Transmigrating to the Three Kingdoms as Lu Bu: I Have a Pseudo-Apocalypse System

In July of the sixth year of the Chuping era (195 AD), in Chang'an, at the Prince of Jin's residence.

With the cabinet, the six ministries, and the censorate fully established, and all officials and clerks in place, the first plenary meeting of the cabinet of the Prince of Jin's residence was held after the handover of the old positions by the ministers.

Lü Bu sat in the main seat, while the nine cabinet ministers—Jia Xu (Grand Secretary and Minister of Personnel), Chen Gong (Second Grand Secretary and Minister of Revenue), Zhang Liao (Second Grand Secretary and Minister of War), Guo Jia, Shi Sunrui (Imperial Censor), Xun You, Ju Shou (Acting Minister of Rites), Zhang Song, and Cheng Lian (Commander of the Imperial Guard)—sat on either side. Zuo Feng, Acting Minister of Works, and Zhong Yao, Acting Minister of Justice, were also present at the meeting.

Dian Wei and Xu Chu, two bodyguards specially recruited by Lü Bu from the local area, stood by the door.

Jia Xu reported first: "My lord, the southern lords have responded. Sun Ce sent Zhang Hong as an envoy to submit a memorial acknowledging his allegiance and requesting the governorship of Yangzhou. He agreed to hand over 10,000 troops, a hostage to his brother Sun Quan, and 20% of the taxes to be paid, but requested permission to attack Huang Zu of Jiangxia."

Lu Bu sneered: "Sun Bofu wants to use my name to avenge his father and expand his territory. He's shrewd."

Guo Jia laughed and said, "However, this plan is also beneficial to our lord. If we allow Sun Ce to attack Huang Zu, Liu Biao of Jingzhou will definitely divide his troops to guard Jiangxia. We can take advantage of this situation and go down the river from Yizhou to attack Jingzhou. Moreover, if Sun Ce and Liu Biao fight each other, they will both be severely injured, and our lord can reap the benefits."

Lü Bu nodded: "Let's grant him the governorship of Yangzhou first, and make him hand over his troops, taxes, and hostages. We'll see how things go after he starts fighting with Jingzhou."

He then asked, "How is Shi Xie of Jiaozhou?"

Xun You said, "Shi Xie submitted a memorial acknowledging his allegiance and offering ivory, rhinoceros horn, and spices. However, citing the poverty and rampant malaria in Jiaozhou, he requested exemption from military reorganization and tax reduction, only wishing to pay annual tribute of local products."

Ju Shou sneered: "This is just a perfunctory response. Although Jiaozhou is remote, it has tens of thousands of troops. If they are not reorganized, they will eventually become a hidden danger."

Lü Bu pondered for a moment: "Jiaozhou is too far away to conquer for the time being. We can agree on the surface, order Shi Xie to double his annual tribute, and send his sons to the capital to serve as officials. We can deal with Jiaozhou after we have pacified the Central Plains."

Lü Bu finally turned to Zuo Feng, the acting Minister of Works, who was also present at the meeting: "What progress has the Ministry of Works made?"

Zuo Feng bowed and reported: "My lord, the new spinning wheel has been promoted in Sili, Bingzhou, Liangzhou, Yanzhou, and Yizhou, and the efficiency of weaving has increased threefold. Waterwheels have become widespread in the Guanzhong Plain, and the irrigated area has increased by 20%. The curved plow has been promoted in the northern states, and the efficiency of spring plowing this year has greatly increased. In addition, according to your drawings, my lord, the Craftsmen's Office has produced a waterwheel that can automatically lift water for irrigation, and it is being tested on the banks of the Wei River."

"Very good." Lü Bu was satisfied. "Craftsmanship can greatly improve labor efficiency. The Ministry of Works should increase investment, improve agricultural tools, and increase output."

"promise."

The meeting lasted for two hours, and each matter was discussed and decided one by one.

After the meeting, Xun You and Shi Sunrui walked out of the Prince of Jin's residence side by side.

Xun You sighed softly, "Lord Rui, the cabinet system of the Prince of Jin's mansion is beginning to show results, and the situation is becoming increasingly irreversible."

Shi Sunrui said dejectedly, "The change of dynasty is a foregone conclusion. If we put ourselves in the game, we might be able to slow down the momentum and preserve the bloodline of the Han dynasty."

"Difficult." Xun You shook his head. "Lü Bu is decisive in his actions. If Your Majesty refuses to abdicate, you will inevitably die."

Shi Sunrui's gaze was unfocused: "Let's do our best and leave the rest to fate! At the very least, we must try our best to save His Majesty's life."

The two walked in silence, their shadows stretching long in the setting sun, exuding a sense of desolation.

Unbeknownst to them, Guo Jia was gazing into the distance from a nearby pavilion, observing their expressions.

Jia Xu walked over slowly: "Fengxiao, what are you looking at?"

Guo Jia chuckled: "Let's see how those two loyal ministers who protect the Han struggle."

Jia Xu stroked his beard: "Gongda and Ruigong are both men of talent and wisdom. If they sincerely submit to us, they can be of great use. They have also contributed a lot of ideas to our lord."

"This is their scheme to submit to the imperial family; their hearts are with the royal family, and they will ultimately be a hidden danger." Guo Jia turned around. "Brother Wenhe, although our lord is lenient, there can be no mercy during a change of dynasty. We must keep them under control and not allow them to make any moves that could threaten our lord's great cause."

Jia Xu nodded: "I understand."

……

In Xiangyang, Jingzhou, in the secret chamber of the Cai family residence.

Cai Mao, Kuai Liang, and Kuai Yue met secretly again.

"Chang'an has replied." Cai Mao took out a small slip of paper. "Lü Bu agrees to our allegiance, on the following conditions."

Kuai Liang took the note and read it with Kuai Yue. It was written in tiny characters:

"First, capture Liu Biao and offer him Jingzhou; second, ensure the wealth and status of the Cai and Kuai families, and allow their sons to serve as officials in the court; third, after the success, Cai Mao will become the commander of the Jingzhou navy, Kuai Liang will become the governor of Jingzhou (supervisor), and Kuai Yue will be transferred to another province as the deputy governor (second-in-command)."

Kuai Yue frowned: "You want us to personally capture our lord and surrender him? Liu Jing Sheng has treated us well; this is outrageous..."

Cai Mao sneered, "Brother Yidu, do you still have the heart of a woman? Liu Biao is old, and his two sons are incompetent. Jingzhou will change hands sooner or later. Rather than being conquered by Lü Bu and being destroyed along with everything, it is better to surrender the city and preserve your family."

Kuai Liang pondered, "Is Lü Bu trustworthy? I fear he might betray me after using me."

"A letter from my niece, Cai Yu." Cai Mao took out a letter. "She is quite favored in the Prince of Jin's mansion. Lü Bu granted her request to ensure the safety of my Cai family. Moreover, Lü Bu wants to pacify the world and needs to rely on local powerful clans to stabilize the region. He will not easily break his promise. Judging from the preferential treatment received by Ma Teng, Zhang Song, Xun Yu, Chen Gong, and others, Lü Bu is not the kind of person who would abandon his benefactors after using them."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Moreover, we are not putting all our eggs in one basket. We can make preparations in secret and then surrender the city when Lü Bu's army marches south. In this way, we will neither offend Liu Biao too early nor miss the opportune moment to surrender."

Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue looked at each other and slowly nodded.

"How should we prepare?" Kuai Liang asked.

"First, we need to take control of the city gate garrison," Cai Mao said. "Most of my Cai family members are in the navy, while the land city gates are controlled by Wen Ping's subordinates. We need to find a way to win them over or transfer them away."

"Second, monitor the movements of Liu Biao and his confidants. If there are any unusual movements, strike first."

"Third, stockpile grain, fodder and weapons in secret places for unforeseen needs."

Kuai Yue added, "We also need to contact the garrison commanders of Jiangling and Jiangxia. If we can persuade Wen Ping and Huang Zu to surrender, then Jingzhou can be pacified with a single proclamation."

Cai Mao shook his head: "Wen Ping is loyal and upright, and will certainly not surrender to Lü Bu. Perhaps Huang Zu is worth a try."

The three held a secret meeting until late at night and decided on a strategy of "forming an alliance with Lü Bu externally, controlling Xiangyang internally, and waiting for the right opportunity to act."

……

In early September, the millet fields in the northern prefectures and counties were a sea of ​​golden yellow, with rolling waves of millet.

Under Lü Bu's rule, the nine provinces all enjoyed the most peaceful autumn harvest since the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Outside Chang'an, Lü Bu led his officials to inspect the farmland.

On the ridge of the field, Jia Xu sighed, "Last year, Guanzhong harvested eight million shi of grain, and this year we expect to exceed ten million shi, which is already 40% of what it was during the reign of Emperor He."

Guo Jia smiled and said, "This is all thanks to the Lord's promotion of new agricultural tools, as well as the light taxes and levies. The people have something to gain from their labor, so they naturally cultivate the land with their hearts."

Lu Bu replied, "Sufficient food is only the first step. Next, we need to develop industry and commerce, promote trade, and enrich the country and strengthen its military."

He looked at Zuo Feng: "How is the Ministry of Works' plan for government-run workshops progressing?"

Zuo Feng bowed and said, "We have established government-run workshops in the capitals of various prefectures to produce ironware, salt, cloth, pottery, and other goods. Following the assembly line standardization method advocated by our lord, efficiency has been greatly improved. In addition to supplying the army, the products are also sold to the people at reasonable prices."

Chen Gong added: "The Ministry of Revenue has established a new tax system: one-thirtieth of the land tax and one-tenth of the commercial tax. Miscellaneous taxes such as poll tax and city gate tax have been abolished. The people are now very prosperous and full of vitality. Countless people are grateful for the benevolence of our lord and enshrine his longevity tablet in their homes, wishing him a long life."

"Good." Lü Bu smiled and nodded. "If the southern lords still do not surrender after the autumn harvest, then send troops to conquer them. Make sure that the military provisions and pay are sufficient."

Everyone answered in unison: "Yes."