Chapter 49: Unification of the World

  Liu Xie straightened up and said with a sigh: "I wonder when the salaries of the officials in the court will be paid?"

  Cao Cao was startled, and suddenly had some insight into the meaning of Liu Xie's summons today. The officials' salaries were usually paid at the beginning of the month, but due to the current winter season, funds were tight, and he himself was planning to launch a campaign against Zhang Yang after the New Year, so the salaries had been delayed again and again until now. It seemed that someone had informed the Emperor about this. Cao Cao sighed inwardly, thinking that although moving the capital had its benefits, it had increased his expenses. Those officials who followed him from Chang'an were simply freeloaders, and despite his efforts to accumulate wealth through agriculture, he still couldn't solve the problem of funds. Cao Cao felt sentimental but couldn't express it openly, so he bowed and said: "Your Majesty, this month due to some minor troubles, the officials' salaries have been delayed, but please be assured that I have already solved the problem, and the salaries will be paid out soon!"

  Liu Xie shook his head: "The general has misunderstood my intention. My intention is that if the court's finances are not open now, I am willing to bear 70% of the officials' salaries privately, and the general only needs to allocate 30% of all officials' salaries from the national treasury. This way, it will also save those officials from constantly whispering in my ear!"

  Cao Cao was shocked. Although it was said that the officials' salaries were only 70% of their original amount, this was still not a small sum. He hastily said: "How can this be? How can we let His Majesty bear such expenses?"

  Liu Xie waved his hand, stopping Cao Cao's words, and smiled: "General, don't forget that I said it was a transaction with you, not a gift!"

  Cao Cao sighed inwardly, so that's what this kid is thinking of doing to me. However, at present, not only are the officials' salaries difficult to pay, but even the generals and staff who follow him have difficulty making ends meet. It's feared that if things drag on for too long, people will be chilled to the bone, which would be a loss. Now that someone is willing to provide assistance, it's best to get through the current difficulties first. So he asked: "I don't know how this transaction is going to work?"

  Liu Xie stood up and pulled out a package from under the imperial case, put it in front of Cao Cao, and said while opening the package: "Actually, I don't have that much cash, only these!"

  Cao Cao saw the package opened, and they were all gold-colored wooden plaques. Only four big characters "Kaiyuan Wine House" were seen on the wooden plaque, and the surrounding area was carved with various hollow patterns, which was also exquisite. He asked inexplicably: "What does this mean?"