Chapter 30: No appeasement, no tribute, the Emperor guards the gates, and the Sovereign dies for the state.

The Xiongnu are attacking.

Liu Bang's expression gradually darkened. He gripped the bamboo slip so tightly that it creaked. His grip was strong enough that Lu Xuan, whose hearing was now quite acute, noticed something was amiss and stopped speaking.

"What has happened?"

"Nothing, just some minor matters at home," Liu Bang said slowly. He was no longer in the mood to discuss the "Order of Grace."

The Xiongnu Chanyu Modu had dispatched two hundred thousand troops to attack Mayi, a development that brought him unprecedented pressure. The dynasty was newly established, and everything was in need of repair. He did not want to engage in war. While two hundred thousand Xiongnu troops were not an overwhelming force for the Han dynasty—since his ascension, he had implemented a system of universal military service where adult males served one year in their home commanderies and one year in the capital or at the border—he was reluctant to fight, nor could he afford to.

Whether he won or lost was a prospect he could not accept. The Han lacked the grain reserves to sustain a prolonged conflict. Furthermore, the various vassal states were eyeing the throne greedily, secretly recruiting troops. He could not count on them to assist against the Xiongnu; it was more likely they would turn against him instead. With external threats and internal instability, the dynasty was too fragile for this.

As Liu Bang’s thoughts raced, Zhang Liang suddenly grabbed his hand. The implication was clear: Lu Xuan could be attended to at any time, but Mayi could not wait. They needed to discuss and plan immediately.

"Master Lu, my friend and I must step out for a moment," Liu Bang said. He stood up, nodded, and left the small cabin with Zhang Liang. Once they reached a secluded area, Liu Bang remarked, "Mayi is defended by the King of Han, Xin. Even with two hundred thousand troops, the Xiongnu will not be able to break through Mayi easily. There is no need to panic."

Liu Bang was not overly rattled. The Han was poor, but it possessed many capable generals and soldiers, far outnumbering the Xiongnu. The only question was whether he was willing to pay the price to engage them. If the King of Han could hold them off, that would be for the best.

"But what if the King of Han is defeated? He never truly submitted to the Han; he only accepted the title under duress," Zhang Liang countered, his face full of concern.

"If the Xiongnu attack is fierce and Mayi falls, the King of Han will surely surrender!"

Liu Bang laughed heartily. "If he surrenders, all the better. It saves me the trouble of figuring out how to execute him."

"If this had happened a month ago, I would have led the army myself to meet the Xiongnu. Now that I have the Prince of Equal Rank, why should I fear them?"

A month ago, Han Xin, the Prince of Chu, had not yet been enfeoffed as the Prince of Equal Rank. At that time, Liu Bang would have had to fight alone, fearing to give vassals like Han Xin too much military power or credit. But things were different now. In terms of commanding troops, Liu Bang considered himself second only to Han Xin and Xiang Yu. If he dared to lead a campaign himself, why wouldn't he succeed with Han Xin's help?

"I, too, understand strategy. In warfare, there are many factors to victory; it cannot rest solely on the shoulders of one general," Zhang Liang cautioned. Even if Han Xin possessed exceptional ability, he might not be invincible. What if he failed against the Xiongnu? The newly built Han dynasty could be reduced to ruins.

"If we cannot win, I will find a way to negotiate peace with the Xiongnu," Liu Bang replied. "Didn't the ministers suggest marriage alliances to avoid the flames of war? I think that is a fine suggestion. A marriage alliance is merely sending away a woman, but it can save the lives of countless soldiers, allow the Han to recover, and ensure the people can farm and prosper. I do not care for this so-called 'face.' If it is my daughter, then so be it; if it is shameful, let it be. Once the Han grows strong, I will leave it to my descendants to avenge this insult."

He waved his hand dismissively. His ambition was vast. Victory was ideal, but if they lost, he would seek peace. Fighting a war they could not win would bring tears to the emperor, the officials, and, most of all, the common people. He did not find marriage alliances glorious, but if one woman could trade for peace and the lives of his people, why not?

"Besides," Liu Bang added, "I want to ask Lu Xuan how later generations view these marriage alliances. Is it truly shameful?"

Zhang Liang felt a sense of helplessness. He only hoped the King of Han could hold Mayi. Otherwise, neither war nor peace would be easy.

Liu Bang returned to the room with a smile, taking Lu Xuan’s hand. "Master Lu, the residence prepared for you is cleaned and ready. You can move in within the next two days."

Feeling the warmth of that large hand, Lu Xuan felt a deep sense of gratitude. It was rare to meet such kind-hearted people in this ancient era.

"By the way, Master Lu," Liu Bang asked, "do you think it is shameful to adopt a policy of marriage alliances with foreign tribes? How do later generations evaluate such actions?"

Liu Bang was direct, mainly because time was short. He wanted to understand the view of later generations on this issue; if they didn't care, he would pursue it if he couldn't win. He cared little for his own reputation.

A policy of marriage alliances? Lu Xuan paused. He immediately thought of a famous saying from the Ming dynasty that circulated on the internet in his own time: "No marriage alliances, no tribute, the Son of Heaven guards the borders, and the monarch dies for the state!"

In fact, throughout the history of the Ming dynasty, they had indeed lived up to this. As for whether marriage alliances were shameful, in ancient feudal dynasties—especially during Han-ruled periods—the influence of Confucianism and the strict distinction between "Hua" (civilized) and "Yi" (barbarian) made marriage alliances seem like a forced compromise. Rulers of the Central Plains, considering themselves the orthodox successors of civilization, were often seen as bowing to the "barbarians" by marrying off princesses.

In the early Han, the Xiongnu were powerful, and the policy was born of necessity. To some scholars, it was a humiliation, as the Central Plains were supposed to command respect through cultural and military superiority, not by "showing weakness."

However, from the perspective of later generations and national interest, it could be viewed as a diplomatic tool—a way to build ties, foster trade, and maintain stability. For instance, Princess Wencheng’s marriage to Songtsen Gampo during the Tang dynasty significantly strengthened ties with the Tibetan Empire and promoted cultural and economic development. In that sense, it served a positive, pragmatic purpose.

If Lu Xuan were still in his own time, he might argue this point, as marriage alliances were both a humiliation and a strategic benefit. Yet, he was now in the Ming dynasty. He was a modern man who would use his knowledge and culture to change this Great Ming. Soon, the Ming would stand at the pinnacle of the world. In such a case, marriage alliances?

Why bother? Just fight them head-on! If any foreign tribe showed signs of rebellion, he would create the technology for gunpowder and show them the true power of the state.

With that thought, Lu Xuan said firmly, "Marriage alliances have undeniable benefits, but to us in the later generations, there is a different view: No marriage alliances, no tribute, the Son of Heaven guards the borders, and the monarch dies for the state! That is the iron-blooded spirit of China! Why marry? Just fight them head-on! It is because our dynasty’s policy of refusing marriage alliances and tribute has been upheld by every monarch that we are so revered and loved by future generations!"