My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 300: The Integration of Jianghuai (Continuing with extra chapters!)
After conquering Jiangdong, as long as Liu Biao didn't deliberately give away territory, Liu Feng still wanted to recuperate and carry out the second phase of his plan to consolidate his foundation.

These include projects such as water conservancy construction and vigorous production enhancement.

“Father, the master craftsmen I previously organized have also developed multiple waterwheels, irrigation canals, and manual canals, which are perfect for this project.”

Liu Feng encouraged Liu Bei, saying, "Jiangbei will surely suffer a severe drought next year. Can Father sit idly by and watch the people starve to death? Since we are going to provide relief to the disaster victims, why not organize them into a work-for-relief program? We'll spend the same amount of money to feed them and have them work. It will only cost two to three times more in grain and money, but in return, we can achieve water conservancy projects throughout Huainan and even Huaibei. Why not do it?"

Disaster victims only need a bowl of porridge, and two meals a day can make do, but the expenses of work relief are much higher. At least people need to be able to eat solid food, and occasionally some oil.

"hiss……"

Upon hearing that the grain expenditure would be two to four times higher, Liu Bei groaned in pain.

After only a few days of comfortable living, are we going to have to grit our teeth and cut back on food again?

"Is the state's finances sufficient to cover its expenses?"

Liu Bei asked, "Your money and provisions have gone to sea."

Liu Feng remained calm and told Liu Bei, "Father, don't worry. The state granary has more than 600,000 shi of grain in storage, and this year's autumn harvest will be 40% more than last year's."

In the past two years, Xuzhou has been frantically purchasing grain from other places. More than one million shi of grain have been imported from Jingzhou alone, as well as from Chen and Liang. The total income has approached three million shi.

This enormous amount of grain was not squandered by Liu Bei and his son; almost the entire quantity was used for land reclamation in various regions.

With the addition of the Xuzhou treasury, at least 3.5 million shi of grain must have been used for land reclamation in the past two years.

Xuzhou's grain production has now recovered to 80% of its peak. This year, it is estimated that the grain production will be around 150 million shi (a unit of dry measure). Based on the land reclamation system of one-thirtieth tax and a 50/50 split, the land tax will be approximately 7 million shi.

However, this figure is not actually handed over to the government treasury. Local gentry and powerful families in Xuzhou will take a portion of it, which is about 800,000 shi (a unit of dry measure). This portion mainly consists of a 30% tax paid by the common people.

In comparison, the garrison farmers suffered very little loss because they were not interfered with by powerful clans and were strictly controlled by the Liu family.

In total, the losses from these two parts amounted to 800,000 shi (a unit of dry measure).

Don't think these powerful clans were eating too much; this figure is actually quite clean. It's entirely the result of Liu Bei's rising power and strict anti-corruption measures.

It should be noted that during Tao Qian's administration of Xuzhou, the actual amount that could enter the treasury was often only half of the theoretical tax revenue, which was three million shi of land tax. In the end, only one million five hundred thousand shi were sent to the state granary.

It is easy to imagine how much support the powerful clans of Xuzhou, who had only embezzled 800,000 shi of grain, had for Liu Bei and his son.

Of the remaining 6.2 million shi, about 2 million shi were to be reserved for the county and prefectural governments in various places. This was not only for the salaries of officials, but also for their administrative costs.

Therefore, the actual amount of land tax that Liu Bei could obtain was only about four million shi of grain.

Xuzhou now has more than 100,000 soldiers and generals, and the basic food rations alone require more than 2 million bushels. In addition, there are more than 10,000 warhorses, which is equivalent to the food consumption of 40,000 soldiers. With these two items added together, Xuzhou has at most 600,000 to 700,000 bushels of grain left.

Fortunately, the food rations for some of the troops stationed in other states were provided by the local governments, such as the states of Lu and Rencheng.

Meanwhile, Pei State, Runan State, Liang State, and parts of Yingchuan, as well as most of the Jiangbei region they now occupy, will also bring considerable harvests this year.

It was only thanks to the more than two million shi of grain stored in various places that Liu Bei and his son were able to survive.

Runan is the second-best prefecture in the land, and even the Yellow Turban rebels in Runan are farming, not just bandits. Therefore, Runan's grain production is promising.

Even though the conquest was recent and the local powerful clans hadn't had time to digest it, their appetites were rather excessive.

However, conservative estimates suggest that Runan should have stored more than one million shi of grain.

Now that Pei State has been completely acquired, it is a large country with a large population, and can at least hand over 700,000 shi of grain.

Although Yingchuan only has five counties, they are all excellent paddy fields, so there is a good chance that they can deliver two or three hundred thousand jin of grain.

The Yellow Turban rebels in Runan, by general calculation, numbered even more than those in Yingchuan, so handing over three or four hundred thousand taels of grain shouldn't be difficult.

Finally, add the 500,000 to 600,000 shi of land tax promised by the State of Chen, and at least 300,000 to 400,000 shi of land tax promised by the State of Liang.

The two prefectures north of the Yangtze River can produce at least 800,000 shi of grain.

Based on this calculation, Liu Bei could accumulate nearly five million shi (a unit of dry measure) of grain this year.

In addition, there are reserves in Tancheng, Pingyu, and Shouchun.

If you're determined to do it, you can definitely succeed.

With a high-intensity ration standard of two shi per person, five million shi of grain would be enough to hire two hundred thousand people to work for a year.

How many people did the two commanderies and kingdoms north of the Yangtze River have in total? After Yuan Shu's rampage, Liu Feng estimated that if only 500,000 to 600,000 remained, that would be considered very good. It's possible that only 300,000 to 400,000 were left.

Therefore, the food problem can be solved.

As for wealth, there's even less to worry about.

Although Liu Bei and his sons were not exactly frugal in their daily diet and clothing, they were certainly not extravagant. They never built palaces or houses for themselves, making them undoubtedly the most frugal family among all the feudal lords in the land.

The money in Xuzhou was used either to purchase various supplies and develop military farms, to reward soldiers and those who had made meritorious contributions, or to pay salaries to officials at all levels.

Originally, Liu Bei was very loyal and liked to reward his subordinates lavishly, but he was later persuaded to stop by Liu Feng.

Leaving aside the treasury of Xuzhou, nearly 300 million yuan was seized in Shouchun alone.

This is also thanks to Yuan Shu, who never discriminated between the gentry, the powerful, or the common people in his exploitation; he treated everyone equally, and the richer the person, the more ruthless he was in exploiting them.

After all, how could the poor possibly have as much money as the powerful and wealthy?

After listening to Liu Feng's analysis, Liu Bei finally gained a clearer understanding of his own resources than ever before.

Before I knew it, my business had grown so huge.

With renewed confidence, Liu Bei immediately declared, "Since you have a foolproof plan, then do as you wish. Your father will always be your support."

Liu Feng was overjoyed and immediately said, "Father, please rest assured. I will take care of everything and will not let you down."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei laughed heartily for a long time, stroked his beard, and sighed, "My son, a unicorn, is destined for great things."

The next day, Liu Bei prepared a memorial detailing the capture of Yuan Shu, the seizure of the Imperial Seal, and the pacification of most of the Jiangbei region, and sent it to Luozhong.

At the same time, a memorial from Liu Bei impeaching Liu Biao was also included and submitted to the court.

In this memorial, Liu Bei accused Liu Biao of overstepping his authority and interfering in the affairs of Yangzhou. He also denounced Liu Xun as a traitor who treated the emperor's land as his private property and even offered the entire Lujiang prefecture to Liu Biao, who then wanted to accept it.

Whether it's useful or not, let's first sow discord between Liu Biao and the young emperor, while also reassuring Cao Cao and Yuan Shao.

Brothers, you can't even figure out Jiangbei, so don't worry about me getting too cocky.

In the days that followed, Liu Feng reorganized the military and went south to Liyang, while also participating in many meetings in Shaopi Cao and conceiving a grand project connecting Huainan and Huaibei.

After heated discussion, everyone finally agreed on Liu Feng's ambitious plan.

However, this ambitious plan was also divided into three steps.

The first step was naturally to repair Shaopi and restore the water conservancy projects around Shouchun in Huainan.

The second step is to rely on the Huai River to organize the Huaibei area and integrate it into the Huainan project.

The third step is to rely on the Yangtze River, prepare the area north of the river, and thoroughly complete the entire grand project plan.

Liu Feng was only responsible for proposing a general outline and requirements, while the specific details were handled by Shaopi Cao.

Liu Feng actively promoted various matters in Shouchun, not only fulfilling the tasks and plans of Shaopi Cao, but also ensuring that the army heading south to Liyang was ready to depart at any time.

********
Returning to Xiangyang in Jingzhou, after Liu Biao's meeting adjourned, everyone walked out together.

At this moment, Kuai Yue, Pang Ji, and Cai Mao walked together.

All three are key members of the four top families in Jingzhou. If Huang Zu is added, then the group will be complete.

Cai Mao spoke first, instructing Pang Ji: "Youlin, go back and prepare quickly. We will set off tomorrow by water to Lujiang. Afterwards, you can go to Ruxukou to enter Shishui, cross Chaohu Lake, turn onto Feishui, and head north all the way to Shouchun."

Pang Ji nodded, then couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Leaving tomorrow? Is it that rushed?"

Cai Mao gave a wry smile: "I have to be anxious. Even so, I'm worried that when we get to Shucheng, it won't still be Liu Zitai sitting inside."

Pang Ji was greatly surprised. Cai Mao had always held Liu Xun in high esteem, so why was he so pessimistic?

Cai Mao glanced at Kuai Yue, seeing that the other man remained calm and showed no intention of speaking, so he took the initiative to introduce Pang Ji: "You heard what happened in the hall earlier. Don't listen to Liu Pan and his men's nonsense. No matter what, Liu Bei's army easily took Shouchun." Then, Cai Mao clicked his tongue and shook his head, saying, "Shouchun has a million bushels of grain, nearly 20,000 elite soldiers, and more than 40,000 civilians. You want Liu Pan and his men to try? I think even if they wipe out all their troops, they might not be able to enter Shouchun, let alone the palace inside."

At this moment, Kuai Yue suddenly spoke up, pointing out to Pang Ji, "Youlin, what Degui said is truly wise advice."

Pang Ji then realized what was going on and nodded repeatedly: "What Yi Du said is very true. De Gui's words are thought-provoking."

Kuai Yue continued, "Youlin, when you go to Shouchun, remember these eight words."

Kuai Yue's words not only made Pang Ji hold his breath, but even Cai Mao, who was standing next to him, couldn't help but slow his breathing.

This shows how profoundly Kuai Yue's wisdom influenced them.

Kuai Yue was used to it and didn't pay attention to their behavior. He continued, "Do not seek merit, but do not make mistakes."

Pang Ji muttered it to himself several times, while a hint of admiration flashed in Cai Mao's eyes.

After leaving the prefectural capital, the three went their separate ways.

After returning to his residence, Pang Ji immediately summoned his servant: "Go and bring the mountain people and Shi Yuan here."

Shanmin was Pang Hua, the son of Pang Degong, a cousin of Pang Ji, whose courtesy name was Shanmin.

Pang Shiyuan was naturally another cousin of Pang Ji, and also one of the most regrettable figures among Shu Han fans, Pang Tong, also known as Pang Shiyuan.

Soon, Pang Hua and Pang Tong arrived at Pang Ji's house.

"Shanmin and Shiyuan, Your Excellency intends for me to be sent as an envoy to Xuzhou. Tomorrow morning, I will travel with Cai Degui to Shouchun to seek an audience with General Liu. This journey may allow me to meet some outstanding talents from the Central Plains, and I intend to take you two with me. I wonder if you two are willing to go?"

Pang Ji was the highest-ranking official in the Pang family in this generation.

His cousin, Pang Degong, was much more famous than him, but Pang Degong was upright and disliked officialdom. He gave up his resources to Pang Ji and went to live as a hermit.

Pang Tong's father died relatively early and did not leave behind many resources.

Although the Pang family is still one of the four major families, it is almost entirely Pang Ji who is holding the reins.

For the sake of his family, he had no choice but to start raising the next generation.

Pang Degong's son, Pang Hua and Pang Shanmin, were naturally the first choice, but Pang Shanmin's personality was very similar to Pang Degong's, which made Pang Ji very worried.

At this moment, Pang Tong came into his view. Although the boy was not very smart, he had a simple appearance and a calm temperament, so he was a good prospect.

Upon hearing Pang Ji's question, Pang Hua and Pang Tong exchanged a glance.

Although Pang Hua's personality was like his father's, he was still young at the time, and when he heard the news that he could travel, he still wanted to participate.

So Pang Hua cautiously replied, "Uncle, I am naturally willing to follow you on your journey to Jianghuai. I just don't know if my father will allow me to go."

Pang Ji immediately waved his hand and said, "If you want to go, that's fine. I'll take care of things with your father."

Upon hearing this, Pang Hua no longer hesitated and immediately agreed.

After Pang Hua expressed his opinion, Pang Tong bowed to Pang Ji and said, "I have no objection either, and I am willing to go east with my uncle."

"it is good!"

Having received two satisfactory replies, Pang Ji was in high spirits and immediately waved his hand, saying, "Then you two hurry home to prepare and come to my residence before dawn tomorrow."

Before dawn the next day, Pang Hua and Pang Tong, each accompanied by a young boy and carrying luggage, arrived at the gate of Pang Ji's residence.

Pang Ji quickly came out, leading two people, two children, and a dozen servants and guards, and went directly to the dock.

Cai Mao had already completed his preparations and was just waiting for Pang Ji.

Upon seeing him, they quickly invited him aboard, and then set sail.

Compared to the return journey which was against the current, this trip was with the current, making it two to three times faster. If the wind direction was right and the wind was strong, it could even travel seven or eight hundred li in a day, making it feel like flying.

Just as Liu Biao and Liu Bei's memorials and letters were on their way to Luozhong.

Cao Cao in Luozhong also found himself in a huge trouble.

This trouble comes from Yuan Shao.

"Absurd! Incompetent!"

Cao Cao flew into a rage in the hall, cursing Yuan Shao without the slightest respect, and showing no trace of the affection they shared in their youth.

Most of the people below the hall also had gloomy faces. They were clearly furious themselves, let alone trying to comfort Cao Cao.

This happened because Yuan Shao's memorial and letter had arrived in Luozhong.

In his memorial, Yuan Shao stated that Luoyang was devastated and deserted, with all palaces and pavilions destroyed by war. He concluded by saying that Luoyang was in ruins and uninhabited, with all palaces and pavilions destroyed by war.

Luozhong is dilapidated and impoverished, insufficient to serve the emperor.

Therefore, I earnestly request the Emperor to move his residence to Ye City. Yuan Shao is willing to personally serve the Emperor and devote himself to the utmost loyalty.

At the same time, he wrote a letter to Cao Cao, explaining the greater good and asking Cao Cao to support his idea. He also persuaded the emperor to move the capital, and even made some veiled threats.

Cao Cao is now a warlord, yet Yuan Shao still treats him like a subordinate, even making such absurd demands and specifically asking him to do them.

How could Cao Cao tolerate this?
I'm so angry I could explode.

Finally, Cao Cao gritted his teeth and said, "If Yuan Shao has the ability, then bring your troops to Luozhong to welcome me. As long as I have a breath left, I will never let this villain succeed!"

"This humble general is willing to follow the Great General and will never allow a villain to disturb the Emperor!"

Cao Cao's generals were extremely loyal, feeling as if they would die for their lord's honor. One by one, they rose from their seats, knelt down, and loudly proclaimed their loyalty with red eyes.

Seeing the loyalty of his generals, Cao Cao's anger subsided somewhat.

"Generals, please rise. I am fully aware of your loyalty to the emperor and your love for the country."

Cao Cao immediately declared, "I will stand with you all to protect the Emperor, share the same hatred of the enemy, and never let the villains' schemes succeed!"

It's no wonder that Cao Cao and his officials were so furious. Yuan Shao was simply too inhumane. His behavior was even more outrageous than that of later emperors. He was practically trying to abduct the emperor to Ye City.

This was because he had a strong army, but Cao Cao was not afraid of him.

At this time, Cheng Yu and Man Chong had already returned to Yanzhou.

The scholars present were Xun Yu, Xi Lu, Ding Chong, and others.

Seeing that Cao Cao had calmed down, Xun Yu stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "My lord, the emperor's residence in Luozhong is not solely your intention."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes lit up immediately: "Wenruo, your insight is brilliant!"

Xun Yu's words made Cao Cao suddenly realize that the emperor did not belong to him alone, but also to Liu Bei.

Of course, Liu Bei also had an obligation to protect the emperor with him. Cao Cao did not believe that Liu Bei would hand over the emperor so easily because of a letter from Yuan Shao.

Having said that, Cao Cao stood up and slowly began to turn around.

After a moment, he said, “I can write a letter in private to Xuande, informing him of Yuan Shao’s conspiracy. At the same time, I can ask the Emperor to issue an edict refuting Yuan Shao. Luozhong is the center of the world and the capital of our Great Han. The palaces in Luozhong are damaged, so we can order the regional governors from all directions to pay tribute and repair them. How can we give up so easily? We can order him not to mention the idea of ​​moving the capital again.”

Xun Yu and the others immediately obeyed the order.

Cao Cao decided to write a letter to Liu Bei, but the day before he made the decision, several letters from Luozhong had already been sent to Shouchun.

Among them were those of the dark-skinned, stout Dong Zhao, the great calligrapher Zhong Yao, General of Chariots and Cavalry Yang Feng, and Commandant of the Guards Zhou Zhong.

It is evident that Liu Feng's network of connections in Luozhong was quite strong, and Yuan Shao was indeed unpopular. Apart from Cao Cao, there were many other people who did not want Yuan Shao to become emperor.

Jiang Huai was unaware of the situation in Luozhong at this time.

At this time, due to the continuous expansion of the project, the entire water conservancy project plan was no longer limited to Shaopi. Therefore, Shaopi Cao was renamed Shuili Cao and was personally supervised by Liu Bei.

After Liu Feng had arranged everything at the Water Conservancy Bureau, the vanguard army was ready and set off south, with Liyang as their first target.

(End of this chapter)