AWB Chapter 216 Western Regions
Chapter 216 Western Regions
"However, regarding the Western Regions issue alone, Liu Xiu's refusal to establish a Protectorate for the Western Regions was certainly controversial. But compared to those who thought he made a bad move, more people in later dynasties chose to believe that this choice was correct."
"After all, it was only a short time since the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and everything was in need of rebuilding. We had been fighting for years. Both the people and the country should have been recuperating instead of continuing the war."
"Liu Xiu once said the following about border conflicts: Knowing that the world is exhausted and we want to relax, after pacifying Longxi and Shu, unless it is an emergency, I have never mentioned military affairs again, and we should not easily launch border wars."
"Let's not concern ourselves with what Liu Xiu was thinking. Generally speaking, someone in the Eastern Han Dynasty would have dealt with the Western Regions. But that's something that happened later, so let's not talk about it now."
"As for other smaller forces or states, such as the Xianbei and Wuhuan, it's only a matter of time before they submit. Once these barbarian states see the Central Plains stable, they are unlikely to persist in their rebellion!"
A lazy official in the Song Dynasty: Each generation has its own tasks, and it's perfectly fine to leave them to future generations!
A Ming Dynasty soldier commented: "Perhaps he simply doesn't want to fight anymore! It's a waste of money and energy!"
A skilled farmer in the Tang Dynasty: Not expanding might be better for the people!
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"Let's talk about Liu Xiu's domestic policies. In the early days of the founding of the country, due to years of war, the national treasury was empty and the population had decreased sharply. In response to this situation, he paid more attention to the policy of allowing the people to recuperate and rebuild, and reduced taxes."
"After drinking with the meritorious generals to relinquish their military power, Liu Xiu vigorously promoted renowned and virtuous men, such as the civil officials Ma Yuan and Shen Tu Gang who came from Wei Xiao's side."
"In terms of education, Liu Xiu himself had studied in Chang'an, so after he came to power, he actively established the Imperial Academy and expanded its scale, using the Five Classics such as the Book of Poetry, the Book of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals as teaching materials."
"As for Liu Xiu himself, after ascending the throne, he practiced frugality. Historical records show that the clothes Liu Xiu wore were not particularly luxurious, and he did not choose particularly bright colors. He also never carried jewelry or bracelets in his hands."
"And when Liu Xiu issued edicts to other small states, he avoided using bamboo slips whenever possible. This shows that Liu Xiu was indeed very self-disciplined. To be able to do these things, he must have been a ruthless person!"
"That's not all. In the harem, Guo Shengtong and Yin Lihua were both wives of Liu Xiu. He treated them both very well. Each of them had five sons. He was able to treat them equally. That's quite impressive!"
"Let's talk about the simple burial policy advocated by Liu Xiu. Generally speaking, imperial tombs contain many valuable items; you can refer to His Majesty the Pig."
"But in chaotic times, there are quite a few people who make money from coffins. Moreover, the rich are buried lavishly while the poor are buried simply, which only shows that the gap between the rich and the poor is too large. Therefore, Liu Xiu did not start building his mausoleum until 50 AD, which was only about seven years after his death."
"Moreover, his mausoleum was built in a very simple manner. He once told his ministers: '...Don't make it too grand...If there is a change of dynasty in the future, then let his mausoleum become an ordinary little hill!'"
Liu Xiu, the Chosen One of the Great Han Dynasty: ...
Liu Zhuzhu, the Great Han: Hmph! Daring to rob my tomb, I'll make sure they never leave alive!
Li Erfeng of the Tang Dynasty: Oh! Following in the footsteps of the First Emperor, you've put poison in there!?
First Emperor: There's no need to mention my name!
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