Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 277 Currency War
The problems that Ma Zhou encountered are neither complicated nor intricate. To sum it up in one sentence:

Qizhou rebelled.

He didn't know why, but whenever he came into contact with His Highness Li Ming, the Qizhou folks, who were originally peaceful, would suddenly jump up and down with red faces, as if His Highness was holding some strange switch in his hand.

Ma Zhou felt that he was extremely wronged.

If the people of Qizhou rebelled last time, it could be said that it was Ma Zhou's own fault, as he came up with the abstract "Two Tax Law" on a whim.

So this time, he was really an innocent victim.

He governed the local area quite well. He worked diligently and honestly, and rose step by step from Zhangqiu County to the provincial capital.

When Li Zhi and Li Tai were confronting each other and the world was in chaos, he was recommended by local nobles as acting governor based on his solid political achievements.

At first, everything was fine.

Ma Zhou took advantage of Qizhou's special position far away from the center of the vortex, and did not offend either side. He cleverly maintained the balance, protected the territory and the people, and ensured they lived and worked in peace and contentment.

Until one day, a group of strange businessmen came to Qizhou.

Those people definitely did not come from Liaodong, because Ma Zhou was not stupid. He certainly knew that Liaodong was a place with both good people and good fortune, and that it must be strictly guarded especially during turbulent times.

As evidenced by the travel permits, those merchants are all good citizens from Chang'an!
"Alas, governing a country is a difficult matter. When you suppress one problem, another one pops up."

Li Ming sipped his tea happily:

"Prefect Ma Ming is clearly governing in an orderly manner. Qizhou is peaceful, the people are resting and recuperating, and every household has surplus food.

"But there are always unexpected events. How come there is a commotion all of a sudden?"

Ma Zhou lowered his head, his mouth twitching and cold sweat pouring down.

He only guarded against the Liaodong direction, but did not realize a fatal problem -

Li Ming also maintained two huge spy agencies in Chang'an! One was headed by Di Renjie and Lai Junchen, and the other was headed by Zhi Shi Buzhen!

A few months ago, those spies either disguised themselves as merchants or were merchants themselves. With the pass from Chang'an, they successfully entered Qizhou and began to carry out Li Ming's secret order.

Spending money like crazy.

They bought up firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, tea and other supplies at ridiculously high prices, which brought Qizhou's economy to a standstill.

Copper coins flooded the market, prices soared, but physical goods were in short supply and hard to come by.

Give the simple feudal bureaucrats a little shock of imported inflation.

Li Ming has the capital to start this currency war because he has plenty of copper coins.

After the use of paper money, copper coins in the area he ruled gradually withdrew from circulation.

But the metal currency did not disappear, but was concentrated in his hands through the bank's "collecting old money and exchanging it for new currency".

These "foreign currencies" are the bullets he uses to launch economic warfare.

Economic warfare is good. It does not involve killing or bloodshed, and it will not cause regional conflicts like the one between Hebei and Guanzhong. It is much better than a civil war.

We are all family. If something bloody happens, it will be so awkward to live together in the future.

Qizhou, governed by Ma Zhou, was the first to be hit and was bathed in the first wave of financial offensive.

"I... am aware of my incompetence and am afraid that I will fail to govern properly and let the people down." Ma Zhou gritted his teeth and said against his will.

Li Ming seemed to be taking it easy:

"Yes, water can carry a boat but can also capsize it. We at the helm must be careful at all times."

Ma Zhou couldn't help but clench his fists after hearing the sarcastic remarks.

Of course he knew that Li Ming was behind the chaos in Qizhou.

But what’s the use of knowing?

In terms of national strength, the great empire under Li Ming's rule spanned the sea, the desert, the forest and the grassland, and was much stronger than Qizhou. In terms of political skills, Li Ming was even better than Ma Zhou.

This is an all-round crushing.

Ma Zhou had no room to resist and could only swallow his anger, blaming his failure on his own incompetence.

He even had to thank Li Ming for just using "currency" to give him a gentle blow.

If a war is launched, the cost will be far from trivial.

Even this bloodless economic war has been fought to the smallest possible extent.

For example, the vast rural areas of Qizhou are calm this time and are not sensitive to inflation.

Because under Ma Zhou's governance, land annexation was suppressed, and farmers could eat the food they grew and wear the cloth they wove, so why would they need currency?
So no matter how high the prices go, we will remain unmoved.

The charming moment of small peasant economy.

The trouble started in the city.

Farmers only need to farm, but citizens have a lot to consider. With prices soaring, what are they going to do?
Ma Zhou’s government office was located in the city.

He felt very painful when there was a rebellion in the city.

The local tycoons who supported Ma Zhou's rise to power also felt the pain, because they could hardly afford to pay the wages of their servants and craftsmen.

The political foundation was shaken. Ma Zhou was completely paralyzed at the time. He wanted to surrender but couldn't find anyone, and he had no idea who was behind it.

Until a secret letter from Pingzhou led him here, where he met Li Ming, who had been declared dead long ago.

"I... am ashamed to hold the position of governor, but my virtue is not worthy of the position, which has led to disaster.

"Today, the destiny has changed, the miracles have become easier, and they will be returned to the virtuous people."

Ma Zhou pushed the seal of Qizhou Prefecture forward and crawled on the ground.

"Your Majesty, the Regent, is a man of the highest virtue and sageliness, and has the approval of Your Majesty. Qizhou and the three counties under its jurisdiction are willing to submit to Your Majesty, and all officials, big and small, are willing to serve Your Majesty at all times."

I can't defeat him, there's no way to resist him.

When Ma Zhou saw Li Ming for the first time, he gave up the last thought of resistance and simply surrendered.

This little guy's political skills are not something he can challenge.

Li Ming just stretched out a little finger, and before he used any strength, he hit the enemy so hard that he didn't even know where the enemy was or how he died.

"That's not right, Ma Mingfu. We are all working for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the welfare of the people."

Li Ming did not refuse or refuse and accepted the official seal readily.

The official seal of Qizhou Prefecture is not an ordinary seal, but is carved from a whole piece of jade. It is emerald green all over, with a three-clawed golden python wrapped around it.

This is the seal that belongs exclusively to Prince Li You of Qi.

Now that the "siren" has passed away, this treasure has fallen into Li Ming's hands.

Without even a moment's mourning for Li You, Li Ming immediately gave instructions to Ma Zhou:
"Qizhou is located south of the Yellow River and is the front line. Li Daozong is in charge of military and political affairs, while Xiao Yu is in charge of civil affairs.

"Ma Mingfu has made great contributions in maintaining peace and protecting the people, and he has been officially promoted to governor.

"Officials at all levels of the former Qizhou prefecture and county government will continue to perform their old duties, and the selection, promotion, and transfer systems will gradually be aligned with those of other prefectures and counties."

The arrangement is very safe, like cooking a delicacy.

Ma Zhou had no objection to this at all.

"I will follow your Highness's orders."

Although he, Old Ma, had a teacher-student relationship with Li Zhi, who was the regent in Chang'an.

But Qizhou was thousands of miles away from Chang'an, and when there was a food shortage in the market, the letters for help he wrote to Chang'an fell on deaf ears.

The situation was stronger than the person, so he decided to change jobs decisively. After a little struggle in his heart, he felt that he had done his best to repay the kindness of His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin.

"You can turn from darkness to light, which is the greatest good."

Li Ming admired this capable official who was aware of current affairs. After giving him some encouragement, he arranged for him to live in a government garden.

After seeing Ma Zhou off leisurely, Li Ming's expression changed and he immediately returned to the map.

"We took Qizhou without a single drop of blood, but as the first stop after crossing the Yellow River, the pace was a bit slow."

Time waits for no one, and the power vacuum in Central Plains caused by Li Tai's death will not last long.

Because Li Zhi was making an effort on another front.

According to the information provided by Di Renjie, Li Zhi had already passed through Hangu Pass to the east and captured Luoyang. With both the eastern and western capitals in his hands, his power was greatly enhanced.

Now Li Ming and Li Zhi seemed to be competing for land, frantically dividing up the ownerless states and counties.

They should cherish the opportunity for peaceful evolution now. They can still obtain the most fertile land of the Central Plains at the lowest cost.

Wait until both sides have eliminated all space for neutrality and waiting, and there is nothing left to swallow, and they will confront each other head-on.

By then, the conflict between the two sides will not be as brief as it is now.

This is a fundamental contradiction that will never end.

All-out civil war is inevitable.

"Anyway, we have secured a foothold on the south bank of the Yellow River, which is a welcome development."

Li Ming drew a circle in the direction of Qizhou, and his tense expression relaxed a little.

Given the level of amphibious warfare in ancient times, the Yellow River was an extremely difficult natural barrier to cross during wartime, and there were very few ferry crossings suitable for military use.

If Li Zhi had taken over the south bank of the Yellow River and occupied the main ferry crossing first, it would have cost a lot more to cross the river.

It may even lead to a situation of dividing the country by the river, turning it into a large-scale Northern and Southern Dynasties, and it is unknown when the country will be unified.

Qizhou was the number one target chosen by Li Ming, and he had been actively planning for it several months in advance. It was far from being as easy as Ma Zhou felt.

Because Qizhou has a great geographical location, it is located on the bank of the Yellow River and is only across the river from Hebei.

Not only that, the Yellow River also turns northeast to the west of Qizhou, causing the west and north of the state to be surrounded by the Yellow River and Hebei states, making it very safe.

To the east of Qizhou is the Shandong Peninsula and the sea, and to the south is Mount Tai.

Not only is it easy to defend and difficult to attack, it also holds the key to the Shandong Peninsula.

Taking over this place is equivalent to gaining a ferry crossing that is difficult to occupy and the entire Shandong Peninsula, which is of great significance.

Despite occupying such a good position, it was unfortunate for Ma Zhou to be the first to receive a slap in the face from Keynes.

"Mr. Fang, where is Fang Xuanling?"

Li Ming shouted towards the corridor.

Fang Xuanling hurried into the study with a document in his hand.

"Your Highness has an urgent matter..."

"It's an urgent matter. Qizhou has been taken. Let Li Daozong send troops to maintain order immediately and don't let Li Zhi take advantage of the situation.

"besides……"

Li Ming interrupted Lao Fang and issued orders like a machine gun.

Fang Xuanling could only wait expressionlessly on the side. When His Highness paused, he spoke immediately, fearing that his words would be snatched away again:
“I have no objection to your Highness’s order and will proceed with it immediately.

"But I also have an urgent matter to report, which concerns the western grassland front."

When he heard the word "grassland", Li Ming's eyelids jumped:
"Is there something urgent going on there? Could it be that one of the nomadic tribes that surrendered to us has rebelled again?"

Fang Xuanling nodded slightly in appreciation and handed the letter in his hand to Li Ming.

"Indeed."

These fickle barbarians... Li Ming was too tired to complain, so he took the letter and started reading.

The letter was written by Li Jing, and the situation in it was much worse than Li Ming had guessed.

It wasn't "a certain" tribe that defected, but groups of people defected.

Because there is no perfect way to govern nomadic peoples, Li Ming can only temporarily follow his father's old method.

The bondage is so beautiful.

Use the carrot and stick policy to win over the tribal leaders and let them manage themselves.

Now that the agents have all run away, what is the point of ruling?
We can't let Li Jing and his men deploy troops on every inch of wasteland on the grassland, right?

"What happened? Where did they defect to?" Li Ming felt that this matter was not simple.

Fang Xuanling said those two words calmly:
"Turkic."

Li Ming raised his eyebrows:
"The Western Turks were divided between two insects, and the Tiele people of Xueyantuo had nothing better to do than to go all the way to join them?"

"It's not Western Turks, it's the newly born Turks." Fang Xuanling corrected expressionlessly.

Li Ming's brows furrowed even more.

"Has Monkey Mountain finally chosen a new Monkey King? Has the Turkic people resurrected?"

Fang Xuanling stroked his goatee:
"The situation is still unclear, but the Turks' comeback this time cannot be underestimated."

Why are things with nomadic peoples always so bad… Li Ming complained in his heart and continued to read Li Jing’s battle report.

In battles on the grasslands, the Imperial Army, which controlled the tribes, was a very important auxiliary force.

Now a large number of tribes have rebelled, causing the combat effectiveness of Li Jing's army to be damaged. They can no longer push westward to the Qilian Mountains and are confronting the New Turks across the mountains.

"Where did this new Turk come from? Who on earth was so crazy that they came up with something like this?"

Li Jing's letter did not provide more information, and it was obvious that the front line was also confused about this Xinhe Liansheng.

"Some news says that the New Turks surrendered Xizhou, Tingzhou and other counties in the northwest border of the Tang Dynasty without losing a single soldier." Fang Xuanling said slowly.

Li Ming did not understand Fang Xuanling's subtext, but just nodded to show that he understood:

"Oh."

Xizhou and Tingzhou were both territories that Hou Junji had just conquered when he conquered Gaochang three years ago. It was not surprising that they rebelled at this time.

Seeing that the young master did not understand the pros and cons, Fang Xuanling reminded him again:

"Xizhou Governor Guo Xiaoke is the Supreme Pillar State and the Protector of Anxi."

This glittering official position made Li Ming realize that something was wrong:

"Will the Anxi Protectorate open the city and surrender to the Turks without resistance?"

It’s simply hard to understand, is this the Tang Dynasty or a big gift?

Or is there something else hidden?
"This is just a rumor. The information over there is still very messy and difficult to judge." Fang Xuanling shook his head slightly.

"Is it……"

Li Ming thought for a while and slowly put away Li Jing's battle report.

“It’s no longer meaningful to continue deploying troops on the grasslands, it’s time to withdraw them.

"From among the tribes that are still loyal to me, I will select a Khan to take charge, and leave a small number of troops to garrison the Helan Mountains. The rest of the large force will be withdrawn to Liaodong and Hebei for rest and recuperation, and the force for the main attack on the Central Plains will be strengthened."

"As you wish." Fang Xuanling began to write quickly and made corresponding arrangements.

Li Ming turned his attention back to Zhongyuan, and while studying the strategic direction, he muttered to himself:

"Li Jing is already quite old, it's time for him to come back and have a good rest. And Old Hou, Old Xue and the others, we haven't seen each other for a long time."

…………

Outside Chang'an City.

Xuanzang looked at the towering city wall with deep emotion and wiped the sweat off his face with difficulty.

"Finally... I was allowed to return to the capital."

It took him only a few months to travel the three or four thousand miles from Xizhou to Chang'an, which was a very fast journey.

It is not accurate to say "walk" because he rode a horse all the way.

He didn't want to rush like this, but there was no other way.

Every time he arrived at a city in the Western Regions, someone would threaten him:
The Turks are coming!

A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall, so Xuanzang had to take out the last of his money, buy a fast horse and run back.

"Let's go to Guiyuan Temple outside the city first. We made an appointment with the abbot that year."

(End of this chapter)