Three Kingdoms: I rely on system loopholes to survive

"In the spring of the fifteenth year, they captured Fucheng, broke through Mianzhu, and besieged Chengdu for several days. Zhang surrendered."

—From the Annals of Emperor Zhao in the Book of Han

Chengdu was just experiencing its first spring rains, and the chill of early spring lingered.

Inside the main hall of the governor's mansion, a huge map of Yizhou was spread out on a table, showing mountains, passes, counties, and roads in meticulous detail. This map, presented by Zhang Song, was even more detailed than Fa Zheng's, marking even remote mountain strongholds, salt wells, and the depth of ancient roads. Liu Bei stood with his hands behind his back before the map, his gaze traveling from Jiange in the north to the south, across the fertile plains of Chengdu, past Jianwei and Zhuti, and all the way to the miasma-ridden lands of southern China.

“Three years… I left by imperial decree years ago, never imagining I would be where I am today.” He murmured to himself, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the table. “It is all thanks to Boheng and all of you! Perhaps there are truly gifted talents in this world, but I am of meager virtue and talent, yet I have been fortunate enough to receive them.”

Jian Yong stood on the left, a rare relaxed smile on his face: "What you say is absolutely right, my lord. In the past, we started from Pingyuan, which was just a small county, with fewer than a thousand soldiers and tens of thousands of people. Now we have the economic land of Jiaozhou and the land of abundance of Yizhou, with a hundred thousand armored soldiers and fertile fields for thousands of miles. This is truly the foundation of our royal enterprise."

Guo Yuan sat to the lower right, the water in his cup now cold. His eyes were slightly closed, relaxing them from the strain of reading bamboo slips these past few days, while his mind raced, calculating the population, land, and profits from salt and iron in Yizhou. Cheng Bing had sent him a thick document on recent trade in Jiaozhou, three inches thick, which he had spent two sleepless nights reading. Though his face showed weariness, a slight smile played on his lips.

"What are you thinking about, Zini?" Liu Bei turned around, casually adding hot water to his cup, his tone slightly teasing. "Are you perhaps wondering when Gongyou will wake up?"

Expanding territory too quickly is also a problem, since new talents have not yet been trained and many important documents still need to be reviewed by Guo Yuan and Sun Qian before they can be trusted. Sun Qian has been working three long nights in a row and is now fast asleep at home.

Guo Yuan opened his eyes and helplessly cupped his hands: "Your Majesty is joking. I was just calculating how much profit Yizhou makes from salt and iron each year, and how many fine horses from Liangzhou could be exchanged for it."

Liu Bei smiled and said, "Zini, are you eyeing Liangzhou?"

The group exchanged knowing smiles. Guo Yuan stood up, walked to the map, picked up a vermilion pen, and began to circle and mark on the map.

"The greatest benefit of Yizhou lies in its salt wells." He first drew several circles around the areas of Nanguang and Jianwei. "According to the maps and records presented by Zhang Song, there are more than ten salt wells in Jianwei and several in Nanguang, producing hundreds of thousands of bushels of salt annually. In the past, when Liu Zhang was weak and incompetent, the salt profits were mostly controlled by powerful clans, with the government receiving only two or three tenths. If we can take back the government-run salt monopoly and reorganize the salt administration, we can obtain no less than ten million bushels of grain every year."

Liu Bei nodded, his eyes burning with determination.

"Secondly, Shu brocade." Guo Yuan then drew a circle around Chengdu. "The profits from Shu brocade are unparalleled in the world. Even when Cao Cao occupied the Central Plains, he still sent merchants to Shu to purchase brocade to supply his army. If we could sell Shu brocade along with pearls, coral, ivory, and spices from Jiaozhou, and open up trade routes between Jingzhou, Xiangyang, Jiangdong, and Liangzhou, the annual income would be in the hundreds of millions."

"Thirdly..." Guo Yuan looked at Fa Zheng, who was eager to try, giving this new strategist a chance to show his abilities.

“Tea!” Fa Zheng stepped forward and pointed to the Ba County and Fuling area. “My lord, please look, the Bashu region has been a tea-producing area since ancient times. The northern gentry, Xianbei, Qiang and Di peoples all love tea. The tea production in Jiaozhou is limited, but now that we have the land of Yizhou, the tea profits can increase several times over.”

He turned to face Liu Bei and Guo Yuan: "Jiaozhou has a seaport, and Yizhou has salt, iron, brocade and tea. If trade routes can be opened up and the north and south can be connected, within three years, we will have sufficient food and fodder and warhorses, and we will have the confidence to launch a northern expedition against the Central Plains."

Liu Bei clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Xiaozhi's words are brilliant!"

Looking at the map, Guo Yuan sighed, "Bo Heng had a plan to 'take Jiaozhou as the base, take Yizhou to the west, make an alliance with Jiangdong, and wait for the world to change.' Now that Jiaozhou and Yizhou have been acquired, and the trade routes are open, we are just waiting for the world to change."

Liu Bei was also filled with emotion. He patted Guo Yuan's hand forcefully and asked in a deep voice, "The matter of trade routes cannot be accomplished in a day. Now that Yizhou has just been pacified, the powerful clans have not yet submitted, and the people are not yet at peace. What strategy do you all think we should take first?"

Fa Zheng and Zhang Song exchanged a glance, both knowing that it was time to make their mark.

"Pacifying the people's hearts and rectifying official corruption should be the top priorities," Fa Zheng spoke first. "Liu Zhang is weak and incompetent, his policies are ineffective, powerful clans are growing stronger, and the people are suffering. Now that we have just pacified Yizhou, we should reduce taxes and corvée labor and allow the people to rest. We can emulate the policies of Jiaozhou by establishing military farms to support the people and by promoting education to enlighten their minds."

"Then how should we deal with the powerful clans?" Liu Bei asked Zhang Song. When he was in Jiaozhou, he had been quite lenient with the powerful clans, but the situation in Yizhou was different. Although Zhang Su was dead, his followers were still around.

Zhang Song pondered for a moment and said, “The powerful and influential should not be completely exterminated, nor should they be completely trusted. They can be dealt with in three categories: First, those who are Zhang Su’s cronies and openly resist the royal army should be punished according to law, their property confiscated, and their land distributed to the common people; second, those who are hesitant and watch from the sidelines should have their private armies reduced, their land limited, and be allowed to pay taxes to atone for their crimes; third, those who are loyal to their duties and have outstanding talents, such as Huang Quan and Wang Lei, can be employed according to their abilities to show leniency.”

After Zhang Song finished speaking, Liu Bei smiled and said, "Xiaozhi is skilled in ingenious strategies and can advise on military matters; Yongnian is knowledgeable and has a strong memory and can manage documents and records. With Xiaozhi and Yongnian, I am better than having 100,000 soldiers."

Zhang Song, having received affirmation, smiled and continued, "Jiaozhou has pearls, coral, ivory, and spices; Yizhou has salt, iron, brocade, and tea; Jingxiang has grain and timber; and Jiangdong has copper, tin, and sea salt. If these four places can exchange goods, the South will be prosperous enough to rival the Central Plains."

"I suggest that a 'Market Trade Office' be established in Chengdu to manage trade routes. At the same time, envoys should be sent to Jiangdong to establish friendly relations with Yuan Shu and agree to trade; envoys should also be sent to Liangzhou to contact Ma Teng and Han Sui to exchange Shu brocade and tea for fine horses. As for Liu Cong of Jingxiang, who has now formed an alliance with you, my lord, we can further deepen this alliance and jointly protect the Jianghan Plain."

Fa Zheng added, "Yuan Shu... this man lacks decisiveness, and his fickle nature should not be ignored. I have heard that Sun Quan of Jiangdong has always been ambitious. In the past, his father, Sun Jian, fought alongside you against Dong Zhuo, so there is still a bond between them. Now, we can send an eloquent and persuasive person with pearls and coral from Jiaozhou as gifts to see Sun Quan and explain the advantages and disadvantages: Your Majesty's acquisition of Yizhou is not for the purpose of vying for supremacy, but rather to resist Cao Cao. If Cao Cao marches south, Jiangdong will also find it difficult to remain unscathed. Only by joining forces can we ensure the safety of the south."

“This envoy must be Ji Bo,” Zhang Song immediately replied. “He has lived in Yizhou for many years, is familiar with southern affairs, and is quick-witted and eloquent. He is suitable for this task.”

Liu Bei carefully noted it down, then bent down and asked, "Ma Teng and Han Sui of Liangzhou have always been at odds. If we were to send an envoy, which one should we choose first?"

Zhang Song felt he had already demonstrated his talent and didn't want to overshadow Liu Zhang. Besides, he had suffered enough from Zhang Su's jealousy and incompetence when he was with Liu Zhang. So he humbly bowed and said, "I am not very clear about the affairs of Liangzhou. What do you think, Xianhe?"

Upon hearing this, Jian Yong pondered for a moment: "Ma Teng is stationed in Huaili, close to the Three Auxiliary Regions and adjacent to Cao Cao. His son, Ma Chao, has considerable influence in Guanzhong. Han Sui occupies Jincheng, which is further west and more distant. We can first send an envoy to see Ma Teng, offering Shu brocade and tea as gifts to test his intentions. If Ma Teng is willing to make peace, we can purchase horses from Liangzhou; if not, it will not be too late to seek out Han Sui."

“Good.” Liu Bei made the final decision. “This matter will be discussed and handled by Xianhe and Xiaozhi.”

Since Liu Zhang surrendered Yizhou, only a few months had passed, and the region gradually stabilized. When Liu Bei entered the city, he ordered that "no one should be harmed in the slightest," and he opened the granaries to distribute grain to relieve the starving people. The people were grateful for his kindness and gradually lowered their guard. Those who had been imprisoned by Zhang Su, such as Fa Zheng and Zhang Song, were also released and reinstated to their original positions.

On this day, Guo Yuan was reviewing the household registration and land records of Yizhou in his official residence. He was getting dizzy from reading so much when he suddenly heard a hearty laugh coming from outside the door.

"Be diligent and hardworking!"

Guo Yuan looked up and saw Fa Zheng, dressed in a blue robe, striding in. Behind him followed a short, stout man with a round face and small, piercing eyes—it was Zhang Song.

"Xiaozhi and Yongnian, you two have arrived." Guoyuan put down the paper and stood up to greet them.

Fa Zheng didn't stand on ceremony. He plopped down opposite him, grabbed the teapot on the table, poured himself a bowl, gulped it down, wiped his mouth, and exclaimed with curiosity, "This is Jiaozhou paper? It truly is 'white as snow and thinner than silk.' It makes me admire that Prefect Zhong even more. I heard he's still unmarried. I do know that..."

Zhang Song laughed and covered Fa Zheng's mouth, saying, "Xiaozhi, you're just being nosy. Drink some tea! This Jiaozhou tea is refreshing and sweet, while Chengdu tea is mellow and strong; each has its own merits." As he spoke, he picked up the teapot and poured tea into Fa Zheng's mouth.

Guoyuan, feeling helpless, seized the opportunity to change the subject, took out a small tin of tea from the cabinet, and handed it over: "This is new tea from this spring, please have a taste."

Fa Zheng's eyes lit up, and he immediately took it, opened the lid, smelled it, and exclaimed, "Excellent tea! This tea has a wonderful fragrance and a long-lasting aftertaste, ten times better than what's sold in Yizhou!"

Zhang Song also leaned over to smell it, and nodded, saying, "If all the tea produced this year is of this quality, why worry about the prosperity of trade routes? I'm afraid those profit-seeking people will be scrambling to trade with us. I heard that our lord intends to establish a Market and Exchange Bureau to manage trade affairs. I wonder who will be in charge of this matter?"

"Our lord has not yet made a decision." Guo Yuan brewed fresh tea and pushed it in front of the two men.

Fa Zheng and Zhang Song exchanged a glance, and the latter spoke up: "Officer, we have a request."

"Please speak." Guo Yuan raised an eyebrow, a guess forming in his mind.

Zhang Song carefully considered his words and slowly said, "Although my Zhang family is not a large clan in Shu, we still have a considerable foundation. Although my elder brother Zhang Su has committed a serious crime and has been executed, I do not wish to be implicated. Therefore, I intend to take charge of the Market Exchange Bureau to manage trade routes for you, so as to atone for my brother's crime. I wonder if you could speak on my behalf?"

Upon hearing this, Guo Yuan secretly praised Zhang Song for being pragmatic. Although this man was not particularly handsome, he possessed great wisdom and was indeed the best candidate for managing the trade routes. He nodded and said, "If Yongnian has this intention, I will certainly do my best. However, the Market Exchange Bureau is of great importance, and it still needs to be discussed between my lord and Bo Heng. I can convey the message, but whether or not to use it is not up to me."

Zhang Song was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.

Fa Zheng, standing to the side, chuckled and said, "Yongnian is about to accomplish something great. But then again, if the Market Exchange Office can be successfully established, it will be a good thing for both Yizhou and Jiaozhou. Does the official know that something has recently happened in Liangzhou?"

Guo Yuan was taken aback: "What happened?"

"Ma Teng and Han Sui are at war again." Fa Zheng, well-informed, lowered his voice and said, "It is said that Ma Teng's eldest son, Ma Chao, is quite popular in Guanzhong, which Han Sui fears, and the two sides are constantly clashing. Cao Cao is eyeing Yanzhou with covetous eyes, looking to profit from the situation."

Guo Yuan frowned slightly. The changes in Liangzhou had added uncertainty to the horse purchase. He pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, we need to send an envoy as soon as possible. If we wait until Cao Cao intervenes in Liangzhou, it will be difficult to buy horses."

“That makes sense.” Fa Zheng nodded. “I’ve heard that Ji Bo is preparing to go on a mission to Jiangdong. As for Liangzhou, I wonder who our lord prefers?”

Guo Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Our lord has not yet made a decision on this matter. You two have been in Yizhou for many years and are familiar with the surrounding situation. If you are interested in recommending talents, you may speak frankly."

Fa Zheng and Zhang Song exchanged a glance, and the former smiled and said, "I do have someone I can recommend—Ma Chao's cousin Ma Dai, who is currently in Guanzhong and has some connections with my family. If we can contact Ma Teng through him, it will be much more efficient."

"Oh? In that case, I will go see Master Gong right now."

Guoyuan stood up immediately.

The next day, Liu Bei summoned his ministers to a meeting at the governor's mansion.

Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, Huang Quan, Wang Lei, and other former officials of Yizhou were all present, as were Guo Yuan, Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Cheng Bing, and other former subordinates of Jiaozhou. They exchanged pleasantries and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Liu Bei sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said in a loud voice: "I have summoned you all here today to discuss the aftermath of the Yizhou crisis and the development of trade routes."

He first looked at Zini and said, "Tell me about the policy of settling down in the fields to pacify the people."

Guoyuan stood up and read out the proposals he had prepared one by one: reduce taxes for three years, encourage displaced people to return to their fields, repair the Dujiangyan irrigation system, establish government-run primary schools... The conditions and provisions both took care of the people's suffering and did not shake the foundation of the powerful clans.

After listening, Huang Quan was the first to express his opinion: "The plan has been carefully considered, and I have no objection."

Wang Lei nodded: "Reducing taxes and allowing the people to rest is a benevolent policy. However..." He hesitated for a moment, "...those confiscated properties and lands, are they really to be distributed to the people?"

Liu Bei asked seriously, "What brilliant idea does Colonel Wang have?"

Having experienced numerous changes, Wang Leilei was no longer the outspoken and reckless young man he once was. After careful consideration, he said, "Distributing land to the people is certainly a good policy, but if it is implemented too hastily, it may lead to chaos. It would be better to first distribute the land to landless tenant farmers and let them cultivate it, and then determine the ownership of the land after three years based on the situation. This way, we can both reassure the people and leave room for maneuver."

Liu Bei nodded: "Mingqing's words are reasonable. This matter shall be handled accordingly."

Fa Zheng listened intently, nodding inwardly. Wang Lei and Wang Mingqing, this man is indeed a promising talent. No wonder Zhang Su was wary of him and sent him to guard the city gate so early.

Next, they discussed trade routes. Fa Zheng stood up and explained in detail the plan of the Market Trade Office: to set up a general office in Chengdu and branch offices in Jiaozhou, Jingxiang, Jiangdong, and Liangzhou; to use Shu brocade, tea, pearls, coral, and spices as the main goods, to open up trade routes between the north and south and exchange goods.

After Fa Zheng finished speaking, Guo Yuan immediately stood up and said, "My lord, I have something to say."

“Please speak, Zini.”

"Xiaozhi's strategy is far-sighted, and I deeply admire it. However, managing trade routes is not something that can be accomplished overnight... Although the powerful families of Yizhou have been suppressed, their foundations remain. If the Market Exchange Office is to operate smoothly, we need someone familiar with the local area." Guoyuan spoke eloquently, "I am not talented, but I would like to recommend someone—Zhang Song, Zhang Yongnian. This man comes from a family in Shu, is familiar with the trade routes between the north and south, and is exceptionally capable. If he were to take charge of the Market Exchange Office, he would certainly be competent."

Liu Bei looked at Zhang Song, who immediately stood up, bowed, and said, "I am willing to serve my lord with utmost loyalty!"

Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then looked at Jian Yong, who nodded slightly.

“In that case, Yongnian will preside over the Market Exchange Office, with Gongyou assisting him,” Liu Bei decided. “Xianhe will be in charge of the affairs and coordinate the north and south.”

The group acknowledged the order in unison. (End of Chapter)