Invincible from the beginning of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 149 Liu Yu's Purpose

The seven major salt merchants are an important source of tax revenue for Xuzhou.

They met Tao Qian together, and Tao Qian had a headache.

I thought the incident would pass soon, but I didn't expect it to last for more than 20 days, which has seriously affected the whole Xuzhou.

In all the counties of Xuzhou, the tax revenue has been greatly reduced.

Tao Qian couldn't sit still anymore.

Tao Qian took the initiative to hold a banquet in the governor's mansion, and invited the seven major salt merchants to come to the mansion for discussion.

In the Governor's Mansion, everyone was present.

"Master Inspector, you have to be the master for us."

"Master Inspector, we are too difficult."

"Lord Inspector, Zhang Ming"

When they arrived, several people poured out their bitterness together, as sad as if the family had gone bankrupt.

Tao Qian had no choice but to comfort him.

"Lord Inspector, if this matter is not resolved, Xuzhou will be doomed," Zhou Tan said.

This is serious, but not unreasonable.

If the salt tax does not come up, this will hit Xuzhou quite hard, and the counties will definitely suffer a serious deficit.

"Everyone, what do you think?"

Wu Zhi slapped the table directly, and said sharply: "Order, Xuzhou is not allowed to sell salted fish."

It's ridiculous not to sell salted fish.

The emperor can make an order, and they Xuzhou will make the world laugh at them.

Tao Qian immediately said: "This matter should be reported to His Majesty, this is not allowed."

Playing to the imperial court, these people are not stupid, the emperor stands on Zhang Ming's side.

This method doesn't work, Cao Xing said: "Then tax it, just like the salt tax."

Tao Qian shook his head lightly and said, "It's okay to collect taxes, but it can't be solved. After collecting taxes, can you sell your salt?"

It still cannot be sold, and the tax is collected, and it is still cheaper than table salt.

Charge higher taxes?
That doesn't work, salt is already a high tax, and it would be ridiculous to charge a heavier tax.

Zhou Tan knocked on the table with his fingers, took a sip of tea and said, "Then collect a tax similar to that of table salt, and then set up more checkpoints in each county, specifically targeting salted fish, and set up defenses layer by layer. It is difficult for fish to move an inch in Xuzhou."

Zhou Tan's strategy was good. If it wasn't for the notorious Zhang Ming who sold the salted fish, with one order, the salted fish would disappear in Xuzhou, and even the government could send troops to seize it.

But Tao Qian didn't dare, not because he didn't dare to offend Zhang Ming, but because he didn't dare to use such a blatant approach.

"Okay, let's do it this way. You can go to the prefects of the counties to discuss this matter. It is inconvenient for me to intervene directly. The prefects of the counties will definitely agree."

With Tao Qian's acquiescence, everything is not difficult.

Qijia left Tao Qian in a good mood.

"Hey, when the tax is collected, the price of salted fish will definitely increase, and we will be able to ship it by then."

Several people laughed and were in a good mood.

According to their estimates, the price of salted fish will definitely rise sharply within ten days.

At this time, the common people will not buy in large quantities, because they have already saved some salted fish, which can be eaten for a while.

It's okay even if you don't eat for a while.

It is not uncommon for common people not to have enough salt for a month or two.

The seven aristocratic families were very happy and went back to make arrangements.

With their contacts, it is no problem for the prefects of all counties to act together.

Two days later, Xi Zhicai received the news that the counties were going to start doing it, not so fast.

But Xi Zhicai had already received the news in advance.

Knowing the news is very simple, and the number of people who know about it will soon expand. After the expansion, Xi Zhi will naturally get the news.

The seven salt merchants were very naive. They did not give Zhang Ming time to react in order to make a surprise attack. After discussing with each other, they decided to join forces in all counties in eight days.

Why eight days?
After calculation, it will take about this time to communicate to the counties and prepare.

"ridiculous."

After Xi Zhicai received the news in a secret house, he felt that these aristocratic families were too naive.

"Zhuzi, send an order immediately, the sale of salted fish is free, and it will be sold all day long, and more sales points will be arranged."

People don't panic when they have salted fish in their hands.

Xi Zhicai wants to take advantage of the time difference to let more people have salted fish, so that he can deal with these salt merchants more calmly.

The confrontation with Xuzhou has begun.

Liaodong Zhang Ming, after taking care of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao for a few days, he finally led his troops south. Before going south, he wanted to meet Liu Yu first. He didn't know what Liu Yu was going to do.

A few days later, Zhang Ming arrived in Zhuo County, where the State Shepherd's Mansion was located.

When he arrived at the place, Zhang Ming handed over the post, and finally he was going to meet another big boss from the end of Han Dynasty.

Liu Yu held a grand banquet for Zhang Ming at the State Shepherd's Mansion, and Zhang Ming also came with great gifts.

"Meet Liu Zhoumu."

Zhang Ming arrived at the State Shepherd's Mansion and paid a grand visit.

"Prefect Zhang, please hurry up."

Liu Yu greeted him at the door, and took Zhang Ming's hand to enter.

"Liu Zhoumu, you are too polite."

The two sat down, and the banquet was ready.

"I've wanted to see Prefect Zhang for a long time, but I just took office and there are many chores, so I only have the chance now."

"It's too late at this time, I've been out all the time, otherwise I should have come to see Mr. State Shepherd long ago."

The two flattered each other and took care of their respective faces.

During the chat, the banquet started, but Liu Yu didn't talk about any serious business.

After the banquet, Liu Yu was concerned about Zhang Ming and the people of Youzhou, and didn't talk about any serious business.

After eating, Liu Yu called Zhang Ming to the study and asked someone to make tea.

"Prefect Zhang, this tea was bestowed by His Majesty, and you gave it to me, and now I brew it for you again." Liu Yu said with a smile after taking two sips.

Zhang Ming also took a sip, and then asked: "Lord Zhou Mu, I don't know what you have ordered, as long as I can do it, I will definitely do it."

Liu Yu put away his smile, put down his teacup, nodded and said: "There is indeed something wrong. After I took office, I knew the hardships of the people in Youzhou. Youzhou has been looted all the year round. It is very difficult, so I want to solve this matter thoroughly."

Zhang Ming rejoiced and stood up and said, "Master Zhou Mu, don't worry, if Wuhuan is attacked, I will personally lead a large army to conquer and pacify all the tribes of Wuhuan."

Zhang Ming said it boldly, which made Liu Yu's face change.

Xu pressed his hand, Liu Yu asked Zhang Ming to sit down, then sighed and said: "Prefect Zhang misunderstood, what can be solved by fighting and killing, your reaction is the same as that of Gongsun Zan."

Liu Yu said again: "I have contacted the Xiongnu and Wuhuan tribes. We are willing to sell them food, salt and other materials, but they will never invade the south."

Historically, Liu Yu really did it, and his attitude towards the grassland is also an important reason why Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan have always been at odds.

Gongsun Zan has been going north to attack Wuhuan and Xiongnu, killing them so much that they dare not invade the frontier.

Liu Yu, on the other hand, advocated a peaceful solution.

Zhang Ming felt that this matter was very dangerous. Even if Liu Yu could do it, his life would not last long. The northern invaders just wanted to relax and accumulate strength, and they would not give up the invasion.

However, Zhang Ming was not strong enough to attack Wuhuan by himself at this time, so he said: "Since Master Zhou said so, I promise that as long as they don't come to plunder, I will never take the initiative to attack or provoke. "

(End of this chapter)