Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 718 Nepotism
Xun You volunteered, "My Lord, I am willing to take on the responsibility of establishing an intelligence network. I will definitely build a large and efficient intelligence network to provide you with accurate and timely intelligence."

Cao Cao looked at Xun You with satisfaction and said, "I am relieved that Gongda is in charge of this matter. Everyone, this reform is related to our success or failure, and we must not take it lightly. We must work together to make Yanzhou and Yuzhou a paradise in troubled times and lay a solid foundation for achieving hegemony."

Everyone shouted in unison again: "We are willing to overcome all obstacles for our lord and accomplish great things!"

Cao Cao looked at the high morale of his subordinates and felt a surge of ambition in his heart. He knew that the road ahead was full of thorns, but with the help of these loyal and resourceful subordinates, he was confident that he could make his territory stronger and stand out in this chaotic world.

A few days later, Guo Jia presented a detailed plan for education reform and talent selection. After carefully reviewing it, Cao Cao found that the plan was detailed and comprehensive, with everything from the school's location, teacher selection criteria, to the subject setting, and talent assessment process clearly listed one by one. Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction and said, "Feng Xiao, this plan is very good and can be implemented immediately. If you encounter problems during implementation, you can adjust it at any time."

At the same time, Xun Yu also received news that the agricultural technical team had been formed and would soon be sent to various counties to guide the people in farming. The planning of the water conservancy project had also been completed, and people in various places were being organized to repair rivers and build dams in an orderly manner. After Cao Cao learned about it, he personally went to a water conservancy project site to inspect it. He saw that the people on the construction site were full of energy, moving earth and rocks, and building dams. It was a scene of bustling activity. Cao Cao said to Xun Yu with satisfaction: "Wenruo, seeing that the people are so active, I feel relieved. This water conservancy project is related to the lifeline of agriculture. We must ensure quality and complete it on time."

Cheng Yu also made good progress in commercial reform. He lowered commercial taxes, and merchants from all over the country came to the city. At the same time, he had selected several important transportation routes to hold large-scale trade fairs. He reported to Cao Cao: "My lord, now that commercial taxes have been lowered, merchants have gathered here, and preparations for the trade fairs are in full swing. I believe that soon, the territory's business will flourish."

Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan also worked tirelessly on the military front. They recruited a group of skilled craftsmen to develop new weapons day and night. The intensity of soldiers' training was also greatly increased, and actual combat drills were held frequently. The reinforcement of the city defenses was also progressing in an orderly manner. Xiahou Dun reported to Cao Cao: "My lord, new weapons have been developed, the soldiers' training has achieved remarkable results, and the city defenses are becoming increasingly solid. The strength of our army is gradually improving."

Man Chong was committed to improving the administrative system and supervising officials. He formulated a series of strict official assessment systems and had zero tolerance for corruption. At the same time, he went deep into the counties to understand the actual problems in administrative work and adjust policies in a timely manner. Man Chong reported to Cao Cao: "My lord, the administrative efficiency of the counties has improved, and the official style has also improved greatly. But there are still some officials who are lucky and try to get away with it. I have punished them severely. I will continue to strengthen supervision in the future to ensure the efficient operation of the administrative system."

The intelligence network established by Xun You also began to show results. Intelligence from all over the country continued to arrive, allowing Cao Cao to know the actions of the surrounding forces. Xun You reported: "My lord, the intelligence network has been initially established and is currently operating well. It can obtain intelligence from all parties in a timely manner, providing a basis for your decision-making."

Cao Cao listened to everyone's reports and was filled with satisfaction. He knew that although the implementation of these measures had just started, as long as he persevered, Yanzhou and Yuzhou would be completely renewed. In this chaotic world, he was moving step by step towards his hegemony. However, Cao Cao also knew that the road ahead was still long and difficult, and all the princes were eyeing the world covetously. He had to continue to strengthen himself in order to remain invincible in this fierce competition.

As time went by, the various measures gradually showed results. In the farmlands of Yanzhou and Yuzhou, crops were growing vigorously and a good harvest was in sight. In the commercial trade fairs, people were crowded with goods and a prosperous scene was seen. In the schools, students were reading aloud and talents were constantly emerging. The army had undergone rigorous training, morale was high, and combat effectiveness was greatly increased. The administrative system operated efficiently, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. Cao Cao looked at the various changes in his territory and felt a sense of accomplishment in his heart, but he was not satisfied with it.

He gathered everyone in the tent again and said, "Everyone, now Yanzhou and Yuzhou have begun to prosper, but we cannot be satisfied with the status quo. The world is in chaos and the princes are fighting. We must continue to work hard and constantly improve our strength. If you have any new ideas, you may as well share them with me."

Guo Jia smiled and said, "My lord, now that all affairs in the territory are on the right track, you can consider strengthening exchanges and cooperation with surrounding forces, sharing what you have and what you don't have, and further strengthening yourself. At the same time, you can secretly cultivate your own intelligence force, go deep into the territories of other princes, and obtain more detailed intelligence, so as to gain the upper hand in future competition."

Xun Yu nodded and said, "Feng Xiao is right. In addition, you can promote cultural construction in the territory, promote loyalty and righteousness, and unite people's hearts. Hold poetry competitions, martial arts competitions and other activities to enrich the lives of the people and enhance the cultural heritage of the territory."

After hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes revealed approval: "What you said is all good advice. We must continue to expand development space on the basis of consolidating the existing achievements. We must be cautious when cooperating with neighboring forces to ensure that our own interests are not harmed. In terms of cultural construction, we can start preparations immediately so that the people can be influenced by culture while living a prosperous life. In terms of military affairs, we must not let down our guard either. We must always pay attention to the situation in the world and be prepared to respond to various challenges at any time."

Everyone followed the order, and a new development and reform quietly unfolded in Cao Cao's territory. Cao Cao knew that in this chaotic world, only by constantly making progress could he realize his grand ambition of unifying the world. And his Yanzhou and Yuzhou territories, like the sharp blade in his hand, gradually bloomed with dazzling light during constant sharpening, steadily moving towards the goal of dominating the world.

After discussing with various princes outside Luoyang City about attacking Dong Zhuo and learning from Jia Changsheng's method of governing Jingzhou, Yuan Shao hurried back to Jizhou. He knew that if he wanted to make further progress in this chaotic world, the reform and development of his own territory could not be delayed. After returning to Yecheng, Jizhou, Yuan Shao immediately summoned his sons Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, Yuan Shang, and a group of relatives and children to the hall of his mansion to discuss the reform plan.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn and dignified. Yuan Shao, wearing a gorgeous brocade robe, sat on the main seat, looking at everyone with a dignified look. He stroked his beard and slowly said, "This trip to Luoyang allowed me to see how Jia Changsheng governed Jingzhou. His methods are indeed worth learning from. We in Jizhou and Bingzhou also need to reform and strengthen ourselves in order to gain a foothold in this chaotic world. I have summoned you today to discuss the reform strategy and entrust you with important affairs and territories. I hope you will not disappoint me."

The eldest son Yuan Tan stood up first, clasped his fists and said, "Father, I think the most urgent task is to stabilize people's livelihood. Jia Changsheng opened the granary to release grain to appease the people. Although our Jizhou is rich in grain and grass, after the war, many people still live in hardship. We can follow his example and open porridge stalls in various counties to provide relief to the victims. At the same time, we can distribute farm tools and seeds to encourage the people to reclaim wasteland and resume agricultural production. I am willing to take charge of this matter and make sure that the people of Jizhou can live and work in peace and contentment."

Yuan Shao nodded slightly, with an expression of approval on his face: "Tan'er is right. People's livelihood is the foundation of a country. The northern counties of Jizhou will be handed over to you for responsibility. You must govern with care and let the people feel the grace of the Yuan family."

Yuan Tan accepted the order, thanked him, and returned to his original position. Seeing this, the second son Yuan Xi stood up and said, "Father, I heard that Jia Changsheng attaches great importance to education and established schools to cultivate talents. Jizhou has always respected literature and education. I think we can set up academies in various states and counties, invite famous scholars to give lectures, and not only teach classics, but also add practical studies such as military tactics and strategies. In this way, we can not only cultivate talents, but also enhance the prestige of our Yuan family in the literati. I am willing to take on this important task." Yuan Shao pondered for a moment and said, "Xi'er, this is a very good plan. Education is a long-term plan, which is related to the future prosperity and decline of our Yuan family. You will be in charge of the education of several counties in the eastern part of Jizhou. Don't be perfunctory, and you must achieve results."

Yuan Xi responded excitedly: "I will obey your orders!"

At this time, the third son Yuan Shang stood up impatiently and said, "Father, military affairs are the foundation of our Yuan family. Jia Changsheng's Jingzhou city defense is strong and well-equipped. Our Jizhou and Bingzhou are strong and powerful, so we should strengthen military construction. I am willing to be responsible for building new weapons, recruiting good generals, training elite divisions, improving our army's combat effectiveness, and expanding territory for you."

Yuan Shao looked at Yuan Shang, his eyes full of love and expectation: "Shang'er, I am very pleased that you have such an ambition. The southern part of Jizhou and some important military locations in Bingzhou will be under your charge. You must train the troops diligently and not slack off to ensure that our army's strength remains at the forefront of the princes."

Yuan Shang clasped his fists excitedly and said, "Don't worry, father. I will definitely fulfill my mission!"

Yuan Shao's nephew Gao Gan also stood up and said, "Uncle, Jia Changsheng developed commerce and made Jingzhou's economy prosperous. Jizhou is located in the north, with convenient transportation. If we can develop commerce, we will surely enrich the country and strengthen the army. Nephew is willing to take charge of this matter, set up checkpoints at various transportation routes, rectify commercial taxes, encourage merchants from all over the country to travel, and organize trade fairs to promote the circulation of materials."

Yuan Shao nodded and said, "Gao Gan, I will leave this matter to you. You must manage it carefully, increase Jizhou's fiscal revenue, and provide sufficient food and supplies for our army."

Gao Gan said confidently: "Don't worry, uncle. I will do my best."

Afterwards, several other relatives of Yuan Shao also volunteered to take charge of important matters such as repairing the city, developing water conservancy, managing salt and iron, etc. Yuan Shao agreed to each of them and told them in detail to be responsible and not to slack off.

After assigning various tasks, Yuan Shao said solemnly: "This reform is related to the success or failure of my Yuan family. You are all the pillars of my Yuan family and have a heavy responsibility. When governing the territory and implementing the reform, you must not act too hastily, but proceed step by step and adapt to local conditions. When you encounter problems, think more and more. If you have any difficulties, you can always ask me for advice."

Everyone responded in unison: "We will follow our father's (uncle's) teachings!"

After Yuan Tan returned to the northern part of Jizhou, he quickly took action. He first arranged for people to set up porridge stalls in various counties and prefectures to provide porridge to the victims on a regular basis every day. At the same time, he organized officials to count the amount of wasteland, distribute agricultural tools and seeds to the people, and encourage them to reclaim land. In order to ensure the implementation of the policy, he personally went to the countryside to inspect, supervise officials, and solve the practical difficulties encountered by the people. With his efforts, the people in the northern part of Jizhou gradually settled down, and agricultural production began to recover.

Yuan Xi made every effort to promote educational reform in the eastern part of Jizhou. He issued notices to invite famous scholars from all over the country to give lectures in the academy. In order to attract more students, he not only waived tuition fees, but also provided food and accommodation for poor students. The academy offered many subjects such as classics, military tactics, and strategies, and the students were enthusiastic about learning. Yuan Xi often went to the academy to communicate with students, understand the teaching situation, and continuously improve the education system. For a time, the learning atmosphere in the eastern part of Jizhou flourished and many talents emerged.

Yuan Shang devoted himself to military construction in the southern part of Jizhou and the military stronghold of Bingzhou. He recruited a group of skilled craftsmen to develop new weapons and improve armor and equipment. At the same time, he strictly selected generals, formulated a strict training system, and supervised the soldiers' training every day. He also often participated in the soldiers' drills in person to boost morale. Thanks to his efforts, the combat effectiveness of the army in the southern part of Jizhou and Bingzhou was greatly improved.

After Gao Gan took charge of the commercial reform, he set up checkpoints at major transportation routes and re-established commercial tax standards, which not only ensured fiscal revenue but also did not overburden merchants. He also organized large trade fairs to attract merchants from all over the country to trade. In order to ensure the safety of trade routes, he sent troops to patrol and crack down on bandits. Under his management, Jizhou's business gradually prospered and fiscal revenue increased significantly.

However, as time went on, problems gradually emerged. Although Yuan Tan had achieved certain results in restoring agricultural production, he was somewhat stubborn and did not listen to the advice of his subordinates in the implementation of some policies, which led to dissatisfaction among some people with the government. For example, when allocating wasteland, some fertile land near water sources was privately intercepted by his trusted officials, which caused complaints from the people.

Yuan Xi focused on education but ignored some corruption issues in the construction of academies. Some officials in charge of building academies embezzled money, resulting in poor quality of academy construction. Some academies even collapsed during heavy rains, threatening the lives of students.

Yuan Shang was eager to achieve success in military construction and over-intensified the training of soldiers, which led to exhaustion and a decline in morale. Moreover, when selecting generals, he placed too much emphasis on their close relationship with him. Some generals with real talents but distant relationships with him were not given important positions, which caused some dissatisfaction in the army.

(End of this chapter)