I seek economic hegemony in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 295 Cao Rui’s trusted minister!

On the tenth day of June, Xin Chang reported on his mission to Xiangyang.

The pale-faced Cao Rui sat in the upper position, and the courtiers on both sides looked surprised after hearing this.

"Li Jian is really presumptuous!" Dahonglu Zhang Tai said angrily, "We sent people to have a good discussion, but he treated our envoy like this! In my opinion, the situation in Jingzhou should be done quickly rather than slowly. The imperial court should continue to send more elites to take advantage of Shu. The thieves have not yet gained a foothold, take back Xiangyang!"

Zhang Tai's words immediately won the approval of some ministers.

"Your Majesty, I agree with Da Honglu's proposal!" The person who stood up was King Yan Cao Yu. He said in a firm tone, "Xiangyang is the barrier of Xudu. If Xiangyang is lost, Xudu will be in danger!"

Some people were slightly surprised. King Yan was known for keeping a low profile in the court. Why did he stand up and speak in a rather strong tone today?

"Your Majesty, I second the proposal!" More ministers stood up and said.

Liu Fang glanced at Cui Lin in the crowd, and Cui Lin looked at each other. Cui Lin stood up and said: "Your Majesty, the imperial court consumed up to one million shi in Guanzhong last year, Jingzhou's military rations also amounted to 300,000 shi, and Yangzhou's military rations were five One hundred thousand shi, and the conquest of Gongsun Yuan consumed 300,000 shi in food. Last year, the national treasury tax revenue was only 4 million shi. Although there are no troops in Guanzhong this year, there are wars in Yangzhou and Jingzhou. The main force in Jingzhou is almost wiped out. Now we are going to fight again. I’m afraid we’ll run out of food supplies.”

As soon as Cui Lin said these words, the court instantly became quiet.

This war is really not fought just as you say.

It's not like the emperor can send troops just by patting his head.

At this time, of course, it’s time to pick the weak one!

What is now in front of Cao Rui is the treasury issue, and he cannot surpass Liu Che.

That is completely ignorant of history.

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty racked his brains in order to defeat the Xiongnu.

It doesn’t make sense!

"Did you all hear it this morning?"

Yes!

After arriving at the palace, Cao Rui took the medicine and asked people to summon Liu Fang and Sun Zi, two close ministers.

"I see your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, I also think that it is not appropriate to start another war now." Cao Shuang stood up and said in a calm tone, "I think that this year, Sun Quan's two front lines of strength have suffered more losses than us. At this time, stability and peace Li Jian’s relationship, mobilize Yangzhou’s elite to see if there is a chance to break through Jianye.”

"That's it for today's political discussion." Cao Rui said lightly, stood up with the help of the chamberlain, and left the hall angrily.

In this quiet situation, a person stood up. It was Lu Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs. Lu Yu said: "Your Majesty, I feel that it is not a good idea to launch a war against Xiangyang at this time."

Even Cao Rui's expression softened a bit.

Later, in order to expand the war, Liu Che cut leeks in various disguises.

Cao Shuang's words immediately relaxed the oppressive atmosphere in the court.

Lu Yu's words made Cao Rui look even worse.

A basic historical common sense is that the money left over from Wenjing's rule would be gone in just two or three games according to Liu Che's money-burning style of play.

Moreover, the Yangzhou soldiers and horses are much stronger than the Jingzhou soldiers and horses!

Why use your own weakness to attack a strong enemy instead of using your own strength to attack a weak enemy?

Some people say that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty used money left over from the Wenjing era, which is not to be taken lightly.

"The Shu army has just won a victory in Xiangyang and its morale is high. Our army is dispatching troops and horses from Sizhou and Yuzhou. It needs a period of time to adapt to Nanyang. If the battle situation falls into an unfavorable situation again, Zhuge Kongming on the western front will take the opportunity to challenge again. If trouble breaks out, the overall situation is in danger!"

The national treasury is tight and both fronts are unfavorable. This is obviously a critical situation.

"Everyone heard it."

"What do you think?" Cao Rui coughed twice.

The two were silent for a while, and Sun Zi said: "Lu Shangshu is indeed the son of Lu Zhi, and his analysis of the situation is to the point."

"I think Marquis Shaoling is right. There is no need to fight with Li Jian now. When we get the heavy artillery that can break the city, we will have already established a large army and go south in one go."

Cao Rui asked hurriedly: "What about your current attitude towards Sun Quan?"

"I think you can listen to what Wang Yanyun, the governor of Yangzhou, has to say about this matter."

Cao Rui nodded with satisfaction and then fell silent. Cao Rui didn't speak, and the two of them stood aside and didn't dare to speak.

"I'm afraid my time is running out." After a moment of silence, Cao Rui suddenly said this.

Sun Zi and Liu Fang were so frightened that they immediately knelt down.

"Your Majesty is wise and mighty, nothing will happen to you."

"You two get up and talk first."

Liu Fang and Sun Zi stood up.

"Since I have inherited the legacy of my ancestors, I have adhered to the country and dare not slack off. However, the situation is turbulent. Kong Ming is eyeing the west front. The situation in Jingzhou has suddenly changed. The Wei Dynasty is in danger of overthrowing."

Cao Rui's voice was calm but a little tired.

"The prince is young and the country is in crisis. I want to choose an assistant minister. Who do you think is suitable?"

The two were silent.

Cao Rui added: "You two are my most trusted ministers. If you have anything to say, it doesn't matter."

Cao Rui indeed trusted Liu Fang and Sun Zi the most.

Liu Fang was the supervisor of the Zhongshu, and Sun Zi was the order of the Zhongshu. They were both people around Cao Rui.

Liu Fang did business in Guanzhong, and he did make a lot of money. Cao Rui knew this very well, but Liu Fang also made Cao Rui more money.

Cao Rui believes that anyone placed in Liu Fang's position will get money.

But Liu Fang may not be as good as Liu Fang.

Sun Zi has handled all matters in the center in an orderly manner over the years, saving Cao Rui a lot of time and energy.

This is definitely a capable minister.

However, both Sun Zi and Liu Fang came from poor families and did not have strong forces behind them.

"Say it, but it doesn't hurt." Cao Rui said.

"I feel that Marquis Shaoling is a calm and dignified man with talents for the country." Liu Fang said.

After a moment of silence, Cao Rui asked, "Where is King Cao Yu of Yan?"

Sun Zi said: "The King of Yan is too sophisticated and silent on weekdays. The young master may not be able to control such a person when he becomes an adult. In addition, he is the son of Taizu. I am worried that he will act arrogantly after taking power!"

After hearing what he said, Cao Rui was startled and felt that what Sun Zi said made sense.

Cao Shuang is the Marquis of Shaoling, and his father Cao Zhen is just Cao Cao's adopted son. It is almost impossible for an adopted son to usurp the throne, and everyone will not accept it.

But Cao Yu is different. Cao Yu is Cao Cao's biological son.

"Other than the Marquis of Shaoling, who else can be a trusted minister?" Cao Rui asked again.

"I have the courage to speak out. Other important ministers should choose non-clan ministers." Sun Zi said.

"Sima Zhongda?" Cao Rui said.

"Sima Zhongda is not suitable." Liu Fang said.

"Then who is suitable?"

Liu Fang and Sun Zi both fell silent.

If even Sima Yi is not suitable, who else is suitable?

Sima Yi is currently recognized by everyone in the Wei Dynasty as a loyal, virtuous, and capable minister. He has outstanding achievements, unparalleled strategies for governing the country, and unparalleled military strategies.

In such a big environment, if we don’t need him, how can we use a pig?

(End of this chapter)