Chapter 5: Overthrowing Dong

  Yesterday I was really uncomfortable, today it's a bit better but still not feeling well. Maybe it's because of the hot weather and staying too long at the temple for chanting. Update today!

  After this period of reform, Liu Bei's army in Yizhou was already well-equipped and well-fed. Li Yu's proposal to change the head tax to a land-based tax was a major reform that led to a rapid increase in population in Yizhou! Tax revenue continued to rise! The land-based tax was a system where the silver tax was levied on land ownership, abolishing the previous "head tax". As a result, landless farmers and other laborers were freed from the burden of corvée labor that had lasted for thousands of years; the tax burden on landlords was increased, which to some extent restricted or alleviated land annexation; while the burden on small-scale farmers was relatively reduced. At the same time, the government relaxed its control over household registration, allowing farmers and laborers to move freely and sell their labor. This helped mobilize the enthusiasm of the vast majority of farmers and other laborers for production, promoting social progress. Part of the silver tax was levied on land ownership, while part was levied on individuals. Although it has not been implemented nationwide so far, after the implementation of the land-based tax, the land tax and head tax were unified, with a single tax rate based on land ownership, simplifying tax collection and administration procedures. However, this also made Yizhou more prosperous! Although this policy seemed to reduce national tax revenue at first glance, it actually increased it. According to statistics by Zhuge Liang, the population had increased by seven or eight times!

  Here is the translation:

  Not only that, but Li Yu also brought all the cement manufacturing and sofa production of later generations to this place, making Yizhou's employment opportunities even more numerous. He also categorized ironwork as a profession under the jurisdiction of Gonghua, increasing employment opportunities even further. Li Yu established paper mills, cement factories, and military factories, which were previously known as ironworks. These three industries alone increased Yizhou's employment opportunities by half or more.

  Li Yu's reforms were bold and decisive, although they offended some bureaucratic officials. However, he carried out his promise to serve the people to the end, ordering troops to help local villagers with tasks such as fetching water and chopping firewood during their free time. This increased support from the masses. Li Yu also ordered the troops to engage in military farming, making a portion of the military rations and supplies self-sufficient. This reduced the burden on the national administrative department.

  He then abolished the system of private soldiers and dead warriors. This made Yizhou's political situation even more transparent. Although some landlords resisted desperately, Liu Bei had already approved these reforms, so Li Yu used iron-fisted methods to enforce them, executing those who refused to comply. He also confiscated land and property, which unintentionally offended the nobles but strengthened Liu Bei's power.

  Li Yu also advised Liu Bei to abolish policies such as the extermination of nine clans, but Liu Bei did not approve. However, Liu Bei did approve the modification of the policy to exterminate only three clans. For the sake of national prosperity and development, Liu Bei implemented five years of compulsory education. After all, a wise youth means a wise nation, and a strong youth means a strong nation! This logic was still clear to Liu Bei.

  On the other hand, Liu Bei's recruitment of talents in the Zhaoying Hall was also very successful, recruiting wise men such as Fa Zheng, Huang Quan, Guo Youzhi, Li Hui, Yan Yan, and Zhang Ran. On the other hand, Zhou Dan also made great efforts to bring back Liu Bian, Hua Tuo, and Zhang Zhongjing! It can be said that at this time, Liu Bei's civil and military officials were far stronger than before! Liu Bei also gained the support of Mi Zhu through his marriage to Mi Fang, Mi Zhu's sister. Indeed, Mi Zhu had a set of economic theories, and his tax policies made Li Yu, Guo Jia, Chen Gong, and other outsiders very powerful! This led to the most extensive development of Yizhou's economy!

  On the other hand, because Liu Bei followed Li Yu's reform suggestions, he gained widespread popular support, and the work of expanding his troops became much simpler. In fact, many times it was the ordinary people who actively came to join the army!

  Liu Bei now has 1 million cavalry and 2 million infantry! A total of 3 million troops! These 3 million brave soldiers, gathered in Yizhou, are waiting for a change in the world, and can become 3 million tigers, rushing into the sheepfold to kill!

  Liu Bei also ordered Li Yu and Wang Xue to command Zhang Ren, Zhao Yun to command 20,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry to garrison at Qishan, Guan Yu to command Huang Zhong, Guo Youzhi, Chen Gong to garrison at Zigui with 20,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry! He ordered Zhang Fei, Li Hui, Yan Yan, Fa Zheng to reside in Jiangzhong, commanding 20,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry to garrison! Cheng Yuanzhi, Zou Dan, Zou Jingmou Fang led 10,000 cavalry and 20,000 infantry to garrison at Xiakou Pass! Someone asked why these people were sent, because the relationship between Liu Biao and Liu Bei in Jingzhou was actually not bad at that time, and the relationship between the two was very good! In Liu Bei's eyes, there was no need to take the lead, but Li Yu insisted repeatedly, so Liu Bei agreed to send troops to garrison!

  It can be said that at this time, the Yizhou army is strong and well-fed, with a momentum to overthrow the heavens! The Han Gaozu resided in Yizhou and obtained the world, now Liu Bei resides in Yizhou and revives the great Han!

  What were the vassals of the world doing at this time?

  Cao Cao woke up from his dream and discussed with Cheng Yu: "How to get rid of Dong Zhuo, after careful consideration, they decided to start a war against Dong Zhuo to revive the Han Dynasty." At that time, Cao Cao was still a loyal and honest man. Cao Cao and Cheng Yu set out overnight to Chenliu to see Cao Cao's father, Cao Song. Cao Cao told his father about his plan to assassinate Dong Zhuo: "Father, I want to disperse our family property, recruit righteous soldiers, and attack Dong Zhuo to revive the Han Dynasty!" His father, Cao Song, said: "But our assets are limited, and it's likely that we won't succeed. There is a man named Wei Hong, who is generous and righteous, his family has a lot of wealth; if we can get his help, we will surely succeed." Cao Cao set up a banquet and invited Wei Hong to his home, saying: "Now the Han Dynasty has no master, Dong Zhuo is in power, deceiving the emperor and harming the people, everyone is resentful. I want to support the country, but my strength is not enough. You are a righteous man, I dare to ask for your help!" Wei Hong laughed loudly and said: "I have had this intention for a long time, but unfortunately, I haven't met a hero yet. Since you, Mengde, have great ambitions, I am willing to provide financial support." Cao Cao was overjoyed; he first issued a fake imperial edict, sent it to various places, and then recruited righteous soldiers, raising a white flag with the words "Loyal and Righteous" written on it. In just a few days, many soldiers gathered like rain.

  One day, a man from Yangping Wei named Yue Jin, courtesy name Wenqian, came to join Cao Cao. Another man from Shanyang Julu named Li Dian, courtesy name Mancheng, also came to join Cao Cao. Both were retained as clerks in front of the army tent. There was also Xiahou Dun, a man from Pei Guo Qiao, whose courtesy name was Yuanrang and who was a descendant of Xiahou Ying. From a young age, he practiced spear and staff; at 14 years old, he followed his teacher to learn martial arts. When someone insulted his teacher, Xiahou Dun killed him and fled to the outside world. Hearing that Cao Cao had raised an army, he and his cousin Xiahou Yuan each led a thousand strong men to join forces with him. These two were originally brothers of Cao Cao: Cao Cao's father Cao Song was originally a son of the Xiahou family who married into the Cao family, so they were of the same clan. Within days, Cao Cao's brothers Cao Ren and Cao Hong each led over a thousand troops to assist. Cao Ren's courtesy name was Zixiao, and Cao Hong's courtesy name was Ziliang: both were skilled in archery and horsemanship, with refined martial arts skills. Cao Cao was overjoyed and trained his army in the village. Wei Xu spent all of his family's wealth to purchase clothing, armor, flags, and banners. The number of people sending grain from all directions was countless. At this time, Cao Cao also had a strong army and abundant food! He quietly waited for the movements of the various lords before rising up to attack Dong Zhuo!

  Yuan Shao, having received the forged imperial edict, gathered his civil and military officials, led an army of 30,000 men, and left Bohai to meet with Cao Cao. He drafted a proclamation to be sent to all commanderies.

  The proclamation read: "We, Yuan Shao and others, hereby proclaim to the world our righteous cause: Dong Zhuo deceived Heaven and Earth, destroyed the state and murdered the ruler; he corrupted the palace and harmed the people; his cruelty knew no bounds, and his crimes were numerous! Now, we have received a secret imperial edict, gathered righteous troops, and sworn to sweep away the evil and eliminate the rebels. We hope that you will rise up with us, share our righteous anger, support the royal house, and rescue the common people. When this proclamation arrives, please act quickly!"

  After sending out the proclamation, various regional lords and officials responded by raising their armies:

  1. Yuan Shu, General of the Rear and Governor of Nanyang.

  2. Han Fu, Inspector of Ji Province.

  3. Kong Rong, Inspector of Yu Province.

  4. Liu Dai, Inspector of Yan Province.

  5. Wang Kuang, Governor of Hebei Commandery.

  6. Zhang Miao, Governor of Chenliu Commandery.

  7. Qiao Mao, Governor of Dong Commandery.

  8. Yuan Yi, Governor of Shanyang Commandery.

  9. Bao Xin, Chancellor of Jibei.

  10. Kong Rong, Governor of Beihai Commandery.

  11. Zhang Chao, Governor of Guangling Commandery.

  12. Tao Qian, Inspector of Xu Province.

  13. Ma Teng, General of the West and Governor of Xiliang.

  14. Gongsun Zan, Governor of Pingbei Commandery.

  15. Zhang Yang, Governor of Shangdang Commandery.

  16. Sun Jian, Marquis of Wucheng and Governor of Changsha.

  17. Yuan Shao, Marquis of Pingyuan and Governor of Bohai.

  18. Gongsun Zan, Governor of Pingbei Commandery, led 15,000 elite soldiers.

  Because Liu Bei's territory was the farthest away, he belonged to the 19th commandery! The various armies had different numbers of troops, some with 30,000 men, others with 10,000 or 20,000 men. Each was led by civil and military officials, and they all marched towards Luoyang.

  When Cao Cao's edict arrived in Yizhou, Liu Bei received it and immediately sent messengers to inform the Grand Marshal and various generals and military advisors, including Li Yu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Zhang Ren, Yan Yan, Cheng Yuanzhi, Deng Mao, Zou Dan, Zou Jing, Guo Jia, Chen Gong, Wang Xue, Jian Yong, Fa Zheng, Li Hui, Lu Zhi, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Liu Bao and others. Upon receiving the order, they dared not delay and set off immediately to rush to the Hanxing Palace of the King of Chengdu!

  The next day, all the generals and advisors arrived at the Hanxing Palace in Chengdu. Liu Bei ordered the drum to be beaten and the curtain to be raised!

  Liu Bei sat steadily on the throne, with General Li Yu leading the left, followed closely by Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Wang Xue, Zhang Rang, Yan Yan, Zou Dan, Zou Jing, Cheng Yuanzhi, Deng Mao, and Mi Fang. On the right, the civil officials were led by Guo Jia, with Chen Gong, Liu Ze, Lu Zhi, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Fa Zheng, Li Hui, Guo Youzhi, Hua Tuo, and Zhang Zhongjing following closely behind. The two groups of officials stood on either side.

  Liu Bei looked around and saw that no one was missing, then began to speak: "I summoned you all today because there is a change in the world. Yesterday I received an edict from Cao Cao, the Chancellor of the Imperial Court! Guo Jia, please read it aloud for everyone!"

  Guo Jia received the forged imperial edict from Cao Cao, which read: "To the Imperial Chancellor and General-in-Chief Cao Cao, I, Emperor Xian of Han, hereby issue this decree. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo has usurped power in the imperial court, deposed me and enthroned Chenliu King as Emperor Xian of Han, and poisoned to death the young Emperor Shao. Dong Zhuo's arrogance knows no bounds, his crimes are heavier than Mount Tai, and he deserves to die a thousand deaths! I had planned to assassinate him, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be. The traitor Dong Zhuo has no regard for the emperor, he is a scourge on the imperial palace, and his crimes demand severe punishment. I have received a secret edict from His Majesty, calling upon all heroes to join forces to overthrow Dong Zhuo! I hope that Your Majesty will immediately raise an army to help me restore the great Han dynasty!"

  Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, upon hearing this, were enraged to the extreme, wanting to immediately deploy troops to battle Dong Zhuo! Guan Yu said: "I have read the great righteousness of the Spring and Autumn Annals, loyalty to the monarch and love for the country. The treacherous minister Dong Zhuo is the most deserving of death! I request that you, my king, give the order, and I, your subject, will lead the expedition, to revive the great Han!"

  Zhang Fei was even more direct and said, "Big brother, you also have the surname Liu. Just kill that little brat Dong Zhuo directly, then abolish him, and big brother can ascend to the throne facing north and declare himself emperor!"

  Liu Bei hastily said: "Third brother, you must not speak recklessly! As long as the emperor is still alive, we ministers have no choice but to be loyal and fight to the death! I don't know why fourth brother has not spoken a word!"

  Li Yuanyi heard Liu Bei's words and hastily said, "Ah! Big brother, now it's not just a matter of overthrowing Dong Zhuo, the great Han dynasty is truly on the brink of collapse!"

  Liu Bei and Chen Gong were both startled. Chen Gong hastily asked, "I don't know why the commander would say such a thing! Although the emperor is weak and incompetent, he still occupies the throne! Loyal ministers are everywhere, how can you speak of forgetting him?"

  Li Yuguang wanted to say something, but seeing Guo Jia smile and remain silent, he hastily said: "Please invite Xiaoxian to come and explain!"

  Guo Jia saw Li Yu and said to himself, hastily stepping forward: "Today, the flames of war have just subsided after the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Although the fire has been slightly extinguished, the bandits are still present, and the imperial court has issued an order for each state and county to recruit soldiers to quell the rebellion. This is also a way to take advantage of the chaos! However, Dong Zhuo's bandit forces are powerful, and although various lords have sent troops to attack Dong Zhuo, they have not used their full strength, each harboring private intentions! These two rebellions! If it does not go as I expected, this expedition against Dong Zhuo will surely end in failure!"

  Liu Bei was at a loss for what to do, while Chen Gong's heart was in turmoil. Chen Gong was still loyal to the great Han dynasty! But after hearing Guo Jia's explanation, he understood that these words were not empty.

  But Lu Zhi, a loyal minister of the great Han Dynasty, was crying like a river. Lu Zhi is indeed a loyal and faithful subject of the great Han with an iron-like integrity!

  Liu Bei said upon seeing this: "So according to what the Prime Minister said, we won't be going to war then?"

  "Then let's hear from our renowned General-in-Chief of the Eastern Expedition, Li Yu!" Guo Jia burst out laughing.

  Li Yu, listen up! I just kicked the ball once, and that Guo Jia really holds grudges, he immediately came back at me!

  Liu Bei heard this and said: "Fourth brother, what is your opinion after all!"

  Li Yu saw Liu Bei ask questions and quickly said: "According to my younger brother's opinion, this battle must go! First, this battle can make our army famous all over the world. Second, this battle can make King Xiong gather the hearts of loyal ministers from all over the world! Third, this battle can also make the princes know the combat effectiveness of our army and dare not underestimate our army! From these three points, this battle must go!"

  Guo Jia stepped forward and said: "This battle is the first battle for our army after entering Yizhou, we must win! Please make up your mind, Your Majesty!"

  Guan Yu also said: "This battle, even if the vassals are not serious, big brother, our army has the power to overcome Dong Zhuo, no need to worry!"

  "Brother, let's get it done! If we don't, it'll be too late!"

  Liu Bei stepped forward and said: "Imperial brother, this battle will surely be won. Please make up your mind!"

  Chen Gong said: "Your Majesty, now that the grain and fodder in Yi Province are quite abundant, all the ministers and generals are eager to take action. Please make a firm decision! I will ensure that not a single grain or blade of grass is lost!"

  "Your Majesty," said General Miao Zhuo, "the military supplies in Yi Province are abundant and can meet the needs of this war. I guarantee that not a single grain of rice or soldier will be lost in this battle!"

  The various ministers below spoke one after another, and Liu Bei also heard that it was a thousand miles away. Liu Bei's original intention was to participate in the war, but today he listened to the collective emotions of the various ministers!

  Liu Bei stood up and said: "This battle must be fought, not only to go to war, but also for me to personally lead the army! Order Li Yu as the commander-in-chief, Guan Yu as the vanguard, Zhang Fei as the left wing, Zhao Yun as the right wing, Zhang Ren as the rear guard, and Yan Yan old general to defend Yizhou. Chen Gong and Lu Zhi are in charge of all matters in Yizhou! Guo Jia is the military advisor to follow the army on the expedition! Order Fa Zheng as the head of the court to take care of all cases and corruption issues after I leave Yizhou, and handle the people's livelihood problems properly! Order Zou Dan, Zou Jing, Cheng Yuanzhi, Deng Mao to follow the army. Mi Fang and Huang Quan are in charge of transporting grain, remember to ensure that the grain road is unblocked! All other matters will be detailed by Commander-in-Chief Li Yu!"

  Liu Bei raised his hands and everyone knelt down saying: "Obeying your orders!"

  Li Yu said on the spot in Liu Bei's Silver Peace Hall: "This battle is our army's first battle after entering Shu, this battle only allows victory and does not allow defeat! If we win, the Great Han will surely rise, if we lose, the Great Han will perish! You must remember the necessity of this battle! This battle is a decisive battle for the fate of the Great Han!"

  Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Chen Gong, Guo Jia, and Lu Zhi all shouted in unison: "The Great Han will surely rise again, this battle will be won!"

  Li Yu ordered everyone to hurry back home and settle down, then reviewed the troops on the training ground, twenty thousand strong. The next morning, they would offer sacrifices to the flag and set out on their expedition!

  In the morning, all the officials dispersed and went home to make arrangements!

  Li Yu knelt down and said to Liu Bei, "Brother, this war should be used to win over the hearts of the people, for the revival of the great Han dynasty. I think that this war is just the beginning of a chaotic era, from now on, it will take several decades or even hundreds of years to restore the Han dynasty. It requires the tireless efforts of several generations! Since ancient times, only those who have won the hearts of the people can win the world! Please, brother, do not be impatient! Impatience will easily lead to changes! Yi Province is our foundation, with Right General Chen Gong and my mentor Lu Zhi, as well as General Yan Yan, I think there should be no major problems. But please, brother, do not be impatient, impatience will surely lead to changes!"

  Li Yu is afraid that Liu Bei will repeat the mistake of the Battle of Yiling, so he says this! It can be seen that Li Yu has a long-term vision! However, Liu Bei's army was not always smooth sailing, although they also encountered failures later on, but none of them hurt their foundation! It's all because Liu Bei remembered what Li Yu said today!

  Liu Bei hurriedly got up and helped Li Yu up, tightly grasping Li Yu's hand with tears in his eyes, saying: "Fourth brother, I will listen to and follow all your plans! In the future when we revive the great Han dynasty, elder brother will definitely share wealth and honor with you brothers! All military matters will be entirely under your command! Elder brother trusts you completely! And please, fourth brother, must revive the great Han dynasty!"

  Li Yu saw this and also shed tears, saying: "Big brother, I, younger brother, make a vow here, willing to work hard for the great Han dynasty until death. If I violate this oath, heaven will destroy me!" Many readers have reflected that Liu Bei loves to cry, but in fact, Liu Bei is not someone who loves to cry, he just knows how to cry and win people's hearts! He always cries at the most critical moments! This is Liu Bei's tactic to recruit talent! A strategy that cannot be disobeyed! Otherwise, how could he become the emperor of Shu Han? Liu Bei indeed has the ability to be an emperor!

  My heart remains here, your heart unchanged, come early to welcome!

  I miss you so much. As long as I stay where I am, it's for the sake of leaving a path of regret for you. I'm waiting for you, and even if everyone scolds me for being foolish, I hope that my foolishness is worth it! Do you understand that my heart remains the same? If your heart hasn't changed, you should come back soon!

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