The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 252 Liu Bei: Li Xiang is a perfect man. As I write this letter, I am filled with longing and affection.

Meanwhile, the states of Qi and Wei were locked in a fierce battle in the south.

The battle quickly became a stalemate.

Meanwhile, in the north, Li Yi, who was then the governor of Ji Province and concurrently the prime minister, was not idle either.

He kept a close eye on the fighting in the south.

At the same time, they strengthened the defenses in the north and monitored the movements of the State of Wei.

During this time, he also planned to visit Youzhou.

Although Youzhou was nominally under the jurisdiction of Qi, it had always been in a state of semi-independent autonomy with a high degree of autonomy.

Similar to the early Xuzhou, most of the power, wealth, and population were in the hands of local powerful families.

Li Yi's expedition to Youzhou was originally intended to eliminate the remnants of the Yuan clan.

At that time, the powerful clans of Youzhou, seeing the Yuan family fall, naturally had no need to oppose Li Yi's army.

Therefore, they all nominally surrendered to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei then retained their original official positions, allowing them to continue serving in their local posts.

For Li Yijun, who was pressed for time at the time, this was the optimal solution.

However, this also left behind a potential problem: the local power in Youzhou became too great.

Although Li Yi recommended Tian Yu as General Who Crosses the Liao River, giving him control of the military in Youzhou.

But this is only in name; local powerful families still have soldiers and guns at their disposal.

Those who wanted to maintain their military power still did so, while Tian Yu nominally managed them.

But when it comes to their core interests, Tian Yu has no power to mobilize them at all.

And although they did not openly oppose him, they were ultimately a potential threat.

Just like Cao Cao's Yan Province back then, once a large-scale rebellion broke out, the entire territory fell to the enemy.

After the break in relations between Qi and Wei, Cao Cao sent Guo Jia to infiltrate Youzhou.

They exploited this loophole and instigated a rebellion by local powerful clans.

Although it was small in scale, it was quickly suppressed by local officials.

But with such frequent rebellions, how can ordinary people talk about development?

Toads don't bite, but they're still annoying.

Therefore, in order to completely resolve the Youzhou problem, Li Yi decided to personally go to Youzhou to conduct an on-site investigation.

Bohai is adjacent to Youzhou, so it doesn't take long to travel there.

The purpose of this inspection trip is both to reclaim some power from the local authorities and to see how the area should specifically develop.

Therefore, Li Yi wrote a letter specifically to Liu Bei, who was stationed in Qingzhou.

The letter stated:
"Your subject Yi bows twice and respectfully reports to Your Highness, Prince Qi:"

"I believe that the land of Youyan is a natural barrier for the country, blocking the northern barbarian cavalry and protecting the Central Plains in the south."

"However, in recent years, powerful clans have seized power, and the regional governors have become weak."

"Taxes are not paid to the government, and able-bodied men are not registered in the military."

"This is not just a problem for Youzhou, but a real worry for the nation."

"Your subject requests to be granted the imperial insignia and travel north, ostensibly for inspection, but in reality to exert deterrence."

“We should follow Emperor Jing’s policy of weakening the power of the vassal states, using the ‘land survey’ to investigate their concealment and the ‘salt and iron’ to seize their profits.”

"If they bow their heads, then loosen the ropes to restrain them."

"If anyone is unruly, they shall be crushed by thunder."

"We can also use the pretext of the Xianbei harassing the border to gather the county troops at the gate."

Like Guan Yu in the south, Li Yi was also granted the title of "acting as an imperial envoy" by Liu Bei.

Therefore, Li Yi held absolute power in the north, could make decisions unilaterally, and even launch wars on his own.

Just like Guan Yu in Jingzhou in history, he could launch an attack on Cao Wei without notifying Liu Bei.

So when Liu Bei saw Li Yi's letter, he was quite surprised.

Thinking that Mr. Li was already very tired, Liu Bei wanted to help him improve administrative efficiency.

It can be said that this granted Lao Li extremely high dictatorial power.

Under the circumstances of the holiday, Li Yi wanted to go to Youzhou for an on-site investigation without needing to ask Liu Bei for permission.

When Lao Liu saw the second half of Li Yi's letter, he suddenly realized what was going on.

It turned out that Li Yi wanted to further reform the official system, and the reforms were quite significant, so much so that he had to consult Liu Bei.

The second half reads:

"I have observed that Youzhou has fertile soil and fierce people, so it is appropriate to establish the position of Provincial Administration Commissioner."

"He was in charge of finances and criminal matters, and his power was shared with the governor."

"Emperor Wu once established thirteen prefectures and asked them to investigate matters according to six criteria."

"Now the king should follow his example and appoint herdsmen to manage the army and officials to govern the people."

"Then the problem of the tail being too big to wag can be eliminated."

It turns out that Li Yi wanted to create a new official position – Provincial Administration Commissioner.

They were specifically in charge of managing finances, grain, criminal matters, and agricultural affairs.

The key point is to separate governance from that of the governor, and to have equal status.

To put it bluntly,
What is the simplest way to reclaim local power and strengthen central authority?
Of course, the solution is to directly divide the power of local officials.

As we all know, the local officials in the Han Dynasty were originally the top officials of the provinces.

It was a governorship established by Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che.

However, the governor initially only had supervisory power, and only later did he gradually gain the power to govern.

In this way, the governor's power was already quite considerable.

Logically speaking, the three most important powers—supervisory power, governing power, and military power—should not be held simultaneously.

However, towards the end of the Zhongping era, in order to suppress peasant uprisings...

Meanwhile, with rebels such as Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun becoming increasingly rampant, Liu Yan, a member of the Han imperial family, took the lead in requesting the establishment of a provincial governor.

He then requested to be appointed as the Governor of Yizhou.

Compared to the governor, the governor of a prefecture also had military power.

Imagine a local official who simultaneously possesses supervisory power, military power, and governing power.

What's the difference between this and a local tyrant?
If he wanted to rebel, the central government would have no way to punish him except by sending troops to suppress him directly.

However, the Han court was beset by internal and external troubles at the time, and had no choice but to delegate power to local authorities, allowing them to hold great power.

Although this led to the swift suppression of the local rebellion, it also directly resulted in a situation of warlordism and fragmentation.

Because there are no constraints on them, they have too much power in the local area.

Therefore, Li Yi hoped that Liu Bei could establish a new position, the Provincial Governor, to first divide the power of the provincial governor.

Li Yi also chose Youzhou, where power was dispersed at that time, at a very opportune moment.

Like other states and counties, the pie has already been pretty much divided up.

If you dare to undermine the power structure there at this time, you're taking away their cake and stick.

Li Yi didn't want to do something so thankless and likely to offend people right now.

At that time, local power in Youzhou was decentralized, and it was basically the local magnates who had the final say.

Using this place as a testing ground is the perfect choice.

To set an example, Li Yi specifically proposed that Xu Shu be appointed as the Provincial Governor of Ji Province.

This means that Li Yi voluntarily relinquished his ruling power.

But Lao Liu and Lao Li have worked together for many years, so how could Lao Liu not understand this?

Xu Shu was a former subordinate of Li Yi, who promoted him to the position of Provincial Administration Commissioner.

Instead of weakening Li Yi's power, it further strengthened his centralized power in the north.

At the end of the letter, Li Yi wrote again:
"Though I am unworthy, I am willing to emulate Chao Cuo's loyalty, even if it means facing death."

"I beg for a half-year's leave of absence, so that I may serve Your Majesty in conquering the northern frontier as easily as my own arm."

"I am filled with trepidation and bow my head repeatedly."

"A memorial was presented in the first month of spring in the tenth year of Jian'an."

After reading Li Yi's memorial, Liu Bei sighed repeatedly.

She couldn't help but shed tears.

Jian Yong entered and saw Liu Bei reading the memorial, holding the bamboo slip with tears in his eyes.

Not finding it strange, he quickly went over to check on her.
Why is the king weeping?

Liu Bei wiped away his tears and sighed:
"I have failed the Prime Minister greatly! Since I followed him, I have worked tirelessly day and night."

"Looking at this letter now, every word is written with heartfelt sincerity."

“Youzhou is bitterly cold, a place where nomadic horses neigh in the wind.”

"Yiqian did not shy away from the axe and halberd, and personally went to confront them."

"Now we wish to repeat this practice, not only for the sake of the nation, but also for the benefit of the people."

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Bei was already weeping, his tears soaking his lapel.

"I was merely feeling a sudden urge, a longing in my heart."

Jian Yong thought to himself, although Liu Bei's status and territory were growing larger and larger.

The time that the emperor and his minister could spend together also decreased.

But at least the emperor and his minister had met once before when Li Yi returned to Xuzhou.

We haven't been apart for long, so why should Your Majesty be so sentimental?
Is it really true that people become more sentimental as they get older?
After all, Liu Bei is already 45 years old this year.

"Li Xiang took control of the court and restored relations with the border regions."

"In order to consolidate the power of the powerful and wealthy, we need to establish provincial administration offices to alleviate the people's suffering."

"This is not merely a good prime minister; he is truly a perfect man throughout the ages!"

Liu Bei couldn't help but praise his teacher.

Jian Yong quickly chimed in from the side:

"I have heard that when the ruler is worried, the ministers are weary; this is simply the duty of the prime minister."

Liu Bei was displeased and waved his hand:

"No! Yiben is a rare talent in the world. If he had served Cao Wei or Jingchu, why would he not have achieved his current position?"

"Now I entrust myself to you, and I am willing to endure the hardships of wind and frost."

"Whenever I think of this, my heart feels like it's being cut by a knife."

After saying this, Liu Bei immediately ordered Jian Yong to grind ink.

He personally wrote a letter to Li Yi in return.

When Li Yi received Liu Bei's letter in Bohai, it was actually delivered by Xu Chu himself.

Along with Xu Chu came his Tiger Guards.

Li Yi then asked:

"...Why did Zhongkang come to my Ji Province instead of staying by the King of Qi's side?"

Xu Chu was a man of few words and only bowed in reply:
"I've come under orders!"

After saying this, he handed the letter written by Liu Bei to Li Yi.

Li Yi obtained the letter, read it, and the letter briefly stated:
"Your loyalty is as clear as day."

All requests are granted.

"However, though Youzhou is important, is it more important than your own life, which is worth ten thousand pieces of gold?"

“In the past, Xiao He guarded Guanzhong, and Emperor Guangwu relied on Kou Xun. Both of them entrusted their hearts and minds to him.”

"Now that you wish to brave the north wind and face the wolves and tigers head-on, this is truly a blessing for the nation."

"However, even if I lose Youzhou, I cannot be without you for a single day!"

"Therefore, three hundred Tiger Guards were specially dispatched to accompany him. Xu Zhongkang is of a strong and resolute character and is suitable for the task of guarding him."

"Wherever they go, they must have armored soldiers surround the tent."

"If you encounter danger or emergency, return immediately and do not risk your life!"

"I also bestow upon you a hundred bolts of brocade and ten boxes of ginseng and poria, hoping you will take good care of yourself."

"As long as you return safely, the mission is accomplished; other matters are not worth discussing."

"I am reluctant to write this, and I am filled with longing."

When Li Yi read the last eight characters, he was filled with emotion.

He then bowed respectfully towards Qingzhou, cupping his hands in greeting:

"Your subject obeys!"

Therefore, Li Yi appointed Xu Shu as the Provincial Administration Commissioner and ordered him to act as the governor of Ji Province.

He ordered Zhang He, Gao Lan, and Gao Shun to strengthen the defenses of Julu and Anping, and to guard against the Wei Kingdom's Cao Cao.

He himself took Zhen Yao, Guan Ping, and Xu Chu to Youzhou.

Since the purpose of this trip to Youzhou is not to wage war, the number of personnel dispatched is not large.

Including the guards, Li Yi's inspection team to Youzhou numbered only a little over three hundred.

It's equivalent to a higher-level leader coming to inspect the local area.

However, just to be on the safe side, Li Yi ordered Xu Huang, the then Prefect of Zhangwu, to lead troops to provide support.

In case of any changes, we can come to provide support at any time.

Another advantage of having a small delegation is that it moves quickly.

It doesn't take much time to come and go.

After all, the affairs of the north rested on Li Yi's shoulders, and every matter required acting quickly.

Li Yi could certainly send a trusted confidant to Youzhou to investigate on his behalf.

Then, summarize the actual situation found during the investigation and submit it to yourself.

But it's possible in other places; Li Yi did this in many counties and prefectures of Ji Province.

He would send people to investigate the localities, compile their findings into a report, and then make the final decision himself.

However, considering the geographical situation and special political environment of Youzhou, Li Yi still decided to go there in person.

When the inspection team arrived in Quanzhou, the magistrate of Quanzhou County also suddenly received the news that evening.

It is said that the governor of Ji Province, Prime Minister Li Yi, has personally come to You Province for inspection.

He was so frightened that he almost forgot to greet them properly, and hurriedly ordered people to kill chickens and sheep to entertain the inspection team.

He was also very pragmatic, compiling a summary report of the cases in the government office and submitting it to Li Yi.

After briefly reviewing the document, Li Yi concluded that the magistrate of Quanzhou had not made any major mistakes during his tenure, and thus praised him.

The magistrate of Quanzhou was overjoyed, believing that a rise in power was on the horizon.

Then, in the next sentence, Li Yi said:
"If a general makes no mistakes, his achievements will naturally be evident."

"If an official fails to achieve results, he will be guilty of a crime that is difficult to escape."

"Although you have no obvious faults, you are merely occupying a position in the prefecture and county and are unable to spread civilization and govern effectively."

"Schools are not repaired, and granaries are not full."

"Is this not the fault of an official who neglects his post?"

"Therefore, your crime is inexcusable."

("逭" sounds the same as "Hui", which means escape)

Upon hearing this, the magistrate was horrified, sweating profusely, and prostrated himself on the ground, not daring to look up.

He repeatedly said he was guilty.

Li Yi gently patted his back and said softly:

"Considering this is your first offense, I will retain you in your original position to observe your future conduct."

The magistrate, feeling as if granted a general amnesty, kowtowed and wept in gratitude:
"I will work tirelessly day and night to repay the Prime Minister's great kindness!"

Li Yi then said:

"You should not repay me, but the country and its people."

The county magistrate repeatedly agreed.

Guan Ping and Zhen Yao were by his side, studying Li Yi frame by frame.

Watch how he outwits and outmaneuvers local officials.

Just as the two were about to take out their bamboo slips to take notes, Li Yi said to them again:
Do you know why I brought you all to Youzhou?

Guan Ping and Zhen Yao exchanged a glance, then shook their heads.

He replied that he did not know and asked the Prime Minister for guidance.

Li Yi then said to Guan Ping:

"Your father entrusted you to me, hoping that you would establish yourself and uphold the righteous path." "The powerful and unruly people of Youzhou are difficult to tame."

"I brought you here specifically to hone your skills and help you become a useful person."

Another point is Zhen Yao:
"Strive on!"

Guan Ping and Zhen Yao clasped their hands in greeting, indicating that they would definitely perform well.

Li Yi was satisfied and summoned the two to his tent for a private meeting.

Guan Ping thought to himself, it's already late at night, and they just finished accompanying the Prime Minister to reprimand that county magistrate.

I thought I could finally sleep and rest after training.

Unexpectedly, after the training session, there was still a meeting to be held. The Prime Minister is being far too diligent.

Guan Ping was still young at heart, and somewhat impetuous.

Zhen Yao, being slightly older than him, noticed Guan Ping's somewhat listless expression and advised him from the side:
"The Prime Minister has always acted in this way; whatever he desires, he will do it swiftly."

"If I do not act quickly, I will find it difficult to have peace of mind."

"We have vowed to be diligent, so we must be invigorated when we enter. We must keep our spirits up and not lose face."

“I can forgive you, but you are the son of General Guan.”

"If the Prime Minister is displeased and reports this to your father, what will you do?"

Guan Ping was frightened and answered without thinking:

"My father will surely break my leg with his cane!"

Guan Yu was a man who cared a lot about his reputation.

Guan Yu could tolerate any mistake Guan Ping made.

The only thing he couldn't tolerate was that Guan Ping made his old father lose face in public.

She had shamelessly entrusted her son to Li Yi's care back then. If Li Yi had sent him back, she would have said that she couldn't raise her son well.

Even if Guan Yu didn't break Xiao Guan's legs, he should at least let him see Grandmother once.

With Zhen Yao's reminder, Guan Ping pinched his thigh and forced himself to stay alert.

After saying "It's done," he was about to follow Zhen Yao into the tent.

Suddenly remembering something, he asked Zhen Yao:

"It's almost midnight now, why aren't you feeling tired and weary?"

Harmful……

That's a good question.

Zhen Yao's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of pride appeared on his face.

"Has Young Master Guan forgotten what I do?"

“I am a member of the Prime Minister’s household.”

Guan Ping suddenly realized and said, "No wonder, no wonder."

Given the Prime Minister's workload, his staff can forget about getting an early night's sleep.

When Guan Ping applied to work in the Prime Minister's office, Li Yi rejected him on the grounds that he was too inexperienced and lacked the ability.

Guan Ping was heartbroken for a long time.

In retrospect, not entering the Prime Minister's residence might actually have been a good thing.

"Aren't you all just like the Prime Minister, unable to go to bed early?"

Guan Ping confirmed it repeatedly.

Zhen Yao nodded and admitted:

"…Indeed."

He paused slightly, then added:
"My younger sister works as a secretary in the Prime Minister's office, and the Prime Minister has granted her the special privilege of taking early leave."

"However, my younger sister is strong-willed and insists on waiting until the Prime Minister is asleep before she will go to bed."

“During this time, he always served by my side, assisting me with documents.”

"If the Prime Minister is sleepless all night, I will stay with him all night until dawn."

Well……

Guan Ping opened his mouth wide and exclaimed, "Your little sister is quite the ruthless one!"

Prime Minister Li worked until dawn, and she stayed by his side until dawn as well.

Are you all made of iron? Don't you ever need to sleep?
Now Guan Ping finally understood why Zhen Xiaomei had been specially appointed as the Prime Minister's secretary and why Xu Peijian had entered the government office.

It's like these two people are robots produced in the same factory!

"Judging from what Brother Zhen is saying, it seems that only the Prime Minister and Secretary Zhen stay up late in the Prime Minister's residence."

"Do you actually go to bed even earlier?"

"...Yes, that's right."

Zhen Yao did not deny it, and explained:

"...How can our flesh and blood compare to the divine essence of the Prime Minister?"

"Therefore, every night when it was late, he would urge us to go to bed first, so that we would not have to work for too long."

"If he had not finished his official duties, he would stay up all night by candlelight."

"...However, ever since my younger sister started working, she has been by my side day and night."

"The Prime Minister also gradually reduced his late-night work and rested earlier."

"Hehe, although the Prime Minister appears resolute, he also possesses a gentle nature."

Guan Ping was taken aback, thinking to himself:

The prime minister himself stays up all night, but he doesn't drag his subordinates to stay up with him; instead, he actively urges them to go to sleep.

Zhen Mi insisted on accompanying him at work, assisting him with the paperwork.

The Prime Minister noticed this and deliberately reduced the number of times he stayed up late.

Indeed, as Brother Ruzhen said, he is a very charming, gentle, and thoughtful person.

Guan Ping sighed. No wonder the people in the Prime Minister's residence respected Prime Minister Li so much.

If it were him, he would also be willing to serve the Prime Minister on horseback!

"...The Prime Minister is really something. I heard from my father that there are many capable people in the Prime Minister's residence."

"People like Xun Gongda and Xu Yuanzhi are all great talents."

"Not to mention someone like Sun Caoyuan, a subordinate of the King of Qi."

"Such people are too numerous to count."

"Why must the Prime Minister do everything himself?"

"Just delegate minor tasks to your servants."

Guan Ping raised a series of questions, unable to understand.

Zhen Yao said:

"Isn't this because the Prime Minister is grateful for the King of Qi's kindness in recognizing his talent, which is why he works so hard day and night?"

"As the Prime Minister said in his 'Memorial on the Expedition,' I fear that I may fail in my duty and thus tarnish Your Majesty's wisdom."

After a pause, Zhen Yao suddenly looked around, leaned close to Guan Ping, and whispered to him:

"...Young Master Guan, I'm only saying this to you."

"You must not tell anyone else."

Seeing his mysterious demeanor, Guan Ping said:
"Brother Zhen, please rest assured. I will not let anyone else know what I have said."

Zhen Yao said in a low voice:
"Although the Prime Minister clearly stated that he would personally handle all matters, according to my younger sister, he is actually too strong-willed."

He wanted to personally decide on everything, big or small.

"It's not just that I don't trust the officials in the Prime Minister's office, but I also find it hard to relinquish my grip on power."

Guan Ping was surprised and realized that it was no wonder the Prime Minister had so much work to do every day!
He then said to Zhen Yao:

"Your sister is truly audacious, daring to criticize the Prime Minister!"

Zhen Yao chuckled:
"You have no idea how well the Prime Minister treats my sister."

"The two ladies in the Prime Minister's residence spend very little time with the Prime Minister, far less than my sister."

What are you so proud of?!

Guan Ping rolled his eyes; Zhen Yao was indeed doing better than him.

However, he has never looked down on using his sister to climb the social ladder.

Just as the two were whispering to each other, a burly man walked towards them.

He walked over with a squad of fierce-looking soldiers.

Upon inspection, it was revealed to be Xu Chu, the General of the Imperial Guard and currently the Commandant of the Expeditionary Team.

"...You two! The Prime Minister has ordered you to go there immediately."

"Don't keep the Prime Minister waiting any longer!"

Guan Ping and Zhen Yao were taken aback, only then remembering that they had important business to attend to and had been busy bragging.

This angered the Prime Minister, who sent Xu Chu to urge them to hurry up.

The two of them, like children who had made a mistake, entered the main tent with trepidation.

He had expected to be met with Prime Minister Li's fury and a severe scolding.

But when Li Yi saw the two arrive, he simply told them to sit down.

The two thanked him and sat down cautiously.

Li Yi began to speak:
"Do you all know why we have come here?"

Having finished speaking, he looked at Guan Ping and said:

“…Young man, you go first.”

Guan Ping, like a student pointed out by a teacher, instinctively stood up and answered without hesitation:
"...The student knows that this is to consolidate the power of the prefectures and counties and weaken the power of the powerful clans."

"It is to consolidate the authority of the central government and strengthen the administration of the northern frontier under the Prime Minister."

Li Yi showed no joy whatsoever, and said indifferently:

"That's one thing, but there's another matter."

Before he finished speaking, his gaze turned to Zhen Yao.

Zhen Yao understood, immediately stood up, and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting:

"I also wish to observe the lives of the people in Youzhou and relieve their inability to be self-sufficient."

Li Yi nodded, then asked:
"Does Chief Clerk Zhen know what the problems are in this prefecture?"

Zhen Yao had already done his homework in private, and immediately responded:

“Youzhou is bitterly cold, and the annual tax revenue is very low.”

"However, as a vital border town, it was necessary to station a large number of troops to defend it."

"This made the already empty treasury even more difficult to maintain."

"Therefore, every year the government needs to rely on the money and grain from Ji and Qing prefectures to make up for the shortfall."

"If I remember correctly—"

"Last year, Jizhou received a subsidy of 200 million taels of silver, and Qingzhou received a subsidy of 70 million taels of silver."

Li Yi smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

"...Zhen Gongcao is very thoughtful."

Without naming names, but implying something:

“This is a person who is dedicated to his duties.”

“If there are those who hold positions without doing their jobs, who regard the inspection tour as a pleasure trip, or who use this trip to seek promotions and honors—”

"You may leave immediately; my staff will not keep idle officials!"

"Even if his father is a high-ranking official, it is of no use to him here."

Upon hearing this, Guan Ping looked extremely ashamed.

He immediately stepped forward and apologized to Li Yi, saying:
"I am deeply grateful for the Prime Minister's teachings."

"From now on, I will never dare to be lax or negligent again!"

Li Yi nodded, then changed the subject.

"So, what are your insightful opinions on the problems plaguing the people of Youzhou?"

The livelihood issues of Youzhou have always been a problem that has plagued the Han Dynasty.

Previously, when the national economy was doing well, it was sufficient to directly use local or even central government funds to fill the gaps in the border regions.

But now the country's economy is declining, and it is even fragmented.

Youzhou became a powder keg in the north.

Like Youzhou during the reign of Liu Yu.

The only way to alleviate financial burdens is to reduce the number of border troops.

Many people criticized Liu Yu for messing things up, calling him a genius who actually disbanded the border troops.

The problem is that Youzhou at that time did not receive any support from Jizhou, Qingzhou, or even the central government.

If he doesn't reduce the number of troops, how can that poor place, Youzhou, support the border soldiers?
As it turns out, Liu Yu actually did a pretty good job in his position.

Under his rule, not only were the livelihood issues of Youzhou resolved.

They also stabilized the border defenses by treating the nomadic tribes with kindness.

Although many people criticized Liu Yu for preferring to give money to the barbarians rather than leave any for the border soldiers.

But Liu Yu did indeed stabilize the border, and even earned the respect of the Hu people.

So much so that after Liu Yu's death, the Hu people and Han people united to attack Gongsun Zan.

To avenge Liu Youzhou.

If you were in Liu Yu's position, it would be hard to imagine anyone doing a better job than him.

Although Lao Liu already owns five major states, he can use other states to fund Youzhou.

But Li Yi still hopes to solve the problem at its root.

That is to enable Youzhou to become self-sufficient, without the central government having to provide it with funds.

At least we don't have to fill that much every year.

Guan Ping humbly asked:

"Since Youzhou is in such a difficult situation, when Gongsun Bogui was in Youzhou..."

"How can you maintain an army of tens of thousands to rival Yuan Shao?"

Li Yi raised his hand and answered for him personally:
“Gongsun Bogui’s troops were completely undisciplined.”

"When he was stationed in Youzhou, he often plundered the people, burned their houses and seized their livestock."

"Liu Youzhou then developed a grudge against him, which almost led to a complete break."

Yu Chizan said, "You have wantonly slaughtered Han and Hu people, ruining the policy of peace with the barbarians!"

Zan retorted, "The governor flatters the barbarians, preferring to support the barbarians rather than the border troops!"

"...Alas! It is difficult to judge who is right and who is wrong in a short time."

"However, whenever I discuss this matter with my lord, I cannot help but sigh with regret and feel deep resentment at that time."

Guan Ping and Zhen Yao exchanged a glance and remained silent.

After a long silence, Zhen Yao finally spoke:
"We are foolish and dull, and cannot hope to match the Prime Minister's level."

"The problems in Youzhou have remained unresolved for generations, and have accumulated for hundreds of years."

"I humbly believe that Your Excellency's divine martial prowess and extraordinary talent will surely enable you to clear this predicament."

"May I ask what Your Majesty's decree is?"

"But if we are given an order, we would go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Seeing this, Guan Ping quickly followed Zhen Yao and replied:

"The same goes for Ping!"

Generally speaking, how else can livelihood issues be resolved?

It's nothing more than land reclamation.

However, given the geography and climate of Youzhou, even millet could only be grown on the north bank of the Yi River.

Further into the Yanshan region, only scattered planting of sorghum is possible.

These sorghum grains not only yield less than millet, but are also not sticky or glutinous.

It tastes loose and crumbly, like sand.

During the Han Dynasty, it was the staple food for the poor.

Both of them turned their attention to Li Yi, hoping he would provide a solution.

……

(End of this chapter)