Dahan: A 100-year-old veteran, I will build the strongest family

Chapter 80: The vicious scholar Jia Xu offers a suggestion: Take this opportunity to take control of the salt merchants from all over the country in one fell swoop?
After being angrily scolded by Liu Hong, Yuan Feng and other civil and military officials in the imperial palace could only retreat in disgrace.

after all.

Li Hong raised a loud banner, intending to use the money he earned to build an elite army to defend the Han Dynasty.

On the contrary, they would not give a penny of the money they earned to Liu Hong, but would put it in their own pockets.

Liu Hong brought this up, but they are not on the moral high ground at all, so what else can they say?
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid Yuan Feng, Cao Song and the others will not let it go after they left like this, right?"

Seeing Yuan Feng, Cao Song and a dozen others retreat, Zhang Rang, who was standing next to Liu Hong, immediately came over and said.

"Humph, a bunch of guys who only care about their own interests. If they refuse to give up, I will not forgive them! Anyone who wants to stop me from forming this elite army of 100,000 will not be polite to me!"

When Liu Hong heard what Zhang Rang said, his eyes immediately turned cold and he spoke in a cold voice.

When Zhang Rang heard Liu Hong say this, he immediately knew that Liu Hong was serious.

Yes, Liu Hong’s attitude was indeed firm this time.

The reason was that Liu Hong was looking forward to the 100,000 strongest elite troops that Li Hong had constructed for him.

In fact, it is no wonder that Liu Hong cares so much about controlling the army.

Liu Hong was only twelve years old when he inherited the throne.

At that time, Liu Hong was a young emperor, and power was in the hands of aristocratic families and relatives of the emperor's wife.

Enough of being a puppet emperor.

You may even be replaced if you disobey at any time.

Liu Hong knew that the noble families would not agree with him, and would even sideline him for the sake of their own family's power. Therefore, he tried his best to support the eunuchs to compete with the noble families.

Liu Hong was very eager to have his own loyal army and power.

Historically, Liu Hong sold official positions and titles, and deliberately made a lot of money, which he spent on building an army - the Xiyuan Army.

Now Li Hong suggested to Liu Hong that he should select 100,000 strongest young men from the tens of millions of people in the thirteen states of the Han Dynasty to form an army.

How could Liu Hong be willing to let the aristocratic families come out to obstruct him!
"Are the sales of Li Hongxue's salt and Han paper so strong? Are they making top aristocratic families like Yuan Feng and Cao Song sit still?"

Liu Hong calmed down a little and asked Zhang Rang again.

Hearing Liu Hong's question, Zhang Rang hurriedly said:
"Your Majesty, the sales of snow salt and Han paper in the city are really great. I heard that there are long queues in front of every shop. As soon as the snow salt and Han paper are available, they are sold out. It's simply a robbery. The salt in the shops of the major families can't even sell a pound. The Grand Marshal really has a way. He dares to say that he will use the income from the sale of snow salt and Han paper to build an elite army!"

Zhang Rang couldn't help but sigh as he spoke. He had witnessed the rush to buy Snow Salt and Han Paper with his own eyes. Unfortunately, the purchase of Snow Salt and Han Paper was decided by Liu Hong and Li Hong personally. Li Hong's status was not low now, so even if he was jealous, he couldn't intervene. He just didn't know if Li Hong would be sensible and give him some as a gift.

"Oh, snow salt and Han paper are so popular!" Liu Hong immediately became interested when he heard Zhang Rang's words. Liu Hong was very interested in doing business.

"Come on, follow me out of the palace to take a look!" Liu Hong became interested and wanted to go out of the palace to take a look immediately. Zhang Rang beside him quickly agreed and went to make arrangements.

……

When Liu Hong left the palace to check the sales of snow salt and Han paper,
Yuan Feng, Cao Song and more than a dozen other civil and military officials who were scolded out of the palace by Liu Hong came to Yuan's mansion together.

Not to mention Han paper, although it also made huge profits, many aristocratic families' businesses did not involve paper. Therefore, although a number of aristocratic families were jealous of Han paper, for the aristocratic families in Luoyang, what worried them most now was the salt industry.

The salt industry is a huge market, and the interests involved are too huge.

In fact, one of the family pillars of many aristocratic families is the sale of salt.

Now that Li Hong has wiped out everything, their source of income has been cut off. So what if Liu Hong scolds them?
Yuan Mansion, in the hall.

Yuan Feng and Yuan Kui, the two helmsmen of the Yuan family, sat in the main seats.

Cao Song, Yang Ci, Ma Riti, Huang Wan and more than a dozen other court officials gathered together.

Even Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao rushed over after hearing the news.

Looking at Cao Song, Yang Biao, Ma Riti, Huang Wan and others in the hall, Yuan Shu couldn't help but reveal a gloating smile on his face.

"Having offended so many powerful families, I wonder what your Li family will do this time. Even with the emperor's protection, it won't work!" Yuan Shu laughed secretly with some gloating pleasure.

It is not Yuan Shu’s fault. In fact, the dozen or so officials gathered in the hall are all from top-notch aristocratic families.

Just like Huang Wan, he is currently one of the nine ministers of the dynasty.

He is the great-grandson of Shangshu Ling Huang Xiang and grandson of Taiwei Huang Qiong.

Another example is Yang Ci, who is currently serving as Taichang, one of the Nine Ministers. His grandfather Yang Zhen and father Yang Bing both served as Taiwei. The Yang family is also one of the top families in the Han Dynasty.

This time, Li Hong sold snow salt on a large scale, and the interests of the Huang and Yang families were also damaged.

In Yuan Shu's view, the Li family was in big trouble.

"Everyone, please tell me. The Li family sells a large amount of snow salt, which makes it impossible for us to sell our salt. This won't work. After all, if the five Li families sell snow salt to various places, then all our salt in various places will be sold out. We must come up with a solution as soon as possible!"

Sitting in the main seat, Yuan Feng broke the silence with a gloomy expression.

The Yuan family has three officials in four generations, and their students and former officials are spread all over the country. There are families from all over the country doing business under the name of the Yuan family. If the snow salt spreads to the Han Dynasty, the Yuan family's profits will definitely be reduced.

After listening to Yuan Feng's words, everyone in the hall looked grim. Even if they were scolded by Liu Hong, they still couldn't give up the salt market.

The Yuan family is wealthy and powerful, and the same is true for their respective families.

Anyone who can reach the level of Three Dukes and Nine Ministers must have a large number of affiliated families supporting him.

"Li Hong refused to discuss the issue of snow and salt. He is the top general in the army. Now Your Majesty is scolding him verbally. What can we do?" said the Imperial Coachman Huang Wan with some worry.

"What are you talking about? Does Li Hong have the final say with His Majesty? If they want us to give up our salt, that's fine. They can give us the portion we lost, and we can give it up, but now they are directly robbing us of our wealth!"

Cao Song blew his beard and glared, speaking in a cold voice.

Ever since the last time Li Hong chopped off the legs of Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong and extorted 10 million yuan from the Cao family, the feud between the Cao family and the Li family has been completely settled.

"My dear uncles and aunts, Yuan Shao has some superficial opinions. Would you mind sharing them?" Just as everyone was talking one after another, Yuan Shao, who had been sitting in the back row and had not spoken, spoke up to attract everyone's attention.

"Whatever Benchu ​​has to say, please say it!" Yuan Shao was a core member of the Yuan family and one of the heirs, so no one had any objection.

Yuan Shao saw that everyone was looking at him, so he hesitated and said:

"My dear uncles, in my opinion, the snow salt is selling so well that all the shops in Luoyang cannot sell their salt. It is because the quality of the snow salt is too good. Your Majesty and the Li family are determined. So we have only one way to go."

Everyone listened to Yuan Shao's words and looked at him in unison.

Yuan Shao did not hesitate and said directly:

"Grab it! Grab the snow salt and even the purification and manufacturing technology of Han paper!"

"Li Hong has priced snow salt and Han paper so low, which proves that he still has a chance to make money. If we can seize the methods of purifying snow salt and manufacturing Han paper, and raise the price a little higher than the price of refined salt, how much money can we make? I'm afraid that all the noble families present here will become rich!"

Yuan Shao's eyes flickered slightly, and he said something that shocked everyone.

“Take over the methods of purifying snow salt and making Han paper? The price will be a little higher than refined salt... If only those present are divided…” In the hall, Yuan Feng, Cao Song, Yang Ci, Ma Riti, Huang Wan and more than a dozen other court officials listened to Yuan Shao's words, all of them took a deep breath, their eyes flickered, and their hearts suddenly moved.

……

Just as the sales of Luoyang snow salt and Han paper were booming, the five families of Li, Zhen and Lu were working frantically, mobilizing manpower and resources to expand production, and undercurrents were surging in the Luoyang families.

The imperial decree calling on young and strong men from more than one hundred counties in the thirteen states of the Han Dynasty to come to Luoyang to participate in the selection was also posted throughout the Han Dynasty.

As soon as the imperial edict was posted, young and strong people from all over the country were shocked.

In fact.

The reason why the imperial edict caused such a sensation was that those who came to Luoyang to select young and strong men could have their food, accommodation and transportation expenses reimbursed. Moreover, after joining the army, they could actually receive a generous salary of one stone of grain and one hundred coins per month.

Now the timeline of the Han Dynasty has come to one and a half years before the Yellow Turban Rebellion in history.

This time.

Disasters occurred frequently throughout the Han Dynasty, with droughts and locust plagues occurring one after another. The people were complaining bitterly, but the wealthy and powerful families were still annexing land on a large scale. Many people had to eat their own children because they could not get enough food.

The Taiping Dao spread rapidly to all states and counties like a vine.

Many people have already joined the Taiping Dao.

At this time, the generous treatment conditions posted on the imperial edict made many people jealous.

Sili and Hedong Yang County.

There were huge crowds of people in front of the city gate.

At this time, a large number of skinny young men gathered, the noise was deafening, and they even blocked the city gate.

All the officials of Yang County were sent out to maintain order.

On the street, people at the back were anxiously pushing forward, while those in the front could be heard exclaiming in shock at the notice.

"Does it really say that all the food, accommodation and transportation expenses of those who go to Luoyang to select young and strong people can be reimbursed?"

"Could this be fake? It would be fine if the imperial court did not deduct food and salary. After they join the army, they can actually receive one stone of food and one hundred coins of salary every month?" "Yes, is this imperial edict really fake?"

Voices of surprise and doubt rang out. Many people did not trust the court. The emperor was incompetent and the eunuchs were in power. At this time, when someone said that they would give generous treatment to those who joined the army, almost no one believed it.

"Don't make a fuss, don't make a fuss. It says here that these salaries and benefits were provided by General Li of the Li family who approached His Majesty and obtained His Majesty's permission. It was jointly borne by His Majesty and the five major business families of Li, Wei, Zhen, Lu, and Mi. In addition, General Li was also the general in the establishment of this army!"

"What? General Li is responsible for it?"

When the people around heard the words of the poor boy standing in front, they immediately exclaimed, with surprise mixed in their voices.

"It's General Li who guaranteed it, so it counts. General Li, the Li family doesn't lie. Previously, the Li family held a martial arts competition. Anyone who could beat ten strong men could join the Li family as a family general. They would be paid 500 coins a month, and the Li family would also reimburse the travel, accommodation, and food expenses for those who went to Luoyang. This is true!"

"General Li of the Li family is guaranteeing it, so it must be true. I heard that General Li has been made a marquis and appointed a general, so it is impossible that he is lying. The benefits of joining the army are really generous. Let's take a chance. After all, the Li family will reimburse the expenses of carriages, accommodation, and meals."

"I heard that Xu Huang from Yang County was made a General of the Central Army because he joined the Li family and made great contributions in this grassland victory. He is now guarding Yanmen Pass. The Li family is really reliable!"

"I went there too. The Li family has a good reputation. If I could become a member of the 100,000-man army, not only would I have no worries about food and clothing, but I could also send food to my family. How many people could survive?"

"Where can I sign up? Can I go to the government office to get a pass? Once I get to Luoyang, my travel expenses, accommodation, and food expenses will be reimbursed. Okay, okay!"

Many young and strong people in Yang County became excited when they heard that Li Hong was going to be the guarantor. They rushed to the county government office to ask for certificates and travel permits.

……

Chenliu County, Jiwu County.

There were also huge crowds of people and a bustling atmosphere at the imperial edict station at the city gate.

Several young rangers were quite excited in front of the imperial edict.

"General Li is recruiting soldiers. After joining the army, you can receive one stone of grain and one hundred coins of salary every month. The treatment is really good. I heard that Brother Dian has become the commander of General Li's personal guards. He made great contributions on the grassland this time and was awarded the title of Guard Captain. He didn't pass the arena competition last time, so he must join General Li's army this time!"

"Let's go! Join the army and find Brother Dian!"

When the young men saw the imperial edict, they felt their blood boiling and went to Luoyang with the young and strong men from Chenliu.

……

Youzhou, Zhuo County.

An endless stream of young and strong people gathered in front of the imperial edict at the city gate.

"This time, General Li is the guarantor. He is planning to build an elite army of 100,000 to protect the borders of the Han Dynasty from foreign invasions. General Li is truly patriotic. This salary is too tempting. I have an elder brother at home. I will go and fight for my future!"

"It's General Li's army. I'll go too. Not only will the pay be generous, but I can also punish the foreigners and defend the Han Dynasty. Let's go together!"

One by one, the young and strong men of Zhuo County went to the county government office, either to have a full meal or to fill their blood.

A big man wearing a straw hat, eight feet tall and with a face as red as a date, looked at the imperial edict with his phoenix eyes, clenched his huge fists, could not help but sigh, then pushed the cart and left.

……

Jizhou, Ye County.

The posting of the imperial edict caused a huge sensation, and a large number of young and strong people flocked to the county government office.

……

Li Hong did not know that after the imperial edict was posted, which selected young and strong people, a new storm was set off in various parts of the Han Dynasty. The ruffians from all over the place and those who had not left their names in history, but who thought they were brave and martial, were pouring into the imperial capital Luoyang like streams flowing into the sea.

This time the competition was more violent and intense than the last one.

Li Hong didn't know about this.

……

Luoyang City, the residence of the General of Chariots and Cavalry.

A martial arts arena.

Wu Fort outside Luoyang City was built, and Huang Zhong, Ji Ling and Yan Liang also recruited guards and came to report to Li Hong.

Jia Xu also had something to say to Li Hong.

Several people gathered at the martial arts arena.

At this time, in the martial arts arena, Li Hong was holding the several-month-old baby Li Shimin, and watching the naughty two-year-old Li Cunxiao pulling Li Wenzhong to fight a bull.

"Clap~"

Li Wenzhong, who was just over two years old, was directly overthrown by Li Cunxiao.

"Wow wow wow~"

Little Li Wenzhong sat down on the ground, looked at Li Hong, pouted his lips, and started crying loudly.

"Cunxiao, you bullied Wenzhong again, you want to get beaten, right?"

Li Hong looked at Li Wenzhong being knocked over by Li Cunxiao without any chance to fight back, and burst into tears. He could not help but puff out his beard and glare.

This little Li Cunxiao was very naughty. Relying on his great strength, he always bullied little Li Wenzhong. Every time he did so, he would drag little Li Wenzhong into a bullfight and then make him fall down.

It just so happens that Little Li Wenzhong is the same. He always wants to beat Little Li Cunxiao, so he competes with Little Li Cunxiao.

"Hmph, father, it's Brother Wen Zhong who is competing with me. He starts crying as soon as he falls!" Little Li Cunxiao listened to Li Hong's scolding, but he pouted his head and snorted, retorting.

Li Hong had returned to Luoyang for several months, and little Li Cunxiao had become familiar with Li Hong and was not afraid of him at all.

As he spoke, Li Cunxiao picked up a long iron rod weighing 20 to 30 kilograms, and was able to lift it up. He waved it around, humming:

"I want to be a general too, enemy, kill you!"

Jia Xu, Huang Zhong, Ji Ling and Yan Liang, who had been silent on the side, looked at little Li Cunxiao and were all a little surprised.

"My lord, Cunxiao was born with supernatural powers, which are quite amazing. He is only two years old, but his muscles and strength are different from those of his peers. He has an outstanding aptitude for martial arts, much stronger than Zhong when he was young. I'm afraid he can become a god of war in the army in the future!"

Huang Zhong said to Li Hong that he had watched little Li Cunxiao grow up and was somewhat amazed at his talent.

As the saying goes, you can tell a person's future from the age of three. Little Li Cunxiao was different from ordinary people, and it was shown very early on. His talent made Jia Xu, Huang Zhong, Ji Ling and Yan Liang astonished.

"Haha, just don't cause trouble for me in the future, and I'll be satisfied." Li Hong was naturally very satisfied with little Li Cunxiao.

You know, he only inherited one entry from Li Cunxiao, not all of them.

What people are looking forward to is Li Cunxiao's performance on the battlefield after he grows up.

After returning to Luoyang, Li Hong saw his son Li Shimin and daughter Li Lizhi for a few months. After teaching little Li Cunxiao, little Li Wenzhong and little Li Shizhen, he worked hard on Madam Du, and also waited for the wife of the Xianbei Chanyu and the wife of the Xianbei prince to give birth to children.

Before, Liu Yao also gave birth to a child, but unfortunately she was not involved in any fraud case.

Madam Bian, Concubine Wang, Xiao Yue, Liu Yao and other women had just given birth, and they were afraid of damaging their vitality, so they could not have children for a short period of time.

Now, Li Hong can only work hard for Mrs. Du, who has never been pregnant.

It’s just surprising that after several months, Mrs. Du has not won the bid yet.

Of course, it was not a solution to keep confronting Mrs. Du. Li Hong still felt that he had too few women and there was a window of opportunity, which was not good.

"Wenhe, what do you want to talk to me about?" Li Hong shifted his gaze from little Li Cunxiao to Jia Xu.

After Jia Xu arrived in Luoyang, he asked Liu Hong for credit for Jia Xu.

Because Jia Xu was a general of the Li family, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guzangting and was given a mansion.

Li Hong naturally did not dare to neglect Jia Xu.

Jia Xu offered himself a strategy for conquering the grassland.

Now he has come to him with something, Li Hong takes it very seriously!

"My lord, the top families in Luoyang have not taken any action for such a long time. Something is fishy."

"Now the large Wu Fort outside Luoyang City has been built. Snow salt purification and Han paper manufacturing will be concentrated inside. I think these top Han aristocratic families will probably take action."

"If these top noble families want to take action at this time, I think that the Marquis can make preparations early, so that he can take down these noble families in one fell swoop, and take this opportunity to control the salt merchants in various places in one fell swoop!"

When Jia Xu's voice reached Li Hong's ears, Li Hong's eyes immediately lit up, and he looked at Jia Xu with some anticipation.

In fact, Li Hong had always been worried that these aristocratic families might take some action, but after being scolded by Liu Hong, these aristocratic families were reluctant to take any action.

Now, Jia Xu has a strategy to deal with these aristocratic families, or even take this opportunity to take control of the salt merchants from all over the country in one fell swoop?
This made Li Hong look forward to it.

Although the Li, Zhen, and Mi families are powerful in business, it is still unrealistic for them to purify snow salt in a short period of time to supply the huge salt market.

If the Li family could control the salt merchants in various places, it would be a huge boost to their power.

(End of this chapter)