Luo Wuji presented a Geomancy Map of the Western Regions, which in turn prompted Liu Che to change his plans for the war against the Xiongnu. For the first time, the emperor, who had always been somewhat impatient in his actions, decided to spend several years preparing for a war.
This would not be a war to destroy the Xiongnu state, but its significance would be no less than one, because cutting off the Western Regions would sever the Xiongnu's potential for war and even lock a ceiling on their strength.
Like the Indians, the Xiongnu lacked core iron-smelting technology of their own. Once they could no longer obtain technology and weapons from Central Asia, they would soon be left behind and then crushed by the Great Han, which possessed both the core technology and a complete industrial chain.
Liu Che stared intently at the Geomancy Map of the Western Regions. It marked the terrain and general situation there in detail, and this was the main reason he had devised this plan.
After another look, Liu Che said, "Marquis of Unshuang, although your honored father never entered the Great Han's service, drawing this Geomancy Map was truly a great achievement.
"He was a great contributor to the expansion of All Xia's territory.
"Through my reading, I have come to understand something: when subjects render meritorious service, those who deserve rewards should be rewarded, and those who deserve praise should be praised. If someone renders great service but receives no reward, who will still believe the emperor's promises?
"If the Great Han truly takes the Western Regions one day, I will establish an institution there to administer them.
"The Sage King said that the most important affairs of a state are war and sacrifice. As the Son of Heaven of All