pappabearbooks Chapter 8 A Strategy to Break the Stalemate
Chapter 8 A Strategy to Break the Stalemate
Half a month later.
After Liu Bei checked the situation of more than ten towns and forts in Yangle County and registered the names of the elderly, sick and weak in every household, he returned to Yangle City with a large cart of bamboo slips.
From beginning to end, he never made a single empty promise, nor did he take a single grain of food from the people.
All that remained was a promise to "take care of everything for you all," and a series of meticulously detailed account books.
The carriage sped along and returned to Yangle City by evening.
Without taking a moment's rest, Liu Bei went straight to the prefectural government with the complete survey documents to request an audience with the prefect.
Hou Chong was looking at a pile of imperial edicts urging the payment of taxes when he saw Liu Bei enter. He put down the bamboo slips and frowned.
"Xuande is back so soon? How are things in the various fortresses? How much tax can they pay?"
Liu Bei bowed respectfully but did not reply. Instead, he presented the documents from Xiping Fort with both hands, speaking calmly and clearly.
"Reporting to the Prefect, Xiping Fort currently has 42 registered households, totaling 103 people, with fewer than 20 able-bodied men."
"Thousands of acres of fertile land have been abandoned, two of the three beacon towers have been destroyed, and the remaining one is in ruins and no longer has the ability to provide early warning."
"The people have suffered from the plundering of the barbarian cavalry and the exploitation of heavy taxes for many years. Half of the families have run out of food, and many are orphaned, elderly, sick and weak, and their situation is miserable."
Then, Liu Bei introduced the situation of each fortress one by one.
Hou Chong flipped through the documents, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper. Finally, he slammed the bamboo slips onto the table and sighed, "How could I not know the suffering of the border people?"
"But you know what the situation is like in the prefecture!"
"Years of war have emptied the treasury, and the border troops are three months behind on their pay. Now the imperial court is demanding taxes again!"
"Even the most skillful cook can't make a meal without rice!"
"My lord, I have come today not only to report a problem, but also to bring a solution." Liu Bei bowed and stepped forward, his tone resolute.
"It is true that the treasury is empty, but there is a place in Yangle County with ample funds and provisions, and they care more about safety than we do."
"You mean the Yang family?" A hint of surprise flashed in Hou Chong's eyes, then he shook his head with a wry smile.
"Xuande, you're still too young!"
"The Yang family has dominated western Liaoning for over a hundred years, monopolizing the profits from salt and iron, and their wealth is indeed substantial."
"But they have always been unyielding. The prefecture government has tried to borrow money and grain from them several times, but they have always refused."
"They only care about their family's interests; they have no regard for the lives of the border residents."
"Your Excellency is mistaken!" Liu Bei said slowly.
"It's not that the Yang family doesn't care; it's just that no one has tied their interests to the survival of Yangle City before."
"Does Your Excellency know that twenty li south of Xiping Fort lies the Yang family's three estates, a salt field, and the strategic pass on their trade route to Bingzhou and the Xianbei?"
"Xiping Fort is the first line of defense for the Yang family's businesses. Once the Hu cavalry breaches Xiping Fort, their next targets will be the Yang family's estates, salt fields, and caravans."
"Xiping Fort had been repeatedly breached before, and the Yang family's estates were also within the scope of the looting."
"I've heard that their caravans are robbed several times a year, and the money and grain lost far exceeds the cost of building a beacon tower or providing relief to the people of a fortress."
A glint flashed in Hou Chong's eyes, and he leaned forward slightly: "Continue."
"In my opinion, for this matter to succeed, we and the Yang family must each get what we need, achieving mutual benefit and win-win results, rather than begging them for loans," Liu Bei continued.
"We need to do three things: First, in the name of the prefecture, allow the Yang family to set up trading posts in Xiping Fort and the surrounding border forts to monopolize the local salt and iron trade."
"Within ten years, the prefecture will not levy commercial taxes on them—for the Yang family, this means that their private business has been transformed into a legally permitted transaction, which is an enormous benefit."
As he spoke, Liu Bei silently observed Hou Chong's expression. Seeing that Hou Chong seemed unconcerned and not angry, he continued.
"Secondly, the prefectural government should submit a memorial to the imperial court, pleading for the merits of the Yang family, stating their contributions to 'assisting the border and pacifying the people, and defending the northern frontier,' and securing a recommendation for a member of the Yang family as a candidate for the civil service examination."
"Although the Yang family is wealthy, the way for their sons to enter officialdom ultimately depends on the prefecture and the imperial court. This is a kind of dignity that money cannot buy."
Upon hearing this, Hou Chong's expression became more serious, and he frowned.
"Does Xuande know the importance placed on filial piety and integrity?"
Liu Bei quickly bowed again: "Your Excellency is wise; I had no intention of disrespecting literature or the imperial system!"
"Filial piety and integrity are the foundation of the court's selection of officials. They are for recommending virtuous people for the benefit of the people. I have kept this in mind since I was a child and have always aspired to it."
"However, the prefecture was devastated, the barbarian cavalry repeatedly invaded, and the people were displaced and could not even maintain their basic needs, let alone educate them or recommend virtuous and capable individuals."
"The Yang family is a prominent clan in western Liaoning, with considerable wealth. If we could leverage the prefectural government's recommendation..."
"It wasn't about bending the law for personal gain, but rather exchanging face for assistance..."
Seeing Liu Bei's cautious explanation, Hou Chong smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Xuande, there's no need for that!"
"My family also hails from a border region, not from the court of scholars; I understand the reasoning behind this!"
As he spoke, Hou Chong leaned forward slightly and said, "What I'm saying concerns the stakes involved!"
Liu Bei was taken aback, seemingly lost in thought. Could it be that there weren't enough spots available?
Seeing this, Hou Chong didn't keep him in suspense any longer. He stood up, patted Liu Bei, closed the distance between them, and whispered.
"Although each prefecture has one or two quotas for the title of 'Filial and Incorruptible Official' each year, which is not a small number, Youzhou only has a few prefectures and kingdoms!"
Liu Bei suddenly realized and subconsciously said, "Your Excellency means, Qiao Youzhou..."
"Alas, I didn't say that!" Hou Chong interrupted.
"Xuande! You are Ziqian's disciple and possess talent, which is why I consider you one of my own, and therefore I will not hold back!"
However, some things are better done than said!
Liu Bei solemnly replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord. I will remember it well!"
As he spoke, Hou Chong sighed again and said, "Originally, I was planning to discuss with Qiao Youzhou next year and try to secure a spot for you!"
"Now, the Yang family, I'm afraid..."
"It's difficult!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was both happy and worried. He was happy that there was hope for his son to be recommended for the civil service examination, but worried that the plan he had come up with with great difficulty might have to be abandoned.
No, no!
Without addressing the people's livelihood issues and strengthening military preparedness in western Liaoning, even with his virtuous and upright officials, he cannot muster an army.
One step at a time, one step at a time!
With the Xianbei invasion imminent and the Wuhuan rebellion likely to erupt at any moment, even if one does not seek merit, one must at least have the ability to protect oneself.
So Liu Bei gritted his teeth, bowed, and said, "My lord, my personal matter is small; the survival of the people is of utmost importance!"
Hou Chong was taken aback and asked in surprise, "Xuande, it's just the two of us here. Have you thought this through?"
"The situation in the court is unstable right now, and the border troubles are urgent. I don't know how long I can hold onto this position as prefect!"
"If you miss next year's opportunity, you might not have another chance!"
Having made up his mind, Liu Bei didn't hesitate any longer and said solemnly, "Please, my lord, consider Liaoxi the most important matter!"
Hou Chong also bowed respectfully and said, "Xuande is truly a benevolent and righteous gentleman; I am no match for him!"
Liu Bei hurriedly stepped aside, repeatedly saying he dared not!