An old custom!
Since ancient times, feudal society has had this old custom.
In ancient times, there were always instances of female infants being killed due to their gender!
Those were pairs of unseen, blood-stained hands. The instigators were the increasingly harsh taxes in feudal society, especially the head tax.
Due to the existence of the "head tax," the population of Great China did not increase before the Yongzheng era.
The abolition of the "head tax" and the "apportioning of land tax to household tax" led to an exponential growth in the empire's population. Actually, this was not growth, but rather those infants who were meant to be abandoned were granted the right to live.
This was the "apportioning of land tax to household tax" and the abolition of the "head tax" that Lu Yu had previously mentioned to Cao Cao!
Precisely these two matters, which affected everything, were something Cao Cao dared not and could not easily undertake. Or rather, he wanted to wait until after pacifying the northern territories before making further plans!
Who would have thought...
Emperor Liu Xie took this step earlier than him!
In the Weiyang Palace, within the Jiaofang Hall.
"Give this article to Zheng Xuan and Cao Zhi at the newspaper office. I want them to spread it throughout the thirteen prefectures of Han within ten days!"
Liu Xie's voice carried out...
Along with it, he handed a written piece of Xuan paper to the eunuch.
The eunuch carefully received it and was about to leave...
"Wait!"
Empress Fushou's voice followed. "Your Majesty, are you truly going to make this 'Eagle Tower' article public?"
This was a reminder.
Once this step was taken, then perhaps, those so-called ministers loyal to the Han would collectively defect and side with Cao Cao... Faced with the ever-growing Cao faction, the Han would truly exist only in name!
"I must accomplish something in my lifetime!" Liu Xie sighed... "I hope that future generations of citizens can remember something about me!"
"Has Your Majesty made up his mind?" Empress Fushou reminded him repeatedly.
"Yes!" Liu Xie stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window, his eyes narrowed, gazing at the vast imperial palace. "With Lu Ziyu assisting Cao Mengde, he will be a good emperor who saves the common people from suffering and is beloved by them! Heh, in this chaotic world, there are not many lords who have never sacked a city!"
This...
Empress Fushou bit her lip.
She wanted to say something, but seeing Liu Xie's firm resolve, she swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.
Cao Cao had not sacked any cities?
It seemed... that was because Lu Ziyu always attacked the enemy's minds, leaving him no opportunity to sack a city!
Of course...
It was undeniable that with Lu Ziyu's assistance and His Majesty's sacrifice, the future might truly usher in a scroll of peace!
...
...
Night had fallen. Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, stood on the steps against the wind, gazing at the main gate.
The wind blew her sleeves, making her appear so thin and desolate.
Xiahou Juan noticed her and came to her side. "Sister, let's go back? The wind is strong at night..."
Liu Xue's tone was like that of a child, "Why hasn't my husband returned yet? Should we send someone to check?"
Just then...
The carriage of the Marquis of Baima appeared at the alley entrance. Escorted by several armored soldiers of the Dragon Tiger Camp, Lu Yu emerged from the carriage. Seeing Liu Xue and Xiahou Juan waiting by the gate, he asked with concern.
"Why are you waiting here so late at night?"
"It's... Sister Xue wants to wait for her husband. It seems to be important. I was worried and came to check," Xiahou Juan replied softly...
Lu Yu nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting to Liu Xue.
"Is something wrong?"
Liu Xue nodded...
"Let's talk in your room!" Lu Yu immediately instructed and strode out towards Liu Xue's courtyard.
Liu Xue turned her head to Xiahou Juan beside her.
The sudden gaze made Xiahou Juan a little embarrassed.
Liu Xue smiled and said, "Sister Juan, I finally understand why my husband wants you to manage the household?"
The words slipped out...
Liu Xue turned, ran up to Lu Yu, and they entered Princess Wannian's chambers hand in hand.
...
In the princess's boudoir, wisps of steam rose. This was a cup of tea that Liu Xue had poured for Lu Yu to refresh him.
Lu Yu took a sip, and before Liu Xue could speak, he said.
"Tomorrow, I will be heading north to Ye City! To deal with some matters concerning the Hu people!"
Ah... Ah...
Liu Xue was greatly shocked. The words that had been on the tip of her tongue, she did not know how to begin speaking.
"What you want to talk about is mostly related to His Majesty, isn't it?"
Seeing Liu Xue's appearance, Lu Yu spoke first...
Liu Xue nodded. "Yes, His Majesty has decided to abolish the 'head tax,' and other taxes will also be re-discussed!"
Hearing this, Lu Yu was not surprised.
He changed the subject. "Did you see those infants?"
"Yes!" Mentioning these infants, Liu Xue felt her heart sink heavily, a pang of pain, and a sense of suffocation. "These? My husband knew about this long ago."
"Sort of!"
Lu Yu nodded...
His understanding of the Eagle Tower came from a book in later generations. Because he found it too cruel, Lu Yu specifically read many related reports.
He also learned that in ancient times, over thousands of years, hundreds of millions of lives, due to being born female, were mercilessly deprived of their lives before they could even open their eyes to see the world!
In "Han Feizi · Liu Fan" – "Parents towards their children, if they give birth to a son, they congratulate each other; if they give birth to a daughter, they kill her!"
In "History of the Southern Dynasties · Biography of Liu Zhan" – "Zhan always killed his daughters upon birth, which was greatly resented by his contemporaries!"
In "History of Song Yi · Biography of Luo Qinruo" – "During the Shaoxing era, he was appointed as the Tongpan of Ganzhou. The customs of the prefecture detested daughters, and they drowned them upon birth!"
Because of these records, Lu Yu specifically checked related materials...
In fact...
Including the Rwandan genocide, the Holocaust, and even the First and Second World Wars, with death tolls ranging from fifteen million to seventy-two million.
However... globally, approximately one hundred million people were killed because they were girls!
And in ancient times... the reason for their infanticide was merely the burden, the taxes... and also because of these baseless reasons, this old custom was passed down from generation to generation!
Tragic...
Pitiful!
Every victim should be mourned, and every massacre should be remembered. Yet, for thousands of years, countless little lives walked towards death one after another for such helpless reasons!
Lu Yu had always felt he should do something for them...
And now, with the support of Emperor Liu Xie, he was finally able to take this step.
"Why is my husband going north at this time?" Liu Xue continued to ask. "Can His Majesty accomplish the abolition of the head tax alone?"
"No, it's not just him!" Lu Yu explained. "Actually, there will be people who will stand firmly by his side. Although few, their influence is no less than mine."
"I have discussed it with His Majesty. The abolition of the head tax, the reform of taxes, and the corvee system require steady progress. His Majesty will attack with fierce means, and similarly, someone needs to use a gentle approach to balance and stabilize the situation!"
Speaking of this...
Lu Yu paused. "Since His Majesty chooses to be the 'villain,' then this 'good person' must leave for a while first."
"However, my lady, rest assured. I have already instructed Feng Xiao and Ju Shou. The School of Investigation will secretly assist His Majesty! On this journey, he is not alone!"
Huo...
Liu Xue bit her lip. At this moment, her mood was complex.
But, after all, seeing hope for these infant girls in the Eagle Tower to survive made Liu Xue's dim heart brighten considerably.
"Husband..."
She placed her hands on Lu Yu's chest, tears streaming uncontrollably from her eyes.
"It's alright..." Lu Yu patted her back and comforted her, "It's alright, everything will pass. This world was never beautiful, but because of you, because of His Majesty, because of many people, perhaps... it will develop in a beautiful direction? Doesn't it?"
"Mm..."
Liu Xue wiped away her tears with her sleeve.
This was the first time she felt that the husband before her was so captivating...
...
...
The clatter of horse hooves. A general on a white horse, holding the Dragon Lance, arrived at a city gate.
His expression was somewhat weary, and behind him, several Dragon Tiger Cavalry who accompanied him dispersed with tacit understanding.
He looked up at the city gate before him. The large characters "Xinye" were exceptionally striking.
"We've arrived..."
"Finally arrived."
The general on the white horse murmured with emotion...
He was Zhao Zilong of Changshan...
At this moment, his mood became even more complex. His purpose in coming here was to infiltrate Liu Bei's camp and report intelligence from Jingzhou and Liu Bei to the northern territories.
This was completely different from his usual heroic and fearless style...
But...
Zhao Yun was most concerned about the common people!
He knew better that perhaps this would be a faster way to end the chaotic times.
For this goal, he infiltrated behind enemy lines, so what?
Hoo...
He exhaled a long breath.
But at this moment.
"General Zilong? Isn't this General Zilong?"
The one guarding the city gate was Liu Bei's brother-in-law, Mi Fang of the Mi clan from Xuzhou... He recognized Zhao Yun at a glance.
In the past, when Cao Cao's army was conquering Xuzhou, Tao Qian sought aid from various lords. Gongsun Zan wanted to help but dared not offend Cao Cao, so he could only send Liu Bei, the magistrate of Pingyuan, with troops to assist, and also lent Zhao Yun to Liu Bei.
Afterward, Zhao Yun followed Liu Bei to Xuzhou.
However... before they could fight many battles, Zhao Yun heard that his elder brother had passed away. The Han governed the world with filial piety, and an elder brother was like a father. No matter what, Zhao Yun had to return to observe the mourning period!
It was then that he bid farewell to Liu Bei and returned to Changshan!
But... later, Liu Bei heard that Zhao Zilong had inexplicably joined the Dragon Tiger Camp. This matter was already outlandish, but what was even more outlandish was yet to come!
The Dragon Tiger Camp killed Zhao Zilong's master, Tong Yuan!
It was for this reason that recently... Liu Bei often said that perhaps the next person to pass five levels and kill six generals and arrive at Xinye City would be Zhao Zilong of Changshan.
Now... Mi Fang saw Zhao Yun and was naturally overjoyed!
"Zilong greets General Mi..."
Zhao Yun dismounted and bowed respectfully.
Mi Fang took two quick steps and approached Zhao Yun. "Ah, Zilong, it really is you! It's been years since we last met in Xuzhou, hasn't it? Ah... haha..."
While laughing, Mi Fang pulled Zhao Yun towards the city.
"Where is Lord Liu?"
Zhao Yun inquired...
"Oh... this..." Mi Fang paused. "These past two days, the lord has taken General Zhang and General Guan to Wolong Gang in the Nanyang territory to invite a great talent. This is the second time they have gone. I believe this time they will surely be able to persuade him to emerge!"
Wolong Gang?
Zhao Yun's eyes narrowed. He remembered that Lu Yu had mentioned... that within Wolong Gang was Zhuge Jun's elder brother, "True Zhuge Liang." This was a person not to be underestimated.
Lu Yu had also mentioned that one must be extremely careful around Zhuge Liang...
The title "Candle Dragon," was of great importance to the unification of the world!
"Zilong, come, we haven't seen each other for a long time. Today, we won't return until we're drunk!" Mi Fang was very enthusiastic.
"Alright! Then I'll respectfully accept your invitation." Zhao Yun smiled slightly and walked towards the wine shop with Mi Fang on his shoulders.
...
...
In Xudu City, in the workshop.
"Clang!" The workshop door was pushed open... followed closely by a crisp female voice that echoed.
"Where is your manager Zhuge? Tell him to get out!"
The voice was cold and crisp...
The craftsmen were startled, but upon seeing the person, they habitually lowered their heads and continued with their work.
As for the reason, it was none other than Prime Minister Cao's eldest daughter, Cao Mu, the manager of the forging workshop!
Speaking of which...
This was not the first time Cao Mu had come to the workshop, and her arrogance was commonplace...
It was as if their manager, Zhuge Jun, owed her something, and was always a step below her...
"Where is he? Is he learning to be a cowering turtle?"
Cao Mu's voice rose again...
Recently, she had suddenly realized that whether it was Zhuge "Jun" or Zhuge "Liang," it didn't matter. As long as he was still that little man she could "bully," it was enough.
Of course...
For a woman like Cao Mu, she had a night of intimacy with Zhuge Jun, which meant she had set her sights on him... Besides, Zhuge Jun was going to take her child's surname, wasn't he!
Let him take the surname Cao!
Of course, this was said in jest, but reflecting on it, finding such a devoted follower wasn't bad.
"Miss Cao..."
An old craftsman spoke quickly. "Recently, Master Lu ordered our manager to forge ten thousand repeating crossbows and one hundred thousand crossbow bolts within a month. Manager Zhuge is so busy he's spinning around!"
"Oh..." Cao Mu nodded with interest. "Tell him that Cao Mu is here, and if he doesn't come out, I'll leave."
Before she finished speaking...
"Don't leave, don't leave..." Zhuge Jun's voice arrived.
Seeing Zhuge Jun, Cao Mu turned her back to him... and said sarcastically, "Oh my, our great manager Zhuge is so busy, yet he has time to come out and see this humble woman!"
"Hmph..." Zhuge Jun scratched his head. "It's really because the master needs these repeating crossbows and bolts urgently. He said they are needed for the northern expedition against the Wuhuan. If it weren't for that, I... after returning from the south, why wouldn't I come to find you?"
Originally...
Cao Mu was still angry.
Who wouldn't be angry?
After being slept with, the person disappeared!
First, he went south, and after returning from the south, he stayed in this workshop and didn't come out. Not even an apology, it was simply... unbearable!
Until now, Cao Mu couldn't stand it any longer, so she took the initiative to come.
"My anger hasn't subsided yet!" Cao Mu put her hands on her hips...
"My dear grandmother..." Zhuge Jun was almost crying. "I'm so busy I don't know how to appease you, my esteemed lady."
"Pfft..."
Cao Mu was amused by Zhuge Jun's comical expression.
"To appease your anger, it's also simple..."
"Ah..."
Unexpectedly, Cao Mu gave him an easy way out...
Zhuge Jun was greatly surprised...
Cao Mu's words followed. "Lu Ziyu also gave the forging workshop a blueprint for improved caltrops. He wants me to forge one hundred thousand caltrops within a month. If you can complete it for me, then, my anger will be gone, and you can go to Ye City and propose marriage to my father!"
Ah... Ah...
Zhuge Jun was even more surprised. Just... just propose marriage like this?
As he was astonished.
"You're unwilling? If you're unwilling, then forget it." Cao Mu put her hands behind her back and was about to leave...
"Willing, willing..." Zhuge Jun grabbed her hand. "These caltrops are likely for the master's northern expedition against the Wuhuan. It just so happens... that they can be delivered to Ye City along with these repeating crossbows and arrows!"
"Let go..." Cao Mu shook off Zhuge Jun's hand, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Touch me again when you've finished forging them!"
"I'm leaving..." With that said, Cao Mu turned and slowly left.
But Zhuge Jun's mood suddenly became clear.
Just then, the old craftsman beside him turned his eyes.
"Manager Zhuge, I have something to report."
Uh...
With a sudden sound, Zhuge Jun, who was still in a daze, was startled awake. "What... what is it?"
"This..." The old craftsman scratched his head. "My younger brother works in the forging workshop. I heard that yesterday... the forging workshop already produced one hundred thousand caltrops! But... Miss Cao also said one hundred thousand just now... it seems..."
Hmm...
Suddenly, Zhuge Jun's heart warmed!
"Haha..."
"Hahahaha..."
He immediately burst into laughter. "Tell all the craftsmen to work harder. When our repeating crossbows are completed, I must go to Ye City and propose marriage to Prime Minister Cao!"
"Haha..."
"Hahahaha..."
At this moment, Zhuge Jun laughed like a hundred-kilogram child!
...
...
Xudu City, Grand Academy Newspaper Headquarters!
Zheng Xuan on the desk's eyes widened, and he sat up abruptly...
Noticing his reaction, Cao Zhi also raised his gaze slightly. "Mr. Zheng? Is this..."
"Take a look at this?"
Zheng Xuan handed a piece of Xuan paper to a servant of the newspaper office, who then passed it to Cao Zhi...
Cao Zhi slowly unfolded it. The more he unfolded it, the more startled he became.
"This is His Majesty's personal handwriting?"
"Yes!"
Zheng Xuan stroked his beard. After pondering for a long time, he continued, "His Majesty is actually going to take this step..."
Hiss...
Cao Zhi gasped. His tone was more direct. "Your Majesty, this is giving the foundation of the Han to Father! Not only that, but also giving Father a great favor."
Speaking of this...
Cao Zhi's gaze turned to Zheng Xuan.
Zheng Xuan's eyes also narrowed into a slit. "Indeed, the Han's destiny is nearing its end, and Heaven's mandate belongs to Cao? Even... even the Han wants to help Cao?"
"How did Lu Ziyu persuade His Majesty?"
At this point, Zheng Xuan's gaze became much more serious.
"Zijian..." Zheng Xuan leaned closer to Cao Zhi. "I heard that Cao Ziyou is mourning his deceased mother, which means he has voluntarily given up the struggle for succession."
"What are your thoughts on this struggle for succession, Zijian?"
This was a probe...
After all, Zheng Xuan was one of the few who knew Lu Yu's true identity...
Now that Cao Ang had confirmed his status as a concubine's son, then... the eldest son of the Cao family was Lu Yu. With the legitimate heir, and if there was no legitimate heir, the eldest would inherit. From this perspective, Lu Yu's succession seemed to have cleared all obstacles!
Only the final step remained.
Choose a good time and make it public.
However, because Cao Zhi worked with him at the newspaper office, Zheng Xuan really wanted to know this young master Zijian's thoughts?
Has he never considered it? Contending for it?
After all...
The current heir would very likely ascend to the throne in the future.
Power... always leads people astray!
...
...