My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 287 Cui Family of Qinghe
February 15th, the second year of Jianyi.

Taishan County.

After more than half a year of arduous training, Liu Taozhi has become like a Han Chinese, especially since his accent has been corrected, and he can now communicate normally like a Han Chinese without being recognized.

The reason I need to train myself is...

The main purpose was to follow the Yang family's caravan to Nanliang. Gao Yu knew that there must be sugarcane in the south, which was a key raw material for sugar production.

Before coming, I specifically instructed Liu Taozhi to do everything she could to get her hands on this thing.

This is of paramount importance to Gao Yu.

It can be described as its own 'nuclear-powered' money printing machine.

Yang Kan's grandfather, Yang Gui, originally held an official position during the Liu Song dynasty. However, Xue Andu, the governor of Xuzhou at the time, surrendered to the Northern Wei dynasty along with Kong Bogong after participating in Liu Zixun's rebellion and failing. As a result, the Northern Wei dynasty took control of Xuzhou.

but……

The Yang family was more unlucky and was forced to surrender to the Northern Wei.

This is also why Yang Kan, a staunch Han patriot, deeply hated the Xue family of Hedong.

The Yang family has connections in Nanliang.

Long before Yang Kan wanted to lead his people back south, some members of the Yang family had already defected to the Southern Liang Dynasty. One of them was Yang Yaren, who was treated very well by Emperor Xiao Yan.

It is precisely because of the successful example of Yang Yaren that we have been able to achieve this.

Yang Kan's father, Yang Zhi, often told Yang Kan and his brothers, "How can a person stay in a foreign land for a long time?"

Yes, that's it.

Even though he had been in the Northern Wei for decades and the Northern Wei had always treated the Yang family fairly well, the Yang family still did not consider themselves subjects of the Northern Wei. It was precisely because of this upbringing that Yang Kan developed his iron-blooded Han imperial character.

Liu Taozhi was going to Nanliang with the Yang family's caravan, just like she had done in Huaishuo before. The first two times she had worked as an apprentice in the Lou family's caravan, learning and passing on her skills. Once she learned the skills, she would be able to help Gao Yu build his own caravan.

It's impossible to rely on the Yang family for everything.

Why is Gao Lang so obsessed with sugarcane?

"This was specially instructed by my lord..."

Liu Taozhi didn't tell Yang Kan that he wasn't really sure what was so important about sugarcane, but he did whatever Gao Yu told him to do until he vaguely guessed that it was probably related to the 'sugar making' that Gao Yu had been messing around with a long time ago.

If it's 'sugar making', then that's an absolute secret, and no one can be told.

Even if Gao Huan asked him, he wouldn't tell him, let alone Yang Kan.

"Since that's what Gao Lang said, then I'll instruct someone to keep a close eye on it."

Yang Kan didn't press for more details.

In reality, Yang Kan was an extremely extravagant person. He always traveled with great pomp and circumstance and loved to wear luxurious clothes. He relied on his own caravan to go to Nanliang to do business, earn high price differences, and obtain huge profits.

"Would you like to come along too?"

I'm going to visit someone.

"Who?"

"My cousin."

Not all members of the Yang family who remained in Northern Wei had a desire to return south.

The current governor of Yanzhou, Yang Dun, is Yang Kan's cousin. He is a very upright man. Last year, when Yang Kan was still hesitating about whether to lead his people back south, Yang Dun personally came to persuade him.

Yang Kan's father and grandfather could both yearn for the Southern Dynasty, but Yang Kan himself could not.

After all, his father and grandfather both received salaries from the Liu Song Dynasty, so it was acceptable for him to regard himself as a subject of the Southern Dynasty. However, Yang Kan had received salaries from the Great Wei Dynasty since birth, so how could he 'betray his master'?
The two of them had an argument.

Now that Yang Kan has given up his intention to return south, he will go to repair his relationship with Yang Dun, which will make it easier for Gao Yu to control Shandong. Yang Dun is not a military man, but he is a governor who can govern a prefecture, which is the kind of talent that Gao Yu needs.

If Yang Dun, because of his grudge against him, also becomes at odds with Gao Yu, wouldn't that benefit someone else?
They learned that Gao Yu was coming.

Many prominent families in Shandong have already begun preparations, all hoping to be among the earliest 'original shareholders'.

Gao Yu is able to establish his own government, and he will definitely have to delegate power. Those who come early and invest early will receive more promotions.

Many members of collateral branches of prominent families could only rise in status through this method.

Liu Taozhi had also inquired about the matter between Yang Kan and Yang Dun, and realized what was going on after just a brief mention. In the inner courtyard.

Many of Yang Changchu's close female friends also came to visit.

Yang Changchu didn't used to enjoy playing with others, but... she changed after last year.

I started actively contacting these people to travel together.

Gao Yu imagined controlling Shandong as a regionally challenging instance, but in reality, it was an easy instance with 'hell' difficulty.

........................

The spring rain was drizzling down, and even though the ice and snow covering the earth had melted, the temperature still hadn't risen.

Within Qinghe County.

Cui Xian rode his horse followed by several attendants, including a young man who also came from the Cui clan of Boling.

"Huaiyuan, you have come with me to Qinghe for a visit, so you must not be rude later."

"Brother, please rest assured, am I an impolite person?"

Cui Ang said with a smile.

The two were cousins; Cui Xian came from the second branch of the Boling Cui clan, while Cui Ang came from the third branch.

Upon learning that Gao Yu had already set off, Cui Xian saw that Gao Yu had deliberately crossed the Yellow River and knew that Gao Yu was definitely going to visit the Cui family of Qinghe under the guise of 'paying homage' to Cui Guang.

No one can find fault with it.

Before his death, Cui Guang gave Gao Yu the courtesy name "Shimin". Although Gao Yu never acknowledged it, this act still connected Gao Yu with the Cui family of Qinghe.

Gao Yu went to Shandong, which, like Hebei, was the homeland of the Han people in the Central Plains, and the local strongmen were all Han families.

If Gao Yu wants to control Shandong, he will definitely need to unite with the powerful families.

In particular, Gao Yu's postponement of his marriage to Erzhu Yuechan was a very obvious signal to outsiders.

The Cui family of Boling also sensed an opportunity.

It just so happened that Cui Xian and Gao Yu were old friends, so he asked him to come to the Cui family in Qinghe ahead of time to wait for Gao Yu's arrival. At the same time, he also sent another young talent from the clan over.

Ok.

They're all here to reserve their spots under Gao Yu's command in advance.

These powerful families are all cunning old foxes; they can think of the same problems that the Yang family of Hongnong can think of.

Fighting wars relies on warriors, but governing requires scholars.

This is precisely what aristocratic families excel at.

"I also want to see for myself what kind of person this contemporary hero, who can defeat three hundred thousand with three thousand outside Luoyang City and is often mentioned by my cousin, is!"

“If he were truly a ruler, it would not be unreasonable for him to serve such a hero.”

Cui Xian chuckled and said, "You'll see when you meet him what a heroic figure Gao Lang is."

The two quickly found the Cui family's residence. After identifying themselves and stating their purpose, the servants led them inside.

Currently, Cui Li, the son of Cui Guang, is in charge of the Cui family affairs.

Cui Li was originally an official in Luoyang. During the Heyin Incident, Gao Yu rescued him, and Cui Li returned directly to Qinghe. He has not yet taken up an official post.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two sides...

Cui Xian couldn't wait to ask, "Yan De, I wonder where Gao Lang is now? Judging by the time, it should be about time, right?"

Cui Li chuckled and said, "Why is Ji Lun in such a hurry? Gao Lang has already sent someone to deliver a message. He will arrive in Qinghe County in two days, and you will be able to see him then."

"it is good!"

Cui Xian was also quite excited.

Nine years have passed since we parted ways in Luoyang!

"This time, I'm finally able to meet my old friend. We'll definitely have a good drink together!"

(End of this chapter)