I did it all for the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 175 Even copying answers is difficult
Then, as if he were seeing Liu Bei for the first time, Cao Cao immediately exclaimed in surprise, "Xuande, what are you doing here?"

When Liu Bei was under the protection of Tao Qian, he had fought against Cao Cao many times, so the two were not strangers.

However, despite being enemies, Liu Bei didn't harbor much hatred towards Cao Cao... at least not at the moment.

Cao Cao's attack on Xuzhou was primarily to avenge his father.

Can the ninth generation still take revenge? Although it lasts for a hundred generations!

Although they were enemies, it was more accurate to say that Cao Cao's act of seeking revenge in a fit of rage was quite to Liu Bei's liking, making Liu Bei think that Cao Cao was also a person who could settle scores quickly and decisively.

In particular, since Cao Cao had indeed welcomed back the Han emperor, allowing the Han court to retain some dignity, Liu Bei still upheld etiquette and bowed to Cao Cao, saying, "Greetings, Minister of Works."

Although there were formalities, it was not as warm as when he had met Liu Miao before. Fortunately, Cao Cao did not mind and stepped forward to help Liu Bei up: "Xuande, why do you need to perform such a grand ceremony? Haha."

As the host, Cao Cao led Liu Miao and Liu Bei onto the high platform that had been prepared beforehand: "Today is a victory celebration banquet, Zhongshan Xuande, please don't be shy~"

Above the high platform, beside the twenty-zhang-high cypress wood steps of the Bailiang Terrace, the flames of the bronze sparrow lanterns danced in the bronze lamps adorned with coiled dragons. Three long tables, covered with tiger-patterned brocade, cascaded down the high steps. Guest officials led the way, carrying gilded and silver inlaid Boshan censers, while clerks filed in, holding gilded bronze goblets with bear-shaped feet. The rich aroma of peppered liquor, mingled with the fragrance of newly harvested rice, wafted into everyone's nostrils even before the guests ascended the steps.

The Huaibei area is flat, and once you climb up to the high platform, you can truly see the endless horizon!
Cao Cao took his seat at the head of the table, raised his cup, and said to Liu Miao, "The pacification of Yuan Shu this time is all thanks to Zhongshan!"

The implication was to tell the world, especially Yuan Shao, that Yuan Shu did not die at the hands of Cao Cao!

This was something the two had agreed upon long ago, so Liu Miao naturally accepted the cup of wine: "It is my duty to punish the traitors for the Han!"

"What a fine example of 'duty without shirking responsibility'!"

Cao Cao and Liu Miao exchanged a respectful bow from afar. In the blink of an eye, the green wine in the dragon-embroidered lacquer cup disappeared completely.

"Good wine!"

Lingjiu, also known as Linghu wine, gets its name from Linghu Lake, where the water used for brewing is taken from the west bank of the Leishui River on the east bank of the Xiangjiang River.

This was the first time Liu Miao had tasted such a delicious and mellow wine, and he immediately exclaimed in admiration!

"It is indeed fine wine."

Cao Cao laughed and said, "Even in the imperial treasury, there is only one jar like this."

"It's a pity that this Ling wine must be brewed with the water from Ling Lake, which lies on the west bank of the Lei River and the east bank of the Xiang River. After drinking it today, I'm afraid I don't know when I'll be able to drink such fine wine again!"

Liu Miao laughed and said, "Mengde, what are you saying? So what if it's brewed with water from Linghu Lake? Just go to Jingzhou to buy it. Do you think Mengde is afraid that Liu Jingzhou won't sell you wine?"

Cao Cao took another sip of Ling wine, savoring its taste while repeatedly shaking his head: "Difficult! Very difficult!"

"Now that Liu Biao disregards the law and ignores the court's orders, I'm afraid he really won't sell me this fine wine!"

"Is there such a thing?"

The one who made that sound was not Liu Miao, but Liu Bei.

Liu Bei looked astonished: "I have long heard that Liu Jingzhou is both valiant in martial prowess and gentle in character, which has brought peace and prosperity to the land of Jingzhou. The border regions are peaceful and prosperous, all thanks to Liu Jingzhou. How could he possibly defy the court?"

Cao Cao continued to shake his head: "Xuande, you don't understand."

"Most people in this world are charlatans who steal fame and fortune, and Liu Biao was no exception."

"Liu Jingsheng is rebellious and unrestrained, and his actions are treacherous. He even went so far as to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth in the suburbs, imitating the rituals of the altars of the state. He can be described as extremely wicked and presumptuous, and his crimes deserve to be punished!"

"Putting aside other matters, he took in the remnants of Xiliang and placed Zhang Xiu in Nanyang, right next to the emperor. But what is the meaning behind this?"

Upon hearing Cao Cao mention Zhang Xiu, Liu Bei didn't say much.

Eliminating the Xiliang group was a consensus among all the warlords in the land, and it was also the most politically correct thing for the Han Dynasty.

Whatever Liu Biao's reasons, the fact that he placed Zhang Xiu in Nanyang, right next to the emperor, is something he cannot deny.

For a moment, Liu Bei was also depressed: "I never thought that Liu Jing Sheng would be such a person?"

"Of course!"

Cao Cao then said to Liu Miao, "The emperor and his officials have repeatedly suffered the hardship of traveling back and forth."

"It is the responsibility of us Han officials to ensure the Emperor's safety! I have decided to immediately quell Zhang Xiu upon my return and protect the Emperor's flank! What do you think, Zhongshan?"

"This is the greatest good!"

Making the Emperor of Han comfortable is the duty of every loyal subject of the Han Dynasty. How could Liu Miao possibly say no?
Liu Miao asked, "Does Mengde need my help?"

"I'm afraid we really need Zhongshan's help."

Cao Cao looked embarrassed.

"Zhang Xiu of Nanyang is nothing special. But if Liu Biao of Jingzhou comes to our aid, I'm afraid this battle will be difficult to quell quickly."

"I hope Zhongshan can provide some support in Jiangxia and Changsha, keeping Liu Biao's forces on the flank, which will make it easier for me to pacify Nanyang!"

Liu Miao did not agree immediately, but frowned and said, "Liu Biao has 100,000 armored soldiers. This matter may be difficult to handle."

Cao Cao stared wide-eyed at Liu Miao.

This is different from what we agreed on before!

You, Liu Miao, are you trying to ask for more money again?
After hesitating for a moment, Liu Miao finally stated his request—

"The north is not yet pacified."

"Yuan Shao's eldest son, Yuan Tan, has just defeated Kong Rong and captured Qingzhou."

"There is also a gang led by Zang Ba of Mount Tai, who are roaming freely between Qing and Xu with their strong army, and their purpose is unknown."

Liu Miao pointed at Liu Bei: "Lü Bu has just colluded with Cao Bao to seize Xuzhou... Now the entire Qing and Xu regions are in complete chaos, how can I remain unscathed?"

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes slightly, already guessing Liu Miao's intentions.

"Is Zhongshan afraid that Lü Bu will cause trouble again and plunge the world into chaos?"

"Yes!"

Liu Miao sighed, "Mengde, look at Xuande, what a good person he is! I never expected him to be bullied to this extent by Lü Bu. Can you just sit idly by and do nothing?"

"If Lü Bu were to attack Xuande in the future and completely seize Xiaopei, he could march into Yan and Yu at any time. Aren't you afraid?"

"Imagine, one day when you are leading your troops to fight against Zhang Xiu or someone else, Lu Bu suddenly appears behind you and launches a sneak attack from the rear... Do you know what that feels like?"

Cao Cao's face turned ashen: "I know."

"No, you don't know!"

"Zhongshan, believe me, I really know..."

No one understood the feeling of having your base raided by Lü Bu better than Cao Cao!

Although Cao Cao had already realized that Liu Miao probably wanted to limit his ambition to seize Xuzhou, Cao Cao couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Xuzhou was what Cao Cao desired.

Nanyang was also what Cao Cao desired!

If you can't have both, which should you give up? Which should you take?
Cao Cao already had the answer to this question in his heart. Although Xuzhou was rich, it was far from Xuchang compared to Nanyang, and therefore posed little threat to Cao Cao.

Moreover, Cao Cao now controls the Chang'an area.

Once Nanyang is captured, the Central Plains and Chang'an will be completely connected, and there will be no need to worry about the connection with Chang'an being suddenly severed.

Therefore, Cao Cao still had to abandon Xuzhou and take Nanyang instead!
Besides...

If we agree to Liu Miao's request, we can directly gain the assistance of both Liu Miao and Liu Bei!

Conversely, if one refuses, one doesn't know what will happen.

So although it seems that Liu Miao has presented Cao Cao with a multiple-choice question, Cao Cao currently only has one answer—

Cao Cao raised his cup to Liu Bei again: "Back then, when we attacked Xuzhou, it was truly a son avenging his father!"

"Xuande! Let me ask you this: if your father were murdered, could you remain indifferent?"

"However, now that Tao Qian is dead and Xuzhou has changed hands, I will naturally not continue the attack."

"I only hope that Xuande remembers one thing: that Lü Bu is by no means a kind person! You must be careful in Xiaopei!"

Liu Bei took a deep breath.

Like Cao Cao.

No one understood the dangers of accepting Lü Bu better than Liu Bei.

So Liu Bei raised his cup in a toast: "Thank you for the reminder, Minister."

Seeing that Cao Cao and Liu Bei had managed to reconcile their differences, Liu Miao knew he couldn't impose any more conditions on Cao Cao.

Immediately, Liu Miao exclaimed with delight, "In that case, there's nothing to worry about in the north! I'm willing to send troops to contain Liu Biao's flank!"

Cao Cao, no longer feeling the gloom he had just mentioned about Xuzhou, immediately laughed and said, "With Zhongshan's help, what can't we achieve?"

"Hahahahaha."

At this moment, the twelve drums below the steps suddenly sounded in unison, and a hundred performers, barefoot, stepped on the five-colored drums and spun upwards, their colorful sleeves billowing like rainbows piercing the sky.

"Here you go—"

With a shout, a maidservant gracefully arrived carrying a silver-gilt lacquered table engraved with cloud and beast patterns. A tapir-shaped goblet carved from rhinoceros horn held lychee honey that looked as if it were made of jade. White horse liver, male pheasant marrow, and carp tail—a truly lavish feast!

With musicians playing music and dancers singing and dancing, the atmosphere of the banquet finally became cheerful, no longer tense and scheming.

Cao Cao, seemingly slightly drunk, asked Liu Miao beside him, "Zhongshan, you've only been in Jiangdong for two years, yet you rose from that barbaric land to conquer Yuan Shu. You truly are a man of great talent!"

"What the court needs now is precisely a virtuous and talented person like you! Why don't you come with me to Xuchang to serve the emperor and restore the Han dynasty?"

Liu Miao waved his hand and said, "What talents could I possibly have?"

"Alas~~~ How can Zhongshan be so self-deprecating?"

Cao Cao pounded his chest: "When Lu Zijing came to me, Xun Wenruo, who was known as the 'talented advisor to a king,' praised Zhongshan's Three Chiefs and Equal Field System to the extreme! How could Zhongshan, who was able to come up with such a good policy, dare to say that he lacked talent?"

Liu Miao waved his hand with amusement: "To be honest, these are just other people's strategies, and have nothing to do with me!"

"And are these two policies really anything extraordinary? They're just about restoring public order and good customs and redistributing land. Any minor official could accomplish this, wouldn't you say?"

"Zhongshan is wrong!"

Perhaps Liu Bei had suffered too much in his early life and hadn't had much good wine. Anyway, he drank most of the barrel of green Ling wine, which made his already sallow skin look exactly like Guan Yu's!
Liu Bei squinted and bowed admiringly to Liu Miao: "I have also heard of the Three Chiefs and the Equal Field Policy!"

"To be honest, I also wanted to emulate Zhongshan's policies in Xuzhou, governing the people with the three chiefs and enriching them through equal land distribution... But alas!"

Even the usually positive and optimistic Liu Bei was now sighing deeply.

"It's laughable, really. Xuzhou was originally much richer than Jiangdong! It had tens of millions of acres of fertile land, but it had nothing to do with the government!"

"Most of the land in Xuzhou is now in the hands of those powerful clans, whose members and sons all hold positions in the prefectures and counties. Many of these scholars are also key ministers who helped their brothers secure their position in Xuzhou. How can I possibly demand their land?"

"The remaining land is not even enough to feed the current population, so how can it be distributed to others?"

Liu Bei had clearly experienced such humiliation before, and when he spoke of it with emotion, he shed tears again.

"And then there are those elders. Although the Han Dynasty governs with loyalty and filial piety, I, Liu Bei, also believe that there is nothing wrong with treating the elderly well. But there are quite a few who are old and do not die, which is treason! They, they... Alas!"

At this moment, Liu Bei looked like a wronged wife, but neither Liu Miao nor Cao Cao mocked him for it.

Everyone here is a powerful local ruler, and we've all experienced to some extent the suffocating feeling of being completely controlled by aristocratic families, like being suffocated by a python.

Liu Miao was alright.

With the help of hundreds of thousands of displaced people crossing the river, they could easily establish order from scratch.

Although the final answer was always one, Liu Miao was able to calculate zero plus one as easily as doing addition, and then quickly write down the answer.

But Liu Bei was different.

Liu Bei did not acquire Xuzhou through violence; in fact, he received strong support from local powerful families in Xuzhou during the acquisition process.

Asking Liu Bei to write down the answer "one" is like asking him to solve the most challenging math problem on the college entrance exam. Although the answer is the same, the process is completely different, making it difficult for most people to solve even after a lifetime of effort.

This feeling of helplessness—knowing the answer but being unable to write out the solution—truly left Liu Bei powerless!
Cao Cao undoubtedly empathized with Liu Bei more deeply.

"Yes."

"But there's always a way, isn't there?"

Cao Cao looked at Liu Miao with a smug expression and said, "Actually, after Zijing left, Wenruo improved the system based on the Three Chiefs and Equal Field System, and named it Tuntian!"

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details!"

Liu Bei was the most excited!
Liu Miao's approach was something that others couldn't learn, nor dared to learn.

However, since both Cao Cao and Liu Bei were "bad students," Liu Bei might have been able to copy Cao Cao's answers!

Cao Cao stroked his beard and said, "Tuntian (military agricultural settlements) can be divided into two types: military settlements and civilian settlements."

“Military settlements consist of a battalion of sixty soldiers or their families, who both rent and guard the land, and are required to pay a share of the rent.”

“The private settlements are those where the government provides the land and the harvested grain is divided up according to a set ratio.”

"In that case, we won't have to worry about insufficient grain harvest!"

Liu Miao stared blankly at Cao Cao.

What the hell?
You've ruined the perfectly good equal-field system.

The way Liu Miao looked at Cao Cao at this moment was like the disdain of a top student for a poor student.

I put the answer in front of you, but you don't even know how to copy it?
What is the connection between this brutal military-agricultural system and the equal-field system in Jiangdong that made the country rich and powerful?
Cao Mengde, from now on, when you go out, you are not allowed to say that you are Liu Miao's student!

(End of this chapter)