Chapter 341 Liu Xie: The Emperor Should Share Wealth and Woe with the People
July 197, on the outskirts of Luoyang.

Liu Xie rolled up his trouser legs, went down to the field, held the plow in his hands, and taught the ministers behind him how to plow the land.

Liu Bei, wearing gorgeous clothes and ignoring the muddy ground, knelt on the ridge of the field, kowtowed and cried, "Your Majesty, why did you do this? Why did you do this?"

Someone took the lead, and all the officials knelt on the ground to advise.

After several months of independence, Liu Xie felt that the more than 200,000 people still remaining in Luoyang gave him a good opportunity to try out his role as the commander of military and political affairs.

However, due to the lack of communication between the inside and the outside and the shortage of supplies, Luoyang, which has gradually regained its prosperity thanks to Jinmao's efforts, has now returned to the agricultural era.

It is no problem for 200,000 people to be self-sufficient, but it is absolutely impossible to support a group of princes and nobles.

"It's all the fault of that Jin thief!" Liu Bei stood up angrily and said, "Your Majesty, please be patient. I will go and recruit soldiers to capture Jingzhou and capture Jin Mao alive!"

All the ministers agreed.

Liu Xie waved his hand and said, "Grand Herald, there is no need to bother any more. The people of the world have suffered enough from the war. Wouldn't it be better for them to rest and recuperate?"

Liu Bei gnashed his teeth and said, "Your Majesty is kind and caring about the people, but the country cannot be without defense for a day, and the people's safety also needs strong soldiers to protect it. I will personally lead the elite troops to capture Jingzhou with wisdom. Not only can we solve the problem of Luoyang, but we can also deter the villains in all directions and let the world know that although our Han Dynasty has experienced disasters, its dragon veins are not broken and its heroic spirit still exists!"

After saying this, Liu Bei glanced at his ministers with a sharp gaze. He saw that most of them looked embarrassed or lowered their heads in thought. Only a few military generals looked excited and eager to try.

Seeing this, Liu Xie sighed and said, "No need for that. I have made up my mind. We can no longer talk about conquering others!"

Liu Bei heard this, although he was unwilling, he could only bow and say: "Your Majesty is wise, I am willing to follow your orders."

Liu Xie called out, "Take off your shoes, everyone. I don't mind the dirt, but you still mind?"

Liu Bei couldn't persuade him, so he took off his shoes and went to the field to help Liu Xie plow the land.

The other ministers looked embarrassed, but few of them really listened to Liu Xie and went to work in the fields.

That night.

At the Situ Mansion, Zhao Wen hosted a banquet for the Grand Commandant Zhou Zhong to discuss matters.

Zhou Zhong is Zhou Yu's uncle and the highest-ranking person in the Zhou family in the court. After going through many hardships, Zhou Zhong became the grand marshal.

"General Zhou, please come this way."

"Zhao Situ."

The two men greeted each other and sat down.

After some pleasantries, Zhao Wen got to the point: "What do you think of what your Majesty did today?"

Zhou Zhong pondered for a moment, frowned, and said slowly: "Your Majesty's move is unexpected, but also meaningful. On the surface, Your Majesty is personally farming to show that he is happy with the people and sympathizes with the people. In fact, I am afraid that he is taking this opportunity to convey a message to the court - even if he is in a high position, he should not forget his roots, and he will not allow his ministers to slack off. Your Majesty's move is intended to warn us not to forget our original intentions and to be diligent in government affairs."

"However," Zhou Zhong changed the subject, his tone a little worried, "Although your majesty's move is good, it has also caused a lot of discussion in the court and the public. Many people may have complaints in their hearts, thinking that your majesty's move has lost the dignity of the emperor. They are even more worried that this move may set a precedent of 'stabilizing the country through labor', so that all civil and military officials in the court will have to go to the fields to farm, which is against common etiquette."

Zhao Wen nodded slightly when he heard this, expressing his agreement: "What the Grand Commandant said is very true. Although your Majesty has good intentions, you must be cautious in implementing them. As ministers, how should we guide public opinion so that your Majesty's benevolent policies can be smoothly implemented without causing unrest in the court and the public? This is indeed an urgent task."

"In my opinion," Zhou Zhong said after thinking for a while, "we can start by encouraging all officials to be diligent in their work, set an example and gradually guide the trend. At the same time, we can take this opportunity to advise Your Majesty to set up special farming demonstration fields and have them managed by dedicated personnel. This will not only retain Your Majesty's original intention of farming in person, but also avoid the inconvenience and controversy that may be caused by directly allowing all officials to participate in farming."

After hearing this, Zhao Wen's eyes flashed with approval: "The plan of the Grand Commandant is very good. It not only shows respect for Your Majesty's will, but also takes into account the actual situation. It is really a best of both worlds. At the court meeting tomorrow, you and I can jointly submit a memorial. I believe that Your Majesty will understand our painstaking efforts."

"That's right, Situ Zhao." Zhou Zhong nodded in agreement and continued, "In addition, we also need to consider how to encourage the public to actively participate in farming and improve agricultural production efficiency. Perhaps we can set up a farming reward system to commend and reward farmers or villages that have made significant contributions to agricultural technology innovation and yield increase, so as to stimulate the enthusiasm and creativity of the people for farming. At the same time, it is also urgent to strengthen the construction of farmland water conservancy facilities, ensure that the irrigation system is unobstructed, and reduce the impact of natural disasters on agriculture."

"What the commander said is very true. The reward system and infrastructure construction will surely promote the steady development of agriculture." Zhao Wen added, "Furthermore, we should also encourage scholars and students to pay attention to farming, compile and promote practical agricultural books, record advanced farming techniques and experiences, and spread them to a wider area. Knowledge is the power to change destiny. If it can be applied to farmland, it will surely benefit thousands of people."

"Situ Zhao has a far-sighted vision. This move will not only improve the level of agriculture, but also promote the popularization of culture and social harmony. In addition, I would also like to propose strengthening communication and cooperation with local officials to ensure that the court's policies can be accurately transmitted to the grassroots level, while also allowing local voices to be fed back in a timely manner to form a good situation in which everyone is united and jointly promotes agricultural development." Zhou Zhong added.

"This way, our plan will be more comprehensive." Zhao Wen looked pleased. "As long as we work together, we will live up to your majesty's expectations and make the people of this land live and work in peace and happiness, and the country prosper."

"Indeed, communication and cooperation are the key to implementing any policy." Zhao Situ nodded in agreement, his eyes flashing with determination. "We should also set up special funds to support the research and development and promotion of agricultural technologies, especially those that can increase crop yields and enhance crop resistance. At the same time, we should encourage and fund young talents who are interested in agriculture, cultivate a new generation of agricultural experts, and inject fresh blood into the sustainable development of the country's agriculture."

"In addition, I think we should strengthen the construction of farmland water conservancy facilities, improve irrigation conditions, and ensure the efficient use of water resources to cope with natural disasters such as droughts that may occur in the future." Zhou Zhong continued to elaborate on his views, his tone full of longing for the future of agriculture.

"Mr. Zhou is absolutely right. These measures can not only improve agricultural production efficiency, but also enhance agriculture's ability to resist risks and provide solid guarantees for the country's food security." Zhao Wen agreed deeply.

No matter how the two discussed, they ignored the fact that there were only more than 200,000 people living near Luoyang, while the number of officials in Beijing, young and old, added up to more than 10,000.

Including the army and officials responsible for maintaining public order, the total number is nearly 20,000.

Nine people support one official?
How can you afford this?
After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the two men spoke less official language and more down-to-earth.

"I heard that the Grand Commandant's nephew Zhou Yizhou is deeply trusted and favored by His Royal Highness the King of Wu."

Zhao Wen pretended to be drunk and asked, "Does the Grand Commandant have a way to go to Jingzhou to pay a visit to His Royal Highness the King of Wu?"

Zhou Zhong said with his eyes half drunk: "My children and grandchildren have their own blessings. As an elder, how can I ask for help from my younger generation unless it is absolutely necessary?"

Zhao Wen thought to himself that although the words of Taiwei Zhou Zhong were a little drunk, they also revealed some sophistication and depth. He knew the rules of officialdom very well. Even if his nephew was favored by the King of Wu, as an elder, he should not directly take advantage of his power, so as not to give people a chance to criticize him and ruin the family's reputation. So Zhao Wen changed his angle and said tentatively: "The Taiwei is right. The family's honor should be fought for by the younger generations. However, the world is changing rapidly. As important officials in the court, it would be a blessing if we could pave the way for the younger generations in time. His Royal Highness the King of Wu is wise and brave, and he has opened up many paths for talents. If there is a suitable candidate in the Taiwei's mansion and he can be favored by His Royal Highness, wouldn't it be wonderful?"

Zhou Zhong smiled slightly when he heard this. He gently put down his wine glass and his eyes became deep. "Mr. Zhao is right. The rise and fall of a family does require long-term planning. However, the affairs of the court are complicated and changeable. We need to be cautious in every step. As for my family, if there are talents that can be cultivated, I will pay attention to cultivating them and make plans when the time is right."

Zhao Wen was secretly happy when he saw that Zhou Zhong's attitude had softened. He knew that an old fox like Zhou Zhong would not reveal his cards easily, but today's conversation at least laid a foreshadowing for his future plans.

So, he continued, "The Grand Commandant has a far-sighted vision, and I admire him. It is true that matters in the court do need to be handled carefully. However, I have seen that there seems to be a sign of change in the court situation recently. What do you think, Grand Commandant?"

Zhou Zhong shook his head gently, as if everything was under control: "The political situation is like a chess game, with unpredictable changes. We just need to do our part and wait for the right opportunity. As for the rest, just let it happen naturally."

Zhao Wen cursed inwardly, and stopped trying to be witty, saying, "To be honest, I think Your Majesty is too naive, not fit to be a leader. You want to do what Yi and Huo did, and help His Royal Highness the King of Wu ascend the throne and become emperor."

Zhou Zhong raised his eyes and glanced at him, pretending not to hear, and said: "I am drunk today. Thank you Situ for your hospitality. I will visit you again tomorrow."

After saying that, Zhou Zhong was about to stand up.

Zhao Wen stopped pretending and stopped Zhou Zhong, saying, "Captain Zhou, you and I know the pros and cons of this. His Highness the King of Wu is wise and brave, and is deeply loved by the people. He is the image of a true dragon emperor. But the current emperor, although he has inherited the throne, is weak in character and has difficulty in controlling the government. Moreover, the imperial relatives are interfering in politics, and the government is weak. As ministers, we should consider the country and the people. How can we sit back and watch?"

Zhou Zhong's face changed slightly when he heard this, but he immediately returned to normal. He sat down slowly with a deep look in his eyes: "What Situ Zhao said makes sense, but this matter is of great importance. If we are not careful, the whole family will be executed. You and I must act cautiously and not act rashly. Moreover, although His Royal Highness the King of Wu is willing to ascend the throne, there are many voices of opposition in the court. We need to resolve them one by one before we can succeed."

"What Taiwei Zhou said is absolutely right," Zhao Wen nodded in agreement, "That is why I want to work with Taiwei on this great plan. Taiwei is very wise, and if you can help me, this matter will be twice as effective with half the effort. I am willing to swear on the future of my family, and work together with Taiwei to achieve great things."

Zhou Zhong pondered for a moment, and finally nodded: "Since Situ Zhao has made such a determination, I will certainly help him. But remember, this matter needs to be done step by step, and we must not rush it. We can first secretly contact the important officials in the court to seek support."

"That's right." Zhao Wen nodded, revealing his true intentions, and said, "Then I'll trouble the commander to pay more attention to His Royal Highness the King of Wu."

Zhou Zhong waved his hand and said, "No hurry, it won't be too late after I communicate with Yu'er."

...

Jingzhou.

Jin Mao unexpectedly receives a letter from Zhou Yu, in which he scoffs at the statement that Zhao Wen and Zhou Zhong want to support him to take the throne.

"Someone, go find out what happened in Luoyang?"

The next day.

Jin Mao looked at the intelligence collected by the Jinyiwei and couldn't help but applaud what Liu Xie did.

"My good nephew, you should severely punish these scholars who are unwilling to practice with the people!"

Now, what Zhou Yu said in the letter needs to be investigated.

"Someone, call Xun Yu and Xun Wenruo!"

Ever since Xun Yu stood on Liu Xie's side and opposed Jin Mao last time, he was dismissed and has been working as a teacher for more than two years, but has not been employed.

Instead, it has trained many outstanding students from the lower classes, which can be regarded as a waste of talent.

"Commoner Xun Yu pays homage to His Majesty the King of Wu."

"Wen Ruo, there's no need to be polite between you and me."

Xun Yu said stubbornly: "Rituals cannot be abolished, just like the laws of our ancestors cannot be changed."

Jin Mao was in a lot of trouble and said, "Times change, and the fate of Emperor Ling is the same as not changing the laws of our ancestors! Besides, I didn't call you here today to argue about this matter."

Xun Yu bent over and said nothing.

Jin Mao asked his attendants to show Xun Yu all of Zhou Yu's letter and intelligence.

"What does Wen Ruo think about this?"

Xun Yu thought Jin Mao was asking about ascending the throne, and said viciously: "Zhao Wen and Zhou Zhong are unworthy of being celebrities! A thousand deaths are not enough to atone for their sins!"

Jin Mao laughed awkwardly, "I thought Wen Ruo would become more peaceful after teaching and educating people, but seeing her today, my perception has been overturned."

Xun Yu's eyes narrowed slightly when he heard this, but his tone was still firm and unquestionable: "My lord, you are too serious. Although I am a teacher, I care about my country. How can I forget the justice of the world for my own comfort? Zhao Wen, Zhou Zhong and others use their family reputation as a shield to do shameful things. It is a shame for scholars of our generation. If my lord has a decision, I am willing to be the vanguard and swear to eliminate these treacherous people and rectify the government."

Jin Mao nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with admiration, and then changed the subject: "However, today's discussion is not entirely about personal grudges. What do you think of the above-mentioned matter of His Majesty personally cultivating the land?"

Xun Yu immediately praised him: "My Lord, your majesty's act of personally tilling the fields is truly an unprecedented event, which shows that Your Majesty cares for the people and advocates the virtue of farming. This move can not only inspire the people to be diligent in the fields, but also show your majesty's determination to set an example and share the joys and sorrows with the people of the world. In my opinion, this is a sign of rejuvenation, indicating that our Han Dynasty will usher in a new era. However, your majesty's good deeds also need to be supplemented by good policies to truly benefit the people. I am willing to enter Luoyang and assist your majesty in promoting agricultural reforms, building water conservancy projects, and expanding farmland so that the people of Luoyang can live and work in peace and contentment."

It would be disastrous if I let you in, Jin Mao thought to himself, and he was afraid that he would not be able to sleep at night.

"Since Wen Ruo thinks so, let Your Majesty do whatever he wants with this matter."

Jinmao was waiting for Luoyang to make a fool of itself.

(End of this chapter)