Chapter 151 - 145: Capital Relocation Controversy
Zhao Ming did not mention in his letter to Zhao Zhongyu that Zhao Hanzhang was planning to buy a colt; he only stated that Zhao’s Fortress needed the strength to protect itself, hence the need to purchase horses.
Zhao Zhongyu did not hesitate. Although rearing private soldiers was akin to treason, and the Zhao Family’s troops had long exceeded the limits prescribed by ritual laws, in such a chaotic situation, without sufficient military strength, a family could not be preserved.
So he immediately wrote two letters, one of which was an introduction letter to Liu Kun, which members of the Zhao Family could use to find Liu Kun in Bingzhou.
Furthermore, Zhao Zhongyu exchanged information with Zhao Ming. Now, with the Xiongnu advancing south and people’s lives difficult, even noble families like theirs could hardly remain unaffected. Zhao Zhongyu hoped they would hoard grains, gold, silver, and cloth, so they could easily leave if something happened.
Because Liu Yuan was attacking Luoyang, there were suggestions in the court to relocate the capital to Chang’an.
Oh, Prince East Sea had successfully taken Jingzhao County, and now Chang’an was under his control. However, most of the people from Jingzhao County had fled, and its desolation was comparable to Bingzhou.
Thus, other ministers suggested relocating the capital to Nanyang: one, because Jingzhao County had suffered war devastation in recent years, leading the populace to flee; and two, because it’s too close to the Jiehu, which made ministers anxious and feeling insecure.
The Emperor wished to relocate as well, but Prince East Sea did not consent, leading to a stalemate.
However, Zhao Zhongyu contemplated internally, given Liu Yuan’s offensive, if they could not hold Luoyang, there was a significant chance they’d relocate the capital, with a higher likelihood of choosing Nanyang over Chang’an.
If the capital were moved to Nanyang, it would be much closer to Ru Nan County, benefiting the Zhao Family.