My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 509 Prime Minister, take care!
November is approaching.

The weather is getting colder and colder.

Gao Yu also learned from the official document sent back by Yang Zhong that it had started to snow on his side, so he did not rush to send troops. Instead, he sent Dugu Xin as his envoy to make private contact with the various powerful families and influential people in Hedong.

He did mention that Erzhu Tianguang was unpopular in Hedong.

Under the pretext of resisting the enemy, they constantly demanded grain, fodder, and able-bodied men from powerful families and clans.

Before Yang Zhong's army arrived, the powerful families of Hedong dared not speak out against their anger, but now Yang Zhong has led his army to garrison north of Hedong.

When people have no other choice, they will swallow their anger. But once they have a choice, they will no longer tolerate such anger.

In his reply to Yang Zhong, Gao Yu stated frankly that as long as he could persuade the powerful families of Hedong to help him, he would be given certain benefits, namely political privileges.

However, the price was that the aristocratic families had to provide grain and able-bodied men.

This is why the land east of the river has not yet been conquered.

In places like Shandong, powerful families are demanding the return of all the land they have annexed since the Taihe era, which was during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen.

This was due to the court's poor 'administrative efficiency'.

Checking household registrations and land records is not something that can be done in modern society where databases are updated every year.

Feudal dynasties.

Generally, the database can only be updated in the early days of a nation's founding and when its national strength reaches its peak.

The reason is also very simple.

In the early days of a nation, there were many capable people. How could those without ability stand out from this brutal battlefield and establish an imperial dynasty?
Moreover, the resistance is generally quite small.

Generally, once a nation reaches its peak of prosperity, it has the extra energy and resources to undertake such national-level data statistics projects.

The last census of households and land in the Northern Wei Dynasty was conducted during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, and it had not been updated for several decades.

This actually benefited Gao Yu.

The situation in Hebei is also progressing steadily.

Gao Yu's approach was essentially like cutting flesh with a dull knife; the powerful families couldn't be eliminated all at once, and some things simply couldn't be rushed.

Take it slow. Right now, Gao Yu is asking them to return the land they've seized over the past few decades. Although it hurts the aristocratic families, Gao Yu has given them special political treatment, so they are both happy and upset. Although they have grievances, they are not going to band together to rebel.

If we try to wipe them out in one fell swoop, wouldn't that be pushing them to the brink of destruction?
Even a rabbit will bite when it gets angry.

This is just the first step.

Gao Yu's next plan was to slowly annex the lands of the aristocratic families.

As for private troops and retainers?

With the large-scale promotion of the Fubing system, very few people are now willing to serve as retainers for aristocratic families.

I used to serve as a retainer for aristocratic families because I had no other choice; at least being a dog for aristocratic families meant I could have food to eat.

But now?
Some options are to become a retainer in the Fubing (府兵) army, which can bring more benefits, and even... Gao Yu is planning to unleash a major move later, where retainers in the Fubing can also have a certain path to promotion.

Then the aristocratic families would be completely unattractive.

The final result is.

The powerful families will gradually degenerate into a group that has no land, no private army or retinue, and only possesses certain political privileges.

By that time...

Can they still act as local tyrants?

This process is destined to be long, but Gao Yu is young and strong, and... he has enough prestige to slowly wear down the powerful families.

The priority at this stage is to win them over to our side, rather than helping Erzhu Rong.

Gao Yu put his hands behind his back and came outside the hall.

The howling north wind was very cold, and it stung slightly when it blew against people's faces.

But Gao Yu had long been accustomed to the knife-like north wind when he was in Huai Shuo.

Suddenly, a weight settled on her shoulders as a cloak with animal fur sewn onto her cuffs and collar was draped over her shoulders. Turning around, she saw it was Erzhu Yuechan.

"Husband, don't catch a cold."

Gao Yu looked around, and seeing no one, turned around and asked, "Husband?"

Erzhu Yuechan's pretty face flushed red, "Uncle... Uncle? My husband is bullying me. After all these years, he still treats me like this..."

Even though she has already given birth to two daughters for him, she still looks so young. Gao Yu laughed and picked her up by the waist, praising, "Chan'er's skills have improved a lot; this sewing is so good."

Erzhu Yuechan was a woman from the grasslands, but after following Gao Yu to Shandong, she was inevitably and gradually assimilated, which was actually influenced by Yang Changchu.

Yang Changchu called on the women of Gaoyu Inner Court to set an example and take the lead in weaving.

Gao Yu's cloak and other items were all made by their own hands.

Carrying her back into the palace, Gao Yu looked down again and found that the swollen area on her chest was wet. When he looked up, he saw that Erzhu Yuechan's eyes were already glazed over.

Too……

The two had not enjoyed each other's company for a long time.

With so many women, it's difficult to keep up with everyone's pace and take care of them all.

Gao Yu also realized what was happening.

"Is Chan'er up to something too? Did she come here on purpose at this time?"

Erzhu Yuechan blushed and did not refute. She looked up at Gao Yu, then buried her face in his chest, trembling as she said, "Uncle... Uncle, um..."

Erzhu Yuechan bit her lower lip lightly. With more and more women in the backyard, it was impossible not to feel a sense of crisis.

So what if she's the legal wife?
He had three concubines.

However, seeing that Gao Yu was still so infatuated with her, she felt relieved and did as Gao Yu wished.

………………

November 10th.

Heavy snow has fallen in Dingzhou, Yingzhou and other places.

However, outside Ye City.

Soldiers conscripted from Yan, You, and Shandong have already assembled here.

Dou Tai had already led his army forward and set up camp by the Dan River, only fifty miles from Yewang City. Upon learning this news...

Gao Yu also knew...

I should get ready to set off.

outside the city.

Emperor Yuan Shanjian, accompanied by civil and military officials, personally went out of the city to see him off.

Although Gao Yu was not wearing armor, he was still as majestic as ever, wearing a red cloak and riding a tall horse!
Cui Xian and others were beside him.

Still somewhat worried, "Prime Minister, it will snow soon. Mobilizing troops in this weather might be..."

"Do not."

Gao Yu shook his head, "This is exactly the kind of frigid weather I want."

How could he not know that mobilizing troops in the dead of winter is a form of torture for the soldiers?
Neither humans nor animals can withstand it. Due to thermal expansion and contraction, the bowstring will break. In order to maintain body temperature, the need for food and fodder will increase dramatically, requiring more food to be consumed, which will greatly increase the logistical burden.

But no way.

"Yewang resides between the Qin and Dan rivers. At this time of severe cold, if the Dan and Qin rivers freeze over, it will be a godsend!"

Gao Yu's army suffered greatly.

Erzhu Rong's army won't fare much better.

If it's tough for both of them, then it depends on whose family is more financially secure and who can withstand the pressure more!
If they choose to attack when the weather is good, it will be difficult for the army to cross the Dan River.

Cui Xian opened his mouth, but didn't say anything more.

He had no choice but to say, "Then I wish the Prime Minister a resounding victory and a triumphant return!"

Gao Yu smiled and nodded.

After dismounting, he walked up to Yuan Shan, bowed and said, "I trouble Your Majesty to come out of the city to see us off. The soldiers will surely fight bravely to repay the country's kindness!"

Yuan Shanjian quickly helped Gao Yu up.

With a youthful face and red eyes, he said, "I thank the Prime Minister for eliminating the traitor for the country."

"The journey ahead will be arduous, Prime Minister, please take care!"

(End of this chapter)