"Well, according to Bochang's idea, you can discuss it on your own and prepare a notice to inform all counties. Bochang can invite Sun Qian and Mi Zhu to come and discuss the matter with me directly." Cao Cao looked at Zhang Han deeply. At one glance, I couldn't laugh or cry in my heart.
Sun Qian and Mi Zhu can earn fame and take the lead in distributing food, thereby motivating the wealthy families in the territory. As for those noble families who have never looked down on them, they will seek fame even if they are not seeking profit, so they will never stand idly by.
In this way, the grain and grass shipped from Yanzhou can be reduced by at least half. The saved half can be used as military supplies, which will definitely be able to survive this winter. Moreover, this method of borrowing grain is much better than directly donating grain to the people. It is indeed much more tactful.
After the discussion, some people left first. Cao Cao left behind Zhang Han, Chen Deng, and some of his close friends, civil and military, to continue discussing the matter in depth, because they were not sure whether this method could bring encouragement to the people and enable them to farm with peace of mind. , to repay this debt.
If so, would the people prefer to directly open warehouses to release grain?
"The local people have just experienced the war, and their mentality has reached the edge of collapse. Most of them are trapped in the dilemma of being displaced, just like the refugees in Yanzhou. At this time, it is good to open warehouses to release grain, but the original sentence 'It's equally important to make his mind stable'," Zhang Han said after facing many small questions and truly asking himself, he expressed his thoughts.
He didn't know if this was right, but comparing his own feelings, when he was a refugee, he always felt that opening a warehouse to provide food was temporary, but if you give me a piece of land, let me slowly cultivate the food, and then I can provide food and supplies during the period. Let me live, and my heart will be more stable.
At the same time, there was an idea of "freedom after repayment". Of course, it is very difficult to have a stable place in troubled times, because sudden attacks may occur every day, so Zhang Han did not like this world at all at that time.
Now, the people should have the same idea. Opening granaries to release grain is only temporary, because no prince is willing to provide unlimited supplies to such a large number of people, but it will be different if they borrow grain.
If you want me to repay, first you have to provide me with immortality, and then you have to give me land to plant, and at least give me one ox, and then I will give my energy, time, and even my life to repay, so that everyone can get what they need. , wouldn’t it be a win-win situation? !
These words made Xi Zhicai fall into deep thought, but after a long time, he still shook his head and said softly: "Bo Chang, I know your thoughts, but people's hearts are hard to fathom. There has never been such a decree in the past. Once it is implemented, I don’t know whether it’s public resentment or public support.”
"Well..." Zhang Han lowered his head slightly and said firmly: "Throughout history, laws governing the people have been constantly tried and tested. After we implement this policy, we should work hard to achieve results."
"That being said, it's also..."
Xi Zhicai was still thinking, but Chen Deng stood up first and said to Cao Cao: "My lord, I second my opinion."
Yu Jin also seconded the proposal.
After thinking about it for a while, Xi Zhicai agreed.
Cao Cao and Bao Xin looked at each other and nodded secretly to each other.
"Okay, let's do this. If there are any complaints from the people on the way, we will discuss it again," Cao Cao said, and added: "This policy is no less than a battle. It is the most important policy to stabilize Xuzhou. We should spend this winter as a priority. Heavy."
"Everyone, you all perform your duties. We meet every three days to keep abreast of the opinions of the people in various places. As for the grain officials at the village, pavilion, and county levels, Chen Yuanlong is in charge. He is the general of Dian Nong in Xuzhou, and he is well versed in farming. Regarding water conservancy, I hope you can cooperate sincerely with Bo Chang to accomplish this feat."
"only."
Chen Deng cupped his hands and responded softly.
After the discussion was over, Zhang Han and Chen Deng walked down the stairs together, walking slowly, still talking about this policy.
"When the grain depots and treasury are empty, this policy can be equivalent to asking private traders and local wealthy families for help, but there is no need to ask for help. It is based on the support of the common people and the wealthy, and then uses this to threaten the reputation of the nobles," Chen When Deng recounted this, he was amazed. He felt that Zhang Han really knew the situation in Xuzhou very well. He understood that there were many people with lofty ideals among the common people, and there were many people who wanted to replace the nobles in power.
So this strategy was an out-and-out conspiracy for the nobles, because if the nobles turned a blind eye, the anger of the people would be transferred to them in the future, which Cao Cao would certainly be happy to see.
He stared hard at Zhang Han: "Bo Chang, you have already discussed this strategy with Sun Gongyou and others, right?"
Zhang Han's eyes were empty and he said: "No, I just remembered..."
"No need to hide it, I can see it myself."
"That's right..." Zhang Han smiled bitterly, "I just want to gain some merit."
After making a meritorious service, you can continue to spend money and at the same time, it can truly alleviate the current problem of people having no food.
"That being the case, I, the Chen family, will not lag behind. Tomorrow, after the discussions on various positions are completed, I will help you go to several noble clans in Xiapi, Tancheng, Pengcheng and Dongping to lobby for this policy," Chen Deng said rather handsomely A smile appeared on his handsome face.
Zhang Han paused, and was even a little moved. Are you willing to go to such lengths for me? This is really something I just had a sudden idea, and then I threw it out casually to make a strategy... It's not me and the common people: "You..."
"No need to say more," Chen Deng stood with his hands behind his hands. After walking half way out, he slightly turned his head to look at Zhang Han, with a confident smile on his lips, and said in a deep voice: "Bo Chang, I, the Chen family, can also be friends. It can also be the sponsor behind you. From tomorrow on, you will understand the difference between the family that has been accumulated for hundreds of years and Sun Gongyou and the Mi family."
"Whatever the Sun and Mi families can give, I, the Chen family, can also give."
"I'm not that kind of person... You're overthinking it. They haven't given me anything. Besides, I've been upright in my life and won't do such stupid things..." Zhang Han thought it was better to explain, good guy, what did you make up on your own? Come on, is this the sequelae of the struggle of the aristocratic family, to be so sensitive?
"Bo Chang," Chen Deng looked back at him calmly with clear eyes, and breathed a long sigh of relief: "I have made up my mind, and my father will definitely support this decision."
You can’t lose a single point! ! !
"Okay, for you, I will make an exception..." Zhang Han's face relaxed, he shook his head and smiled bitterly, thinking that there is really nothing he can do to you.
After the two of them parted, he couldn't help but smile at Dian Wei. He laughed so hard that he leaned back and his expression changed from exciting to wild.
"If Chen enters the game directly, wouldn't this achievement be easy to achieve?"
Even Dian Wei could see how easy it would be to win over the nobles within the territory with their help.
"That's right," Zhang Han said with an arrogant smile: "If the Chen family remains calm, it actually depends on Chen Gui's face whether other families will join us in relieving the victims. But it's different now. The Chen family all denounced the giant If the capital is exchanged for food and lent to the people, and other families don’t come, that would be unkind.”
"Those who are rich and unkind will be resented by good people."
"Well said!!" Dian Wei clapped his hands and applauded. He was still the same hateful young man who never changed his whip. Zhang Han's words spoke to his heart. It was a good thing that this plan had been planned for a long time. He didn't have to force Cao Cao to intimidate, Or requesting the scholars in the territory would also force them to join the game and share the reputation of peace and security for the people.
A brilliant move.
"Sir, since you are so happy, let's go have a drink and have a good time, shall we?"
"Hey, let's go," Zhang Han took the lead, walking briskly.
…
In the lobby of the government office, the two bosses Cao Cao and Bao Xin were still thinking about Zhang Han's plan just now.
They were all sitting peacefully, thinking quietly, with no sadness or joy on their faces, no joy or anger. After thinking for a while, Bao Xin took the lead and grinned, looked at Cao Cao and asked, "What do Meng De think of Bo Chang's plan?"
Cao Cao snorted, "It's better than sending food directly."
"Benevolence and righteousness are a difficult road. If you want to walk on it, you need to pay more."
"That's right," Bao Xin said with a sigh of relief, "When you talked about giving... I actually have some news that I should tell you."
"But it doesn't matter."
Bao Xin smiled and said: "Last night, I received some news from some old acquaintances in Xuzhou. Do you know about the Buddha Sect?"
"Buddha?" Cao Cao looked confused and shook his head immediately. Today, there are constant disasters and wars that make people feel devastated and displaced. Therefore, mystical theories such as Buddhism, Taoism, or some gods and ghosts have been popular.
He didn't know about the Buddha Sect, but he knew that such monstrous talk could be found everywhere, and it was nothing unusual.
Bao Xin chuckled and gently stroked his beard, which was flying like a pen tip on his chin, but his eyes were sharp, "Buddha Sect should have originated from Buddha. I heard that Xuzhou official Zuo Rong worshiped Buddha. This man led the crowd at the time. He went to Tao Qian and was entrusted with important tasks. He served as the Prime Minister of Xiapi and supervised the grain transportation in Pengcheng, Xiapi and Guangling."
Cao Cao nodded with a solemn expression, "I've heard of it."
Bao Xin then laughed dumbly and said: "This Zuo believes in Buddhism and the Buddha religion, so he used the wealth of three counties to build the Buddha Temple and built a heavy tower with a deep and wide hall that can accommodate more than 3,000 people. The Buddha's image was painted with gold. The brocade is used as clothing. Every time the Buddha is bathed, a large number of fast meals are set up and mats are laid out on the road for four to five miles. As many as ten thousand people come to eat and watch the ceremony."
"Of course, that was the scene in the early spring of this year. Now these people who worship the Buddha are already complaining and cursing the Buddha for not saving the people."
After hearing this, Cao Cao fell into deep confusion. Sometimes he couldn't understand why people should believe in gods and Buddhas when they don't believe in others.
There were tens of thousands of people watching the ceremony, as well as gold-woven Buddhist robes and gold-painted statues. If they all went to worship the Buddha, wouldn't it be contempt for the royal power? If the Buddha allowed them to escape into Buddhism and not farm, suffer all kinds of hardships and then return to the west...Cao Cao I laughed as I thought about it, and then asked in my mind: Do you really want to die?
"I understand," Cao Cao patted the document. "The policy of borrowing grain will be implemented together with the extermination of Buddhism. All Buddhist temples in the territory will be destroyed, the so-called Buddhist temples will be demolished, and the responsibility of Zuo Rong will be traced, and he will be rectified as soon as possible. The money spent on worshiping Buddha can at least support the survival of all people."
"Tell the people that your life is in your own hands. If you work hard, you can get ahead. There is no need to ask those who are pretending to be gods and ghosts."
"Well," Bao Xin nodded deeply and looked at Cao Cao with approval. He must destroy the Buddha in Xuzhou.
From the second day onwards, Cao Cao ordered the destruction of Buddhism and the demolition of temples in the territory, and all the proceeds were used for people's livelihood, building simple houses for the people, exchanging food with merchants, and ordering officials from all over the country to give porridge.
Then the local nobles among the gentry and the common people jointly called on the people to issue loan coupons, with cloth as the pattern and official seal as the certificate.
Chen Deng and Chen Gui, these two people are very popular in the territory. Once mobilized, the people in the territory quickly understood what the loan coupons mentioned in the notice were. The governance process that lasted for more than half a month can be regarded as a great success in Pengcheng. , Xiapi and Tancheng have been successfully implemented.
So those who were short of food at home rushed to get it, and those who had food at home also went there.
When they arrived at each county, they were told that they needed to send people to their homes to see if there was any surplus food, all of it would be confiscated and given to those who really had no food.
As a result, the number of people who came to ask for food has been reduced by less than half, and then they said that they need to sign a contract and be on the list of prepared villagers. If they can't pay back, they will be drafted into the village to cultivate food for Cao's soldiers and horses. .
Then another group of people disappeared. In the end, the first people to come to collect the loan coupons and carry them back as if they were treasures were real refugees who had been desperate. After receiving the loan coupons, most of them would not use them immediately. Instead, he waited until his family was completely out of food before going to the local government office to exchange for food.
Just endure it as long as you can. As long as the coupon is not used, there is no need to return it.
Moreover, the food is afraid of being robbed, so borrowing coupons is relatively easier to hide.
But what really set off the upsurge among the people in Xuzhou was Cao Cao's order to destroy temples and destroy Buddhism. He destroyed some people's interests and beliefs. This indeed made Cao Cao scolded and angry at first, but more people felt happy.
Because before and after the Troubled Times, many sects spawned from various major religions in the country followed the example of Taiping Dao in the past and used talisman water to treat people's illnesses. There were countless people who believed in this method. Not only this kind of talisman water, but also people would use money to support sects. Watch and even kneel down to worship the immortal master in the street.
After the destruction, all the money gained was exchanged for food and distributed to the people, so that the people in the three counties were fed and clothed. It was a great achievement. Under the guidance of thoughtful people, the money gained from destroying the Buddha was used to save the people. , saying "The Buddha appeared for the last time and exchanged money for you", and then the believers were grateful and stopped making trouble, and the complaints gradually subsided.
But now, after Cao Cao's idea that "people want to survive, there is no need to believe in gods" spread, it quickly spread like a tide to all places, and became a talking point passed down orally by people running away from north to south.
In addition, after capturing Xuzhou, he issued an order to seek talents in Xuzhou. With such a reputation, Baiding and Hanmen could get ahead with Cao Cao. Apart from this family, anyone who wanted to make a living under any prince would need a "famous person". Status, or recommendations from people of this class, compared with the two, no one is willing to come to Xuzhou to join the Cao Cao.
Unknowingly, in just two months, there was a lively scene of people seeking official advice and showing off their talents. People from the mountain hermitage all rushed to Xuzhou to join Cao Cao, and wealthy families in remote areas also sold their belongings and bought property. Ma recruited people just to submit to the Cao family and seek fame.
Therefore, Cao Cao was busy meeting and making friends with powerful people all day long. The number of people he gained increased day by day. The merchants he made under his command came rolling in with goods and supplies. In addition, Chen was traveling around during the borrowing of bonds. The whole Xuzhou suddenly reappeared. Without the lively scene, no one is worried about starving people.
Under such intense busyness, how could he have time to take care of Zhang Han.
So in the past two months, Mr. Zhang occasionally went back to Xiaopei's mansion, and stayed there for seven or eight days. Or when he came back, he would drink and talk with Xi Zhicai and others, living his small life like a prosperous life.
Although he had been fined for a year's salary, he recited the wonderful line "I am born with talents that will be useful, and I will come back again after all the money I have lost", which made Xi Zhicai crazily praise him for several days.
It is a pity that the quality of dancers and singers in Xuzhou is average, but their work after singing and dancing is very good. Zhang Han and Dian Wei will give extra rewards in the morning, and Xi Zhicai will lend money to reward them.
Under this situation, one day a small group of rough knights came and wanted to see Cao Cao as soon as they entered the city.
Of course, their identity was unknown, so they naturally could not see Cao Cao, but they saw Zhang Han squatting in a daze at the door of the government office doing nothing.
He raised his eyelids and saw the guard and the visitor pushing each other, shouting like "I want to see Mr. Wang", so he stood up, picked up his pants and walked forward, saying softly: "Where are you guys?" Sir, why do you want to see my lord?"
"This gentleman!" The strong man immediately shook off Su Wei's hand on his chest, and immediately clasped his fists and said, "Please take me to see Duke Cao! I heard that Duke Cao is eager for public service and righteous. He has won the hearts of the people, has strong soldiers and horses, and is famous. Shandong, Huairu!"
"I'm here for help!"
When Zhang Hanzheng examined his doubts, the guard next to him immediately said angrily: "How can you meet me if you don't tell me your name? If the person who sent you just encountered an enemy, do we have to send troops to help you solve it?" "
"Hey, there's no need to be so tit-for-tat," Zhang Han stretched out his hand to stop Su Wei. This young man couldn't speak. If Ji Boxiao were here, one word would make this reckless man take action directly and leave in anger.
The man suppressed his face and thought for a long time, then said as if it was difficult to speak: "My eldest brother is Xu Chu from Runan. He and his brother Xu Ding gathered strong family members in Runan to arm the people to resist the remaining Yellow Turban thieves. Recently, I heard about Duke Cao’s fame and came here to join me."
"Please also ask Duke Cao to help eliminate the thieves before you can follow me!"
He didn't say it before because he had to meet Cao Cao. His eldest brother is only famous in his hometown, and no one may know it outside. If Cao Cao is a real hero, he will definitely help him, but these brats under his command may not. .
Fortunately, the handsome and elegant young man in front of me should be a kind-hearted person. He will definitely understand the difficulties and be willing to take me to see Duke Cao.
(End of chapter)
