With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

“The powerful families are always in a position of power, and there is never a shortage of officials in their families. As a result, they receive all sorts of benefits. Who would levy taxes on them? No matter how much land they own, perhaps no one will care. At least, that has been the case for many years.”

Looking at Zhuge Liang, Liu Xie asked with a smile, "Will you still tell me that the aristocratic families are all very cultured and kind-hearted? Have they really never harmed anyone?"

Zhuge Liang shook his head, his mood somewhat heavy. "Your Majesty's words today were truly enlightening and insightful, as if I had just woken up from a dream."

Liu Xie said earnestly, "In fact, many people from aristocratic families believe that they have done nothing wrong. They are well-read, kind, and polite. However, they do not realize that they have taken many things that do not belong to them."

Liu Xie spoke frankly, and the two talked as they walked.

The conversation went on for a long time, continuing even after it was completely dark.

Zhuge Liang was very clever. Although Liu Xie's words greatly shocked and stunned him, he could still understand them.

Finally, Liu Xie said firmly, "I hope for peace and stability throughout the land, and for the prosperity and well-being of the people. What I want is for the common people to live and work in peace and contentment, not for the powerful families to live and work in peace and contentment!"

These words stirred up a storm in Zhuge Liang's heart. He truly felt the emperor's determination to reform the aristocratic families and understood the various obstacles these families posed to the country and the people's livelihood.

After a moment of silence, he slowly said, “Your Majesty, while powerful clans certainly have their drawbacks, their influence cannot be ignored. The Prime Minister’s methods this time were too drastic, killing more than four hundred people in Ye City, including women and children. This action may alienate the people. Such a bloody massacre will inevitably cause panic and resentment among the people, and may even lead to more resistance and instability.”

Liu Xie took a deep breath and said, "I am well aware of the cruelty of this move, but is it really feasible to proceed slowly? There are many intelligent people like you in the aristocratic families. They can often see through the mystery with just the slightest clue. Last time, before I left Luoyang, the ministers stood up to obstruct me. If I had been a little more soft-hearted, the rectification would probably have been suppressed by them."

Sometimes, you have to use strong medicine; you have to be decisive and cut through the Gordian knot!
Zhuge Liang sighed, "So His Majesty was worried that if he returned to Luoyang, the ministers would obstruct him even more severely, which is why he asked the Prime Minister to speed up the pace of reform, even resorting to some bloody methods."

Liu Xie said, “I am always grateful for the help that aristocratic families have given to the court and to me. However, many aristocratic families are too selfish and have taken many things that do not belong to them. Each person should do what they are supposed to do: farmers should cultivate the land, merchants should do business, scholars should become officials, and military men should join the army. This is the right path.”

Zhuge Liang praised, "Your Majesty's intentions are excellent, and I have learned a great deal. However, with such a large-scale reorganization, it is still necessary to properly handle the relationships between all parties in order to appease the people and stabilize the situation."

"To date, more than one person has advised me against it, saying that Cao Cao's methods are too drastic, too extreme, and too bloodthirsty. But Kongming, have you considered how much pressure Cao Cao is under in this matter? Does Cao Cao really enjoy opposing the aristocratic families? Does he really enjoy wielding the butcher's knife against them?"

"The powerful families hate him to the bone, and I'm afraid many people already want him dead. Jia Xu once told me that Shang Yang's fate would be Cao Cao's fate. But Cao Cao knew it would incite public anger, yet he still did it without hesitation. How many people..."
Who can truly appreciate the sacrifices Cao Cao made?

Zhuge Liang said sincerely, "It seems that His Majesty understands the Prime Minister best, and conversely, the Prime Minister understands His Majesty best!"

Liu Xie sighed, "It's inevitable that the ministers will obstruct us, because it affects their vital interests, but many things still need to be done!"

“There should be no monopoly in any place or in any aspect. For example, if there are 100 acres of land, but 80 acres of fertile land are held by one person, while others only have a small amount of land, do you think that is appropriate?”

"Then what does Your Majesty mean by cultural monopoly?"

"Kongming, from the moment you were born, you had the opportunity to study and to meet people from other aristocratic families. When you grew up, it would all be natural for you to seek a teacher and pursue your studies. Then someone would recommend you for a career in government. It would be as simple as eating and drinking every day. But what about the ordinary people? They spend their entire lives, and the vast majority of them don't even have the opportunity to learn to read. Are they destined to toil generation after generation? Are they destined to be enslaved generation after generation?"

"Culture is knowledge. In my opinion, it is more harmful than the monopoly of land. Many aristocratic families believe that it is only natural for their clansmen to be officials and study for generations. They have not bullied the people, killed or burned, or done any bad things. But is that really the case?"

Zhuge Liang listened quietly and thought about it seriously.

"As far as I know, most aristocratic families have collections of books in their homes. They regard those books as treasures and never allow outsiders to read them. They only allow their own children to read and study them. They will not share the opportunity to study with others, and they will regard others as a threat. Even if there are academies like Yingchuan Academy and Shuijing Villa, they are nothing more than a joint effort of several large families, open only to their own children or close relatives."

Liu Xie looked at Zhuge Liang, his eyes filled with expectation, and asked, "Kongming, you are also from a noble family, but I am being frank with you today. Do you understand my good intentions?"

A resolute glint flashed in Zhuge Liang's eyes: "Your Majesty, I am willing to do everything in my power to assist you!"

"I want to reiterate once again that the aristocratic families are not my enemies. They have done many things for the country and for me; they are my right arms. I am merely removing what is superfluous from them, nothing more. As long as they are capable, I will still rely on them. But if they are unwilling to let go of anything, then I have no reason to be polite to them!"

"Take education for example. Many aristocratic families believe that if there are more people who study, it means that many people will compete with them for resources. But in my opinion, there are far too few people who study in this society. This is because not only officials need talent, but all walks of life and all aspects of life need it!"

Having said so much to Zhuge Liang, Liu Xie held high hopes for him. He hoped that Zhuge Liang would stand firmly on his side and truly understand his intention to reorganize the aristocratic families.

The purpose of reforming aristocratic families is not to eliminate them, but to establish rules for them, making it clear what they should and should not do!
Liu Xie explained again, "Take shipbuilding and navigation for example. As you know, I have established a navy, but in this area, we are just getting started, beginning from scratch. Studying wind direction, studying how to improve shipbuilding technology, improving navigation technology... don't all of these require talent? For example, farmers cultivate crops, how to improve seeds, how to increase yields, how to better control pests and fertilize... don't all of these require talent? Even our clothing, food, housing, and transportation require talent, but where do these talents come from?"

Liu Xie slowly uttered two words, "Knowledge!"

Only by enabling more people to acquire knowledge can we have more talent and make everything better!
Knowledge changes destiny; knowledge enhances social productivity!
However, many aristocratic families possessed knowledge for themselves, narrowly equating knowledge with becoming an official.

Zhuge Liang was completely convinced by the emperor. He straightened his sleeves and bowed deeply to Liu Xie.

"Your Majesty, you are the true sage and wise ruler who cares for the common people. From now on, whatever you ask me to do, please give the order, and I will do my utmost and serve you with all my heart!"

Liu Xie smiled with satisfaction, "Good, we are both still young, and we must work together side by side from now on. Now there is something I want to entrust to you."

"Your Majesty, please give your orders."

"I order you to rebuild the Dujiangyan Irrigation System!"

Zhuge Liang was taken aback; he had thought the emperor was going to entrust him with something very important.

Liu Xie nodded. "Yes, I have already sent people to investigate. Although Li Bing built the Dujiangyan Irrigation System in Yizhou during the pre-Qin period, it is a long time ago, and many waterways are no longer navigable. You can go and see for yourself. This is a matter of great importance to the country and the people." What Liu Xie truly cared about were people who could do practical things for the people and the country, and who could solve his problems.

In fact, Liu Xie had already sent people to investigate Dujiangyan long ago. In the history of the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang did indeed personally lead people to build Dujiangyan.

He not only paid attention to Liu Xie in Dujiangyan, but also to many other waterways.

For example, the Yellow River, which often overflows, and the Han River, which often swells during the flood season... Liu Xie would never be careless about these matters that are closely related to the vital interests of the people.

Zhuge Liang accepted this important task and, traveling light, immediately set off with his men to Dujiangyan.

Upon arriving in Dujiangyan, Zhuge Liang immediately began his on-site investigation without taking a break.

He led his team to carefully observe every detail along the river and quickly discovered the problem: in some places the river was blocked, and the water flow was sluggish. The river embankment had also developed many cracks and collapses due to years of disrepair.

There were also several areas where serious landslides had occurred before, and the entire river channel had been filled and blocked by rocks.

For several days in a row, Zhuge Liang conducted a thorough investigation and visited the local people. He was focused and serious in his work, and he did not overlook any possible problems.

During the investigation, Zhuge Liang patiently listened to the people's concerns. Local residents poured out their grievances to him, recounting various problems such as poor harvests and hardship caused by water shortages. Zhuge Liang listened attentively and took everything to heart.

Through his interactions with the common people, Zhuge Liang was deeply moved, especially by the longing in their eyes. He finally understood the emperor's true intention in sending him to do this task.

Zhuge Liang immediately wrote a letter to the emperor, intending to ask for instructions on what to do next.
Soon, Xun Yun brought Liu Xie's reply: "Mr. Kongming, His Majesty said that you are in charge of making your own decisions, so go ahead and do it!"

Zhuge Liang nodded and immediately gathered people to discuss the plan and formulate a specific construction schedule.

After the plan was finalized, Zhuge Liang began to organize manpower and resources. The notice to recruit laborers was posted and received a warm response from the people.

Many young and strong men signed up, hoping to contribute to the reconstruction of Dujiangyan and enable themselves and their families to live a better life.

Among the group was a young farmer named Li Erniu.

His family had lived on this land for generations, suffering greatly from water shortages. When he learned that Zhuge Liang was going to rebuild the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, he signed up without hesitation.

"I don't have any great skills, but I have plenty of strength. As long as my hometown can get water soon, it's all worth it, no matter how hard or tiring it is!" Li Erniu said honestly.

As the migrant worker workforce continues to grow, supplies are also arriving one after another.

Zhuge Liang personally directed the operation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the people until sunset before leaving.

During construction, numerous difficulties and challenges were encountered. In some areas, the riverbed terrain was complex, making construction extremely difficult.
In some areas, material transportation is difficult and requires a lot of manpower and time.

But Zhuge Liang did not give up. He kept trying to overcome difficulties and find ways to solve all kinds of problems.

Under Zhuge Liang's leadership, everyone worked with great enthusiasm. They dredged silt, repaired river embankments, and built dams, performing each task meticulously.

Many locals also spontaneously participated, voluntarily bringing food and water, and some helping to move materials, creating a bustling scene at the construction site.

While Zhuge Liang was rebuilding the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Liu Xie was not idle either; he also began to reorganize the officialdom of Yizhou.

Liu Zhang was incompetent and weak, and the officialdom in Yizhou was rife with problems, with corruption, factionalism, and oppression of the people being commonplace.

Liu Xie's approach to reform was completely different from Cao Cao's sweeping reforms.

He first invited important officials from various places to Chengdu, and in an instant, the whole of Yizhou was filled with panic and everyone felt insecure.

Previously, some people had privately speculated that the emperor would launch a reorganization in Yizhou.

Upon hearing that the emperor wanted to summon them, everyone became frightened, feeling that it was about to begin and that the emperor was about to take action against them!

No one dared to be negligent, and everyone rushed to Chengdu. After everyone had arrived, Liu Xie set aside a day to host a banquet at the governor's mansion.

The banquet was very lavish, and everyone was puzzled. Even those around Liu Zhang did not know what the emperor's intentions were.

After the banquet began, Liu Xie said with a smile, "You have all worked hard. Today is just a meeting, so please don't be shy. You are all meritorious officials of Yizhou, protecting the people and working diligently in government affairs. You are all working for the court and for me, which makes me very happy. That's why I am hosting this banquet for you."

Liu Xie met all of these very capable people today, including Huang Quan, Wang Lei, Li Yan, Fei Yi, and Dong He.

Liu Xie was very amiable, and the banquet was very lavish. Soon, the tense and uneasy atmosphere eased.

Liu Xie also took this opportunity to get to know the officials of Yizhou one by one.

(End of this chapter)