The video takes us to ancient times; Li Er transforms into the Tongtian Emperor of Shu Han.

"Mengde, you are indeed a talented person."

Xiang Yu patted him on the shoulder with great appreciation.

I don't know how this brain of theirs is formed!

They were able to refine Zhang Jiao's idea so quickly!

One was in charge of civil affairs and the other of military affairs. The civil officials were responsible for governance, while the military officials were responsible for supervision and defense against foreign enemies.

"But in that case, it would most likely be impossible to implement in Luoyang."

Cao Cao suddenly looked troubled.

"Oh? Why?"

Xiang Yu was puzzled.

Cao Cao simply pointed to the officials who had just been dragged out.

“These people all come from prestigious families; their entire clans will be exterminated.”

"Your Majesty, do you think that after we've dealt with them all, there will be no aristocratic families left in Luoyang?"

If they couldn't get involved in officialdom, could they still be called aristocratic families?

But most of those who held a position among the officials are now facing certain doom.

Xiang Yu: "..."

This is a problem.

Neither Cao Cao nor Huangfu Song were destined to remain.

Liu Bang preferred to establish his capital in Luoyang, but this man was not!

In his heart, there will always only be one capital city!

With only these two capable and trustworthy individuals by his side, it was naturally impossible for him to stay in this old capital.

"Really gone?"

Xiang Yu asked tentatively.

"Couldn't there be some conscientious official who never oppressed the people and survived?"

"...Your Majesty, you're overthinking it. Let alone them, even if you threw me, Cao Mengde, into the street and let the people identify me, I would most likely be the one whose entire family is executed."

Before Zhang Jiao appeared, no one regarded the common people as their own.

Even though Cao Cao was compassionate and empathetic, he never truly cared about the common people.

At most, it means they won't intentionally harm others.

But both Cao Song and his grandfather Cao Teng had done things that exploited the people.

"...In fact, so am I."

Xiang Yu covered his face and sighed deeply.

Who can be more innocent than whom?

After all, in such a long period of time, there has only been one person like Zhang Jiao!

"So, Your Majesty, it is indeed a bit too harsh for you to ask the people to identify the crimes of the officials."

Cao Cao said helplessly.

This left virtually no one with even the slightest chance of survival!

"It seems that people like Liu Yu who should have survived are probably all dead by now."

Even his blood could not awaken Liu Hong, nor could it awaken the civil and military officials.

That means that under such a court, someone like Liu Yu could not possibly survive.

"Perhaps... there is one more person who can be used."

Speaking of Liu Yu, Cao Cao suddenly remembered something.

His father, Cao Song, had mentioned to him that there was another person who was imprisoned with Liu Yu!

I just don't know if Liu Hong acted that quickly, or if the person is still alive!

"Your Majesty, send someone to check the prison to see if there is a man named Lu Zhi."

"If he were still alive, as long as he were willing to submit, at least his abilities wouldn't be a problem!"

Lu Zhi was not only skilled in military campaigns, but also adept at handling domestic affairs!

Cao Song spoke of it several times, always praising it highly!

That's why Cao Cao remembered this person.

"Lu Zhi? I do have some recollection of him."

Xiang Yu thought for a moment.

I think I've seen this name before on the sky; he was known as one of the three heroes of the late Han Dynasty, along with Huangfu Song.

"Send two men to bring Lu Zhi to me if he is still alive."

"However, given his background, it seems he comes from a prominent family. Is he really capable of being used?"

After giving a casual instruction, Xiang Yu hesitated again.

He had heard Huangfu Song mention the name Fanyang Lu.

Such aristocratic family should not exist, whether in Xiang Yu's plans or Zhang Jiao's ideals!

In other words, he will one day stand on the opposite side of the aristocratic families!

Ordinary small clans are not a threat, but a powerful clan like the Lu family of Fanyang will definitely be a major problem at that time!

And blood ties are the hardest to sever.

In other words, there is a high probability that this person will become an enemy someday in the future!

"As for Lu Zhi, perhaps he will, perhaps he won't."

"The important thing is, Overlord, we really have no one else to use right now. Why don't we take a look first?"

If it were anyone else, they would be even more worried!

At least Lu Zhi's character and abilities are not bad.

"Then let's take a look first."

A moment later, Lu Zhi, with his hands and feet in shackles, was brought into the main hall.

Seeing the trails of blood on the ground where people had been dragged, he couldn't help but sigh.

This great man, indeed, perished.

"Lu Zhi greets the Overlord."

He looked up at Xiang Yu.

“Mengde recommended you to me, saying that with your abilities, you are qualified to serve as the governor of Henan.”

Xiang Yu's face was expressionless, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

Lu Zhi: "?"

Prefect of Henan?

Luoyang is right here!

This position, if you take another step forward, would be the pinnacle of a minister's power!

are you kidding me?

He looked at Cao Cao as if seeking help.

The latter nodded silently, indicating that it was true.

"Since you were recommended by Mengde, I naturally have no doubt about your abilities, but your loyalty needs to be considered."

Xiang Yu continued.

"Loyalty? Overlord, I don't remember ever submitting to the Yellow Turbans."

Lu Zhi said with a wry smile.

"Is this your only choice, or would you rather pledge allegiance to that absurd Han?"

"If that's the case, you should die like Liu Yu, instead of living on like this until now!"

Xiang Yu hit the nail on the head.

If he were truly a loyal follower of the Han Dynasty, there would be no way he could have survived until now!

"The Overlord is truly insightful, hitting the nail on the head."

How many people can be as fiercely independent as Liu Yu?

"I am willing to submit, but before that, I want to ask the Overlord a question."

"When the world is at peace in the future, how will you deal with the current prominent families?"

The reason why ordinary people could not survive was, in the final analysis, not only the oppression by the imperial court, but also the exploitation by the gentry!

Under the control of the aristocratic clans, most of the land fell into their hands.

Moreover, many aristocratic families did not have to pay taxes, while ordinary people had to hand over large amounts of grain every year.

During a good harvest, they can naturally be self-sufficient, but in a year of famine, they can only sell their land to make a living.

Over time, the land fell into the hands of the gentry.

Without land, the people naturally have no way to survive.

"That's why I was still hesitant even after Mengde recommended you."

"The world that the Yellow Turbans envisioned did not need aristocratic families, so in my opinion, you will defect one day."

Xiang Yu made no attempt to conceal his murderous intent towards the gentry.

Lu Zhi laughed at this answer.

"If the overlord tries to fob me off with other words, I will absolutely not agree."

"Because in the ideal world of the Great Teacher of Virtue, there is no need for things like aristocratic families."

"I will not serve two masters without sufficient reason."

"But after learning about the ideals of the Great Teacher of Virtue, if the Overlord can truly achieve them, I am willing to give it a try."

"Oh?"

This answer piqued Xiang Yu's curiosity.

"Then when I want to take action against the Lu family of Fanyang, how will you handle yourself?"

"If the Overlord is willing to trust me, I will personally lead the troops to annihilate them!"