Speaking of this, for the Central Plains Dynasty, these sixteen states can effectively resist the invasion of northern nomads and are the natural barriers between the Central Plains and the northern nomads. Once these sixteen states are lost, the Central Plains can protect itself and make the North China Plain face the ravages of the nomadic Khitans.

The loss of the Sixteen States has always made the rulers of the Central Plains feel like a sore throat and become the focus of debate. Sejong Guo Rong II knew the importance of this Yanyun region and led an ambitious army to recover Waqiao Pass (now Xiongxian County, Hebei Province) and Yijin Pass (now Wen 'an, Hebei Province). Yukouguan (now Bazhou, Hebei Province), Hezhou (now Yixian, Hebei Province), (now Hejian, Hebei Province) and Yingzhou (now Renqiu, Hebei Province), a secluded state opposed by people, Chai Rong suddenly fell ill and was forced to return to Li. Sixteen States have the northern branch of Taihang Mountain and the western section of Yanshan Mountain, with a large mountainous area. To the north is the Mongolian Plateau stretching to the horizon, and to the south is the North China Plain stretching to the horizon. There is great natural significance between the two terrain areas!

For the Central Plains Dynasty, it can overlook the Mongolian Plateau and establish a gateway that can effectively prevent nomadic cavalry from going south. For nomads, occupying this place overlooks the Central Plains. From here to the Yellow River in the south, there is no danger of the defense of the Central Plains. If the nomadic cavalry went south through sixteen states, the Central Plains Dynasty could not resist it. In Song Dynasty, horses could only be raised among the people, but the quality was uneven, so it was difficult to form a strong cavalry team. The loss of natural pastures in sixteen states made it impossible for the Central Plains to raise horses except to snatch food from the people and give it to them at a high price. The acquisition of horses through trade with Liao was stifled because it was a strategic material.

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