The war in the northeast is raging, but this has not hindered the various policies in the temple. As Zhuge Liang said, the empty treasury can bear a series of expenses by transferring economic pressure externally. The various technologies of the Han Dynasty are at this moment
They have all reached their peak of development. The export of such cheap and exquisite goods has directly defeated the local goods of countries such as Kushan.
The high-caste nobles in Kushan are unwilling to engage in business. They only want luxury goods that can represent their own taste. As for those produced locally, they are not in their eyes. When Han merchants passed by in large numbers
When the Han Dynasty's paper money was used for trade, it was indeed possible to carry out large-scale economic plunder, and it was even possible to control the connections of some countries with necessary goods.
Sitting in the Chancellor's Desk, Zhuge Liang was looking at the map of the outside of the Great Wall that was reported by the local government. Outside the Han Dynasty's three states of He, Xin, and Ning, there was a cold world. Similarly, according to the merchants coming and going,
, and even the soldiers who often go out on patrol have discovered that there are many areas with fertile land suitable for farming in these areas, but they have been deserted for a long time.
Regarding the war in the northeast, Zhuge Liang's attitude was very firm. He strongly agreed and fully supported the emperor's conquest. The ministers still had some opinions in their hearts. Although they all looked down on the countries outside the Great Wall, they believed that since the defeat of Xianbei, the great Han Dynasty
They won't encounter any enemies outside the Great Wall, but they all hate war, especially such unprovoked wars.
Because the outbreak of war will bring great oppression to the national treasury and the surrounding people. As for those barren lands, what is the use of them?
In the minister's desk, Zhuge Liang looked at the map, and Zhong Changtong sat beside him. The relationship between the two was not very close. Zhong Changtong was also a little puzzled. This Zhuge Liang had called him over earlier.
, more than two hours have passed, and he still said nothing, just staring at the maps. What exactly does he want to do?
Zhong Changtong frowned. Even in front of San Ling, he was not restrained. He drank tea one cup after another, occasionally humming a tune, leisurely and comfortable. After another moment, Zhuge Liang raised his head,
He said seriously: "Zheng Zheng, let's see how much manpower these counties in the north of Ningzhou can recruit?"
Zhong Changtong came over, looked at Zhuge Liang's fingertips, and said without thinking: "Shanggao County's young men can recruit 10,000 people. If there are more, I'm afraid it will seriously delay the busy work of farming. As for Luo County and Zhongping County,
It's a little better. According to your Majesty's idea, 40,000 people can be recruited from these areas..." Zhuge Liang exclaimed and continued reading.
At this time, Zhong Changtong probably wanted to understand what Zhuge Linggong wanted to do. He also looked at it seriously and suddenly asked: "Does Zhuge Linggong want to build a city wall on the border between Ningzhou and the Great Wall?"
Facing Zhong Changtong's inquiry, Zhuge Liang shook his head and did not answer. After thinking for a moment, he called an official and ordered: "Send two people, one to go to Gongfu and invite Ma Gong here, and the other
Go and invite Mr. Liu from the Young Mansion!" The official agreed and left in a hurry. Zhong Changtong frowned in confusion. What did he want to do?
Soon after, Liu Ba and Ma Jun arrived one after another. Liu Ba looked not very good. During this period of time, he was really too tired. Fortunately, the Overseas Prefecture and Xizhou continued to import wealth into the Han Dynasty's treasury.
Liu Ba has been busy coordinating markets in various places all day long. This is an area that has never been reached before. As a first-time explorer, fatigue is inevitable, and he is cautious in everything he does, for fear of big problems arising.
As for Ma Jun, he still looked strong, his clothes were a little shabby, and his face was getting darker. The two met with Zhuge Liang and sat down respectively. When Zhuge Liang saw the three people gathered together, he said seriously: "The Northern and Southern armies set out to march beyond the Great Wall.
, as you all know, there is great potential in the land outside the Great Wall. I am planning to mobilize the people of Hebei to build a large city outside the Great Wall, and add another state to the Han Dynasty. What do you think, sir?"
"What??" Liu Ba jumped out again and was about to curse when Zhuge Liang hurriedly said: "Liu Jun, you can rest assured that each locality will bear the expenses of each locality and will not endanger the national treasury...Hebei is rich, with dozens of
There has not been a large-scale corvee in recent years, but this time, it can still be sustained..."
Liu Ba stopped the curse words he was about to blurt out, cleared his throat, and then sat down. Zhuge Liang said with a smile: "The economic harm that corvee may cause to various places requires Liu Jun's help..." Liu Ba sighed.
, nodded, but Ma Jun didn't understand. He asked: "I heard that there are barren lands outside the Great Wall. Why does your Majesty need to go to so much trouble to build a city here?"
"Before the Qin Dynasty expanded to the north, Liangzhou and Bingzhou were barren lands. Even Jiaozhou and Yangzhou were barren lands. The same was true for Yizhou. Before the Han Dynasty expanded, Xizhou was considered a barren land.
The same is true for barren land, Hezhou, and Xinzhou, but what about now? They have all become the most important areas for the Han Dynasty, and now is the best time for the Han Dynasty!"
"Oh? Would you like to hear the details?"
"Ma Gong may know that since the Xiaokang period, the weather has become increasingly cold, especially in Ning, He and other areas. Livestock and even people often freeze to death. This situation is even more common outside the Great Wall... The climate outside the Great Wall
, has become extremely bad, and everyone is relying on cannibalizing each other to save their lives..."
Hearing this, Ma Jun became even more puzzled. He asked confusedly: "How can this be considered a good time?"
"Hahaha... If the Han Dynasty were in troubled times now, I am afraid that the situation outside the Great Wall would cause a large number of bandit chiefs to go south to join the bandits, and a war no less powerful than the battle between Han and Hungary would break out. But General Duan defeated the bandits.
In addition, three generations of emperors have developed the frontier, so that even if the enemies outside the Great Wall starve to death, they dare not go south. If in normal times, the tribes outside the Great Wall have a population of millions, all the people are soldiers, and they come and go like the wind, how can they be conquered?"
"Today, the Han Dynasty is rich and has countless people, who can withstand the cold. However, the enemy outside the wall has suffered a serious reduction in numbers. A large number of horses have been killed by the cold. Even the grass and trees have withered. They can no longer come and go like the wind and make long-distance attacks.
, isn't this the best time for the Han Dynasty? As long as the Northern and Southern armies can defeat each other, and let the people on the border build large-scale cities outside the Great Wall, connected by Chidao, the vast land outside the Great Wall will become our Han Dynasty.
territory."
"But your Lordship also said that the place can't even do animal husbandry now. Even if a city is built and taken down, what's the use?"
"The sun and the moon alternate, and the four seasons change. It won't always be winter here?" This time, it was Zhong Changtong who spoke first. He looked at the map in front of Zhuge Liang with some joy, grinned, and said
: "Wonderful, Ling Gongxuan has come at a really good time. In this way, not only can we add another state to our country, but we can also cut off threats from outside the Great Wall. When these areas become fertile farmland, the country will be able to
The livestock area..."
Zhuge Liang admired this young man very much, smiled and nodded, then looked at the other two people and said: "We still need three people to help with this matter. Ma Gong sent people to help build the city and make a rough outline. In addition, the city
We also need Mr. Ma to help negotiate the required materials. As for Mr. Zhong Chang, you know the registered population of each place best, so this recruitment matter cannot be done without you..."
"This is natural, please rest assured!" Zhong Changtong said.
Ma Jun frowned and said seriously: "I have to go and take a look in person to get a rough idea. Otherwise, I can't just sit in the mansion and talk about measures thousands of miles away.
.If possible, I hope I can go to the border county to have a look..."
"Of course, I will send someone to escort Ma Gong there. If Ma Gong can help build the city at the border, it will be a great honor for me. You don't have to be anxious, this matter can't be rushed..." Zhuge Liang said, and the four of them
After discussing for a long time, they all left. Only Zhong Changtong stayed. After the two left, Zhong Changtong asked: "Has your Majesty been thinking of cannibalizing for a long time?"
"The strategy of cannibalization?" Zhuge Liang was taken aback and smiled, "It's okay to say that. For outside the wall, we can only cannibalize step by step, through cities, roads, and fortresses, and take away the survival of the thieves chiefs bit by bit.
Earth, just building a city wall cannot stop them. Only by not defending and counterattacking can great things be accomplished!"
"Your Majesty is a great talent! I admire you!" Zhong Changtong said with emotion: "In the temple, there are probably not many people who can have your Majesty's courage and gaze. However, your Majesty's policy is a
If it comes out, the people will scold your Duke for doing corvee work, and the mediocre people will definitely say such stupid things as the death of Qin and corvee service... When the time comes, what will your duke prepare to do?"
, you have to try your best, and you can't make the land of Hebei full of people because of corvee labor, otherwise it will turn a good thing into a bad thing... Therefore, the suggestions of the people in the temple sometimes make sense."
"Here you go!"
Zhong Changtong left, and Zhuge Liang ordered people to pick up the many documents he had prepared in the past few days and rush to the Houde Hall. He had discussed these matters with the emperor, and the emperor was convinced. However, the specific implementation was still unclear.
I don't know if I can get the emperor's permission. After all, if it is really implemented this time, it will involve millions of people and consume huge financial resources, and the purpose is just to open up a barren land.
The emperor wants more than he does, so when he agrees, he must show greater courage. If he is not careful, his hard work for more than ten years will be in vain.