Han family achievements

Chapter 312 Ten Years of Taxation
Cao Cao was not surprised and looked at Guo Jia.

A fight between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan would undoubtedly destroy the imperial court's plan to conquer Dong.

Guo Jia drank wine, laughed, and said: "Gongsun Zan is a famous general outside the Great Wall. He was too careless when he lost to Yuan Shu before. Now that he has been recuperating for several years, Yuan Shao will not win so easily."

Cao Cao nodded, stretched his legs and said: "However, Gongsun Zan is a military general and is not popular among the nobles. Moreover, Lu Gong has passed away and he is in Jiujiang. His defeat will be a matter of time."

Xia Houyuan sat down and said: "So, isn't Yangzhou going to fall completely into Yuan Shao's hands? And Sun Jian is dying soon, so I'm afraid part of Xuzhou will fall into his hands. After all, Yuan Shao's power is stronger than that of Yuan Shu before It’s even bigger!”

Guo Jia thought about it, shook his head with a strange expression, and said: "The Yuan family's reputation for generations was completely ruined in Yuan Shu's hands. Although Yuan Shao sued the Yuan family to protect himself, the Yuan family's reputation has been lost. Yuan Shao There is absolutely no possibility of open rebellion. This Yuan Benchu ​​is really a pity..."

Cao Cao did not belittle Yuan Shao again, but looked outside with a somewhat emotional expression.

I remember how high-spirited Yuan Shao was back then, riding a tall horse and looking down at everyone in Luoyang City.

Let alone eunuchs like Cao Cao, how many people from famous families or relatives of the emperor could catch his eye?
He is really arrogant and his eyes are higher than his head.

What happened next made Yuan Shao's reputation reach an unprecedented level, and the world praised him.

Yuan Shao led his troops into the palace and almost slaughtered all the eunuchs who had been hated by the nobles for decades!

After this incident, Yuan Shao became a role model for the people in the world. Scholars all applauded him and regarded him as a "man who can support the sky".

At that time, Cao Cao was deeply impressed. Such courage was rare and hard to find in the world.

But who would have thought that with all the changes in the world, we would reach this point today.

The ambitions of the Yuan family were exposed and they were liquidated by the imperial court. Then many people in the Yuan family rebelled and were wiped out one after another. After Yuan Shu was defeated, the case of the Yuan family was finally concluded.

But Yuan Shao's current situation has become quite embarrassing.

Yuan Shao was able to survive because he was detained by Liu Bian in the Huangmen Beisi Prison before the Yuan family incident happened. Later, he was spared because he "sued the Yuan family for treason."

Just like Guo Jia said, Yuan Shao can no longer rebel, otherwise his reputation will be ruined and everyone will betray his relatives.

The fourth generation and the third prince, the Yuan family, which has a great reputation, is the head of the noble clan, and is respected in the world, has reached this stage, how can it not be lamentable.

Guo Jia, Cao Cao was deeply moved by this, but Xia Houyuan was unaware and said: "Mengde, is it bad for you that Yuan Shao becomes powerful?"

Cao Cao came back to his senses, smiled brightly, and said: "It's nothing important. The most important thing now is to destroy Dong Zhuo. No matter what Yuan Shao wants to do, as soon as the court orders it, Yuan Shao will have to carry the banner. The Yuan family was destroyed by Dong Zhuo. This time Fight, Yuan Shao must fight even if he doesn’t!"

Xia Houyuan didn't have the brains. He looked between the two of them and landed on Guo Jia's face, saying, "Commander, is it easy to fight?"

Guo Jia was startled, a little surprised when Xia Houyuan mentioned this issue. He hesitated for a moment and said, "It's not easy to fight."

"What should I say?" Xia Houyuan looked curious and asking for advice.

Cao Cao moved his sore leg again, as if he didn't care, but his ears were perked up.

Guo Jia took a sip of wine and said: "During the Warring States Period, the Six Kingdoms attacked Qin. The strength of the Six Kingdoms was far greater than that of Qin, but they were still defeated again and again, and were eventually destroyed by Qin. The fundamental reason was that they had different ideas and wanted They are so different that they cannot unite as one. If you advance and I retreat, if you retreat and I run away, how can you destroy Qin?"

Xia Houyuan understood and said, "Then, we can't succeed in challenging Dong?"

Guo Jia nodded without hesitation and said: "When the Six Kingdoms conquered Qin, it went smoothly at first, but in the later stage they were in a stalemate, and then they gave land to Qin."

Xia Houyuan's expression suddenly changed and his eyes widened.

Cao Cao sat down again, saw Xia Houyuan's expression, and said with a smile: "The situations are very similar but very different. Dong Zhuo is not Qin, at most he is Korea."

Xia Houyuan read very little, so he could understand only when Guo Jia spoke clearly. Xia Houyuan didn't know anything about Cao Cao's words.

What is Korea?
Guo Jia smiled slightly and said: "It's very easy to understand what the general means, so don't worry about it."

Xia Houyuan immediately raised his hand and said in a deep voice: "General, I would like to be the vanguard!"

Dong dong dong

Before Xia Houyuan finished speaking, footsteps sounded outside the door, and a servant shouted loudly at the foot of the steps: "Master, Grand Sima is here to visit."

Cao Cao was startled and quickly stood up on crutches and said: "Please come quickly."

After speaking, he looked at Guo Jia.

Guo Jia was thoughtful and said, "I'm afraid the general is about to leave."

Cao Cao had a premonition and went straight to the front hall without saying anything.

Mrs. Ding stood outside the door for a long time with wine and food, and when she saw this, she had to leave quietly.

Arriving at the front hall, Cao Cao and Liu Yu met and sat opposite each other.

Liu Yu stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Mengde, how are you recovering from your injuries?"

Cao Cao sat upright, leaned forward slightly, and said: "Da Sima has a destiny. Even if Cao Cao has a broken leg, he can mount his horse and kill the enemy!"

Liu Yu smiled even more and said: "Both the government and the public say that Meng De is unruly and unruly, and that he is a sinister person. As for me, Meng De is a loyal and courageous person that is rare for a big man."

Cao Cao's face did not change and he said: "The great Sima praised me so much that Cao Cao cannot deserve it."

Liu Yu observed Cao Cao and saw that he showed no emotion. He paused and said, "I won't beat around the bush anymore. The court has received a secret report. Sun Jian probably won't survive. His in-law, Gong Cao Shangshu Wu Jing, is trying to get Sun Jian's son to Sun Ce inherited the title of Marquis of Wucheng and returned to Wu County to take charge of the overall situation."

When Cao Cao heard this, he said, "Do you think it's inappropriate, Grand Sima?"

Liu Yu showed a hint of displeasure and said, "Mengde, do you also want to be secretive in front of me?"

Cao Cao was startled and said quickly: "Xiaguan doesn't dare. However, Xiaguan's situation... Xiaguan also doesn't agree with Sun Jian or the Jiangdong family to continue to take charge of the army."

Cao Cao told the truth. Liu Yu nodded and sighed: "I know Mengde's situation. I have defended myself many times in front of His Majesty, and I have had many objections to Shangshutai and Liucao for this. However, Meng De, don’t worry, I will not tolerate the slightest injustice to Zhongliang in Da Sima’s Mansion!”

Cao Cao immediately raised his hand and said solemnly: "Cao Cao thanks Mr. Liu for protecting him!"

Liu Yu stroked his beard again and said, "What do you think about asking for Dong?"

When Cao Cao saw Liu Yu Tuqingdagger, he pretended to be hesitant for a long time and said: "To be honest with Liu Gong, the lower officials are not optimistic about it. Firstly, the troops are too few, secondly, Dong Zhuo is not like Yuan Shu, and thirdly, the imperial court There are dangers everywhere, and it is impossible to use all our strength. In the four aspects, people's hearts are divided, and there are many rebellions, so it may be difficult to achieve success."

Liu Yu paused and said seriously: "Look at Meng De, what is the best policy?"

Cao Cao raised his head and looked at Liu Yu, his eyes were burning, his expression was firm, and he said in a deep voice: "The lower official believes that we should use both suppression and appeasement. On the one hand, we should suppress and divide Dong Zhuo with the righteousness of the court, and on the other hand, we muster strong troops and use the power of thunder to win over Dong Zhuo. Defeat Dong Zhuo. Once you gain momentum, you can destroy Dong Zhuo in just a matter of seconds!"

Liu Yu opened his eyes slightly and then said: "If I transfer Liu Bei's troops to you and gather a total of [-] of your troops, how long will it take to destroy Dong Zhuo?"

Cao Cao was stunned for a moment and said: "Transfer Liu Bei's troops and horses to me? What do you mean by Grand Sima?"

Liu Yu put down his hand and said in a deep voice: "Xuzhou is no longer in contention. I want Liu Bei's troops to hide from Yanzhou and join you in Yingchuan County. We will combine [-] troops and attack Xiangxian County all the way!"

Cao Cao looked dazed on his face, but he was shocked in his heart.

This Liu Yu has such a big plan and such courage!

He actually wanted to abandon Xuzhou and fight Dong Zhuo in Yuzhou!

The imperial court will never agree to this kind of plan!
Is it Liu Yu's private idea?
Cao Cao's face continued to be dazed, and his mind was full of thoughts.Liu Yu's plan is simple and direct. It seems ambitious, but in fact it is almost impossible. If it encounters a setback, Xuzhou will not only abandon it completely, but the court will also investigate the crime at an unprecedented speed!

At that time, Cao Cao and Liu Yu, the Yi tribe is firmly established!
At this moment, Guo Jia and Xia Houyuan were outside the side door. They were also secretly shocked when they heard Liu Yu's plan.

When Guo Jia heard the silence inside, he whispered a few words into Xia Houyuan's ear.

Xia Houyuan understood and left quietly and quickly.

In the front hall, Liu Yu also knew that his plan was bold. Seeing Cao Cao thinking deeply, he picked up the tea cup and drank tea leisurely.

"General,"

Suddenly, Xia Houyuan rushed in and said loudly: "News from Yingchuan..."

He seemed to have just seen Liu Yu. He was startled for a moment and quickly raised his hand and said: "Xia Houyuan, the last general, comes to visit the Grand Sima!"

Liu Yu glanced at Cao Cao out of the corner of his eye and said, "What's going on?"

Xia Houyuan hesitated and looked at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao sat up straight and scolded displeasedly: "How dare you refuse to answer in front of Da Sima!"

Xia Houyuan said hurriedly: "Report to Grand Sima, Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are fighting."

Liu Yu knew it before Cao Cao did. He frowned and stood up and said: "Mengde, I have to enter the palace. You have to think clearly and tell me the truth before leaving."

Cao Cao took the crutch, stood up with some difficulty, and said: "I will send Liu Gong to you."

Liu Yu strode straight away and left.

Cao Cao was at the door, watching Liu Yu leave the house, his narrow eyes flickering slightly, with a hint of suspicion.

Guo Jia came behind him, drank wine, and said: "This Grand Sima is really bold. What came from Mr. Zhang may not be rumors."

Cao Cao felt a little depressed and said, "It's troublesome."

It's just a little troublesome.

"General, we must leave Luoyang as soon as possible." Guo Jiadao.

Cao Cao understood and said: "Well, you can't stay in the place of right and wrong for a long time. Before leaving, I will visit the Prime Minister and others."

Liu Yu's sudden visit made both Guo Jia and Cao Cao feel that there was a hidden danger in Luoyang City, which made people uneasy.

Liu Yu got on the carriage and went straight to the palace.

After walking for a while, Yan Rou, who was driving, turned around and whispered: "Mr. Liu, how are you?"

Liu Yu in the carriage stroked his beard and said with a confused expression, "I didn't find anything out. Cao Cao pretended to be reserved in the front, but said some nonsense behind him."

"The more Cao Cao covers up, the more it shows that he has something evil in his heart. Mr. Liu, you have to be on guard against him." Yan Ju said.

Liu Yuzhuang thought deeply and said: "Most of his soldiers and horses in Yingchuan are from the Forbidden Army camp. I can know every move clearly. I must also stop him from recruiting soldiers privately and recruiting surrendered soldiers."

Yan Rou drove the carriage slowly, turned her head, and said in a low voice: "Mr. Liu, I heard that Cao Cao's second son, Cao Pi, is very close to His Highness."

Liu Yu frowned subconsciously, remembering Liu Bian's nervous expression towards the Second Highness that day in the palace.

Everyone in the government and the public knows that His Majesty favors His Highness the Second Highness very much and often takes her with him, so much so that His Highness can enter and leave Chongde Hall freely and even stay overnight.

His Highness, Liu Shao, has not received this kind of treatment!
"No nonsense!"

After a moment, Liu Yu shouted in a low voice.

Yan Rou quickly bowed and said, "I understand."

Liu Yu let out a sigh of relief and said, "Did Liu Bei come to Beijing?"

Yan Ju said: "Not yet, but there are rumors everywhere in Luoyang recently that Liu Bei is a clan member of the Han Dynasty and the queen of Prince Jing of Zhongshan."

Liu Yu is the real clan clan member of the Han Dynasty, and there are countless people pretending to be clan clan members of the Han clan all over the world. Liu Yu frowned, feeling dissatisfied, and said, "When he enters Luoyang, let him come to see me first." .”

"Yes." Yan Rou responded.

Liu Yu glanced out the window, with many worries on his mind, and suddenly said: "Is there any other news?"

Yan Rou thought for a while and said, "The news about the change of Yuan Dynasty next year has spread. Some people have written a petition to move the capital."

Liu Yu was startled and said: "Move the capital to where?"

"There are many, the most is Chang'an." Yan Ju said.

"Bullshit!"

Liu Yu reprimanded him unceremoniously and said: "You give my people a message and ask them to write a letter to object."

Seeing that the palace was already in sight, Yan Rou turned around and whispered: "Mr. Liu, I heard that someone over at the Chancellor's Desk agreed."

Liu Yu's expression became colder and colder, and he said, "I don't know what it means!"

'Moving the capital' involves too much. Since ancient times, there has been no major event. It is extremely difficult to move the capital. Unless the emperor has enough reasons and courage, it will be difficult to do it.

The reason why there was a discussion about "moving the capital" in Luoyang City was that Dong Zhuo had invaded Shenyuan Pass not long ago, which caused great prosperity in Luoyang City.

Shenyuan Pass is one of the eight passes to defend Luoyang. Once Shenyuan Pass is forced, the bandits can march straight in and attack Luoyang.

Yan Rou waited for a while and saw that Liu Yu didn't speak anymore, so she drove the carriage into the palace.

Liu Bian in the palace was also under great pressure at the moment.

There was a pile of memorials in front of him, related to the imperial taxation.

This year's summer grain has been reduced again, and the salt tax has reached its peak and is also on the decline. Income from other aspects is also weak.

The "New Deal" that has been implemented for many years has reached the deep water zone with the naked eye, and has reached the most difficult and critical moment.

Liu Bian read it slowly and carefully, thinking carefully in his mind, he whispered to himself: "Time waits not for us..."

He needs time too much.

But the Han Dynasty was already in pieces, and the northern states that he tried so hard to stabilize were now in danger and faced unprecedented challenges.

Liu Bian turned his head and looked at the map hanging on the wall not far away.

On each state, there are many conspicuous names written by him personally: San Qiang, Liu Yan, Shi Xie, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Gongsun Zan, Sun Jian, Cao Cao, Liu Bei...

For a while, he lowered his head and looked at the desk. On the blank notebook, there was a series of dense numbers. At the end, there was a dazzling line: deficit of 20, advance expenditure of 40, and debt of [-].

70, which is equivalent to ten years of taxes in the Han Dynasty during the Zhongping Period!
(End of this chapter)