Chapter 508: Crowd Response (Four Thousand)
On the ridge of the field, a group of officials in simple clothes were strolling.

The household official in charge of agricultural and civil affairs was shocked when he saw these officials from afar. His eyelids were twitching. How come these officials looked familiar and strange to him? They looked like ordinary officials in the county government. But how could there be such tall officials in the county government? He would believe them even if they said they were generals!
Could he be Yuan Shao's spy?
After careful consideration, the Household Department called in soldiers and prepared to go forward to inquire.

You won’t know until you go forward, and you’ll be shocked when you do.

All the words that Hu Cao wanted to say were stuck in his throat, and even the soldiers behind him looked at each other in confusion.

No wonder he felt familiar yet strange. It turned out that these people were
Hu Cao swallowed his saliva, clasped his fists and said respectfully: "General Huang, General Guan, Military Advisor Xu..."

"Oh, no need to be so polite. We don't want to reveal our identities on this trip. My fellow comrades, please leave for now." Guan Yu said gently.

"Yes." Hu Cao wanted to bow and leave, but Guan Yu's words seemed to still echo in his ears, and he stopped his hand from saluting. General Guan didn't want the people to see their identities!
The household officer turned around and shouted to the soldiers, "My fellow soldiers, these people are not Yuan Benchu's spies, but officials from our government office. Please leave!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the people in the fields immediately breathed a sigh of relief and felt much more at ease. They no longer paid attention to Huang Zhong, Guan Yu and others.

After sending Hu Cao away, Gongsun Yue couldn't help but sigh: "Brother, even a mere Hu Cao is so alert."

"What's so surprising about this?" Gongsun Zan glanced at Gongsun Yue, then looked at the young men working in the fields and asked the question that concerned him the most, "Military Advisor Jia, Military Advisor Xu. I just listened carefully and found that these people don't speak with Jizhou accents. Instead, they speak with the accents of people from Qingzhou whom we met. Could they be Yuan Benchu's soldiers who were stationed in the fields? But didn't the soldiers go to build roads and bridges?"

"There is no need to trouble Military Advisor Jia with this matter. Let me help General Gongsun solve his doubts." Xu Shu stood up.

Jia Xu nodded slightly and left the explanation to Xu Shu.

"Please help me solve my doubts, Military Advisor Xu." Gongsun Zan was delighted, as he had witnessed Xu Shu's talents all along.

Xu Shu pointed at the people working in the fields and said, "Just as General Gongsun expected, most of these people are former soldiers stationed in the fields."

"Tuntian soldiers?" Gongsun Yue couldn't help but mutter, "Tuntian can effectively obtain a large amount of food, but I heard that Yuan Benchu's tuntian soldiers lived a very miserable life. The current tuntian soldiers won't be like this, right?"

As if he had heard Gongsun Yue's muttering, Xu Shu nodded, "Since the soldiers who were stationed in the fields had lived a miserable life before, although they could obtain a large amount of food in the short term, it was not conducive to long-term development. Therefore, we discussed it and reported it to the court, and decided to use this as a 'pilot' to implement a new land system."

"New land system?" Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue noticed the key point in Xu Shu's words.

"That's right." Xu Shu nodded slightly. "The new land system means that the court will lend land to the common people for cultivation according to the population, and the land tax is 10%. After a certain number of years of cultivation, the land tax will gradually decrease to 15% or 130%. In addition, the court cannot take back the land without reason. If it does, it must give certain compensation."

Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue nodded repeatedly after hearing this. Not to mention a tax rate of 10%, even a tax rate of 15% or 130% was nothing new.

When the previous emperor was alive, although the tax per mu was increased by ten coins, although the land of the big families was being annexed, and although the land tax might have to be paid multiple times, the apparent land tax was still one in fifteen!
However, compared with Yuan Shao's 10% tax and 50% tax, 10% tax seems much more lenient. No wonder the young and strong people in Qingzhou decisively abandoned Yuan Shao and actively embraced the court.

Anyone would be confused.

Furthermore, there was money and grain to be earned from the labor service, and the land rent was reduced to one fifth of the original amount.

Before this, if someone had told Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue about these decrees.

Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue would only regard that man as a lunatic. Even if they took a step back and confirmed the authenticity of these decrees, they would only think that these decrees were just a cover.

When the previous emperor was alive, wasn’t the tax also 15%?

It was not until they saw it with their own eyes that they believed that this decree was actually implemented.

only.
Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue looked at each other and saw each other's worry on their faces.

After pondering for a moment, Gongsun Zan lowered his eyes and showed a worried look, "Military Advisor Xu, although I am not talented, I know that supporting these policies and asking for money and food will encounter resistance from the nobles. Moreover, lending land to the common people will inevitably arouse the vigilance of the nobles. Previously, the war attracted their attention. What should we do if they react after that?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience fell silent.

Although Huang Zhong, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and others did not say anything, they seemed to have given the answer.

Leaving aside Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue, everyone else's eyes were focused on Jia Xu.

This surprised Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue, and they couldn't help but think secretly: Could it be that Military Advisor Jia had already planned this?

The fact was just as Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue thought. Jia Xu stopped waving the feather fan in his hand and sneered: "It's very simple, just get rid of them, right?"

"remove?!"

This answer seemed to have no effect on Huang Zhong, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and others, but it caused a storm in the hearts of Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Yue.

Gongsun Zan had extensive experience in torturing the gentry, and even Gongsun Yue was influenced by him.

But if they really want to get rid of the nobles
If Gongsun Yue were to ask himself, he would not dare to do so. Thinking of this, Gongsun Yue added in his heart: My brother probably would not dare to do so either.

However, developments often go beyond expectations.

Gongsun Zan clenched his fists and excitedly said something that made Gongsun Yue dumbfounded, "Military Advisor Jia, tell me what we should do!"

"?" Gongsun Yue's heart was trembling, and he stared at Gongsun Zan with wide eyes in horror. Beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, slid down his nose, and fell to the ground and broke into pieces. Others avoided it, so why did his brother have to go up to it!

"Brother!"

In desperation, Gongsun Yue shouted loudly, and without caring about the identity of Gongsun Zan's brother, he grabbed Gongsun Zan's arm and tried to persuade Gongsun Zan to change his mind.

Gongsun Zan pushed Gongsun Yue's hand away, stared at Gongsun Yue's pale face, lowered his voice, and spoke confidently, "Brother Yue, Xuande is my brother, and Xuande is the general of the guards. How can I be afraid of them?!"

Gongsun Zan didn't care what Gongsun Yue thought, and stepped forward to ask about Jia Xu's plan.

As Jia Xu continued to tell the story, Gongsun Zan became more and more frightened. In short, Jia Xu planned to unite the small noble families and suppress the big noble families. For those who refused to cooperate, he would frame them. No, he would produce forged evidence, such as letters to Yuan Shao, armor, and even crossbows.

At that time, the family education of the big families will be sold to the small noble families in exchange for land.

Simply a win-win!

Out of kindness, Jia Xu did not intend to kill them all and cause a river of blood to flow. Jia Xu planned to kill some of them, and then disrupt and send some of them to Bingzhou and Youzhou, or if that didn't work, send them to Tianzhu.

Gongsun Zan was surprised at first, but then he became very interested. He suggested, "Military Advisor Jia, I think you should hand them over to me. I am suffering from a lack of soldiers for the attack on Liaodong. We should take this opportunity to set up a camp of scholars so that they can show their skills!"

Gongsun Yue's Adam's apple moved, and he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. He advised anxiously, "Brother, Military Advisor Jia, if this happens, your reputation will be ruined!"

Xu Shu, whose expression changed slightly, also joined in, "Military Advisor Jia, why don't you let me take over this matter."

However, Jia Xu, who used to have a mild attitude, became strong on this matter. "No, Advisor Xu, I am the only one responsible for this matter. After all, my reputation is already awful, so what is there to be afraid of?"

Gongsun Zan was much more straightforward, "It is a wonderful thing to see those noble families suffer!"

Huang Zhong, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei all spoke up to comfort Xu Shu, "Military Advisor Xu, just follow Wen He's advice."

"This..." After everyone's persuasion, Xu Shu sighed and finally agreed.

Gongsun Zan could not hold back his excitement and asked, "Military Advisor Jia, when should we start?!"

Zhang Fei looked at Gongsun Zan deeply and asked in surprise, "Why is General Gongsun so impulsive?"

Guan Yu glanced at Zhang Fei. Why did these words sound so strange coming from Zhang Fei's mouth?

Jia Xu pondered for a moment and said, "This matter still needs to be considered in the long run. Even recruiting soldiers cannot be vague. Speaking of recruiting soldiers, I just have an idea. Why don't we go back to the government office first?" Everyone nodded and said "good" repeatedly.

Although Gongsun Yue had some concerns, given that Gongsun Zan was so supportive, he had no choice but to support Gongsun Zan's choice.

When everyone returned to the government office, after several heated debates, they finally made a decision.

The method of pulling up one wave and suppressing another wave has been determined.

It was decided to start with a noble family that was closely connected with Yuan Shao, and see the reactions of other noble families in Jizhou.

The entry point is Liu of Weichang.

The reason is very simple, because the Liu family of Weichang is also a descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan, the great-great-grandson of Emperor Jing.

Zhang Fei asked: "In this case, what should we do?"

Xu Shu and Jia Xu smiled at each other and said, "We need to rely on the three generals for this matter."

Zhang Fei: “Ah?”

魏昌
The continuous drizzle for many days made the sky look low and gloomy, making people worry that the sky would fall down in a trance.

Fortunately, the rain finally stopped and the sky cleared up. With the shining sun, the depressed mood of the people of Anguo was swept away.

At the same time, the cavalrymen coming and going brought good news.

Liu Li, who was sitting in the tea shop, could no longer sit still. He widened his eyes, stood up, and punched the table, causing his companions to complain.

"What? Julu Yu clan secretly contacted Yuan Benchu, intending to let Yuan Benchu ​​return to Jizhou?!"

"You bastard, you bastard! You are not a human being! Yuan Benchu ​​is a traitor! Can Yuan Benchu ​​govern Jizhou well?!"

"What? General Gongsun and Jia Wenhe are going to submit a petition to the Emperor requesting the death penalty for the Qu family?! And General Guan is writing a letter to plead for them at the same time? This is so confusing! This is so confusing!"

The entire teahouse seemed to be discussing this matter. Some people thought that it must be because the Nu family was unwilling to pay money and grain, which led to the attack by the vicious scholar Jia Xu.

As everyone knows, the Yu family has always supported Yuan Benchu ​​with real money.

However, these had nothing to do with Liu Li and the others. Seeing the helpless look on Liu Li's face, his companions calmed him down after constant consolation. They then pulled Liu Li back to his seat and said, "Where are we going now? Brother Liu, have you ever heard of General Zhang?"

"General Zhang? Could it be General Zhang Yide? The talented Zhang Yide?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Why did you suddenly mention General Zhang?"

"Of course it's the news that came with the cavalry."

"News? What news is related to General Zhang?"

The companion pursed his lips, frowned slightly, and thought carefully.

Just when Liu Li was getting bored, his companion finally remembered and said, "Why don't men take Wu Gou and conquer fifty states in Guanshan? Please go to Yuntai Pavilion for a while, how about a scholar who is a marquis?"

Liu Li's pupils trembled, and his mouth trembled constantly, "This poem was written by General Zhang. Please go to Yuntai Pavilion for a while. How can a Confucian scholar be a marquis? Well said, well said."

The companion seemed to remember what he had missed, so he added: "General Gongsun was planning to take back Liaodong and issued a notice to recruit soldiers, and this poem was written by General Zhang for this purpose. I heard that if you are a scholar, you can even start as a sergeant."

"brush--"

Liu Li stood up again.

This puzzled his companions, "Mr. Liu, what are you doing?"

As he was talking, he suddenly realized something. His face suddenly changed color, and he said in disbelief: "Could it be that you want to join the army?!"

"." Liu Li took a deep breath and nodded solemnly.

His companion wanted to reach out and grab Liu Li, but unfortunately this time he reached out and caught nothing.

He asked puzzledly: "Mr. Liu, I remember that you have studied the classics, why do you have to fight on the battlefield?"

"You don't understand." Liu Li shook his head. "I am the great-great-grandson of Emperor Xiaojing and the descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan. General Zhang is right. How can a Confucian scholar become a marquis without doing anything?"

"General Wei still studied under Master Lu. What was the result?"

"Isn't it a title that was earned through fighting on the battlefield?!"

His companion couldn't help but retort, "But General Wei is not an ordinary person."

Liu Li laughed out loud when he heard this. "If I don't try, how would I know I can't do it?"

"I didn't seize the opportunity last time, I can't let go this time!"

Liu Li picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp. After clasping his fists to say goodbye to his companions, he looked up and laughed in the direction of the notice without any regrets.

There are far more people like Liu Li.

Yecheng.

Gongsun Zan stared at the letter sent back in his hand and was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling.

He never expected that Zhang Fei's poems would have such a good effect.

After this poem was published, a large number of scholars gathered to respond, of course most of them were from humble backgrounds.

Gongsun Zan would certainly not abandon such ambitious people, as the notice said, these were all high-quality generals.

However, Gongsun Zan found it a bit sad that, except for the Nu clan, everyone else was willing to give money and food, and some of the gentry even returned their land in order to survive.

It seems that it is because he is too afraid of Jia Xu?

Unfortunately, the gentry had little interest in recruiting scholars as military officials.

Will this affect Advisor Jia's plan?
Gongsun Zan was walking and thinking when he unexpectedly ran into Zhang Fei.

Gongsun Zan took this opportunity to thank Zhang Fei and casually mentioned, "As for recruiting soldiers, the nobles are not interested, what should we do?"

Zhang Fei curled his lips, "I thought it was a big deal, but it's not that simple. Tell them that even the Han royal family members have come to respond, but you guys are not interested. Could it be that you are Yuan Benchu's spy?!"

(End of this chapter)