At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 167 The Talent of Wang Zuo
Don't drive, the status is extraordinary.

The origin of this name is because Biejia's status is too high, and he does not go with the governor when he goes out, but rides alone in a car, which is why he is called Biejia.

If the main secretary is similar to the secretary-general of a state pastor, then Biejia's status is not at all inferior to that of the main boss, or even worse.

If there is no separate chariot, Zhu Bo will naturally be in charge of the affairs of the state. His rank is low but his status is very prominent.

But after having Biejia, many affairs of the State Shepherd's Mansion will be handed over to Biejia. Although the master Bo is still the closest Zuo Shi of the State Shepherd, his power has been weakened a lot.

Lu Su has not yet reached the championship, and if he first voted for Zhou Qi, he would be able to get the position of Yangzhou Biejia, which also shows Zhou Qi's appreciation.

If.

If Zhou Qi did not agree with Lu Su's idea of ​​establishing an imperial empire, he would not be able to obtain such a position no matter how much food he donated.

The news of Lu Su's appointment as Yangzhou Biejia soon spread among the major families.

Although they were all aggrieved in their hearts, no one dared to say anything.

First of all, as a person from another state, Lu Su was able to donate [-] shi of food and grass across the state. Just this kind of intention is enough to deserve such kind treatment.

Secondly, although Lu Su was young, he did possess extraordinary talents. At the banquet hosted by the Prefecture Mufu, countless talents from Yangzhou participated, but no one could suppress Lu Su.

And judging from the current situation, Lu Su is highly valued by the chariot general and holds an important position.

Unless these children from aristocratic families have a brain convulsion, they will have trouble with Lu Su at this time.

Two flowers bloom, one branch each.

But it is said that Du Ji traveled from west to east, carefully avoiding the disaster of the war in Jingzhou, and finally entered Jiangxia County along with many refugees who fled into Yangzhou.

At this time, Jiangxia County had just undergone a major purge, and Zhou Jing had almost wiped out all the powerful families in the county with thunderous means.

Although Zhou Jing's reputation was discredited this time, it brought Jiang Xia innumerable food, fields, and money.

With food, fields, and money, Jiangxia County can recruit a large number of refugees.

Those people whose household registration had been hidden by aristocratic families were also registered and allocated houses and land.

Many bandits and water bandits were also impressed by the favorable conditions provided by the government. In addition, without the exploitation and oppression of powerful families, many people re-naturalized.

For a while, Jiangxia County's household registration increased dramatically, and the number of people soared.

Du Ji had almost spent all his money on the way to escape, but because of the endless wars in various places, the price of food soared, and Du Ji didn't have much money at all.

If it weren't for the government to distribute food after arriving in Jiangxia, Du Ji might not be able to sustain it.

After eating and drinking, Du Ji found a place to wash his body, arrange his clothes, and began to observe Jiang Xia's current situation.

Although Zhou Jing attaches great importance to his family, as the helmsman of the Zhou family in Pei State, his political talents are naturally extraordinary.

Coupled with Zhou Qi's established internal affairs strategy, Jiangxia County has obtained money, food and land from powerful families. This has led to the vigorous development of Jiangxia County, which was originally populated by bandits and bandits, in just one year.

The entire Jiangxia County is in a thriving scene.

"Zhou Cheqi is indeed a heroic leader, but with such a large-scale recruitment of refugees, it won't be long before Yangzhou and Jiangxia will fall into the dilemma of food shortage."

Du Ji pondered for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face, and he murmured to himself: "I happen to have some ideas that may solve the urgent need of the general of cavalry."

Thinking of this, Du Ji immediately came to the recruitment hall and asked to see the person in charge here.

When the servant in charge of the reception at the Recruitment Hall learned that the scribe in front of him had served as Jingzhao Gongcao, Zheng County Magistrate, and Hanzhong Fu Cheng, he didn't dare to neglect, so he directly approached Zhou Cheng and reported the matter.

Zhou Cheng also knew that Zhou Qi was eager for talents and valued scholars, especially scholars like Du Ji who had official experience, who were in urgent need of talents in Yangzhou.

He didn't dare to neglect, and immediately came to meet Du Ji in person.

"You are Du Ji Du Bohou?"

When Zhou Cheng saw Du Ji and learned his name, he couldn't help but exclaimed.

Du Ji asked a little strangely: "The general also knows Du Ji's name?"

Zhou Cheng nodded and said: "In the past, the chariot general was ordered to quell the rebellion. He recruited Mr. to be the grain supervisor. He also told us that Mr. Wang has the talent of Wang Zuo."

"I can't wait to see Mr.!"

When Du Ji heard this, his face was moved, and he said: "I never thought that General Che Qi would value me so much!"

Zhou Qi said that Du Ji had the talents of a royal assistant, which was not false.

Wang Zuozhi's talent refers to the extraordinary ability to govern the country.

The reason why Du Ji is not as famous as Xun Yu is not that his political ability is inferior to Xun Yu's, but that he cannot compare with him in terms of strategy.

After all, in troubled times, no matter how powerful the country is, there is no stratagem offered by a counselor that attracts more attention.

Just like Zhuge Liang, his ability to govern the country and politics can be said to be world-class, and it is extremely rare to look at China's thousands of years of history.

But when people mention Zhuge Liang, they only say that he is good at politics and so wise that he is almost a monster.

When it comes to deeds that can show Zhuge Liang's wisdom, many people can talk about it, but when it comes to Zhuge Liang's ability to govern the country, I believe most people are confused.

They will subconsciously think that Zhuge Liang is indeed great at governing the country, but how is he so great?

Sorry, don't know.

This is why political talents are easily ignored.

How powerful was Du Ji's political talent?

Under Du Ji's 16-year governance, the war-torn and population-decreasing Hedong County has always been the best in the world.

It is often the best in the world. This iron-clad fact is enough to reflect Du Ji's political talent?
Xun Yu commented on Du Ji: Brave enough to face adversity, smart to respond.

In Xun Yu's view, Du Ji is both wise and brave.

Cao Cao even believed that Du Ji's actions were impeccable, and he increased the rank of the prefect of Hedong County to two thousand shi, which was originally only two thousand shi in rank.

This allowed Du Ji, the prefect of the outer county, to directly rise to the position of Jiuqing in the imperial court.

Cao Cao also compared Du Ji to Xiao He in Dingguanzhong, although he felt that it was a bit inferior to make him the prefect of a county.

But at that time, Du Ji had already turned the originally desolate Hedong County into a place of enrichment, to the extent that a single county was enough to rule the world.

It is for this reason that Cao Cao always asked Du Ji to guard Hedong.

At this time, although Du Ji already had some fame, compared with the peak period in history, he still seemed unknown.

His family is in decline. If his generation cannot climb to high positions, perhaps the Jingzhao Du family will completely decline.

Therefore, Du Ji also longs to be recognized and valued by others, and hopes to use his talents and knowledge to make the family prosperous again.

Zhou Qi's affirmation not only moved Du Ji, but also made him see the hope of the family's rise.

Zhou Cheng looked at Du Ji, who was full of surprise, and immediately took Du Ji's arm and said, "It's a pity that you came late, otherwise you would have been the governor of a county at least."

"If General Chariot and Cavalry learns that your husband has come to vote, he will definitely be overjoyed."

"Sir, please come with me to the Duwei's Mansion and wash up. After the repairs are completed, I will send troops to escort you to Shouchun."

Jiujiang County, Shouchun.

During this period, Lu Su was favorably treated by Zhou Qi because of his rapid rise to the top.

The other aristocratic families also seemed to have a tacit understanding. They changed their past stinginess and began to actively donate food and grass.

Among them, the Lujiang Zhou family and the Jiangxia Zhou family were the most important. The two major families donated ten thousand stones of grain and grass and 2000 million yuan.

Note that this is a free donation, rather than lending Zhou Qi old grain, which will be returned with new grain in the future.

Besides.

The Lu family and the Gu family of Wu County donated 500 shi and [-] million yuan in grain and grass.

Zhu's and Zhang's donated 1000 shi of grain and grass, [-] million yuan.

Other families followed suit, and according to the size and wealth of their own families, the money and food they donated varied.

Although these money and food would not hurt the major families, they would also cause them to bleed profusely.

Zhou Qi was overjoyed when he received the money and food. The money and food problem in Yangzhou was temporarily resolved.

Zhou Qi was not stingy either. At the gate of Shouchun City, he engraved the amount of money and food donated by the major families on the stone tablet to show his achievements.

This move undoubtedly made the big families very happy.

These big families are not short of money and food, and sometimes cherish their reputation even more.

By doing this, Zhou Qi helped the major families become famous. It was a win-win situation for both parties, so why not?
You must know that in troubled times, reputation is extremely important to a big family, and it is directly related to whether they can survive.

As long as the reputation is high enough, not only the bandits and bandits will not come to rob it, but even the princes will not dare to invade, otherwise they will lose the support of the people.

Seeing that the situation in Yangzhou was improving, Zhou Qi was not happy.

Because he knows.

With the outbreak of the Northern War, more and more refugees will flood into Yangzhou. The money and food donated by the major families can only solve the temporary difficulties.

If we want to effectively solve the problem of refugees, we need more food and better policies.

However, although there are many talents under Zhou Qi's command, there are no talents who are really proficient in government affairs and can stabilize millions of refugees.

Only now did Zhou Qi realize how important a top political talent is.

War needs people, money and food.

The huge population requires more food to feed.

If the problem of money and food cannot be solved, let alone continue to expand the territory, it is impossible to settle the refugees.

Just when Zhou Qi was frowning, he suddenly received a letter from Zhou Cheng.

"Du Ji is here!"

When he heard the news of Du Ji's arrival in Jiangxia, he couldn't help but be surprised, and hurriedly sent people to invite Du Ji to Shouchun.

Today's Zhou Qi really needs an internal affairs talent like Du Ji.

Du Ji is already 28 years old and has held several official positions. Even if he is not as good as the peak period in history, he is still able to stand alone.

At least, it shouldn't be a problem to help Zhou Qi deal with the influx of refugees into Yangzhou.

Not long after, Du Ji arrived in Shouchun under the escort of soldiers.

Zhou Qi went out of the city to greet him in person, which moved Du Ji inexplicably.

After the two exchanged pleasantries, Zhou Qi immediately explained his predicament, and sighed: "I wanted to take advantage of the melee between the northern princes and recruit Anmin on a large scale, so that the population of Yangzhou will increase by one million, which is no problem at all."

"However, when I first arrived in Yangzhou, I didn't have a lot of experience. Even with the support of major families, it's still not enough to settle millions of refugees."

"I heard that Mr. Su is a talented person in governing the world. I wonder if he has any countermeasures?"

Hearing this, Du Ji smiled slightly.

Since he came all the way to vote for Zhou Qi, he naturally wanted to get ahead, so he didn't hold back and just talked about it.

"I have three strategies that can help the general solve this crisis."

Zhou Qi was overjoyed when he heard the words, and hurriedly stood up and said: "Please teach me, sir!"

Du Ji was taken aback, he didn't expect Zhou Qi to be so courteous to a corporal, so he hurriedly stood up and returned the salute, saying: "If you have a high position and authority, how can you salute me?"

Zhou Qi said seriously: "If Mr. has a good strategy, he can save millions of refugees, and Zhou Qi deserves this gift."

Du Ji sighed in admiration: "Your envoy is benevolent and loves the people, and he is the true master!"

"The first strategy can enable you to obtain millions of stones, grain and rice in a short period of time and relieve your temporary difficulties."

Zhou Qi hurriedly said, "Sir, please explain in detail."

Du Ji said: "Jingzhou is rich, with food piled up like a mountain, but not enough soldiers. Now that Xiangyang is besieged by Sun Jian, with Yuan Shu as the backing, there must be panic in my heart."

"Now Yuan Benchu ​​and Gongsun Bogui are fighting at Jieqiao, and there is no time for others. Tao Qian and Yuan Shu are united, and they will not send troops to rescue. Liu Yan is self-reliant and has the heart of disobedience."

"In the current situation, only Shijun still has the power to resolve the crisis in Jingzhou."

"If Liu Jingsheng asks the envoy for help, the envoy can ask him for a million stones of grain and grass on the grounds that Yangzhou is short of food."

"A million stones of grain and grass will greatly damage Jingzhou's vitality, but if he doesn't want Jingzhou to be captured by Yuan Shu, he will definitely agree even if he doesn't want to in his heart."

"Jingzhou loses a million stones of grain, and within two years, it will be difficult to achieve greater development."

"On the other hand, the envoy, after getting these food and grass, can do a lot. Whether it recruits refugees or raises troops to attack, there is no need to worry about it!"

Zhou Qi was overjoyed when he heard the words, and said: "The words of the master made me suddenly enlightened!"

In fact.

Zhou Qi and Xi Zhicai had already thought of this strategy.

However, Liu Biao was a clan member of the Han Dynasty, and Yuan Shu was born in the Yuan family in Runan, and he was also his legitimate son.

Zhou Qi is still a loyal and patriotic character, he can neither send someone to blackmail Liu Biao, nor is he willing to easily offend Yuan Shu, lest he ruin his reputation.

He is waiting.

Wait for Liu Biao to send someone to ask for help.

Wait for Yuan Shao to send someone to intercede.

You must first make enough gestures and gain enough benefits before sending troops.

Otherwise, the gains outweigh the losses.

Du Ji didn't know this and continued: "The second strategy is to use business to provide disaster relief and work to replace relief."

Zhou Qi's expression moved slightly, and he said, "Please tell me the details, sir."

Du Ji talked eloquently: "I heard that Anfeng County in Lujiang County is prosperous in business, and the sales of various handicrafts are excellent. The output of cloth is also the highest in the south. There are also various novelties that are favored by powerful families."

"Since that's the case, why don't you set up a large workshop and recruit refugees to work?"

"In this way, we can not only expand the production and sell items to increase Yangzhou's income, but also allow the homeless refugees to have a place to live. Not only can they eat, but they can also earn money to subsidize their families. Wouldn't it be beautiful?"

"Blindly distributing money and food to recruit refugees will not solve the problem. These refugees will not be able to create wealth for Yangzhou, so they will drain Yangzhou. No matter how rich Yangzhou is, there will be a day when it will be sucked dry."

"If you want to solve the problem at its root, you need to replace food with work."

"The so-called work-for-relief means that tasks that originally required corvee labor, such as building city walls, cleaning river embankments, building canals, transporting grain and grass, etc., are handed over to homeless refugees and the wages are distributed."

"This can not only alleviate the domestic corvee, allowing the people to farm more and make money, but also solve the problem of food for the refugees, and contribute to the construction of Yangzhou. It can be said to kill three birds with one stone, why not do it?"

Hearing this, Zhou Qi couldn't help but marvel at Du Ji's vision.

Zhou Qi naturally knew that a large country in the previous life had escaped the Great Depression through this method.

Zhou Qi would not be surprised if people of later generations put forward this view.

Du Ji was an ancient man more than 800 years ago. He could have such an outstanding vision and used handicrafts, commerce, infrastructure, and transportation to resettle refugees.

This vision and insight is really admirable.

Zhou Qi also thought about doing this, but he lacked someone capable of coordinating everything.

Many things cannot be implemented without government orders. Without a good trader, no matter how good the policy is, it will be difficult to achieve it.

But things are different now. With Du Ji as a talented person, he not only has excellent knowledge, but also has strong execution ability. He must be able to handle this matter well.

Just like Dong Zhuo asked Hu Zhen to sneak attack Sun Jian. The plan was originally very good, but Hu Zhen committed suicide on her own. Before the battle with Sun Jian, her subordinates had already mutinied.

Not only does war require generals to have high execution ability, but politics also requires the cooperation of officials with high execution ability.

Thinking of this, Zhou Qi immediately said: "Listening to your words is better than reading ten years of books."

"I want to carry out this matter, but I don't have anyone available. I wonder if you, sir, would be willing to take on this important task?"

Du Ji smiled slightly, and then bowed to Zhou Qi: "Thanks to the great love, Du Ji is willing to share your worries for the envoy!"

Zhou Qi was overjoyed, and then said expectantly: "I don't know the third strategy, so what?"

Du Ji pondered for a moment, and then uttered two words: "Tuntian."

Zhou Qi's heart moved slightly when he heard this.

The policy of garrisoning fields was implemented by Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period, which is of great benefit to improving the food in the areas under his jurisdiction.

It's not that Zhou Qi hadn't thought about it, but the farming also needs people to implement it, otherwise it will only turn into a bunch of bad things in the end, and it may stir up civil uprisings.

The settlements were divided into military settlements and civilian settlements.

The army is a bit better. Soldiers train in their free time and cultivate in their busy time. Except for the food used by the headquarters, the rest is owned by the state.

Since the soldiers all had a salary, and most of their families had land, they could also raise livestock while working in the fields, and they could also make tooth sacrifices occasionally, which was indeed a good idea.

However, in this way, the combat effectiveness of the soldiers will inevitably decrease. If there is a fierce battle and there is no time for farming, the farmland will be abandoned.

There are pros and cons to doing this.

As for Mintun, it is good when the common people do not have enough to eat, but it is not a long-term solution, otherwise it will inevitably lead to complaints.

Zhou Qi wanted to know what Du Ji's opinion was, so he immediately said, "Please speak more carefully, sir!"

(End of this chapter)