During the family banquet, Zhao Yun and Dian Wei also got some food. Although Zhao Yun was elegant, she had a big appetite. However, Cao Cao was not sad anymore. With more money and food, it was a good time to develop.
Moreover, he understood that the more he ate, the better his skills would be. After all, his body needed a lot of energy.
Fierce warriors like Dian Wei had a sturdy body. He felt that if he only ate one person's food, he definitely wouldn't be full.
Cao Song was also delighted to see this. He was old, and he felt very blessed when he saw people who ate big and delicious meals. If such people were around him, he would feel that he was a lucky star.
He sat in Xu Zhen's wheelchair and let Cao De push him around for a while before leaving the hall. He even glared at Cao Cao.
The meaning couldn't be any simpler. Don't have any ideas about Yixuan!
Cao Cao was startled and then smiled bitterly.
The old man had once been one of the three dukes. He knew that any banquet, even a family banquet, had its purpose. This time was no exception. Since his son, Cao Cao, had invited Xu Zhen, he naturally had something to say. Moreover, Xu Prefecture was now half new, so there were naturally many aspects that needed to be taken care of.
After the old man left, Cao Cao slowly led the conversation to the problem of the half of Xuzhou.
"I asked Zixiao to station 40,000 soldiers and recruit new soldiers in the village. Now, we have 6,000 soldiers. The local officials have also begun to follow suit.”
Cao Cao had already arranged everything, but he felt that something was missing.
Xu Zhen finished the meat and said,""My lord, you see, we can eat meat, and the soldiers can eat meat, but the commoners can't eat meat. If they can't eat meat, they won't find it fragrant.”
"Within the borders of Xu Prefecture, there is no shortage of grain. What they lack is meat, commerce, and stability.”
Xu Zhen said," I think we should open the granaries to release grain and reduce taxes in half of Xuzhou. We should use this winter to establish trust. At the same time, we should send troops to conquer Pi. By then, the spring plowing will have damaged the fertile fields, and the harvest will not be much. As time passes, Xuzhou will naturally be unable to sustain itself. The people will also move out of the city, and Xuzhou will fall.”
"Why?"
Cao Cao stroked his beard and pondered for a moment. Just as he asked this question, he suddenly felt that he had figured it out. His eyes lit up as he raised his hand to stop Xu Zhen and said,"You mean to say that you are putting on a show for the people and aristocrats of Xu Prefecture? If I can feed them, they will naturally follow me.”
"That's right."
"Uh…"
Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then laughed out loud," Not bad, not bad!! That should be the case. As expected of you. I've finally figured it out.”
He stared at Xu Zhen for a long time, his eyes filled with joy. Then, he shook his head and sighed. Yixuan, if you come to be my military advisor..."
"Tsk…"
Just as Xu Zhen was about to click his tongue, Cao Cao immediately retreated tactically. Don't mention this, don't mention this."
This kid was really…
He smiled bitterly and shook his head. Then, he thought of the situation in Xu Prefecture.
What a wake-up call…
If he relied on his anger to directly slaughter everyone, regardless of whether they were old or young, then his reputation in Xu Prefecture would be destroyed and Liu Bei would benefit from it.
If the people of Xuzhou unite to resist our army, not only will it be difficult for Xuzhou to continue, but it will also be attacked by the surrounding forces.
This was not worth it.
But now, they had only killed the local despots who resisted, leaving behind at least 100,000 good citizens. In addition, there were countless refugees and desolate people. If they could be allowed to settle down, how envious would the people in Xiapi be?
Speaking of which, attacking Xuzhou during spring plowing…
Xu Zhen was still quite bad.
……
That winter, Xu Zhen began to train his army in the supply camp, and Xuzhou's development was great.
Cao Cao's decree reached Cao Ren and was immediately implemented.
All the Xuzhou territories that belonged to Cao would have their taxes reduced by half, and they would be given farming tools, cattle, and pigs for breeding.
At the same time, the granaries would be opened every seven days so that the refugees and Desolate People could receive food. Then, according to Lord Xu Zhen's counting method, a register would be compiled and stored at cost. This way, they could know the people in every household.
Between the county and the town, they used the tricycle invented by Lord Xu Zhen to travel between each other. They also cut down the forest and dug up stones to build houses.
In the beginning, the people did not believe it, but there would be brave men under the heavy reward. Cao Ren hired the first batch of strong men with a large sum of money to distribute money and food. In less than fifteen days, the people all believed that Cao Cao's decree was true.
They also obtained a large amount of food.
After having food, they worked even harder.
Before the end of the year, just over a month had passed. Before the heavy snow had sealed the mountain, the good news came.
Cao Cao was overjoyed. This year was really a year of good news.
Cao Ren was summoned back to celebrate the New Year and have a feast.
It could be said that all the civil and military officials in Yanzhou, the aristocrats, and all the influential figures were invited, including Bao Xin and Wei Zi, the two benefactors.
The only one who didn't come was Xu Zhen.
At night, a banquet was held with thousands of people. How happy was that?
"It's a pity that Yixuan refused to come to such a grand scene!!”
Cao Cao's father and younger brother Cao De said.
"Didn't Yixuan say that he would come again tomorrow to…pay New Year's greetings? He even asked Father and us to prepare the New Year's money.”
"Ah?"
Cao Cao was stunned for a moment, then he was amused and laughed out loud." Alright, I'll definitely give him a big gift tomorrow!”
"Where is Yixuan now?"
Cao De asked.
"In his camp, celebrating the New Year with those soldiers.”Cao Cao shook his head with a bitter smile.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。