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Chapter 220 Lord Marquis, Minister of Revenue Xun pays his respects at your residence
Donghuang.

The Eastern Wilderness Marquis's Residence.

Marquis Donghuang sat in the main seat, his face thoughtful.

Below sat seven or eight generals of the Eastern Wilderness Army, each with a slight frown on their brow.

"My lord, you need to make a decision about this matter."

"The Ministry of Revenue has begun to measure and count all the land in the cities of my Eastern Wilderness. Some landlord families had objections, but the Eastern Depot took them all down."

"Now everyone in the cities of the Eastern Wilderness is in a state of panic. If this continues, there may be problems."

A general looked at the Marquis of Donghuang in the main seat and spoke.

"Yes, my lord."

"Why does the imperial court suddenly want to measure and survey the land?"

"Isn't this just looking for trouble?"

“Those powerful landlord families value their land more than their own lives, so how could they possibly allow the imperial court to measure and survey their land?”

"Could it be that the imperial court really intends to take over the land held by these powerful landowners?"

Another general spoke up, his brows furrowed.

The Ministry of Revenue of the Imperial Court has now begun to measure and survey the land in various cities of the Eastern Wilderness.

Anyone who objected or refused to cooperate was arrested by the Eastern Depot's guards.

This situation not only caused widespread panic in the cities of the Eastern Wilderness, but even the soldiers of the Eastern Wilderness Army were somewhat uneasy.

After listening to the generals' words, Marquis Donghuang glanced at them and said, "The panic you're talking about includes yourselves, doesn't it?"

Marquis Donghuang knew that these generals all had land under their control.

Moreover, each person owns quite a bit of land.

The imperial court suddenly issued an order to the Ministry of Revenue to measure and survey the land throughout the country. Although the purpose was not yet clear, it must have had ulterior motives.

It's no wonder these generals were worried.

Of course, this also includes him, the Marquis of the Eastern Wilderness.

The land he, the Marquis of Donghuang, possessed was no less than that of ordinary aristocratic landlords.

The seven or eight generals of the Eastern Wilderness Army present all smiled awkwardly, without denying what the Eastern Wilderness Marquis had said.

They did have some concerns.

What is the purpose of the imperial court's surveying and census of the land throughout the country?
Marquis Donghuang glanced at the seven or eight generals present; "Since the imperial court has issued an edict to measure and survey the land of the entire country, no one can stop this matter."

"I have received news that the land within the jurisdiction of Luoyang has been surveyed and counted."

"Anyone who refuses to cooperate, regardless of their status or position, has already been imprisoned in the Eastern Depot."

"Furthermore, the land surveys and statistics are being conducted simultaneously in Xiliang, Beijiang, and Nanjiang, which is an inevitable trend."

"At this moment, whoever stands out will die."

"So, all of you should put away your ulterior motives and wait for the Ministry of Revenue to come to your door. Cooperate with them to measure and survey your land, and don't cause any trouble."

"If something really happens, I doubt I can save you."

Marquis Donghuang reminded these generals.

“But my lord, seventy percent of the land in the country is controlled by powerful landowners. They will not easily allow the court to measure and count their land.”

"The imperial court can't possibly kill all the powerful landowners in the country!"

"I have heard that the court has encountered great resistance in other places, and some of the guards of the Eastern Depot have died."

The first Eastern Wilderness Army general to speak spoke up again.

Marquis Donghuang glanced at the general; "There are no buts, these things don't concern us much."

"This is something the imperial court should worry about; we just need to do our own job well."

"Besides, do you think the imperial court is still the same as before?"

"Even the seven great families like the Yuan family of Runan and the Zheng family of Rongyang were wiped out by the imperial court. Do you think those powerful landlord families who don't cooperate with the imperial court will have a good ending?"

The words of the Marquis of Donghuang shocked the seven or eight generals of the Donghuang Army present.

Yes!

The current imperial court is no longer the same as the one before.

First, they wiped out four of the seven great families of the Great Zhou Dynasty: the Yuan family of Runan, the Zheng family of Rongyang, and others.

They captured the Marquis of Xiliang and the Marquis of Zhenbei, and regained control of the Xiliang Army and the Zhenbei Army.

It can be said that the power of the imperial court is now vastly different from what it used to be.

Those powerful local families who dared to disobey the Ministry of Revenue, and even harassed the Eastern Depot's guards, were bound to meet a terrible end.

"Therefore, I hereby issue this order: whether it is the Eastern Wilderness Army or the various cities of the Eastern Wilderness, they should do their best to cooperate with the Ministry of Revenue and not cause any trouble."

The Marquis of Donghuang gave the order directly.

Now that the imperial court has gained power, anyone who dares to outwardly comply but inwardly defy it will definitely suffer a terrible fate.

Moreover, Zhao Yun, who severely injured the Eastern Yi national teacher with a single spear thrust, is still in the Eastern Wilderness. Wouldn't it be suicide if he didn't cooperate with the Ministry of Revenue of the Imperial Court?
No sooner had the Marquis of Donghuang finished speaking than the steward of the Marquis's mansion rushed into the council hall.

"My lord, Minister Xun of the Ministry of Revenue has come to pay his respects."

The steward hurriedly reported this.

"Oh!"

"They arrived quite quickly."

Marquis Donghuang was startled and immediately stood up.

"All generals, please follow me to welcome Lord Xun."

Xun Yu was, after all, the Minister of Revenue of the Imperial Court, and even a marquis like the Marquis of Donghuang would have to personally come out to greet him.

Marquis Donghuang led the generals of the Donghuang army out of the council hall.

When the Marquis of Donghuang arrived at the gate of the Marquis's residence, he saw several figures standing outside the gate.

The leader of the group wore an ordinary long robe and looked like an ordinary person.

However, his extraordinary demeanor revealed that this figure was no ordinary person.

This figure was none other than Xun Yu, the Minister of Revenue, who was ordered to measure and survey the land of the entire country.

"I am late in welcoming you, please forgive me, Minister Xun."

Marquis Donghuang cupped his hands in greeting to Xun Yu and said with a smile.

"You're too kind, Lord Marquis. I came to the Eastern Wilderness and didn't pay you a visit immediately. I hope you will forgive me."

Xun Yu returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute to the Marquis of Donghuang, and said with a smile.

"Haha, Minister Xun has an imperial order to carry out, I understand."

"Minister Xun, please."

The Marquis of Donghuang smiled and welcomed Xun Yu into his residence.

……

Inside the council chamber.

Marquis of Donghuang and Xun Yu sat down, one as the host and the other as the guest.

Marquis Donghuang glanced at the figure who sat down right behind Xun Yu and asked, "Minister Xun, who is this?"

"Cao Shaoqin, the Second Supervisor of the Eastern Depot, greets Your Excellency."

Before Xun Yu could speak, Cao Shaoqin stood up and bowed to the Marquis of Donghuang.

Cao Shaoqin?
The Second Supervisor of the Eastern Depot?
Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Donghuang's eyes flickered.

The reputation of the Eastern Depot had already spread.

In particular, the names of the two supervisors of the Eastern Depot were quite well-known.

Marquis Donghuang was surprised that Cao Shaoqin, the second supervisor of the Eastern Depot, had also come to Donghuang.

He hadn't recognized the other person's identity just now, thinking he was just an ordinary supervisor in the Eastern Depot.

Unexpectedly, it was the second-in-command of the Eastern Depot who arrived.

It seems that those powerful local families who do not cooperate with the Ministry of Revenue are in danger.

Marquis of Donghuang did not believe that Cao Shaoqin, the second supervisor of the Eastern Depot, would leave Luoyang for Donghuang without reason.

"So it's Second Supervisor Cao. I didn't recognize you at first glance. Please forgive me, Second Supervisor Cao." Although Cao Shaoqin was a eunuch, he was the Second Supervisor of the Eastern Depot.

In addition to his own formidable strength, even the Marquis of Donghuang had to treat Cao Shaoqin with utmost respect.

"Master Marquis, you're welcome."

Cao Shaoqin said nothing more and sat down.

Cao Shaoqin had only arrived in Donghuang yesterday, and today he came to the Donghuang Marquis's residence with Xun Yu.

After greeting Cao Shaoqin, the Marquis of Donghuang turned to Xun Yu and asked, "Minister Xun, is there anything I can help you with at the Marquis's residence today?"

"If Minister Xun needs anything, please just say so, and I will do my best to help."

Marquis Donghuang looked at Xun Yu and said.

"My lord, I presume you are already aware of His Majesty's decree to survey and count the land throughout the land."

“I have started surveying the land in the cities of the Eastern Wilderness these past few days, but I don’t have enough manpower, and the local gentry and landlords are putting up some resistance.”

"This humble official hopes to gain the support of the Marquis."

Xun Yu did not hesitate and went straight to the point.

The Eastern Wilderness is, after all, the territory guarded by the Marquis of the Eastern Wilderness, and the Marquis of the Eastern Wilderness has a great influence in the Eastern Wilderness.

If we can get the support of the Marquis of Donghuang, then measuring and surveying the land of Donghuang will be much faster and easier.

Xun Yu has received the message that Zhou Chen asked Cao Shaoqin to deliver to him.

To expedite the measurement and surveying of the Eastern Wilderness, Xun Yu needed the full support of the Marquis of the Eastern Wilderness.

Hearing Xun Yu's frank words, Marquis Donghuang nodded without surprise; "I am already aware of His Majesty's decree to measure and survey the land of the realm."

"I have just given orders that both the Eastern Wilderness Army and the cities of the Eastern Wilderness should fully cooperate with Minister Xun's actions."

"My manor also has some land. Minister Xun, you can first measure and count the land of my manor. I will have my steward fully cooperate with Minister Xun in the measurement and counting."

Marquis Donghuang looked at Xun Yu and said.

"Oh!"

"Then I thank you in advance, Your Excellency."

A hint of surprise flashed across Xun Yu's face.

Xun Yu had not expected that the Marquis of Donghuang would cooperate in this way.

His purpose in coming to the Eastern Wilderness Marquis's residence was twofold: to gain the Eastern Wilderness Marquis's support and to measure and survey the Marquis's land.

But who would have thought that the Marquis of Donghuang had already issued such an order to support him in measuring and surveying the land of various cities in Donghuang, and even asked him to measure and survey the land of the Marquis's residence first.

This surprised Xun Yu somewhat.

However, this is for the best, as it saves Xun Yu the trouble of speaking.

After the Marquis's land was measured and surveyed, with the Marquis's lead and the order from the Marquis of Donghuang to cooperate, the subsequent land measurement and surveying would be much more efficient.

The speed will also be much faster.

"No need to thank me. Since it is His Majesty's decree, it is what I should do."

"Minister Xun has just arrived in the Eastern Wilderness, and I have not yet held a welcoming banquet for him."

"I will have someone prepare it immediately."

As the Marquis of Donghuang was speaking, he was about to order someone to prepare a banquet, but Xun Yu interrupted him.

"My lord, I am under imperial command. His Majesty has just issued an order urging me to speed up the measurement and statistics process."

"So, let's skip the welcome dinner!"

"Once His Majesty's decree is fulfilled, and there is an opportunity, I will personally host a banquet for you, my lord."

Xun Yu declined the invitation from the Marquis of Donghuang to welcome him.

It wasn't that Xun Yu wanted to offend the Marquis of Donghuang.

Rather, Xun Yu simply didn't have the time; his schedule was very tight.

Zhou Chen had already asked Cao Shaoqin to pass on the message to him. If he didn't hurry up and speed things up, he would be failing the Emperor's grace.

"OK then!"

"Then I will not force Minister Xun."

"Your Majesty's business is important. Once Your Majesty's business is completed, I will make up for this welcoming banquet for Minister Xun when there is an opportunity."

Marquis Donghuang did not insist on hosting a welcoming banquet for Xun.

The Marquis of Donghuang knew nothing about Xun Yu.

It can be said that the Marquis of Donghuang had no idea what Xun Yu was.

Therefore, Marquis Donghuang could no longer insist on hosting a welcoming banquet for Xun Yu.

However, there was one thing that Marquis Donghuang knew.

That person who was appointed Minister of Revenue by the palace must be no ordinary person.

This can be seen from figures like Fang Xuanling, the Minister of Personnel, and Lü Bu.

If he were an ordinary person, he wouldn't have been appointed Minister of Revenue by the person in the palace, and given the important responsibility of measuring and surveying the land of the entire country.

"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Marquis."

"Then I will arrange manpower now to begin measuring and surveying the Marquis's land."

As Xun Yu spoke, he stood up.

Marquis Donghuang also stood up and nodded; "No problem, I will have Steward Song cooperate with Minister Xun to measure and survey the land of the Marquis's residence."

"Minister Xun is short-handed. If he needs anything else, he can ask Steward Song for help. He will make arrangements for Minister Xun."

As he spoke, the Marquis of Donghuang saw Xun Yu and Cao Shaoqin and the others out of the council hall.

Watching Xun Yu and Cao Shaoqin's departing figures, the Marquis of Donghuang pondered for a moment.

"To measure and survey the land of the world?"

"It seems His Majesty has recognized the seriousness of land annexation and is about to take a bite out of the pie of the powerful landowners."

"Hopefully these powerful landlords will be smarter, otherwise they will all end up like the four great families of Runan, the Yuan family."

After pondering for a moment, the Marquis of Donghuang sighed.

"Master Hou."

At this moment, the steward of the Marquis's residence came over.

Marquis Donghuang glanced at the old steward; "Steward Song, take the people from the Ministry of Revenue to measure and survey the land of the Marquis's estate later. Don't use any tricks."

"Furthermore, we try our best to cooperate with and meet the needs of the people in the Ministry of Revenue."

The Marquis of Donghuang looked at the old steward and gave him instructions.

"Rest assured, my lord, this old servant understands."

The butler, surnamed Song, nodded.

"besides."

"Send a message back to your clansmen and remind them to cooperate as much as possible with the Ministry of Revenue in measuring and surveying the land, and not to have any conflict with the imperial court."

"Otherwise, the losses will outweigh the gains."

Marquis Donghuang seemed to remember something and spoke to the old steward.

"My lord, I'm afraid those people in the clan won't listen to you."

The old butler hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Whether they listen or not is up to them; the clan leader is not a short-sighted person.

"If there are others who are not afraid of death and want to try the imperial court's sword, then let them try."

"How much stronger are the Four Great Clans than the Seven Great Families? Shouldn't the annihilation of the Four Great Families serve as a warning to them?"

As he spoke, Marquis Donghuang turned and walked into the council hall.

The old butler followed closely behind.

Obviously.

This Marquis of Donghuang is no ordinary person; he comes from one of the four great clans.

(End of this chapter)