Three Kingdoms: Fusion of Entries, Change of Destiny

Chapter 121 Yuanzhi, watch out, the show is about to begin!

Cao Yan continued to inspect the city's defenses, but the person beside him had changed from Xun Yu to Xu Shu.

"How did you end up in Juancheng Prison?" Cao Yan asked curiously.

Upon hearing this, Xu Shu replied with a rather embarrassed expression: "I killed someone to avenge a friend in the past... Later, I abandoned martial arts and pursued literature, traveling around to broaden my horizons."

"I didn't expect that as soon as I arrived in Juancheng, my identity would be exposed, and I would be arrested..."

Upon hearing this, Cao Yan was left speechless, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

Yanzhou has implemented a new household registration system, requiring detailed background checks on all newcomers.

One reason is to prevent spies from other forces from infiltrating.

Secondly, it prevents criminals and fugitives from taking the opportunity to infiltrate and endanger local security.

When local authorities encounter such people, they usually arrest them directly, either sending them to perform hard labor or to visit their grandmothers.

Xu Shu may have been captured not long ago, and it just so happened that Lü Bu launched a sneak attack, so he was only temporarily imprisoned.

All things considered, Xu Shu has only been studying literature for a maximum of three years, far from the accomplished scholar he was when he joined Liu Bei in the sixth year of Jian'an (200 AD).

Cao Yan then asked, "Why didn't you go to Jingzhou, but instead came to Yanzhou?"

Xu Shu replied, "This humble subject did indeed go to Jingzhou with a friend. But later I heard that Lord Cao was implementing benevolent policies in Yanzhou, giving important positions to those from humble backgrounds, and advocating education for all. I wanted to come and see if the rumors were true..."

Cao Yan suddenly realized that it was Cao Cao's reputation that had attracted Xu Shu.

It seems that the activity funds for Bian Rang and others were indeed not given for nothing.

Xu Shu continued, "After arriving in Yanzhou, I went straight to Dongwuyang in Dongjun."

When I got there, I discovered that the people of Dongwuyang lived a more prosperous and peaceful life than I had heard.

In the midst of chaos, it is truly rare to find a place where ordinary people can live and work in peace.

Afterwards, I went south to Juancheng, thinking that if I had the opportunity to find a job under Cao Cao's rule, I could contribute my meager strength to the people.

But just as I reached the city gate, I was suddenly seized and accused of spying around and having malicious intentions…

Cao Yan laughed and said, "You think this happened suddenly, but in reality, we may have been watching you all along. They say you've been spying everywhere. Where exactly have you been?"

“Uh…” Xu Shu thought back and realized that he might have really broken a taboo. “After arriving in Juancheng, I first went to see the ditches that were being dug, and then I saw a strange plow in the fields. After asking around, I learned that it was made in a workshop. Later, out of curiosity, I asked a few more questions, and before I even entered the city, I was captured.”

Cao Yan nodded: "With a criminal record and the habit of inquiring about confidential matters, it's no wonder you were arrested..."

"..."

Cao Yan and Xu Shu climbed the city wall, where soldiers were busy moving about, their shouts echoing as they carried logs and stones.

Reaching the parapet, Cao Yan asked casually, "Now that Lü Bu and Zhang Miao are coming on strong, the powerful clans and gentry of Yanzhou are turning against us... In your opinion, what will be the future of Yanzhou?"

Xu Shu knew that Cao Yan was testing him. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly replied, "I have only been in Yanzhou for three months, but I can deeply feel that the people of Yanzhou truly support Lord Cao."

The reason why some aristocratic families rebelled was that Cao Cao's new policies, including land surveys, threatened their interests.

They were short-sighted, only concerned with immediate gains, while ignoring the long-term benefits that could be obtained by following Cao Cao.

What can such a rabble accomplish?

After a pause, Xu Shu continued, "Cao Cao has gradually gained control of Yan Province, and the people's hearts are with him. Although Lü Bu is brave, his army consists mostly of temporary conscripts or private soldiers from aristocratic families, and their fighting strength is truly worrisome. Cao Zhonglang only needs to hold the city and wait for Cao Cao's army to return to reinforce it. The defeat and death of Lü Bu and Zhang Miao is only a matter of time."

With Lü Bu and Zhang Miao gone, those petty villains are no longer a threat.

Cao Yan nodded slightly and then asked, "In your opinion, what impact will the new policies being implemented in Yanzhou, such as the household registration system and agricultural reforms, have on the current situation?"

A glint flashed in Xu Shu's eyes as he said, "The new household registration system makes population management clearer and more transparent, which can ensure the stability of the source of soldiers and taxes. This is a fundamental measure."

However, if the restrictions are too strict, they may restrict the movement of people, which would be detrimental to people's livelihood and development.

Agricultural and sericulture reforms promoted new farming techniques and tools, which greatly increased grain production.

Whether in times of chaos or prosperity, food is fundamental. With food, Cao Cao could be in an invincible position.

However, the implementation of the new policies will inevitably affect the interests of some established forces, so we need to be extra vigilant and cautious now and in the future.

Cao Yan nodded in approval in his heart.

Unlike Cao Yan and Guo Jia, Xu Shu did not possess a large amount of intelligence and information.

He obtained these results solely through his own visits and observations, demonstrating a clear and unique understanding of the situation in Yanzhou and the new policies, showcasing truly remarkable insight.

Cao Yan then posed another question: "If Lü Bu besieges the city for a long time and the city runs out of food, what will happen then?"

Xu Shu replied without hesitation: "We can thoroughly investigate the stockpiling of grain in the city, prevent unscrupulous merchants from driving up prices, and ensure the rational distribution of grain."

At the same time, people can be sent out of the city at night to collect edible wild vegetables and fruits in the surrounding mountains and forests to supplement food sources.

However, Guan Zhonglang, a commoner, never showed the slightest sign of anxiety throughout, suggesting he was well-prepared.

Upon hearing Xu Shu's reply, Cao Yan's admiration for him only grew stronger.

“Not bad.” Cao Yan looked at Xu Shu and asked with a smile, “Yuanzhi, you said earlier that you wanted to serve my brother, was that truly your intention?”

Xu Shu cupped his hands and said, "I am ashamed..."

"My elder brother has not yet returned. Would you be willing to serve as my advisor for the time being, and I will introduce you to someone else later?"

A flicker of excitement crossed Xu Shu's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "This humble subject is of limited talent and learning, and is also a convict. If others were to find out, it would likely tarnish the reputation of the Imperial Secretary..."

"Hahaha!" Unexpectedly, Cao Yan suddenly burst into laughter: "When have I, Cao Yan, ever cared about empty fame?"
You don't need to be overly modest.

With your talent, you only need to devote yourself to studying for a few years, and you will surely become a top strategist in the world.

My elder brother has always been unconventional in his selection of people. Since you have both the ambition and the talent, why not give it your all, strive for a bright future for yourself, and also secure a peaceful and stable life for the people of the Han Dynasty?

Xu Shu was moved. He recalled that he had traveled around and witnessed the suffering of the people in the chaotic world. He had also heard about Cao Cao's good policies in Yanzhou. He had always wanted to serve him.

Now that Cao Yan had invited him so sincerely, he no longer hesitated and bowed, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Zhonglang, and I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

Cao Yan chuckled, then helped Xu Shu up and said, "Yuanzhi's arrival is truly a blessing for Yanzhou and for all the people of the land!"

However, at that moment, someone suddenly came to report: "Reporting to the General, the Lord has sent a letter! The Chief Minister of the Imperial Academy requests your presence in the main hall for a meeting!"

Cao Yan raised an eyebrow, then said to Xu Shu, "Come with me, the show is about to begin!"

(End of this chapter)