Chenliu Prefecture, Cai Residence.
The Cai Residence was quite bustling at the moment, with many servants busily moving, tidying, and packing.
Large chests were being carried onto carriages outside the mansion.
Hundreds of Dragon Hawk Camp knights had returned specifically to escort Cai Yan and the Cai family's belongings to Xudu.
One carriage after another was being filled.
Cai Zhaoji was surprised; when had their Cai family accumulated so much gold and silver? She… was completely unaware.
Of course… that wasn't the main point…
The main point was that when Cao Mu and "Kong Ming" came to help, they specifically mentioned… Lu Yu's younger brother had prepared a gift for her in Xudu, a gift with a grand surprise!
A gift? A surprise?
Cai Zhaoji couldn't help but let her imagination run wild. Xudu, which was previously just a county town, had now become the imperial capital. It should be a place undergoing extensive rebuilding… Shouldn't Brother Yu and her elder brother be very busy?
How… did they still have the leisure to prepare a gift for her?
What could this gift be?
"Kong Ming? Did Brother Yu's letter mention anything about the 'gift'?"
Cai Zhaoji curiously inquired of Zhuge Jun…
Zhuge Jun nodded repeatedly. "Master, you're making things difficult for me! The letter only mentioned a gift… but what it is specifically? This disciple doesn't know either! Moreover… if Master is curious, this disciple is also very curious!"
Cao Mu smiled slightly. "Master will know once she goes to Xudu. Lu Yu is always clever. Since he specifically said this gift is extremely surprising… I suppose we won't be able to guess it no matter what!"
Hmm…
As the words left her mouth, Cai Zhaoji slightly pouted!
In the prime of her youth, women her age were always filled with curiosity and anticipation for unexpected surprises!
And yet Brother Yu had spoken so mysteriously, it was hard not to let her mind wander.
Shaking her head, Cai Zhaoji thought of something. "Mu'er, why aren't you traveling with the Cao family's convoy? Where is your mother, Madam Ding?"
"My mother?" Mentioning Madam Ding, Cao Mu spread her hands. "Six or seven days ago, when she heard the news of the capital's relocation to Xudu, she left ahead of time. I don't know why Mother is in such a hurry this time… It's as if she misses Father as if he were gone for ages!"
Ah… this…
Upon hearing this, Cai Zhaoji's cheeks instantly flushed a bit more…
Back then, when the two Madams Ding Hui and Ding Xiang sought medical advice from Brother Yu, wouldn't they have subtly informed her, their elder sister, beforehand?
With Cai Zhaoji's intellect, even a few words from Madam Ding Xiang were enough for Cai Zhaoji to glean some meaning.
Madam Ding Hui was seeking a prescription for "infertility treatment"…
Brother Yu had also casually mentioned this matter to her. She hadn't expected that her elder brother had just moved the capital, and Madam Ding was already this impatient… Was this matter between men and women truly… so urgent?
The more she thought in this direction, the more her cheeks became flushed, and even certain parts of her body felt a slight reaction.
Ancient women, at her age, who didn't yearn for and long for matters of love between men and women?
It was just that…
In Cai Zhaoji's eyes, whenever she thought in this direction, she couldn't help but think of Brother Yu… The inexplicable Brother Yu would pop into her mind.
After all, Cai Zhaoji was still a traditional woman. She pondered, how could an elder sister engage in *that* with a younger brother?
Wasn't this… against the rules?
Even if they weren't biological siblings, it was still unacceptable!
In ancient times, such matters were taken very seriously.
Once a sibling or master-disciple relationship was established, it was not permissible to cross that boundary. Even if there were differences in seniority, it was still not allowed!
If word got out, people would point fingers.
After all, Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü were once disdained by the world because they were master and disciple yet acted as husband and wife, leading to a series of misunderstandings and a saga of love and hate.
In short, people in ancient times were extremely particular about this, and Cai Zhaoji happened to be quite traditional…
At her age, when she often indulged in fantasies, her mind would immediately become restless… Brother, Lu Yu was just her younger brother! A brother whom she could physically touch, but not proceed further with!
This time, Cai Zhaoji's cheeks grew even redder.
"Master… Master?"
Seeing Cai Zhaoji lost in thought, Cao Mu quickly reminded her…
Oh… only then did Cai Zhaoji emerge from her reverie.
*Hoo*… she let out a long sigh.
"Alright, hurry up and help pack. We're leaving today… Aren't you also curious about the surprise Brother Yu prepared?"
Changing the subject…
Cai Zhaoji's flushed cheeks became a little fairer.
It was strange, the more her mind wandered, the more she couldn't help but think of Brother Yu. She wondered if this younger brother had grown during this time? Had he become stronger and more robust?
It was strange, meeting him… she was full of anticipation!
…
…
Xudu City, Sikong Mansion.
The first ray of morning sun pierced through the window and illuminated the study of the Sikong Mansion.
Cao Cao woke up groggily, recalling the previous night…
In just seven words—it was too damn crazy.
He rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit dizzy, not from a headache, but from the sheer strangeness and absurdity of it all!
Ding Hui… his wife and the primary madam of his household, had always been cold and distant towards him…
Even during intimacy, she merely went through the motions passively, like an unfeeling tool.
But… last night, she was like a different person.
They say women in their thirties are like wolves and tigers; Cao Cao had to remark that women in their forties might be outright mad!
She was even more ferocious than wolves and tigers!
If not for seeing it clearly, and knowing for sure it was his primary madam, Ding Hui, Cao Cao would have suspected that perhaps another woman had climbed into his bed!
Could it be that a woman's attitude towards such matters truly intensified with age?
Cao Cao touched his forehead again.
He vividly remembered that his wife, Madam Ding Hui, had woken up about an hour ago. She had merely left with a faint remark— "Come again tonight," and then… she had simply floated away.
Coming lightly, leaving lightly…
Just leaving such a sentence, "Come again tonight"?
Come again tonight?
Cao Cao was utterly bewildered… What did Ding Hui take this study for? A brothel? Coming and going as she pleased… and then just leaving after?
Heh, Cao Cao couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
In his life, the only woman who left him feeling utterly helpless was this one!
He yawned and stretched, and for the first time… Cao Cao felt a pain in his lower back.
Recalling the night, his heart still fluttered continuously…
Just then.
"Lord Cao… something has happened!" Xu Chu's voice sounded outside the study.
Cao Cao's brows furrowed… "Zhongkang, come in!"
Xu Chu strode into the study, and Cao Cao immediately instructed, "Zhongkang, from now on, just come in directly when there's something. You are my most trusted guard, so don't bother with such formalities!"
It seemed… ever since Xu Chu formed the Tiger Guards and became their commander…
Perhaps it was due to being fellow provincials, or perhaps due to Xu Chu's personality, Cao Cao trusted him exceptionally.
"Yes…" Xu Chu responded, then lowered his voice. "Lord Cao, something has occurred within Xudu City!"
"What is it?" Cao Cao asked while putting on his shoes.
"A retainer of General Cao Hong has committed an offense and was apprehended by Lord Man's men. I heard that Lord Man interrogated him throughout the night, and the man has been beaten to the point of being unrecognizable! General Cao Hong has already gathered his men and seems to be heading to the yamen to demand the person!"
Xu Chu relayed all the information gathered by the Tiger Guards to Cao Cao.
After all, Cao Cao's expectations for the Tiger Guards were not merely for them to guard his safety, but for them to be Cao Cao's eyes, observing every piece of news in the city and army, and reporting it to Cao Cao immediately.
This way, Cao Cao could promptly hear the outside world's opinions…
However, this matter…
*Hiss*…
Cao Cao had already put on his shoes and socks. He raised his eyes.
"A retainer of Zilian has offended Lord Man?" Cao Cao's eyes darted, and he muttered, "Zilian's temperament is exceptionally protective of his own. I fear this matter won't be resolved easily…"
Thinking of this, Cao Cao suddenly stood up.
"Let's go, to the yamen!"
"Yes!" Xu Chu went to call for people…
But as Cao Cao stepped out of the study door, he placed his hands on his waist and immediately felt an extremely sore sensation, a feeling… that only men would understand.
"Wait…" Cao Cao called out to stop him.
"Lord Cao…" Xu Chu seemed to grasp something and immediately reminded him, "Lord Cao, you were engaged for two consecutive hours last night. Your kidneys might hold up, but your waist might not, right? Lord Cao… you must still take care of yourself!"
Xu Chu was rather forthright; he spoke what he thought.
"Cough, cough…" Cao Cao coughed lightly and quickly waved his hand. "It's not that…"
Although… he did admit that he had somewhat underestimated Madam Ding. When women got intense… there was truly no room for men!
However… at such a critical juncture, Cao Cao really didn't need to think about this matter!
Cough… he coughed again lightly and announced loudly, "We're not going to the yamen. Change course to the Sinong Prefecture!"
"Sinong Prefecture? Master Lu's place?" Xu Chu inquired…
"Yes, Lu Yu's place!" Cao Cao tried to pinch his waist, doing his best to straighten his back… and with utmost seriousness, headed towards the Sinong Prefecture.
Logically, among the Three Dukes, the Grand Commandant, the Sikong, and the Situ… their mansions were all adjacent.
However, for some unknown reason, the design of the mansion layouts in Xudu was slightly different. The Sikong Mansion was not adjacent to the Grand Commandant's mansion or the Situ Mansion, but rather to Lu Yu's Sikong Prefecture.
Cao Cao only needed to cross one street to reach Lu Yu.
And on this day, Cao Cao was not the only one seeking out Lu Yu.
Cao Song had also arrived…
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Cao Song and Cao De arrived very discreetly…
They wore bamboo hats the entire way, trying to be seen as little as possible.
This was related to Cao Song's cautious nature. Of course… in reality, it wouldn't matter much even if they were seen. At this juncture, no one would try to settle old scores!
However, logically, Cao Chun should have reported to Cao Cao first. But Cao Song proposed visiting the Sinong Prefecture first.
Cao Song wanted to meet the son of the Hidden Dragon, who could "make the Great Han tremble with a single word" in the past;
Cao Song even more so wanted to meet his grandson who had saved his life!
Thanks to Cao Chun's introduction, Lu Yu quickly realized…
The visitor was none other than the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Cao Song, the father of Cao Cao, who had once managed the Han dynasty's finances and agricultural policies!
This made Lu Yu extremely happy!
Now that Lu Yu had inexplicably become the Grand Minister of Agriculture, without Cao Song… Lu Yu would truly be at a loss, especially regarding many of his ideas, which he couldn't even begin to discuss.
…
"When did Father arrive?"
As he arrived at the Sinong Prefecture…
Cao Cao heard his father Cao Song's voice, and his brow immediately shot up. He slowed his steps and happened to encounter Cao Chun…
After Cao Chun's explanation, he learned that… his father Cao Song had entered the city that morning and had come directly to this Sinong Prefecture. Moreover… he had been conversing with Lu Yu for a full hour and still seemed to want to continue.
"Brother? Should I inform the Old Master?" While speaking, Cao Chun prepared to enter the room.
"Hush!" Cao Cao, however, raised his index finger to signal for silence.
"Don't interrupt them!"
Cao Cao whispered, and as he spoke, he tried his best to lower the sound of his footsteps, walking step by step towards the courtyard.
The reason for this was that he heard a point of discussion between Yu'er and his father, a point that Cao Cao cared about immensely—grain.
That's right… Yu'er and his father were currently discussing matters related to grain.
*Hoo*…
Cao Cao let out a breath. Honestly, no one craved or longed for grain more than Cao Cao.
It seemed… ever since he raised his army from Chenliu, in every campaign, Cao Cao was always constrained by provisions. Provisions had become an insurmountable hurdle for Cao Cao.
It could be said that the issue of grain was even a hundred times more important than the conflict between Cao Hong and Man Chong.
"Cao…"
Seeing Cao Cao enter the courtyard, Dian Wei, who was guarding the mansion gate, was about to salute…
Cao Cao waved his hand to dismiss the gesture, and similarly held up his index finger, signaling Dian Wei to be quiet… and not to announce him.
He, on the other hand, walked step by step to the door and thus pressed his ear against the outside of the door to listen to their conversation.
And at this moment…
Lu Yu and Cao Song were discussing a crucial point.
Of course…
When conversing with Lu Yu, Cao Song felt… he had to exert himself to the fullest.
He discovered… Yu'er was indeed worthy of being called the Hidden Dragon. He possessed a unique method for managing finances and agricultural policies…
It was just that because he had never practiced it, some aspects were not fully thought out. This was fine… Cao Song was an expert in this field; finding and fixing flaws was what he was best at.
"Grand Minister Lu, please elaborate on this 'Tanding Rum' method?" Cao Song spoke slowly, his eyes gleaming. Clearly… he was exceptionally curious about this 'Tanding Rum' method proposed by Lu Yu.
And Lu Yu, with an elder like Cao Song who possessed rich experience in agriculture and finance, naturally did not hide anything and poured out his thoughts.
"The so-called 'Tanding Rum' method, also known as 'Tanding Rumu' or 'Diding Heyi,' can be considered a complete overhaul of the current taxation system implemented by the Great Han!"
Lu Yu's tone was exceptionally serious…
"Previously, the Han dynasty's tax collection was primarily based on head tax. Ordinary farmers, regardless of whether they owned land or cultivated fields, would have to pay additional taxes each year for every son born.
"Landlords who owned fields naturally didn't care about this head tax. But ordinary people, where would they get fields? Most were tenant farmers, already exploited by landlords, with meager income… and they still had to bear this heavy tax burden. As a result… people were afraid to have more children, and the population could not prosper! The gap between rich and poor also continued to widen!
"If this continues, our Cao camp… no, the entire Great Han will still be constrained by population and labor force! Grain will always be scarce. To be precise, it's not just scarcity, but rather… a large amount of grain is held by a small number of clans!"
Lu Yu meticulously explained the 'Tanding Rum' method to Cao Song.
Speaking of which…
The 'Tanding Rum' method was a further reform and development of Emperor Kangxi's policy of "stimulating population and never increasing taxes" during the Qing Dynasty.
Although Lu Yu disliked the Qing Dynasty, he couldn't deny that the implementation of 'Tanding Rum' led to an explosive growth in the Qing dynasty's population.
From the sixth year of Qianlong to the fifty-seventh year of Qianlong, within just fifty years, the empire's population increased from one hundred million to three hundred million.
And the current Han dynasty population was only tens of millions, with Cao Cao's registered households being only a million…
To put it bluntly, what was the fight in chaotic times about? It looked like soldiers… but in reality, it was about population, about productivity!
Once the population increased… even if they were consumed and died, there would be no need to fight; victory without battle.
Looking at Cao Song's narrowed eyes, Lu Yu continued:
"If the 'Tanding Rum' method is implemented, then… the heavy taxes will be imposed on the land. Landlords who own more land will, conversely, bear the burden. To avoid the substantial land tax, they will inevitably hand over some of their land. In this way, farmers will have land, and there will be no worries about having children! Population, harvest, and taxes will all increase significantly. This is something with a hundred benefits and no harm! However…"
Lu Yu paused at this point…
Cao Song immediately understood and preempted him, "However, this will encroach upon the interests of those aristocratic families, the so-called landlords! They will inevitably unite and resist this 'Tanding Rum' method, making the implementation of the 'Tanding Rum' policy arduous!"
Cao Song exhaled a mouthful of turbid air…
His tone was also solemn.
Indeed… the 'Tanding Rum' method proposed by Yu'er was good. Taxes could be greatly increased, farmers would have their own land, and the population could rapidly flourish. However… at present… at least for now, implementing it would be as difficult as ascending to heaven!
It would also offend countless powerful figures!
Cao Song sighed and continued.
"The current Great Han is a Great Han monopolized by aristocratic clans! No matter how good a policy is… if they don't support it, it will ultimately be difficult to proceed! Master Lu must have some experience with this, right?"
Lu Yu nodded… "Therefore, I plan to… implement agricultural policies in several steps! What should be implemented first is not 'Tanding Rum,' but a compromise method!"
Hmm… several steps? A compromise method?
Cao Song stroked his beard. Talking with Lu Yu today, even after serving as Grand Minister of Agriculture for several years, he felt greatly enriched.
Yu'er's words had a grand vision, and some of his ideas… were exceptionally novel!
They made Cao Song's eyes light up.
And at this moment, Cao Song was extremely curious…
What idea had this grandson of his come up with now? A compromise method? What could it be?
Just then, Lu Yu's words followed, and he uttered two words, four characters in total.
"'XX! XX!'"
Precisely these two words, this four-character "compromise" method, could solve the current grain predicament of the Cao camp to the greatest extent.
Even…
It could allow Cao Cao to triple his annual grain harvest without infringing upon the interests of the "aristocratic class"!
And at this moment…
Cao Cao, standing outside the door, also had a drastic change in expression, his eyes widening, his mouth even agape!
His chest rose and fell continuously…
The reform of 'Tanding Rum' that Yu'er had just proposed was already astonishing enough in Cao Cao's considered opinion, but as his father said, now was not the time.
If the opportunity arose in the future, then… the energy contained within these four words, 'Tanding Rum,' was immeasurable even for Cao Cao himself!
But… ultimately, it was like 'distant water not quenching nearby thirst.'
How was Cao Cao to solve the current grain problem?
"Respect the Son of Heaven to command the lords; cultivate and conserve to store military provisions!"
Now… it all depended on how this military provision was stored!
However… storing abundant grain, while easy to say, was difficult to do.
Yet… these last four words from Yu'er made Cao Cao's eyes suddenly light up, and a shrewd gleam of confidence appeared!
"Well said, 'XX! XX!'"
…
…