novelAbuy Chapter 1452 Plotting for the Enemy
Chapter 1452 Plotting for the Enemy
Chapter 1452 Plotting for the Enemy
The struggle between Nanlu and Lu appears on the surface to be a succession dispute caused by Sun Quan's senility in his later years, his lack of awareness of the seriousness of the matter, and his excessive indulgence of Lu King Sun Ba.
However, at a deeper level, it was actually caused by economic problems.
The Wu Kingdom has suffered from constant natural disasters and wars in recent years, which has severely weakened its strength. As a result, it has been forced to repeatedly mint large coins and revise its laws and regulations.
Feng's school of thought has a saying: "The economic base determines the superstructure."
Economic problems naturally led to an imbalance of power in the imperial court.
During this period, the power of the local aristocratic groups in Jiangdong continued to expand.
As their external expansion failed to yield results, the power of the Huai-Si Group and political opportunists was constantly squeezed.
The aging Sun Quan no longer had the energy—and probably believed he didn't have much time left—to restore the balance between the two powers.
So he adopted the most ruthless method, using his two sons as bait, digging a huge pit, and either forcing or enticing the meritorious veterans represented by Lu Xun to jump into it.
Basically, any minister with sufficient prestige cannot escape this trap.
With the Prime Minister Gu Yong dead, his son Gu Cheng also could not escape the fate of being exiled.
This was also one of Sun Quan's objectives: to use this opportunity to strike at and weaken the Jiangdong gentry.
Only by thoroughly purging the court can we pave the way for future generations.
Therefore, in the end, neither party in the Southern Shandong factional struggle could gain the upper hand.
There will be no true victor between Crown Prince Sun He and Prince Lu Sun Ba.
Because no matter which side wins, it will only lead to one party becoming dominant, which goes against Sun Quan's original intention of deliberately provoking a power struggle between the two palaces.
The best option for Sun Quan would be to abandon these two candidates and then put forward a candidate that everyone can accept.
Of course, Mi Shiyi Lang did not possess such insightful perspectives.
After all, if he had such insight, he would have been a powerful figure in the court, giving orders and guiding the country. Why would he need to go to Wu to be a spy and supervise the customs of Jingzhou?
However, this did not stop him from showing off in front of Lü Yi.
My eldest brother, the leader of my family, is surnamed Feng, named Yong, styled Mingwen, and known in the underworld as Xiao Wenhe.
Note that "Xiao" in Xiao Wenhe does not mean that Xiao Wenhe is slightly worse than Wenhe, but rather that Xiao Wenhe surpasses Wenhe!
Do you understand the "small" in the phrase "climbing Mount Tai makes the world seem small"?
Besides my eldest brother, who else could predict the outcome when the conflict between Nanlu first began?
He would occasionally reveal a bit of the leader's conclusions to Lü Yi, which was enough to amaze Lü Yi.
There was no other way; in the Wu Kingdom, any scholar with a bit of ability would be so foolish as to associate with the Imperial Academy.
Do you think your reputation isn't bad enough?
This explains why Lü Yi remained composed during his private discussions with Cen Hun, but rushed to find Mi Shiyi Lang as soon as Cen Hun left.
Because he didn't know what the best course of action would be in the face of the extremely dangerous situation that Da Wu was in.
What Mi Shiyilang didn't expect was that Sun Quan didn't even spare Zhu Ju.
In other words, the four prominent families of Wu County—Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang—were completely wiped out in this factional struggle.
As Sun Quan's son-in-law, Zhu Ju also commanded the only cavalry force in the Wu Kingdom.
With Zhu Ju exiled, what will become of the cavalry that we've spent so much money and resources to maintain?
Ok?
Something doesn't seem right?
If even Zhu Ju was abandoned by Sun Quan, does that mean...?
Mi Shiyilang's heart skipped a beat. He subconsciously chewed the mutton in his mouth, then raised his cup in a distant toast to Lü Yi:
"Lu Zhongshu, is this mutton still edible?"
Lü Yi raised his glass in response, took a small sip of warm wine, and then picked up a slice of mutton as thin as a cicada's wing and put it in his mouth.
Feeling the rich, smooth texture melting on his tongue, he suddenly sighed, a hint of weariness creeping into his eyes.
"Mi Jun lives a carefree life, which I truly envy. Unlike me, I am subject to His Majesty's thunderous orders, with funds and provisions being rushed like wildfire; and I suffer the scathing attacks of my ministers, wishing I could eat his flesh and sleep on his skin."
"This feeling is truly like fish swimming in a boiling cauldron. When will I be able to enjoy such carefree life as you?"
Mi Shiyilang chuckled, not urging Lü Yi to continue, but simply raised his glass again.
As an excellent spy, he never deliberately sought out intelligence.
He only opens up to the other party, making them willingly reveal intelligence and information.
After all, his elder brother's "Southern Lu Theory" was invaluable advice.
Yet he would occasionally pull out a bit of this invaluable advice and discuss it in detail with Lü Yi.
Is it too much to ask to have a heart-to-heart talk?
After a few rounds of drinks, the chill dissipated, and Lü Yi put down his wine cup and sighed deeply.
He then recounted his secret conversation with Cen Hun, especially Sun Quan's intention to depose the crown prince and install Sun Liang, the youngest son of Lady Pan, as the new crown prince.
Finally, with a mixture of lingering fear and relief, he said:
"Thanks to your previous reminder, sir, I have been careful to maintain relations with Consort Pan's faction. Only now, upon hearing this news, can I feel somewhat at ease. However, sir, what should we do next? Do you have any further suggestions?"
Mi Shiyilang picked up a piece of mutton and gently dipped it in the boiling soup, not in a hurry to answer.
Once the mutton changed color, he picked it up and placed it on a plate, then slowly and deliberately said:
“Lu Zhongshu, His Majesty’s intention to establish a young emperor is a double-edged sword for you and the Imperial Academy. It is by no means a cause for complacency.”
"Yes, indeed!" Lü Yi quickly raised his cup to toast Mi Shiyi Lang:
"Although I am not very learned, I am well aware that if one is not careful when it comes to matters of great treasure, the entire clan could be wiped out in an instant. That is why I have come here specifically to ask you, sir, what my next step should be?"
Mi Shiyilang put the mutton in his mouth, ate it, and swallowed it before speaking:
"When a young ruler is still young, he will surely be aided by powerful ministers. Lady Pan is the daughter of a disgraced eunuch, with no relatives to rely on outside and no confidants to depend on inside. When the time comes, she and her orphan will be in the hands of powerful ministers. Who can she rely on?"
He gestured with his palm towards Lü Yi and slowly said:
“Isn’t this the kind of capable minister Lü Zhongshu who is good at ‘financial management’, ‘international relations’, and has old friendships with us? This is truly a blessing.”
Upon hearing this, Lü Yi's face showed a hint of joy, but Mi Shiyilang withdrew his hand and immediately changed the subject:
"However, this is also where the trouble lies! Precisely because the young ruler is so easily deceived, it will be more than just Lü Zhongshu who will covet the position of trusted minister in the future."
"The officials in the court all regard Lü Zhongshu as a favored minister. How could they tolerate you monopolizing financial power and controlling the new emperor? At that time, you will become the target of everyone's criticism!"
Lu Yi's face paled slightly, and the warm wine turned into cold sweat: "What... what should we do?"
Seeing Lü Yi's appearance, Mi Shiyi Lang suddenly slapped the table and burst into laughter:
"I was just joking. How could Lü Zhongshu be so unaware of his own involvement in this situation?"
Lü Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief, and said with a slight complaint:
"Sir, this matter is urgent for me! Please stop playing games with me."
After Mi Shiyilang finished laughing, he began to analyze for Lü Yi:
"The Office of the Directorate of State Affairs is resented by the officials, so why does the King of Wu seem to ignore it and protect it with all his might? It is because the Office of the Directorate of State Affairs can fill the treasury, so that the King of Wu and even the palace have no shortage of expenses."
Lean forward and speak in a gentle tone:
"If a new emperor ascends the throne, Lü Zhongshu only needs to make the new emperor, Madam Pan, and even the future regents understand one thing: the national treasury and the palace expenses cannot be separated from the Office of the Imperial Censorate and Lü Zhongshu."
"If someone wants to harm you, they will cut off the harem's money supply, offend all the eunuchs and favored concubines, and even affect the imperial treasury. Lü Zhongshu, at that time, will you still have anything to worry about?"
Anyone with a quick mind would immediately understand upon hearing this.
But when Lü Yi heard Mi Shiyilang's words, he felt that it was better than hearing a single conversation—what should I do?
So he said somewhat hesitantly:
"I am too uneducated and too dull-witted. Please forgive my ignorance, sir. Could you please explain yourself more clearly?"
Mi Shiyilang showed no sign of impatience whatsoever:
"Does Lord Lü still remember what the duties of the School Affairs Office were when it was first established?"
You asked about the clerk in the School Affairs Office. What does the School Affairs Office do?
Are you sure you're not joking?
"How could I not know? He is in charge of proofreading documents for various government offices and prefectures..."
Before she could finish speaking, Lü Yi herself froze.
Mi Shiyilang leisurely continued, "But what about now?"
Lü Yi didn't know how to answer.
Now, everyone in the Imperial Academy is focused on raising funds and provisions for His Majesty.
He actually did less and less of the work of collating and editing documents for various government offices and prefectures.
Mi Shiyilang slowly said, "This is what is meant by 'the name is not correct, and the words are not proper.'"
"I recall reminding Lord Lü before that countless people were eyeing the trading channels of the Imperial Academy. However, now that the Emperor Wu trusts Lü Zhongshu and relies on the Academy's ability to amass wealth, no one dares to take the lead." (Chapter 1353)
"But if your country's new emperor ascends the throne, and a minister requests the establishment of a place similar to the Maritime Trade Office to oversee all trade with the Han Dynasty, thereby separating the Imperial Academy from it, what should Secretary Lü do?"
Lü Yi's forehead was slightly sweaty.
Now that the Office of the Imperial Observatory has lost the power to trade with the Han State, does it still intend to continue to oversee and proofread the documents of various government offices and prefectures as before?
I'm afraid the new emperor would love to immediately send the Imperial Academy to vent the anger of his ministers in order to win their hearts.
Lu Yi lowered his posture even further, humbly asking, "Then, what should I do, sir?"
Even with his good temper, Mi Shiyi Lang couldn't help but click his tongue and raise his voice if he still didn't understand what was being said:
"It's always good to strike first, Lord Lü! Instead of waiting for others to bring it up, why not make the first move yourself?"
"Lord Lü may petition the Wu ruler to allow the establishment of an official office, either called the Maritime Trade Office or the Price Stabilization Office, to be overseen by the Imperial Household Department, in charge of foreign trade, customs duties, and even the procurement of goods by the imperial court."
The power of the government to manage markets and levy taxes was changed from "temporary authorization by the emperor" to "national institutional regulations," thus legalizing and normalizing it.
At the same time, a fixed proportion of the revenue was allocated to the Imperial Treasury, the Imperial Household Department, the Palace Expenses, and the National Treasury.
So in the future, whoever wants to touch this organization, without Lü Yi even having to say a word, countless people will jump out to oppose it.
Hearing this, Lü Yi finally understood, and when she looked at Mi Shiyi Lang again, her eyes already held a hint of reverence.
Ah, if only the School Affairs Office had a scholar like Mr. Mi!
"Mr. Mi, this cup is for you."
Lu Yi said sincerely.
Mi Shiyilang drank several more cups of wine, and the effects of the alcohol finally took hold. His face flushed, and he became bolder in his speech:
“Lord Lü, taking advantage of the establishment of the Pingzhun Bureau, I actually have another plan that can transform you from a favored minister into a capable minister, and even a powerful minister.”
"Oh?" Lü Yi's eyes lit up immediately. He then looked at Mi Shiyi Lang, who was already five or six parts drunk, and quickly leaned over to ask, "May I ask if you have any better strategies to teach me, sir?"
Mi Shiyilang waved his hand, slightly tipsy, his sleeve even knocking over a wine cup without him realizing it, his tone slightly exaggerated and deliberately boastful:
"Alas! To be honest, Master Lü, my elder brother... oh, no, I mean my elder brother, has given me..."
Pointing northwest, indicating the direction of Chang'an, he said, "Those 'Five-Year Strategy,' 'On Liangzhou,' and 'Examination of Cotton Administration' are all remarkable articles!"
"I, your humble servant... hehe, have been fortunate enough to read a few of them, and they are truly gems of wisdom, enlightening me greatly!"
He suddenly leaned closer, lowering his voice but unable to hide his smugness:
"To be honest, I've had this idea of having the School Affairs Office set up a Price Equalization Division for a long time. After all, it's related to the stability of our Xinghan Association's channels in Da Wu Yi City. How could I not be concerned?"
"Therefore, in my spare time, I, your humble brother, have tried to imitate you and put together some shallow thoughts, haphazardly composing a 'Six Strategies for Stabilizing the Price'..."
Upon hearing the words "Six Strategies for Stabilizing the Pacification," Lü Yi's heart skipped a beat, as if he had heard the crisp sound of gold and jade clashing together.
He suppressed his inner excitement, casually poured Mi Shiyilang a full cup, his tone carrying just the right amount of suspicion and curiosity:
"Oh? Sir, you are so talented that you can emulate the strategies of Chief Feng? However... the two words 'stabilization and price stabilization' involve the national economy and people's livelihood, and are of no small matter."
He paused deliberately, observing Mi Shiyilang's reaction, "But I wonder, what is so superior about this strategy compared to what the gentlemen of Wu are doing these days?"
Upon hearing this, Mi Shiyilang seemed to be spurred on by his competitive spirit, or perhaps the effects of the alcohol were rising in his head. He let out a "heh" and waved his hand.
"The gentlemen of Wuzhong? Hmph, they're nothing but short-sighted fools! All they know is to increase taxes and plunder the land, what kind of future can they achieve?"
"Among the people of the world today, who can compare to my elder brother in terms of talent for governing the world?"
"Since my elder brother took over the reins of government, the Han treasury has been full, and there has never been a shortage of funds in the palace or the government."
"Why? It's simply to seize all the resources of the world for His Majesty!"
Overjoyed, Lü Yi picked up another piece of tender mutton and placed it on Mi Shiyi Lang's plate, echoing in a sentimental tone:
"Sir, your insight is excellent! But it's easier said than done. Take the profits from salt and iron, for example. Who doesn't know about them? Yet powerful and influential families are deeply entrenched. How can they be easily brought under government control?"
But who wouldn't know this strategy? Who wouldn't want to emulate the story of Emperor Wu of Han?
However, since the Later Han Dynasty, local prefectures and counties have been controlled by powerful families and clans. In particular, the state-run salt and iron monopolies in the Wu Kingdom have long been defunct.
How difficult it is to get powerful and influential families to vomit up what they've already swallowed.
"Hahaha..." Mi Shiyilang laughed loudly, his expression arrogant, "This is precisely why I asked Lord Lü to set up the Pingzhun Division!"
He stretched out both hands, his left hand clenched into a fist: "The Office of the Directorate of State Affairs has the duty of supervising the court and the people."
Clench your right fist again and strike your fists together. "If you also have the ability to level, then the two can complement each other."
"In the name of stabilizing the price level and with the authority of the school, we will investigate and confiscate the property of several powerful families, establish our authority throughout the land, and see who dares to make a fuss then!"
With a legitimate reason, even if they went to the imperial court to argue, they would be perfectly justified.
Lu Yi's heart pounded even faster, and she tentatively asked, "Then... what if merchants hoard goods and prices skyrocket? We can't just keep suppressing them, can we?"
Picking on a few easy targets is quite easy for the school administration.
The challenge lies in dealing with the collective counterattack from local bullies.
"Idiot!" Mi Shiyi Lang pointed at Lü Yi, looking at him with a disappointed expression. "Set up an Equalization Transport Official to transport goods, and a Price Stabilization Official to sell high and buy low!"
As for who the officials in charge of equalization and balancing were, and what the standards for nobility and baseness were, we shouldn't concern ourselves with that.
As long as you control the price, it's perfectly normal to make a markup or add a zero when selling to the next buyer.
If you still find it too tiring, just write a note casually, and your hands will be covered in oil after just one pass.
Dual-track system, understand?
The referees, witnesses, organizers, co-organizers—all the organizations are my people. How can you compete with me?
I can play however I want!
Lu Yi may not be good at anything else, but when it comes to making money, he's incredibly quick to understand.
He was so excited that his hands were trembling.
The Pingzhun Division's strategy is truly brilliant!
It's practically tailor-made for the school administration.
He even harbored some resentment towards Mi Shiyilang for not telling him about such a brilliant plan sooner; otherwise, his profits over the years would have more than doubled.
Once the conversation started, Mi Shiyilang became more and more excited. He simply grabbed a wine jar and, in a state of "intoxicated and unrestrained spirit," began to talk endlessly about his "brilliant plan for stabilizing the economy."
In particular, when discussing the benefits of the Great Han workshops, he talked at length about how the "policy of government-run workshops" was able to surpass others.
Similar to the skills and crafts of Sichuan, as long as Lü Zhongshu is willing, given the relationship between the Imperial Academy and the Xinghan Society, there should not be too much of an obstacle.
Finally, the mention of Wu Zhu's repeated dispatches to sea demonstrates His Majesty's yearning for overseas territories. However, due to obstruction from court officials and incompetence among military generals, these expeditions often ended in regret.
If Lü Zhongshu were to propose the "Strategy of Overseas Treasures" to His Majesty, and have the Imperial Household Department personally supervise the soldiers to set sail, it would surely be a magnificent sight of fleets setting sail and treasures returning to Wu.
Throughout the entire process, Mi Shiyilang sometimes whispered in someone's ear and sometimes acted arrogantly, perfectly portraying the image of a strategist who was highly talented but lost his composure due to drunkenness.
As for Lü Yi, she engraved every word in her heart as if picking up pearls.
When Mi Shiyilang was so tired from talking that he slumped over the table as if about to fall asleep, there was no longer any trace of drunkenness in Lü Yi's eyes, only a burning light.
He gently summoned the servants to take good care of Mr. Mi, while he straightened his clothes and quickly walked out of the courtyard.
The cold wind blew on his burning face, but he felt as if he were holding a ball of fire in his heart, a fire that was enough to burn down the old order and push him to the pinnacle of power—"Six Strategies for Stabilizing the Economy".
Unbeknownst to him, after he left, the previously drunken Mi Shiyi Lang suddenly stood up, dismissed the servants who came to serve him, and then, with bright eyes, took a big gulp while holding the wine jar in his arms.
Finally, he burst into laughter.
The Pingzhun Division might be a panacea for the Han Dynasty, but for the Wu Kingdom today, it is poison.
The Special Price Stabilization Office was controlled by cruel officials in the Ministry of Education. They used the name of "Price Stabilization" to exploit the people, and it was impossible for them not to be doing it to stabilize prices and benefit the common people.
The already impoverished people of Wu will suffer even more from this destructive exploitation, which will only deepen their wounds. Although the treasury may be temporarily replenished, the resentment in the people is like a pile of kindling, waiting for a single spark to ignite a prairie fire.
Of course, that's not the point; the point is the last resort.
The only advantage that the Wu Kingdom relied on was its naval forces.
If the power of the Military Affairs Office were to be tainted by the navy, with their limited abilities, they would surely cause the warships to decay and the towers to crumble, turning the natural barrier of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers into nothing more than paper walls and reed walls.
Mi Shiyilang couldn't help but want to let out a long roar. Could this be called subduing the enemy without fighting?
To wield one's tongue with such skill and achieve unparalleled merit, thereby securing a place before the emperor, is this not the achievement of a great man?
Brother's strategy is like using a golden cup to hold poison, luring the enemy to drink it. They only see the gleaming cup and the sweet taste, but little do they know that their insides have already been burned to ashes.
Perhaps, even in his drunken state, he would still feel grateful for the "gift of wine"?
After supporting the school administration for over a decade, the ultimate goal was to deliver a fatal blow to this Wu bandit.
He truly is a cunning and ruthless individual...
(End of this chapter)