The rest were newly recruited soldiers.

These soldiers, already trained during the winter under the command of Wu Mengshi, the former acting magistrate left by the previous Governor of Bingzhou, and his newly appointed assistant in Yanmen County, along with the military clerks under the command of the prefect of Yanmen, had improved the overall combat quality of Bingzhou.

These soldiers were bound to become a considerable force come spring.

In addition, during her confinement in Leping, Qiao Yan had leisurely studied agriculture with the help of the Book of Sisheng, discover that adding processed animal bones to fields could enhance soil fertility.

During this recruitment, she also stated outwardly that the livestock obtained from attacking the Xianbei—cows for plowing, sheep for fertilizer, and horses for border security—would not be retained in the provincial government’s storehouses.

Because of this statement, every soldier had the determination to fight, ensuring the greatness of our Han Dynasty.

Out of some perverse amusement, after Xi Zhicai completed the above documents, Qiao Yan added one last sentence.

“May Your Majesty entrust me with the task of punishing the thieves and securing the borders. If unsuccessful, then punish me for my crimes…”

Liu Hong didn’t know that the Chancellor of Shu Han, who later attempted to restore the Han Dynasty, wrote such a declaration before launching his Northern Expedition.

After reading Qiao Yan’s report, he was left with only one thought.

This battle could indeed be fought!

In previous years, to be precise, every December before Tan Shihuai’s death, there were reports of Xianbei either invading Bingzhou, attacking Jiuquan, or raiding Liaodong.

So why not deliver a heavy blow in spring after they came out of the past?

He had seen Qiao Yan’s leadership firsthand at the Western Suburb camp and knew of her previous achievements beyond the Great Wall.

Since Wu Mengshi took office as the Governor of Bingzhou, he has indeed made the border defenses around Yanmen tight.

If the other side has no background and no victory in the face, they should rise further.

Now that these two are working together, even if the Xianbei have 100,000 troops, considering their dispersal, they must be caught off guard by our proactive attack, which may not fail to achieve the achievements of Wei and Huo!

Liu Hong realized that his illness was getting worse, and because of this, he had higher expectations for the sharp blades he possessed.

Like the Eight Division of the Western Army led by Jianshuo…

After a winter, Qiao Yan’s preparations were orderly, and the recruitment of the Western Army’s Eight Division was nearing completion.

For this personally-affiliated team, Liu Hong conducted a review despite his illness.

Although these people came from all over the Thirteen States, many were recruited hastily to achieve the effect of recruitment.

Compared with the carefully selected and well-trained soldiers of the Northern Army’s five Division, the mixed troops were naturally more chaotic.

However, this was still a force within his reach.

Jian Shuo understood even more deeply what Liu Hong wanted to see, so he placed the 300 people recruited by Cao Cao from Qiao County, including Xu Chu and his clan, at the forefront.

This group seemed rustic, yet they carried a sense of valor and determination.

The Eight Division of the Western Army were like this, and Qiao Yan, who could surpass the Division Leader of the Eight Division, should not disappoint her expectations.

He no longer hesitated and wrote “Approved for Battle” at the end of the memorial.

With these two characters penned in vermilion, he suddenly felt a surge of strength within himself.

Perhaps by the time spring arrived, his condition might improve significantly.

If he consulted with the Imperial Hospital and took proper care, he might even extend his life by another five years, rather than ending up like some reckless fool who claimed he wouldn’t survive another two years if he didn’t start taking care of his health.

If there were five more years…

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is here to pay his respects to you.”

Liu Hong was snapped out of his thoughts by the announcement.

He handed the approved memorial to Qiao Yan to the nearby Eunuch, instructing him to send the message swiftly to Bingzhou by the fastesr horse.

Only then did he allow them to bring Liu Xie in.

Everyone in the hall could see the undisguised joy on Liu Hong’s face as Dong Hou entered.

The Emperor favored Liu Xie not just because he lost his mother shortly after birth, making him an overt symbol of vulnerability, nor because he was younger than Liu Bian.

As Liu Xie stepped into the Jia De Hall, this nine-year-old Crown Prince already exuded a calm and dignified aura.

It was precisely this demeanor that increasingly reminded Liu Hong of himself, far more pleasing than the seemingly weak Liu Bian.

Liu Hong, for one, didn’t believe that his decision to have Liu Bian fostered by the recluse Shi Zimiao in his early years had caused such a deviation in temperament.

He gestured for Liu Xie to come sit beside him.

At this close distance, Liu Xie could discern the lingering scent of medicine in the air.

However, wise beyond his years, he knew better than to mention it now and cause displeasure to Liu Hong.

Instead, he informed him that he had already paid respects to Empress Dowager Dong earlier in the day, noting her good health, which was due to his father’s attentive care.

He then spoke of the books he had read that day and mentioned:

“I have been practicing swordsmanship under Master Wang, though I regret my young age limits my strength. I wish to relieve Father of his worries.”

The “Master Wang” he referred to was the renowned swordsman Wang Yue of their time.

Due to Wang Yue’s ambitions in government service, Liu Hong had appointed him as tutor in swordsmanship for both princes.

Clearly, Liu Xie showed more interest in this pursuit compared to Liu Bian.

As a devoted practitioner of political balance, Liu Hong understood well that without sufficient courage, no ruler could maintain their domain amidst various factions.

With both sons still very young, Liu Xie’s display of courage heartened him.

Perhaps it was also because of his own declining health that he longed to see his son in robust health.

He replied, “Progress in swordsmanship must proceed gradually. One cannot achieve in a day what others may take a year to master. Even Henan’s Shi A, studying under General Wang, cannot achieve mastery in a single day, but must follow the steps.”

“What Father says is true.”

“Go now. I have no need for your worries today. I have my own generals and trusted advisors.” Liu Hong patted Liu Xie’s shoulder, signaling for him to leave.

Although young, Liu Xie sensed a slight oddity in his father’s tone when mentioning “the great generals.”

Nonetheless, he did not read into it further and obediently withdrew.

Little did he know that just days ago, Liu Hong had sent Bao Hong, the Colonel who had been dispatched to quell the rebels at Ge Po, to be accused of embezzling military rations.

Had there not been so many setbacks during the selection of the Eight Division of the Western Army, Liu Hong’s typically unforgiving nature would have likely led to Bao Hong’s execution.

Now, he felt someone was restraining his actions at every turn.

Upon receiving the news, he launched an investigation that led straight to He Miao’s henchmen.

He did not act against He Miao but kept a mental note to deal with He Jin as well.

Who else but the foolish He brothers could have devised such a clumsy scheme!

After this incident, he became increasingly certain that he could not allow He Jin to continue unchecked.

Otherwise, once Liu Bian ascended to the throne, this arrogant and influential relative would surely threaten imperial authority.

Compared to Dong Zhong, who was promoted to the position of General of the Valiant Cavalry by him, appears much more obedient and better fits his position regarding the influential relatives.

But to elevate Liu Xie to the throne, apart from needing to live as long as possible himself, the powers of He Jin and Empress He have already solidified.

He also must leave sufficient power credentials for Liu Xie, or, before his own passing, eliminate all obstacles cleanly.

Thinking of the memorial report previously sent by Qiao Yan, Liu Hong pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, “Minister Zhang…”

Minister Zhang promptly responded, “Yes.”

“Do you think, apart from Jian Shuo, could Qiao Ye Shu possibly be the minister to whom I entrust my heir?”