If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1140 The Prefect of Xianyang

Marquis Lieyang thought carefully for a moment and asked, "If a rebellion breaks out in any place, even if I remain stationed in Xingyang, I will still have to send troops to quell it. At that time, with a large army mobilized, won't a lot of grain and fodder need to be transported?"

Xiao Yu said, "Recall carefully the war between the Western Zhou and the Shang during the Investiture of the Gods. On the battlefield, whenever there was a prolonged stalemate, what did the commanders of both the Shang and Zhou sides do? What was the final result?"

Marquis Lieyang pondered and said, "There will never be a permanent stalemate on the battlefield. One side will always gain the upper hand, and then the other side will send someone to call for reinforcements and then kill the general or immortal who caused the stalemate."

At this point, he suddenly had a realization.

Xiao Yu looked at him meaningfully and said, "You don't need large-scale grain transport at all."

Twenty to thirty thousand elite cavalry, carrying enough rations for ten days, would immediately retreat or withdraw if their first attack failed.

In the event of a standoff, the Twelve Golden Immortals could always find a magic weapon or secret technique to counter the Qin generals.

Even if supplies arrive in time, they will ultimately only benefit the rebels.

Marquis Lieyang frowned and said, "But the rebels haven't been stopped, they will definitely continue to advance."

Xiao Yu said, "I put you in charge of Xingyang so that you can better extend your power to the Central Plains, not so that you can just stay in Xingyang and wait for the enemy to attack Xingyang."

When I said we don't need to send a large army on a long expedition, it doesn't mean we shouldn't be on guard at all.

You can establish a complete defense system centered on Xingyang.

To cooperate with you, I may also send princes to various prefectures to serve as vassal kings, allowing them to control the local military and political power.

If you can't even handle this, then moving an army of 100,000 across thousands of miles will be even more difficult and even harder to manage.

When that time comes, all we'll have left is to defend Xingyang to the death.

Marquis Lieyang said, "This strategy is too passive and demoralizing."

Xiao Yu said, "A major defeat is what demoralizes the most. You must be aware that the Qin Dynasty is doomed, and your hundreds of thousands of troops will be completely annihilated. This is the inevitable fate."

With this realization, every extra soldier you save is a small victory.

If you can preserve half of your troops, you will have achieved a great victory.

"Our military strength and territory are being gradually eroded, and Great Qin is becoming weaker and weaker. What should we do?" asked Marquis Lieyang.

Xiao Yu shook his head and said, "The more territory the Great Qin loses, the larger the territory occupied by the rebels."

"If rebels seize power, what will they do?"

Marquis Lieyang blurted out, "They'll definitely claim to be kings! And who knows, someone might even dare to rebel and call themselves 'emperor'!"

Xiaoyu said, "Only then will the struggle for destiny truly begin."

The true Son of Heaven who ultimately seizes the throne will rule a land that is far better than any other.

Anyone who wants to compete for the dragon must first prove themselves.

If the Qin Dynasty is truly inferior to others, then it should honestly accept its defeat!

There's no need to fight anymore; the Qin generals can surrender in an orderly manner.

Those Qin people who swore to be loyal to the Ying clan to the death will follow me to the west to establish a new Western Qin Empire.

"Is this your plan? You didn't even fight a major battle, and you just chickened out?" Marquis Lieyang was very disappointed and dissatisfied, and therefore very agitated.

Xiaoyu sighed, "Sigh, talking to someone like you who doesn't understand fate and destiny is really tiring."

You wouldn't understand even if I explained it to you, and since you don't understand, you're unwilling to listen properly.

He clearly displayed a foolish demeanor, driven by a sense of impending doom.

The outcome of a battle is decided on the battlefield; the outcome of a struggle for destiny, however, is decided outside the battlefield.

What will determine the fate of the Qin Dynasty is not the outcome of one or two battles, but winning the Mandate of Heaven!

Why was the Western Zhou Dynasty able to defeat the Shang Dynasty?

Was it because the generals of the Yin-Shang dynasty were not strong enough?

In the end, even the leader of the Tongtian Cult took the Four Swords of Zhuxian with him.

Can your 400,000-strong army surpass the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation on the battlefield?

Ultimately, it is fate that determines victory or defeat.

The Ji family has always been doing the right thing, spreading the virtues of propriety, benevolence, righteousness, and trustworthiness to the world.

While the Ji family was accumulating its own "righteousness," King Zhou of Shang indulged in debauchery, such as burning wine in pools and meat forests, branding people with hot irons and pits of scorpions, ripped out Bi Gan's heart, forced Shang Rong to his death, turned father and son against each other, and severed ties between husband and wife.
Various inhumane behaviors gradually corrupted the righteousness of the Shang Dynasty.

Truly intelligent people should be aware from the very beginning that the decisive battle will take place in the struggle for destiny.

After failing in the struggle for destiny, one should remain rational and clear-headed. Regardless of how many battles were won or lost on the battlefield, one should immediately withdraw to preserve oneself.

Instead of shouting things like "My fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens" or "I will fight to the death and defy the heavens."

That wasn't defying the heavens; it was the final madness after calamity energy entered the brain, and after madness came death.

Marquis Lieyang's expression changed several times before he finally let out a sigh of dejection and slowly said, "Grand Tutor Yu, I understand."

During my time garrisoning Xingyang, I always informed you first of any major military operations.

Xiao Yu understood that he had been convinced, and nodded slightly, saying, "My lord, let's work together!"

Ziying waited outside Zhangtai Palace for a full half hour before seeing Marquis Lieyang walk out calmly.

He only had time to greet him before Grand Tutor Yu summoned him into the main hall.

If he were a time traveler, he would find it very strange.

He felt that he and Lieyang Hou had become problem students waiting in line for their homeroom teacher to summon them.

"Ziying, Huhai has a three-year imperial mandate, and you also have a portion of a royal mandate. According to the predetermined fate, after Huhai's death, it will be your turn to become the final ruler of a fallen kingdom."

After meeting, Xiaoyu didn't stand on ceremony with him and directly told him about Ziying's destiny.

On the day of the experiment to discern the order of things with the Heavenly Eye, Ziying's dragon energy entered his body, and he had already made some guesses.

He was still somewhat shocked when Grand Tutor Yu spoke frankly about destiny.

“Even if the Second Emperor has passed away, there are other princes. Why should it be my turn?” he asked in fear.

Xiao Yu sighed, "Although Hu Hai had the Mandate of Heaven, he was a 'tyrannical ruler with a Mandate of Heaven,' just like King Zhou during the Investiture of the Gods."

King Zhou even killed his uncle Bigan and forced his wise minister Shang Rong to his death.

Hu Hai killed his own brothers and sisters, and slaughtered all the virtuous officials and generals in the court; in a way, he paid homage to his 'predecessors.'

Ziying's expression twisted. "This doesn't make sense. He killed all the princes and ministers. Isn't he just crippling himself?"

Xiao Yu said, "The Shang Dynasty had King Zhou and Daji, and our Qin Dynasty also has Huhai and Zhao Gao!"
If King Zhou had remained healthy and hadn't encountered Daji, he certainly wouldn't have killed his uncle, harmed the virtuous queen, or forced the wise minister to his death.

Daji was acting on divine mandate to ruin the fate of the Shang Dynasty, but it's unclear whether Zhao Gao was acting on anyone's orders.

Or perhaps, he's destined to be a debt collector?

In your past life, you were the greatest enemy of the Ying clan. In this life, you were reborn as Zhao Gao, just to ruin the fate of the Ying clan.

You are far superior to Huhai. Huhai was played to death by Zhao Gao, while you, though supported by Zhao Gao as the 'King of Qin in Guanzhong,' killed Zhao Gao as soon as you ascended the throne, at least salvaging a little bit of face for the Ying clan.

Ziying looked shocked. "This is the original destiny?"

Xiao Yu nodded slightly and said, "Why do you think Hu Hai is so close to me today?"
Last night he went to the Imperial Observatory to see me. I used his destiny to deduce the future using the Hetu and Luoshu diagrams. In the ever-repeating future timeline, he was killed by Zhao Gao hundreds of times.

I'm letting you know all this because Hu Hai discovered your 'royal mandate' when he traveled through time.

Every time he kills his own brother, you inherit the throne.

So don't go to Xingyang with him, and quit your job as the Imperial Clan Minister. Stay in Xianyang and be the 'Xianyang Magistrate'!

The affairs of Xianyang are, on the surface, under my jurisdiction.

In reality, you control all kinds of political affairs, making you a de facto "King of Guanzhong."

Ziying immediately bowed down in trepidation and said, "Grand Tutor, I am deeply grateful for your kindness."

However, the appointed time had not yet come, and the princes were still alive. It was not Ziying's turn to be the magistrate of Xianyang!

Xiao Yu said, "The Great Qin Dynasty is not at its peak during the Spring and Autumn Period, so this is not the time to divide up the spoils."

Giving you authority is to entrust you with responsibilities.

You should learn from me! In times of crisis, a true hero is one who dares to take on responsibilities.

Ziying bowed again and said sincerely, "Ziying truly believes that Prince Jianglu and Prince Gao are far more talented than I am."

Oh, and there's also the eldest prince, Fusu.

He trained at Yumen Pass for ten years, becoming proficient in both literature and martial arts even then, and now he is even more outstanding.

“Fusu,” Xiaoyu frowned and said, “I’m a little disappointed in him. Such a big thing happened in Xianyang, and he’s been staying obediently in Hexi without making any reaction.”

Ziying said, "Fusu abides by etiquette and the law. Without an imperial edict, an official from outside the capital may not return to the capital without authorization."

As a prince, his status was even more sensitive, making him even more cautious.

Xiao Yu said, "What kind of time is this to still be respecting etiquette and abiding by the law? Sigh, never mind, I'll issue him an imperial edict in a couple of days, ordering him and General Meng Yi to return to Xianyang."

She looked at Ziying and said, "Even if Fusu returns, he will have other tasks."

He's been away from Xianyang for ten years, and he's less familiar with the current situation in Guanzhong than I am.

“In that case, Ziying will obey the Grand Tutor’s order and humbly accept the title of ‘Prefect of Xianyang’.” Ziying took two steps back and bowed respectfully.

Xiao Yu asked, "Do you know what the most important things are after becoming the Magistrate of Xianyang?"

Ziying thought about it carefully before saying, "First, help His Majesty the Second Emperor complete his eastern tour, then train the troops and strengthen the defenses of the Xiaohan Pass."

Xiaoyu said, "It can be done, but it's not the most important thing."

To complete ten years of benevolent governance, a large amount of gold, silver, and copper coins must be transported from Xianyang to the Central Plains.

Earlier in the imperial court, Prime Minister Feng expressed his concerns about the disorderly trade, the abundance of silver and the devaluation of currency, which led to the suffering of the people.

Xingyang stood in front, mainly to deal with any possible rebellions from the six states.

You are in Xianyang in the rear; you should relieve them of their worries about government affairs.

For example, you will be in charge of the Ying family's treasury, categorizing the treasures and artifacts, deciding when to release how much gold, silver, and copper, and when to release rare and precious treasures, using these treasures to absorb the gold, silver, and copper coins back to Xianyang.

Gold, silver, and copper were currencies, but precious stones were not.

Too much currency will disrupt the market. You can never have too much treasure, and it won't affect the market.

Furthermore, although the imperial court did not levy land tax on farmers, commercial taxes could not be reduced.

In particular, industries that are vital to people's livelihoods, such as salt and iron wire, must be kept under the control of the imperial court as much as possible. At least the imperial court should be able to indirectly control and maintain control.

We can use money to pressure them, and we can use policies to balance things out. In short, we must prevent major fluctuations in trade in the Central Plains.

You can go to the countryside in plain clothes to see for yourself how much of the benefits released by the court actually benefit the farmers and how much is profited by merchants and officials, and then make adjustments accordingly.

The imperial court's spending spree, frankly speaking, is just like what the Tian family did in the state of Qi back then—sacrificing their own interests to win over the people.

The State of Qi was a vassal state of Jiang Ziya, but it was later seized by the Tian family.

Tian Dan, one of the "Northern Tian Zhan and Southern Xiang Liang" who was killed by Xiao Yu earlier, was a member of the royal family of Qi.

One of the main reasons why the Tian family was able to replace the Jiang family was that the Jiang royal family was cruel to the people, while the Tian family won over the hearts of the people.

There are two ways to win people's hearts: First, lend grain using a large measure and return it using a small measure. The Tian family made a large measure and lent grain to the people using it. When the people returned the grain, they used a small measure to collect it.

A large dou (大斗) contains one dou and five sheng (升), while a small dou (小斗) is the normal "gongdou" (公斗), containing one dou and four sheng (升).

Isn't this just giving away grain to the people for free?
The second strategy to win people's hearts is to reduce or even exempt taxes within one's own fiefdom.

These two points alone made the Tian family the popular choice among the people of Qi.

Looking at Xiaoyu's two new policies, they are almost identical to those of the Tian family.

This kind of "benevolent governance" was not invented by the Tian family; Guan Zhong even developed a systematic economic theory that benefited the people. Xiao Bai followed this theory, thus uniting nine states into one and becoming a hegemon.

There's nothing new under the sun.

"If you don't understand it yourself, you can recruit a group of incredibly wealthy businessmen as advisors, and you can also select a group of PhDs who understand economics."

Xiaoyu appointed Ziying as the magistrate of Xianyang, which meant she only had to give orders while others did the hard work.

Asking her to give Ziying a few pointers is no problem, but if you want her to teach him step by step, she might as well do it herself.

Anyway, the world is never short of talent.

There are all kinds of talented people; the key is whether the monarch uses them and how he uses them.

After a pause, Xiaoyu added, "While stabilizing the economy, you also need to vigorously develop agriculture."

Ensure that every piece of land in Guanzhong is planted with grain.

In Hanzhong to the south, there are large areas of uncultivated wasteland.

You will conscript a group of soldiers from Guanzhong to settle in Hanzhong for three years.

We don't expect to accumulate much grain, but at least we can clear a patch of arable land by burning the wasteland to prepare for future needs.

Ziying seemed to understand and nodded, saying, "I understand now. The responsibilities of the magistrate of Xianyang should be separate from those of Xingyang."

The Xingyang court was responsible for dealing with the changes in the Central Plains.

I handled all matters related to money, grain, and people's livelihood in Xianyang.

“That’s right. Xingyang will be at the forefront, facing the righteous armies of the six states in Shandong. You will be in charge of logistics.”

—Since you all have work to do, I'll be free and can do my own thing.

Xiao Yu's expression was solemn. "As for me, I will control the overall situation of the Divine Land and contend with those quasi-Great Luo Immortals!"

Even if she intends to slack off, she will make her slacking off sound high-class.

Ziying believed him, and bowed deeply with a solemn expression, saying, "The Great Qin of the Ying Clan owes you a debt of gratitude, Grand Tutor."

Xiao Yu nodded slightly. "Ziying, go ahead. The imperial edict appointing you as the 'Magistrate of Xianyang' will soon be delivered to your residence."

After Ziying left, Xiaoyu stayed at Zhangtai Palace for more than an hour.

Before lunch, she issued several more orders in the name of the "Second Emperor".

(End of this chapter)