaozhou.”