In the garden, Xi Zhicai, who was playing chess with Wang Han, exclaimed, "I never expected this reform to have such an effect. In just one year, its prosperity has surpassed that of the Han Dynasty at its peak."
Wang Han said with a smile, "Times are progressing, and I just know what progress requires, so I've accelerated the pace of progress."
After saying that, Wang Han suddenly said to Xi Zhicai, "Xi Zhicai, I want to increase the number of rifle regiments."
Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai asked, "My lord, how many more rifle regiments do you intend to add?" Wang Han's reforms had already yielded results, and he supported adding more rifle regiments. Unlike Zhao Liu and the others, he wasn't worried about rifles harming Wang Han. The rifle regiments had been established for over a year, and such concerns could be prevented. However, the high cost of the rifle regiments made him somewhat worried that Wang Han might reveal a shocking figure.
"All suitable soldiers in the army will be converted into riflemen and formed into rifle regiments," Wang Han said. "There will be around 100,000 of them, and the entry standards for these rifle regiments will be lowered somewhat."
"One hundred thousand." Xi Zhicai looked at Wang Han in shock, his mind already contemplating how to persuade him. If Wang Han gained control of the country or completed the reforms in Bingzhou, he would support him without hesitation, since the rifle regiments were extremely powerful, and the tax revenue at that time could support one hundred thousand riflemen.
However, the reforms are not yet complete, and Wang Han has not yet gained the empire, even though it is within his grasp... The rifle regiments require far too much supplies and funding. The soldiers not only need to train for much longer each day, but also learn knowledge, tactics, camouflage, and martial arts. Similarly, to ensure their strength and morale, their meals must include meat and fruit at every meal. Furthermore, the rifle regiments' pay is two to three times higher than that of ordinary soldiers in Bingzhou, and at least six times higher than that of soldiers from other warlords. The current four rifle regiments, totaling 15,000 men, require military expenses and supplies equivalent to over 50,000 ordinary soldiers in Bingzhou. This is because Wang Han treats his soldiers better than other warlords. If it were soldiers from other warlords, the cost would likely be equivalent to more than 100,000 troops. This doesn't even include the cost of rifles and ammunition. Adding the salaries and supplies of over 200,000 ordinary soldiers, the army accounts for nearly half of Bingzhou's current tax revenue and resources. The 15,000-man rifle regiment alone accounts for one-fifth of the total military expenditure and one-tenth of Bingzhou's total tax revenue. If it were 100,000 rifle regiments, it would be equivalent to an ordinary warlord supporting a million-strong army. Even with some reforms in Bingzhou and high tax revenue, the military expenses of the rifle regiments alone would almost consume all of Bingzhou's current tax revenue.
With the current military expenditures, plus the costs of road construction, school supplies, and various reforms, Bingzhou's tax revenue, though substantial, has consistently been negative, exceeding half of its total tax revenue. It is only thanks to Wang Han's substantial financial and material support that the deficit is being filled.
The influx of money, if not for Wang Han's subsequent sale of large quantities of goods to the people to encourage consumption and improve their living standards, and his subsequent withdrawal of the funds, would likely have caused problems for Bingzhou's economic system. Adding another 100,000 riflemen now would be far too expensive.
“My lord, isn’t 100,000 too many?” Xi Zhicai advised. “Rifle regiments of 15,000 men already account for one-fifth of military expenditure and one-tenth of total tax revenue. If we add another 100,000 riflemen, military expenditure alone will exceed our tax revenue. Moreover, we need to carry out reforms. It would be better to postpone it for a few years. Once the reforms are completed, our tax revenue and government income will be able to cover military expenditure and other expenses.”
“I know, but I still think it’s necessary to add 100,000 riflemen now. Not only that, I will also convert all the troops into rifle regiments in the future. As for the army’s expenses and supplies, I will cover them all. All tax revenue will be used for reform and preparation, starting with the reform of Bingzhou.” Wang Han said, “Because within a year at most, I will wage war against the nomadic tribes and take over this largest pasture as one of our bases for future reforms across the world. In addition, the training of doctors is of paramount importance, as medical skills are one of the key focuses of our next reform.”
"Yes, my lord." Xi Zhicai could only agree upon hearing this.
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"My lord, Lord Cao Cao, accompanied by his strategist Guo Jia and Emperor Xian, has come to request an audience. They have been waiting in the main hall for an hour." Zhang Shan hurriedly reported this as soon as Wang Han and Xi Zhicai returned.
"Emperor Xian, what is Cao Cao trying to do?" Upon hearing this, Wang Han fell into deep thought.
"Could it be that Cao Cao wants to use Emperor Xian to pressure our lord, or does he have some other purpose?" Xi Zhicai frowned, guessing at Cao Cao's intention in bringing Emperor Xian.
“It shouldn’t be. Cao Cao isn’t that stupid. Even Emperor Xian can’t suppress me now.” Wang Han shook his head in denial. Seeing that Xi Zhicai also couldn’t figure out Cao Cao’s intentions, he said, “Since you can’t guess, let’s go and see what Cao Cao wants to do.”
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"Lord Dingshan." Upon seeing Wang Han enter the main hall, Cao Cao and Emperor Xian came to Wang Han together, with Emperor Xian holding a box in his hands.
Upon arriving before Wang Han, Cao Cao and Emperor Xian both knelt on one knee. Cao Cao raised his hands and presented an object, while Emperor Xian also presented a box. Cao Cao said, "Lord Dingshan, this is my military tally and the imperial seal of the Han Dynasty. I am willing to sacrifice all my subordinates and all the people, officials, and soldiers of Yizhou and Jingzhou to serve Lord Dingshan as our lord."
Upon hearing this, Wang Han looked at Cao Cao in surprise and asked, "Why?"
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao said, "Compared to Cao Cao and the King of Chenliu, Lord Marquis of Dingshan is more capable of making the nation strong and the people prosperous. He is also the one everyone hopes for. I am ashamed to admit that I am far inferior to him, but I am willing to accept the position."
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