"Father has also grown thinner." Cao Cao's mood quickly settled. "A'weng seems to be… with Yu'er… haha, A'weng seems to be enjoying a lively conversation with Administrator Lu!"
Realizing his slip of the tongue, Cao Cao changed the subject…
Cao Song gestured for Cao Cao to sit, his tone quite serious. "Lu Sinong's proposals for agriculture and finance are so insightful that even I, your father, find them enlightening. Mengde, sit down, and listen together!"
"Alright…"
Cao Cao knelt to one side…
Lu Yu cupped his hands slightly, offering a greeting to Cao Cao…
Now, around a low table, Lu Yu, Cao Cao, and Cao Song knelt.
And the topic of agricultural policy had reached its peak…
"Did Mengde hear Lu Sinong's proposed methods of 'Min Tun' and 'Jun Tun'?" Cao Song asked proactively.
"I did," Cao Cao nodded, his eyes fixed on Lu Yu. "'Min Tun' aims to abolish the 'counting oxen to deliver grain' system and re-divide the allocation ratio between the government and tenant farmers. Indeed… this involves immense calculation, and a slight misstep could lead to errors! It also incurs management costs, and there might be farmers who, in their cleverness, conceal their harvests… However…"
At this point, Cao Cao's gaze sharpened slightly.
"These issues can be overcome, all it takes is a decisive grain official!"
In truth… what surprised Cao Cao the most was Lu Yu's concept of "Tan Ding Ru Mu" (distributing the poll tax among land cultivation). However, due to the current strength of the clans, it was impossible to implement.
But… the promotion of Min Tun could maximally attract tenants from these clans, thus… step by step dismantling the farmers' reliance on powerful clans. Perhaps… in a few years, Tan Ding Ru Mu could truly be realized.
"What about Jun Tun?" Cao Song continued to ask…
Suddenly, the continuous exchange between Cao Song and Cao Cao gave Lu Yu the feeling of a father testing his son? Does the Cao family… have this tradition?
Indeed… Cao Cao dared not be negligent in his reply to Cao Song's query.
"Just as Lu Sinong explained, the core of the Jun Tun method is to fully utilize the soldiers under our command, allowing them to do more than just fight on the battlefield! They will combine fighting on the battlefield with farming. In this way… one military stipend can accomplish two tasks. The soldiers participate in farming and become self-sufficient. Even recruiting more troops would be fine! Such an agricultural policy with countless benefits and no drawbacks? Why wouldn't we embrace it?"
Cao Cao did not hesitate to praise Lu Yu's "Jun Tun" method.
Of course, this was also considered… a routine questioning when Cao Song and Cao Cao met…
It had been like this since Cao Cao was a child.
When Cao Cao attended the Imperial Academy, Cao Song would test him based on his recent studies, and Cao Cao would often answer correctly, though his answers were often nonsensical.
This time, his answer seemed to earn full marks… but in reality, Cao Song was not satisfied.
As expected.
As soon as Cao Cao finished speaking, Cao Song shook his head and turned his gaze towards Lu Yu. "Lu Sinong's suggestion for Jun Tun is good, but it has a fatal flaw!"
Hmm…
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu's expression remained unchanged, but… Cao Cao's eyes narrowed.
Before Cao Cao could ponder further, Cao Song's words came out.
"The core of Jun Tun is to call upon all soldiers to cultivate grain, but… Mengde, have you considered the soldiers' feelings? Will they willingly put down their spears and warhorses to go to the fields… facing the yellow earth and the sky behind their backs? This has nothing to do with the initial purpose of becoming a soldier – achieving merit and bringing glory to their families!"
Hiss…
As these words were spoken, Cao Cao suddenly understood.
Indeed, the older the ginger, the spicier it is!
His father was, after all, an experienced official in the Han dynasty's agricultural administration, and he had pinpointed the flaw in Jun Tun with a single remark.
What was the purpose of soldiers becoming soldiers? It was to establish merit on the battlefield… to bring glory to their families and allow them to live good lives.
But… if they were to put down their warhorses and spears, and instead pick up hoes and enter the fields… how would they achieve merit? How would they bring glory to their families?
Who would be willing to transform from a proud warrior into a farmer whose status was as low as the dirt…
Admittedly, the implementation of Jun Tun… only required a decree, and behind that decree lay the difficulty of ensuring the soldiers' morale.
…Their spirits would inevitably fluctuate, and they might even resist or slack off while farming. How effective could such farming be?
A point as sharp as a needle…
His father Cao Song's questioning was like a sharp needle.
It plunged Cao Cao's previously bright mood back into gloom…
"Father is right… we still need to refine the Jun Tun method."
This was the art of speaking. At this moment, neither Cao Song nor Cao Cao were optimistic about Jun Tun, but because it was proposed by Lu Yu, neither of them showed any trace of blame towards him…
Instead, Cao Song shifted the blame onto Cao Cao…
It was fine for a father to say a few words, or even scold his son, but he couldn't bear to see his grandson suffer any hardship. The Cao family had a hereditary tradition of "affection for grandchildren."
However…
As Cao Song and Cao Cao chatted vaguely about this, Lu Yu blinked repeatedly.
He suddenly found it difficult to understand, was… achieving merit? Was that a problem? That was not a problem at all!
Why today?
Was Old Cao's intelligence declining in a straight line?
Such a simple and easy-to-understand matter… had he not noticed it?
It seemed that when Old Cao was with his father, Cao Song, he became reliant, and his sharp mind was blocked!
With this thought…
Lu Yu immediately said, "Esteemed Elder, Duke Cao… achieving merit doesn't seem to be a problem?"
Hmm… this?
Cao Cao and Cao Song both looked at Lu Yu.
At this moment, Lu Yu's eyes were set, and he quickly explained. "Esteemed Elder also mentioned earlier that the purpose of tens of thousands of soldiers becoming soldiers is to achieve merit and bring glory to their families. So… dare I ask, why is only killing enemies on the battlefield considered achieving merit? Can farming not also bring glory to one's family?"
Hiss…
As Lu Yu's words left his lips, Cao Cao seemed to understand something…
Did… Yu'er mean…
On the other hand, Cao Song remained bewildered. His ingrained experience with agricultural policy constrained his thinking, preventing him from thinking as broadly as Cao Cao.
Meanwhile, Lu Yu's explanation continued.
"The reason why fighting on the battlefield can lead to merit is because fighting on the battlefield allows for accomplishments. After achieving merit, ordinary soldiers can be promoted to squad leaders, squad leaders to platoon leaders, and platoon leaders to centurions… centurions can be promoted to military commanders and then to banner generals!"
"And the reason why farming sounds lowly is because… no matter how much a soldier farms, they are still an ordinary soldier! But… imagine, if agricultural officials were established in Jun Tun? What if the status of these agricultural officials was also lofty?"
"For example… establish a Chief Administrator of Agriculture, without giving him too much power, as long as his salary is comparable to a prefect. At a lower level, establish an Agricultural Commandant, with a salary equivalent to a county magistrate. And below that… corresponding to squad leaders, platoon leaders, and centurions… corresponding agricultural officials can also be established!"
"With such high positions and generous stipends, such abundant rewards? Which soldier wouldn't be tempted? Who would resist? Moreover… killing enemies and achieving merit on the battlefield carries immense risk; one's head is constantly on the line. If one's head is lost, all previous rewards vanish. But… there is no risk in farming; it's simply a competition of who is more diligent and who is more steady. As long as agricultural officials are established in Jun Tun, and their status is elevated, then naturally… Duke Cao's grain, and the treasury's grain, will flow in endlessly!"
Lu Yu paused here, seeing Cao Cao and Cao Song both deep in thought, and continued:
"Esteemed Elder, Duke Cao… Lu Yu dares to ask you, is killing enemies on the battlefield considered merit? But… producing enough grain to prevent the soldiers from starving, is that not a great merit? In a time of disaster, saving a soldier with grain, this merit… I believe it is no less than killing an enemy on the front lines!"
Lu Yu spoke a great deal in one breath.
Yet… every sentence revolved around the implementation strategy of Jun Tun, each word a pearl, making Cao Cao and Cao Song ponder more and more, finding it extraordinarily brilliant.
Whoa…
When Lu Yu finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall was extremely quiet!
Cao Cao and Cao Song held their breath, looking at Lu Yu with disbelief.
Yu'er's mind is so meticulous! He has thoroughly understood the psychology of the three armies' soldiers.
Most likely, when he proposed the Jun Tun method, he had already thought of the implementation of agricultural officials.
Cao Cao's imagination ran wild. He couldn't yet judge the effectiveness of Jun Tun, but… the establishment of the Tomb Raiding Officers in the past had indeed made Cao Cao rich when he was at his poorest.
If Tomb Raiding could establish "Faqiu Zhonglangjiang" and "Mojin Xiaowei," why couldn't Jun Tun?
It was merely Chief Administrator of Agriculture or Agricultural Commandant; such titles… as long as they could mobilize everyone's enthusiasm, Cao Cao could establish a hundred of them!
With the method of becoming rich through tomb raiding as a precedent, Lu Yu's Jun Tun method seemed to require no validation; it was a viable strategy that could allow Cao Cao to accumulate a vast amount of grain within a few years!
At this moment, blue veins bulged on Cao Cao's forehead…
Overwhelmed with excitement, he seemed to have completely forgotten that his father, Cao Song, was present. With a "bang," he slammed the table, sending the pen holder, inkstone, and teacups scattering.
One of the white jade pen holders fell to the ground with a "smash."
This startled Lu Yu. Seeing Cao Cao's solemn expression, Lu Yu pondered, "Old Cao? Did you understand it or not? It's not possible that your intelligence has dropped so drastically after seeing your father today?"
At this very moment.
Cao Cao and Cao Song exchanged glances, and then…
"Hahahaha… Hahahaha…" The father and son burst into hearty laughter!
Their laughter shook the tiles and pierced the clouds.
This laughter was entirely in line with Cao Cao's usual style; he loved to laugh. Whether encountering happy or extremely sorrowful events, Cao Cao would definitely laugh, and laugh heartily!
As his laughter subsided, Cao Cao narrowed his eyes and leaned his entire head closer to Lu Yu. "Administrator Lu, you have resolved my greatest difficulty, Cao Cao. Hahaha, hahahaha…"
With these words, another deafening round of laughter erupted.
How intelligent Cao Cao was! He knew perfectly well what solving the grain problem meant in the current situation.
It could be said that… after the current drought, all the lords were constrained by grain. It was as if all the lords were drowning, and whether they could reach the shore depended on who could devise a method for stockpiling grain!
Fortunately, Cao Cao was lucky, because Yu'er had already proposed this method, which was bound to be effective, at this sensitive time.
"Good, good, good!"
With three consecutive "good," Cao Cao did not spare praise for Yu'er's Jun Tun strategy.
Compared to Cao Cao, Cao Song was still carefully contemplating. He was a cautious person. Although it sounded foolproof, he still ran through his grandson's conception in his mind.
He approached it from the perspective of a Grand Administrator of Agriculture, considering how to implement it, how to promote it, and how to mobilize the enthusiasm of the three armies' soldiers. It could be said that Lu Yu had only proposed a concept, but its specific implementation required much more consideration.
However…
The more Cao Song thought about it, the more he found the Jun Tun strategy to be flawless and without loopholes, truly perfect!
Imagine, the status of an Agricultural Commandant equivalent to a county magistrate, and a Chief Administrator of Agriculture equivalent to a prefect of a commandery. This was a blatant temptation! Not to mention ordinary soldiers, even Cao Song felt a surge of eagerness, wishing he could immediately take off his shoes and dive headfirst into the mud to cultivate and farm.
It could be said that his grandson's move was indeed brilliant!
"Mengde… do you understand?" Cao Song turned his head towards Cao Cao…
Cao Cao nodded. "Tomorrow, I will memorialize the Emperor and request him to establish these agricultural officials with generous stipends!"
With these words, Cao Cao let out a long sigh. He never imagined that the biggest constraint, the grain problem that he and Xun Yu, Xi Zhicai, and Xun You had discussed fruitlessly for a long time, would be so easily resolved today!
With the establishment of Agricultural Commandants and Chief Administrators of Agriculture…
There would be no shortage of people to open up wasteland. After the implementation of Jun Tun and Min Tun, throughout Sili, Yanzhou, including Runan Commandery, and even the four commanderies of Xuzhou… whether soldiers or farmers, their enthusiasm for cultivation would be immensely high!
Haha…
Now, in less than one to two years, or at most three to four years, Cao Cao would no longer have to worry about grain and fodder. Finally… the grain problem that had constrained Cao Cao since he raised his army finally had a solution!
Haha…
Thinking of this, Cao Cao couldn't help but laugh out loud.
But… before the laughter could escape his lips.
Cao Cao suddenly remembered an additional matter…
Yes, his purpose for coming here was for that very matter, that problem concerning the stability of Xudu City.
"A'weng… Lu Sinong and I need to discuss some important matters!"
Cao Cao's expression immediately became solemn. He spoke proactively…
Cao Song understood his son very well. As soon as he heard this, Cao Song immediately realized it must be a private and critical affair.
He slowly stood up…
"Then you two discuss. It just so happens that I need to carefully consider the specific strategies for implementing the Jun Tun and Min Tun methods."
"We are indebted to you, Esteemed Elder!"
"We are indebted to you, Father!"
Lu Yu and Cao Cao spoke almost simultaneously…
Cao Song stroked his beard. "You don't need to be polite with me. My body has stiffened considerably after living in Taishan Commandery for the past two years, but my mind is still clear. I can still do something for you!"
With these words…
Cao Song rose and walked away.
Cao Cao's eyes became even more solemn, and his tone turned meticulous. "Administrator Lu, have you heard about a matter? Zi Lian's retainers have offended Man Chong!"
This…
Lu Yu's eyes also narrowed slightly.
This matter was neither big nor small, but since Cao Cao was asking, it was likely that Cao Hong had taken action. It was better if he didn't act, but once he did… the retainer's life was probably in danger.
Heh, Cao Hong wouldn't have imagined that the harsh official he encountered this time was as tough as steel.
…
…
Xudu City, outside the yamen gate…
On this day, Man Chong had a light meal early in the morning. On his way back, he was surrounded by five burly men.
"Are you Administrator Man?" A deep voice emanated from one of the five burly men.
Following that, with a "whoosh," a saber was placed before Man Chong.
As the steel blade was unsheathed, the sound of it slicing through the air made the atmosphere exceptionally cold and solemn.
"I am Man Chong. Who are you?"
Facing the encirclement of five burly men, Man Chong was not flustered at all. He even curled his lips in disdain for the saber before him.
"Do you know Cao Ning?" the burly man threw out a name. "The one you interrogated last night?"
As he spoke, the five burly men simultaneously cracked their knuckles.
"Crack…"
"Crack crack…"
The collision of bones produced a series of crisp sounds, a form of intimidation and a clear indication of ill intentions.
"So, it's because of him?"
Man Chong's tone remained extremely calm, as if the five burly men before him were nothing more than… mere clowns.
"If it's because of him, I advise you all to leave quickly! Otherwise, you will bear the consequences!"
Hmph…
The leading burly man let out a cold snort, and then placed a bag full of gold before Man Chong. He held the gold in one hand and the saber in the other.
"Release Cao Ning, and this gold will be yours. Otherwise… our blades do not recognize Administrator Man?"
With that, the burly man narrowed his eyes.
"Administrator Man, we mind our own business. The person behind Cao Ning… you cannot afford to offend!"
Unexpectedly, as the burly man was speaking, Man Chong moved. Not only did he move, but the court staff at his waist also moved.
His speed of raising his hand was extremely fast. In a flash, he dealt with five men…
And it was evident that the five burly men were a beat slower in their reactions, and their movements were filled with hesitation…
In the blink of an eye, all five burly men were kneeling on the ground, their knee joints severely injured by Man Chong's court staff!
"Pa pa…"
Man Chong clapped his hands, as if dusting them off after a fight… this was also a signal.
Instantly, the surrounding yamen runners surged out, drawing their sabers and placing them at the throats of the five burly men. A crowd of commoners also emerged.
At the same time, Man Chong's cold voice followed.
"Hmph, I, Man Chong, cannot tolerate deceit! Now, one has become six. Evil must be eradicated completely, and the law shows no mercy!"
Upon hearing this, the five burly men almost wet themselves in fear.
“…Administrator Man, are you really going to offend… offend General Li Feng?”
“Do you only surrender when General Li Feng comes?”
As these words were spoken…
All the yamen runners looked at Man Chong, but Man Chong calmly replied:
—"General Li Feng? Heh, who is that?"
—"Hmph, I, Man Chong, tell you, it doesn't matter who comes. So many yamen runners and all the citizens of the city are watching you. Anyone you name will only bring harm to them!"
—"Heh, I advise you to be honest now and not to name anyone. If you still consider him your master, then honestly confess your guilt and submit to the law!"
As these words left his lips, Man Chong's eyes grew even colder, as if they had been tempered in ice for ten thousand years.
…
…
(PS: The last part proves that I am writing this as I go… I am keeping up with current events, so… esteemed viewers, please don't rush me; I will post it as soon as it's finished.)