The Three Great Han Dynasties: Awaken Liu Bei with a scolding; you weave mats and sell sandals.

"Father, has something happened?"

Xu Shu left the banquet and soon reappeared in front of Liu Hong, his brows furrowed slightly as he asked a question.

He was always very perceptive, and he noticed the hint of displeasure in Liu Hong's expression just now, which is why he asked the question.

After hearing this, Liu Hong smiled faintly and slowly asked, "Do you know about other areas outside of Youzhou?"

For the past three years, there have been numerous disasters, and the gentry in various states have shown no compassion, resulting in an ever-growing number of disaster victims.

Even though my Liu family has done everything in its power, contributing nearly thirty percent of its savings, this disaster relief effort is merely a sliver of hope. It can only save these two or three prefectures; how can it possibly save the entire Han Dynasty?"

Liu Hong spoke softly, his words carrying a hint of helplessness.

The Liu family did their best, but unfortunately, their efforts could not save the world, let alone the common people.

Over the years, these actions have naturally cost the Liu family countless amounts of money, manpower, and resources.

Every disadvantage has its advantage.

The downside is that, as mentioned earlier, they have exhausted their savings, while the upside is that the Liu family has now easily assembled nearly 70,000 elite troops in Youzhou, including those in various prefectures, and the number of other auxiliary troops is countless.

Even more so, nearly hundreds of thousands of rescued disaster victims and refugees took up arms and became soldiers.

Although these people were not yet a real army, Liu Hong had recruited a large number of young men under the guise of local militias, and in doing so, he had amassed a considerable force under the pretext of suppressing bandits in the surrounding mountains.

It was thanks to the Liu family's considerable wealth, coupled with the ever-increasing daily income from Liu Hong's imperial system, and the fact that these militia members were part of the Liu family's business, that they were able to support such a large force.

This process of coming and going is interconnected; otherwise, even with the help of other aristocratic families, the Liu family of Youzhou alone would still be an astronomical figure that Liu Hong and his Liu family behind him could never afford.

"Father, do not worry. Everything is preordained. Believe that a good solution will be found in the future."

Xu Shu spoke again to comfort him.

Liu Hong nodded slightly and said nothing more.

As soon as Xu Shu left, Liu Yuanqi appeared in front of Liu Hong with a questioning look in his eyes.

After thinking for a moment, Liu Hong replied, "It is worth a try."

What about the Yuan family, which had produced four generations of high-ranking officials?

Or is it possible that my Liu family really can't bring down the Yuan family?

"It would be perfect to hand over 60% of the profits to His Majesty. Surely someone will be able to withstand the Yuan family's advance and prevent damage to the Liu family's strength and foundation."

Liu Hong spoke slowly.

This was merely a test by the Liu family against the gentry of the world, and the timing was perfect.

When the salt and iron channels were first opened, there were some pretexts. Even if the amount of one-tenth of the silver was small, such pretexts, coupled with the connections made with the palace eunuchs over the years, were enough to get by.

After the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, Emperor Liu Hong of Luoyang was probably no longer concerned about money; the banditry in various places was enough to give him a major headache.

In doing so, the Liu family was naturally given a good opportunity for development.

The benefits of this are not something that can be easily calculated by counting on your fingers.

"Yes, Master."

Liu Yuanqi nodded slightly, and after receiving Liu Hong's order, he bowed and withdrew to immediately oversee the matter.

The Liu family's snowflake salt can finally be born.

The land of Liu Garden is now the core industry of Guangyang County in Youzhou. It is not the old garden in Zhuo County, nor can it be compared with other places.

At this moment, watching the real snowflake salt slightly turn white, Zhao Feng followed behind Liu Yuanqi with a respectful expression.

Liu Zongren only led a squad of Liu family followers, keeping a close watch on his surroundings at all times.

Although the Liu family has managed everything around them for so many years, ensuring that no one will come to spy on them and discover their secrets, there are still many things that require the right attitude and precautions.

"This is my Liu family's snowflake salt. It looks exquisite and extraordinary."

Zhao Feng felt the snowflake salt's plump, crystal-clear grains, and even he couldn't help but be moved by it.

It should be noted that over the years, even the Youzhou Liu family's salt, which was only slightly inferior to the Yuan family's salt, has brought the entire Liu family astronomical profits. But now, this snowflake salt will surely be sought after by those gentry, and the profits will multiply many times over. The development of the Youzhou Liu family will probably take another step forward.

"From now on, all matters concerning this mountain and Liu Garden are entrusted to you. Do not fail the trust of your lord."

Liu Yuandian nodded and gave instructions.

Now he holds an important position in Youzhou, serving as the Prefect, so he is somewhat distracted and unable to focus on his duties.

Although the responsibility of managing salt is heavy, it should be handed over to someone below in due time, and I can trust Zhao Feng with that responsibility.

The Zhao family of Changshan Town and the Liu family were already in cahoots. Even if the other party had any dirty intentions, they should know that nearly half of the people in the entire Liu Garden were from the Liu family, so the Liu family had nothing to fear.

On the contrary, if the Zhao family of Changshan Town misses out on such a powerful ally as the Liu family, their chances of finding another partner in the future will depend entirely on their own fate.

As Liu Yuanqi left, Zhao Feng quickly put away the snowflake salt, making sure no one else could easily see it.

"Let's produce this snowflake salt first, and then other exquisite items later."

Liu Hong continued to give instructions to Jian Yong, who was beside him, inside the governor's mansion.

As his confidant, Jian Yong naturally nodded in agreement, having already memorized these matters.

"The world is about to descend into chaos."

On the way back to Liaodong County, Gongsun Du did not ride in a carriage, but rode a horse along the official road. Looking around at the refugees, he saw that their numbers were not many, and they were all alone.

His gaze toward these refugees carried a hint of disdain.

These refugees can also be called disaster victims.

If it were in other places, such as Jingzhou, Yizhou, or even Yanzhou, it would be a natural disaster or man-made calamity that could not be prevented.

However, in this Youzhou region, various counties and prefectures have long been engaged in work relief, and the Liu family's businesses are spread throughout Youzhou. Anyone whose family suffers misfortune and is willing to lend a hand can make a living from this.

But these people are now in such a state; they are nothing but lazybones.

Perhaps there are some innocent people among them, but absolutely none of them will survive.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Zan was puzzled.

He frowned as he looked at the peaceful scene around him.

It was even more peaceful than he could remember.

He frowned and retorted, "How could it be a time of great chaos? It should be a time of great prosperity. With the stability of my Youzhou and the strength of the Liu family, I'm sure that when Lord Liu enters Luoyang as a senior advisor and holds great power to implement his principles, the whole world will undergo tremendous changes."

Isn't my cousin exaggerating a bit?