I did it all for the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 137 Mutual Plagiarism
Yang Feng and Han Xian were both from the Hedong White Wave Army. They were of low social standing and did not know etiquette. Although they were not as rude to the emperor and officials as Li Jue, they were still arrogant and thought they had the upper hand.

The officials who escaped from Guanzhong dared not offend the two men, which is why they became even more unruly.

They were all surprised to hear that Lu Su, a mere registrar, dared to rebuke them.

"What a fine Lu Zijing!"

Yang Feng and Han Xian exchanged unfriendly glances.

But Lu Su's gaze was resolute at this moment, as if to say that even a common man's anger could lead to bloodshed!
Furthermore, Lu Su's words, "Liu Miao can lead a million-strong army to defend the emperor and punish the traitors," made the two men momentarily intimidated by Lu Su's imposing manner, and they dared not look directly at the emperor as they had before.

The emperor and his ministers were all thrilled to see this!
Lu Zijing, what a heroic spirit!
If Lu Su was like this, then what kind of charisma must Liu Miao, who was behind Lu Su, have?
Lu Su then advised the emperor: "The Han dynasty is now in decline, yet the people still remember the emperor's kindness. Your Majesty, you must not only build palaces in Luoyang, but also build houses for the people!"

When Liu Xie heard Lu Su's unwavering concern for him and for the Han Dynasty, the sorrow he had finally managed to suppress surged up again: "If the world were full of loyal ministers like Zijing, what would I have to worry about?"

Seeing the emperor's reaction, Lu Su sighed again.

The Han dynasty had not yet perished, but the path to its revival no longer lay with the emperor or the ministers.

All Lu Su could do on Liu Miao's behalf was to prevent the Han Dynasty from losing face in the end!

After listening to Lu Su's advice, the emperor immediately ordered that 5,000 gold pieces be allocated to repair the houses in Luoyang, and entrusted Lu Su with the full authority to handle the matter.

After learning about the situation in Luoyang, Lu Su knew that Luoyang was currently facing a severe food shortage. So he personally went to Yang Feng's residence to visit him and request that he send soldiers to Hebei and Chenliu to buy grain.

But Yang Feng had been reprimanded by Lu Su before and harbored great resentment towards Lu Su, so how could he possibly obey Lu Su's arrangements?
It was Xu Huang, a cavalry captain under Yang Feng, who advised Yang Feng: "The current food shortage in Luoyang is not just a matter for one family or household. In any case, Liu Miao is funding the purchase of the grain this time, and you only need soldiers to escort it. When the soldiers and people receive the grain, they will be grateful to you. Why don't you entrust this matter to Lu Su?"

Lu Su's trip to Hebei and Chenliu to buy grain is a thankless and arduous task. Given this, why doesn't Yang Feng cooperate?
After thinking for a moment, Yang Feng also felt that it made sense, so he sent Xu Huang to lead troops to assist Lu Su in transporting grain.

After Xu Huang met Lu Su, the two thanked each other.

Lu Su asked curiously, "I know that you thanked me for advising Yang Fengcai on my behalf, General. Why are you thanking me now?"

Xu Huang bowed to Lu Su and said, "The registrar could have presented the gifts from Liu Yangzhou to the emperor and then returned to report. But you chose to stay and help the people of Luoyang. How can we not respect you?"

If Lu Su hadn't reprimanded Yang Feng and Han Xian and hadn't petitioned the emperor to settle the people, the 10,000 taels of gold sent by Liu Miao would likely have ended up in Yang Feng and Han Xian's pockets. Not to mention the people of Luoyang, even the emperor and his ministers might not have gotten much.

Lu Su's actions saved countless lives near Luoyang, so how could Xu Huang remain indifferent?
Upon hearing Xu Huang's words, Lu Su immediately realized that Xu Huang was no ordinary person!
On their journey north and south, Lu Su observed Xu Huang's troops and found them to be extremely disciplined! The soldiers obeyed orders without question and showed no signs of banditry. Lu Su couldn't help but praise, "General, your military discipline is reminiscent of Zhou Yafu!"

Xu Huang quickly declined, while Lu Su also extended an invitation at this moment—

"Neither Yang Feng nor Han Xian are trustworthy people. If you continue to stay by their side, you will be harmed by them sooner or later. In that case, why not join me and surrender to Liu Yangzhou?"

Xu Huang neither agreed nor refused, but instead asked Lu Su, "What kind of person is Liu Yangzhou?"

"Liu Yangzhou has the style of Emperor Gaozu!"

Just one sentence was enough to silence Xu Huang.

Lu Su was not in a hurry to urge him.

He knew that someone like Xu Huang must have extremely strong opinions.

If we continue to extend such warm invitations, it might backfire.

The process of purchasing grain from Hebei went relatively smoothly.

Zhang Yang, the governor of Hanoi, had previously aided the emperor when he was in Hedong. Upon hearing that Lu Su had come to purchase grain on behalf of the court, he decisively offered his grain to the court.

However, some problems arose in the Chenliu direction.

Cao Cao had just pacified Yanzhou again and was very strict in controlling resources such as money and grain. The local prefects and magistrates dared not sell grain to Lu Su.

Upon realizing this, Lu Su remembered that he still had the task of visiting Cao Cao on behalf of Liu Miao, so he decided to take the initiative to go to Yingchuan and pay his respects to Cao Cao.

On the way, Lu Su also heard many things about himself and Liu Miao.

Whether it was Liu Miao's generosity in offering ten thousand taels of gold or Lu Su's rebuke of Yang Feng and Han Xian, these were rare and novel events that quickly spread from Luoyang to the entire north.

Liu Miao's reputation in the north was no longer that of an "unknown figure" as described by the officials of Ye City, but rather he quickly became famous for his "loyalty and righteousness" and his status as "Imperial Uncle"!
So much so that when Lu Su arrived in Xu County, Yingchuan, he was greeted by officials under Cao Cao ten miles away.

"Xun Yu of Yingchuan, Xun Wenruo."

Xun Yu's face was gentle and refined, possessing both the elegance and composure of a scholar and the sharp insight of a strategist. He wore a plain Han official robe, which was dignified and proper, and his every move exuded the spirit of the Han dynasty.

Lu Su exchanged pleasantries with him and saw that Xun Yu's every frown and smile was in accordance with the way of the king, and his every move was in accordance with the principles of the universe. Lu Su immediately thought that the famous scholar He Yong's evaluation of Xun Yu as "a talent fit to assist a king" was not unfounded!

"I have come here on the orders of my lord to visit the Governor of Yanzhou, and on the orders of the Emperor to purchase grain to relieve the people."

For some reason, Xun Yu was extremely enthusiastic towards Lu Su, and he granted all of Lu Su's requests.

"The governor is waiting in the city. As for the grain supplies, I have already heard about them... Since they are for the relief of the people, how can we accept money from Zijing? Fifty thousand bushels of grain supplies have been prepared. Zijing only needs to transport them to Luoyang!"

Lu Su was also delighted upon hearing Xun Yu's words.

"No wonder our lord often mentioned the names of the governor and Wenruo when he was in Jiangdong. Now it seems that the two of them are indeed the pillars of the Han Dynasty!"

Xun Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Does Governor Liu actually know of my reputation, Xun Yu?"

"Who doesn't know the name Wenruo? Who isn't familiar with it?"

Lu Su and Xun Yu had already strolled into the hall.

"When Zhang Miao and Chen Gong welcomed Lü Bu into Yanzhou, if it weren't for Wenruo's heroic efforts, Yanzhou might have truly fallen into Lü Bu's hands, right?"

If it weren't for the insistence of Xun Yu and others, Cao Cao might have truly lost all hope when Lü Bu occupied Yan Province and then gone to Hebei.

Even though the incident was over, Xun Yu still felt a lingering fear when Lu Su brought it up again.

"Yes, it's hateful that Cao Cao treated Zhang Miao and Chen Gong so well, but they... sigh."

Lu Su: "Powerful clans have always been like this. If they are not satisfied, they will welcome outsiders to take over. Wasn't it the same when Yuan Shao seized Ji Province?"

Xun Yu sighed and said, "What Zijing said makes sense. It's a pity that I knew this but couldn't restrain him. It is truly my fault as a subject."

"Why can't it be controlled?"

When Lu Su spoke to Xun Yu about Liu Miao's actions in Jiangdong, especially the implementation of the Three Chiefs and Equal-Field System, Xun Yu exclaimed in amazement: "How could Liu Yangzhou have come up with such a method? Please tell me in detail, Zijing?"

Lu Su did not keep secrets, and besides, there is no need to keep secrets in a system.

Even if we knew what Liu Miao did, how many people in the world could replicate his actions?

First, there were over 100,000 households of people who followed Liu Miao to Jiangdong.

These people were all displaced and had no savings. They were in dire need of regaining farmland, so they would naturally cooperate with the government in implementing the Three Chiefs System.

In addition, these groups of refugees did not have the confidence and power of local aristocratic families, so the implementation of the three-chief system did not encounter much resistance... Especially because a large number of the three elders who should have had the right to speak at the grassroots level were lost during the war and the escape, it was even more convenient for Liu Miao to implement the new system for these refugees.

As for equal distribution of land, that would be even more difficult.

To implement this, a tough and unwavering attitude and the determination to see it through to the end are essential.

Not everyone can be like Liu Miao, who disregarded the slander of scholars and completed the redistribution of land.

Therefore, Lu Su told Xun Yu the specific details of the two decrees, including some suggestions from Gu Yong, Zhang Zhao, Yuan Huan and others that had not yet been implemented, which amazed Xun Yu.

Xun Yu listened to Lu Su's eloquent speech, and before he knew it, he was completely lost in thought. Lu Su also felt his mouth was dry, and just as he was about to bend down to get some water from the table, he was startled by a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye!
I don't know when, but a person with a round face, narrow eyes, and a short, slightly curly beard was sitting next to me!
His figure was not imposing, but his eyes were like torches, and his disdain carried a cold glint forged in the crucible of battle. He wore a coarse linen robe covered by iron armor, and the bronze scabbard of the sword at his waist was mottled, yet it seemed as if a peerless divine weapon could be drawn from it at any moment, its sharpness gleaming!

What a man of great spirit!
Lu Su had just begun to exclaim in surprise when he heard Xun Yu call out from behind him, "Lord Cao?"

Cao Gong?

Cao Cao?

Lu Su then realized who the person in front of him was, and quickly bowed.

"Has the Three Chiefs and Equal Field System that Zijing just mentioned already been implemented in Jiangdong?"

Cao Cao's immediate question to Lu Su revealed Cao Cao's lofty ambitions.

"It has indeed been implemented."

"But I've heard that the four families of Wu County are all powerful clans. How did Zhongshan manage to get them all to agree to implement these policies?"

News of Liu Miao's complete annihilation of the Zhang family of Wu Commandery had not yet reached the Central Plains, so Cao Cao was unaware that the four families of Wu Commandery had become three.

Lu Su replied to Cao Cao with neither arrogance nor servility: "All land under heaven belongs to the emperor. Liu Yangzhou is a minister who is guarding the land on behalf of the emperor. The scholars of Jiangdong are also renowned figures who understand the greater good. How could they refuse such a policy that benefits the country and the people?"

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, clearly knowing that Lu Su didn't want to tell him the truth.

Or rather, even Lu Su, who was by Liu Miao's side, didn't know how Liu Miao had managed to do such a thing.

The Zhu and Zhang families have their own big sticks to deal with them, but the Lu and Gu families haven't been given much either.

After much deliberation, Lu Su could only offer himself an answer that wasn't really an answer—

"Perhaps they have seen something more important in our lord, which is why they are not content with sharing the spoils with him now?"

Upon meeting Cao Cao, Lu Su also took out a letter from his pocket—

"This is a letter from Liu Yangzhou, instructing me to personally deliver it to the governor. Please take a look."

Cao Cao opened the letter, and a rare glint of light appeared in his usually stagnant eyes.

"Let us drink and sing, for how short is life?"

"Like morning dew, the days gone by are many!"

"One should be generous with his feelings and unforgettable with his worries."

"What can dispel sorrow? Only wine!"

"..."

When Cao Cao recited this poem, his voice was powerful and rhythmic, full of heroic spirit, as if he had written it himself!
Xun Yu listened intently as Cao Cao recited the poem, absorbing its charm.

Lu Su, on the other hand, looked completely bewildered.

"My lord... he can also write poetry?"

"Shouldn't the lord's poems be those strange seven-character verses?"

"But this is indeed a four-character poem from the Yuefu style! Oh~~~ I get it, this must have been written by someone else at the lord's request!"

Even if you beat Lu Su to death, he would never admit that Liu Miao could write poetry!

If Liu Miao could write poetry, there would be no illiterate people in the entire Jiangdong region!
Lu Su not only rejected Liu Miao's work, but also began to ponder who actually wrote Liu Miao's poem on his behalf: Chen Yu? Zhang Zhao? Or Zhou Yu?

"..."

“The mountains never tire of being high, and the sea never tires of being deep.”

"Duke Zhou spits out food for his guests, and the whole world is at peace."

After Cao Cao finished reading the last syllable, he was so deeply moved by the poem that he couldn't shake it off for a long time!

It was only when Dian Wei, who was behind Cao Cao, made a noise that Cao Cao was alerted.

Coming to his senses, Cao Cao kept looking at the letter in his hand, and then at Lu Su.

"This...is it really Zhongshan's work?"

Hmm...maybe not?

Lu Su spoke the truth honestly, but Cao Cao shook his head repeatedly: "Only someone with lofty ambitions could compose such a poem!"

"Liu Zhongshan, what a fine Liu Zhongshan! He truly delights me!"

Cao Cao accepted the letter and drank with Lu Su all night long, learning many things about Liu Miao from Lu Su.

When Cao Cao learned that Liu Miao also had a fondness for beautiful women, he was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Zhongshan understands me! Zhongshan understands me!!"

"If Zhongshan were here, I would definitely become sworn brothers with him!"

"..."

Lu Su was also extremely happy, pleased that Liu Miao had found another ally. But when he saw Cao Cao again the next day, he was completely dumbfounded.

Cao Cao, who had been proclaiming his desire to become sworn brothers with Liu Miao the night before, now looked at Lu Su with a gaze filled with apprehension, and his attitude was no longer as enthusiastic as it had been the day before.

"baffling……"

Lu Su, unaware of what mistake Cao Cao had made, immediately packed up his provisions and returned to Luoyang, not lingering with Cao Cao any longer.

Xun Yu also noticed Cao Cao's indifference and even hostility towards Lu Su, so he took the initiative to ask Cao Cao why he was doing so.

"Liu Miao and Liu Zhongshan are truly formidable enemies!"

Although he had never met Liu Miao, Cao Cao felt a chill run down his spine after sobering up from his drunken stupor, thanks to his exploration of Lu Su the previous night!

"To achieve their goals, they'll stop at nothing, even disregarding their own reputation... Wenruo, guess who I'm thinking of right now?"

"I do not understand."

"..."

Cao Cao rubbed his aching head and said, "Never mind, it must just be my overthinking."

"Did you remember what Lu Su said last night about the Three Chiefs and the Equal-Field System? Although Yanzhou doesn't have the conditions to copy it now, it does have some merit and should be studied carefully."

Cao Cao was still reciting the poem Liu Miao had written for him at this moment—

"The Duke of Zhou spat out his food to welcome guests, and the people's hearts turned to him..."

"Liu Miao, why did you write such a poem for me? Does he truly aspire to become the Duke of Zhou and wish to assist the emperor alongside me?"

　Sorry, I didn't notice a splinter getting under my fingernail yesterday. When I found it today, it was already oozing pus, and my finger was very painful, so today's update is a little late.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)