"H-Hanzhong has absolutely no need for so many troops stationed there. The only place in the Shu lands that needs a heavy garrison is Nanzhong. Have Huo Yi lead thirty thousand elite troops to hold it, pacify the local tribes, and remain ready to march to Jiaozhou at any time. That will be enough."
"The most important things in the Shu lands are the passes. Yongan and Jiange need garrisons; the other cities can be treated just like the commanderies of the Central Plains."
"A-also, Wudu Commandery needs some soldiers, because it borders the outer Qiang, who may come and go through Tazhong and Gansong."
"The Yongliang Army's headquarters can be moved forward. With the Shu lands pacified, there is no longer any unrest within Yong Province. The focus of administration should shift to Liangzhou. Guzang, Jincheng, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and other such places c-can all have appropriate numbers of troops stationed in them."
"Since the Chief Clerk of the Western Regions Office was e-established, the roads have repeatedly been blocked and damaged by the outer Qiang and Hu, and merchants have been plundered many times. Ensuring the safety of the roads between the Chief Clerk of the Western Regions Office and Liangzhou is what we must do next."
"There is a strong possibility of unrest in the Shu lands, but since His Majesty has already recognized this, even if unrest breaks out, it will not reach the point of sweeping across all Ba-Shu and making the imperial court look askance."
Deng Ai was pointing at the map before him as he explained all this to the many officials of the Ministry of War.
Chen Qian sat in the seat of honor, listening to Deng Ai's analysis with deeply mixed feelings.
There was nothing wrong with what Deng Ai said, except