The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 400 The vast net that the Prime Minister has laid will encompass the entire world.

Xuzhou.

In front of the treasury, a newly arrived batch of military supplies was piled up like a mountain.

Banners fluttered in the breeze, and soldiers stood at attention.

Xu Dan, the military officer of Xuzhou, personally inspected the goods.

After the escorting officials completed the handover, Xu Dan immediately ordered his trusted confidants to move all the supplies into the inner warehouse.

That night, Xu Dan summoned Zhang, the military commander, to a secret room.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the room's abundance of silks, satins, gold and silver utensils, salt bricks, and tea leaves.

Upon seeing this, Military Commander Zhang Kuang looked worried and whispered:

"Captain Xu, this year's supplies are 30% more plentiful than in previous years."

“If we continue to intercept them as we always have, it might not be appropriate.”

Xu Dan didn't care, casually grabbing a handful of millet and letting it drip through his fingers:
"...Sima Zhang is overthinking it."

"Looking across all the prefectures and counties of our great Han Dynasty, which place doesn't embezzle some military funds?"

"If I alone am honest and upright, I would seem out of place and aloof."

Zhang Kuang looked around and lowered his voice:
"In recent years, Prime Minister Li has made great efforts to rectify official corruption and has investigated and punished many corrupt officials."

"I've heard that the Censorate has dispatched secret agents to investigate everywhere. Just in case..."

Xu Dan laughed heartily and patted Zhang Kuang on the shoulder:

"Brother Zhang, you are overthinking it! The key to corruption lies in moderation."

"A little greed is pleasant, but excessive greed is harmful."

"We only take 15% each year, how would the imperial court notice?"

"Besides, corruption has existed since ancient times; how can it be completely eradicated?"

"As long as we don't go too far, the imperial court generally won't be able to find out."

"Even if it is found, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be investigated thoroughly, since it will implicate many people."

"So all these years, I have been telling you to keep your limits. As long as you don't go too far, nothing will happen."

Then he leaned closer and whispered:

"Besides, the officials in the capital have never been short of gifts during festivals, so they will take care of everything for us."

Zhang Kuang was still not reassured and added:
"Have things been settled with the Pingzhun Bureau?"

"They are in charge of commerce and trade, so they are the easiest to spot flaws."

The Pingzhun Supervisor mentioned by Zhang Kuang here was actually a "royal merchant" in the Han Dynasty.

Because there were no imperial merchants or systematic state-run enterprises in the Han Dynasty.

At most, they were in charge of important resources such as salt and iron, which was overseen by the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

However, under Li Yi's overall planning, the country's economy developed rapidly.

Li Yi believed that it was necessary to unify the large-scale commercial and trade sectors across the country in order to facilitate management.

Otherwise, a large amount of wealth will inevitably flow out of the country and cannot be absorbed by the government in a timely and effective manner.

Therefore, he coordinated resources from all parties and integrated various local departments.

They established a department similar to the central state-owned enterprises and state-owned enterprises of later generations.

The "Hebei Equalization and Transportation Order" was established to oversee all commerce and trade in Hebei.

"Junshu" was an original economic official position in the Han Dynasty, in charge of the allocation of materials and state-run trade, which is consistent with the function of "state-owned enterprises".

"Hebei" is used to clearly define the jurisdiction and provide a clear geographical reference.

All trade north of the Yellow River, including You, Ji, and Bing prefectures, was controlled by the Hebei Transport Commissioner.

In the Central Plains, the Central Plains Equalization Commission was established.

The term "Pingzhun" originates from the Pingzhun Decree of the Han Dynasty.

Their duties included stabilizing prices and running state-run trade, which aligned with the nature of "imperial merchants."

"Central Plains" also encompasses the core area, highlighting its strategic importance.

It encompasses the states of Sili, Yu, Yan and Xu.

The term "监" (jian) is used to reflect the dual functions of supervision and management.

They were separated and not under the jurisdiction of the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

This was also Li Yi's habit of dividing administrative functions, allowing each functional department to check and balance each other.

To avoid a single entity easily controlling too many interests, making it too powerful to control and difficult to manage.

The reason Zhang Kuang asked whether the Pingzhun Supervisor had been properly lobbied was because that person was in charge of commerce in Xuzhou.

The only way for the two men to convert the embezzled military funds into cash was through smuggling.

Therefore, one has to bribe the Pingzhun Bureau.

Xu Dan raised an eyebrow and smiled:
“The Pingzhun Supervisor took a concubine last month, and the congratulatory gifts we sent were equivalent to three years’ salary for him.”

“…Don’t worry!”

Then he said seriously:
"As usual, the military supplies for 20,000 people will be distributed to 15,000 people."

"Officials at all levels get 30%, and the remaining 20%... you know what I mean."

Zhang Kuang nodded knowingly—those two-tenths were naturally tributes to powerful officials in the court.

Xu Dan was a corrupt official with very strong principles.

Even in ancient times, there were rules and etiquette surrounding drinking soldiers' blood and eating their flesh.

Some generals, who had 10,000 men under their command, would report 20,000.

Then he received the military pay for 20,000 people.

Ten thousand of the military pay was actually intended to be distributed to the rank and file soldiers, while the extra ten thousand was to be divided among himself and a few close confidants.

He embezzled military pay, but he also paid the soldiers the full amount of pay they were entitled to.

Therefore, soldiers will fight hard during battles.

Even if there's no war, at least there won't be any trouble.

Some generals were quite peculiar; they also received 20,000 in military pay.

He and his confidants divided 15,000 among themselves.

The remaining five thousand were given to the ten thousand officers and soldiers.

How much military pay would these 10,000 people receive?
This will definitely be discounted.

When the soldiers saw that their pay had been reduced, they were like, "Screw you!"

What's the point of fighting a war then?

Fire three shots in battle, that's enough. Do you expect your brothers to risk their lives for you?
No way! Why risk your life for such a small amount of money?
Some soldiers even started causing trouble, which eventually alarmed the imperial court.

If the imperial court investigates, they will all be finished.

Therefore, Xu Dan belongs to the category of intelligent people.

Li Yi had previously governed Xuzhou, and he learned a great deal from working under him.

The most important of these is the principle of "giving back profits".

Don't just think about yourself; think about everyone else too.

True well-being is when everyone is doing well.

That way, if something goes wrong, there will be a group of people to take the blame.

This brings us to the second principle of "the law does not punish the masses" that Xu Dan learned.

If you get more people to willingly join the wrongdoing, it will be harder for the authorities to investigate you.

Xu Dan suddenly remembered something and instructed Zhang Kuang:

"The new batch of crossbows that arrived this year are of excellent craftsmanship."

"If we intercept them all, it would be too conspicuous..."

"What does Master Xu mean?"

Xu Dan pondered for a moment:

“…select three hundred of the best ones and send them to the governor’s mansion.”

"Let us say that it was a gift from the soldiers of Xuzhou, to express our loyalty."

"The rest will be distributed among the local powerful families in various counties, and they will remember the benefits we have done for them."

As the two were discussing, they suddenly heard a commotion outside the warehouse.

A junior officer rushed over:
"Reporting to the Commandant, Cao Hong, the Commandant of Xiapi, requests an audience, saying he has urgent military business to attend to."

Xu Dan's face darkened:
"Let him wait!"

Turning to Zhang Kuang, he sneered:
"They must be here for those warhorses."

"That Cao Hong always wants a piece of the pie, but he doesn't know when to back down."

Zhang Kuang said worriedly:
"Commander Cao is, after all, a member of the Cao family, and he has connections in the capital."

“We’ve made great strides in Xuzhou. Would it be inappropriate to leave the Cao family out of it?”

"If we bring them along, at least if something goes wrong in the future, the Cao family will be there to support us."

Xu Dan waved his hand:
"...The Cao family is no longer what it used to be."

"Cao Bao is a mediocre talent."

"They relied on the elite troops of Danyang that they inherited from Tao Gong, and then followed the emperor to conquer the world at an early age."

"He did indeed manage to accumulate some military merits by sheer luck."

"Now he has risen to prominence and has received a reward from the Han Dynasty."

"Like us, we were among the first to follow the emperor, but now we can only eat the leftover soup."

Xu Dan said they were just "drinking soup," which was quite certain.

The supplies they are receiving from Xuzhou have already been embezzled by several layers of higher authorities.

Xu Dan was helpless in the face of this.

Although they were both original shareholders, it's because they had too few shares when they first invested.

The Mi family of Xuzhou gave money when people asked for it, and grain when they asked for it.

Now the two brothers are in different positions: one serves as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and the other as the Supervisor of the Central Plains.

Thinking of this, Xu Dan couldn't help but admire how kind and honest Lao Liu was.

The grace of dripping water is reciprocated by the fountain.

I voted for peach and reported it to Qiong Yao.

You invested your wealth in me back then, and now that my company is listed, I'm returning all the wealth in the world to you.

Ugh……

Xu Dan sighed again, shook his head, and continued speaking to Zhang Kuang:

"Besides, these fine horses from Hexi are worth a fortune; how could we let them go to him so easily?"

"Haven't the Cao family made enough money in the capital?"

"They actually came all the way to Xuzhou to try and steal this little bit of soup from us!"

As he spoke, a sly glint flashed in his eyes:

“Give him ten old, weak, sick, or disabled horses and say that the imperial court is short of supplies.”

"Let him make do with it."

Once the spoils were divided, Xu Dan summoned the clerk:
"When compiling the register, I remember that three hundred bolts of silk were damp and moldy."

"Two hundred bushels of grain and millet were lost due to rats, and fifty pieces of weaponry were damaged during transport."

The clerk understood immediately and began writing furiously.

Looking at the vehicles returning fully loaded, Zhang Kuang couldn't help but sigh:

"Back when we joined the army, we also vowed to serve our country."

"now……"

Xu Dan interrupted him with a cold laugh:

"Why is Brother Zhang being so pedantic again?"

"Zhuge Liang defended Guanzhong against the Wei invaders, while we guarded Xuzhou. This is all to serve our country."

"Besides, you know perfectly well that in this day and age, it's hard to be an honest official."

"It's true that the Prime Minister is against corruption, but he has always been against the biggest corrupt officials."

“If the Prime Minister were to nitpick over petty corruption like ours, he wouldn’t be Prime Minister Li.”

"...Master Xu, what do you mean by this?"

Zhang Kuang scratched his head and asked, puzzled.

"Because this would offend too many people, the Prime Minister would not do such a thing."

"Even if I were to do it, I would find someone else to do it."

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore!"

Xu Dan, with his hands behind his back, said seriously:
"In short, if we are careful, nothing will happen."

Suddenly a fast horse arrived, and the messenger shouted:
"Urgent order from the Prime Minister's residence!"

"Order Xuzhou to prepare military supplies immediately, and send them to Guanzhong in three days!"

Xu Dan received the order, glanced at it briefly, and handed it to Zhang Kuang:

"It seems the battle in Guanzhong is quite intense."

"It's a good opportunity to clear out those old supplies and save them from taking up warehouse space."

Zhang Kuang hesitated and said:
"If the soldiers on the front lines are defeated due to poor equipment..."

Xu Dan laughed heartily:
"Sigh, how much weaponry did our unit receive in total?"

"This amount of weaponry is just a drop in the ocean compared to the entire Guanzhong army."

"Even if it breaks down, just report it as normal wear and tear."

"Besides, victory and defeat are common occurrences in war; what does it have to do with us?"

At this point, he lowered his voice and said:
"...The longer the war goes on, the more military funds the imperial court will allocate. Isn't that wonderful?"

As the sun set, the heavy gates of the treasury slowly closed.

Xu Danzhi, brimming with pride, tucked the newly acquired jade disc into his pocket and hummed a little tune as he headed towards his private residence.

Zhang Kuang lagged behind, watching the captain's departing figure.

Looking back at the huge bronze lock on the warehouse door, he couldn't help but sigh.

That night,

Inside the Xuzhou government treasury, candlelight flickered.

Captain Xu Dan was packing bags of copper coins into a box, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Suddenly hearing footsteps approaching outside the door, he quickly closed the trunk lid, straightened his clothes, and sat down.

The visitor was Chen Ying, the Pacification Commissioner of Xuzhou.

He came from the prominent Chen family of Xuzhou and was also a cousin of the current prime minister.

Chen Ying, with a smile on his face, went inside.
"How has Commandant Xu been lately?"

Xu Dan stood up to greet him:

…Envoy Lao Ping was concerned, but everything remained as usual.

He pointed to the boxes on the table and said, "The same number as before."

Chen Ying glanced at it, then suddenly sneered:

"Captain Xu, how old are you this year?"

Xu Dan was taken aback, not understanding his meaning, and replied blankly:

"I've wasted fifty-three years of my life, haven't I?"

"You're supposed to be the Commandant of Xuzhou, yet you always act like a woman, hesitant and timid?"

Chen Ying shook his head and sighed:

"Over the years, it's always been these same scattered amounts."

"It's really disappointing."

Upon hearing this, Xu Dan looked embarrassed and sighed:
"...Alas, it is not that I dare not, but that the court has been investigating very strictly lately."

"The Cabinet has issued a new law that anyone who embezzles more than ten strings of cash from the military will be sentenced to death."

"Anyone who actively embezzles military pay shall be executed in the marketplace."

"This forces me to be very careful."

Chen Ying's eyes sharpened, and he suddenly lowered his voice and said:
Do you know where these supplies ultimately went?

Xu Dan shook his head.

He was only responsible for delivering military supplies, as this was the only way to convert them into cash in a timely manner.

These supplies could only be smuggled elsewhere.

Xu Dan wasn't really sure where they were going.

"Xianbei".

Chen Ying uttered two words, and seeing Xu Dan's expression change, he continued:

"Recently, a Xianbei lord sent an envoy who is willing to pay a high price to purchase a batch of goods."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Xu Dan's body trembled, and he asked in a trembling voice:
"How much do they want?"

Chen Ying took a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Xu Dan.

"This is the Xianbei people's supplies list. Take a look for yourself."

Xu Dan took it and unfolded it, only to see that it was written in bold on it:

Five thousand catties of tea, three thousand catties of refined salt, and three thousand catties of sugar.

Two thousand bolts of silk and three hundred sets of armor and fighting gear.

After reading it, Xu Dan almost collapsed to the ground:

"This...this quantity is far too much!"

“Pacifier, please take heed. I have been extremely careful all these years, and the amount I have embezzled is less than one-tenth of this.”

"It would take at least ten years to gather all of these!"

Chen Ying sneered:
That's why I said you lack courage!

"Just look at Cao Bao, who once followed you in conquering the world alongside the emperor. How prestigious is he in the capital now?"

And what about you?

"I was one of the earliest veterans to follow His Majesty, but now I've only managed to become a mere military officer in Xuzhou."

"Why must we live in constant fear and trembling?"

Xu Dan remained silent, his fingers unconsciously stroking the bamboo slips on the table.

He thought, shouldn't Cao Bao be doing better than him because he has the Danyang Army?

Chen Ying leaned closer, his voice barely audible:
"The Xianbei people are generous; this amount..."

He made a gesture, "Enough for you to live a life of luxury for ten lifetimes."

Xu Dan's pupils contracted sharply, and his breathing became rapid.

Chen Ying struck while the iron was hot:

"Once it's done, why bother with these small things?"

"You won't have to worry about anything in your next life or the life after that."

The candlelight crackled, and Xu Dan's expression shifted constantly.

After a long silence, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice:
"This matter is of great importance, and I have been thinking about it for several days."

Chen Ying nodded:

"...I will come again in three days to hear the news."

Before leaving, he turned back and said, "Don't forget that Cao Bao was just a military man from Xuzhou back then, but look at him now."

"A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats; how can he live a mediocre life?"

"You should think about it carefully yourself; you're already this old."

"If we don't work hard now, we'll really live a mediocre and unproductive life."

Chen should go far away.

Xu Dan sat alone in the storehouse, sighing deeply as he faced the candlelight.

He took an old painting out of the cabinet.

What unfolds is a scene from back then, when he and Cao Bao and others rode horses and hunted in the plains of Xuzhou.

The young man in the painting was full of vigor and ambition; who could have imagined what he would be like today?
"Master Xu."

The trusted clerk gently knocked on the door. "I overheard some of what the Pingzhun Envoy said outside the door."

"I've been hearing lately that the Xianbei chieftain Kebineng is being quite restless in the north, not only unilaterally breaking the livestock agreement set by Prime Minister Li."

"They also recruited soldiers and expanded their military capabilities."

"During this period, the imperial court has been busy with the war in Guanzhong and has no time to look north." "This matter is dangerous, please think it over carefully."

Xu Dan gave a bitter smile:
"How could I not know?"

"But if the Pingzhun Envoy says so, are we really going to grow old and die in this Xuzhou treasury?"

The document reads:

"The Xianbei have repeatedly invaded our borders. If we sell these military supplies to them, wouldn't that be aiding the enemy?"

"If this gets out, it's a crime punishable by the extermination of the entire clan!"

Xu Dan stared at Cao Bao's figure in the painting and murmured:
“Cao Bao…you were right when you said I lacked decisiveness.”

Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table and stood up, shouting, "Bring me pen and ink!"

The clerk asked in surprise:

"What is this, Master Xu?"

Xu Dan's gaze sharpened:
"If you're going to do something, do it big."

"However, we cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by others."

He then sat down at his desk and wrote down in detail the quantity and price of the materials Chen Ying requested, and affixed his private seal.

"Keep this secret."

"If trouble comes to us in the future, this will be our life-saving item."

The clerk took the bamboo slips, his hands trembling slightly:

"Master Xu has indeed made his decision..."

Xu Dan looked out the window at the moonlight and said in a deep voice:
"...Fortune and wealth are found in danger."

"However, you must also have a backup plan."

Having finished speaking,
They blew out the candle and disappeared into the darkness.

……

One month later,

Outside Xuzhou city, the autumn wind was bleak.

The Zhen family's caravan from Hebei entered the city gate in a grand procession, with mules, horses, and carts following one after another.

The leader was Zhen Chang, a member of the Zhen family.

He was the nephew of Zhen Yao, the head of the Zhen family, and the son of Zhen Yan, a general's aide during the Eastern Han Dynasty.

By order of the head of the family, I escorted a batch of military supplies and my own merchant goods to Xuzhou.

Upon receiving the report, Xu Dan personally went out to greet him, beaming with joy.
"Brother Zhen, you must be tired from your long journey! I have prepared a banquet to welcome you back."

Zhen Chang returned the greeting with a cupped hand:

"Commander Xu's hospitality is too kind for me to accept."

"The military supplies have been inventoried and are ready for inspection."

Xu Dan gave a slight signal, and his subordinates stepped forward to inspect.

After the inventory was completed, Xu Dan took Zhen Chang's hand:

"Official business is complete. Please take your seat."

After several rounds of drinks, a commotion was suddenly heard outside the door.

Zhen Fu, the steward of the Zhen family, rushed in, his face filled with anxiety:
"Sir, something bad has happened!"

"The soldiers of Xuzhou are forcibly robbing our goods!"

Zhen Chang was taken aback and turned to Xu Dan:
"Captain Xu, what is the meaning of this?"

Xu Dan pretended not to know and frowned, saying:
"Is there such a thing?"

He then summoned Sima Zhang to inquire.

Zhang Kuang entered with his head held high and reported:
"Please be aware, General Xu, that this shipment appears to be military supplies, and I have come to inspect it."

Zhen Fu was furious and shouted:
"The military supplies have already been delivered; these are clearly my goods."

"There is written evidence to prove it!"

As he spoke, Zhen Fu took out a paper certificate from his pocket.

With the popularization and development of papermaking, it greatly promoted the development of commerce and trade.

In particular, the demand for paper is enormous for various documents and certificates.

Zhang Kuang sneered:
"...Who said this is your goods?"

"Anyone entering the territory of Xuzhou can be considered as military supplies."

"Do you intend to rob military supplies?"

Zhen Fu was furious and wanted to go forward to argue, but Zhen Chang stopped him.

Zhen Chang looked at Xu Dan:
"Captain Xu, how should this matter be handled?"

Xu Dan pretended to ponder for a moment, then suddenly said:

"Lord Chen Ying, the Pacification Commissioner of Xuzhou, happens to be nearby. Why don't we invite him to settle this matter?"

Before long, Chen Ying arrived with his officers and soldiers.

Xu Dan spoke first:

"...Chen Pingzhun arrived just in time."

"The Zhen family's merchant caravan has brought goods here, and Commander Zhang suspects they are military supplies. He is waiting to make a clear judgment."

Chen Ying glanced at the goods and said slowly:

"I have received a secret report that someone is smuggling military supplies."

"Since Commander Zhang has some doubts, this batch of goods must be temporarily detained for inspection."

Zhen Fu couldn't help but protest:
"The Pingzhun Envoy is wise!"

"This batch of goods is indeed commercial goods, as evidenced by the Hebei Transportation Order!"

Chen Ying said coldly:
According to the laws of the imperial court, local authorities have the right to inspect any suspicious materials.

"If you continue to argue, you will be obstructing official business!"

The Zhen family members were furious and wanted to argue their case.

Zhen Chang secretly pulled Zhen Fu aside and whispered:

"If we argue now, we'll be playing right into their hands."

“They keep talking about the ‘imperial court’ and ‘laws,’ but we powerful dragons can’t suppress local snakes.”

The members of the Zhen family were all filled with regret as they watched helplessly as their goods were forcibly taken away.

Back at the inn, everyone was indignant.

"...They were clearly in cahoots!"

"Xu Dan pretended not to know, Zhang Lie forcibly seized the property, and Chen Ying took sides!"

"The Zhen family head is now the Hebei Provincial Transportation Commissioner. If he has the guts, he should come to Hebei and see if he still dares to be so arrogant!"

"This batch of goods is quite valuable. If we give up now, wouldn't the world laugh at the Zhen family for being incompetent?"

Zhen Chang remained silent for a long time before sighing:

"Xuzhou is not our territory after all."

"Xu Dan and the others are all local bullies here."

"It's pointless for us merchants to argue."

Zhen Fu said urgently:

"Young master, are we just going to let ourselves be slaughtered like this?"

Zhen Chang pondered for a moment and said:
"You all stay calm for now, I will write a letter to inform my uncle immediately."

"He serves as an official in the court and has his own decisions to make."

That night, Zhen Chang wrote furiously under the lamp, detailing his experience in Xuzhou.

The letter concluded by stating:
“Xu Dan, Chen Ying and their ilk, under the guise of the imperial court, are actually engaging in robbery and plunder.”

"I fear this matter is not only aimed at the Zhen family, but is also a test of Hebei's bottom line."

"I hope Uncle will make a decision soon."

The messenger set off overnight.

Zhen Chang stood alone by the window, gazing at the night view of Xuzhou, and thought to himself:
This conflict is probably not just a simple dispute over goods.

In the Xuzhou area, undercurrents are swirling, and no one knows what the people of Xuzhou are planning.

The Zhen family's situation is now also precarious.

The Zhen family's messenger arrived in Luoyang in no time, traveling at breakneck speed.

Zhen Yao was handling official business in his study when he received a letter from his nephew.

The book states briefly:

"Your Majesty Uncle:"

"Since parting from Zhiyan, half a year has passed in the blink of an eye."

“Whenever my uncle’s teachings are on my mind, I am always mindful and vigilant.”

"There is an urgent matter at hand, and I have no choice but to take the liberty of writing this down to inform you."

“A month ago, the grain commissioner of Xuzhou requisitioned military supplies, and my family, in accordance with custom, paid three thousand bolts of silk.”

"Unexpectedly, Commandant Xu Dan suddenly identified the goods that my family had transported as military supplies and led his soldiers to confiscate them all."

“At that time, my nephew argued his case and presented official documents and contracts that clearly stated the goods were privately traded.”

"Xu Dan ignored this and instead used the pretext of 'auditing military funds' to forcibly seize the funds."

"Even more alarming, Xu Dan actually colluded with Chen Ying, the Pacification Commissioner of Xuzhou, to exert pressure together."

"The envoy sent an official to convey a message, saying that if anyone continued to argue, they would be framed for 'smuggling prohibited items'."

"Judging from their elaborate scheme, if you insist on resisting, you may be falsely accused of smuggling."

"It has damaged the reputation of my clan, so I have no choice but to endure it for the time being."

"However, this batch of goods is worth 700,000, which is related to the livelihood of the entire clan."

“Xu Dan and Chen Ying’s accomplices have abused their power for personal gain and acted so tyrannically that it is truly infuriating.”

"I humbly request that my uncle remember the hardships our ancestors endured in establishing their business, and have compassion on the orphaned and vulnerable, so that he may make arrangements in the capital."

"either the Office of Transmission or the Censorate."

"If we could just examine a single piece of paper, we could resolve this predicament."

"I am filled with trepidation as I write this, and tears soak my lapel."

"Autumn is deep and frost is heavy. I humbly request that you take good care of yourself in accordance with the season."

"I respectfully submit this letter and await your wise guidance."

"Nephew Zhen Chang bows again."

Upon reading it, Zhen Yao's expression changed drastically.

He slammed his fist on the table and stood up angrily, saying:

"How dare Xu Dan, a mere military officer from Xuzhou, bully the Zhen family of Hebei to this extent!"

The registrar, who was standing to the side, saw this and stepped forward to ask:
"What has angered you, Master?"

Zhen Yao threw the letter on the table and said angrily:

"Xu Dan of Xuzhou dared to forcibly rob my Zhen family's goods."

"They also colluded with Chen Ying, the Pingzhun Envoy, to plunder under the guise of the imperial court!"

"If we tolerate this humiliation, how can the Zhen family maintain its dignity?"

He immediately summoned a servant and gave the following instructions:

“You shall take my imperial edict of the Hebei Transportation Commission and go to Xuzhou to be held accountable.”

"Make sure Xu Dan returns that batch of goods intact!"

"I'd like to see if the people of Xuzhou will give me, the Hebei Transportation Commissioner, any face."

Upon seeing this, the registrar hurriedly tried to dissuade him:

"Master, please calm down! This matter requires careful consideration."

He lowered his voice, "Xuzhou is within the sphere of influence of the Mi family, and Xu Dan is only a junior officer."

"There's probably someone behind this... instigating it."

"The Mi family is related to the Prime Minister by marriage. If we act rashly, we may offend the Mi family."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yao's expression changed slightly:
"The Mi family?"

He paced to the window and pondered:

"Isn't my Zhen family related to the Prime Minister by marriage?"

"If we let the people of Xuzhou bully us like this, wouldn't we become a laughingstock if word got out?"

The registrar bowed and advised:
"...Master, please understand."

“The Mi family has been operating in Xuzhou for many years and is deeply rooted in the local business.”

"Moreover, Mi Zhu's sister is the Prime Minister's first wife, while Miss Zhen is only the Prime Minister's concubine."

"It was already stipulated when the Prime Minister planned the trade routes."

"The trade routes in Hebei belong to the Zhen family, and the trade routes in the Central Plains belong to the Mi family."

"Since this batch of goods has arrived in Xuzhou, we can only swallow this loss in silence."

"It would be unwise to antagonize them over a shipment of goods."

Zhen Yao sneered:

"Are we just going to swallow our anger like this?"

"No."

The registrar said, "That batch of goods is nothing more than a drop in the ocean for the Zhen family."

"It would be better to remain patient for now and wait until the Xuzhou caravan comes to Hebei before seeking justice."

"When the time comes, we will have ways to make them repay the principal and interest within our territory."

Zhen Yao remained silent for a long time, his expression shifting between light and dark.

Finally, he let out a long sigh:
"...Very well, a small act of impatience can ruin a great plan."

He then ordered, "Bring paper and pen."

The registrar was busy grinding ink and laying out paper.

Zhen Yao picked up his pen and pondered for a moment, then wrote:
"Dear Nephew Chang: Your letter has been received."

"We should be patient about the matter in Xuzhou for now and not act rashly."

"Although the goods were lost, the Zhen family's reputation is of utmost importance."

“We will make a decision in the future. The character Yao.”

After sealing the letter, Zhen Yao was still indignant:
"Since the Zhen family formed an alliance with the Li family through marriage, when have we ever suffered such humiliation!"

The registrar offered words of comfort:
"Master, the ability to bend and stretch is the mark of a true hero."

"Though the Mi family prospers, it may not last long."

"When times change and the world transforms, the humiliation of today will be repaid a hundredfold."

The messenger carried the book to Xuzhou again.

Standing alone in the courtyard, Zhen Yao gazed at the clouds drifting across the northern sky, and thought to himself:
Today's forbearance is not out of cowardice, but rather out of a plan for the future.

Mi family, Xu Dan, one day you will know that the Zhen family is not to be trifled with!
at the same time,

Inside the Prime Minister's residence in Luoyang, Li Yi was discussing military affairs in Guanzhong with his generals.

Suddenly, he ordered his attendant:

"Quickly summon Zhen Yao, the magistrate of Hebei Transportation Bureau, to come see me."

Soon,
Zhen Yao stepped inside and bowed respectfully:
"...Greetings, Your Excellency."

"I wonder what brings you here, Prime Minister?"

Li Yi said:
"The war in Guanzhong is critical, and we need to urgently raise a batch of military supplies."

"Hebei has abundant grain supplies, so this matter is entrusted to you."

Zhen Yao's heart stirred, and he stepped closer and whispered:
"...Your Excellency, rest assured, I will do my utmost."

"only……"

He hesitated for a moment, then suddenly realized that this was a good opportunity to file a complaint.

After all, the Prime Minister had always been committed to fighting corruption.

"There seems to be something unusual going on in Xuzhou recently. I've heard that local officials may be..."

Li Yi waved his hand to interrupt, his expression indifferent:
"The most important task at present is the war in Guanzhong."

"We'll discuss the rest later. You just focus on procuring supplies."

Observing Li Yi's expression, Zhen Yao mistakenly believed that he was intentionally protecting the Mi family.

He had no choice but to swallow his words and respectfully take his leave.

After he left, Li Yi's expression darkened, and he immediately summoned his trusted confidant, Jiang Wei.

"Boyue, what do you think of what Zhen Yao just said?"

Li Yi's eyes were sharp and piercing.

Jiang Wei pondered for a moment and said:
“Zhen Yao is always cautious. If he dares to speak, he must have some basis for it.”

"Xuzhou is a prosperous place; if corruption arises there, it will affect the overall situation."

Li Yi nodded:

"...This is exactly what I was thinking."

"I hereby order you to secretly go to Xuzhou and thoroughly investigate this matter."

"Remember, do not alert the enemy."

Jiang Wei advised:
"Prime Minister, since you know there's a problem, why not act swiftly and decisively?"

"To wipe them out in one fell swoop?"

Li Yi smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a deeper meaning:

"Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; the timing and heat are crucial."

"I have my own plans. You should go and lie in wait to observe and gather evidence."

Jiang Wei suddenly realized:

"Is the Prime Minister planning to play the long game?"

Li Yi stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window:
"How could I not know that there is corruption in the local area?"

"Xuzhou, in particular, is the land where the dragon originated, and its power is immense."

“Since I left, this place has become even more outrageous, creating all sorts of excuses.”

"If we act rashly now, we may alert the enemy."

"It's not too late to close the net once the fighting in Guanzhong has subsided."

Jiang Wei said with admiration:
"Your Excellency is a man of profound wisdom and foresight. I shall depart now."

"Wait a minute."

Li Yi instructed, "You must keep this trip a secret."

"They can disguise themselves as merchants and secretly investigate."

"If there is any emergency, send a message through the old channels."

"Here."

Jiang Wei bowed and left.

He recalled that Li Yi had now been promoted to Grand Marshal and General.

When the proposal was first put forward, both Liu Bei and Li Yi mentioned military reform.

Li Yi's suggestion to set up a large net indicates that he intends to play the long game and catch big fish.

Ultimately, the incident in Xuzhou doesn't have a significant impact on the overall situation of the country.

But judging from Li Yi's words, he intended to let this matter escalate.

Make a big fuss about it so that you can take this opportunity to reorganize the army.

Therefore, Li Yi did not allow Jiang Wei to rush to investigate the matter.

What he wanted was not to rectify the atmosphere, but to use this as a pretext to reform the entire Han Dynasty army.

Therefore, Li Yi has already begun to slowly make arrangements.

Jiang Wei, whom he sent out, will help him to successfully close the net.

Autumn winds are rising.

Xuzhou appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath.

An even bigger storm is brewing.

Li Yi has already laid a trap, just waiting for the moment to close it in.

……

(End of this chapter)