Chapter 720 Setting up a trap
Li Yi mentioned that Wei Yan sent troops to Chencang, but the focus was on Wei Yan, not on sending troops.
Wei Yan and Li Hui had nothing in common.
The only similarity is that both were originally governors.
The Han Dynasty originally had three major governors: Wei Yan, the governor of Hanzhong, Li Yan, the governor of Jiangzhou, and Li Hui, the governor of Nijiang.
The Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty stationed in Hanzhong and placed Wei Yan under the Prime Minister's Palace.
So Wei Yan became the first person to be removed from the position of governor.
After the Northern Expedition, Li Yan, the governor of Jiangzhou, became the second.
So now, Li Hui's letter said that he wanted to resign and surrender the position of governor, which made Li Yi suddenly feel panicked.
Feng Yong sat back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table rapidly, his eyes flickering, and he shook his head and said, "The situation shouldn't be what you imagined."
His tone was very certain: "Nowadays, Nanzhong is not as good as it used to be. The sugar cane plantations alone are enough to show its importance."
Sugar cane plantations not only played an important role in maintaining the stability of Nanzhong and developing the economy of Nanzhong, but also were an important measure to transform Nanzhong into real Han people.
The Xinghan Hui occupies more than half of the sugar cane plantations there. In addition, they mobilized the people of Nanzhong to plant tung trees in the mountains. Last year, they vigorously opened tea gardens on the hills.
The current stable situation in Nanzhong can at least be attributed to the Xinghan Association, which also objectively strengthened the rule of the Han Dynasty there.
So Feng Yong has this confidence. Whenever there is a big move that may cause turmoil in Nanzhong, Zhuge Laoyao will definitely notify him in advance.
Unless Old Demon Zhuge has lost his mind, he will give up Nanzhong, a rear base that has just flourished.
Brown sugar goes without saying.
With the rise of pig farming in recent years, and the spread of iron pots in Sichuan, braised pork on the table is a must-have for wealthy families.
After one bite, your mouth will be full of oily aroma, fat but not greasy, crispy and sweet, which is pleasant.
The brown sugar produced in Nanzhong would not even be enough to supply Shu if it were not forcibly sold to Soochow.
And just such a small share of brown sugar sold to Soochow, the huge profits generated were enough for Zhuge Laoyao to hold on to it for dear life.
Feng Yong would have to wait at least two or three years if he wanted to use brown sugar to open a road in the north.
Let alone the strategic material tung oil.
There is also tea, a weapon that can be used to deal with the barbarians in the northern grasslands.
Even the copper mine being developed.
Not to mention that the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty would allow turmoil in Nanzhong. Anyone who wants to cause turmoil or something like that will be killed by the stingy old demon Zhuge.
Because of Li Yi's relationship, Xinghanhui received the care of the Governor's Office in Nanzhong, which made it very convenient for them to do things.
There is even a close cooperative relationship between the Xinghanhui and the governor of Gajiang.
If there was no news beforehand and Li Hui was targeted so suddenly, the turmoil caused would be huge.
Not to mention the Xinghan Hui, even Li Hui was not alone.
Behind him represents a large group of local wealthy families in Nanzhong.
For example, Li Hui's uncle Cuan Xi was from a wealthy family in Jianning County, and he is still the prefect of Xinggu County among the seven counties in Nanzhong.
The most important thing is that based on Zhuge Lao Yao's temperament, there is no reason to deal with Li Hui like this.
So Li Yi is in the middle of the situation, and care will lead to chaos.
Seeing that Feng Yong was so sure, Li Yi felt a little relieved.
In the past two years, the brothers of Xinghanhui have spared no effort to push their elder brother forward, which is not unreasonable.
Only if the elder brother stands taller and more stable, can he help everyone block bigger waves.
Just like this time, my brother told himself that nothing major would happen to him, and he could at least give himself a 60-70% confidence.
“Brother, Erlang is going back to Shu to get married. Do you think I should also ask for leave from the Prime Minister and go back to get married?”
Li Yi asked again in a low voice.
Feng Yong glanced at Li Yi and his heart moved.
Li Yi was not completely relieved, so he planned to go back and have a look.
More importantly, Li Yi wants to marry a young lady from a branch of the He family.
Thinking of this, Feng Yong nodded slowly: "That's fine."
"Before you go back to Nanzhong, go to Nanxiang first and see Li Mu. She has something in her hand. I will ask her to give it to you. You can go and take care of it then."
Li Yi nodded knowingly.
“Yuan De, please come in.”
Feng Yong called outside again.
Xu Xun trotted in quickly.
“How much labor has been assigned to the Li family’s big house?”
Feng Yong asked.
Xu Xun took out a small notebook from his arms, wet his fingers with saliva, and flipped through the notebook: "Brother, they have settled on five hundred."
Feng Yong sneered: "What a big appetite."
"They also know that this may be the last time, so they have a big appetite. But it doesn't matter, they will be grateful if they can share a hundred with them."
Xu Xun said with a smile.
“No, give them priority, just five hundred.”
Feng Yong narrowed his eyes slightly, with an unpredictable look on his face.
"You are personally responsible for this matter. You must send these people to the Li family's head office."
Xu Xun was a little confused, but he didn't ask any more questions and nodded immediately: "I understand."
Recalling what Li Yi said just now, Feng Yong couldn't help but ask one more question: "You told me last time that the Yi people hiding in the deep mountains and forests in Nanzhong are now willing to come out to farm?"
In the past year or so, most of my attention has been on the north.
Nanzhong is on the right track, so it has basically been handed over to Deng Liang and Wang Xun.
The most he can do is take a look at the financial report. It's not a big deal, so he usually doesn't ask about it.
When Xu Xun heard this, he immediately cried out: "Brother, the tribe of the five captains could at least help catch some barbarians who attacked the plantation."
"Now, let alone being arrested, people are running out on their own, saying they want to submit to the Han. There are also those big tribes who say they want to learn to farm."
"Or now everyone is looking at my brother eagerly, hoping to get labor from his hands, because there is no other place..."
After hearing this, Feng Yong felt really disgusted and shouted: "Okay, stop talking."
When I think of the history books of later generations, I will probably record this: Feng Moumou started a dark trade that was inhumane.
Feng Junhou said in his heart that it was impossible not to respond.
Just Xu Xun’s words can already prove the tremendous changes in Nanzhong.
Feng Yong pondered for a moment and looked at Li Yi: "Wenxuan, do you think it is possible that the imperial court will abolish the Governor's Mansion and directly govern Nanzhong?"
Li Yi's eyes flashed, and then he shook his head: "It's impossible, at least for now, I'm too anxious."
Feng Yong nodded, agreeing with this statement.
Although we have experienced it once with military violence and now again with economic crushing, we are still too anxious.
At least this foundation will not be available until Nanzhong’s specialty crop economy is fully formed.
And judging from the current situation, at most it can directly govern four of the seven counties: Yuexun, Zhuti, Zangke, and Jianning.
Because these four counties are the main areas currently being developed.
As for the three counties of Yunnan, Xinggu and Yongchang, they can still only be regarded as half-counties.
“If Governor Li really wants to resign from his post as Governor-General, who do you think is most likely to take over?”
Feng Yong looked at Li Yi and Xu Xun.
Don’t be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of the worst.
Be prepared for everything.
What's more, since Li Hui has mentioned this matter to Li Yi, it means that he may have some kind of plan in mind.
Xu Xun’s face changed drastically, “Director Li...”
He turned to look at Li Yi.
Li Yi did not look at Xu Xun, but said: "If my brother is in Shu at this time, then he is the most suitable one."
To be honest, looking at the entire Han Dynasty, there is no more suitable candidate than my brother.
“It’s impossible for the Prime Minister to let me go to Nanzhong now. After all, Longyou is more important than Nanzhong.”
Feng Yong shook his head.
"Except for my elder brother, when it comes to candidates in Shu, there are only two people left. One is Zhang Yi, the governor of Shu County, and the other is Ma Zhong, the governor of Zangke."
Li Yi said again.
“During the Ping Nanzhong Period, Erlang and Zushi served as the vanguard officers of Ma Taishou. It would be okay if he succeeds as the governor of Gaijian.”
"It's just Zhang Yi..." Feng Yong frowned, "But I don't know what kind of person he is?"
Of course he had heard of Zhang Yi, but he had never had any dealings with him.
I only know from history books that he was a good talent during the Shu Han period.
“Zhang Yi is loyal to his duties and very brave. More importantly, he strictly abides by the law. This is deeply appreciated by the prime minister.”
“And the Zhang family in Shu that he was born in is a big family in Shu. His ancestors started from Zhang Liuhou who helped Emperor Gaozu achieve great achievements, passed down to Gaozu Zhang Hao, and became an official in the Later Han Dynasty Sikong.”
Li Yi explained, "So in my opinion, Zhang Yi is more likely to take over as the governor of Gajiang than Governor Ma."
Feng Yong took a breath and felt a slight toothache.
A Yongkai can climb out Yong's teeth, let alone the founder of the Li family in Sichuan is Li Guang. Now there is a Zhang family, and the origin is actually Zhang Liang.
These aristocratic families are like old monsters. If you don’t dig carefully, you won’t know what is buried beneath them.
“When did Zhang Yi become an official?”
This question needs to be asked clearly.
At least we can see the attitude of the Zhang family towards Liu Bei's entry into Yizhou.
"In the 19th year of Jian'an, when the late emperor entered Yizhou, he had already recruited Zhang Yi as a secretary, and later promoted Xiaolian. During the Battle of Hanzhong, Zhang Yi accompanied the old general Zhao to defeat the Cao thieves."
Li Yi is no stranger to Zhang Yi, a representative of the Zhang family who is also a wealthy family in Shu.
Feng Yong nodded, this is easy to handle.
“Zhang family, is there a sugar cane garden in Nanzhong?”
Feng Yong asked Xu Xun again.
“Yes. But it doesn’t seem to be too big, and the progress is a little lagging...”
Xu Xun said hesitantly.
All plantations opened by aristocratic families in Nanzhong will fall behind—unless they receive personal attention from the leader of the association, it is possible to open a green channel.
The principle of giving priority to promoting the Han Dynasty applies everywhere.
The family does not have a decent logistics company, and transportation alone is enough to strangle them to death.
Want to open a logistics hall in Shu?
Where is the Yunnan horse?
There is no Yunnan horse, what are you talking about?
Then the question comes back again. The only ranch that can produce Yunnan horses in large quantities is Xinghanhui!
Feng Yong naturally would not blame the younger brothers below for looking ugly.
“After you go back this time, take my souvenir and give it to Weizhe (Deng Liang) in Jincheng and ask him to take care of the Zhang family.”
Feng Yong immediately made a decision.
Since Zhang Yi first surrendered to the Yizhou faction of the late emperor, there is nothing to worry about.
If he is really the third governor-general of the surrender, no matter how strict he is in enforcing the law, can he still enforce the law on his own people?
The law must be brought to bear on the disobedient Nanzhong barbarians!
Even if he is not appointed as the governor of Xijiang in the future, he will still be considered a good person.
After discussing the matter with the two of them, Feng Yong could finally return to the backyard with peace of mind.
In the backyard, he has his own big-bellied woman, his own pretty concubine, and a young lady from the Zhang family who is looking at him with a half-smile.
It’s just that Feng Yong didn’t look at anyone. In his eyes, there was only a big belly.
Although Guan Ji was wearing loose clothes, she still couldn't hide the bulge in her belly.
Feng Yong giggled, rubbed his hands, and wanted to step forward to touch the bulging belly, but flinched a little.
Instead, Guan Ji took his hand and put it up. "These days, the fetus has begun to move! Alang touches it, maybe he can feel it."
Feng Yong gently stroked it twice and then took his hand back: "I just came down from the battle formation. The blood on my hands is heavy, so I'm afraid of scaring the child."
“I am also the daughter of a general, and Alang’s strategy is unparalleled in the world. Why should our children be afraid of flesh and blood?”
Guan Ji didn't have this taboo, so she reached out and took Feng Yong's arm and walked back.
Zhang Xingyi gritted his teeth as he watched the two of them crouching in front of him.
Amei’s happiness is much simpler.
Since early in the morning, she has been busy running around, and she can hardly put down the prepared meals.
Looking at Feng Yong sitting there devouring his food, Amei, who had been helping to pick up the food, had a face full of satisfaction.
At the end of the meal, he was full and had a bulging belly, which was comparable to that of the pot-bellied woman sitting next to him. Feng Yong then patted his belly and asked someone to take the food away.
“Seeing Alang eating so deliciously, I also feel like I have an appetite.”
Guan Ji turned sideways and wiped the corners of Feng Yong's mouth.
Feng Yong burped with satisfaction, "The food at home is delicious."
“Then Li Yi came from Hanzhong on the orders of the Prime Minister and has been waiting here for many days. Isn’t he missing something important?”
Guan Ji asked with concern.
"Although it is a big event, it is not that important to us. If it were really important, Wenxuan would go directly to Longxi to look for me."
Feng Yong said with relief.
Sun Quan is preparing to proclaim himself emperor. This has not happened yet, so we cannot talk nonsense.
To say the least, given Guan Ji's current situation, it would be even worse if she was reminded of the Jingzhou Incident and became emotionally unstable if she really brought this up.
"That's good." Guan Ji smiled sweetly, with a relaxed expression on her face, "Alang went to Longxi to quell the chaos and fight for the country. It was really hard work."
“I can’t be with you, so I can only hope that Alang will have a safe journey. Now that I see Alang return, I feel really happy.”
Feng Yong resisted the expression on his face, otherwise Guan Ji would notice something strange.
He said nonchalantly, "They're just barbarians. What do you have to worry about? It's hard for Xijun to handle rear affairs in Pingxiang!"
"It's not hard for me," Guan Ji looked at Zhang Xingyi who was sitting below, "Most of Pingxiang's affairs are handled by Siniang, so it's easy for me. Alang must thank Siniang properly."
Feng Yong only felt that his body was full of burrs, which made him feel uncomfortable all over.
He coughed dryly and said, "Thank you, Si Niang."
Zhang Xingyi sat there with a loud voice and said "Hmm" without looking at Feng Yong. He just took the fruit wine and tasted it, "I just helped my sister, but I didn't help you. You don't need to thank me." .”
"Yes, yes. I thanked Siniang for Xijun."
Feng Yong coughed again.
Unexpectedly, this sentence angered Zhang Xingyi, and she secretly gritted her teeth.
While Guan Ji wasn't paying attention, she glared at Feng Yong fiercely.
The eldest wife of the Feng family is pregnant with Liujia. Her body is getting heavier and heavier. She is usually lethargic. How can she still be as alert as before?
●Today I have been waiting for Feng Yong, and I haven’t slept all day. Now that my body and mind have relaxed, I can no longer hold on.
Feng Yong personally sent her into the room to rest. After she fell asleep, she came out quietly.
After asking Amei where Zhang Xingyi lived, he sneaked over and knocked on the door slyly.
The door soon opened a crack, and an arm stretched out from inside and pulled him in.
Before Feng Yong could see clearly, there was a bright dagger stabbing his head in front of him.
(End of this chapter)