Chapter 667 Provocation
Just as the Dali court was beginning to survey the land in order to implement the new tax law and remove various obstacles, merchants from Pingzhou were waving large sums of silver to buy things in Dali.
As long as someone dares to sell grain, Pingzhou will buy it no matter how expensive it is.
Because although the war had begun, the situation had not yet deteriorated. Moreover, the summer harvest was not far away, and there were still people selling grain. They all thought that if they could hold out for a while, the summer grain in the Jiangnan area would arrive.
Some grain merchants also began to be reluctant to sell. After all, in times of war, nothing is more reassuring than food.
Snakes have their own paths, rats have their own paths. Then these grain merchants who were reluctant to sell discovered that although they stopped selling grain, the merchants in Pingzhou still received a lot of grain.
They couldn't help but wonder, who was selling grain at this time?
The wealthy families who sell grain: ...
The wealthy and powerful families turned a blind eye and made things convenient for Pingzhou.
Another reason, of course, was that the emperor was such a fool that he actually allowed Xie Zhan to mess around! Although the new tax law was proposed by Xiao Qun, the Grand Marshal, everyone knew that the man behind the scenes was Xie Zhan, the Grand Commander of the Army.
The emperor and Xie Zhan did it on the first day, so don't blame them for doing it on the fifteenth! Besides, the grain is theirs, they can sell it if they want.
Another purpose, of course, is to make friends with Pingzhou.
They knew that the Pingzhou merchants were secretly buying grain, so what if they didn't report it? What if they helped cover it up?
Aristocratic families are well aware of the principle of not putting all their eggs in one basket. When times are turbulent, they are accustomed to investing in multiple areas, either staying hidden behind the scenes and not stepping into the spotlight themselves, while electing a leader to avoid the greatest risks.
At this time, the most suitable model for them is multi-party investment. Unfortunately, the rise of Pingzhou Lu Songli's power was too fast, and they didn't even have time to invest in her.
However, I heard that the governor of Pingzhou, Lu Songli, is pregnant. The baby in her belly, regardless of gender, is very likely to be the heir to the Qinlu Group.
Judging from her actions, women can be officials in Pingzhou. Although there are no women holding important positions now, there may be some in the future.
Therefore, both boys and girls of appropriate age in the family should be brought up, especially girls, who need to be raised in another direction.
Ever since Lu Songli became pregnant, families with some insight, whether in Pingzhou or Dali, have started to educate their daughters, and some have even established private schools for girls.
When Lu Songli heard the news, she just laughed it off. She thought it was a good thing. Although these people had a speculative mentality, it also indirectly improved the status of women.
Xianbei Royal Court
Pingzhou and Dali were both undergoing reforms and innovating policies. Tuoba Khan was not unaware of such major moves.
The members of the Xianbei royal court discussed this for a long time and could see that the new tax law of Dali was intended to collect more taxes; but they couldn't understand why Pingzhou issued Pingzhou treasure notes. They felt that the benefits were not great, at least not as good as Dali's new tax law.
One thing is certain: Dali and Pingzhou are both preparing for the next war, so the Xianbei cannot fall behind.
Therefore, Tuoba Jin was entrusted with the important task of trying his best to obtain food and fodder for the Xianbei.
Therefore, Tuoba Jin contacted Cao Huating as soon as possible.
The two parties have been secretly dealing for more than a year, and Tuoba Jin thought of him first.
Cao Huating was invited. The sixteen-year-old boy deliberately grew a beard. The thin beard covering his face made him look more mature.
After three rounds of drinks, Tuoba Jin talked about his purpose.
Cao Huating nodded, indicating that he understood, without agreeing or refusing.
Tuoba Jin took advantage of the victory to pursue and confirm the matter.
Cao Huating still refused to give in. He toasted Tuoba Jin and said with a smile, "Second Prince Tuoba, you have really put a lot of thought into this for the Xianbei."
Tuoba Jin nodded reservedly. Indeed, he said, "There's nothing I can do. This is all I can do now."
"Why should Second Prince belittle himself? In my opinion, you are the most capable among the seven princes, at least not worse than the eldest prince. You can even be the next Khan." Cao Huating seemed to be drunk and spoke a little presumptuously.
Tuoba Jin remained silent, but his confidant beside him spoke up, "Master Cao, you don't know that our Second Prince can no longer draw his bow, mount his horse, or lead his troops into battle. Therefore, he has no chance of becoming the next Khan."
Cao Huating was surprised. "If I can't draw a bow, mount a horse, or lead troops into battle, I'm not qualified to be the next Khan? This is too unreasonable!"
"There's nothing we can do about it. This is how we Xianbei are."
Cao Huating disapproved, saying, "We Han people aren't like that. Take, for example, the current Emperor of Dali and the Governor of Pingzhou. What are they capable of? A ruler doesn't necessarily need to be exceptionally skilled in both civil and military matters. All he needs is unyielding ambition, unwavering conviction, the ability to employ people, and a clear sense of rewards and punishments. As for matters of civil and military affairs, he has his own capable subordinates to share the burden."
"When the Second Prince went to pursue the Pingzhou army, he was injured and couldn't mount his horse to fight. This wasn't what the Second Prince wanted. Why should he be ineligible to inherit the Khan's throne? This is too unfair."
Bang! Tuoba Jin narrowed his eyes and slammed the wine bowl in his hand onto the table. "Cao Huating, are you trying to sow discord?"
Hearing this, Cao Huating opened his eyes wide in anger, "Why would I sow discord?"
He struggled to his feet. "Second Prince, I'm going to have a few heartfelt words with you, and you're just looking at me like that? Fine, fine, it's my bad luck. I shouldn't have said anything!"
As he said this, he staggered out.
Tuoba Jin's confidants hurried to support him and comfort him.
Cao Huating insisted on leaving, and his confidant had no choice but to help him walk out, explaining to him that the second prince did not mean it.
Cao Huating snorted, "I admit, I had some selfish motives in what I said just now. After all, we've been working together for such a long time! We Han people have a saying, 'Don't make the best of a bad situation.' Of course, I hope the Second Prince is well. It would be even better if he could become the next Khan."
"Of course, if he doesn't have this intention, or ultimately fails to become the Xianbei Khan, our future cooperation may... uh..." Cao Huating burped.
Cao Huating's words were straightforward. If Tuoba Jin had no future, he would change partners. After all, Tuoba Khan had seven sons, and he left after he finished speaking. He held a large amount of resources and would not bear such humiliation.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Cao, you mean well." Tuoba Jin's confidant persuaded him with kind words, and finally sent the man to the carriage and asked someone to send him back.
In the room, Tuoba Jin's face was very gloomy.
Although Cao Huating's words were infuriating, they also pointed him to another possibility.
Like Dali and Pingzhou, the emperor of Dali was not good at martial arts and could not lead troops, and the highest position in Pingzhou was even held by a woman.
None of them know martial arts, let alone leading troops to fight, but these do not prevent them from becoming the leaders of the forces. Since they can do it, why can't I?
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