Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3900 What more can be added when one is already wealthy?
The tent was silent, save for the flickering red candlelight.

Zhuge Liang lowered his eyes and pondered for a long time, placing his hands on his knees.

What Fei Qian said was something he had never heard of before. As he pondered it, he felt that the internal system was vast and could seem to be able to diagnose stubborn problems. However, it would be difficult to implement and would involve countless interests. It would require great prestige and a long period of time before it could be expected to be completed.

Now, the prestige of this cavalry commander is certainly sufficient...

The only thing to consider is the long-term perspective.

Zhuge Liang, recognizing the key point, looked up at Fei Qian and said, "My lord, I believe that the equal-field system should, at its inception, clearly delineate land within each prefecture and county, designating it either 'official land' or 'military farms,' directly under the jurisdiction of the government. The produce should be exclusively for national use and military needs, and in years of famine, it can also be used for relief and loans, serving as a foundation for rewarding merit and pacifying the populace. The acreage of these 'official lands' and 'military farms' should be assessed by the prefects and verified by designated personnel to ensure their stability and prosperity."

Fei Qian twitched his eyebrows slightly, glanced at Zhuge Liang with some surprise, and nodded in approval.

This strategy...

If it were more refined, it would have a touch of later generations!

The red line for arable land!

For an agrarian civilization like China, maintaining a certain amount of arable land is undoubtedly an important guarantee for national stability.

But for the Han Dynasty at present...

For the ruling institutions of ancient China, implementing such a strategy would have been a tremendous challenge.

In theory, ancient feudal dynasties did possess some of the conditions to implement policies similar to the modern red line for arable land. However, limited by technological means, governance capabilities, and political systems, it was actually quite difficult for them to truly implement a systematic arable land protection policy in the modern sense.

In theory, or from a social and moral perspective, it is not too difficult to implement policies similar to government-owned land and military settlements to protect a certain amount of arable land.

Because China proposed the idea of ​​"emphasizing agriculture" earlier than any other country in the world, and even took it to an extreme.

During the Han Dynasty, and in most dynasties after it, agriculture was recognized as the foundation of tax revenue and stability, and each dynasty had its own slogans advocating for it.

For example, the Han Dynasty required local prefectures and counties to "make the most of the land" and encouraged land reclamation.

The Tang Dynasty began to implement the "equal-field system," which attempted to distribute land according to population.

The Ming Dynasty directly used large-scale military settlements, also with the aim of expanding and consolidating arable land.

There were also specific laws against encroaching on farmland; for example, the Tang Dynasty prohibited temples from encroaching on fertile land...

However, for the feudal dynasties of ancient China, the biggest limitation was not policies and laws, but specific technological limitations, governance capabilities, and economic planning.

Unlike later generations who could use satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems to plan and determine arable land area, in ancient times, data could only be determined by manual measurement. This resulted in not only outdated data but also significant errors, making it susceptible to manipulation.

Even if the central government sends personnel to conduct a review, it would be difficult to conduct a thorough verification of such a large amount of land across the country and its counties.

Moreover, there is a possibility that policies from above will be countered from below. In order to achieve political achievements or deceive inspections, some people will wantonly destroy the soil and water, burn the land to make up the numbers, and seize and divide up the original fertile land...

Whether to switch from mulberry to rice or from rice to mulberry, isn't it all just a matter of saying one thing and meaning another?
"To protect this land, we must vigorously establish village schools!"

Zhuge Liang had likely considered this issue extensively beforehand, so before Fei Qian could even point out the shortcomings of the current farmland red line policy, he proposed a supplementary strategy: "Village schools, established in villages, are not merely for training officials, but primarily for educating the people, enabling children and adults to read and write, understand court laws, agricultural techniques, and basic human relationships. In this way, government orders can be directly communicated to the village schools, and the people can also gain some understanding of the situation between the higher and lower levels. If powerful and corrupt officials forcibly seize land, the people can also reach the authorities and protect their land."

Is there another channel for ordinary people to voice their opinions?
Fei Qian nodded in agreement.

The Chinese people desperately lack channels to voice their opinions!
Zhuge Liang spoke eloquently, "Secondly, my lord's method of inspection should be widely implemented. Select officials who are knowledgeable in law and reason, and have them regularly tour the prefectures, counties, and villages, not for taxation, but specifically to handle lawsuits, resolve disputes, proclaim laws and regulations, and investigate cases of corrupt officials and powerful figures abusing their power. This method can divide the power of local clans, prevent officials from abusing their authority to harm the local people, and also allow for direct investigation of the people's suffering and understanding of public opinion. The village schools and the inspection teams, in turn, can help to connect the bloodlines and perhaps alleviate the difficulty of implementing government orders in the countryside."

Township schools plus patrol inspectors?

Fei Qian stroked his beard and pondered.

Zhuge Liang's gaze was filled with admiration, but also with worry. He said, "My lord wishes to change the laws that have stood the test of time, considering the implications for the world. I admire you greatly! However, such reforms are far-reaching and will have far-reaching consequences... If implemented in Shandong, they will inevitably backfire and be misinterpreted... I am truly worried for my lord..."

At this point, Zhuge Liang suddenly realized something. "My lord, you have halted your troops and built a platform before Sishui Pass to invite Cao Cao to a meeting. Could it be... not merely to buy time, but also... to allow him to gather the remaining forces of Shandong and unite the powerful figures of the surrounding prefectures and counties who are observing the situation?"

Upon hearing this, Fei Qian was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "As expected, nothing can hide from Kongming!"

Fei Qian initially wanted to encircle and annihilate Cao Cao in the Heluo region to achieve a complete victory in one fell swoop, but unfortunately, his opponent could not always act according to his plan.

Therefore, after Cao Cao realized Fei Qian's intentions and fled back to Sishui Pass, Fei Qian immediately made corresponding adjustments...

Since Cao Cao wanted to use a delaying tactic, Fei Qian simply went along with it and prepared for the worst!

Once Cao Cao had gathered the last remaining dissidents and hesitant forces in Shandong...

Zhuge Liang clapped his hands and laughed, "In this way, the official farmland and military settlements in Shandong are secured!"

Zhuge Liang's eyes gleamed, as if his CPU were operating at supersonic speed. "My lord, your insight is boundless, your understanding encompasses the entire land. This strategy is brilliant! First, we can acquire their land; second, we can take advantage of the situation to implement our new laws! Standardize writing and unify the gauge of carts! With a standardized writing system, documents can reach anywhere in the land, and decrees can be effectively communicated. Even with a hundred different dialects, there will be a common written language. With standardized carts, roads will be unobstructed, goods will flow freely, troops can be quickly deployed, the grain from Guanzhong can supply the northern frontier, and the brocade from Bashu can be transported to the Central Plains!"

Zhuge Liang quickly devised a plan: "Firstly, the standardization of language does not lie in official edicts and proclamations, but in using the most concise language to explain the most basic laws, agricultural practices, arithmetic, and moral principles. This can be taught in village schools, especially for children. In this way, even the Cong and Qiang people, if their children are allowed to attend school, will gradually learn to speak Mandarin and Chinese. If their villages have matters to discuss with the government… we can use your Thousand Character Classic…"

Fei Qian waved his hand to correct him, "It is the 'Cai Family Thousand Character Classic'..."

Zhuge Liang changed his tune, saying, "Yes, the *Cai Family Thousand Character Classic*, supplemented by the *Essentials of Civil Law* and the *Liu Family Calendar*... will make it a common text throughout the land and countryside!"

"The same applies to the same tracks!" Zhuge Liang became increasingly excited as he spoke, counting on his fingers. "This can be used to establish post stations! With fixed routes and time limits, and clear rewards and punishments, we can ensure the transmission of government orders and military intelligence, collect local stories, and report them to the emperor! Furthermore, we can survey the terrain and inspect key points! When roads are open, merchants gather; when merchants gather, wealth flows; when wealth flows, the people prosper; when the people prosper, the region is stable, and government orders are easier to implement!"

A post station?

Or is it the Road Administration Bureau?
Fei Qian pondered for a moment.

"As for the various tribal villages..." Zhuge Liang continued, "We can appoint the sons of enlightened chieftains from their respective tribes as 'village advisors,' and establish official markets near the villages to purchase their mountain goods, medicinal herbs, and furs, and sell their salt, iron, cloth, and utensils... Once there is trade, we can establish a unified language and customs! Gradually, they will be influenced by Chinese customs, and then we can proceed with education!"

"As for local powerful families and wealthy clans, this should also be an opportunity to thoroughly survey the land, draw up maps, and establish a new land administration office specifically to investigate those who conceal land ownership or evade taxes," Zhuge Liang said sharply. "In addition, we should emulate the Xiping Stone Classics, and have the 'Essentials of Civil Law,' new land regulations, and tax standards, etc., in concise language, engraved on stone tablets in villages, towns, and markets!"

Fei Qian listened and couldn't help but nod in approval.

What Zhuge Liang described were essentially long-term governance principles that combined principle and flexibility. He acknowledged differences and difficulties, but emphasized the need to establish and maintain a series of standards and channels. Through written language, roads, laws, and economics, he aimed to gradually reduce governance costs, penetrate the central government's influence, integrate different ethnic groups, and ultimately pave the way for more substantial institutional changes such as "land to the tiller."

Most of the suffering in China actually stemmed from the fact that "farmers had no land".

Or perhaps it's true that this applies to the whole world...

The means of production and daily life needed by the masses are always in the hands of a few.

However, what pleased Fei Qian most was not Zhuge Liang's intelligence or ability to draw inferences from one instance to another, but rather that Zhuge Liang's suggestions demonstrated his concern for the common people and his conscious efforts to guide their growth...

This is very important, and very special.

Are those people who flash their credentials, open their boxes, and break into homes at night just isolated incidents?
"My lord's strategy, though seemingly slow, is actually firm; though seemingly complex, is actually essential," Zhuge Liang said slowly, his tone filled with admiration and感慨. "However, such a great undertaking requires a large number of honest and capable officials, sustained investment of national strength, and a stable central government. It cannot be wavered... The slightest slackening will lead to the loss of all previous achievements and the resurgence of old problems..."

Fei Qian nodded and sighed, "Even with the Qin Dynasty's standardization of writing and systems, the Han Dynasty needed to inherit the Qin system to achieve a stable foundation... Our role is like laying the foundation for a high platform... Whether future generations can uphold it or adapt it to the times... is beyond our control... We only need to ensure the direction is clear and the foundation is solid."

Fei Qian gazed at the deep night outside the tent, as if his gaze had pierced through the camp and reached the vast and complex landscape of the Han Dynasty.

Zhuge Liang remained silent and also looked out of the tent.

The night wind howled, yet it seemed to carry the scent of distant mountains and rivers.

The road ahead is long, but at least the candlelight in the tent tonight has sketched out a rough, albeit incomplete, outline for this long journey.

At the heart of this picture is that simple word "same".

Same text, same track, same principles...

The world is unified, and the world is one.

It is not only a symbol of unity, but also the cornerstone of effective governance, a bridge connecting the central government with the border regions, the Chinese with the surrounding ethnic groups, and ideals with reality...

Building this bridge required not only the emperor's boldness, but also the patience and wisdom of countless successors.

Like Fei Qian, and like Zhuge Liang.

……

……

Sishui Pass.

The devastating news of the fall of Ye City and the capture of his family tore at Cao Cao's heart, causing him immense suffering.

But Cao Cao not only had to keep the news secret, but also insisted on not collapsing, at least not showing any weakness in front of others.

He is the prime minister and the commander-in-chief of the three armies!

It is the center of attention for countless pairs of eyes, whether expectant, fearful, or spying, within this crumbling Sishui Pass!

He cannot collapse, much less fall!
Even the time to stop and rest is extremely limited...

He still persevered, appearing before everyone every day fully dressed in protective gear.

Although his face looked haggard, his eyes deliberately maintained their usual sharpness...

It even had a more intimidating, cold glint than usual.

Almost every day, Cao Cao, accompanied by Dian Wei and his personal guards, would inspect the walls of Sishui Pass, check the defenses, and have brief conversations with the officers and soldiers on duty. Although Cao Cao's voice was somewhat hoarse, it still carried an undeniable air of authority.

Despite the barely concealed bewilderment in the eyes of some generals and officers, Cao Cao still had to put on a smile, occasionally squeezing out a few words to boost morale, or making corresponding adjustments to some details of the city's defenses.

He had to make everyone see that Prime Minister Cao was still alive!
He had to let everyone know that he hadn't lost yet!
however……

This tough exterior, after returning to the house that served as his temporary headquarters, could no longer hold up when Cao Cao was alone, and it began to crumble...

He dismissed his attendants, leaving only Dian Wei to guard the door. Cao Cao practically collapsed onto the couch, supporting his forehead with his hand and closing his eyes for a long time before he could suppress the waves of dizziness and pain that were washing over him.

He knew he was in a bad state, not just from the mental blow, but also from the anxiety, exhaustion, and anger that had been building up over the past few days, which had already sent serious warning signals to his no-longer-young body.

But he dared not announce the doctor's visit, nor even let his own family members, the military officers and soldiers of the Cao and Xiahou clans, notice too much of the abnormality.

In this tense and unsettling time, if he were to develop any health problems...

Even the slightest hint of trouble could be the last straw that breaks the camel's back!
Just as Cao Cao was finally able to calm his breathing and try to think about the current predicament and make a plan, there was another careful knocking sound outside the door, followed by Dian Wei's hushed voice...

"My lord, a secret report has arrived."

"Come in."

Cao Cao took a deep breath, sat up straight, and tried his best to keep his voice steady.

Dian Wei pushed open the door and entered, holding a tightly sealed bamboo tube in his hands. The mouth of the tube was sealed with sealing wax, and there was a special mark pressed on the wax.

Since the death of the Cao family's retainer in Ye City, the messengers who followed have clearly learned their lesson...

Dian Wei gently placed the bamboo tube on the table in front of Cao Cao, then lowered his hands and retreated to the door, but did not close the door, instead silently standing guard outside.

Dian Wei's eyes were filled with worry, but he remained dutiful and did not ask any further questions.

Cao Cao's gaze fell on the bamboo tube.

He suddenly felt as if it were not a bamboo tube, but a coiled venomous snake.

The sealing wax mark looked somewhat glaring under the dim light, like the fangs of a venomous snake.

After a long while, Cao Cao finally reached out his hand, his fingertips lingering on the cool surface of the bamboo tube for a moment, and he couldn't help but tremble...

Another secret report...

At this critical juncture, what good news could possibly come from?
Cao Cao could almost foresee that what was sealed inside that thin bamboo tube was probably another poisoned dagger aimed at his heart.

He hesitated.

A strong sense of resistance welled up inside him!

A resistance that wanted to sweep the bamboo tube to the ground so as to avoid facing it...

Or escape.

But running away solves nothing; it only makes things worse out of ignorance...

After a long while, Cao Cao finally let out a breath, then slowly picked up the small knife on the table and carefully removed the sealing wax.

Cao Cao's movements remained steady, but the tension in his heart had been stretched to its limit.

The bamboo tube was opened, and a roll of thin silk was pulled out.

Unfolding it, familiar handwriting came into view; it was an urgent report jointly signed by Cao Zhen and Cao Zhang.

The handwriting was somewhat messy, revealing a hasty handwriting...

Cao Cao's eyes quickly swept over the words on the silk, and his fingers gripping the silk tightened suddenly, his knuckles turning white.

The dizziness struck again, more intensely than ever before!
His vision blurred, his ears rang, and an indescribable, metallic taste filled his mouth.

He felt a tingling sensation in his hands and feet, and could barely hold onto the light silk!
Cao Cao's body swayed involuntarily, and he quickly used his other hand to brace himself against the edge of the table, making a dull thud.

"My lord!"

Upon seeing this, Dian Wei stepped forward, but dared not rashly offer to help, and could only anxiously call out in a low voice.

Cao Cao closed his eyes tightly, forcibly swallowing the metallic taste in his throat, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

He cannot fall, absolutely not!
He roared at himself in his heart...

It took a full half-cup of tea time for the dizziness to subside slightly, and blurry light and shadow returned to my vision.

Cao Cao waved his hand to indicate that he was "fine," but his gaze couldn't help but linger on the silk again...

The message on the silk was as sharp as a knife!

Wei Yan feigned running out of supplies and fled. Cao Zhang, eager for victory, failed to investigate thoroughly and rashly pursued him, falling into an ambush!
Cao Zhen's attempt to rescue them was also thwarted by Zhao Yun!
Not only did the two suffer heavy losses, but they also lost control of part of Chenliu!
The local forces in Chenliu County who were originally observing the situation either defected or closed their doors to protect themselves. Cao Cao's control over Chenliu has collapsed!

Wei Yan and Zhao Yun are taking advantage of the situation to launch an attack, and the cities of Chenliu are in imminent danger!
Cao Zhen led his remaining troops to join Cao Hong and was doing his best to stop them...

Cao Zhang's injuries worsened, and he fled back to Qiao County...

Cao Cao took a deep breath, feeling his mouth filled with a fishy, ​​foul smell.

Chenliu!

That was an important prefecture-state that connected Yanzhou and Yuzhou, and shielded the old territory of Xu County!
If Chenliu is lost, it will not only mean that the eastern barrier will be opened, but also that the westward passage for the Shandong troops to come to the aid of the emperor will be cut off. Cao Cao's "second alliance" may die before it even takes shape!
The appearance of Zhao Yun's troops further signifies that the Flying Cavalry has initially stabilized in Hanoi and Ji Province and is beginning to extend its reach into the heart of Yan Province!

Cao Cao almost ground his teeth to powder...

Bad news came one after another, mercilessly crushing his remaining hope.

With Yecheng lost, Chenliu is also in danger, Fei Qian is eyeing the pass from outside, and the people inside are scattered...

He felt as if he had been forced to the edge of a cliff, and the only thing he could hold on to was crumbling inch by inch.

"Heh...hehe..."

Cao Cao let out a few low, hoarse, bitter laughs.

He slowly rolled up the silk, clenched it tightly in his hand as if he wanted to crush it, but then helplessly let go.

We mustn't panic! We mustn't panic!
He forced himself to calm down again.

Although Chenliu is in danger, Cao Ren should have already received the previous order and is gathering the remaining troops in Jingzhou and contacting the Shandong troops to come.

Now, we must get him here even faster!
We must act before Chenliu falls completely and before Zhao Yun and Wei Yan gain a foothold!
Cao Cao picked up his brush, but his wrist trembled slightly uncontrollably.

He steadied himself, gathered all the remaining strength in his body, and wrote down each word carefully...

My dear brother, Zixiao, the situation is dire! Ye City has fallen, and Chenliu is on the verge of collapse. The treacherous Zhao and Wei forces have penetrated deep into Yanzhou, cutting off our eastern route; their intentions are unfathomable. Food supplies within the pass are dwindling daily, and morale is low; we cannot hold out for long. Upon receiving this letter, immediately abandon your trivial affairs in Yingnan, mobilize all loyal troops to serve the emperor, and march day and night directly to Sishui! Delay will likely lead to the fall of the pass, the emperor's demise, and the Cao family's demise! I urge you! Your brother's letter.

This was the last hope, and also a clear instruction given to Cao Ren.

Forget about whether those scattered remnants and uncertain rebel forces can be fully integrated. We must get to Sishui Pass as quickly as possible with all the men we can bring!
This area needs troops, fresh blood and fresh soldiers to stabilize the defensive line, and even...

Seeking even the slightest chance to turn things around.

After Cao Cao finished writing the letter, affixed his seal, and handed it to Dian Wei, instructing him, "Arrange for men to deliver it to Zixiao via express courier, at any cost!"

"Yes!" Dian Wei accepted it with both hands, then turned and left.

Inside, deathly silence returned.

Cao Cao sat alone under the dim lamplight, staring blankly at the flickering flames.

Report!

After an unknown amount of time, more soldiers arrived.

Cao Cao's heart clenched suddenly. He gritted his teeth and asked, "What is it?!"

The soldier's head almost dug into the floorboards as he cried out, "Reporting, reporting to the Prime Minister... Young Master Shuo has returned... He has entered the pass..."

Cao Cao frowned immediately, then beamed with joy, "How many troops can you bring?!"

"Uh..." the soldier's voice was barely audible, "Reporting, reporting to the Prime Minister... there are no troops... only, only a few riders..."

"Huh?!" Cao Cao glared, then waved his hand helplessly after a long pause, "Tell that rebellious son to come see me!"

The soldiers hurriedly left.

The night was still long, but the chill had already seeped into Cao Cao's bones...