On the bank north of the Han River, Chen Mu, Jia Xu, Zhuge Liang, Chen Qun and others were watching the opposite city from a distance.
Everyone took out their telescopes and looked at them for a long time, and Chen Mu asked them.
Jia Xu didn't say anything, but Chen Qun sighed: "This Xiangyang City is really easy to defend but difficult to attack. Without watermen, I'm afraid no one can even cross it, let alone attack the city."
Chen Mu smiled and said: "At first, Dezu wanted to join forces with Zhang Xian to attack Jingzhou. Now you know why."
Zhuge Liang hesitated and said: "But why doesn't Shijun postpone it for a year and wait for His Majesty to return from the northern expedition before heading south with hundreds of thousands of troops? By then, with the strength of the Qingzhou Navy, it is not impossible to cross the river and fight."
Chen Mu waved his hand: "It's the same sentence, you will understand it after a while."
Zhuge Liang bowed his hands and said nothing.
Jia Xu was surprised and said: "Changsha Governor Zhang Xian raised the army, was it the Shaofu who took the lead?"
Chen Mu said: "It was Changsha Gongcao Huanjie who persuaded Governor Zhang, and Governor Zhang brought order to the chaos and raised troops to fight against Liu Biao."
"oh."
Jia Xu didn't speak anymore, and was trying to figure out one thing.
That's why Chen Mu didn't listen to Zhuge Liang and postponed his attack on Jingzhou for a year. By then Liu Bei would lead an army of hundreds of thousands south, wouldn't he be sure to win?
But questions are questions, but since Chen Mu said that they would know in the future, there was no need for him to ask more questions.
People who talk too much don't live long, and Jia Xu's family is very clean.
Kong Jian looked at the terrain for a long time and said: "Master, there are many islands on the river. Maybe we can build a pontoon bridge to get across."
"This is a good idea."
Chen Mu smiled and said: "But we don't have a naval force. If we build a pontoon bridge, it will be destroyed by others. It's meaningless. The top priority now is to see if we can capture Fancheng. I heard that the hermit Pang De and Mr. Sima Hui are in Weiliang
I would like to meet them on the island."
Zhao Yun said: "Four generals, what should we do now?"
Chen Mu said: "First we will be stationed in Deng County. I want to dig a canal from Yingchuan River and merge it into the Meihe River as a grain transport canal. Using Nanyang as the base, I will launch an offensive in Jingzhou in the future. However, Fancheng must be in our hands and we cannot let it go.
Liu Biao owns a city in Jiangbei that may send troops to us at any time."
"only!"
Zhao Yun got the order.
Yang Xiu has been sent back to Luoyang by Chen Mu. He was sent there when he asked the court to transfer Sun Jian back to Luoyang.
Now it is impossible to conquer Xiangyang in one go, so we have to plan for the long term. The management of Nanyang must be put on the agenda, and adequate preparations must be made for grain and grass transportation.
At this point, Chen Mu also has a plan.
That is work-for-relief.
The premise of cash-for-work is that the country must have money, and it is not the kind that endlessly prints money.
Basically, a high school student should understand the principle of inflation, not to mention that Chen Mu is a top student majoring in finance in later generations. It is impossible that he does not know the consequences of large-scale money printing.
But coincidentally, he was not in the Ming Dynasty's era of precious coins, but in an era of precious metal circulation.
Because gold, silver, and copper mines are controlled by the state, local officials and powerful people cannot interfere, so large-scale mining is not easy.
In addition, bronze has limitations such as being easily corroded, the level of ancient technology was low, the output of copper mines was not high, and the ancients often liked to bury large sums of money in the ground and were unwilling to take it out for circulation.
This resulted in the coins of the Han Dynasty, including copper coins, actually being in a very scarce situation. Historically, at the end of the Western Han Dynasty and the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, various princes had a dilemma of casting iron coins to solve the shortage of gold, silver and copper, because copper coins were too scarce.
The more troubled the times, the more valuable precious metals become. This is an eternal truth.
Therefore, Chen Mu happens to be in an era of money shortage. If the country can print money on a large scale at this time, not only will it not cause inflation, but it will increase the circulation of commodities and stimulate economic and agricultural development.
Printing banknotes is definitely not possible, but don't forget that Qingzhou has already refined copper-zinc alloy.
This copper alloy, which only appeared during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, has the characteristics of being close to gold in color, easy to preserve, and not easy to corrode. It has now become the main material for coins minted in Qingzhou. It is called brass coins. It has national reputation and is very popular among the masses.
People welcome.
In other words, Chen Mu had been following Liu Bei for a long time and was too kind. Otherwise, if he had cast this alloy into "horseshoe gold" and then sent people to purchase items from the hostile forces' territories, he would have driven up prices and left countless people in ruins.
However, being unwilling to fight a cruel economic war does not mean that it has no effect. With the mineral development of the island country, a large amount of gold, silver and copper flowed into the Han Dynasty, enriching the national treasury, and with the convenience of sea salt, the court is now not short of money.
Qingzhou can manufacture copper coins on a large scale, and then Chen Mu recruits refugees to build a large number of canals in the north to speed up the circulation of goods and alleviate the acute land conflicts in the country.
In fact, strictly speaking, the current problem of land annexation in Dahan is no longer serious.
After the Yellow Turban Rebellion and Dong Zhuo's Rebellion, the entire Han Dynasty was completely in a scene of the end of the dynasty, and the rebels were like crucian carp crossing the river.
And after those people who can't survive raise their butcher's knives, who will they target first?
Naturally, it was the powerful landlord class that originally oppressed them.
Although there are a large number of powerful people from aristocratic families who choose to arm themselves for self-defense, after all, only a few can survive the impact of several turmoils.
What's more, not to mention that the common people who were forced to rebel by life were the first to raise a butcher's knife against those powerful families. Just talk about the governors, prefects, state shepherds and other princes in various places, who often targeted these wealthy families.
For example, Liu Bei was in Qingzhou, Zhang Yang was in Hanoi, Yuan Shao was in Jizhou, Liu Zhang was in Yizhou, and Gongsun Zan was in Youzhou. They all killed many powerful landowners and robbed them of their food and supplies.
Needless to say, there are powerful families in Guanzhong. They were greatly harmed by Li Jue, Guo Si, Han Sui, Ma Teng and others. Even Liu Biao, who seemed to be the most harmless, tried to win over the Kuai family and the Kuai family in Jingzhou.
The Cai family suppressed other wealthy families.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! So in this case, the entire Han Dynasty almost reshuffled the cards. When it unified the world, there would be countless more unclaimed lands.
Carry out land reform and redistribute land.
Chen Mu's policy is very simple, which is to spend a lot of money to build large-scale water conservancy projects and use industry and commerce to attract some people who can only bury their heads in the fields.
It’s just that the problem faced in this way will lead to too much wasteland and not enough manpower to cultivate the land.
In these years of war, plague, and natural disasters, the original population of 40 to 50 million during Emperor Kangxi's time has been reduced a lot now.
The imperial court is now checking hidden households and reorganizing household registrations. At present, the total number of officials in Jizhou and Qingzhou is only over 18 million.
Based on this calculation, the current population of the entire Han Dynasty should be more than 30 million and less than 40 million.
Compared with the national population of 7.67 million during the Three Kingdoms period and 16 million after the unification of the Jin Dynasty, even in the third year of Taikang, the population of hidden households was searched and the national population was 24.7 million, which should be considered good.
The main reason is that the population in the first year of Taikang was 16 million. Just 2 years later, it suddenly became 24.7 million. Even if there are no hidden households, even a fool would not believe it.
Therefore, the current number of 30 to 40 million is a more reasonable number.
If we take into account the negative growth of the population during the war, it can be said that Chen Mu has saved millions of people invisibly over the years.
After the stability of the Central Plains, there will be more land and less population, which is conducive to distribution. If there is enough land and sufficient food, it is very likely that a baby boom will form in the next few decades, and then a demographic dividend will appear.
So starting the layout in advance, building water transportation, laying cement roads, and developing transportation in the Guandong Plain area first will definitely have huge benefits for the future development of the Guandong region.
If all goes well, in a few years, high-yield crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, and potatoes may be brought back from the American continent, and the food crisis can be completely solved.
After plundering a large amount of precious metals from Japan, the imperial court was not short of money and food, so it could vigorously develop education, transportation, technology, shipping, etc.
Decades later, a brand new man will appear in front of the world with a different attitude from the previous man.
At that time, we will not only open up the Western Regions like Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
I am afraid that even Europe will crawl at its feet.
But those things are too long-term. Unless Chen Mu, who is 33 years old this year, can live for 60 years, there is a high probability that he will never see it again.
Therefore, he is just planning for the future, eradicating the stubborn diseases and diseases in a country that was originally plagued by serious illnesses, and starting to grow again with a healthy body.
.......
.......
In 200 AD, July of the first year of Zhangwu in the Han Empire was destined to be an extraordinary period.
The imperial army easily captured Nanyang and marched to Xiangyang.
Liu Biao was shocked and panicked. At the same time, he sent someone to write a letter to Sun Jian and Cao Cao, urging them to send troops to help. At the same time, he urgently mobilized troops and horses to guard Xiangyang.
But to his disappointment, it was not until the beginning of July that Liu Biao learned that Sun Jian and Cao Cao ignored him at all. One sent troops from Huainan, Jiujiang, Lujiang and other places, and the other sent troops from Guangling, Xuzhou. Both sides attacked Yuan Shu together, and both were attacking Jiangdong.
idea.
This situation shocked Liu Biao, and he immediately realized that he had been tricked by Sun and Cao. In anger, he could only curse Sun Cao for his lack of faith, and discussed with many counselors every day how to retreat from the enemy.
Unfortunately, brothers Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang were unable to do anything about it. Later, someone told Liu Biao that Mr. Sima Hui from Yingchuan was quite knowledgeable and might have a way to defeat the enemy.
Sima Hui lived on the south bank of Yuliang Island. Liu Biao quickly went to visit him in person. However, after a round of asking for advice, the person who recommended him on the spot said: "People in the world tell lies, but only a little scholar has an ear. His wisdom and abilities are like those of fools."
This means that people are exaggerating. Sima Hui is just an ordinary scholar, and his knowledge is the same as that of ordinary people.
Pang Degong and Sima Hui lived very close to each other. One was on the south bank of Yuliangzhou, and the other was cultivating fields in the center of Yuliangzhou Island. They enjoyed farming every day. Liu Biao had conquered him before, but was rejected by Pang Degong. He heard that Liu Biao was coming.
Looking for Sima Hui, Pang Degong ran away with his wife and children overnight.
A few days later, Liu Biao came to Pang Degong again to discuss retreating from the enemy. But unfortunately, all he saw was an empty mansion, and Sima Hui and Pang Degong were as close as brothers. When he ran away, Sima Hui followed him.
, the two ran to Lumen Mountain.
The location of Lumen Mountain is about 30 kilometers southeast of Xiangyang, and south of Zaoyang City in later Xiangyang. Chen Mu surrounded Fancheng, and sent people to capture Zaoyang, now named Caiyang, to the east of the Han River.
Included in the net.
Because he was kind to the local people, Chen Mu occasionally visited the city. He was overjoyed when he heard that Mr. Pang De and Sima Hui had gone to Lumen Mountain, so he decided to visit them in person.
Lumen Mountain is a huge mountain, stretching for dozens of kilometers. It is not easy to find the two people living in seclusion in the mountains.
Under the escort of Zhao Yun, Xu Chu and many entourages, a group of several hundred people set off on the road in a mighty manner, heading south along the dirt official road between the trees.
The official road is located on the edge of the Han River. In the distance to the right of everyone is a large river beach. The embankment is overgrown with weeds and the towering trees block out the sun. On the left is a lush hillside. The primeval forest almost blocks the entire road and can be seen everywhere.
The stamens bloom, and a refreshing fragrance can hit your nose.
Like this primitive ecological environment where no industry even exists, even the air is very fresh. As a southerner before crossing over, and living in the north for a long time after crossing over, Chen Mu found the long-lost feeling of the humid climate in the south here, which was like a spring breeze.
Especially the dense forest of trees and jungles that block the sky and the sun. The sun is shining high in the midsummer. Listening to the vast river waves in the distance, looking down at the sun on the ground and the dappled stars reflected through the leaves, it is intoxicating.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Chen Mu looked around at the scenery, and a village appeared in front of him. It was located in the woods. The farmland was arranged staggeredly in the mountains. The bamboo forest was dense, and there were wind pipes introduced from the Han River.
Water surrounds the entire village.
Seeing an army coming, the villagers working in the fields stood and watched from a distance. They didn't dare to run or come up to ask. They just stared blankly.
It was only after Chen Mu sent someone to ask for directions that he found out that this place was already at the foot of Lumen Mountain.
Even villagers in the mountains don't know where Mr. Pang De lives.
Just when I was regretful, I saw several young scholars coming to the foot of the mountain from the southwest river bank. They seemed to be coming by boat from Xiangyang, calling friends and heading to the forest trail ahead.
Chen Mu then said to the guards, "You guys are waiting here. Zilong Zhongkang will come with me."
Many guards rested under the shade of the trees in the forest.
The three of them rode horses and trotted all the way to the mountain forest trail in front, and caught up with the scholars.
"Everyone, please wait."
Because the sound of horse hooves gradually became louder, the scholars also noticed them. They turned around to see the people approaching, and heard the people on the horses calling them to stop them, so they stopped where they were.
When he got closer, Chen Mu noticed that there were seven scholars, so he turned over and faced them.
The leader looked at the thirty or so people and saw that the people coming were a Confucian scholar and two strong men. He was quite wary and raised his hands and said, "What are you guys doing?"
Chen Mu smiled and cupped his hands and said, "I am Puyin Chen Zigui, I don't know who you are."
"Chen Zigui, Chen Zigui, the young master of the current dynasty?"
As soon as the name came out, several scholars were shocked and looked at each other in disbelief.
Even the oldest person at the head was full of shock.
There were still some people who were relatively calm. A young scholar with an ordinary appearance raised his hands and said, "My Pang Tong, Pang Shiyuan, has met the Shaofu."
Another Confucian scholar in his thirties also raised his hand and said, "My concubine, Xu Yuanzhi, has met the young master."
With these two taking the lead, the others immediately saluted.
"I am Xianglang, Xiangjuda, and I have met the young master."
"My Excellency, Liu Miao and Liu Gongsi, have met the young master."
"Your Excellency, Yin Mo and Yin Siqian, have met the young master."
"I, Shi Tao and Shi Guangyuan, have met the young master."
"My Majesty Meng Jian and Meng Gongwei have met the young master."
"It turns out that there are many great sages in Jingzhou. I have heard of your reputation before, and I am lucky enough to meet you today."
When Chen Mu heard that it was Pang Tong and Xu Shu's group, he also bowed back and looked at them carefully.
But I saw that although Pang Tong was not handsome, he was not as ugly as Lao Luo said in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". He could only be considered an ordinary type.
It seems that in order to set off Zhuge Liang's handsomeness, Lao Luo deliberately made Feng Chu look ugly, which really ruined this Feng Chu.
As for Xu Shu, he is quite handsome, with a resolute face and wheat-colored skin. He has a good temperament because he has practiced martial arts all year round.
The others are all outstanding men of their time. The eldest is Xiang Lang, who is the same age as Chen Mu. Liu Xie and Pang Tong should be relatively younger among them, both around 20 years old this year.
These people are all students, apprentices and relatives of Pang Degong and Sima Hui. Pang Tong is the nephew of Pang Degong, Xiang Lang, Liu Yinmo and others are students of Sima Hui. Xu Shu, Shi Tao and Meng Jian are very good friends with Sima Hui and often interact with each other.
visit.
I haven't seen Cui Zhouping, but when I first visited Longzhong, I heard people say that according to historical records, Cui Zhouping was only friendly with Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu, and was not familiar with Sima Hui, Shi Tao, Meng Jian and others, so it was normal for him not to be here.
Everyone greets each other.
In ancient times, seniority was regarded as the most respected among peers. After the ceremony, Xiang Lang was the first to speak: "I wonder why the young master came to Lumen Mountain?"
Chen Mu smiled and said, "I heard that Mr. Pang De and Mr. Shui Jing lived in seclusion here, so I came here to visit them."
Xiang Lang and Han Song were good friends. When Han Song was sent by Liu Biao to the court as an envoy, he received courtesy from Liu Bei. Because he was suspected of betraying Shangguan, Han Song immediately resigned from his post and lived in seclusion after returning.
The two often discussed current affairs together. Because of Han Song's affairs, Xiang Lang had a good impression of the court.
So when he heard that Chen Mu was going to visit Mr. Pang De and Sima Hui, he immediately said, "We are also going to meet Mr. Shi and Mr. Pang De. How about the young master coming with us?"
Chen Mu said: "I'm just presumptuous when I come here suddenly. I just want to see the two gentlemen and have no other intentions. I happened to meet you, so we went together. When we arrived in front of the door, we waited outside for the wise men to inform the two gentlemen.
I will go in after the master agrees."
These words immediately favored everyone.
A dignified and high-ranking official of the Nine Palaces visited two mountain villagers. He actually waited at the door until the host allowed him to enter before he went in. This kind of moral etiquette was greatly appreciated by everyone.
At this moment, everyone no longer hesitated and continued on the road. Chen Mu and the other three did not ride horses, but led the horses and followed the seven people, all the way deep into the mountains and forests.