The Lucky Farmgirl

Chapter 2311 - 2286: The Decision

General Ashina also felt that General Guo was excessively extravagant and frivolous, but he didn’t say anything, merely instructing his deputy, "Restrain the soldiers. We will be conducting strict training in the coming days, as we are about to set out on the expedition to Kucha."

The deputy acknowledged and asked, "There are former nobles of Gaochang visiting..."

"Decline all of them," General Ashina said indifferently, "unless it pertains to military affairs, refuse to see anyone else."

Because General Guo had a taste for luxury, he was well-liked by the local nobility. In fact, when seriously considered, the common people of Xizhou also favored General Guo.

Although he was extravagant, he seldom levied money or grain from them, instead, during wars, he retained spoils of war or solicited exquisite items from passing merchants under the pretense of escorting them.

He didn’t take money from the local people and maintained security in the area, naturally earning their affection. It was only when Liu Huan and his group arrived that the residents of Xizhou began to see General Guo’s antics as a joke.

Previously, although people vaguely felt his opulence, they didn’t think much of it, assuming that the nobility of the Central Plains behaved similarly.

After all, their former royal family was also quite lavish, wasn’t it?

Because of this, General Ashina was reluctant to comment much on General Guo’s actions or words. He was only there to conquer Kucha, and after the battle, he would leave, whereas it would still be up to General Guo to manage the area.

He thought that with this order, they would not be disturbed, but surprisingly, the next day someone reported, "General, someone outside requests an audience."

General Ashina slightly frowned, "Who is it?"

The bodyguard presented an invitation card, saying, "It is an imperial envoy sent to the Western Regions to seek the cowpox method."

General Ashina reached out to take the card, glanced over it, and asked, "What do they want from me? I am only here for the expedition, not managing local affairs. They should be seeking the Protectorate."

The bodyguard said, "General, there is a future consort of Princess Mingda in their envoy."

General Ashina retrieved the card he had just discarded, looked at it again, and asked, "I remember the head of the envoy is an imperial physician from the Imperial Hospital?"

"Yes, it’s said that she has significant achievements in treating smallpox, and it was she who cured the crown prince’s illness."

General Ashina then said, "Invite them in."

Pausing, he felt it wasn’t appropriate to meet here, so he added, "Invite them to the main hall."

The bodyguard went off to do so.

Mr. Zhuang and Assistant General Nie did not come, just sending six of them to bring a box of tea leaves.

Officially, Zhou Man’s status was sufficient; personally, Bai Cheng’s status was just right. If he came, it would actually be inappropriate.

So, there were six people standing in the main hall.

When General Ashina came out, he was quite surprised by them, as, except for Zhou Liru, none had a simple background.

Especially Liu Huan.

Currently, they needed the Ministry of Revenue to provide money and grain for the war, and it was conservatively estimated that the war would last until the end of the year or next year, requiring considerable provisions.

Recalling the dispatch he had received, the Ministry of Revenue was claiming poverty. At the beginning of the year, there was a smallpox outbreak, then floods occurred in Jinzhong around June and July, requiring additional funds. Moreover, the region north of Xiazhou demanded food but contributed no tax revenue, so the Ministry of Revenue was indeed in a difficult position this year.

General Ashina understood that if it weren’t for Kucha’s excessive actions this year, colluding with the Western Turkic and interrupting trade routes, His Majesty would not have wanted to invade Kucha.

After all, in the previous autumn, Great Jin and Kucha shared a harmonious relationship, exchanging letters and gifts, and the King of Kucha had generously invited General Guo’s protectorate to settle in Kucha, displaying a loyal intention to become a vassal. Who would have thought that after a single year, with a smallpox outbreak in Xiazhou, Kucha would suddenly become uncooperative?

Considering these implications, General Ashina greeted Liu Huan with a smile, also showing a friendly demeanor to Zhou Man and Bai Erlang, allowing them to be seated and warmly saying, "Please sit down."

He observed them, noting that they seemed quite young, only two or three years older than his son, making him even more amiable, "How long have you been in the Western Regions? Was your journey peaceful? Are you accustomed to being here?"

Only then did he inquire about their mission, "Is there any news regarding the cowpox method?"

Manbao found his friendliness reassuring and answered each question, especially highlighting the two encounters with bandits and one with Tubo soldiers on their journey, which resulted in heavy casualties.

Only at the end did they bring up their return journey.

General Ashina didn’t expect them to already be considering their return and couldn’t help but smile, finding them still childlike.

Warfare isn’t so simple; today’s knowledge of tomorrow is limited, not to mention events far in the future. He himself didn’t know when the war would end.

Thus, he chuckled, "The trade routes to Yumen Pass have been cleared, and while en route, the government’s military eradicated bandits from Liangzhou to Suzhou, and even in the deserts connected via Yumen Pass, Junior General Guo swept through thrice. With soldiers escorting you and raising the banner of Great Jin, even the boldest would not dare to confront you."

Bai Shan mentioned the person who had caused them significant losses, Jin Kui’an, "I’ve heard he holds considerable influence in the Western Regions, and now serves under General Guo. If we return and he intends to harm us, the vast desert might allow him to succeed."

Such blatant complaining didn’t bother General Ashina; instead, he felt some discontent towards General Guo and frowned slightly, asking, "Why would General Guo employ someone so ruthless?"

Bai Shan replied, "Perhaps for his bravery, as he can fight ten men at once and is exceptionally formidable."

General Ashina sighed, pondered briefly, and said, "If you wish to return at this moment, I will dispatch a squad to escort you. General Guo will undoubtedly manage his subordinates upon learning of this, so rest assured."

He glanced at the young men, smiling slightly, "If you wish to stay longer and return with me, it may be quite some time. Snow will begin after September, and come October or November, with heavy snow, leaving the grasslands will be difficult until the next year, so consider it thoroughly."

Manbao exchanged glances with Bai Shan.

The two said, "We need to consult with the envoy group."

The decision of the envoy was ultimately up to them.

Assistant General Nie said, "Since Lord Zhou suggests the cowpox method can be tested, why not try it here before leaving? If there are issues, we can continue investigating. Yet, if we find problems after returning to the capital, we surely can’t return to the Western Regions across such great distances?"

Wei Xingren and the others shared this thought.

Their goal this time was the cowpox method; if successful, they would achieve great merit. Zhou Man had only discovered some steps, without knowing the detailed formula yet, nor had it been confirmed. Returning this way might result in no merit, instead guilt.

However, ultimately, it depended on Zhou Man’s decision.

Coincidentally, Manbao thought the same, so she said, "Looks like we need to consult with General Guo regarding the cowpox experimentation."