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

Chapter 253: The General Commander of the Northern Frontier, whose orders could move mountains and seas.

Meanwhile, Li Yi assembled an inspection team and went to Youzhou for on-site investigation.

They intend to find a path suitable for Youzhou's own development.

The inspection team all followed Li Yi's lead and expressed their support for his decision.

The implication was that they all hoped Li Yi would come up with the idea.

After all, the development of Youzhou is extremely difficult, and resources will definitely need to be mobilized from other places.

Of the inspection team, only Li Yi had such authority.

Li Yi then addressed the crowd:

"The affairs of Youzhou shall be decided by Youzhou."

“In ancient times, when Yu was controlling the floods, he cut down trees along the mountains.”

"Guan Zhong governed Qi and promoted trade and wealth accumulation."

"Now we should adapt to local conditions, visit the area, and then make a decision."

Li Yi's meaning was also very clear: you are afraid of sticking to the pot and dare not make decisions.

If I, as the leader, were to make the decision, I couldn't come up with a solution immediately.

We must personally conduct on-site investigations and analyze specific problems on a case-by-case basis.

Of course, there is still a general idea.

Youzhou is bitterly cold, so agriculture is definitely not an option.

So it was nothing more than developing the textile industry, salt and iron trade, border horse and livestock trade, and coastal fishing, etc.

However, it's easier said than done.

Everyone understands the principle, but how to do it and how to implement it is another matter.

That means the team has countless tasks to complete.

Therefore, Li Yi decided to continue north, heading towards the even colder Youbeiping County.

For this trip, four goals were set.

First, geomancy.

The expedition team must traverse mountains and rivers, both dangerous and easy, and then adapt to local conditions based on the geographical environment.

Second, visit elders.

By inquiring about their hardships and illnesses, we can understand the true living conditions of the local people.

Third, climate measurement.

If time permits, the expedition team will also record the changing weather conditions.

Fourth, inspect border trade.

By valuing the market prices of Hu and Han people, we can promote the development of border trade.

After setting their goals, the delegation continued north.

I took notes as I traveled.

Local customs, geographical environment, and people's livelihood are all included.

When they came to a mountain, Li Yi asked the others what kind of mountain it was.

The left and right answers are Xu Wushan.

Li Yi then asked why there were so few people in the nearby counties.

The people around him then explained that there was a famous scholar in Xuwu County named Tian Chou.

This man was originally a subordinate of Liu Yu. After Gongsun Zan killed Liu Yu, he went into seclusion in Xuwu Mountain.

They created a secluded and rugged yet spacious open space to live in.

Tian Chou personally cultivated grain to support his parents.

Because of his outstanding abilities and noble character.

Many people flocked to him and joined his cause. Within a few years, his population reached more than 5,000 households.

As Tian Chou's population grew, everyone jointly recommended him to be the governor of Youbeiping County.

Tian Chou then emphasized that he was not living in seclusion here for the sake of comfort.

If you want to follow me, you have to obey.

With everyone's agreement, Tian Chou then formulated laws concerning killing, theft, and litigation.

The law stipulated that those who committed serious crimes would be sentenced to death, while those who committed less serious crimes would also be punished, totaling more than twenty articles.

In addition, schools were established, and communication with the Wuhuan and Xianbei people was strengthened.

It can be said that Tian Chou's abilities are quite outstanding.

After hearing Tian Chou's story, Li Yi said to his attendants:

"...Although Tian Chou is talented, he was not appointed by the imperial court."

“When I ordered them to proceed to this place, they gathered their people and acted independently, hiding their people.”

"It is illegal to prevent the government from levying taxes and corvée labor!"

So he ordered Xu Chu to lead troops to arrest Tian Chou.

Zhen Yao hurriedly advised:

"...Prime Minister!"

“When Tian Chou lived in seclusion in Xu Wushan, the people followed him and elected him as their leader.”

“Chou then formulated laws and regulations, established schools and colleges, and communicated with the Wuhuan and Xianbei peoples, thus establishing a well-governed region.”

"His name was highly regarded in the northern frontier, and the people revered him as if he were their parents."

"If we were to attack them with force immediately, we risk losing their support."

"It is advisable to first use courtesy before resorting to force, and to show kindness and sincerity."

"I urge the Prime Minister to reconsider!"

Li Yi pondered for a long time before slowly nodding: "Good."

So he ordered Xu Chu to take the letter and summon him.

The emperor conveyed the court's message and requested that Tian Chou come to see him.

If they do not comply, then we will launch another campaign.

Xu Chu accepted the order and immediately led his Tiger Guards to Xu Wushan.

When the Yeren Tianchou first gathered people at Xuwu Mountain, the number had already reached more than 5,000 households.

They also gathered more than two thousand households in Junmi and Wuzhong.

In total, the three counties have accumulated 7,000 households for him.

They then built their own fortified village and lived in the gap between the Han Chinese government in the south and the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes in the north.

Because of Tian Chou's effective leadership, he was able to manage both the power struggle between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan, as well as Li Yi's northern expedition to Liaodong.

Neither of the two major battles affected the households in the fields.

Xuwu Mountain, under his rule, was a rare paradise in Youzhou.

A scholar in his early thirties, riding a large horse with a sword at his waist, slowly galloped through the farmland.

The riders behind him all wore only swords and no armor.

When the farmers in the fields saw this scholar, they would greet him and bow to him.

Watching the people working, the scholar on horseback couldn't help but sigh with emotion:
"This year's harvest is quite good, and there should be a bumper crop. In addition to having enough to eat, the common people should have surplus grain."

Those around him offered their congratulations, saying:
"...It is all thanks to the benevolent rule of the Prefect that we are able to live in peace and happiness!"

The scholar frowned and sighed:

"Please do not address me as Lord, for I am not an official appointed by the imperial court."

Everyone answered in unison:
"...Although the imperial court has not issued an edict, we only recognize Lord Tian."

It turns out that the scholar with the goatee was Tian Chou.

Just as everyone was chatting, they suddenly saw several riders galloping towards them from the direction behind the mountain.

Tian Chou narrowed his eyes, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

At this time of year, it was usually the Xianbei and Wuhuan people who came to them to "borrow grain".

Of course, the Xianbei and Wuhuan here refer to the Xianbei and Wuhuan outside the Great Wall.

They were not the same group of people as the three Wuhuan tribes that Li Yi had previously pacified.

Tian Chou was Liu Yu's subordinate, and his policy toward the barbarians was similar to that of his old leader.

The primary approach was to appease and offer preferential treatment.

The Xianbei and Wuhuan borrowed grain, and so did the fields.

Although both are loans that are never repaid, it's still much better than war, conflict, and death.

After all, the expenses incurred in a war far exceeded the funds that Tian Chou gave to the barbarians.

“…Master Tian, ​​those look like Han Chinese cavalry.”

A perceptive subordinate pointed.

They pointed out that the approaching cavalry was not Hu cavalry.

Tian Chou then said:

“Now that Youzhou has surrendered to Liu Bei, we are ‘people outside the law,’ and the government will sooner or later take action against us.”

Tian Chou knew in his heart that Liu Bei's men would come looking for him sooner or later.

No matter how well he treats the local people, no government can tolerate the existence of an illegitimate regime.

The reason no one came before was simply because my influence wasn't very large yet.

The fact that someone has come means that an official has noticed them and reported it.

"Perhaps a great figure has arrived in Youzhou. Let us go and greet him."

Tian Chou waved his hand, signaling everyone to follow him to meet the approaching Han cavalry.

The two cavalry units met and exchanged names.

Xu Chu got straight to the point:
"Since you are Tian Zitai, please come with me to see my Prime Minister!"

Tian Chou laughed:

"I am but a wild man from the mountains, while the Prime Minister is the son of a wealthy family."

Why would you want to see me?

Xu Chu replied calmly:

"Since the Prime Minister has given the order, how dare we ask any further questions?"

"Just come with me, there's no need for further words."

Everyone felt that Xu Chu's words were inappropriate and wanted to draw their swords.

But he was a burly man with a fierce face, clearly not someone to be trifled with.

So he gave up the idea.

Tian Chou stroked his beard, then forced a smile onto his face:
"...General Xu, you have come a long way and must be tired. Why don't you come with me to the main hall for a chat?"

"I ordered men to slaughter pigs and sheep to reward all the soldiers."

Xu Chu answered without hesitation:
"The Prime Minister ordered you to go immediately, and did not tell us to stay here to feast and eat meat."

"Besides, we are busy with official duties and have not yet completed the tasks assigned by the Prime Minister."

How dare I let personal matters interfere with public duty?

When Tian Chou saw that Xu Chu was unyielding, he knew that Xu Chu was not an easy opponent.

He believed Xu Chu's identity and that the person who invited him must be the current Prime Minister of Qi.

After all, only a national-level leader could have someone as calm, collected, and taciturn as Xu Chu.

Tian Chou then cupped his hands and said:

"General Xu is absolutely right. Please lead the way."

The subordinate tugged at Tian Chou's sleeve and said with concern:

“Master Tian, ​​you cannot go alone. We will go with you.”

Tian Chou waved his hand, declining everyone's kind offer.

"Prime Minister, there's no need to make things difficult for a humble countryman like me. Please don't worry."

Moreover, to say something utterly rebellious...

The current prime minister himself comes from a humble background, originating from the mountains and countryside.

Why should the savages make things difficult for each other?
Tian Chou followed Xu Chu and soon arrived at Xuwu County, where he met Li Yi.

Li Yi ordered him to take a seat, and Tian Chou paid his respects.

After finally meeting the renowned Mr. Tian Shu, Tian Chou discovered that he was even younger than he had imagined.

I thought he would be an old man in his fifties, but he looked a few years younger than me.

Tian Chou then decided to test the waters, so he slightly bowed and asked:
"I have long admired the Prime Minister's name. I wonder why he has summoned a humble man from the mountains?"

A freelancer?

Hahaha……

Li Yi laughed loudly, "You are no ordinary person."

Having said that, his expression changed, and he questioned sharply:
“I ask you, without an imperial edict, how dare you gather a crowd of Tibetans?”

"To establish private laws and regulations to govern Xu Wushan?"

Tian Chou remained calm and explained methodically:
"This was all chosen by the people, not by any presumption on my part."

"Moreover, Youzhou has been repeatedly raided by Xianbei and Wuhuan tribes, and the threat of barbarian tribes has never ceased."

"The government doesn't care about the lives of the people."

"The people of Yan could not make a living, so they gathered together to protect themselves, that's all."

Guan Ping, who was standing to the side, saw the sarcasm in Tian Chou's words and immediately rebuked him:

"Be bold!"

"The Prime Minister conquered the Wuhuan, pacified Liaodong, roamed the world, and swept away the Yan and Ji regions."

"How can you say that the border is not peaceful and that the barbarians are rampant?"

Tianchou points north:

"The Prime Minister pacified the Wuhuan in the three commanderies, but the Wuhuan and Xianbei outside the Great Wall still occasionally harassed the border."

Li Yi's expression softened slightly, and he said:

"I have come here precisely to benefit Youzhou."

"Considering your circumstances are understandable, we will not pursue the matter for the time being."

"If you are willing to assist me in handling this matter, my past sins will be forgiven."

Tian Chou had long admired Li Yi's reputation, and immediately asked Li Yi how he planned to revitalize Youzhou.

After all, he hid in Xuwu Mountain back then because he couldn't stand Gongsun Zan's tyranny.

If Li Yi implements benevolent policies, he will bring a happy life to the people of Youzhou.

Then he has no reason to oppose Li Yi.

Even if he were to relinquish his power, and even return all nine thousand people under his command to the government.

Tian Chou didn't seem to care.

However, Youzhou is too special.

Not only was it harsh and barren, but it also faced the threat of nomadic tribes from the north.

Even if you develop a certain industry here and the economy takes off.

As a result, when the nomads saw that you were rich, they didn't have to go far; they just went south and looted everything.

That means you've worked for nothing.

Moreover, even if Youzhou is heavily fortified, it won't work.

The garrison in Youzhou could only guarantee that Youzhou would not fall.

However, this could not guarantee that the local industries would not be trampled and destroyed by the barbarian cavalry.

After all, they come and go like the wind, grabbing and running away.

Your officers and soldiers are too numerous and arrived too slowly; the enemy has already looted and left.

If there are too few people, others will try to take you too.

Therefore, most rulers regarded Youzhou as an important military stronghold.

Few people would say that Youzhou would be developed vigorously and that a lot of resources would be invested.

After all, once the war started, everything was ruined.

However, Li Yi himself was very confident about this and put forward his suggestion.

“When the border market is opened, trade with the Hu people will take place, and cattle and sheep will be raised.”

"Then tanning workshops were established to promote leather weaving."

Tian Chou frowned, shook his head, and rejected Li Yi's suggestion. "The Hu people are cunning and I'm afraid they can't be trusted."

Although Tian Chou also adopted Liu Yu's policy of pacifying the barbarians.

But that was merely a stopgap measure due to their weak strength.

If he truly had the strength, Tian Chou would certainly not have given the Hu barbarians a friendly look.

Seeing Tian Chou contradict him, Li Yi looked displeased and snapped at him:
"I am giving you advice today, not seeking your counsel!"

"Just say whether you can or not!"

The implication is that you're teaching me how to do things?

Seeing Li Yi's fury, Tian Chou bowed and apologized.
"I misspoke, Prime Minister, please forgive me."

"However, the food and clothing of the Hu people are nothing more than following the water and grass and herding cattle and sheep."

"What do we Han people possess that would cause them to perish if they did not purchase it?"

"Moreover, relying solely on the Hu market to revitalize the people of Youzhou is nothing more than drawing a cake to satisfy hunger."

Tian Chou raised two questions.

First, if we were to trade with the Hu people, we would need to have something that the Hu people would need in large quantities and that the Han Dynasty could provide on a large scale.

Second, even though trade was frequent, it was only at the border.

The entire territory of Youzhou is vast.

How can the economy of the entire Youzhou region be revitalized by relying solely on border trade?

In response, Li Yi explained Tian Chou's points one by one:
"Salt is an essential commodity for the Hu people."

“Youzhou borders the sea to the east and is well-suited to the benefits of boiling the sea.”

The best driver of economic development is undoubtedly the ancient version of "oil"—salt.

However, at that time, salt-making technology was underdeveloped, and people could not produce salt on a large scale.

At the same time, as Tian Chou mentioned before, Youzhou, as a border region, is too prone to war.

Industries that have been built up with a lot of resources are too easily destroyed.

...It's not worth the risk.

However, this does not negate the fact that Youzhou, which is located on the Bohai Bay, has the potential for large-scale production of sea salt.

Of course, this takes into account the special strategic position of salt in ancient times.

Li Yi certainly couldn't allow the officials and people of Youzhou to produce sea salt.

Therefore, the next sentence is a supplement to his own suggestion:
“I can promulgate a salt law and establish a trading zone.”

“Recruit many kitchen workers to specialize in this job.”

"In this way, border trade will be secure."

"As for your doubts, let me try to resolve them for you:"

"Firstly, if the salt industry prospers, people will have employment opportunities and goods will circulate freely."

"Secondly, the sale of Hu horses in the south yields double the profit."

"Thirdly, with the establishment of leather workshops and weaving factories, the fur and wool products are of excellent quality and can be transported to all directions."

"These are all excellent plans to revitalize Youzhou; how can you say they are useless?"

In layman's terms, the salt production industry drives employment and provides a large number of jobs.

Promote economic development and currency circulation.

The cattle and sheep imported by the Hu people could be sold in the interior.

For example, Li Yi opened many mutton dumpling restaurants in Jizhou, which created a great demand for beef and mutton.

Youzhou could simultaneously establish a large number of tanning workshops and textile factories.

The leather and wool provided by cattle and sheep can be used to make leather goods and sweaters.

If sales are good, it can even create a certain brand effect.

It even became a bestseller nationwide.

This story of Zhuge Liang's Shu brocade is not without basis.

Tian Chou was skeptical, but Li Yi spoke directly:
"I intend to establish several salt-making farms in the coastal areas of Youzhou."

As he spoke, Li Yi stood up and laid the map out in front of Tian Chou.

Then he picked up his pen and circled the area where he wanted to open a salt field.

"All the land I have enclosed shall be designated as special salt-producing towns."

“This town does not follow the usual methods, but focuses solely on the profit from boiling the sea.”

This means that the area drawn by Li Yi is considered a special economic zone.

They could produce salt without strictly adhering to the laws of the State of Qi, thus possessing a special economic status.

Since they intended to make salt a major product in their trade with the Hu people.

That means we need to produce on a large scale.

Just as Li Yi said, special laws were promulgated in specific areas.

While engaging in large-scale production, it indirectly provides employment opportunities.

Only by increasing salt production can we reduce its cost.

The key to reducing costs lies in providing more advanced salt-making technology.

A few days later, Li Yi summoned the local salt producers.

They were formally taught more advanced salt-making methods.

"Choose a flat, wide place between the tides, with fine sand and firm soil."

"It is exposed when the tide recedes and submerged when the tide rises, making it an excellent salt pan."

"Then set up an evaporation tank and a crystallization tank."

"First, dig ditches to draw seawater into the evaporation ponds."

"After being exposed to the sun to form brine, it is then introduced into a crystallization tank."

"Test by dropping lotus seeds in; if the lotus seeds float, the brine is ready; if they sink, continue drying."

“After the brine crystallizes, gather it with a wooden rake, dry it in the sun, and then pack it into bags.”

“From March to September each year, three seasons of salt can be harvested, and the amount of salt obtained will be enormous.”

Li Yi explained the new salt-making method—sun-drying—to the salt producers in a step-by-step manner.

The sun-drying salt method is simpler, easier, and cheaper than the original boiling salt method.

However, it also has drawbacks, namely low production efficiency and the need for a large amount of manpower and time.

But Li Yining prefers its "low cost".

After all, only by lowering costs can higher profits be obtained.

At the same time, sea salt production can be carried out on a large scale wherever there is a coastline.

It is very suitable for the many cities in Youzhou that are adjacent to the bay.

The waters along the Bohai Bay are shallow, so look for mudflats that are just submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide.

Then, by adding a small dike, it can be easily transformed into a salt field.

But the first word in the salt-making method is "sun-drying".

Considering the insufficient sunshine in the north, especially in Youzhou.

Therefore, after drying off some of the water, the brine needs to be collected.

The final concentration is achieved by boiling salt.

Otherwise, you might encounter heavy rain or insufficient sunshine.

Either all previous efforts will be wasted, or the project will be delayed indefinitely.

Therefore, it is necessary to use the salt boiling method as the final step.

This is also what Li Yi has always emphasized: adapting to local conditions.

So for the next few days.

Li Yi then rode in a four-wheeled vehicle, accompanied by others, and surveyed the coastline.

Every day, they would inspect more than ten miles to see which places were suitable for salt fields.

Once the decision was made, he ordered his men to reclaim the mudflats.

To show his sincerity, Tian Chou took the initiative to organize the households under his command as laborers.

They took the lead in enclosing the mudflats, and soon they had enclosed a stretch of twenty miles.

Tian Chou did this in the hope of leading the people under his jurisdiction to prosperity.

After all, Li Yi wanted to establish special economic zones, and these first batches of workers would definitely be the biggest beneficiaries.

Upon reaching the seaside, Li Yi observed the terrain and then spoke to his attendants:
“A port can be established here to connect with the sea and rivers of Qingzhou, and to trade tea, silk and other precious goods.”

“The coming and going of merchant ships, and the collection of customs duties, is also a source of profit.”

They also leveraged the Bohai Bay to vigorously develop seagoing vessels, thereby strengthening the connection between Youzhou and Qingzhou.

This will not only boost the economy, but also further consolidate the political relationship between the two regions.

All the officials around Li Yi were local officials from Youzhou.

These officials all felt it was better to avoid trouble, so they all frowned and remonstrated:
"...The construction of the port is extremely expensive and may be unsustainable."

"Moreover, the benefits will take a long time to materialize, and the country needs the money right now."

"Prime Minister, are you considering temporarily halting—"

Li Yi immediately interrupted, refuting everyone's claims:
“In the past, Guan Zhong devised the strategy of ‘regulating the weight of fish and salt,’ which made Qi the richest of all the feudal lords.”

"Now that Youzhou is located by the sea, if we were to emulate its system, wouldn't that be a boon from heaven?"

"Moreover, as the Prime Minister, how could I not be clear about the nation's expenditures?"

"You should just do your duty, why ask so many questions?"

In a word,

Am I the prime minister, or are you the prime ministers?

Do you, a bunch of local officials, need to remind me, the country's second-in-command, about the issue of national treasury spending?
The officials were speechless after being rebuked, and they all lowered their heads, not daring to utter a sound.

Li Yi then laughed and said:
"The rivalry between Wu and Yue relied on the advantage of boats."

"When Emperor Wu of Han expanded the borders, he also established a fleet of warships."

"With the sea routes open, goods will naturally flow in, so why worry about costs?"

"You only see the losses, not the benefits."

“After the port is established, not only can commercial taxes be collected, but the fishing and salt industries can also be developed.”

"So that fishermen can catch fish at sea and pickle them to make dried fish."

"Resell it in another county, and the profit will double!"

Since Li Yi used the sun-drying method in Youzhou to vigorously develop sea salt,

Naturally, the fishing industry cannot be overlooked.

After all, the reason why salt was important in ancient times was not simply because it was used for eating.

More importantly, there were no refrigerators for preserving food in ancient times.

Preserving meat and fish with salt can help keep them fresh.

Salt is like an ancient "refrigerator".

This is the core of establishing its status.

So they imported meat from the nomadic tribes while also fishing at sea for fish.

All of these can be used to make large quantities of cured meat and fish using sea salt.

If these pickled products are sold, wouldn't the economy of Youzhou develop?

As for the costs of port construction, you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub.

Li Yi then disregarded all opinions and resolved to proceed, immediately issuing the order:
“Immediately survey the site and begin construction, and select a capable official to supervise the project.”

"All those involved in this matter must do their utmost; anyone who dares to slack off will be held accountable!"

Although the crowd was worried about the difficulties involved, they dared not disobey and all bowed in response.
"I will obey Your Majesty's decree!"

Despite Li Yi's strong opposition, Youzhou began to hire laborers on a large scale and conscript corvée labor.

On one hand, they were building a port, and on the other hand, they were repairing the mudflats.

Everyone contributed, and no one was idle.

But behind the booming development of everything lies a series of high cost expenditures.

There was no other way; if Youzhou wanted to be self-sufficient, the initial step was to help it build up its infrastructure.

Once the system is fully developed, it can transform from a bleeding tank into a healing pack.

Jizhou had just resumed production, so Li Yi wrote another letter to Lao Liu in Qingzhou.

Ask him to allocate another sum of money and to establish merchant ship trade between Qingzhou and Youzhou.

And they decided on tea as their main product.

For the Han people, tea was probably more of a tool for entertaining guests.

For nomadic peoples, it was more like a necessity of life.

Because nomadic peoples mainly eat high-fat mutton and beef.

When a large amount of oil accumulates in the body, tea is needed to help digest the oil.

This is why tea was included in the list of tributes paid by the Song Dynasty to the Liao people.

Since we are determined to open up trade between border markets, we should naturally include tea as a major commodity.

After finishing the work at hand
Li Yi then led his men back to Yuyang County.

The Prefect of Yuyang was Xianyu Fu, a local powerful clan member. He was appointed Prefect of Yuyang for his meritorious service in the campaign against Liaodong under Li Yi.

As a local native, he was quite familiar with the nomadic regimes of the north.

Li Yi then asked him to act as a go-between, arranging for him to meet with the Xianbei people to discuss the specifics of opening up border trade.

Since the rise of Tanshihuai, the Xianbei have replaced the Xiongnu as the dominant power.

It became the dominant power in the north.

After receiving orders from his superiors, Xianyu Fu hurriedly went to smooth things over and contact the Xianbei people.

It is said that the Prime Minister of Qi wanted to open up border trade and strengthen exchanges between the two countries.

The Xianbei people also had many tribes.

Among them, the Kebineng tribe was considered relatively pro-Han.

Therefore, they immediately sent envoys to see Li Yi to find out how the Han people wanted to trade.

If the conditions are favorable, then we should cooperate extensively.

If the conditions are too demanding, refuse decisively.

So, three days later...

Many envoys from the Xianbei and Wuhuan tribes arrived in Yuyang County as agreed and met with Li Yi.

Li Yi hosted a banquet for the visiting envoys, and then ordered Xu Chu to confiscate all their swords and weapons.

The guards they brought were also not allowed to enter the main hall.

This move immediately drew widespread dissatisfaction.

He secretly thought that they had come to discuss the border city issue with a peaceful and friendly attitude.

As a result, Li Yi immediately gave them a hard time by confiscating their weapons and armor.

Not even allowing guards into the hall is going too far.

However, many people in the border regions had heard of Li Yi's brilliance, and they were very familiar with the battles that made him famous in the northern frontier.

Knowing he was a domineering person, she was dissatisfied but chose to endure it.

They entered the main hall in an orderly fashion, exchanged greetings, and sat down in turn.

After exchanging a few polite words, Li Yi revealed his idea of ​​opening up the border city.

He added that if everyone had no objections, they would proceed accordingly.

The envoys hadn't expected Li Yi to be so impatient, wanting to start something so soon before anything was even started.

One of the Hu envoys stood up and bowed to Li Yi:
"...Your Excellency, please forgive my ignorance of the etiquette of the Central Plains. I have been very presumptuous."

"It's just that the Prime Minister mentioned earlier that he wants my tribes to sell cattle and sheep to the Han lands."

"However, the number of livestock in our tribe is also limited, and the amount offered by the Prime Minister is quite large."

How can we possibly fulfill this promise?

Li Yi said casually:
“I hold all the power in the north and control Hebei. When I issue an order, mountains and seas can be moved.”

"Now that we have the power to allocate resources, how difficult is it to ensure that both the Han and non-Han peoples are well-fed and clothed?"

……

(End of this chapter)