12dz Chapter 312 Annual Taxes
Chapter 312 Annual Taxes
Chapter 312: Ten Years of Taxation
Cao Cao was not surprised and looked at Guo Jia.
A fight between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan would undoubtedly undermine the court's plan to "defeat Dong."
Guo Jia drank his wine, laughed, and said, "Gongsun Zan is a famous general outside the Great Wall. He was too careless when he lost to Yuan Shu before. Now he has gathered his strength for a few years. It will not be so easy for Yuan Shao to win."
Cao Cao nodded, stretched his legs, and said, "However, Gongsun Zan is a military commander and is not well-received among the nobles. Moreover, Lord Lu has passed away, and he is in Jiujiang. It is only a matter of time before he is defeated."
Xiahou Yuan sat down and said, "So, Yangzhou will completely fall into Yuan Shao's hands? And Sun Jian is dying, so I'm afraid part of Xuzhou will also fall into his hands. With this calculation, Yuan Shao's power is even greater than Yuan Shu's before!"
Guo Jia pondered, shook his head with a strange expression, and said: "The Yuan family's reputation for generations was completely ruined in the hands of Yuan Shu. Although Yuan Shao was able to protect himself by informing the Yuan family, the Yuan family's reputation was gone, and Yuan Shao would never rebel openly. This Yuan Benchu, it's really a pity..."
Cao Cao did not belittle Yuan Shao again. He looked outside with a somewhat emotional expression.
Thinking back to the time, Yuan Shao was so high-spirited and full of vigor. He rode a tall horse in Luoyang City, looking down on everyone.
Not to mention Cao Cao, the descendant of a eunuch, even if they were from prominent families or royal relatives, how many of them would catch his eye?
He is really arrogant and looks down on others.
What followed made Yuan Shao's reputation reach an unprecedented level, and he was praised by the whole world.
Yuan Shao led his troops into the palace and slaughtered almost all of the eunuchs who had been hated by the gentry for decades!
After this incident, Yuan Shao became a role model for people all over the world. All scholars applauded and praised him, regarding him as a "man who holds up the sky".
Cao Cao at that time also admired him deeply. Such courage is rare in the world and hard to find.
But who could have thought that the world would change so rapidly and it would come to this point today.
The Yuan family's ambitions were exposed and they were liquidated by the court. Afterwards, many members of the Yuan family rebelled and were successively suppressed. After Yuan Shu's defeat, the case of the Yuan family was finally settled.
But Yuan Shao’s current situation has become quite embarrassing.
Yuan Shao was able to survive because he had been detained in the Huangmen Beisi Prison by Liu Bian before the Yuan family incident, and later he was spared because he "reported the Yuan family for treason".
Just as Guo Jia said, Yuan Shao could not rebel again, otherwise he would surely lose his reputation and be deserted by his friends and relatives.
The Yuan family, with three officials in four generations, a great reputation, the head of the aristocratic family, and respected by the world, has come to this point today. How can we not sigh?
Guo Jia and Cao Cao were deeply moved by this, but Xiahou Yuan was unaware of it. He said, "Meng De, Yuan Shao's growing power is bad for you, right?"
Cao Cao came back to his senses, smiled and said, "It's not a big deal. The most important thing now is to destroy Dong Zhuo. No matter what Yuan Shao wants to do, once the imperial court gives the order, Yuan Shao will have to take up the banner. The Yuan family was destroyed by Dong Zhuo, so Yuan Shao has to fight this battle!"
Xiahou Yuan didn't have the brains to do that. He looked back and forth between the two men, then looked at Guo Jia's face and said, "Military Advisor, is it easy to fight?"
Guo Jia was startled, somewhat surprised that Xiahou Yuan mentioned this question. After a slight hesitation, he said, "It's not easy to fight."
"What do you mean?" Xiahou Yuan looked curious and wanted to learn.
Cao Cao moved his sore leg again, seemingly not caring, but also pricked up his ears.
Guo Jia took a sip of wine and said, "During the Warring States Period, the six kingdoms attacked Qin. The six kingdoms were much stronger than Qin, but they were defeated again and again and were eventually destroyed by Qin. The fundamental reason was that they had different thoughts and different desires, so they could not unite as one. If you advance, I retreat, if you retreat, I run. How can we destroy Qin?"
Xiahou Yuan understood and said, "Then, we won't be able to defeat Dong?"
Guo Jia nodded without hesitation and said, "When the six countries attacked Qin, it was smooth at first, then it became a stalemate in the later period, and then it was just giving away land to Qin."
Xiahou Yuan's face suddenly changed and his eyes widened.
Cao Cao sat down again, and seeing Xiahou Yuan's expression, he smiled and said, "The situation is very similar and yet very different. Dong Zhuo is not Qin, at most he is Han."
Xiahou Yuan had read very little, so he could only understand what Guo Jia said clearly. He had no idea what Cao Cao was saying.
What is South Korea?
Guo Jia smiled slightly and said, "It's very easy to understand what the general means, don't worry about it."
Xiahou Yuan immediately raised his hand and said in a deep voice: "General, I am willing to be the vanguard!"
Dong dong dong
Before Xiahou Yuan finished speaking, footsteps were heard outside the door, and a servant shouted at the bottom of the stairs: "Master, the Grand Marshal is here to visit."
Cao Cao was startled, and quickly stood up with the help of his crutches, saying, "Please come in."
After saying that, he looked at Guo Jia.
Guo Jia seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "I'm afraid the general will have to set off."
Cao Cao had a premonition and went straight to the front hall without saying anything.
Mrs. Ding stood outside the door with wine and food for a long time, but seeing this, she had to leave quietly.
When they arrived at the front hall, Cao Cao and Liu Yu greeted each other and sat opposite each other.
Liu Yu stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Meng De, how is your injury recovering?"
Cao Cao sat upright, leaned forward slightly, and said, "If the Grand Marshal orders, Cao Cao can mount his horse and kill the enemy even if his legs are broken!"
Liu Yu smiled even more and said, "The government and the public all say that Meng De is unruly, has the eyes of an eagle and a wolf, and is a sinister person. I say that Meng De is a rare loyal and brave man in our Han Dynasty."
Cao Cao remained calm and said, "Grand Marshal, your praise is too much. I do not deserve it."
Liu Yu observed Cao Cao and saw that he showed no emotion. He paused and said, "I won't beat around the bush. The court has received a secret report that Sun Jian will not survive. His relative, Wu Jing, the Minister of Works, is trying to have Sun Jian's son Sun Ce inherit the title of Marquis of Wucheng and return to Wujun to take charge of the situation."
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao asked, "Does the Grand Marshal feel that this is inappropriate?"
Liu Yu showed a hint of displeasure and said, "Meng De, do you also want to hide things in front of me?"
Cao Cao was shocked and said quickly, "I dare not. But, given my situation... I do not agree with Sun Jian or the Jiangdong family continuing to command the army."
Cao Cao gave a truthful statement. Liu Yu nodded and sighed, "I know Meng De's situation. I have defended him many times in front of His Majesty, and I have had many disputes with the Shangshutai and the six departments for this. However, Meng De, rest assured, as long as I am in the Grand Marshal's Mansion, I will not tolerate any injustice to the loyal and good people!"
Cao Cao immediately raised his hand and said in a deep voice: "Cao Cao thanks Liu Gong for his protection!"
Liu Yu stroked his beard again and asked, "What do you think about the campaign against Dong?"
Cao Cao saw that Liu Yu had finally revealed his true intentions, so he pretended to hesitate for a long time and said, "To be honest with you, Master Liu, I am not optimistic. First, the troops are too few. Second, Dong Zhuo is not like Yuan Shu. Third, the court is in crisis and cannot use all its strength. Fourth, people's hearts are divided and there are many rebellions. I am afraid it will not be effective."
Liu Yu paused and said seriously, "Meng De, come and see what is the best strategy?"
Cao Cao raised his head and looked at Liu Yu, his eyes burning and his expression firm, he said in a deep voice: "I think we should use both suppression and appeasement, on the one hand, we should suppress, divide and win over Dong Zhuo with the righteousness of the court, and on the other hand, we should gather strong troops and defeat Dong Zhuo with the force of thunder. Once the situation is established, it will be only a matter of time before Dong is destroyed!"
Liu Yu opened his eyes slightly, and then said: "If I transfer Liu Bei's troops to you, and gather your troops totaling 60,000, how long will it take to destroy Dong Zhuo?"
Cao Cao was stunned for a moment, and said, "Liu Bei's troops are transferred to me? What does the Grand Marshal mean?"
Liu Yu put down his hand and said in a deep voice: "Xuzhou is no longer contestable. I suggest that Liu Bei's troops pass through Yanzhou in secret and join you in Yingchuan County. With a combined force of 60,000, we will attack Xiang County directly!"
Cao Cao looked stunned, but was shocked in his heart.
Liu Yu has such a big plan and such great courage!
He actually wanted to abandon Xuzhou and fight a decisive battle with Dong Zhuo in Yuzhou!
The imperial court would never agree to such a plan!
Is this Liu Yu’s private thought?
Cao Cao continued to look dazed, with a thousand thoughts in his mind.
Liu Yu's plan was simple and direct, and seemed ambitious, but in fact it was almost impossible. Moreover, once it encountered setbacks, not only would Xuzhou be completely abandoned, but the court would also punish him faster than ever before!
By that time, Cao Cao and Liu Yu would definitely exterminate the three clans!
At this moment, Guo Jia and Xiahou Yuan were outside the side door. When they heard Liu Yu's plan, they were also secretly shocked.
When Guo Jia heard the silence inside, he whispered something in Xiahou Yuan's ear.
Xiahou Yuan understood and left quickly and quietly.
In the front hall, Liu Yu also knew that his plan was bold. Seeing Cao Cao deep in thought, he picked up the teacup and drank tea leisurely.
"General,"
Suddenly, Xiahou Yuan rushed in and shouted, "News from Yingchuan..."
He seemed to have just seen Liu Yu, and was startled for a moment, then quickly raised his hand and said, "General Xiahou Yuan, I pay my respects to the Grand Marshal!"
Liu Yu glanced at Cao Cao and asked, "What's the matter?"
Xiahou Yuan hesitated and looked at Cao Cao.
Cao Cao sat up straight and shouted unhappily, "How dare you refuse to answer in front of the Grand Marshal!"
Xiahou Yuan hurriedly said: "Reporting to the Grand Marshal, Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are fighting."
Liu Yu knew it before Cao Cao did. He frowned when he heard it, and stood up and said, "Meng De, I have to go to the palace. Think it over and tell me the truth before you leave."
Cao Cao took the crutches, stood up with some difficulty, and said, "I will escort Lord Liu."
Liu Yu strode away.
Cao Cao stood at the door, watching Liu Yu leave the house, his narrow eyes flickering slightly with a hint of suspicion and weirdness.
Guo Jia came up behind him, drinking, and said, "This Grand Marshal is really bold. What was spread by Mr. Zhang may not be a rumor."
Cao Cao felt a little depressed and said, "It's a troublesome matter."
It's just a bit troublesome.
"General, we must leave Luoyang as soon as possible." Guo Jia said.
Cao Cao understood and said, "Well, we can't stay in such a troubled place for long. Before I leave, I will go visit the Prime Minister and others."
Liu Yu's sudden visit made Guo Jia and Cao Cao feel that there was a hidden crisis in Luoyang City, which made people uneasy.
Liu Yu got on the carriage and headed straight for the palace.
After driving for a while, Yan Rou, who was driving, turned around and whispered, "Mr. Liu, how is it?"
Liu Yu in the carriage stroked his beard, his expression obscure, and said, "I didn't find out anything. Cao Cao acted reserved at first, and said some nonsense at the end."
"The more Cao Cao tries to hide his intentions, the more it proves that he has something to hide. Lord Liu, you must be on guard against him," Yan Rou said.
Liu Yu seemed to be thinking, and said: "Most of his troops in Yingchuan are from the Imperial Army Camp. I know their every move clearly. We must also prevent him from recruiting soldiers privately and recruiting surrendered soldiers."
Yan Rou drove the carriage slowly, turned around, and whispered, "Lord Liu, I heard that Cao Cao's second son, Cao Pi, is very close to the Second Prince."
Liu Yu frowned subconsciously, remembering Liu Bian's nervousness towards the Second Prince in the palace that day.
Everyone in the court and the country knows that the current emperor is very fond of the Second Prince and often keeps him by his side. The Second Prince can even enter and leave Chongde Hall freely and stay overnight.
Even His Highness Liu Shao doesn’t even receive such treatment!
"No nonsense!"
After a moment, Liu Yu said in a low voice.
Yan Rou quickly bowed and said, "I understand."
Liu Yu let out a sigh and asked, "Has Liu Bei entered the capital?"
Yan Rou said: "Not yet, but recently there have been rumors everywhere in Luoyang that Liu Bei is a relative of the Han Dynasty and a descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan."
Liu Yu was the real Han royal relative, and there were countless people pretending to be Han royal relatives. Liu Yu frowned, feeling dissatisfied, and said, "When he enters Luoyang, let him come to see me first."
"Yes." Yan Rou replied.
Liu Yu glanced out the window, his mind also filled with many worries, and suddenly asked, "Any more news?"
Yan Rou thought for a moment and said, "The news of changing the era name next year has already spread. Some people have submitted petitions to request the relocation of the capital."
Liu Yu was startled and asked, "Move the capital, where to?"
"There are many, the largest number is in Chang'an." Yan Rou said.
"Nonsense!"
Liu Yu reprimanded him without mercy, saying, "Send a message to my people and ask them to write a letter of opposition."
Seeing that the palace was already in sight, Yan Rou turned around and whispered, "Mr. Liu, I heard that someone in the Shangshutai agrees."
Liu Yu's expression became colder, and he said, "I don't know what you mean!"
'Moving the capital' involves too many things. Since ancient times, unless it was a big deal, it would be extremely difficult to move the capital. Unless the emperor had sufficient reasons and the courage, it would be difficult to accomplish.
The reason why the discussion of "moving the capital" was raised in Luoyang City was that Dong Zhuo had attacked Guan Huanyuan Pass not long ago, causing great commotion in Luoyang City.
Huanyuan Pass is one of the eight passes guarding Luoyang. Once Huanyuan Pass is forced, the bandits can march straight in and attack Luoyang.
Yan Rou waited for a while, and seeing that Liu Yu didn't say anything else, he drove the carriage into the palace.
Liu Bian in the palace is also under tremendous pressure at this moment.
The pile of memorials in front of him were related to the court's taxes.
This year's summer grain has decreased again, and the salt tax has reached its peak and is also showing a downward trend. Revenue from other sources is also sluggish.
The 'new policy' that has been implemented for many years has visibly reached deep waters and has reached the most difficult and critical moment.
Liu Bian read it slowly, thinking carefully in his mind, and whispered to himself: "Time waits for no one..."
He needs time so much.
But the Han Dynasty had already fallen apart, and the several northern states that he had tried so hard to stabilize were now in danger and faced unprecedented challenges.
Liu Bian turned his head and looked at the map hanging on the wall not far away.
On each state, there are many prominent names written by him personally: the Three Qiang, Liu Yan, Shi Xie, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Gongsun Zan, Sun Jian, Cao Cao, Liu Bei...
For a long while, he lowered his head and looked at the desk. On the blank memorial book, there were strings of densely packed numbers. At the end, there was a striking line: deficit of 200 million, advance expenditure of 100 million, and debt of 400 million.
Seven hundred million is equivalent to the tax revenue of the Han Dynasty for ten years during the Zhongping period!