Dong Zhuo had long since learned of Han Sui's rebellion in collusion with East Qiang.
Although there was some distance between Longxi Commandery and Jincheng Commandery, where Han Sui was located, they had actually been in contact and interacted for several years.
Dong Zhuo knew very well that Wuwei Commandery, as a strategic stronghold, was of self-evident importance.
Dong Zhuo had already experienced the capriciousness of Han Sui and others; in fact, he had risen to prominence in his early years by quelling the rebellions of Han Sui and others, as well as the unrest of the Qiang.
In that turbulent era, news spread as quickly as the wind.
After Dong Zhuo received news of this rebellion, complex emotions surged within him.
He recalled the days of clashing with Han Sui and others, the shouts of battle on the battlefield still echoing in his ears.
Although Longxi Commandery and Jincheng Commandery were some distance apart, this could not prevent the spread of the rebellion's influence.
The various past events from several years ago continuously resurfaced in Dong Zhuo's mind; those contacts and negotiations with Han Sui and others gave him a deeper understanding of their character and methods.
The capriciousness of Han Sui and others, like ever-changing winds and clouds, made Dong Zhuo deeply aware of the difficult nature of this rebellion.
The strategic position of Wuwei Commandery was crucial; it was a vital hub connecting east and west, controlling important transportation routes and resources.
Dong Zhuo understood that once Han Sui and others occupied Wuwei Commandery, it would have a significant impact on the entire situation.
His own path to power in his early years was closely linked to quelling these rebellions and the unrest of the Western Qiang.
Those days of bloody battles, those scenes of desperate struggles against enemies, all became an indelible part of his memory.
Now, facing the renewed rebellion of Han Sui and others, Dong Zhuo knew he could not take it lightly.
He had to be fully prepared to deal with this impending severe challenge.
At the same time, he was secretly calculating in his mind how to use this opportunity to further consolidate his power and position.
In this era full of stratagems and wars, every decision could affect the fate of the future, and Dong Zhuo had to respond cautiously to gain a firm foothold in this turmoil.
Dong Zhuo summoned his son-in-law Li Ru, Niu Fu, and generals Zhang Ji, Guo Si, and Li Jue for a discussion.
Li Ru first provided a detailed analysis based on the situation in the Imperial Court.
He pointed out that after Emperor Ling's death, Grand Empress Dowager Dong and Dong Cheng were originally Dong Zhuo's important reliance in the court.
They attempted to stage a palace coup to enthrone Liu Xie but unfortunately failed, which also indirectly affected the interests of the Dong Clan.
At this time, the rebellion of Han Sui and others was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to echo the overall situation.
Taking advantage of this opportunity to expand military strength in the local areas, when they gradually grew stronger locally and held heavy troops, Empress Dowager Dong and Dong Cheng could also gain a more stable foothold in the political center.
Dong Zhuo deeply agreed with this; he understood that the relationship between himself, Empress Dowager Dong, and Dong Cheng, at the local and court levels, was inherently interconnected and interdependent.
The more stable their position in the Imperial Court became, the more political resources Dong Zhuo could obtain.
And when they were at a disadvantage, or showed signs of weakness, Dong Zhuo could only temporarily lie low, as there were many armies in the world, and he could not dominate alone.
Conversely, the more stable Dong Zhuo was locally and the stronger his military power, the greater their say in the central government.
These individuals fully adhered to the concept of the aristocratic clan; for them, family interests superseded everything, far exceeding so-called patriotic sentiments.
Li Ru advised Dong Zhuo, saying, “Now that the Han Dynasty is in turmoil, it is an excellent time to expand our strength.
The Xiliang Iron Cavalry is renowned throughout the world; if we can unify the entire Western Liang at this time, then in the future, when the cavalry sweeps across, once the court situation changes, and the forces led by He Jin's aristocratic families, as well as those constrained by the Empress Dowager and eunuchs, undergo a shift, we can lead the Xiliang Iron Cavalry to descend with the momentum.
Once we enter Hangu Pass, we can sweep through Chang'an and Luoyang, and by then, with our powerful military, we will naturally be able to grasp the entire world in our hands.”
After listening to Li Ru's advice, Dong Zhuo frowned slightly and said, “Wen You's words are very much to my liking!
But now that Han Sui is rebelling, what should be done?”
Li Ru offered a plan to Dong Zhuo, saying, “My lord, firstly, we must intensify the preparation of troops, expand our army's strength, and order the generals to prepare and train thoroughly for the expedition.
Secondly, we must vigorously strengthen our military readiness, forge weapons, and prepare provisions.
Given the current state of the Imperial Court, relying on them to prepare military supplies and then march together, I fear Han Sui will have already driven Ma Teng into a desperate situation.
Thirdly, we must closely monitor the Imperial Court's movements; once an order arrives, we can immediately lead our troops to attack, ensuring speed and catching Han Sui and the rebel forces off guard.
Fourthly, we can contact the Western Qiang tribes and have them constrain Han Sui from the Jincheng direction, preventing him from fully engaging in battle, and even order the Western Qiang to advance north, threatening counties like Jiuquan and Zhangye, causing unrest within the alliance of the West Liang Eight Divisions.”
Dong Zhuo stroked his beard and laughed, saying, “Hahahahaha, with Wen You, my heart is as steady as a rock!”
Dong Zhuo listened to Li Ru's words, showing a puzzled expression, and asked Jia Xu and Li Ru, “Ma Teng is a proud man.
If I save him from his predicament now, I fear he may not serve me.”
Li Ru smiled and replied, “My lord, you can first contact Ma Teng and have him cooperate from within to defeat the enemy.
Ma Teng is currently like an ant on a hot pan, surrounded.
If someone comes to save him, he will surely cling to it like a lifeline.
Our army only needs to attack the rebellion of Han Sui and the other West Liang Eight Divisions.
If East Qiang attacks, it will be up to Han Sui to deal with it, and Ma Teng will naturally come to resist.
The East Qiang are powerful and their people fierce.
Ma Teng's territory is merely a small Wuwei Commandery; how many troops can he possibly have?
Even if he barely wins, he will be severely weakened, only able to barely survive.
If he doesn't rely on you, he won't be able to cause any trouble.
Li Ru then said with a vicious expression, “Even if he refuses to surrender to us, isn't it as easy as turning over our hand to deal with him?
Even if we let him continue to develop, how long will it take for him to recover?
He is merely a minor general, guarding a strategic pass.
Since this man harbors loyalty to the Han Dynasty, there is an opportunity to exploit him.
With him in our rear, we don't have to worry about the Qiang unrest.
Even if he develops, once he can't resist, he will still ask us for help.
His power won't grow, and he'll always rely on others for rescue; why should we worry about him?”
Only then did Dong Zhuo feel relieved, and he turned his gaze to his generals.
These generals were all Western Liang warriors; when it came to fighting on the battlefield, they were all brave and fearless, but when it came to schemes and tricks, they truly struggled to comprehend.
Dong Zhuo looked at the group before him and could only arrange them according to their abilities.
Dong Zhuo sat majestically in the main seat, his expression solemn as he began to arrange various matters.
He loudly commanded, “Listen, all of you!
Xu Rong is a general of great caliber, stable and experienced in military tactics, and he possesses outstanding ability in training troops.
I now order him to swiftly recruit new soldiers and intensify rigorous training for the army, ensuring our army's combat effectiveness reaches a new level.”
Upon hearing Dong Zhuo's command, Xu Rong stepped forward with a solemn expression, cupped his fists, and said, “Your subordinate obeys the order; I will do my utmost and not fail my mission!”
Dong Zhuo nodded slightly and continued, “Guo Si, Li Jue, Zhang Ji, and the other generals, you must carefully select those who are brave, immensely strong, and tall from the existing soldiers to form our elite force—the Flying Bear Army.
This army will serve as our trump card, playing a decisive role at critical moments.”
Upon hearing this, Guo Si, Li Jue, Zhang Ji, and the other generals' eyes gleamed with excitement; they responded in unison, “We will spare no effort in carefully selecting and forming the Flying Bear Army!”
Dong Zhuo then solemnly stated, “Niu Fu is responsible for overseeing the preparation of military provisions and the organization of military equipment.
You must ensure an ample supply of materials and well-maintained and excellent equipment; there must be no slightest oversight!”
Niu Fu stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, “Please rest assured, my lord; your subordinate will do his utmost to ensure all supplies are properly prepared!”
Finally, Dong Zhuo turned his gaze to Li Su and said earnestly, “Li Su, you are to immediately take ample wealth to Western Qiang.
You must persuade the Western Qiang King to ally with us and request him to send troops to contain Han Sui and the other rebel generals.
This matter is of great importance; you must act cautiously and diligently to achieve your objective!”
Li Su accepted the order with a serious expression, saying, “Your subordinate will certainly not fail in his mission and will do his utmost to fulfill the lord's request!”
All the generals present felt Dong Zhuo's determination and boldness; they all expressed their commitment to close cooperation and fulfilling their respective duties.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall was solemn and filled with high spirits.
Indeed, it is undeniable that Dong Zhuo and Li Ru possessed considerable insight and judgment in observing and analyzing the Imperial Court's situation.
Through their thorough understanding and in-depth analysis of various circumstances, they had a very high degree of certainty regarding whether the court would arrange for them to send troops.