Chapter 436: The Aged Duke of Liguo and the Conditions of Concession (7.8k, please subscribe)

Chu Wujiang and Fang Xiaoran were sitting in the carriage.

The two were silent and the atmosphere seemed a little depressing.

Fang Xiaoran couldn't understand why he felt such a strong sense of crisis towards Chu Wujiang when only one day had passed.

This is not a question of strength.

Rather, it was his own destiny that was crumbling, just like Pang Tong who walked into Luofeng Slope, was terrified and felt that his death was about to end.

Although Fang Xiaoran was not as bad as Pang Tong entering Luofengpo, he still looked dazed and had lost his usual composure.

【How is this going? 】

[Could it be that the fate of the Champion Marquis restrains me? ]

[If the fate is in conflict, there should have been a reaction long ago. 】

Fang Xiaoran quickly activated his Seven Apertures Heart and tried to calm his mind.

It would have been better if he didn't urge it. But when he did, Chu Wujiang saw some clues and a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

【interesting. 】

[Logically speaking, Fang Xiaoran's Seven Apertures Heart is more orthodox. He has practiced and used his talents for much longer than I have, so it is impossible for our luck to clash.]

[As a result, his seven-aperture exquisite mind was actually a little clumsy! ]

If it were anyone else, even if the Tiandao Sect Master was here, he wouldn’t be able to see the problem with the Seven Apertures Heart.

But Chu Wujiang is an exception.

He has the Yin-Yang Eyes, the Eye of Truth, the Dragon Eyes to Identify Evil and the Double Pupils. The four major pupil techniques are combined into one. In addition, he possesses the [Seven Apertures Heart], so he immediately noticed the subtle difference.

Under the cover of dragon energy, Chu Wujiang quietly opened his double pupils. Suddenly, he felt some pain in his eyes and quickly closed them again.

It would have been better if he hadn't looked at it, but as soon as he looked at it, he saw the problem.

Chu Wujiang thought to himself:
【As expected. 】

[Fang Xiaoran has countless bloodlines of divine beasts. With his cultivation level, stable control is not a problem. He should have even advanced to the Yuan Shen stage long ago.]

[As a result, his blood control had a slight flaw, all because the Seven Apertures Heart was not compatible enough.]

[As long as he completes this little bit, he can immediately become a saint and advance to the level of Yuanshen.]

[And this strand is not inside his body, but outside his body. ]

[This exquisite heart with seven orifices is a transplant! ]

Chu Wujiang possessed a very smart mind and great literary talent. When he thought of Fang Fusheng's situation, he now understood everything.

[Fang Xiaoran's exquisite mind comes from Fang Fusheng, which explains why he dotes on his brother to the point of violating common sense.]

Chu Wujiang had a cousin, and now his ashes have been scattered.

So he never believes in unconditional love, especially between brothers.

If Fang Fusheng acted like a normal person, Chu Wujiang could still understand him a little.

As a result, Fang Fusheng got into trouble everywhere and was a playboy infected with syphilis.

Who would like a brother like this?
Not shameless.

[If this is the case, Fang Xiaoran's true path to transcendence is to kill Fang Fusheng.]

[As a result, he was reluctant to kill his brother and has stayed until now.]

[Should I say he is a hypocrite, or does he really have some brotherly love? ]

Chu Wujiang's eyes changed instantly when he looked at Fang Xiaoran. It was not just admiration, but also sympathy.

Maybe he wanted to pat Fang Xiaoran on the shoulder and say:

【Brother, make a decision when necessary.】

[Look at my cousin, wasn't he killed by me?]

[We all come from powerful families, so don’t pretend to be good people in this regard. ]

Fang Xiaoran suddenly felt a shudder of fear, and he had to try to change the subject in order to avoid exposing his flaws:
"Marquis Guanjun, although Duke Liguo is very old, he plays chess every day in his spare time."

"But the entire Tiance Army still obeys the orders of Duke Liguo. His influence in Tianjing, in the Confucian School, and in the army cannot be underestimated."

"For example, he has an adopted son named Liu Xuanfeng, who possesses the talent of [Spear King] and is good at the Army Breaking Spear, known as the best spearman in the army."

Oh, that's interesting.

Chu Wujiang couldn't help but listen carefully.

Most warriors in the army practice spearmanship.

Regardless of whether they are field troops or garrison troops, the first martial arts that soldiers learn after joining the army is the lower-grade yellow-level "Pojun Spear".

Because it is simple and easy to practice.

After they become proficient and promoted, they will choose new shooting techniques, such as "Fire Gun Technique", "Mysterious Ice Gun Technique" and so on.

For example, the Chu family guards majored in "Wind and Snow Spear Technique".

Chu Wujiang couldn't help but ask:

"Are you good at the Broken Army Spear?"

This martial art is of very low level, am I wrong?

Fang Xiaoran nodded and said:

"Correct."

"Lord Liu was originally an ordinary soldier in the army. When he was practicing the Pojun Spear, he showed amazing spear skills and was noticed by Duke Liguo, who took him in as his adopted son."

"Apart from his martial arts skills, he has been practicing the Pojun Spear wholeheartedly for a hundred years without changing his mind."

"Now Liu Xuanfeng is already a master of the Yuanshen, and is currently the commander-in-chief. He was granted the title of Marquis of Xiping for his military merits, and is in charge of the Tiance Army for Duke Liguo."

"He is known as the Tiance Divine Spear in the martial arts world. It is said that he has obtained a set of spear techniques left by the Overlord, the 'Overlord Spear Technique'. The 'Pojun Spear' is just a simplified martial art."

“It’s just that no one has proven whether it’s true or not.”

"When we discuss the wine shop this time, I'm afraid the biggest obstacle is not the Duke of Liguo, but the Marquis of Xiping."

There is one good thing about this martial arts world, and that is that martial arts talent is visible to the naked eye, and all forces will scramble to get it and help realize the talent.

There is nothing special about Liu Xuanfeng's background, it can even be said to be ordinary.

He just wanted to join the army to make a living, but ended up becoming the adopted son of Duke Liguo and now the second-in-command of the Tiance Army.

It is true that this world has strict hierarchies, and the art of martial arts is even more of a chasm. However, if you are talented enough and willing to rely on big men, it is not impossible to cross the class barriers.

But compared to the vast majority of people, there are only a few of them.

Chu Wujiang asked curiously:
"Why?"

Fang Xiaoran whispered:
"There are rumors that Duke Li has grown old and confused, and wants to support Marquis Xiping to inherit the title of Duke. The elders of the Liu family disagree."

Chu Wujiang nodded and smiled:
"It seems that as the outer family grows bigger, the inner family becomes unstable."

"Didn't the Marquis of Xiping marry a woman from the Liu family?"

They are all powerful and wealthy, and the biggest worry when raising an adopted son is the issue of inheritance of the family business.

Generally speaking, daughters and granddaughters will be betrothed to adopted sons and grandsons to increase blood ties.

A son cannot be changed, but a son-in-law can be chosen.

Fang Xiaoran whispered:

"It's a coincidence that when Marquis Xiping adopted Duke Liguo as his adopted son, he had already married."

"They are a loving couple who support each other."

"If he wasn't the second-in-command of the Tiance Army, it wouldn't be a big deal."

"As a result, he broke through the Yuanshen fifty years ago and advanced all the way to the present, and even survived his first heavenly tribulation."

"Marquis Xiping is a loyal man and has never taken a concubine. Although his eldest son married a girl from the Liu family, she may not be an important figure in the Liu family in the future."

"After all, his eldest son is not very capable, but his youngest son is more outstanding, but he did not marry a girl from the Liu family."

The six dukes all encountered serious problems with succession. For example, Duke Li's eldest son Liu Wenxuan was relatively good. He had never done anything bad and was wholeheartedly devoted to playing chess.

Compared to Fang Fusheng and Master Zhen, Master Liu is simply a genuine good man.

But this was of no use, he could not support the Duke's Mansion.

This is true even if you win the title of chess saint.

As for Xiping Hou, he seems to be a man of noble character and capable enough.

The problem is that he has inherited the title of Duke, and the Liu family may be reduced to just a name.

This was something the elders of the Liu family could not accept.

No matter what, the Liu family can only rely on Marquis Xiping to keep things going.

Things came to a standstill.

Chu Wujiang was very smart and was not affected by the complicated internal affairs of the Liu family. Instead, he took the initiative to ask:
"Mr. Fang, what does Yuanji Academy think?"

The Tian Ce Army is a Confucian army, and the Duke of Liguo is a Confucian force.

As long as Yuanji Academy doesn't speak, neither side's thoughts will be true.

[The Champion Marquis is indeed not easy to deal with. 】

He got the point right away.

Fang Xiaoran did not intend to hide it, and immediately said:

"What's more important is that Xiping Hou came from the military. He promoted many soldiers from the lower classes and did not consider himself a Confucian general."

"At the same time, he has a good relationship with His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin."

"The Tiance Army also went to the north to help encircle and suppress the evil god's royal court."

Understood.

Duke Liguo graduated from Yuanji Academy and was a famous Confucian general.

But Xiping Hou's background is more towards the military, and he has a very good relationship with His Royal Highness the King of Qin.

Neither the Prime Minister nor the Confucianists were happy about Liu Xuanfeng inheriting the entire Duke's Mansion.

That's why Fang Xiaoran pointed this out and let Chu Wujiang make the decision.

Chu Wujiang smiled and said:
"We are only here to persuade Duke Liguo to make concessions on the liquor tax."

"I will not be involved in any other matters."

As the saying goes, once you enter a marquis's mansion, it's like entering a deep sea. There are so many dirty things going on in this Duke's Mansion, and Chu Wujiang doesn't want to get involved.

Fang Xiaoran stopped there. He just needed to express the Confucian school's hope that Chu Wujiang would inherit the Tiance Army and keep this idea implanted.

He also smiled and said:

"Yes, sir."

Because Chu Wujiang slowed down the speed of the Seven Apertures Heart, the inexplicable discomfort in Fang Xiaoran's heart disappeared without a trace.

Just as he was doubting himself, Huo Qiushui's voice came:
"My Lord, we have arrived at the Duke of Liguo's Mansion."

After Chu Wujiang was attacked when he left the city, the inspection of the Chu family guards was relaxed a lot, which allowed Huo Qiu Shui to arrive at Taoran Ju ahead of schedule and begin to be responsible for the guard mobilization.

This time, she led the team personally.

Chu Wujiang couldn't help but laugh:

"Qiu Shui, you are responsible for training the army. As for the guards, Yun Shang and Baili Jin are enough."

Huo Qiu Shui was wearing a set of carefully crafted armor, the silver armor plates flashing coldly under the sunlight.

The entire Chu family army is now fully armed.

She shook her head and said:

"You can't say that, sir."

"The last time the Demon Palace attacked, the entire capital was on alert, and I must fulfill my responsibility."

Huo Qiu Shui's persistence in this regard is stronger than anyone else.

Thunder flickered faintly around her.

Chu Wujiang had no choice but to let it go. He got off the carriage with Fang Xiaoran and arrived at the Duke Liguo's Mansion.

……

Tianjing, Duke Liguo's Mansion

Compared to the domineering Mansion of the Duke of Zhenguo, the Mansion of the Duke of Liguo is more like a scholarly family. Even the stone lions at the door look a bit delicate and lack some intimidation.

Chu Wujiang looked up and saw the words "Where My Heart Is at Peace" written on the plaque of the Duke of Liguo's Mansion.

These four characters are taken from a line in the poem "Ding Feng Bo":
"This place where my heart is at ease is my hometown."

Fang Xiaoran explained:

"The Liu family originally lived in Liuzhou. After our dynasty was established, the whole family moved to Tianzhou."

"Someone in the family missed his hometown, so Duke Liguo wrote these four characters."

Chu Wujiang nodded secretly. No wonder Duke Li was originally a scholar. Later, when he saw the chaos in the world, he gave up writing and took up arms, actively following Di Hao and becoming one of the six dukes.

As the two were looking at the plaque, Duke Liguo's great-granddaughter, Mr. Shenmo's disciple, and Tianjing's famous national player Liu Xinqi hurriedly stepped forward and saluted:
"Brother Fang, Champion Marquis."

"My great-grandfather was resting in the back garden, playing chess with my great-grandfather."

Great-father means great-grandfather. As for the godfather mentioned by Liu Xinqi, he is naturally Liu Xuanfeng, the adopted son of Duke Liguo.

Liu Xinqi paused and said:

"My father heard that you two were coming, so he sent me here to greet you."

"You two, please come in."

Fang Xiaoran said politely:
"Dr. Liu, this time it's not Fang who is visiting, but Champion Marquis."

"Fang was just accompanying me."

Fang Xiaoran's tone carried a hint of alienation.

In the early years, the relationship between the two families was good, and Liu Xinqi and Fang Fusheng had a verbal engagement.

Later, Fang Fusheng contracted syphilis, causing the Liu family to break off the engagement.

In a sense, the Sima family's ability to take advantage of the situation was also related to the Liu family's cancellation of the engagement.

Liu Xinqi felt this alienation, but still said with a smile on her face:
"Okay, Brother Fang."

"Master Marquis, please come inside."

But Liu Xinqi's right hand was slightly clenched.

……

Duke Liguo's Mansion, back garden.

As a top founding hero of the Tianming Dynasty and the powerful soul master who destroyed Emperor Wu, the area of ​​Duke Liguo's Mansion is far beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Forget about flower viewing and taking walks, you can even practice horse racing.

It takes a lot of time for a horse to run a circle here.

Tianzhou is big, Tianjing is big, but not a single inch of land belongs to the poor.

After walking for a while, they finally arrived at the center of the garden, which was also the favorite pavilion of Duke Liguo, Fengya Pavilion.

Chu Wujiang looked around and saw an old man with white hair that almost reached the ground, looking at the chessboard intently, while opposite him was a general sitting upright.

The general had a murderous look on his face and killed the black piece without any hesitation.

"Great-father."

"Shh!"

Originally, Liu Xinqi was about to call out, but Chu Wujiang stopped her. It can be seen that the two sides were at a critical juncture and should not be disturbed.

Duke Liguo sighed and said:

"Xuan Feng, your spear skills have improved again. The old dragon has been slain and there is no way to save the situation."

"You have brought out the talent of this seeker to its fullest."

Liu Xuanfeng said neither humbly nor arrogantly:

"Thank you for the compliment, godfather." "This is all because godfather is giving in to me."

Duke Liguo has an old face and a weak aura, and there is no sign of the power of the Three Tribulations Spirit at all. On the contrary, Liu Xuanfeng is in his prime and he can live for more than another 500 years.

But he still maintained absolute respect for his adoptive father.

Duke Li Guo shook his head and said:

"Don't say these empty words, ahem."

"A visitor is coming."

Duke Liguo turned around in an old and frail manner, coughed and said:

"Master Chu, Nephew Fang, both of you come over here and sit down and talk."

Fengya Pavilion is a huge pavilion that can accommodate hundreds of people.

Hundreds of years ago, before Duke Liguo became old enough, he liked to gather great chess players to play chess here.

Chu Wujiang could even see that this pavilion contained a powerful chess luck, which made him secretly say in his heart: ""

[This pavilion is a magic circle, a magic circle that gathers luck! ]

【Duke Liguo built his own chess culture through this pavilion for his family to use.】

【What a genius! 】

A steady stream of chess luck burst forth from all over the country, gathered together, and transformed into fortune, maintaining the life of Duke Li Guo.

Almost everyone who plays chess will pray, hoping that God will bless Duke Li Guo with good health and longevity.

From this point of view, Duke Liguo is undoubtedly the most powerful among the six dukes.

As early as the beginning of the dynasty, he continued to invest money to develop and promote Go, thus forming his fortune in the game.

The other five dukes are all dead, but he is still alive and can still play chess in the pavilion.

The Duke Liguo's Mansion has the best offspring situation among the six dukes.

The child of Duke Liguo has no talent for martial arts, but he has some luck in chess.

The children of the Duke of Zhenguo are all sickly, while the children of the Duke of Weiguo, the Duke of Qi, the Duke of Ningguo and the Duke of Rong are not worth mentioning.

Duke Liguo looked old and his eyes were blurry, but he still looked at the two of them.

"Everyone come in and sit down."

Chu Wujiang and Fang Xiaoran bowed respectfully and said:
"Yes, Your Excellency the Duke!"

Even though both of them had high status, they really couldn't be rude to Duke Liguo. After all, Duke Zhenguo had to behave as a junior when he met him.

Chu Wujiang and Fang Xiaoran found a seat and sat down. When Duke Li Guo saw Chu Wujiang, he couldn't help but smile and said:

"Sit closer, I can't see clearly."

The two pillars of the empire, the Confucian generals on the battlefield, and the powerful men who had experienced three tribulations, also came to the end of their lives and their bodies began to decay.

The normal lifespan of a Yuanshen Zhenren is 1,500 years, but sometimes due to serious injuries, decline in cultivation, etc., the lifespan is shortened.

Chu Wujiang hurriedly approached and sat down. Duke Liguo finally saw his appearance clearly and praised him sincerely:
"He looks a bit like Chu Yingxiong, but much more handsome than him."

"That sly guy Chu Yingxiong said he would come and get together with us in Longzhou, but once he stayed in Longzhou, he stopped coming."

Chu Yingxiong is the name of the Chu family's ancestor, which made Chu Wujiang quickly say:

"Our ancestors left us a ancestral teaching that we must be respectful when meeting the Duke."

This kind of ancestral precept was naturally made up by him, but the Duke of Liguo was old, and a smile appeared on his face when he heard this:
"Okay."

"He left first, and his descendants are the most successful."

"I heard from Wenxuan that you relied on those ragtag troops of Longzhou to repel the mermen and even killed their Yuanshen."

"Great, great."

Duke Liguo's eyes never concealed the envy. He did not look like the commander of the Tiance Army, the last founding father of the empire. Instead, he looked like an old man in his twilight years who was chattering.

Liu Xuanfeng gave him an apologetic look and used a secret technique to transmit his voice:

[Marquis Guanjun, my adoptive father is old and always thinks about the past, please forgive me. ]

Chu Wujiang smiled and also used the secret technique to transmit his voice:
[As for Xiping Hou, when I saw the Duke, I was reminded of my elders. ]

[They usually nag like this.]

[I don’t even want to listen now. 】

Liu Xuanfeng couldn't help but fall silent.

He was born into a civilian family and his parents died early. He thought of joining the army just to make a living.

By the time he had achieved success in his cultivation, his parents had already passed the age for cultivation and naturally passed away early.

This made Xiping Hou nod his head and say:
【What Champion Hou said makes sense.】

Duke Liguo recalled the past of the Chu family's ancestors and couldn't help laughing:
"That sly guy likes doing business the most. He spends more time dealing with businessmen than in the army."

"Every time we conquered a city, the others were responsible for moving things, and he was responsible for buying and selling them."

"In the end, he made more money than the people he robbed."

When ancient armies traveled, they were always followed by a group of merchants who provided services to the army and even purchased spoils of war.

The ancestor of the Chu family served as a personal guard for Emperor Hao while doing business.

He didn't rob people, but was a black-hearted businessman who was responsible for selling stolen goods. He made a fortune in just a few rounds.

Duke Liguo was like an old man in his twilight years, always recounting the past events over and over again. He grabbed Chu Wujiang's hand and said:

"After Chu Yingxiong made money, he bought a lot of treasures and said that he hadn't married or had children yet, so nothing could happen to him."

“I didn’t expect that when Emperor Wu was at his most rampant, he would have the courage to risk his life.”

"Great, great."

Only then did Chu Wujiang understand how his ancestor had survived.

The ancestor definitely did not have the strength of the Yuanshen realm, but he actually dared to participate in such a war. He must have made a lot of money from the war and exchanged them for things to save his life, so that he could make this last attempt.

After saying this, Duke Liguo showed a confused look and said:
"Young man, where were we talking about?"

Chu Wujiang replied:

"My Lord, you are talking about the heroic deeds of our ancestors."

Duke Liguo showed an expression of sudden enlightenment and sighed:
"I am really old. Even my soul is decayed. I have lost even this little memory."

Generally speaking, the soul will remain in perfect condition until the moment of life ends, when it disappears into thin air.

But there is one situation that is not like this, that is, taking too many longevity pills and extending life in various ways will make one look very old.

Chu Wujiang couldn't help but comfort him:
"Your Excellency, why do you have to say you are old? You are still full of energy."

Duke Li Guo smiled and said:

"Young people are really good at talking."

"Tell me, what do you want to see me for?"

"Since Prime Minister Fang sent his nephew here, along with the Marquis of Guanjun, there must be something he wants to do to harm me."

Chu Wujiang and Fang Xiaoran looked at each other.

Duke Liguo was once known as the twin pillars of the empire, and even in his twilight years, his sense of smell was still keen.

But Chu Wujiang did not speak directly, but said softly:
"My Lord, I once encountered a ghost."

"That ghost is very grateful to the Duke, and he wants me to tell him."

"He has been searching for the [God's Hand] and the divine realm, and is offering you a gift."

At this time, Master Xing Luo was sitting on Teardrop Island with tears streaming down his face.

He never thought that hundreds of years after his death, he would still be able to have a conversation with Duke Li Guo with the help of Chu Wujiang.

Duke Liguo's face was somewhat moved, and the old man blurted out:

"Is it Xing Luo?"

"Why doesn't he come back and visit me?"

"Oh, he's dead."

Duke Liguo was silent for a long time, his eyes a little moist.

In addition to his love for Go, he essentially promotes Go because he wants to gain benefits through the game.

But people have emotions. After hundreds of years of promoting Go, he himself cannot do without this sport and will miss his old friends.

Chu Wujiang took out a soul seal, which was the chess records and principles recently summarized by Master Xing Luo. He had never stopped exploring the principles of chess and was pursuing a higher realm.

Although Master Xing Luo became a ghost god, he never considered himself the God of Go, and he had not yet reached a higher, deeper realm.

Chu Wujiang just replied softly:

"Your Excellency, this is what Master Xing Luo saw and gained after he turned into a ghost."

Fang Xiaoran's pupils shrank slightly.

He remembered the [Xingluo Chess Manual], which was the chess manual he gave to Chu Wujiang. Why didn't he notice the ghost on it?
too weird.

Fang Xiaoran was reflecting on himself while Chu Wujiang handed over the soul seal. Liu Xinqi was quietly waiting for her great-grandfather's call.

Now she heard Master Xing Luo's new chess moves and understood instantly.

It turns out that he had the guidance of Master Xing Luo, so such chess skills make sense.

Duke Liguo took the soul seal with trembling hands.

There is nothing else in the soul seal, only a series of marked chess records.

Duke Liguo's chess skills have seriously declined.

He could not understand the chess records and could not help but say:

"Xinqi, take a look at these chess records."

Liu Xinqi quickly took the soul seal and verified the authenticity of the chess record. As a result, she became fascinated at the first sight.

I almost started studying on my own until Duke Li Guo scolded me:
"Xinqi!"

"what!"

Liu Xinqi then shouted excitedly like a young girl:
"Really, it's all true."

"Master Xing Luo has always been concerned about the development of chess. These new chess records incorporate the latest knowledge and correct many mistakes."

“This is so important.”

Duke Li Guo showed a gratified smile:

"Xing Luo is indeed the most outstanding chess player in the history of our dynasty."

"Xinqi, quickly publish these chess records throughout the world so that all chess players can appreciate Xingluo's new chess records."

Liu Xinqi shouted excitedly:

"Yes, Greatfather!"

Both of them are chess lovers, so seeing such a chess record, they naturally want to share it with chess players all over the world.

Every day during the Tianyuan chess competition, the Liguo Mansion would print a large number of chess manuals and give them away for free to major chess academies.

If you can understand Go and are willing to learn, you can get a copy for free at the Go Academy in the Duke's Mansion.

As soon as Liu Xinqi finished speaking, the chess records displayed by these soul seals caused Feng Yating to tremble, and a new chess luck was actually condensing.

A burst of chess luck flew towards Duke Liguo.

A burst of chess luck flew towards Chu Wujiang.

【100 white chess luck detected. 】

[100 points of cyan luck detected. ]

These chess lucks were not numerous, but Chu Wujiang did not expect that there would be unexpected surprises. These surprises came from the gratitude of Master Xingluo and Duke Liguo.

This Fengya Pavilion is the core of the chess luck in the world. Duke Liguo has become the guardian of the chess luck, so they can inspire the chess luck here.

Chu Wujiang quickly absorbed the two small strands of luck.

Duke Liguo felt much better, with a relieved smile on his face:

"Thank you, Champion Hou, for your help."

"In the few remaining days of my life, I am still able to see the contributions of my old friend, which comforts me greatly."

"If the Champion Marquis has any request, please feel free to ask."

"I'll do my best."

Chu Wujiang took a deep breath and said:
"My Lord, please forgive my intrusion."

"I have discussed with the Prime Minister and plan to impose taxes on liquor, elixirs, and other types of taxes to balance the wealth and taxation of the world."

"Rice is expensive nowadays, and a pound of high-quality liquor is only about thirty coins. Considering the price of rice in various places, this price is particularly low."

"Although the price of wine is high, it does not harm the good people."

Chu Wujiang knew that the Han, Tang, Song, and even Yuan dynasties in his previous life all had liquor monopoly policies, but it was the Ming Dynasty that relaxed the policy, and the liquor tax was very low.

Therefore, the Ming Dynasty did not collect much money from liquor taxes.

Duke Liguo listened quietly, but Liu Xuanfeng immediately objected:

"Godfather, you can't agree to this!"

"Most of the extra income of the Tiance Army depends on alcohol. Without alcohol, it would be difficult to support the army!"

Liu Xuanfeng scolded:
"Could it be that the Prime Minister and the Champion Marquis are taking advantage of my foster father's old age and want to take advantage of this opportunity to bully him?"

The army is a gold-devouring behemoth. The salary from the court is not enough, far from enough.

The burial silver for an ordinary soldier is 50 taels, which is equal to 5 coins, which is equal to 5 yuan in Chu Wujiang's previous life. It seems like a large amount, but the current price of rice is 20 coins per catty.

The value of this buried silver would depreciate rapidly. If Liu Xuanfeng did not raise money himself to support the army, the combat effectiveness of the soldiers would decline rapidly.

Chu Wujiang knew that Liu Xuanfeng was not easy to deal with, so he quickly said:
"An increase in wine prices may not necessarily lead to a decrease in income, and sometimes it may even lead to an increase in income."

"Please look at this picture, Duke Liguo and Marquis Xiping."

As prices rise and sales volume decreases, there will be an intersection point in the middle that maximizes profits.

This is the simplest expression of supply and demand in economics.

Chu Wujiang prepared this chart in advance in the hope that they would understand that rising prices would not necessarily lead to a decrease in the income of the Duke of Liguo's Mansion.

"Not only that, the liquor tax is levied according to grades."

"Low-priced wine has its own tax, and high-priced wine has its own tax. The tax rates are not the same."

Liu Xuanfeng took the information prepared by Chu Wujiang, glanced at it quickly, and still shook his head:
"We have joined forces with the Prime Minister's Mansion, but every time the Prime Minister's Mansion wants to do something, it requires my foster father to make sacrifices."

"Then why do we still..."

Duke Liguo scolded directly as if he had done it a hundred years ago:

"Xuan Feng!"

Liu Xuanfeng knew that his proposal to threaten the Prime Minister's Mansion could not be achieved, so he could only take a step back and said:

"Yes, foster father!"

Duke Li Guo looked at Chu Wujiang and Fang Xiaoran, and couldn't help but smile:

"Minister Fang has been unpleasant lately. He is bullying me at my age. I won't take it seriously."

"I don't understand these liquor taxes and stuff, and I don't know how to understand them."

"The court wants to collect taxes from the rich, which is a good thing."

"I am also a scholar, so it would be inappropriate for me to oppose it."

"But I am also a warrior."

"Well, I heard from Xinqi that Champion Hou is an excellent chess player and martial artist."

"If you fight Xuan Feng twice."

"If you win both games and agree to one more condition of mine, I will accept it."

(End of this chapter)