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

Chapter 363 If ​​I had not met you, sir, but instead met Zhuge Liang, would I have achieved my imperial ambitions today?
Zhuge Liang and Zhang Hong arrived at the pavilion.

In the distance, sails dot the harbor, and merchant ships come and go in droves, transporting Jiaozhou's specialties to all corners of the world.

“Zigang, just last month, another envoy from Shu came to Jiaozhou.”

"Seeking to purchase 100 shi (a unit of dry measure) of sugarcane."

Zhuge Liang waved the bamboo slips in his hand, as if showing off, and told Zhang Hong about them.

"This is the third batch of sugar-seeking envoys this month."

"Why does Zigang think Cao Pi has such a sweet tooth?"

Zhang Hong thought for a moment and replied:
"I heard that there is an endless supply of sweets in the palace of the King of Wei."

"Cao Pi, the ruler of Shu, especially loved sweets from the Western Regions, such as grapes, sugarcane juice, rock sugar, and maltose."

"Drinking several liters a day is merely satisfying one's appetite."

"Not only that."

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly and placed the sugar cubes on the table.

Before coming to Jiaozhou, I observed the celestial phenomena at night.

"Knowing that the South has resources can bring prosperity to the nation."

"Now that I have arrived in Jiaozhou, I have learned that this thing is sugarcane."

The banana leaves in the garden swayed gently in the wind, and the shouts of dockworkers could be heard in the distance.

Zhuge Liang gestured to his attendants to bring the map and spread it out on the stone table.

He then summoned Zhang Hong to his side and said to him:
"Zigang, look, Jiaozhou is hot and humid, which is suitable for sugarcane growth."

“Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the sugar industry in this area has had a foundation, but it has not yet taken off.”

“Jiaozhou was originally a place of miasma, which was abandoned by emperors of all dynasties.”

“However, Liang has been in Jiaozhou for several years and believes that there is great potential in this place.”

He traced his finger across several counties.

"If we can gather the people's strength to plant sugarcane extensively and build sugar mills, how much benefit would we gain?"

Zhuge Liang had a very enlightened view of economics.

What makes a genius a genius is their ability to adapt to circumstances.

In Sichuan, he was able to develop the Shu brocade industry.

Then, a Shu brocade trade system similar to the Bretton Woods system was established for Shu Han.

It generated a large amount of foreign exchange for the weak Shu Han state and also accumulated capital for its northern endeavors.

Now, we have arrived in Jiaozhou, a place that is even poorer and more remote.

Zhuge Liang did not give up on developing this area.

After extensive on-site assessments, he concluded that this location was suitable for developing the sugar industry.

As a politician, Zhuge Liang also possessed a keen business sense.

It's worth noting that sugar products in the Han Dynasty, such as rock honey, which Cao Pi loved, were rare commodities at the time.

Cao Pi once issued an edict to his ministers, saying:
"The South has longan and lychee; how can they be compared to the grapes and rock honey of the West?"

The real intention behind this was to belittle the state of Wu.

They mocked the things from the South, saying they were nothing special and far inferior to imported goods from the Western Regions.

To broaden the horizons of the Wu Kingdom, Cao Pi specially sent Sun Quan five bushels of rock honey and a thousand abalone.

This was to demonstrate the wealth of the Wei state.

In fact, in ancient societies, sugar and other sweets were always very rare resources.

Therefore, regions that have historically favored sweet foods were inevitably prosperous places in the past.

This actually implies a sense of showing off.

For example, Cao Pi, the "Sword Saint of Sugarcane," loved to eat this kind of food that could be chewed to release sweet juice.

It was also loved by many wealthy young men at the time.

A more typical example is actually Yuan Shu, the Skeleton King.

Yuan Shu loved sugar so much that he would mix honey into his rice.

This was partly because he liked to eat sweets, and partly to show off his noble status as a member of a family that had held high office for four generations.

Because in most cases, only the nobility could afford sugar.

At that time, the main sugarcane producing area was Jiaozhou.

However, neither the sugarcane industry nor the sugar production industry developed in Jiaozhou.

The main reason is that in this society that values ​​agriculture and suppresses commerce, the rulers always prioritize agriculture, giving it a dominant position.

However, Zhuge Liang's thinking was more enlightened, especially with the successful example of Li Yi's development of the woolen goods industry in Youzhou.

This made Zhuge Liang even less cautious, and he began to make plans as soon as he arrived in Jiaozhou.

Once the regime is stable and the foundation of labor force, tools, workshops, etc., has been laid, it will be formally planned to be implemented.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hong frowned and pondered for a moment before saying:

"If Your Excellency wishes to develop the sugar industry, then this is certainly a good idea."

"But why insist on selling the sugar to Sichuan?"

"The Cao family is an enemy of our great Han Dynasty. To feed the enemy with sugar is tantamount to raising a tiger to cause trouble."

Zhuge Liang laughed heartily upon hearing this, and lightly tapped Zhang Hong's shoulder with his feather fan:
“Zigang only saw one aspect, not the other.”

"I have several advantages; please listen to them."

He rose and paced, his robes fluttering in the wind.

"Firstly, the mountains and roads in Sichuan are treacherous and the produce is scarce."

"Since Cao Pi was so fond of sugar, he would have spent a lot of money to buy it."

“I exchanged sugar for gold, silver, copper and iron to enrich the treasury; this is what is meant by the benefits of ‘foreign exchange’.”

"Foreign exchange? What is foreign exchange?" Zhang Hong asked, puzzled.

"That is, the wealth of other countries enters my pocket."

Zhuge Liang explained, "Prime Minister Li developed the fur trade in Yuyang and later wrote a book in which he mentioned the term 'foreign exchange'."

"I heard that Sima Yi of Wei also studied this book and developed the Shu brocade industry."

"I think he also wants to create foreign exchange for Wei so that he can earn money from our Han Dynasty, right?"

It's Prime Minister Li again?
Zhang Hong knew of Li Yi's reputation, but there were too many stories about him for Zhang Hong to know everything.

Unexpectedly, you can see him everywhere.

Zhuge Liang continued speaking.

"Secondly, Jiaozhou has trade relations with Linyi, Funan and other countries, and goods are traded."

"With the advancement of sugar-making technology, production has increased dramatically, and we need to find places to sell our products."

"Sichuan has a population of one million, making it an excellent market."

The saying goes, "One aperture opens up a hundred apertures."

Zhuge Liang possessed an economic perspective far ahead of his time.

After studying Li Yi's outstanding economic works, and with the example of Youzhou as a case study,

It was as if Zhuge Liang had unlocked his full potential, gaining a more enlightened understanding of economics.

Zhang Hong, as a traditional scholar, certainly couldn't understand this level of understanding.

He still said with unease:

"While your words are well-intentioned, it is ultimately not a wise strategy to help the enemy."

Zhuge Liang's eyes shone brightly as he spoke in a clear voice:
"How steadfast is Zigang!"

Have you not heard that "to subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence"?

"Now I use sugar as a medium to gradually control the livelihood of the people in Sichuan."

"Given time, the people of Shu will become accustomed to eating sugar, and without the sugar from Jiaozhou, their lives will be difficult to sustain."

"At that time, the rope of the economy will be more effective than the weapon."

He took another bamboo slip from the table and handed it to Zhang Hong.

"I have ordered people to investigate in detail the sugar prices, sales volume, and transportation routes in Sichuan."

“We can select capable merchants to form a ‘Sugar Exchange Guild’ to monopolize the sugar market in Sichuan.”

Zhang Hong unrolled the scroll and read it carefully, finding detailed pricing strategies and transportation methods.

It even included the plan to set up workshops for processing in Sichuan.

I can't help but admire it:

"Your Excellency's wisdom and foresight surpass even mine."

However, if the court knew that Jiaozhou was trading with Wei…

“I have already submitted a memorial to the Emperor regarding this matter.”

Zhuge Liang calmly replied, "Your Majesty is wise, knowing that the economic war cannot be abandoned either."

"Moreover, Luoyang needs money and grain for reconstruction, and the sugar tax from Jiaozhou can solve the urgent problem."

"Even if we take a step back and say that the one in charge of the court now is Prime Minister Li."

"The Prime Minister has always been open-minded and will certainly support this matter unconditionally."

At this moment, a servant came to report:
"Your Majesty, an envoy from Funan Kingdom has brought a hundred catties of spices to request an audience, wishing to exchange them for sugar."

Zhuge Liang nodded:
"Please ask them to wait a moment."

He then turned to Zhang Hong, saying, "Zigang, look, foreign merchants are arriving in droves."

"Jiaozhou has become a commercial hub in the south."

"If we can also gain access to the market in Sichuan, wealth will flow in and people will prosper."

"At that time, we will have ample resources for training troops and building ships."

Zhang Hong was suddenly enlightened, realizing the truth:

"Does Your Excellency intend to use the sugar industry to support your military?"

"...Indeed."

Zhuge Liang looked north and saw that Cao Pi was in Shu, holding a strategic position.

"A direct assault is unlikely to succeed; a more measured approach is preferable."

"Economic penetration, livelihood dependence, waiting for the country to run out of resources."

"If the people desire change, then we can launch another military campaign and achieve twice the result with half the effort."

As he spoke, Zhuge Liang slowly walked into the garden and came to a newly planted sugarcane tree.

He gently stroked it with his hand and sighed:

"This thing looks ordinary, but it is a powerful weapon."

"I will make the fragrance of Jiaozhou sugar spread throughout the world, and gold and silver flow like rivers."

"Within ten years, I will be able to set the sugar price in Sichuan, and the people's livelihood will depend on my supply."

"This is a war without bloodshed."

"Your plan is good, but I'm afraid it will be difficult to implement."

Although Zhang Hong understood Zhuge Liang's economic warfare strategy.

But in his view, they thought that by simply dumping sugar into the Sichuan market, they could control the economic lifeline of Sichuan.

That's quite difficult.

But Zhuge Liang did not simply drift through his years in Jiaozhou.

He smiled slightly and said, "Zigang, please come with me."

Led by Zhuge Liang, the group left Cangwu City.

A newly established sugar mill was built along the river, where waterwheels turned and stone mills ground sugarcane.

Inside the workshop, steam rose as craftsmen poured boiled syrup into ceramic molds.

After it cools, it becomes a crystal-clear, ice-like sugar cube.

Holding a feather fan, Zhuge Liang led his chief clerk Zhang Hong into the workshop and said with a smile:
"Zigang, today I would like to invite you to take a look at the new products made in Jiaozhou."

After saying this, he turned to the assembled officials from Jiaozhou, including Jiang Wan, Liao Hua, and Liu Pan, and said:
"If you all come together, we can see it all at once."

The group looked around and saw that the craftsmen inside the workshop were busy at work.

The syrup churned and overflowed with a sweet aroma.

Jiang Wan couldn't help but exclaim in admiration:
"In just a few short years of governing Jiaozhou, Your Excellency has accomplished such a great undertaking, which is truly a blessing for the people."

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, took a small bag of candy from the shelf, and distributed a few pieces to everyone.

"Gentlemen, please try it."

Zhang Hong took the sugar granules and saw that they were as white as snow and crystal clear.

It is very different from ordinary cane sugar.

He picked one up and put it in his mouth; instantly, a sweet aroma filled his senses, and he couldn't help but exclaim in amazement:
"This sugar is far sweeter than rock sugar! My lord, what is this?"

Zhuge Liang lightly waved his feather fan and said:
"This is the result of my improvement of cane sugar. Because it is white as frost, I named it 'frost sugar'."

As an inventor, he came to Jiaozhou and discovered its industrial potential for sugar production.

Zhuge Liang already had the idea of ​​improving the original rock candy.

He always regarded Li Yi as a role model.

Thinking back, Li Yi once monopolized the market and rose to prominence in Xuzhou with his mastery of refined salt production methods.

Now, why can't he also make a name for himself in Jiaozhou by distributing sugar candy?

Zhang Hong savored the words carefully and remarked with emotion:

“In the past, rock honey was already a rare delicacy, more valuable than gold.”

"But this frosting sugar is even better. If it can be marketed all over the world, it will surely bring huge profits!"

Zhuge Liang nodded and pondered for a moment before saying:
"Although rock honey is expensive, its production method is crude and its sweetness is not pure."

"I experimented repeatedly in Jiaozhou and finally obtained this method."

"It can decolorize and purify sucrose, making it into this superior product."

Everyone exclaimed in unison:

"Your Excellency is so learned and talented that you have even mastered the art of sugar making to such an extent!"

"It is truly a blessing for the people of Jiaozhou to have such a magistrate."

Zhuge Liang lightly waved his feather fan and laughed:

"The way to govern a country is to enrich its people."

“Jiaozhou is a vast land with a sparse population. Only by developing industry and commerce can it become prosperous.”

"I intend to establish many sugar mills to produce this frosted sugar."

"Then they can be sold to Sichuan, Jiangdong, and even overseas countries, and will surely bring huge profits."

Jiang Wan nodded in agreement, but then hesitated and said:

"My lord, the method of making this frosting sugar is exquisite."

"But if we rashly spread this information, others may learn it and we will lose out."

Zhuge Liang gazed into the distance and slowly said:
"...Gongyan's concerns are not without merit."

"However, refined salt is a vital national resource, concerning people's livelihood and military needs, so its technology must be kept secret."

“But frosting is different; it is ultimately a pleasure.”

"Even if the method is leaked, it will not cause any major problems."

Zhang Hong, puzzled, interjected and asked:

"Why do you say that, my lord?"

"If the Wei people in Shu can also make frosting sugar, wouldn't they be cutting off their own source of income?"

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly:
"Zigang, please think it over carefully—"

"Although frost sugar can be imitated, its raw material is sugarcane."

"This product is abundant only in Jiaozhou."

"Even if the people of Shu learn the method, they will still need to buy sugarcane from my Jiaozhou."

"If all the sugar merchants in the world rely on my Jiaozhou for supplies, then I hold their lifeline and can cut off their supply at any time."

Zhuge Liang explained it very clearly.

Frosting sugar is different from refined salt.

Refined salt is an important strategic resource, so the technology needs to be blocked.

But white sugar is ultimately a luxury item for the nobility, more of a consumer good, so there's no need to block the technology.

Moreover, if we were to establish a large number of sugar mills in Jiaozhou, it would be difficult to guarantee that our technology would not be leaked.

After all, this product requires large-scale production in order to be dumped abroad in large quantities.

Of course, most importantly, white sugar is made from sugarcane, and sugarcane is produced in Jiaozhou, China.

The sugarcane in Jiaozhou receives ample sunshine, resulting in a high sugar content.

Even if the Wei people in Shu obtained the technology to make white sugar, they could only import raw materials from Jiaozhou.

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized:
"The governor's intention is to first make the sugar industry in Sichuan prosperous."

"Wait until they rely on our Jiaozhou raw materials, then we'll crush them in one fell swoop?"

Zhuge Liang nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips:
"Exactly."

"I wish to make sugar mills everywhere in Sichuan, and for everyone to make sugar."

“If we wait until the sugar industry is thriving and then cut off the sugarcane supply, the economy of Sichuan will suffer a severe blow.”

"At that time, the sugar industry in Jiaozhou will be dominant, and the wealth of Sichuan will be in my hands."

As mentioned before, sweets were extremely expensive in ancient times and were generally only enjoyed by nobles.

It is not only a consumer product for consumption, but also a symbol of status.

Most importantly, this thing is extremely profitable.

Once white sugar is put on the market, merchants in Sichuan will definitely flock to it.

Everyone will think he's picking up money from a sack.

But once the Shu region actually starts producing sugar on a large scale,
With control over the main source of raw materials, Zhuge Liang, who governed Jiaozhou, decided to halt his operations.

Weren't the people of Sichuan dumbfounded?
This plan was quite ambitious and far-reaching, and Zhuge Liang had been laying out plans for it for a long time.

After listening to Zhuge Liang's analysis, everyone was amazed:

"Your Majesty's plan truly embodies both enticement and control!"

Zhuge Liang then instructed Zhang Hong:

"...Since the decision has been made."

"Zigang, I intend to send you to Shu to organize artisans and teach them how to make sweet pastries."

"Would you like to go?"

Zhang Hong repeatedly cupped his hands in greeting, indicating his willingness to go.

He keenly realized that Zhuge Liang was brewing a rather grand and remarkable plan.

Zhang Hong, who had spent half his life traveling, also wanted to be a part of this grand plan.

It's good to have a place in history.

Zhuge Liang smiled and said:
"good."

"Once the people of Sichuan learn how to make sugar, they will surely set up sugar mills on a large scale."

"However, their sugarcane ultimately needs to be purchased from Jiaozhou."

“Once the sugar industry prospers, I will cut off its raw materials, and all the sugar mills in Sichuan will go bankrupt.”

"Economic collapse is exactly what Sun Tzu's strategy of subduing the enemy without fighting was about."

Upon hearing this, everyone unanimously praised it.

As the sun sets, the lights in the sugar mill gradually come on, and the artisans are still busy at work.

Zhuge Liang and Zhang Hong stood on the riverbank, watching boats laden with sugarcane drift downstream and sail into the distance.

"We should act quickly. Zigang can go back to his residence to pack his bags and we will set off tomorrow."

"Here."

……

The summer heat and humidity in Jiaozhou were unbearable, but the banyan tree in the backyard of the governor's mansion spread its huge canopy, casting a rare patch of shade.

Zhuge Liang, holding a feather fan, stood beside a stone table, gazing into the distance at the rolling green hills.

Soon, Zhang Hong arrived at the courtyard gate.

Zhuge Liang rose and went forward to greet him.

"Zigang, your journey is imminent, and I have prepared a small feast to see you off."

Zhang Hong returned the greeting with clasped hands, a smile hidden in the wrinkles around his eyes:

"...You're too kind, sir."

"I have been in Jiaozhou for many years and have received much care and assistance."

"After today's parting, I know not when we will meet again."

The two took their seats, and the servants served them lychee wine, a specialty of Lingnan, and several exquisite snacks.

Zhuge Liang personally poured wine for Zhang Hong. The wine rippled in the white jade cup, releasing a rich fruity aroma. Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, took out an exquisite lacquered wooden box from his sleeve, and placed it on the table.
"Liang has something, which he entrusted to Zigang to take to Chengdu."

Curious, Zhang Hong opened the box and saw several crystal-clear sugar products neatly arranged inside.

They come in various shapes, some resembling plum blossoms, others square seals.

There are also exquisite sugar sculptures carved into dragons and phoenixes.

"This is……"

Zhang Hong picked up a piece and found it heavy in his hand, with a sweet and fragrant aroma.

It was even sweeter than the frosting he ate yesterday; in fact, it was cloyingly sweet.

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and explained:
"Ordinary sugars are simply made by boiling sugarcane juice."

"These ingredients have been repeatedly refined to remove impurities and extract their essence, making them several times sweeter than ordinary products."

Zhang Hong frowned upon hearing this and said:
"Such meticulous craftsmanship inevitably leads to limited production."

The implication is that this thing cannot be mass-produced.

No wonder Zhuge Liang didn't bring it out when he inspected the sugar mill yesterday.

"Exactly."

Zhuge Liang nodded, "What we get in a month is only a few boxes."

"Ordinary people naturally have no chance to taste it."

Zhang Hong put the sugar cubes back into the box, lost in thought:
"Your Excellency has specially requested such precious items, could it be that...?"

He looked up at Zhuge Liang, a hint of doubt in his eyes, "Is this prepared for some important person?"

Zhuge Liang stopped fanning himself, his eyes gleaming:

"Zigang is indeed insightful."

"This item was prepared for Cao Pi, the King of Wei."

"Cao Pi?"

Zhang Hong raised an eyebrow. "Your Excellency has already been dumping sugar products into Shu, so why go through all this trouble to make sugar specifically for Cao Pi?"

Zhuge Liang remained calm and poured Zhang Hong another cup of wine.

"Does Zigang still remember the book that Doctor Dong gave to Liang before he left?"

Zhang Hong frowned slightly and recalled:

"...This is indeed true."

"That is a book on health preservation. I hope that you, Doctor Dong, will make good use of it and live out your old age in peace."

Zhuge Liang took out a slightly worn book from his bosom, which was the gift Dong Feng had given him before his departure.

At first, Liang also thought this was just a way to maintain health.

"Upon closer reading, one realizes that this book is all-encompassing and represents the culmination of Dr. Dong's life's work."

After speaking, he handed it to Zhang Hong.

Zhang Hong took the book and carefully flipped through it.

The inner pages are densely filled with methods for diagnosing and treating various difficult and complicated diseases, complete with illustrations and text.

In some places, there are also annotations written with a brush, which were obviously added by Zhuge Liang.

"Dr. Dong's medical skills are divine, why would he so easily give away such a precious book?"

Aren't you afraid it will get out?

Zhang Hong's doubts deepened.

Zhuge Liang sighed deeply and gazed into the distance:

"When Doctor Dong left Jiaozhou, he said he wanted to go to the Central Plains to treat malaria."

"Later, he was captured by Cao Wei and forced to treat Cao Cao's headaches."

Soon after, news came that he had been executed.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hong's expression darkened, and he sighed:
"If you had listened to me that day and restricted Doctor Dong from leaving the country, you might have been spared this calamity."

"The will of Heaven is hard to defy."

Zhuge Liang shook his head and continued:

"Upon careful consideration, Liang realized that Doctor Dong must have foreseen the perilous journey before leaving Jiaozhou."

"Therefore, he entrusted me with all his learning and hoped that I could carry on his legacy."

Before Dong Feng left Jiaozhou, he had already foreseen that this trip would be fraught with danger.

But he went without hesitation.

In his view, this was his historical mission.

However, Dong Feng couldn't bear to see his life's work lost.

For doctors, medical ethics are of paramount importance.

Although Dong Feng did not know Zhuge Liang for long, he knew him to be a virtuous gentleman.

He admired Zhuge Liang's virtue, which is why he decided to present this book to him.

Zhang Hong was silent for a moment, then suddenly thought of something and hurriedly asked:
"What you just mentioned about sugar and Cao Pi, could it be related to this book?"

Zhuge Liang opened the medical book to a certain page and pointed to a passage:
"When Dr. Dong was in Jiaozhou, he conducted in-depth research on the effects of carbohydrates on the human body."

The book clearly states here: —

"Sweet foods are delicious, but should not be consumed in excess."

"Prolonged and excessive use will cause premature aging of the skin and damage to the five internal organs."

"There is also diabetes, which is difficult to cure throughout one's life."

Diabetes mellitus, also known as "relieving thirst and restlessness," is characterized by thirst and restlessness.

It can also lead to metabolic disorders.

In modern times, it is called diabetes.

"I see!"

Zhang Hong suddenly realized and looked up sharply, "Does Your Excellency wish to present Cao Pi with a high-sugar gift because he has a penchant for sugar?"

Zhuge Liang nodded with a smile:
"Cao Pi loved sweets from a young age, but because of his status as a son of the Cao family, he did not dare to be too presumptuous in front of Cao Cao."

"Now that he has succeeded his father, it is as if he has broken free of his shackles, and he has become even more unruly than before."

"According to reports from spies, he eats candied fruit and dried fruit every day, and always adds sugar to his drinks."

"If I could obtain this top-quality sugar from Jiaozhou, I would surely cherish it."

Zhang Hong pondered for a long time, then said:
"Your Excellency's wisdom and foresight surpass even mine."

"But..." he still had a concern, "What if Cao Pi notices something amiss?"

Zhuge Liang calmly explained:
Sugar is not inherently poisonous.

"Cao Pi brought about his own destruction, not because I forced him to."

After speaking, he raised his cup to Zhang Hong.

"After Zigang enters Shu, he only needs to find a way to get this item into the Wei palace, and the rest will be taken care of by fate."

Zhang Hong finally smiled and raised his glass in a toast:
“Excellent! Your plan is truly ‘using honey as a blade and sugar as an army,’ hahaha.”

"I will certainly live up to your expectations on this mission!"

The two looked at each other and laughed, then drank the wine in their glasses in one gulp.

The cicadas chirped outside the courtyard, as if setting the stage for this secret plot.

Before parting, Zhuge Liang personally escorted Zhang Hong to the gate of the mansion and then took out a secret letter.

"This letter contains instructions on how to consume sugar; Zigang, you may submit it along with the letter."

"Remember, you must make Cao Pi believe that this item is rare and precious so that he can keep asking for it."

Zhang Hong solemnly accepted it and put it into his bosom:
"...Rest assured, my lord."

“Hong has some connections in Yizhou, and he will surely be able to deliver this item to the Wei King’s Palace in Chengdu.”

Zhuge Liang bowed deeply:
"The fate of the world hinges on this move."

"Take care on your journey, Zigang."

Zhang Hong returned the greeting, then turned and mounted his horse.

As the sound of horses' hooves faded into the distance, Zhuge Liang stood before the gate of his residence.

Watching the departing figure, he gently waved his feather fan, his eyes gleaming with unfathomable light.

……

Luoyang, Weiyang Palace.

Liu Bei sat alone at his desk, holding a report in his hands, a hint of satisfaction in his expression.

On the table sat an exquisite wooden box.

The box was filled with glistening, snow-white frosting sugar, which shimmered brilliantly in the candlelight.

"...Kongming, oh Kongming."

"You have managed to make Jiaozhou, this wild and desolate place, so prosperous."

Liu Bei muttered to himself, his fingertips gently fiddling with the sugar granules, a smile playing on his lips.

He recalled that when Zhuge Liang was demoted to Jiaozhou for misusing Ma Su, some people in the court were saying that this "Sleeping Dragon" was ultimately not up to the task.

But now, merchant ships flock to Jiaozhou, and the sugar industry is booming.

It even attracted foreign trade from overseas, and became a major town in the south.

"A loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise."

Liu Bei shook his head and chuckled, "If it weren't for the loss of Jingzhou, how could Kongming have gone to Jiaozhou, and how could he have created this 'frost sugar' industry?"

Just as he was pondering this, footsteps came from outside the hall.

Li Yi, holding a memorial, slowly entered.

Seeing Liu Bei staring blankly at the candy box, he couldn't help but laugh:
"Is His Majesty in a particularly good mood today?"

Liu Bei looked up and saw it was Li Yi, and immediately waved:

"Prime Minister Li, you've come at the perfect time! Try this!"

Li Yi approached and was taken aback when he saw that the wooden box contained sugar granules as white as snow.
"This...is it white sugar?"

No wonder Li Yi was surprised, because he had never invented white sugar.

This thing only existed in the Tang Dynasty.

Why was this thing able to appear before my eyes without his hands?
Liu Bei smiled and said:

"Exactly! Exactly!"

"This is the 'frost sugar' that Kongming made in Jiaozhou. It is sweeter and purer than rock sugar."

Li Yi raised an eyebrow, picked up a grain, examined it closely, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Frosted sugar?"

"good."

Liu Bei nodded and began to explain:
"In his report, Kongming said that this sugar-making method was an improvement he made."

"Nowadays, the sugar industry in Jiaozhou is booming, and commercial taxes have increased significantly. It can even be sold as far away as Sichuan and Jiangdong."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.

Unexpectedly, after Zhuge Liang arrived in Jiaozhou, he was able to invent white sugar several hundred years ahead of schedule by a twist of fate.

But on second thought, geniuses are always able to adapt to different circumstances.

Jiaozhou, a land rich in sugarcane, is very suitable for developing the sugar industry.

With Kongming's keen business sense, it was impossible for him not to notice.

He was able to go a step further and invent white sugar.

That was indeed somewhat unexpected for Li Yi.

Liu Bei laughed and handed the report to Li Yi:

"Li Xiang, just watch. Kongming is not only skilled in sugar making, but also intends to use the sugar industry to control Shu."

"With your talent, what do you think of this plan?"

Li Yi took the report, read it carefully, and gradually a look of approval appeared in his eyes:

"Use the sugar industry to control the economy of Sichuan, and wait until it becomes dependent on raw materials from Jiaozhou before cutting off the supply in one fell swoop..."

"Kongming's plan is indeed brilliant."

Liu Bei said smugly:
"I have granted his request and ordered Zhang Hong to go to Shu to make arrangements."

Li Yi nodded, but did not take any more candy.

Seeing this, Liu Bei urged:
"Why don't you try some more, Prime Minister Li? This sugar is so sweet, it's a rare find in the world."

Li Yi shook his head and said:
"Your Majesty, this dish is delicious, but it is not advisable to eat too much of it."

"Oh?" Liu Bei was taken aback, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Does Prime Minister Li perhaps dislike sweets?"

Li Yi said solemnly:
"No."

"While sugar is delicious, excessive consumption can easily lead to thirst and deplete one's vital energy."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei couldn't help but let out a long sigh:
"Li Xiang's words are exactly the same as Kongming's!"

"In his report, he specifically instructed me that although this sugar is sweet, it should be used in moderation, otherwise it may cause thirst."

After saying this, Liu Bei stood up, put his hands behind his back, and walked to the window.

Gazing at the twilight outside the palace, I couldn't help but sigh:

"Sometimes, I really can't understand it."

Li Yi glanced sideways, "Why does Your Majesty say such a thing?"

Liu Bei turned around and met Li Yi's gaze:

"A man of such great talent as Kongming should, in theory, have shone brightly throughout the world."

"But unfortunately..."

He looked at Li Yi and smiled slightly, "But with Prime Minister Li here, his brilliance will always be overshadowed by you."

"Kongming was able to anticipate the enemy's moves, but you were able to anticipate his thoughts."

"Could this be called a momentary act of brilliance?"

Li Yi remained calm and said indifferently:

"Your Majesty is overly complimentary."

Liu Bei shook his head and said seriously:

"...This is not an overstatement."

"Sometimes I think, what if I had met Zhuge Liang first instead of Li Xiang?"

"What kind of world will it be now?"

Li Yi pondered for a moment, then said frankly:

"With Your Majesty's strategic vision and Zhuge Liang's talent, you too can establish an imperial dynasty."

Liu Bei stared at him for a long time, then smiled and said:
"But it certainly won't be the powerful empire it is now, right?"

Li Yi smiled slightly:
“It’s still unknown.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei laughed loudly, already having found his answer.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

After laughing, Liu Bei asked again:

"Does Prime Minister Li think Kongming's 'sugar strategy' will succeed?"

Li Yi said calmly:
"Whether it will succeed or not, I dare not say."

"But I know that someone is going to suffer because of this."

Liu Bei raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who is it?"

Li Yi smiled slightly, a slight upturn at the corners of his lips.
"Whoever loves sweets, that's who it is."

Liu Bei was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized.

The emperor and his minister exchanged a glance and burst into laughter again.

Outside the palace, dusk was deepening.

Meanwhile, the aroma of sugar wafted faintly through the city of Luoyang.

……

Chengdu, inside the Wei King's Palace.

Cao Pi sat cross-legged before a table laden with candied fruits and dried fruit.

There are lychees from Lingnan, soaked in sugarcane juice.

There were grapes from the Western Regions and tangerines from the Wu region, all cut into the shape of lotus flowers and served in the cup.

The bottom of the cup still held a pool of half-melted honey.

"happy!"

Cao Pi grabbed a handful of candied plums and stuffed them into his mouth. Then he picked up the gilded bowl and poured cheese mixed with honey into the millet rice.

Then stir it with chopsticks until it makes a clinking sound.

The servants standing by watched, their eyes twitching.

The rice grains had already swelled up from being soaked in syrup, becoming sticky like paste.

One bite, and I can't even imagine how incredibly sweet it is.

As the saying goes, eating without sugar is like not eating sugar at all.

Cao Pi, however, ate with great relish.

Huang Quan, standing below the steps, was presenting a report on bamboo slips:

"The Western Qiang have obtained thirty cartloads of Shu brocade and have retreated two hundred li."

"The southern barbarian Meng Huo raided four prefectures, but was driven back to his cave by General Deng's feint attack..."

"Gudong-"

Cao Pi suddenly tilted his head back and gulped down half a pot of honey water.

His Adam's apple bobbed violently as he interrupted the report:
"How is Shen Yi doing?"

"The Shangyong army was suddenly struck by an epidemic when they reached Micang Mountain, and they had to retreat..."

"it is good!"

Cao Pi slammed his hand on the food table, spraying honey droplets from his lips onto the memorial.

He licked his fingers nonchalantly:

"Zhongda's arrangements are excellent, truly my... um! cough... cough..."

He choked before he could finish speaking, coughing until his face turned bright red.

The attendant hurriedly handed over a handkerchief, only to see the King of Wei grab the honey pot and take another sip.

"Your Majesty, please allow me to report."

A voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz came from the corner of the palace.

Huang Hao, the newly appointed eunuch, knelt at the intersection of light and shadow, holding a gilded lacquer box:
"A new shop selling confectionery has opened in Chengdu's West Market."

Cao Pi's eyes suddenly lit up, and his sugar-stained mustache stood on end.
"Send it up!"

The moment the lacquer box was opened, the entire hall was filled with a sweet fragrance.

Inside the box were arranged: frosting sugar like snowflakes, amber-colored syrup, and sugar crisps carved into the shape of peonies.

The most unusual thing was those few pieces of rock candy that were as clear as ice crystals.

Cao Pi had eaten sugar his whole life, but he had never seen such a crystal-clear candy.

"This thing..."

Cao Pi picked up the rock candy with trembling fingers, examined it for a long time, and was reluctant to eat it.

Huang Hao took the opportunity to get closer:

“My brother works at the sugar shop, and he said all this new sugar comes from Jiaozhou…”

"Jiaozhou?" Huang Quan suddenly interrupted sharply, "Is that under Zhuge Liang's jurisdiction?"

Huang Hao was so frightened that he fell to the ground:

"It's...it's a caravan transfer..."

Zhuge Liang was a man of the Han Dynasty, and Huang Hao revealed that his family was doing business with Zhuge Liang.

This was a very sensitive topic in the Wei King's palace.

"No, Your Majesty!"

Huang Quan urgently reported:

"Zhuge Liang is known for his cunning and treacherous nature; we must not allow him to dump sugar products in Shu."

"Long-winded!"

Cao Pi had already crushed the rock candy, the crunching sound mixed with indistinct mutterings:
“You are all outstanding talents from Sichuan. I wonder what trouble you could possibly cause with a little bit of sugar.”

"Go! Quickly send someone to purchase them."

"How can I know whether this sugar is beneficial or harmful to the country if I don't taste it myself?"

……

(End of this chapter)