Chapter 1 The Crown Prince

  Mi Zuo sighed at the bottom, and Liu Xie and his son were still discussing countermeasures.

  "What level of nobility does the Emperor plan to sell?" Liu Xie asked.

  "Of course, if we're going to sell, we should consider the Guannei Marquis first. This title is not lowly and can fetch a good price. After the sale of official positions and titles during Emperor Xiaoling's reign, as well as after the chaotic era, those twenty or so titles are no longer viable. Only the Guannei Marquis remains, and even the Liehou still has some use. However, the Liehou requires a fiefdom, and it's usually granted to military generals who have made great contributions as a reward. If we sell this title, Cao would react strongly and there would be no benefits. On the other hand, the Guannei Marquis doesn't come with a fiefdom or require the distribution of grain rations; it's just a symbol of status. Therefore, this is the best option." Liu Feng's eyes gleamed with shrewdness as he carefully analyzed the situation.

  The so-called twenty ranks of nobility were a product of Shang Yang's reform in the Qin Dynasty. From the highest Marquis to the lowest Gongshi, there are a total of twenty ranks.

  Each rank enjoys different treatment and land.

  The Qin Dynasty relied on this system to dominate the world. Liu Bang also adopted this system after establishing the Han Dynasty, and Emperor Guangwu of Han, Liu Xiu, did the same.

  However, by the time of Emperor Ling of Han, the sale of official positions and titles had become extremely rampant. These had already greatly devalued, leaving only the Guannei Hou and Liehou which were still somewhat interesting to people.

  After that, the war continued, and various powerful forces annexed land. The twenty ranks of nobility tied to land rights were useless. Because everyone relied on power and money to speak.

  The title of nobility is even more useless now.

  Liu Feng wants to take control of Xudu, relying on wisdom is no longer possible, so he has to resort to unorthodox methods. Therefore, Liu Feng has made up his mind to study these things thoroughly.

  On one hand, he could utilize the valuable Guan Yu, and on the other hand, he would not touch Cao Cao's nerves. Liu Feng challenged Cao Cao three times in total.

  But each time it was for a purpose, the first time was to get rid of Xiahou Shang, the second time was to get a sum of money, and the third time was still to get money.

  This time can be sold for money and also cannot offend Cao Cao, why not?

  "Hmm, the title of Marquis of Guannei is good." Liu Xie's face showed a satisfied expression as he said this.

  "What price should be set?" Liu Xie asked immediately.

  "Either five hundred taels of silver or three million copper coins." Liu Feng replied immediately.

  "Is it that cheap?" Liu Xie took a cold breath and said. For some wealthy families now, 500 gold is not a lot.

  An ordinary suit of armor only costs twenty or thirty taels, while a high-quality one only needs fifty or sixty. In other words, five hundred taels is just the price of ten high-quality suits of armor.

  It's so cheap that even a marquis within the pass, which is at least a noble title and a symbol of status, would be sold at such a low price. Liu Xie even felt embarrassed by it. Has the Han dynasty really sunk to this level?

  "Your Majesty, don't worry, I've already calculated this account. In these chaotic times, even the title of Marquis within the Pass has depreciated in value. If we sell too many, it would be like selling for two or three thousand taels of gold, or even a hundred million coins. Let's not mention how many wealthy merchants there are who possess tens of millions of coins, sitting on their wealth like Mr.糜. Even if they exist, they wouldn't spend such a large sum just to buy a Marquis within the Pass title. Merchants are all stingy and would feel heartache over this. But selling fewer titles is different; not only can more people afford it, but also taking out less money won't be so painful. The title of Marquis within the Pass is also a symbol of status after falling to the ground. This is called 'small profits with quick turnover', if you want gold, you have to do it this way." Liu Feng carefully analyzed and explained to Emperor Xian.

  "Hmm." Liu Xie's face showed a look of sudden realization. Liu Xie was not stupid, but rather very clever and had the potential to be an above-average emperor. However, when it came to business, he really didn't understand. Liu Feng didn't say anything, as he couldn't think of this idea of selling at a low profit but in large quantities.

  Mo Zuo nodded involuntarily, although Liu Feng was very rude to use him as an example when speaking. But doing business is indeed this principle.

  Small profits but quick returns. If there were ten people in the whole world like Liu Feng who would buy the title of Marquis within the Pass, then Liu Feng could make a profit of 5,000 taels of gold or 300 million coins.

  If there were a hundred people in the whole world who would buy the title of Marquis within the Pass from Liu Feng, he would have 50,000 taels of gold or 300 million coins. Liu Feng's goal would also be achieved.

  "But how to do it? I also want to make money, but I can't directly issue an edict saying that I'm selling off titles?" Liu Xie continued, feeling helpless.

  "Can't we put it another way?" Liu Feng also had a solution, smiled and said: "Just issue an edict saying that the country has been at war for years, the treasury is empty, the emperor wants to revive the Han dynasty, and hopes to get support from the people. If the people donate 500 taels of gold or 3 million coins, they can be granted a marquis title within the pass."

  "Hiss." Liu Xie took a cold breath, but had to admit in his heart that Liu Feng's move was indeed brilliant. What was originally a simple matter of selling titles and losing face had turned into a dignified consideration for the country's prosperity.

  Saved the face of the Han room.

  "Alright, let's do it." Finally, Liu Xie nodded heavily and made up his mind. Anyway, Liu Fu had already thought of a way out. Continuing on this path would either lead to death or the acquisition of power from Cao's hands.

  "Then trouble the emperor to issue an imperial edict." Liu Feng also nodded and said.

  "All right. I will issue the edict immediately." Liu Xie came here originally to praise Liu Feng a little, in order to express the pleasant feeling in his heart, but unexpectedly, he lived to see an even more exciting plan.

  Liu Xie, a puppet. With pride in the dignity of the Son of Heaven, there is also an unspoken humiliation. Now, he is steadily advancing towards the true dignity of the Son of Heaven.

  The desire expressed is very strong.

  After saying so, he immediately got up and walked out. He went to issue an imperial edict.

  Liu Feng took a deep breath and slightly lifted his spirits. He raised his head and looked at Zou Jue.

  "The title of Guannei Hou is quite attractive. Moreover, it's not selling official positions or titles, but rather a good thing for the country. Merchants and powerful families will definitely be very interested. The day they enter Xudu is not far away, so you should leave the palace during this period, find a place to stay in the city. Spread the news to let everyone in Xudu know that it's you, the Crown Prince's wash horse, who is responsible for this matter. Merchants and powerful families will come looking for you, and you can introduce them to me. I'll be happy to collect the money."

  Liu Feng ordered loudly at the crowd of people.

  This matter has a hundred benefits and no harm, but of course, it cannot allow those merchants and local tyrants to enter the palace for an audience. So, at this time, Zou Jizhong is useful.

  Moreover, Zou is a businessman by origin, and he has a set of ways to entertain guests. He won't look down on merchants like ordinary officials do.

  A very qualified candidate.

  Liu Feng also did so for this reason, and dug away Zhuo Yu from Liu Bei's hands.

  "En." Mo Zhen responded with a sound, saying.

  After a while, Liu Feng arranged for Dong Xi to let Zou Jiu leave the palace. Soon, in the side hall, only Liu Feng and Zhao Yun were left.

  "Zi Long, the fight is about to begin. I'm very excited, how about you?" Liu Feng smiled and said to Zhao Yun.

  "General Zhou will feel that all the blood in his body is rushing." Zhao Yun replied with a smile.

  The two men looked at each other and saw the longing in each other's eyes. Take back the rights that belong to the Han house, drive away Cao Cao.