The Three Kingdoms: The Oath of the Peach Garden, the Rise of the Han Dynasty

The powerful families of Jingzhou and Yingchuan shared the same ambitions as the aristocratic families of Yuzhou.

Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, and other powerful figures in Jingzhou, as well as established aristocratic families like the Xun and Chen families of Yingchuan, were all observing and weighing their options.

The things Liu Bei did in the north were all passed down to us, one by one.

Land surveys, the revocation of appointment and dismissal powers, the establishment of the imperial examination system, and the development of military farms—each measure struck at the very foundations of powerful families.

But the common people actually bought into this, and even though it was a power grab from the aristocratic families, the people supported it.

"This is going to change things for the past two hundred years since Emperor Guangwu!"

"Liu Bei is going to overthrow all the powerful clans..."

In the Cai residence in Xiangyang, Cai Mao stroked his beard, his face grave.

Kuai Yue sat opposite him and sighed:

"Now we have two paths. Either we work together to assist Mengde, prepare our army for war, block Liu Bei's southward advance, and preserve our foundation."

"Or...make plans early, talk to Liu Bei, and see how much of your wealth you can keep after surrendering."

The two looked at each other but said nothing.

Choosing the former doesn't guarantee success; choosing the latter leaves one feeling resentful.

After all, he had dominated Jingzhou for so many years, how could he be willing to easily hand over power? How could the foundation of his ancestors be ruined like this?

But seeing the fate of the Yuan family in Hebei, one can't help but feel a sense of shared sorrow.

For a time, every prominent family in Jingzhou was making calculations in their minds.

Yingchuan, as a long-established family alliance, is quite different.

They had already made their choices. Many of the educated went to Liu Bei's side, while the rest mostly served under Cao Cao, intending to preserve their family property.

……

In Jiangdong, Zhou Yu stationed troops on the border of Jiangxia, engaging in a standoff to wear down Huang Zu of Jiangxia.

In Wu County, in the study of the Wu King's mansion, candlelight burned late into the night.

Sun Jian and his son Sun Ce faced the map on the table, with a scroll of the "Jin King's Military Farming Order" bought from Luoyang spread out beside them, along with copies of the official system of the Three Departments and Six Ministries and the regulations for the imperial examinations.

Sun Ce pointed to the various counties of Jiangdong on the map, then looked up at Sun Jian:

"Father, look at the methods Liu Bei used in the north. He applied them to Ji Province and Qing Province, clearing land, developing military farms, and establishing the imperial examination system!"

I wonder how much grain and fodder Ji Province and Qing Province will provide for them each year!

Our Jiangdong region is fertile and rich in fishing and salt production, but too much land and too many people have been occupied by powerful families.

If we follow suit, within three years we'll have a well-trained army and ample supplies. What's there to worry about in advancing west to Jingzhou and north to Xuzhou?

Sun Jian stroked his beard, pondered for a long while, and then nodded:

"That's true. But the powerful families of Jiangdong are no weaker than those of Jizhou. The Zhu, Zhang, Gu, and Lu families are deeply entrenched."

Liu Bei was able to expand his influence in Ji and Qing provinces because he was powerful and the two provinces had suffered a major disaster, while the powerful clans were temporarily weakened.

"We've enjoyed peace here for many years, and the powerful families have deep roots. Take the Lu family, for example; we've killed so many of them, yet they remain powerful!"

"I know, son." Sun Ce's eyes gleamed. "Let's start with land reclamation, then establish county schools, and slowly win over the hearts of the people."

One day, our Jiangdong region will be able to achieve the same level of efficiency and unity as Hebei.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the faces of the father and son.

The winds from the north have gradually blown to the south of the Yangtze River.

……

With the pacification of Ji and Qing prefectures, land surveys, land allocation, and agricultural development were carried out in an orderly manner.

The peace lasted only a few months.

New discussions arose in the court of the Prince of Jin's residence in Luoyang.

On this day of the grand court assembly, Zhang Fei was the first to step forward from the ranks of military officers:

"Brother! Now that Hebei is pacified and our military strength is at its peak, I request permission to lead an army south, strike directly at Shouchun, and bring that usurper Yuan Shu back to Luoyang!"

Lü Bu also stepped forward: "This humble general is willing to be the vanguard. Yuan Shu of Huainan is nothing but a skeleton in a tomb. Once our army arrives, he will surely crumble at the mere sight of us."

After Huang Zhong's wife became pregnant, he increasingly doubted whether he was getting old!

I'm afraid if we don't fight again, we won't be able to fight anymore!

Some border generals also suggested:

"The Prince of Jin, Gongsun Du of Liaodong, has occupied the border region for many years. He is nominally a Han official, but he demands the governorship of Pingzhou and establishes his own independent regime."

"It would be better to march east, first pacify Liaodong, and then plan our southward advance."

The generals were all eager to take advantage of the new victory and expand their territory further.

However, among the civil officials, Yang Biao, Sima Fang, and others remained silent with furrowed brows.

Sima Fang, supporting himself with his official tablet, stepped forward; his temples were even whiter than before.

"King Jin, Ji and Qing have just been pacified, and everything is in need of rebuilding. The people suffered from drought and locust plagues last year, and have just escaped the ravages of war this year."

Spring plowing has only just begun; mobilizing a large army at this time, with temporary shortages of funds and provisions, could damage the very foundation of the people's strength.

"What Sima Pu She said is absolutely right."

Yang Biao also stepped forward to echo:

"Now that the world is divided into five parts, we have the largest territory and the most stable foundation, so we have the least need to rush."

It would be better to govern the people peacefully, raise troops, and stockpile provisions, using a wait-and-see approach. We can afford to wait, but they cannot.

Both sides held their own version of events, and the audience below was abuzz with discussion.

Liu Bei sat upright in the main seat, and after only a few seconds of contemplation, his gaze fell upon Li Chang, the head of the group:

"Fourth brother, what do you think?"

Li Chang stepped forward with his tablet in hand: "I believe that stability and development should be the top priority."

He ordered all prefectures to intensify agriculture and sericulture, develop water conservancy projects, verify household registrations, and rectify official corruption.

At the same time, more granaries were built along the Yellow River and Qingzhou to continue stockpiling grain and fodder.

The border troops continue their training, but a major war will not be launched for the time being.

As soon as he finished speaking, Jia Xu and Cheng Yu exchanged a glance, both reading the same thought in each other's eyes!

"Storing grain? The Grand Commander is going to perform another ritual!"

The ministers below the hall were also moved.

Since taking office, Lee Chang has never made any unfounded statements.

The talk of stockpiling grain and seeking stability must be backed by grand schemes, either foreseeing years of natural disasters or orchestrating a grand plan that will affect the entire world!

No one dared to ask, and no one questioned it.

After all, every seemingly illogical decision made before turned out to be a stroke of genius! A divine intervention!

Several officials who had been privately considering urging him to become emperor quietly swallowed their words.

The fact that the Grand Secretary and the Grand Commander are both taking a calm approach to development must be due to their profound considerations. At this time, proposing to become emperor would only disrupt the overall situation!

Liu Bei also deeply agreed:

"Alright, let's do as Fourth Brother says, let's rest and recuperate, and strengthen our foundation."

He suddenly remembered something, and his whole body went limp:

"Bingzhou has been plagued by war for many years and has served as the basic logistical support for the front lines for many years, supplying grain, fodder and manpower. The people have made great contributions through their hard work."

"Issue an order: From now on, in all counties of Bingzhou, the grain tax on civilian farmland will be reduced to 40%, and the tax on military farm households will be further reduced by 10%!"

These words caused a stir throughout the room.

Bingzhou was the foundation of Liu Bei's rise to power, and in the early years it was an important source of money, food and troops. Taking the initiative to reduce taxes by 10% was no small amount!

"Our lord is benevolent!"

Both civil and military officials bowed.

After the court session ended, it was once again a secret chamber.

Cheng Yu had just closed the door when he got straight to the point:

"Grand Commander, tell us the truth. Have you performed any rituals or made any predictions? Could it be that another great famine is coming?"

Jia Xu stroked his beard, giving him a "don't hide it from us" look!

"Yes, Grand Commander, if there really is a way to prolong life and accumulate merit, don't forget us! After all, even you can... have many children and be blessed!"

General Lü was incredibly envious!

Li Chang: "..."

I almost choked on my new thermos after picking it up, and then put it down speechlessly.

"What do you mean, 'Even I can do that'? Isn't that expected?"

Jia Xu and Cheng Yu: "..."

If they weren't so old, they would have wondered if Li Chang would have caused them to die without descendants.