The imperial cause at the end of the Han Dynasty was not one of partial peace.

Liu Bei followed Lu Zhi's army north and soon met Guo Dian, the now famous governor of Julu, in the county seat of Julu!

He can be called a remarkable person of our time. Since the Taiping Dao rose up in Julu, General Zhang Bao led more than 100,000 troops to besiege Yingtao.

The camps stretched for dozens of miles outside the city, the Yellow Turban banners covered the fields, and the fires at night were as bright as day. The city was running out of food and reinforcements, and the officials and people all thought they were doomed.

But Prefect Guo Dian gave away all his family wealth and emptied the treasury, sharing chaff and bran with his soldiers, and climbed the city walls to supervise the battle, never leaving the battlements day or night.

The people of the city were grateful for his kindness and righteousness. The old, weak, women and children all climbed the city walls to carry stones, while the young and strong took up arms and fought to the death against the bandits.

Zhang Bao tried every possible tactic to attack the city, including digging tunnels, building ladders, and setting fire to the gates, but Guo Dian thwarted them all.

The Yellow Turban rebels, numbering 100,000, besieged the city for months, but were unable to capture

This was nothing short of a miracle amidst the widespread collapse of the counties and prefectures of Hebei. It should be noted that at this time, Liu Sheng, the King of Changshan, abandoned his kingdom and fled, Liu Xu, the King of Anping, was captured, and Liu Zhong, the King of Ganling, was abducted.

Guo Dian, a mere civil official, held fast to the isolated city and waited for the arrival of the royal army.

Liu Bei was also quite interested in this renowned minister. When he met him, he found the man to be handsome and eloquent. This was quite different from the rumors that he was fierce, upright, and decisive, and that he was feared by bandits and thieves.

When welcoming the royal army ten miles south of the city, he showed no arrogance despite his achievements. On the contrary, he was very humble and elegant, bowing to Lu Zhi and saying, "If it weren't for the royal army descending from heaven, General Zhonglang, the fall of Yingtao City would have been imminent. I, on behalf of the tens of thousands of people in the city, kowtow to thank the royal army for giving us a second chance."

Lu Zhi dismounted and stepped forward to help Guo Dian up with both hands, saying, "Lord Guo is a rare talent of the nation. It is a blessing for the people and the country that Julu has Lord Guo."

After exchanging pleasantries, Guo Dian, without further ado, said to Lu Zhi, "Lord Lu, Yingtao City has been besieged for months. The city is suffering from famine, with starving corpses littering the streets, and even couples resorting to cannibalism. Could you please allocate 5,000 bushels of grain from the royal army to relieve the city's plight?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhi laughed a few times and turned to Liu Bei, saying, "Xuande, Lord Guo is also a renowned minister who loves the people like his own children. The two of you share the same aspirations."

Guo Dian also turned to look at Liu Bei, his eyes lighting up, and said, "Is this the prized student of Lu Zhonglang, who was renowned throughout You and Ji provinces, who decisively defeated the Moth Bandits and captured Zhang Liang, Liu Xuande of Zhuojun?"

Liu Bei immediately cupped his hands and said, "I am unworthy of such high praise for my meager achievements. Lord Guo, with only one city, defended against 100,000 enemy troops, preventing them from advancing an inch and confining them within his territory. This is truly awe-inspiring."

Lu Zhi laughed and said, "You two don't need to be so modest with each other. It just so happens that you two share the same ideals and can't bear to see the people suffering from famine and the displaced people homeless. You can talk in detail about the method of official land that Tian Yuanhao proposed earlier, which resulted in a bumper harvest of rice and relieved the predicament of Julu."

How could a prefect, especially a prefect who is diligent and loves his people, resist the temptation of a bountiful harvest of japonica rice?

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he quickly stepped aside to invite them in, saying, "In that case, please invite General Lu and Commander Liu to the prefectural government for a detailed discussion. Although the city is in ruins, we will still provide you with a welcome feast."

It was called a welcome feast, but it was actually very simple. On the table were nothing more than coarse rice, a dish of salted vegetables, and a pot of murky wine. There was no meat, not even any decent fermented soybeans.

Guo Dian raised his cup to the crowd and said, "At this time of national crisis, Julu is suffering from famine, and the people are starving. The city's food supply has been exhausted for several months. Today, I am offering you all this coarse food as a welcome feast. It is hardly the proper way to treat guests, and I hope you will not take offense."

Zong Yuan, the Protector of the Wuhuan, had never suffered such humiliation before. He immediately snorted coldly and slammed his wooden chopsticks down on the table.

"To eat chaff and wild vegetables, this is far too much to ask of us. We led the royal army a thousand miles to relieve your siege of Yintao, and this is how Lord Guo treats us? At the very least, you should have slaughtered a pig or a sheep. I refuse to believe that we can't find a single ox or pig in the entire Julu region!"

Liu Bei was the most fiercely independent man. How could he tolerate him criticizing and blaming a virtuous minister who had just saved the people from suffering at such a time?

So he decisively stood up and interrupted Zong Yuan's outburst: "Zong Zhonglang, what are you saying? Lord Guo is besieged in a lonely city, sharing weal and woe with the people. This is truly the spirit of the virtuous men of ancient times."

"The *Guoyu* says, 'When the people are starving, I feel as if I am starving myself.' Your Excellency's ability to endure hunger to defend the city and not abandon the people is worthy of my utmost respect. Today, this coarse rice is a hundred times better than fatty meat and fine wine. If you, Zong Zhonglang, find it difficult to swallow, you may leave your seat and go enjoy your fine clothes and delicacies!"

He was dashing and full of heroic spirit. After speaking, he didn't even bother to look at Zong Yuan, as if it would offend his eyes.

Then he turned to Guo Dian and offered his advice: "As for the famine in the city, I have a plan that can relieve your urgent needs."

Guo Dian was very grateful for Liu Bei's righteous words. Upon hearing this, he immediately sat up straight and said, "Please speak, Commander Liu."

Liu Bei then explained in detail the official land system proposed by Tian Feng. The unclaimed wasteland within the territory of Julu was taken over by the prefecture government, a new register was created, and the land was rented to displaced people and surrendered Yellow Turban soldiers for cultivation. Fifty percent of the annual rent was deposited into the prefecture treasury.

It would not harm the interests of powerful families, but would also quickly restore agriculture and sericulture, replenish granaries, and relieve the famine within a few months.

Guo Dian nodded repeatedly after hearing only half of what Liu Bei said. When Liu Bei finished, he rose from the table, his voice trembling with excitement: "Excellent! Excellent! What a wonderful system of official land grants! It neither harms powerful families nor displaced people, and it also replenishes the treasury—Liu Sima's plan is truly a panacea for saving the times and relieving suffering!"

He said with emotion, "I have been besieged in this city for months, witnessing the fields lying fallow and the people displaced, yet I have no good solution. Today, with Liu Sima's method, it is like seeing the sun after the clouds have parted. If it is implemented, not only will tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers be settled, but the granaries will also be full, relieving the famine in Julu and allowing tens of thousands of people to live."

"I will personally implement this strategy!"

After saying this, he stood up, bowed solemnly to Liu Bei, and said, "On behalf of tens of thousands of people, I thank Commander Liu for this method of saving the people. Everyone says that Commander Liu has great ambitions and good strategies, truly the demeanor of a hero and the qualities of a gentleman. Seeing him today, I can confirm that this is indeed true."

Zong Yuan, seated at the table, grew increasingly grim. As the Protector of the Wuhuan, he held a rank equivalent to two thousand shi (a unit of grain), second only to Lu Zhi in the army.

Today, Guo Dian was arrogant and indifferent towards him, yet he praised Liu Bei, a commoner who served as a military advisor, with such fervor that he even rose from his seat to bow in reverence, as if Liu Bei were the truly worthy honored guest of the land. And he, a dignified general, was not worth mentioning.

He could no longer suppress his anger, and with a cold laugh, he spoke in a sarcastic tone.

"What kind of gentlemanly virtues and benevolence are they? They're nothing but self-promotion and seeking fame."

"Liu Bei is merely a military advisor with a thousand or so soldiers under his command, yet he speaks at length about national policies and plans to pacify the people. What is this? A mouthful of benevolence and righteousness? A hypocrite?"

"In my opinion, he's nothing but a hypocrite!"

Before Liu Bei could speak, Zhang Fei flew into a rage, drew his sword, and shouted, "Brother, I knew this scoundrel was courting death! He showed no courage in battle, yet he always claimed credit first. Now he spews slander, defaming the name of a hero! Let me kill him!"

Upon hearing this, Guo Dian waved his hand dismissively, displaying a natural demeanor and exquisite writing, and said, "Zong Zhonglang's words are incorrect."

"A true gentleman is one whose heart is not swayed by right and wrong, and whose actions do not deviate from his own principles!"

"Therefore it is said that a virtuous person, when practicing the Way, forgets himself."

"Liu Jun held a lowly position but never forgot the worries of the country. He acted in accordance with his own principles and did not go against the righteousness of the world. This is the true demeanor of a gentleman."

"I respect him! How could I possibly judge a gentleman by the standards of a petty person?"

After he finished speaking, a burst of laughter immediately erupted from all around.

He wouldn't judge a gentleman by his own petty standards, but isn't it his own clansman who does?

Upon hearing this, Zong Yuan's face instantly turned red. He was a military general; how could his literary skills compare to Guo Dian's?

Seeing everyone around him smirking, he became so angry his face turned purple. He kicked over the lacquered table, scattering cups and plates all over the floor. Then, with a cold snort, he turned and strode away.

After the member left, the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

Guo Dian and Liu Bei appreciated each other, and since the method of official land grants was proposed by Tian Feng, a famous scholar from Julu, Guo Dian decisively adopted his advice.

Even after the banquet ended, Guo Dian kept Liu Bei in the prefectural government office to discuss the plan in detail by lamplight.

Guo Dian had long experience in local administration, was a capable and efficient official, was adept at handling affairs, and was knowledgeable in government affairs. His methods of governance further supplemented the shortcomings of Liu Bei and Tian Feng's plans in terms of practical details.

His first priority in governing was verification, believing that abandoned land should be distinguished between owner and owner. Therefore, the next day he dispatched capable officials to various villages and towns to carry out the "land survey" policy. First, they surveyed the land area and registered it.

If the landowner's clan has been exterminated and there is no successor, the land shall be taken into custody by the prefecture and county government, numbered and recorded, and its boundaries shall be established by digging canals and setting boundaries, and it shall be listed as official land.

If there is a dispute, the original owner or their relatives shall come to claim the land with the land deed within three months; if no one claims the land after the deadline, it shall be treated as government land.

This method not only facilitated the implementation of government land grants, but also greatly alleviated the famine in Julu.

As stated in the "Monthly Ordinances for the Four Classes of People," in the fifth month of summer, the yang energy begins to wane, and the yin energy begins to emerge. In this month, wheat can be harvested, rice can be sold, and barley and beans can be purchased.

It was wheat harvest season, but these tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers did not immediately begin cultivating the fields. Instead, they rushed to harvest the wheat from the government-owned fields.

Although Julu was ravaged by the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the high fields yielded meager harvests, the official fields still yielded 5,000 bushels of wheat.

In addition, there were more than two thousand shi of dried mulberries, dates, and grains.

As the saying goes, "With grain in hand, one has nothing to fear."

With the wheat and grain reserves, the surrendered soldiers gradually calmed down. Guo Dian then used the Qin system of mutual responsibility among groups of ten or five to restrain the surrendered soldiers and refugees.

They were to be divided into groups of five, or groups of ten, with each group having a leader of the group and a leader of the group. They were to supervise each other and not to flee or regroup as thieves.

They also designated farming areas, with one ward head in each area, responsible for supervising farming, collecting taxes, and investigating corruption.

In this way, the refugees will be restrained, and the powerful will have no opportunity to take advantage of them.

With the refugees' hearts at ease, they began to rush to plant barley and beans. The abandoned land acquired by the government was not wasteland, but fertile land lost due to the chaos and disorder, which could be cultivated directly without the need for reclamation.

The surrendered soldiers in Quzhou and Guangzong were the first to be able to rent land and reclaim wasteland. More than 3,000 households reclaimed hundreds of acres of fertile land in just a few days!

This remarkable achievement greatly encouraged Liu Bei.

It should be known that an acre of fertile land can yield more than two bushels of grain. If the government takes half of it, it means that after a few months, it can yield ten thousand bushels of grain.

That was perhaps the time when the Yellow Turban Rebellion was quelled, and Julu also enjoyed a bountiful harvest, a double celebration.

And this abundant harvest is only the result of our current efforts.

Since ancient times, a single man with five family members could cultivate a hundred acres of land. Even if only one-fifth of these 60,000 surrendered soldiers were taken, they could still cultivate at least ten thousand acres of fertile land!

If all the benefits are gained, the surrendered soldiers alone can contribute 100,000 bushels of grain.

Not only were the disaster victims resettled, but the famine in Jizhou was also relieved.

Guo Dian was also quite excited and wanted to promote this matter and increase the acreage of government-cultivated land. Considering the shortage of oxen and farming tools, he proposed to manage them through a "cattle registration" system.

The captured military horses and draft oxen were allocated by the prefectural government and distributed to various units for farming, remaining government property. Agricultural tools were also uniformly cast by the prefectural government and loaned out as needed, with repayment made in grain after the autumn harvest.

In this way, the surrendered soldiers not only had land to cultivate, but also received oxen and farming tools from the prefecture, greatly increasing their efficiency.

This policy, implemented in just half a month, transformed Julu from a place ravaged by the Yellow Turban Rebellion into a vibrant place where the war had subsided. Fertile fields flourished, people lived in peace and security, farmers owned their land, and weavers owned their mulberry trees.

Even when things weren't going well at the front, Liu Bei would lead a dozen or so horsemen to the banks of the Zhang River to observe the people cultivating the land.

Xiaquyang is located between the Hutuo River and the Zhang River. A tributary of the Zhang River flows under its city. The area has a dense network of waterways and fertile land, making it a truly fertile land suitable for developing agriculture.

Therefore, Tian Feng personally supervised 4,000 surrendered soldiers to cultivate the land here, following the suitability of the soil and making full use of irrigation, planting more than 20,000 mu of wheat and beans.

He also seized over a thousand acres of mulberry fields from the government lands and distributed them to various households, ordering the women to weave them, imitating Chengdu, the capital of Jin Guan, and establishing over three hundred weaving households.

When Liu Bei arrived, the men were farming and the women were weaving, each content with their own work, and the county was peaceful.

So Liu Bei and Tian Feng strolled along the banks of the Zhang River, looking out over 20,000 mu of fertile land, where the paths were just beginning to be laid out and the seedlings were just sprouting.

The squad leader and platoon leader each performed their duties, supervising the farming. The sounds of oxen mooing, farm tools clattering, and children chasing each other created a pleasant symphony.

Tian Feng stopped at the edge of the field, pointed here, and said, "Liu Sima, look, this is the bean field we have newly reclaimed on the banks of the Zhang River. When the autumn harvest comes, this one-acre field will yield more than two hundred bushels of beans."

Looking at this scene of peace and prosperity, Liu Bei sighed, "After every great upheaval comes great order. With the departure of powerful figures, it's like a whale falling and all things springing up. Thousands of people can now live in peace and contentment."

Tian Feng was also moved by this, saying, "I didn't notice anything different before. The powerful families own vast fields, some of which are hundreds of acres. Their mansions are continuous, with pavilions and towers facing each other. They have ponds for irrigation, bamboo forests, thriving livestock, abundant fish and fruits, mulberry and hemp fields, and markets that can be found right outside their doors. They also have weapons and equipment, and their wealth is enormous."

"Eliminating just one household would bring peace to thousands of people. This is something that deserves our deep reflection."

What the two were lamenting was the scene before them. In the past, a powerful family might own hundreds or even thousands of acres of fertile land, enough to enrich only one family and one clan.

The several thousand surrendered soldiers have reclaimed more than 20,000 mu of wasteland, but the land is only about 200 hectares, which is less than half of the vast lands of a powerful family in the past.

It's no wonder that the Yellow Turban followers numbered in the millions, spanning multiple states and counties.

Liu Bei then praised, "Mr. Tian is a man of great talent, capable of governing an entire province. Now, in this county, he is merely testing his skills, and he will surely succeed with ease."

"As Guanzi said, 'When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame.' Although Julu suffered great turmoil, the government's land system was used to settle the refugees and supervise agriculture. Within a month, the year of famine turned into a year of abundance, and the refugees had a place to live in peace."

"This is not only due to the effectiveness of the good method, but also to the result of your sincere efforts and tireless practice."

Tian Feng cupped his hands and said, "This is all due to each person doing their best."

Liu Bei turned to look into the distance and asked, "How are things elsewhere? The surrendered soldiers are not truly loyal; have any fled or defected?"

Tian Feng nodded slightly and said, "Settling surrendered soldiers has always been difficult. Especially since the Emei bandits firmly believe in the Yellow Heaven and their hearts have not died, even though we have set up a system of collective punishment, thousands of them still escape."

This number made Liu Bei frown slightly, for in just half a month, thousands had already fled.

Over that year, more than 10,000 surrendered soldiers fled.

Tian Feng, however, remained remarkably composed, saying, "Of all things in heaven and earth, humans are the most precious. This is because they possess a heart of moderation and a practice of benevolence and forgiveness, which distinguishes them from wood and stone, and from beasts; hence, they are the most precious."

"However, the world has been in decline for nearly a century. Great chaos has been escalating for several years. The people see no virtue, only war and violence; the rulers have no education, only punishments."

"That's why the Yellow Turban Rebellion occurred; the people's hearts were not yet won over."

"I believe that at this time, Liu Sima's method of managing official land not only demonstrated benevolence and leniency, but also served as a rare and valuable moral influence."

"Once the surrendered soldiers go into exile, they will spread this act of benevolence among the bandits. When Quyang City falls and the chief culprit is beheaded, the bandits will be even more drawn to this virtuous influence."

"Therefore, as the saying goes, 'A loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.'"

Ultimately, we still need to capture Quyang.

Liu Bei frowned and said, "Besides relaxing, I came here to ask you, sir, if you have any methods to break through the city. We have been besieging this fortified city for half a month. I have personally braved arrows and stones to lead my troops to scale the walls, but we have repeatedly failed to capture it. We are truly at our wits' end. Please, sir, do not hesitate to enlighten us."

Even Guan Yu, who stood behind Liu Bei with his sword in hand, couldn't help but feel respect for Tian Feng upon hearing this.

The situation at the front was exactly as he had predicted. The rebel forces were still at large, and Zhang Jiao and Zhang Bao held out fiercely for Xiaquyang. As expected, the imperial army was bogged down at the city walls and could not achieve a complete victory.

Tian Feng laughed loudly and said, "Does Commander Liu consider me a deity?"

"The so-called 'encirclement and attack' is as easy as turning one's hand. The combined forces of the royal army number no more than 20,000, while the bandits of the Moth tribe occupy a fortified city with 100,000 men. Yet we were able to besiege them and prevent them from plundering in all directions. This is due to the brilliant military strategy of General Lu and the fierce and valiant attack of General Liu. It is truly remarkable."

"The current situation is extremely precarious; to avoid defeat would be a stroke of luck. Does Commander Liu really intend to breach the fortified city defended by 100,000 bandits in just a few days?"

Liu Bei sighed. His mentor Lu Zhi thought so too. So he ordered the whole army to build a siege wall and dig trenches, completely surrounding Xiaquyang. He also ordered the construction of battering rams, siege ladders and other siege weapons.

They clearly believed that the fortified city could not be captured quickly.

But his mentor patiently waited for the right time, while Liu Bei dared not rely on such luck.

But if the time is not right, or if it is a little later...

If our own forces are lacking, the hard-fought battles of several months could be wasted in an instant.

He now deeply felt the tragedy of Yue Fei's history. One day, upon receiving the twelve-character gold plaque, he wept with indignation and bowed twice facing east, saying: "Ten years of effort, wasted in a single day."

Just as he was feeling uneasy, the sound of iron hooves suddenly arose in the distance.

Zhang Fei spurred his horse and galloped away, shouting anxiously, "Brother! Something terrible has happened! The imperial court has sent eunuchs to the military camp to observe the battle situation!"