Chapter 87: Natural and man-made disasters break out, forcing the offensive of the Repentance Edict to be launched? !
"Your Majesty, Lady Tang is pregnant!"

"Your Majesty, Concubine Cao is pregnant!"

"Your Majesty, Concubine Cai is pregnant!"

"His Majesty……"

During this period, Liu Bian felt that magpies were chirping non-stop, and good things were indeed happening one after another.

After Liu Bian's hard work, many of his concubines finally showed signs of pregnancy. In July and August, there was a bumper harvest, and nine of his concubines were pregnant.

This made Liu Bian happy, and also surprised all the officials in the court and Empress Dowager He!
Because as long as the concubines in the harem were pregnant, whether it was a boy or a girl, it proved that Liu Bian had no problem with his fertility.

For the time being, there is no need to worry too much about the most important issue for a king, which is the continuation of his family line.

...

In addition to the issue of offspring, local military intelligence and war reports also reported continuous good news.

Wang Fang, Wang Kuang and Qin Liangyu led their troops to pacify the Black Mountain Army and started making salt at the Black Mountain Salt Mine.

In addition to being transported to Liyang to engage in a price war with Yuan Shao, the snowflake salt was also transported back to the capital and other places.

Snowflake salt is now used in the palace.

The benefit brought about by this was the increase in fiscal revenue, which made the serious face of Grand Minister of Agriculture Xun Yu reveal a gentle smile.

at the same time.

The battles in the Jizhou war zone also brought many good news.

A few hours ago, news came that Cao Cao and Qin Qiong had launched a surprise attack on Qinghe State, had successfully crossed the Yellow River, and were dividing their forces to head to Pingyuan County and Liyang.

In the direction of Pingyuan County, Yuan Shao's eldest son Yuan Tan and his nephew Gao Gan were stationed there, fighting against Liu Bei in Qingzhou.

If Cao Cao divides his troops in Pingyuan County and attacks Yuan's army from the front and back together with Liu Bei, he will surely win a great victory.

In the direction of Liyang, Yuan Shao led his army to attack Heishan, trying to besiege Wei to save Zhao and use this victory to restore the morale of the army, but he was outflanked by Qin Qiong's army.

Moreover, in the direction of Bingzhou, under the advice and planning of Jia Xu, the Bingzhou army had already put down the rebellion of Yu Fuluo and others. Lu Bu was leading the Bingzhou army across the Fukou Pass to launch a surprise attack on Weijun.

Yuan Shao will be surrounded on all sides.

In this situation, Liu Bian could no longer imagine how Yuan Shao would break the impasse!
Apart from Gongsun Zan in Youzhou, Yuan Shu in Huainan, and the aristocratic families hidden in the dark in various states and counties, what other forces does Yuan Shao have to fight back? !

It is only a matter of time before the imperial army sweeps across Jizhou!

This made Liu Bian feel slightly relieved. Ever since the Grand Tutor Yuan Wei had recklessly deposed and enthroned the emperor, the Yuan family's ambition to usurp the Han Dynasty had become obvious. Liu Bian took decisive and forceful action.

But Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu fled to the capital, one occupied Jizhou and the other occupied Nanyang.

After many battles, Yuan Shu of Nanyang fled to Huainan, and now Yuan Shao of Jizhou is about to be destroyed.

One of the forces that resists the court and imperial power will suffer a severe blow.

This made Liu Bian feel very pleased, but also a little regretful!
He always wanted to lead the army in person, but never had the chance.

Because he had no offspring to inherit the throne, all the officials in the court and Empress Dowager He would not let him take any risks!

A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall!

As the king of a country and the ruler of the Han Dynasty, he could only stay in the rear.

Although the concubine is pregnant now and has shown signs of pregnancy, it will take several months to give birth to a child.

During this period of time, Yuan Shao is probably destroyed!
"There is also Yuan Shu of Huainan. I can lead the army in person and experience the rough waves of a naval battle!"

Liu Bian cheered up, a giant steel ship is also a man’s romance!
It would probably take one or two years to defeat Yuan Shao and wipe out the Yuan family's influence in Jizhou, which would be a good time to recuperate and build up strength.

He immediately led his troops south, heading straight for the Jianghuai region.

When Liu Bian was full of ambition, the system prompt sound echoed.

"Ding dong."

"The host has obtained a chance to draw a lottery."

“Will there be a lottery?”

Before I knew it, it was already twelve o'clock in the morning.

Who is as diligent as Liu Bian? He worked hard and conscientiously!
Have you ever looked at the sky at midnight? !
Liu Bian has seen it!

"lottery."

The turntable began to rotate again, and the pointer passed over attribute points, weapons and armor, military supplies and combat readiness, auxiliary talents, soldiers and population, martial arts secrets, etc. It turned around and around, and finally stopped gradually from fast to slow.

Stopped on the auxiliary props option!

"Congratulations on winning a ton of pesticide!"

Pesticide?!
After hearing this, Liu Bian was stunned. This was the first time he drew insecticide.

But he quickly regained his composure. Although it was his first time using pesticides, he had some experience with herbicides.

The last time we cleared the land and weeded, the system drew the herbicide.

Is there an insect plague this time? That’s why I got the insecticide?!
After nearly a year of lottery draws, Liu Bian has become very familiar with this "Gou Di System"!

As long as Liu Bian urgently needs something, the system will most likely draw it!
"Da da da--"

At this time, the commander of the Jinyiwei, Zhuque, entered the palace and reported urgently: "Your Majesty, there is a locust plague in Yanzhou!"

"..."

Liu Bian looked at the one ton of pesticide in the storage space. According to the delay in the transmission of intelligence, he drew the pesticide almost immediately after the locust plague occurred.

He knew that the system would not be aimless. Although he had pesticides as a backup, he still did not dare to take the locust plague lightly:

"Call the civil and military officials to discuss the matter immediately!"

"promise!!!"

It is now twelve o'clock in the morning, but Liu Bian can no longer wait until tomorrow.

The locust plague is one of the natural disasters in ancient times, but among the many natural disasters, it is definitely the most destructive and devastating natural disaster, more terrifying than floods and droughts!
It is the worst natural disaster!

Because locusts can fly, move, and eat all plants!
Wherever the locusts pass, no grass grows!

Even in the 21st century, locust plagues are still a headache for all countries. In ancient times when there was no mechanized prevention and control, it was even more of a natural disaster!
...

"Meet Your Majesty!!!"

The civil and military officials were awakened from their sleep and had no time to wash up. They rushed to Deyang Palace as soon as possible.

During this period, more and more information has been gathered in Deyang Palace. Liu Bian browsed through it and passed it on.

"There is a locust plague in Yanzhou. It is only moving around Chenliu County now, but given the mobility of locusts, they will spread throughout Yanzhou and even spread to the north and south of the Han Dynasty. What do you think?"

Liu Bian asked.

"Your Majesty, locusts are swarming, and wherever they pass, no grass grows. We must kill the locusts as soon as possible, otherwise the autumn harvest will be in jeopardy!"

Everyone had almost the same idea.

Liu Bian was very satisfied with this. At least these people did not say anything like "natural disasters are warnings from God."

It would be fine if these weird and supernatural things fooled the common people, but if they were used to confuse the people in the court, Liu Bian wouldn't mind taking the opportunity to clean them up.

It seems that after his many purges, the court is now filled with more scientific, loyal and patriotic people.

"Start exterminating the locusts immediately. What strategies do you have?" Liu Bian asked again.

At this time, Xun Yu cupped his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, you must issue an imperial decree to order all counties to harvest in advance to reduce food and grass losses. At the same time, send people to inspect the territory and find ways to extinguish the newly born locusts.

“If anyone sits idly by and allows locusts to breed and spread, causing disaster, they will be severely punished!

"Locusts are a natural disaster, and I'm afraid some people will be misled into thinking it's a warning from heaven. I'm worried that killing locusts will offend heaven.

"Therefore, this edict should not be issued in the name of Your Majesty, but should be issued by the Secretariat or the Ministry of Agriculture. Even if God blames you, it has nothing to do with Your Majesty."

...

Listen, this is a manifestation of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism!
Liu Bian nodded, expressing his deep agreement. After a long discussion with Xun Yu and other officials, they formulated a responsibility system.

The killing of locusts will be included in the performance evaluation of provincial governors, and reward and punishment standards will be formulated. In addition, the court will send imperial censors to serve as locust killers, whose duty is to organize and supervise the locust killing work in various places.

Anyone who is passive and lazy, misleads the people, or sits idly by will be killed without mercy!

This is the first step in locust control: “combining government policies and orders”!
In ancient times, government decrees were particularly important!

Combining government policies with manpower to control locusts can prevent the spread of locusts.

Of course, it is not enough to just implement government policies and decrees; effective preventive measures also need to be promulgated.

Xun Yu said again:
"…You can use the burning method. Locusts will go to fire at night. You can set up bonfires to lure them in, just like moths to a flame. You can let the people catch them manually, and establish a reward and punishment system…"

Xun Yu was worthy of being called "a talent who could assist the king". He quoted from classics and, based on his own experience in exterminating locusts, he talked about many ways of catching and killing locusts.

At this time, Liu Bian took out his insecticide. He took out a small bottle and said:

"God has sent down a natural disaster, but he has also provided a solution. This is just a small test given to us by God. You don't have to worry!
This is an insecticide specifically for locusts. As long as we respond in time, we will be able to put an end to the locust plague in Chenliu County and prevent it from spreading."

Liu Bian demonstrated it to them once, and with a "sizzle", the civil and military officials present could smell the scent of insecticide.

"..."

The civil officials and military officers were stunned for a moment, and unexpectedly found that there were fewer mosquitoes buzzing around them, and then they shouted in unison:

"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, you have the help of Heaven and are appointed by Heaven. You should be blessed by Heaven! This is just a small locust plague, nothing to worry about!"

Ever since the "auspicious signs from heaven" such as sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn appeared, they have become accustomed to them. From being shocked at the beginning to being numb now!

"Start the locust extermination work immediately. Wen Ruo, send someone to receive the auspicious sign!"

"promise!"

The king and his ministers discussed for a while, and finally went their separate ways to get busy. …

A locust plague broke out in Chenliu County, Yanzhou, and the various parties fighting in Jizhou immediately stopped fighting. Cao Cao and Qin Qiong had to retreat to Yanzhou and immediately sent people to collect food and grass and control the locusts.

However, Wang Fang, Wang Kuang, Lu Bu and other generals were still pursuing Yuan Shao. Their jurisdiction was not within Yanzhou.

Moreover, Yuan Shao was already at the end of his rope and there was no way to give them a chance to catch their breath and turn things around.

However, the locust plague in Yanzhou gave Yuan Ying an opportunity to break the impasse, and he immediately mobilized the aristocratic families in Yanzhou to take action.

Some aristocratic families were too deeply involved with the Yuan family and had to take action. However, there were also many aristocratic families who immediately started the work of exterminating the locusts.

They were secretly rebelling against the imperial court and power, but they were not foolish enough to kill one thousand enemies and lose eight hundred of their own.

If the locust plague is not contained quickly, its spread will be terrifying.

Not a blade of grass grows, it's so cruel!

As it concerned their own affairs, these local noble families immediately started working to eliminate the locusts.

Yuan Shao ordered people to spread rumors:

"The locust plague is a natural disaster. Catching locusts will cause dissatisfaction among the 'Locust God'"

"The locust plague is a warning from heaven. It is a warning to your majesty that you are killing too many people and starting wars everywhere."

"We cannot kill the locusts. Killing them would be like going against God, and divine punishment will be brought down."

And so on.

This also prevents ignorant people from taking any drastic action.

Yuan Shao even ordered people to go to Chenliu County in Yanzhou to dig up insect eggs and transport them to other counties.

Seeing locusts flying all over the sky and covering the sun, they captured them in large numbers and released them to other states and counties.

The Han Dynasty has been suffering from drought for several months. Except for the areas controlled by Liu Bian and his loyal ministers, which were blessed by [Good Weather and Good Harvest], the drought has had a serious impact on other states and counties. Locust plagues usually break out in drought-stricken areas.

Although Yanzhou had Liu Dai, Cao Cao and Bao Xin, it had never been completely controlled due to the resistance of the aristocratic families. Therefore, it was not affected by the [good weather and good harvests] rainfall and was in a drought zone.

Under the sabotage led by Yuan Shao and some aristocratic families, the locust plague was not only not controlled, but spread widely, directly sweeping across the entire Yanzhou.

...

"In the morning, they fly across the sky, obscuring the sun, like using a thousand-meter-high cloth to sift dust. In the evening, they gnaw at the ground, leaving thousands of acres of land red, piling up several feet and burying each other. The bark of trees and bamboos is completely stripped and withered, not to mention the roots of grass and valleys."

Looking at the locusts that covered the sky and the earth, Cao Cao, the prefect of Dongjun, sighed.

At this time, soldiers under his command came to report one after another that the efforts to harvest autumn crops had achieved little success and this locust plague caused heavy losses to Yanzhou.

Cao Cao had been carefully promoting the planting of sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn, but more than half of the corn was eaten, resulting in heavy losses.

Potatoes are not damaged much because they are planted in the soil. On the contrary, locusts do not eat sweet potatoes!
This unexpected discovery prompted Cao Cao to report it immediately.

In the future, they can choose to fight against locusts by planting crops that they don't like, such as sweet potatoes, and potatoes that they can't eat.

"Mingsir, the people are resisting locust extermination!"

At this time, Cheng Yu came over with a serious look:

"After Yuan Shao's propaganda, the people firmly believed that this was a natural disaster. In addition, some disloyal families helped them, so there was great resistance to locust eradication."

"I will lead the team myself!"

Cao Cao's expression darkened: "Anyone who disobeys the imperial order will be killed without mercy!!!"

"Mingsir, it is difficult for us to set an example..." Cheng Yu hesitated for a moment, "It would be best if His Majesty personally issued an edict!"

This time, the imperial edict was jointly issued by the Secretariat and the Ministry of Agriculture.

But precisely because of this, the people are not convinced!
Because they believed in the edict of the king of a country, the ruler of the Han Dynasty, the Han Emperor!
"no!"

Cao Cao said in a deep voice: "As a subject, I should share the worries of the king. The situation of locust eradication is unclear. If God blames us, wouldn't it affect Your Majesty?!"

"This... okay!" Cheng Yu was helpless.

Don’t look at these scholars who say they don’t talk about strange things or supernatural things all day long and don’t believe in these stories about gods and ghosts.

But in fact, I firmly believe it in my heart!
Cao Cao also believed that this was a natural disaster, perhaps a warning from heaven. They killed the locusts, which was against heaven.

This is also the reason why the edict was jointly issued by the Secretariat and the Ministry of Agriculture, rather than being written by His Majesty himself.

As ministers, they should share the worries of the king!

...

"Originally, the advent of sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn had cheered up the world! The food crisis had eased a little, but because of this locust plague, people were panicking again, and famine was everywhere!"

Bao Xin, the Prime Minister of Jibei, looked at the locusts that covered the area under his jurisdiction and became furious with Yuan Shao.

As governors of prefectures and counties, they knew about the outbreak of the locust plague and the Yuan family's secret methods of misleading the people and stirring up trouble.

Natural disasters have a huge impact in themselves, and with the intensification of man-made disasters, they spread even further.

At this time, Yu Jin came hurriedly:

"Mingsir, Yuan Shao may be shooting himself in the foot this time! According to scouts, locusts are swarming north to Jizhou, and the land may be barren for thousands of miles!"

"What?!!!"

Bao Xin was stunned for a moment, then woke up in shock.

Because Yuzhou and the Jianghuai region further south are densely covered with water networks, they are not suitable for locusts to survive. Perhaps due to the influence of the natural environment, locusts prefer drought and are not interested in humid environments!
Therefore, the locust plague chose to move north to Jizhou, which also experienced severe drought for several months.

Jizhou is located in the North China Plain, with fertile land and abundant food and grass. Although it was affected by the severe drought, it was not fatal because it was supported by the Haihe River and the Yellow River.

But if a locust plague sweeps across Jizhou, Jizhou will be barren for thousands of miles without any grass growing under the gnawing of these locusts!

"A sin!"

Bao Xin said in a deep voice: "Report to the capital immediately. Although Jizhou is controlled by Yuan Shao, it is also where our Han people are!"

"Yes!"

Yu Jin woke up in shock and immediately went back to report the military intelligence and battle report.

……

Jizhou.

Lü Bu led the Bingzhou Army, Wang Fang led the Xiliang Army, and Wang Kuang led the Henei Army, and they were besieging Yuan Shao's army.

Yuan Shao's army has retreated to Wei County. Jizhou is located in the North China Plain and there is no strategic location to defend.

Facing the brave and warlike Bingzhou Army and Xiliang Army, there was no chance of winning in a frontal cavalry battle.

However, just recently, locusts from Yanzhou flew across the Yellow River and spread towards Jizhou in an overwhelming manner, covering the sky and blocking out the sun.

The two warring parties had to cease fire immediately!
"It's over!!!"

When Yuan Shao saw the locusts covering the sky, he was a little overwhelmed, "Harvest the autumn crops immediately!!!"

Having said that, the speed at which they harvested the autumn crops could not match the flying speed of the locusts.

lost heavily!!!

When the military intelligence reports came in, Yuan Shao vomited blood and fell ill after hearing them: "Damn locusts, why did you come to Jizhou!!!"

Although he cursed, Yuan Shao also knew that in the past locust plagues mostly spread to drought-stricken areas.

This time, he shot himself in the foot!

After Jizhou was plagued by locusts, food will be in short supply.

Even though Jizhou has been praised as "having ten years of military support and a million soldiers", this is just an evaluation after all.

After the war, the imperial court went to war on all sides, and Yuan Shao also tried his best to stop the imperial troops, forming cliques and factions everywhere.

Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, whose Baima Yicong was secretly supported by Yuan Shao, led his people to riot in Bingzhou... Bohai Navy, more than 500 warships...

These military expenditures are astronomical figures!
Even Jizhou, which has "ten years of grain and a million soldiers", cannot afford such consumption!
Originally, this pressure could be alleviated through supplementation such as autumn harvest.

But now, under the influence of the locust plague, everything is over!!!
What made Yuan Shao most unwilling and aggrieved was that it seemed that they themselves were the instigators of all this!!!

If you do something wrong to yourself, you will not live!

Feng Ji could only advise:

"My Lord, please accept my condolences! Although we suffered heavy losses, didn't Lu Bu, Wang Fang, and Wang Kuang retreat? The siege of Jizhou has been temporarily eased, so we have achieved our goal!"

"But Yuantu, we're running out of food and grass!" Yuan Shao wailed.

"My lord, the court is more affected. The people are even in a panic because of the locust plague, which is not conducive to your majesty's rule. We can add fuel to the flames and force your majesty to issue a 'repentance edict'!"

Feng Ji said in a deep voice: "If this edict is issued, it may seem to temporarily stabilize the people's hearts, but your majesty's reputation and prestige will be hit! Even your majesty's image will be affected, and your ruling position will be shaken!"

When Yuan Shao heard this, his eyes lit up!
At this time, Guo Tu also said:

"My lord, regarding the issue of food and fodder, our army can purchase them from Liaodong or Huainan through the Bohai Navy.

"The south is densely covered with waterways, so it is unlikely that a locust plague will affect it. Moreover, Yuan Shu and the lord are brothers in alliance, so he will not stand by and watch us die!"

...

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao's spirits immediately perked up!
"Send a message to Gong Lu immediately, asking him to buy food and grass!" Yuan Shao thought for a moment and said, "We can exchange them with the good horses from Youzhou!"

"promise!!!"

"Increase the offensive and add fuel to the flames. The locust plague in Yanzhou is a warning from heaven. The locust plague has affected Jizhou because of your majesty's mobilization of forces and the wars that have devastated and devastated the people, causing the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people..."

Yuan Shao immediately deployed his troops, intending to use the people's grievances to attack the imperial power, forcing His Majesty to issue a "self-criticism edict", undermining His Majesty's reputation and ruling status, and even sparking a peasant uprising.

Since there was the Yellow Turban Rebellion back then, why can't there be other peasant uprisings now?
The locust plague is a natural disaster, and they can make use of it to make indirect accusations!
……

(End of this chapter)