Outside Chengdu Prefecture.
This was a basin, and within it lay thousands of mu of cultivated fields.
Around the fields, streams babbled, weeds grew everywhere, and wildflowers bloomed untended. Several sturdy farmers, bare-chested, bent their heads, skillfully wielding hoes to till the soil and dig irrigation channels.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed from the official road. Several constables stopped their horses nearby, dismounted, and announced to the farmers, "By imperial decree, all previous tax and labor systems are immediately abolished and replaced with a new system: a six-four tax and one in three conscription. Specific regulations will be posted at each pavilion! Implementation begins with this year's autumn harvest!"
"What is a six-four tax? And one in three conscription?" some curious farmers asked.
A farmer who had studied for a few years sighed, "A six-four tax means submitting forty percent of the harvest from each mu. One in three conscription means that during labor service, for every three able-bodied men in a household, one must be conscripted... without pay, and they must bring their own rations!"
"What?"
As this explanation spread, the farm tools in the hands of many farmers clattered to the ground. "Forty percent? Are they trying to kill us?"
It was important to know that the farmland in Bashu did not belong to the common people, but to the court.
In addition to this forty percent of farmland, the people also had to pay rent per mu. If they lacked oxen or farm tools themselves, they had to pay even more.
And besides land tax, local areas also had salt and iron taxes, vehicle and boat taxes, toll fees, and more... the burden was not light!
Besides complaining about the six-four tax...
What the farmers complained about more was the one in three conscription.
Compared to the six-four tax, the one in three conscription was the heaviest burden on the farmers.
"Three men to one conscripted? Three out of every three must be conscripted?" Many farmers lamented, "During the Qin Dynasty, it was one in ten; during Emperor Jing of Han's reign, it was one in thirty. How is it that in the Shu Han, it has become one in three!"
"Alas... isn't His Majesty about to go to war? I heard he plans a northern expedition! Without soldiers, without grain... how can this war be fought?"
"Northern expedition? This tiny place of Bashu, a northern expedition? Can we... can we win?"
"Hush... don't speak carelessly. Go back and prepare your rations. If you're chosen for the one in three conscription, you can only blame your bad luck!"
Indeed, as the farmers worried...
Let alone the Qin Dynasty's one in ten or Emperor Jing of Han's one in thirty, even looking across the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, there was never a conscription exceeding one in ten... one in three is madness!
Alas...
Alas...
Amidst countless sighs, farmers picked up their hoes with resigned expressions, faces etched with bitterness...
What else could they do? The officials levied taxes, they conscripted men; did they have any room to resist?
Clang.
A crisp sound echoed. — A group of farmers tacitly threw their hoes to the ground again.
"I'm not doing this anymore!"
...
...
Li Feng, son of Li Yan, was directing minor officials to hang the imperial decree "Six-Four Tax, One in Three Conscription" on the city wall by the gate.
A large crowd of civilians gathered to watch.
Two young gentlemen, carrying baskets of vegetables and chickens, arrived at the edge of the crowd and peeked. "Young Master Li Feng?" one of them called out.
The other quickly stopped him, "Don't disturb Young Master Li Feng's official business."
He looked intently at the "Six-Four Tax, One in Three Conscription," and muttered, "No wonder so many people are gathered here! So it's a major tax reform!"
"Then those decrees by Prime Minister Zhuge earlier..."
"The current situation is different. His Majesty is determined on the northern expedition... but to launch a northern expedition against the twelve prefectures of Great Wei from the corner of Bashu, the disparity in strength is immense. The required grain and labor are enormous, and this is the only way."
"...Alas. After five years, Prime Minister Zhuge has governed Bashu such that no one picks up lost items, and no doors are left unlocked at night. He has also won the hearts of the people towards Han, but now... the grain and labor for the northern expedition are secured, but the hearts of the people are lost!"
"Even so... can Bashu defeat Great Wei?"
"Hush,"
"Although it's wishful thinking, these words... we should swallow them and refrain from commenting carelessly!"
"Hmph, I heard from merchants coming from the north... Great Wei's land tax is only one-tenth, and their labor service is one in thirty conscription—"
Alas.
Alas...
More sighs followed. The hearts of the people were divided!
At the same time, the soldiers guarding the yamen also began to whisper.
"Why are so many people gathered here?"
"It's because of this new policy!"
"I heard from merchants from the north that the Emperor of the north also issued some new policies when he ascended the throne, but everyone applauded then... the people of all twelve prefectures of Great Wei supported it without exception!"
"Cough cough, don't talk about that. I also heard that the soldiers in the north receive a large bag of grain as monthly salary, enough for a family of five to eat. Besides that, they receive twenty bolts of cloth every year, and year-end bonuses... but here, alas..."
"Hmph, what's the point of fighting? Isn't it better for the world to have only one emperor? So that we all live good lives."
"Shhh!"
...
...
In Bashu, Prime Minister's Mansion.
Despite his gaunt appearance, Zhuge Liang stared intently at the map before him, his hand occasionally tracing paths along the Jinniu, Lizhi, and Micang routes.
He looked pained, sometimes closing his eyes in thought, sometimes... opening them wide.
"Cao Ziyu, Cao Ziyu, what is your objective? Jinniu Pass? Lizhi Pass? Micang Pass? Or..."
Finally, Zhuge Liang's hand traced downwards along these Shu roads... to Zitong, to Bazhong, to Yiling... and finally to Chengdu.
He seemed to have a sudden realization... "Is it Chengdu?"
As he uttered this...
The guard outside the door announced loudly, "Reporting to the Prime Minister, General Wei Yan and Advisor Ma Su have arrived!"
As the words fell...
Ma Su and Wei Yan had already stepped inside.
"Prime Minister!"
The two bowed to Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang waved his hand gently, his gaze fixed on a certain point in Chengdu.
"Considering Cao Ziyu's mastery of psychological warfare, the strategic deployments we see are likely mere appearances. On a deeper level, perhaps Chengdu is the target..."
"He will definitely choose to disintegrate from within. Is it to sow discord between the ruler and the ministers?"
"Or something else?"
As Zhuge Liang pondered this, Wei Yan's voice rang out, "Prime Minister, His Majesty has appointed Huang Quan as the Governor of Shu Commandery and bestowed the Shangfang Zhanmajian sword upon Li Yan, granting him authority to execute before reporting. It seems His Majesty is about to sideline the Prime Minister!"
"Wei Yan..." Zhuge Liang's eyes deepened. As if realizing something, he looked up and asked sternly, "Are you trying to sow discord between the ruler and the ministers!"
With a clatter, Wei Yan knelt. "This subordinate dares not!"
He continued, "Prime Minister, rumors are circulating in the court that His Majesty intends to replace the Prime Minister with Li Yan!"
"Wei Yan!" Zhuge Liang stood up abruptly, angered. "Why do your ears always listen to such nonsensical rumors, Wei Yan? Do you know what Cao Yu is best at? It's psychological warfare! Undermining trust within the enemy camp before a battle, that's his usual strategic style!"
Zhuge Liang's tone grew heavier. "Wei Yan, your superior officer is appointed by His Majesty's decree. Apart from being loyal and obedient to His Majesty, you should not have any other wild speculations... lest Cao Yu find an opportunity. To put it mildly, even if His Majesty promotes Li Yan to Prime Minister, there's no harm in that. We are in Sichuan, and we should rely on the talented individuals of Shu!"
"...Prime Minister..." Seeing the tense atmosphere, Ma Su quickly explained, "General Wei is also worried about the Prime Minister!"
"You Chang!" Zhuge Liang raised his gaze, covering his forehead. He said gracefully, "Now... the decisive battle is imminent. Even if His Majesty and I have differences in strategy, His Majesty is His Majesty. With a single order from His Majesty, we should obey unconditionally. If we harbor resentment, we will be exploited by Cao Yu. He is most skilled at exploitation..."
"This... You Chang... draft a memorial for me, stating that your subject petitions His Majesty for punishment!" "Ah... punishment?"
Ma Su quickly retorted, "What crime has the Prime Minister committed?"
"Just state that His Majesty's campaign against Wei is a righteous cause to suppress rebellion, that the Han usurpers are irreconcilable, and that the imperial enterprise cannot be confined. Your subject, being momentarily dull-witted, failed to appreciate His Majesty's intentions and repeatedly advised against it. Your subject regrets it deeply... and hereby requests to resign the position of Prime Minister!"
Zhuge Liang's words stunned Wei Yan. "Prime Minister, you cannot!"
However, Ma Su's eyes darted, and he understood. "I understand. I will go and request this immediately!" Wei Yan wanted to persuade him further but was stopped by Ma Su. The two walked out together.
When they reached the door...
Wei Yan shook off Ma Su's arm. "You Chang, why didn't you let me persuade him?"
Ma Su grabbed Wei Yan's arm again and pulled him to a secluded spot. "The Prime Minister is trying to avoid internal strife within the Shu Han court. Over the years, I have studied every decision, strategy, and deployment by Cao Yu, and I have gained some insight into his methods of psychological warfare. The Art of War mentions 'subduing the enemy without fighting.' This is what Cao Yu highly advocates... and to achieve this 'subduing without fighting,' he will definitely employ psychological tactics, using public opinion and momentum... to induce infighting within Bashu. Is this not his objective?"
"Oh..." Wei Yan nodded, half-understanding.
Ma Su continued, "The Prime Minister's brilliance lies in this petition for punishment. It actually fosters harmony between the ruler and ministers of Shu Han, thereby thwarting Cao Yu's schemes! His Majesty will also be even less likely to dismiss the Prime Minister."
This time, Wei Yan scratched his head. He seemed to understand. "You mean the Prime Minister is advancing by retreating!" "Precisely!" Ma Su said confidently.
Wei Yan raised his hand and patted his shoulder. "Originally, I thought the Lizhi Pass could only be defended by Zhao Zilong, and it would be difficult. Now, with your assistance, the Lizhi Pass can be secured without any risk!"
"Haha!" Ma Su laughed. "I have been well-versed in military strategy since childhood and am also Prime Minister's personal disciple. If I defend the Lizhi Pass, it will be as if the Prime Minister himself is defending it. It can be secured without any risk!"
"Heh."
Wei Yan looked up at Ma Su. To be honest, Wei Yan considered himself quite arrogant, and apart from the Prime Minister, he never paid much attention to outsiders.
But seeing Ma Su today, he was even prouder, even daring to compare himself to the Prime Minister! However, he did have the capital to be proud.
There weren't many people in this world whom Prime Minister Zhuge Liang would take as a disciple!
"What about the 'Five Ma, the White-Browed is the Most Constant'? Heh heh, it should be 'Five Ma, the Youngest is the Most Constant!'"
...
...
The plan was to establish a wartime command center in Chang'an City...
However, considering the danger of Qishan, intelligence could not be delivered in a timely manner.
Therefore, Lu Yu was bolder and decided to establish the wartime command center in Hanzhong, closer to Bashu.
The yamen in Hanzhong was cleared out.
Outside the yamen, two layers of guards were in strict formation. The Dragon Warrior Battalion and the Tiger Claw Army were responsible, one team for the interior and one for the exterior. Every entrant was subject to rigorous scrutiny.
These guards knelt on one knee when they saw Lu Yu, their movements precise and silent.
...Lu Yu's originally calm smile gradually receded here, becoming lighter, sharper, and solemn. He strode in.
Sima Yi, Ma Teng, Ma Chao, Guo Huai, and Hao Zhao were all inside.
In addition to them were some people Lu Yu didn't recognize...
However, these were talents selected through martial examinations over the past five years, and they had undergone repeated political vetting, making them absolutely trustworthy!
And they were dispatched by Lu Yu to the Lizhi Pass route.
The sand table map had been spread out. Everyone gazed at the map, occasionally discussing what to do. When Lu Yu appeared, everyone turned and cupped their hands in salute.
"Your Majesty!"
Lu Yu suddenly looked up, gazing at the civil and military officials. His gaze also turned sharp. "Zhongda, you are the commander. Tell me, how do you intend to fight this battle?"
"Your student intends..." Sima Yi pointed to a detailed map of the Lizhi Pass route on the sand table and began, "The Lizhi Pass is a narrow and elongated path. Li Yan's first advance from here is a probe. Li Yan is eager to survive and will surely demand that Zhao Yun, Wang Ping, and Ma Su launch a quick attack to secure a victory. The first victory is too important for Shu Han. Therefore... your student intends to set up an ambush in a strategic location, waiting for the enemy to tire!"
Sima Yi expounded his plan eloquently.
Unexpectedly, Lu Yu waved his hand directly. "You can think of it, and Ma Su can also think of it! This fellow... is also skilled in psychological warfare. If we set up an ambush and cause him suspicion, he will instead advance steadily... so..."
"So, Your Majesty wants me to take the initiative?" Sima Yi's brow furrowed slightly.
Actually, his theory was not wrong...
Liu Bei's campaign against Wei had been brewing for five years. The Shu Han army had also been waiting for five years. The eagerness for victory must be palpable... it wouldn't be difficult to win the first battle by exploiting this mentality.
However...
Sima Yi did not understand Ma Su well.
But while Sima Yi didn't understand, Lu Yu understood him too well.
Fighting against Ma Su requires not theoretical things, but practical matters, things not found in books.
"You will station your troops here, facing Zhao Yun and Ma Su's forces!"
Lu Yu pointed to a spot on the sand table. It was a three-way intersection. The northern expedition had two small paths to choose from, but the southern campaign had only one path.
"Here?" Sima Yi...
In the military texts he had studied, whether it was Sun Tzu's "Art of War" on terrain or other discussions on topography, this place... favored the enemy and disadvantaged us!
"Your Majesty, Sun Tzu's Art of War states— terrain has the passable, the impeded, the branching, the narrow, the perilous, the distant. Where one can advance and the enemy can also advance, it is called passable. The passable terrain, occupy the highlands and maintain favorable supply lines; fighting there is advantageous. Where one can advance but cannot return, it is called impeded."
Sima Yi pointed to the fork. "If our army is stationed here, the enemy can dispatch a contingent to occupy a strategic position to block our advance, and dispatch another contingent to bypass us... attacking us from both flanks. Our supply lines would be cut off. This path is 'passable' but 'cannot return' as mentioned in Sun Tzu's Art of War. This is a major taboo in military operations and encampment!"
Sima Yi's analysis was logical and well-founded.
But... he overlooked a huge problem.
That was... the two major variables in this battle.
First—Zhao Yun!
Second—Ma Su!
Lu Yu's core idea was that this route must give the opponent an opportunity. If no opportunity is given, the play cannot proceed!
...
....
Milk Candy Candy Candy reminds you: Remember to collect after reading.