Chapter 868: Engage in finance
In fact, we cannot blame Wei for abandoning Xihai County. The root cause was the political chaos in the middle and late Han Dynasty.
The Great Wall was built in the former Han Dynasty. It started from Liaodong in the east and went all the way to the west, including the Hetao area.
Then in an arc to the northwest, including Xihai County.
Finally crossed the Gobi Desert and followed the Silk Road, or rather guarded the Silk Road, all the way to Loulan in the Western Regions.
When Feng Yong was looking through the information on the Hu people in the former and later Han dynasties, he was shocked by this record.
He simply could not imagine how the Han Dynasty built this magnificent project, because this Great Wall was longer than the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty.
It is a pity that in the middle and late period of the Later Han Dynasty, the country implemented strategic contraction, and even the Hetao was given over to the Hu people, let alone places like Xihai County.
As for the Wei State, it was basically relying on the remaining power of the Han Dynasty for hundreds of years to barely maintain its status as the suzerainty of the Western Regions.
As for the desert in northern China, after the decline of the Huns, the Xianbei people occupied the original territory of the Huns.
After Tan Shihuai, the hero of Xianbei, unified the desert, he divided Xianbei into three parts: east, middle and west.
As far as Liaodong in the east and the Western Regions in the west, the northern Hu people changed into a Xianbei skin almost overnight.
Fortunately, the guy died early, and coupled with the incompetence of his successors, Xianbei, which beat the big man to great pain, soon fell apart.
The first one to split off was Western Xianbei, now also called Hexi Xianbei.
A considerable part of Hexi Xianbei entered Liangzhou from Xihai County.
In fact, most of Xihai County belongs to the desert.
It's just that the early Han Dynasty was too powerful and there were no dangerous places in Yanze, so they built the Great Wall with rammed earth, sand and stones, and created artificial dangerous places on the flat land where there was no danger to defend.
From now on, the strategic vision of the former Han Dynasty is indeed stronger than that of the later Han Dynasty.
Because the water source in Juyanze is weak.
It starts from Zhangye, flows west through Jiuquan, then turns north, passes through the desert, and finally flows into Juyanze.
Not to mention that the area around Juyanze is rich in water, grass, and products. It is also a rare place for grazing.
In terms of military geography, it is also a strategic location.
Because you can easily enter Liangzhou by entering Juyanze from the desert, and then going south along the weak water.
On the contrary, if the Han Dynasty uses Juyanze as its base and the Han Great Wall as its support.
Not only can it stop the Hu people from going south, but it can also protect Liangzhou.
Moreover, you can also go out from the west of the desert to attack the barbarians.
Juyan Han Bamboo Slips, one of the "four major discoveries" in later archaeological circles, are proof that the Han Dynasty cultivated land in Juyan.
“Last year, Liangzhou was hit by a white disaster. The Hu people who want to come to the desert in the north will probably be in a much worse situation than Liangzhou. They are anxious to go south to find a way to survive!”
Governor Feng frowned and said a little irritably.
The climate of the Little Ice Age was a natural disaster for the northern nomads.
Logically speaking, after a winter, the beginning of spring is the time to prepare for the breeding of cattle, sheep and horses.
Otherwise, we miss the opportunity and fail to save enough livestock, and another group of people will starve to death next winter.
This is the same as the agricultural people who missed the spring plowing and waited to starve to death at the end of the year.
“If you find a way to survive, just find a way to survive, but what’s the point of going south to plunder?”
Guan Ji picked up a piece of meat and took a bite. Suddenly she felt a little nauseous. She put it into Feng Yong's bowl and said softly:
"Whose life is easy these days? The people of Liangzhou are trying to survive now. If they come to plunder again, will the people still have a way to survive?"
With the experience of her first child, Guan Ji is now in a calm state of mind. She goes out for a walk and does some exercise every day. The only thing left is for the Feng family’s concubine to rub her legs.
Although military matters cannot be relaxed, the Liangzhou governor's office is now in need of money and food.
The preparation of the new army, as promised, can only be postponed.
So I had to read the military reports. The sand table simulation was like this, so I didn’t have to work too hard.
General Guan Da even speaks calmly now, without a trace of fireworks.
Feng Jishi put the meat that his master had given him to his mouth, nodded and said:
“Yes! Life is difficult for everyone. There was a severe drought in the Central Plains last year..."
Zhang Xingyi made a "poof" sound and spit out a piece of bone:
"Hey! Can the Han Dynasty compare with the Central Plains? Last year, there was no rain in the hinterland of the Central Plains for more than half a year. How dare Cao Zhen dare to send troops from Guanzhong to Hanzhong and Longyou?"
This can only be said that the foundation that Cao Cao left for his descendants is too solid.
If the Han Dynasty had half the national strength of the Wei State, and after the Battle of Xiaoguan, it would take advantage of the situation to invade Guanzhong, Wei might not be able to fight a war of attrition with the Han Dynasty given the domestic and foreign troubles at that time.
Of course, Feng Yong is still very optimistic about the future comparison of national power between Han and Wei:
"We couldn't compare before, but we may not be able to compare in the future. Over the years, the Wei thieves have been defeated many times, and no matter how solid their foundation is, they can't withstand such losses."
Just by seeing Sima Yi being forced to farm in Guanzhong, you can tell that the Wei State is really damaged.
Looking at the two people talking and turning away, General Guan knocked on the table:
"What about Xihai County! You can't even take care of Liangzhou, and now you're still thinking about Guanzhong? Guanzhong is what the prime minister has to worry about. You should worry about the present first!"
Feng Yong glanced at Zhang Xingyi.
Zhang Xingyi responded angrily: “No money, no food!”
Then he picked up a piece of spareribs, put it in his mouth, and bit it, apparently not wanting to talk anymore.
It’s not her fault that Guan Ji knows this.
After all, under the current situation, being able to barely maintain stability in Liangzhou is the result of Zhang Xiaomei's careful planning.
Guan Ji looked at Feng Jishi again.
Governor Feng sighed. Both General Guan and Secretary Zhang were only responsible for spending money.
Even Amei, who was sitting silently next to me, was someone who only knew how to spend money on research.
Sure enough, Li Mu is my confidante!
I think so, but I definitely can’t say that.
I heard Governor Feng ask very humbly: "What do you think, Mr. Xi?"
“What I mean is that if you want to settle things once and for all, you can naturally send troops to Juyanze.”
“It’s just that this matter consumes a lot of money and food. Liangzhou may not be able to afford it at the moment.”
Guan Ji still looked calm and indifferent, obviously she had already considered this matter:
"However, from Juyanze to Liangzhou, we have to pass through the land of quicksand (i.e. desert). I specifically asked Tufa Qieli and Liu Hun..."
“In this case, the Hu people must follow the water, that is to say, they must follow the weak water.”
“So as long as we can deploy troops where the weak water enters the quicksand, we can stop most of the Hu people going south.”
That doesn’t cost the same money?
It’s just that you spend more and spend less.
The key is that there is no money...
Zhang Xingyi puffed up her mouth and made a "poof" mouth gesture, as if she wanted to spit out the bones in her mouth again.
Guan Ji raised her eyebrows, clapped her chopsticks, and glared at her sharply, then glanced at the pair of children sitting next to her.
The meaning is obvious: if you dare to vomit again, you will not be allowed to serve, so as not to teach the children bad things!
Zhang Xingyi then covered her face with her sleeves like a lady and quietly spit out the bones in her mouth.
Feng Yong subconsciously looked at the children next to him and found that they were sitting upright and eating seriously.
Well, fortunately, I didn’t imitate their Aunt Zhang’s bad behavior.
“Ahem, um, Si Niang has something to say, right?”
Governor Feng tried to smooth things over, originally wanting to give Xiao Si a step down.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Xingyi said unceremoniously:
“Haven’t you ever thought that the barbarians from Xihai County might have come to join the governor’s office?”
As soon as these words came out, Feng Yong and Guan Ji looked at each other and were both startled.
“My brother-in-law’s reputation among the barbarians in Liangzhou goes without saying. Coupled with the actions of the Baili governor’s office last year, I don’t know how many barbarians I have won over.”
“I wonder if the barbarians from Xihai County would like to come here to try their luck after hearing the news?”
As Zhang Xingyi spoke, he picked up a piece of cyanide and quietly threw it into Ah Chong's bowl.
“Don’t vomit, just eat it!”
Zhang Xiaosi looked like an elder and scolded.
Ah Chong raised his head and glanced at his aunt, then at his mother. Finally, he didn't dare to be picky about food. He wrinkled his face, closed his eyes and chewed a few times before swallowing it.
Guan Ji didn’t care about Zhang Xingyi’s little move. She looked at Feng Yong thoughtfully:
“Six Niang is very worried about...”
The barbarian rebellion in Liangzhou has lasted for more than a hundred years. When most people heard that the barbarians in Xihai County had made any changes, the first thing they thought of was that the barbarians wanted to cause trouble again.
Feng Langjun suddenly appeared, and everyone didn't react for a while.
Feng Jishi, who was regarded as the savior by many barbarians in Liangzhou, said "tsk":
“Now the Hu people in Liangzhou don’t have enough to eat. If the Hu people from the north come again, where will they get food to feed them?”
Guan Ji said with some worry:
"But if they really come to seek refuge with the governor's office, we will send people to stop them, for fear that it will harm Alang's reputation."
So it is much easier to be a bad person than a good person.
Feng Jishi also frowned.
The reputation that has been deliberately accumulated over the years is an important condition for governing Liangzhou.
Otherwise, after encountering the White Disaster, why would the Hu people still be willing to cooperate obediently?
It’s because Feng Langjun’s brand name is so famous.
Because of the treatment of the Hu people in Longyou, the Hu people in Liangzhou are willing to believe that Feng Langjun really cares about them.
Things like smashing one's own sign can relieve temporary worries, but the damage caused is long-lasting and huge.
What’s more, it is politically correct to educate the barbarians.
Yidi came from afar to seek refuge, which was a manifestation of enlightenment.
Feng Yong is now a big boss, and his every move attracts attention. If he really wants to keep away the barbarians who come to seek refuge, he will lose his reputation.
“After all, it’s still a matter of money and food.”
Feng Yong said helplessly, “Then just issue bonds!”
“Issuing debt?”
Guan Ji and Zhang Xingyi were both stunned, not knowing why.
“Use the taxes paid by the governor’s government for the next three years as collateral to borrow debts from the private sector.”
“Didn’t I borrow it once before?”
Zhang Xingyi said with some worry, "It's only been less than three months and you're borrowing again? Besides, now is the time when food prices are at their highest, and those powerful right-wingers may not be willing to borrow."
“Last time I borrowed it from aristocratic families, this time I borrowed it from all the officials in Liangzhou, setting a high interest rate, limited to three years.”
When borrowing grain and money in December, Feng Yong made insider trading with a wealthy family in Liangzhou.
For example, the quota of woolen textile workshops, some of the designated personnel for Liangzhou examinations, the distribution of Liangzhou wool, the quota of woolen materials, etc.
There is no way, the resources controlled by the aristocratic family are too abundant.
This was still in Liangzhou, and it was still under the circumstances where Feng Governor took the initiative.
Have you really tried it in the Central Plains?
From the local area to the imperial court, everything is under the control of the aristocratic family. This is not an exaggeration.
"Now is the time when we are in short supply. Who would be willing to borrow it? And even if they are able to borrow it, I'm afraid it will be too late to spread the news."
Governor Feng gritted his teeth and resorted to a murderous weapon: "Then sell the land!"
“Land for sale? Where is the land for sale in Liangzhou now? All the good land has been taken up by aristocratic families. Even if there are eight ox plows, it will be too late to cultivate the wasteland..."
Feng Yong’s eyes flashed coldly and he chuckled: “I’m talking about selling the land in Xihai County.”
Everybody is forced out!
I have no money or food to mobilize the army, so why can’t I still issue war bonds?
"Didn't I say that the water and grass over Juyanze are plentiful and suitable for grazing? I have decided to open a pasture there and sell it by the acre. I can earn 500 yuan and two shi of grain per acre."
Although I don’t want the sheep-eating-human movement to come so early, but the situation is forcing me to do nothing about it!
“Set a small goal first and sell it for ten thousand hectares!”
One hectare is one hundred acres. Even if only half of it is sold, it is enough to form an army to sweep across Xihai County.
If we really sell them all, we will probably still have enough money to repair the Great Wall.
As for the barbarians in Xihai County...
I don’t care if you die!
Who told you to disobey the king?
“But…Xihai County is not under the jurisdiction of the Governor’s Office now…”
Zhang Xingyi looked at Feng Jishi blankly, even though she was extremely smart, she couldn't keep up with her Alang's thoughts.
Is it okay to sell land that is not in your own hands to others?
"Yes, it is precisely because it is not under the jurisdiction of the governor's office that we have to borrow money to fight it down!"
Governor Feng replied confidently, "Wouldn't it be ours if we defeat it?"
“At that time, we can allocate land to build pasture according to the share of money and grain, right?”
The Wool Textile Industry Association should also put it on the agenda as soon as possible.
The pastures in Longyou are actually under the management of the government.
With private pastures in the future, there will be no way to uniformly distribute wool.
The only way to coordinate sales is to prevent each company from maliciously selling at low prices in order to sell more wool, which would then make Wei and Wu cheaper.
Of course, malicious low-price sales are not possible yet, but you must always be prepared in advance.
At that time, let Li Mu, the female CEO, take the lead.
“High in debt?”
Zhang Xingyi suddenly said something.
"Nonsense! The reason why the debt is so high is because it has not been eliminated. Once it is eliminated, it is called healthy development!"
Feng Jishi plausibly said, "Based on the Liangzhou Jishi Prefecture, who would think that Xihai County cannot be conquered?"
The most we can do is win it next year or the year after.
The so-called "high debt" tells the story of King Zhou Nan, the last king of the Zhou Dynasty.
At that time, Qin was preparing to unify the world. King Nan of Zhou called on the six countries to attack Qin together.
He also borrowed money from wealthy landlords to build an army, and promised to pay off the principal and interest after the Qin Dynasty was destroyed.
The later things can be imagined that the six kingdoms are cold and dare not come.
The attack on Qin failed, and the borrowed money was used up. There was no way to repay the money. The creditor came to collect the debt, so King Nan of Zhou had to flee to Gaotai.
This is high debt.
Zhang Xiaosi compared the incident with King Nan of Zhou Dynasty, which was simply an insult to Governor Feng.
She also felt a little embarrassed, thought about it seriously, and then said hesitantly:
“It sounds feasible, but the snow is about to melt, and I don’t know if it will be too late?”
Feng Yong actually had no idea at all:
“In case of emergency, let’s give it a try first and raise as much as you can. After all, you have to be prepared on both sides.”
One is to prevent the Hu people from going south to plunder, and the other is to be prepared to receive the Hu people who flee south.
“Since we have decided to sell the land, we might as well raise the government debt, as my brother-in-law said, we can raise as much as we can.”
"Okay." Feng Yong nodded and said to Amei, "Take the manufacturing bureau people and get ready. I will issue a new kind of banknotes then."
Amei responded quickly.
After discussing the general direction, Governor Feng couldn’t help but beat the drum secretly:
Look at the national bonds issued by the mother's future generations, they can only pay back the interest every year, and they don't even think about paying back the principal. Aren't they still the best in the world?
I will just make a small three-year local government debt, and then sell some off-plan houses... No, it should be called land futures, doesn't it matter?
By the way, do I want a fifty-year land use right for the grassland in Xihai County? Or forty years?
(End of this chapter)