Chapter 3410
Responsible
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Taking advantage of the unique characteristics of the current era, architecture is experiencing an imperial rise due to changes in tools, labor demand, prices, output, and other factors.
This period of imperial rise was used to cover up the losses and costs of the empire's territorial expansion, thereby minimizing risks and public opinion.
Once this period of growth is over, expanding territory abroad will be something that needs to be carefully considered.
Although the harm is immediate, the benefit will last for generations, if possible, Lu Qi would not want to sacrifice the lives of ordinary people for temporary fame and fortune.
Therefore, this era is the best era for expanding our territory.
The people's mindset had not yet completely changed, and this aspect was still highly acceptable. The Han Empire, which valued martial prowess, also possessed the practical ability to implement this. It was simply the perfect era.
"We must eliminate them within thirty years, at least thirty years!" Lu Qi gazed intently westward, looking towards the Kushan Empire.
The Ganges Plain is an excellent plain region and an extremely good grain-producing area. Having such a region as a grain supply area can at least guarantee that the future Han Empire, or rather the future Han people, will have a grain-producing area that can support the survival of a billion people.
If the Han Chinese, whose population is at least one billion, can still be bullied in this world, then there's nothing Lu Qi can do.
Therefore, the optimal approach is to resolve the Kushan Empire within thirty years, complete the corresponding land differentiation and land reform, establish actual command and production institutions and ruling institutions, and ensure a stable output of food in the future.
With abundant sunshine, fertile land, vast area, plentiful water resources, and a hot and humid climate, it is practically the perfect region for grain cultivation.
"Thirty years?" Upon hearing this timeframe, Zhang Ren looked at Lu Qi with surprise, a thoughtful expression on his face. "In just a few years, we have already conquered the Wenga region and the area surrounding Kalmanta City. The size of this territory is in no way inferior to the Guanzhong region. Wouldn't it be too difficult to swallow up the Kushan Empire within thirty years?"
Zhang Ren did not lower his guard because of the current success; on the contrary, he became even more vigilant.
The closer one gets to the core area of an empire, the more one can feel that pressure.
After all, as the war continues, the empire's war potential will gradually be transformed into corresponding combat power under the influence of the war.
The Kushan Empire possessed immense war potential, and the combat power it could generate was certainly not low.
Listening to this explanation based on the reality, Lu Qi simply nodded calmly, which was considered as acknowledging Zhang Ren's statement.
However, while acknowledging this, it doesn't mean that Lu Qi would ignore this crucial point in time.
Once this timeframe passes, the situation within the Han Empire will become increasingly complex with each passing year, impacting support for the war effort. Consequently, the amount of war output that can be generated may decrease rather than increase, and could even come to a complete halt due to the failure of certain wars.
Even if they don't want to see all this, they will have no choice but to stop it based on public opinion within the empire.
Emperor Wu of Han, who once championed martial prowess and forged the soul of the nation, waged continuous warfare for decades, a testament to the price he paid.
This was thanks to Emperor Wu of Han's strong abilities and Huo Guang's excellent leadership, which enabled the Han Empire to transition smoothly. Otherwise, internal collapse of the empire and the covetousness of foreign enemies would likely have occurred.
Therefore, for Lu Qi, certain important matters have corresponding timeframes. For example, the attack on the Kushan Empire could theoretically take thirty years, but in reality, he simply didn't dare to spend that much time.
"If the attack still doesn't go smoothly by the designated time, then I will personally take action and forcefully take them down, even at a cost." Lu Qi said this very calmly.
But to Zhang Ren, it was quite shocking.
As Zhao Yun's senior brother, and having known him for so many years, Zhang Ren naturally knew Lu Qi's identity.
Although he knew, he didn't reveal it openly. After all, since Lu Qi hadn't exposed himself, Zhang Ren treated him according to his apparent identity. However, after learning his true identity, he would generally speak with a certain respect.
It was precisely because of this that Zhang Ren knew just how terrifying the effects of Lu Qi's personal intervention were.
Unlike Guan Yu's army at this time, if Lu Qi were to really make a move, Guan Yu's army would only be one of them.
“However, those were all last resorts. Now, I still believe in General Guan’s abilities, and I also believe that General Zhang’s abilities can solve these problems.” Seeing the genuine shock on Zhang Ren’s face, Lu Qi thought for a moment and then spoke in a tone of concern.
That being said, if the time comes and Kushan hasn't been conquered yet, Lu Qi will definitely withstand domestic pressure and forcefully command all armies to launch a coordinated attack to take Kushan in one fell swoop.
With proper prior preparation, even if the Kushan Empire had a military genius like Rahul, let alone Rahul, they would still be doomed against a well-coordinated army under real-time command, given the absolute disparity in strength.
However, if they really do that, Lu Qi, or rather Liu Tong, will naturally bear the corresponding consequences.
However, after thinking about it, Liu Tong could accept the price he had to pay for this behavior.
Whether it's abdicating or going into seclusion, it's enough to pay this price.
By doing this, she was essentially eliminating many of the ways in which officers could acquire military merits and appropriating them for herself. Even if it was justifiable in name, abdication would be the best option to appease the officers.
The numerous rewards bestowed upon the new emperor upon his ascension to the throne will cover this cost. Furthermore, thanks to his merits and abilities, Liu Tong will be able to abdicate smoothly without being purged.
If they are even slightly luckier, they might be able to continue the glory of Yao and Shun and abdicate with an extremely positive attitude.
However, if Liu Tong really does achieve this level, in a sense, he has also blocked any potential successors.
Lessons from the past, the teacher behind the car.
Especially in the Han Empire, where filial piety was highly valued, if such a thing really happened, Liu Tong dared to guarantee that every single one of those who followed would fall into the pit and never be able to climb out.
Therefore, in the current environment, Liu Tong's decision not to take direct action but to wait for the various generals to launch their attacks is also due to corresponding political and historical reasons.
We must be responsible to the people, and also to history; after all, one cannot act solely for oneself. (End of Chapter)