Han family achievements

Chapter 252 The dissatisfaction caused by protecting Cao Cao
After Xun Yu finished speaking, Yang Biao's fat face trembled subconsciously, and his eyes flashed with surprise.

30 million!

The taxes of the Han Dynasty, after deducting losses and other things, reached Taicang in one year, but only about 30, [-], which was simply the taxes of the Han Dynasty in three years!
Zhong Yao looked serious and reacted quickly, saying, "Is it due this year?"

The original debts all had time limits, ranging from three months to five years.

Xun Yu shook his head and said: "One hundred million is due this year, and all 20 will be due next year."

Yang Biao was somewhat relieved. If he only had one hundred thousand yuan and the court returned some of it, he might be able to delay it even if he had a shameless banquet.

Xun You looked at Yang Biao's expression, shook his head secretly, and said: "Prime Minister, the shortfall in the national treasury this year may exceed 20 yuan."

Yang Biao was stunned for a moment and said: "Last year it was only [-] million, how come there are so many this year?"

Zhong Yao also sighed silently at this prime minister. He really didn't care about national affairs at all.

Xun Yu's expression remained normal and he said: "One is that the official salaries of various states are gradually distributed by the court, including those in arrears. The second is the cost of Cao Cao's expedition to the Black Mountain Army and the subsequent relief. The third is that the number of soldiers in the Forbidden Army Camp is ten million, and expenses are increasing.”

Yang Biao knew this, but subconsciously forgot about it. He couldn't help but frown, making his eyes look even smaller, and said, "Is it so different?"

Zhong Yao knew that Yang Biao just wanted to avoid trouble, so he ignored him and said, "Does your Majesty know about this?"

Xun You, however, kept staring at Yang Biao and said, "The Prime Minister must inform Your Majesty."

Yang Biao's eyes kept blinking, then he coughed repeatedly and said, "It's better for you to go. I've been in poor health recently and have already taken leave."

The court's debts were due, but Yang Biao could still say a few words with his old face.But with such a huge shortfall, he didn't want to go into the palace and get into trouble.

Xun Yu was silent for a moment and said, "It's a very important matter. Are you sure the Prime Minister won't enter the palace?"

Yang Biao's fat face trembled and he hesitated.

For such a big matter, it is really unjustifiable for him, the Prime Minister, to be absent.But if you enter the palace, you may not have to bear the wrath of thunder.

Xun Yu, Xun You, Zhong Yao and others were waiting for Yang Biao to express his position. It was not that they insisted on Yang Biao taking the lead, but that many of their follow-up plans needed the approval and support of Yang Biao, the prime minister.

"Prime Minister, Da Sima is here." In the silence, the clerk outside the duty room hurriedly came to report.

Yang Biao stood up quickly, with a big belly, and was about to go out.

Huangfu Song rarely came to the chancery. When he saw Yang Biao trotting over with difficulty, he raised his hand and said: "Prime Minister, Your Majesty has summoned us to the palace."

Yang Biao's face changed slightly and he said, "What happened?"

When Xun Yu, Xun You and others heard this, they all stood up and looked at Huangfu Song with doubts on their faces.

Huangfu Song, who was rarely involved in Shangshutai affairs, hesitated for a moment and said: "Something happened in the south."

Xun You, Xun Yu and others looked at each other with a bad premonition in their hearts.

Yang Biao lamented in his heart, he couldn't escape after all.

Without saying a word, everyone left the Shangshu Terrace, bypassed the Jiade Hall, and turned towards the Chongde Hall.

Yang Biao thought about so many things about the government and the public, and began to feel uneasy. He whispered to Huangfu Song: "Da Sima, why did you go there in person?"

It stands to reason that if the palace summons someone and sends a little Huangmen to deliver the message, there is no need for Huangfu Song to go there in person.

Huangfu Song didn't hide it, and said: "The matter is a bit big."

Yang Biao's fat face suddenly straightened, he breathed a sigh of relief secretly, raised his hand and said: "Brother Huangfu, please say a few words to the Chancellor later."

Huangfu Song said: "Prime Minister, don't worry."

How can Yang Biao rest assured? If we don't talk about the affairs in the south, the affairs of the imperial court will be enough to give him a headache and pain.

When everyone arrived at the back hall of Chongde Hall, they saw Liu Bian sitting behind the desk, quietly reading the memorial.

Everyone immediately held their breath, lined up their order subconsciously, stepped over the threshold one by one, and entered the palace gate.

"I will see you, Your Majesty." Yang Biao took the lead and everyone greeted him.

Liu Bian didn't even raise his head and said calmly: "How far is it to clear the land and register the household members?"

Xun Yu came out of the queue and said: "Your Majesty, according to the plan of Shangshutai, the overall progress is now halfway."

Liu Bian still didn't raise his head and said, "It's been almost four years and it's still only half?"

Xun Yu's slightly mature face showed no signs of change as he said: "Your Majesty, Bingzhou, Sili, Yanzhou has progressed more than half, Youzhou, Jizhou and Qingzhou are still less than one-fifth."

Liu Bian put down the official document in his hand, picked up another one, and said, "I heard that this year's summer tax will be reduced instead of increased. Many big families are frantically grabbing land?"

"Yes."

Xun Yu's expression remained unchanged as he said: "The Chancellor has issued an order to curb this situation."

Liu Bian picked up his pen, reviewed it casually, and said, "How many decrees can we stop them?"

Xun Yu was silent for a moment and said: "Your Majesty, the northern states have been devastated by war and the land is seriously abandoned. Large families can be of great help in resuming farming."

Liu Bian paused, raised his eyelids, and looked at him.

Although Xun Yu lowered his head, he knew that Liu Bian was looking at him, but he did not speak.

There was a trace of cold sweat on Yang Biao's face. He didn't dare to wipe it off and remained motionless.

Xun You and Zhong Yao were also silent.

It is not an easy task to clear the land and register the households. In the past few years, they have worked hard, but the results are still far less than expected.

In addition to various banditry and resistance from local gentry, there was also the fact that the court's control over the local area was too weak.The so-called "imperial power does not extend to the county" is vividly reflected in this matter.

Liu Bian glanced at everyone present. After a while, he slowly put down his pen, sat upright, and said: "Liu Biao almost killed the angel I sent. Yuan Shao's mind is unpredictable, and Gongsun Zan secretly hides his strength. Sun Jian is obviously Don't take my will seriously. Not long ago, Cao Cao sent troops to capture Qiao County from Dong Zhuo."

When everyone listened to Liu Bian's words, they didn't think it was anything at first. Until the last one, everyone except Huangfu Song turned pale with shock.

Zhong Yao stepped out of the queue fiercely, raised his hand and said solemnly: "May I ask your Majesty, is this your Majesty's decree, or is Cao Cao acting on his own initiative?"

Liu Bian looked at him and said: "The Xu family who was trapped in Qiao County asked Cao Cao for help, so Cao Cao sent troops to occupy Qiao County. I didn't know about it beforehand."

Yang Biao, Xun You, Xun Yu and others all stared at Liu Bian. Seeing that what he said did not seem to be false, they couldn't help but look at each other with surprise and contemplation on their faces.

Cao Cao's sudden move must have frightened Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo, who has always been quiet, is likely to have other Dong Zhuo.

Coupled with the fact that Dong Zhuo secretly formed an alliance with Yuan Shu, the originally good situation in Jiangdong may change drastically!

The imperial court now strives for stability and does not want to cause more trouble.

Cao Cao's sudden move will definitely disrupt all the court's plans!
Xun You looked angry and said: "Your Majesty, I am impeaching General Cao Cao for showing off his power. He acted recklessly and crossed the border without asking for orders. This is a great treason. I ask your Majesty to punish him severely!"

"I second the proposal!" Zhong Yao followed closely.

He also disapproved of Cao Cao's actions. Now irritating Dong Zhuo would be harmful to the court but not beneficial at all!
"I second the proposal." Xun Yu raised his hand, looking unremarkable.

Yang Biao's fat face straightened, he struggled again and again, but still did not agree.

Liu Bian took in all their expressions and said with an indifferent expression: "There is going to be a war in the south, and the imperial tax will be reduced instead of increased. What do you think we should do?"

Yang Biao glanced at Liu Bian quietly and then shrank back.

He didn't know if Liu Bian knew that one hundred million yuan of debt was due this year, and Taicang still had hundreds of millions of vacancies.

With so much money, let alone fighting, whether the court can be stable is another two different things!
Yang Biao remained silent, and Xun You, Xun Yu, Zhong Yao and others also remained silent.

This was a real dilemma faced by the Han Dynasty. To solve it, there was only one prescription - time.

There is no other way but to take time to digest it slowly.

But the reason why it is a dilemma is that reality does not allow this time.

Huangfu Song wouldn't even interrupt. This was a matter for Shangshutai, and he always stayed away from it.

Liu Bian looked at this group of people, all of whom were ministers of the court, except for Yang Biao, who were all his confidants. He pondered for a moment and said, "I am determined to redistribute the land to the landless and landless people."

Xun You, Zhong Yao and others were startled and looked at Liu Bian in surprise.

Xun Yu, as the Minister of Hu Cao, was sensitive to these instincts and said: "Your Majesty, there are many unclaimed lands in the northern states. I think this strategy is feasible."

Liu Bian narrowed his eyes slightly and stared at Xun Yu.

He didn't know whether Xun Yu meant what he said or not, whether he saw it or not.

It's a pretty good step up, though.

Liu Bian nodded and said, "This matter will be left to the Hucao. Also, from now on, the Shangshutai will issue an order strictly prohibiting the sale of land. Anyone who violates this will be severely punished!"

"I accept the decree." Yang Biao and Xun Yu raised their hands.

Xun You and Zhong Yao looked at each other and saw deep worry in each other's eyes.

They can all feel that His Majesty only said half of what he said, and there are more plans hidden behind it!
Liu Bian glanced at Xun Yu again, but he didn't expect that this matter would go so smoothly.

Now that we have this beginning, things will be much easier in the future.

Taking the tea cup from Pan Yin, Liu Bian said: "As for the sharp reduction in taxes, I will find time to discuss it in detail with you all. Now let's talk about Cao Cao's occupation of Qiao County."

Xun You's eyes were cold and his face was serious, and he said: "Your Majesty, please punish Cao Cao severely!"

Liu Bian said: "What I'm talking about is how to deal with the aftermath of this matter."

Zhong Yao clearly felt that Liu Bian still wanted to protect Cao Cao, and said: "Your Majesty, I think that we should send troops to suppress Dong Zhuo, forcing Dong Zhuo not to move, and giving the court time to destroy Yuan Shu first!"

Xun You glanced at him, feeling annoyed with Cao Cao in his heart. He stopped letting it slip on his face and continued: "Your Majesty, Xu Rong of Yanzhou, Gongsun Zan of Jiujiang and Jiangxia, Yuan Shao, and Sun Jian of Guangling may order them to send troops to do what Dong Zhuo did. The power of suppression.”

Yang Biao thought about that situation and suddenly said urgently: "No! Your Majesty, if you do this, firstly, you will relax the suppression of Yuan Shu, and secondly, it may make Dong Zhuo jump over the wall. The imperial court wants to start a war on multiple fronts, absolutely not!"

Liu Bian took a sip of tea and said, "What do the Huangfuqing family think?"

Huangfu Song had already prepared a draft and said directly: "Your Majesty, I believe that we should remain unchanged in response to all changes."

Liu Bian looked thoughtful and said, "What do you mean by the Qing family? Let's see first?"

Huangfu Song said: "Yes. I believe that even though Cao Cao suddenly occupied Qiao County, Dong Zhuo may not really dare to openly rebel, and will probably continue to hide his power and bide his time. With Yuan Shu in front, Dong Zhuo will not become the second Yuan Shu."

Xun You and Xun Yu both couldn't understand what they heard and thought carefully.

However, Yang Biao was sorry and quickly raised his hand and said: "Your Majesty, I agree with the words of Grand Sima. At this time, the imperial court should act secretly and not give Dong Zhuo an excuse. If Dong Zhuo really conspires to rebel, he must be shocked with thunderous means!"

Zhong Yao came to his senses and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, I request an order to go to Pei State and order Dong Zhuo to stay safe and not dare to raise troops!"

Liu Bian put down his tea cup, with a cold and disdainful look on his face, and said, "I think that although Cao Cao's move is unexpected, it will allow me and all of you to see the situation and some people clearly, which may not be a bad thing."

When everyone saw Liu Bian excusing Cao Cao again, they felt so full of complaints that they couldn't express themselves.

Liu Bian couldn't tell what they were thinking. He sat up straight, with a majestic expression and a hint of domineering, and said: "I reiterate that the court must focus on the 'New Deal' and not be distracted. 'Clear the land and register the households.' We must continue to work hard to implement it without neglecting it. That’s it for today. Xun Yuqing’s family will stay, and everyone else can go.”

Yang Biao was a little stunned. There were so many big things going on in the imperial court. Didn't His Majesty even ask a question?

(End of this chapter)