The Strongest Overlord of the Three Kingdoms

It was precisely because of the quick and sufficient preparations that it took only seven days for the two generals Cao Chun and Yu Jin to mobilize their troops and set off.

By the time they arrived in Xiliang, the rebel army had expanded to [-] people.

But what threat can Qiang people who don't ride horses pose?

Relying on advanced armaments, the second general put down the rebellion in just one month.

Among them, Cao Chun's tiger and leopard cavalry performed the best, and they were not inferior to the elite cavalry of the Qiang people, or even better.

Cao Cao rewarded the two of them.

This is also the last rebellion in Xiliang.

The Qiang people were dead, disabled, and alive were arrested.

Even if they refuse to accept and want to rebel, they can't let women and children join the rebellion, right?

In one year, Cao Cao almost scraped the ground, conscripted troops frantically, plundered the wealth of the people, and his strength was unprecedentedly strong.

In addition to food and clothing, the people have nothing to do with their homes.

It is precisely because of sufficient food that, except for the rebellious Qiang people, the Han people did not rebel.

Since ancient times, the endurance of the people has always been very high. As long as they can live well, it is nothing to suffer a little.

But the merchants couldn't bear it.

Their success lies in doing business.

The people are so poor that they don't have any extra money to buy goods.

Clothes are still unaffordable, let alone some luxuries.

Even taverns and tea shops that are related to people's livelihood have closed down one after another.

Not only that, Cao Cao increased taxes.

The common people have no money, and the aristocratic family can't afford to offend them, so the merchants have become sweet pastries.

Where is the incense?

They have wealth, but no one to protect it!

Cao Cao made drastic cuts across the board, and the merchants complained endlessly.

But if you want to hang out in Cao Cao's territory, you have to be patient.

The economic depression of Sizhou, Bingzhou, Yanzhou, and Liangzhou also indirectly affected Yangzhou.

In recent years, Yangzhou businessmen have blossomed everywhere, and they can be found everywhere.

They pursued an exquisite life, so they established some high-end taverns, teahouses, and various entertainment venues.

However, under Cao Cao's high-pressure policy, the common people had no money, and the pockets of merchants shrank. Only some dignitaries visited occasionally.

As for why it happened occasionally... Because Cao Cao advocated a simple life style, even the top nobles would not dare to commit crimes against the trend.

The Great Depression!

In order to alleviate this passive situation, the Yangzhou Chamber of Commerce began to shrink strategically, and some people have already smelled something unusual.

If Cao Cao goes on like this, even if Liu Ke doesn't attack, he will launch a war to invade Yangzhou. Otherwise, with the current court system, it will collapse after a few years of persistence.

If you want to learn the military merit system of the Qin Dynasty, it also depends on whether the soldiers and the common people pay the bill.

Cao Cao swelled unscrupulously...

The Yangzhou businessman who suffered the loss was not reconciled, and cried to Liu Ke, hoping that the Yangzhou government could turn the tide.

It's a pity that Yangzhou is deeply involved in the Yamatai war, and there is simply not enough energy to manage it.

In the end, Liu Ke proposed a solution that was not a solution, that is to negotiate with Cao Cao and open the Silk Road!

Cao Cao controlled Xiliang, and he also controlled the entrance to the Western Regions.

In fact, Liu Ke has a secret business route, which is to trade with the Western Regions through the grasslands and deserts.

This road is relatively bumpy. It starts from Youzhou and goes to the hometown of the Huns.

Although there is a certain value, but it takes a long way to go, and the profit is greatly reduced.

If you go this way, the danger is still relatively large.

The Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and Xianbei all surrendered to Liu Ke, but some small tribes always have the courage to take risks.

Therefore, it is necessary to negotiate with Cao Cao.

At first Cao Cao thought it was a conspiracy and was so scared that he wanted to refuse, but in the end he agreed.

He is so poor!

He needs a lot of iron ore and armaments, but Liu can't sell them.

Therefore, foreign trade is very necessary.

Cao Cao agreed to the matter, but only restricted the caravan.

Thus began the Silk Road, barely maintaining the balance between Yangzhou and the imperial court.