Three Kingdoms

Is the small farmer economy good?

This is a question that is difficult to comment on directly. Just like in the world of children, most things are either good or bad, but in the world of adults, it is difficult to say black and white with certainty, and most of them are only gray.

As a time traveler, Fei Qian often thinks about what his identity can bring to China. Do you want to fight, kill, and then reward yourself with a beautiful woman every time you conquer a new territory? Or do you do nothing and live your life as a mascot?

War is not everything in the Three Kingdoms. Killing people, grabbing things and grabbing women is the greatest happiness and the most satisfying thing. It is the only desire left in the monkey heads of most Hu people. Fei Qian is a modern person from later generations. Could it be that he returned to the Han Dynasty? Did the Three Kingdoms turn into monkeys instead?

Therefore, Fei Qian has to think more and more profoundly now than in later generations.

Since they have the advantage of a macro perspective compared to the people of the Han Dynasty, why do they still fall into simple killing?

Fei Qian looked at Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang.

These two people are called dragons and phoenixes in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. They are naturally very intelligent, but after all, they lack thousands of years of ideological accumulation. On certain issues, they are not as broad and far-reaching as Fei Qian. This is not the problem of Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang. It's not that they are stupid, but the gap in their original information accumulation.

Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang were like blind men holding lanterns, trying hard to figure out the way forward, while Fei Qian stood on the shoulders of historical giants and effortlessly saw the outline of history...

When Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang were still thinking about farming, Fei Qian had already realized that the current crisis could also be said to be an opportunity.

The reason why China chose the farming path is directly related to factors such as the natural environment and climatic conditions in ancient China.

In the era of ancient tribes, China was in a natural environment with a warm and humid climate and many forests and grasslands. This natural environment made it easier to obtain food through intensive labor than hunting, and wild plant seeds such as millet, millet, and rice were available. , has been able to meet people's certain food needs. Therefore, the Chinese nation had already decided to embark on the path of farming in the early Neolithic Age.

At first, the concept of farming, or agriculture, was relatively broad, but in the Chinese feudal dynasty, the scope of farming became narrower and narrower, referring specifically to grain cultivation. Even research on how to increase grain production sometimes involved It was criticized for being a "fantastic and obscene technique", not to mention other things.

It was Shang Yang who attached great importance to farming and laid the first stone on the lives of the Chinese people.

When Shang Yang carried out the political reform in Qin, he clearly put forward the idea of ​​promoting agriculture as the foundation of governing the country. "The people's livelihood depends on their ability to gain strength, their weight and their weight, and their power and benefit." If a wise king carefully observes these three things, then the country can be governed and the people can be empowered... Therefore, the rule of the sage is to prohibit many to stop the ability, and to use the power to deceive. If the two are used in preference, the people within the territory will be the same. The people are farmers, farmers are simple, and simple people live in peace and evil..."

Five people...

Cruel? cruel. Is it useful? it works. Precisely because it was useful, I kept using it and never thought about innovating. As long as it works, why bother?

"The people are simple, live in peace and live in peace", which later evolved into "the king governs the people, the people govern the land, the earth produces valleys, and the valleys stabilize the country". Among these four relationships, as long as people are allowed to work in agriculture, they will be able to obtain grain and thereby make the country prosperous and prosperous. This understanding also reflects the essence of the rulers' "farmer-oriented" thinking and is also the long-lasting foundation of the "small-scale peasant economy" idea.

Yes, the key point is the idea of ​​small-scale peasant economy.

As a result, the rulers gradually shifted from "emphasis on the people" to "emphasis on the land."

"Therefore, powerful and powerful people from all over the world compete for land, but underestimate the people..." Fei Qian said slowly, "Because of the accumulation of goods and wealth in the world, there are always worries about water, fire, thieves and thieves." The rarest and rarest things can bring disaster easily and quickly. If a man in the grassland has ten pieces of gold, he cannot rest easy. Only owning land, no need to worry about water, fire, or thieves. 』

"Although there are violent people, they cannot compete for size; even though they have great strength, they cannot defeat them." Tens of millions of hectares can be worth tens of thousands of gold, and it doesn't take a single person to protect them. That is to say, there are wars and chaos, and people leave their homes and go to their hometowns. When things are determined, they come back, and there are no questions about the houses and livestock. On this piece of land, the person with the surname Zhang still belongs to Zhang, the person with the surname Li still belongs to Li, and the people who cultivated it are still a prosperous family..."

So with this kind of thinking, can the people on this piece of "soil" still be valued?

It doesn't matter if all the people die, as long as the fields are still there, it becomes a habit to remain stubborn.

"At the beginning of the Han Dynasty, the chaos of the Seven Kingdoms was regarded as a struggle between counties, but it was actually the harm of ceding territories to oneself..." Fei Qian looked at the two of them and said slowly, "Within the Seven Kingdoms, taxes belong to the localities, and salt and iron The coins are all produced by the self, and are called subordinate countries. How is it different from other countries? 』

"In today's situation, big surnames in various places are building large forts. It looks like they are defending themselves, but in fact they are taking tenants and taking the people. Everything they produce will belong to them. Salt, iron, and weapons will not be asked for by others. If there is a good opportunity, It means occupying other places and plundering places. How are these things different from the chaos of the Spring and Autumn Period? 』

After Fei Qian finished speaking, Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang were silent.

During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the small-scale peasant economy adapted to the needs of the times. The Qin State, which vigorously promoted the small-scale peasant economy, was able to consolidate its citizens, and every time the Qin Dynasty conquered a piece of land, it expanded its strength. After all, both the Zhao State and the Qi State were within the Chinese territory and had a large amount of cultivated land. Fields are a country suitable for farming. Even the Chu State has a large area of ​​land of fish and rice. Therefore, during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, there was nothing wrong with the small-scale peasant economy, and most of it had positive effects.

But when the unification of China was basically completed and the Han Dynasty inherited the legacy of the Qin Dynasty, it was suddenly discovered that the land around China seemed unsuitable for farming. From this moment on, the physiocratic thinking of the "small peasant economy" began to slowly It has restricted the progress of the Chinese nation...

There is nothing wrong with the small-scale peasant economy, but there are big problems with the thinking of the small-scale peasant economy.

Especially when the "small-scale peasant economy" was linked to the clan and became the only means for the feudal dynasty to maintain its rule, the repeated rise and fall of the Chinese landowner class and internal strife were inevitable.

The formation of gentry surnames was actually the result of the combined effect of blood kinship consciousness and long-term regular settlement. This system was not a bad thing at the beginning. On the contrary, it was also conducive to the survival and development of mankind.

In the early days, due to low productivity, within the gentry family, the head of the family maintained and coordinated the relationships among the members of the clan. The core position of the family head within the gentry undoubtedly played a certain role in stabilizing the family, gathering clan members, and forming common economic interests to a certain extent.

In other words, the gentry's surname is actually an expanded "small peasant economy" system. In the Han Dynasty, this expanded small-scale peasant economic system had already shown great shortcomings.

"The Four Generations and Three Dukes are the crown princes in the world!" Fei Qian looked into the distance, his voice calm, but what he said was like thunder, "What does such a clan want?" Isn't the court treating him kindly? Do the people disrespect him? However, when the world suddenly changes, those who plan or worry have no public thoughts about the country, only the selfish desires of the family! Is this what the Han Dynasty earned from raising scholars for four hundred years? 』

Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang still couldn't answer.

Are all the Yuan family bad guys, born to poach powerful men?

Obviously not. There are also loyal ministers and capable officials among the Yuan family. But from the perspective of the entire Yuan family, when the Yuan family’s disciples are everywhere, controlling the ministerial office, and monopolizing the official career of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, its nature It slowly changed.

Any monopoly will eventually maintain its own monopoly, and then abandon all morality and kindness, no matter how hypocritical it seems on the surface.

In the beginning, clans and nobles gathered together in order to make their families survive better. However, after discovering the benefits of monopoly, in order to cover up the differences between noble and humble, rich and poor, they did not hesitate to pretend to be saints. , fabricating prophecies, taking quotes out of context, advocating the dominance of kings and ministers, downplaying or covering up the original contradictions as much as possible, and even resorting to cruelty and oppression, betraying loyalty, ignoring the country and nation, just to maintain their original monopoly position.

At this time, the concept of family, country, and world, and family before the country, gradually became an unshakable concept.

Although the small-scale peasant economy has achieved self-sufficiency to a certain extent with men farming and women weaving, and coupled with the clan system, it has a certain role in resisting the risk of bankruptcy and safeguarding family interests, but it essentially binds people to the land. The narrow purpose of production objectively forced the Chinese nation to halt its outward expansion. They closed themselves in a relatively small space for their own entertainment. In the end, others opened the door with guns and cannons.

So, is the smallholder economy good?

It is good within a certain range and within a certain period of time.

Are there any flaws in the small-scale peasant economy?

Yes, and it's not small.

So should the small-scale peasant economy be changed, and when?

It's the present moment.

Could it be that a time-traveler, knowing this shortcoming, still watched the Chinese nation fall into such pitfalls again and again? Still unable to escape from this circle, unable to escape from such imprisonment?

Speaking of some idealistic words, God is very partial to China. Every time the Little Glacier arrives in history, it is the best opportunity to correct the small peasant economy. However, the Chinese ruling class in history have pushed back again and again. Falling out of the hand stretched out by God...

Because only in the face of large-scale natural disasters, the small-scale peasant economy is the most vulnerable. With just a gentle push, China's wheels will move in another direction.

Fei Qian stood up and walked to the front of the hall with his hands behind his back.

"The period of great cold is a natural disaster..."

The treetops in the courtyard are swaying.

"Of course, it's also the timing of heaven..."

The flags fluttering in front of the hospital.

"The sky cannot be clear, the earth cannot be peaceful, the gods cannot be spiritual, the valley cannot be full..."

Three-color flags fluttered above the city.

"If you don't do it, banditry will be detrimental to a gentleman's integrity. The big ones will come and the small ones will come." This is the period when Qian is above and Kun is below..."

The strong wind rushed wildly in the fields accompanied by the chants of the laborers.

"A gentleman uses frugality to overcome difficulties, does not use glory for wealth, does not neglect the Tao, corrects his position, supports his fall, saves all people from hardship, and creates peace in the world!" 』

Dark clouds are rolling in the distance, and the sky and earth are changing color!

In the hall, Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang looked at each other and sighed together. Normally, at this time, Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang should bang their heads on the floor, stick their butts out and shout something like "I would like to follow the general's wings", or "The Lord is wise and powerful", etc., but at the moment Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang are both Frowning, hesitating.

Other lords panic when there is a natural disaster and are busy responding to the disaster, but our lord actually thinks of causing trouble during the natural disaster...

This is really...what else can I say? It seems that I only called the wrong person by the wrong name, not the wrong nickname. Yin Kun, hidden in the abyss, once exposed to the world, wouldn't it be a Dapeng?

Fei Qian smiled and motioned for Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang to follow him. The three of them turned around the hall, walked around the corridor, arrived at a pavilion on the side, climbed up to a high platform, and leaned on the railing to overlook.

The snow didn't continue to fall, but the inexplicable wind got stronger and stronger. The sky was also gloomy. It was obviously daytime, but it was almost like dusk. The sun didn't know where it was sleeping under the clouds, and it couldn't be found.

In the distance, in the market, people were still busy, the jingle of caravans and camels could also be faintly heard in the wind, and the hotel's cover was shaking in the wind as if it was drunk...

This is all living things, everyone is different.

Just like Pang Tong is not Zhuge Liang, both of them are smart, but they also have their own characteristics.

But some people don't like it, saying that this Pang Tong is not like Pang Tong, and that Zhuge is not Zhuge. These people only like what they like. After all, the world will never lack that kind of self-centered person. It seems that only when such a person says good, it is good. What he sees when he opens his eyes is real. When he closes his eyes, everything is false. .

Just like since it is the Three Kingdoms, then naturally there will be stars shining brightly, and everyone will appear on stage. If you only want to watch one person's performance, you can search for "I became Liu Laoer", or "I licked in the Dong Mansion" Diaochan' and so on.

These people don't want a hundred flowers to bloom and a hundred schools of thought to contend. They just want everything to be in one format. If they see a difference in the format they like, they will stand on a high place and shout loudly to show their wisdom...

Just like those people who desperately maintain the small peasant economy.

Why did the ruling class of the feudal dynasty like the small-scale peasant economy?

Because it is easy to manage.

Uniform cosplay...well, in a standardized society, this is the style they like.

The people are diverse, how to manage them? It seems very troublesome. Then just take the square frame and put it up, and the group of people will look like this. Just leave some things for them to eat and drink. The extra things can be kept for you. Anyway, the people have everything in their pockets. The fewer things there are, the less likely people will think about other things.

And are the highest rulers in feudal dynasties fools? Not really.

There is also some understanding.

To these wiser emperors, what were the common people? Food and clothing for parents. Is there any difference between having them and not having them? The king will not be the king. Are the people important? Very important! What to do?

Maintain stability! Stability is the foundation of everything. The small-scale peasant economy is very stable.

In an ideal state, the emperor wanted to give the people just enough to eat, and bring the rest to the palace, and store it in the government office first, to prepare for emergencies when there are years of disaster and famine, and when other countries attack.

But in reality, the emperor looked at so many things in the warehouse and thought that this was not the way to go. Let's use some to repair the palace first, then build a few palaces and put some beauties in them. The palace during his lifetime was so big. , why should I have a bigger mausoleum after my death?

The storage was accidentally consumed.

What should you do if you encounter a disaster and the enemy attacks? We can only increase taxes and issue military service, so that people can work for free and contribute food to tide over the difficulties, but we must be stable!

What should I do if it becomes unstable? Ah, I am scared when I think of the death of Qin II...

So the best way is to combine the small-scale peasant economy with the double restriction of the policy of obscuring the people, suppressing commercialism and household registration management. Then you will find that China has been feudal for thousands of years and has never been able to get out of the thinking of the small-scale peasant economy. It was originally used to restrict The shackles of the common people ended up on his own feet.

If Fei Qian wants to change all this, he will naturally have to pay a price.

"You two..." Fei Qian pointed into the distance, "What did you see?" 』

Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang looked at it, "Shifang?" My lord’s intention is..."

"In the market, some are good at wine, some are good at cooking, there are merchants, and there are craftsmen, each with their own strengths..." Fei Qian pointed and said, "If you want these people, everyone can cultivate the land. I can weave cloth, make wine, and make utensils...is that okay? 』

"This...this is naturally inappropriate. Zhuge Liang said.

"Those who are superior should make full use of their talents..." Fei Qian pointed to the market in the distance, "Let those who are good at farming be farmers, those who are good at business be merchants, the smart ones should use their talents, and the honest people should use their strength. How can we blame everyone?" This is true for people in the world, and it is also true for wealthy noble families everywhere! 』

"China is a vast country, how can it be the same everywhere?" There are trees near mountains, and fish near water. Each has his own property and his own strengths. Just as I made a golden fan, you made a pearl brocade and exchanged the fan for the brocade, and each gained great beauty. Fei Qian chuckled, "However, the big noble families built forts to consolidate their estates. They didn't seek beauty, but feared it would be useless. They made rough imitations and didn't think about making progress... If it were a normal year, that would be fine. If it were now, At this time, it is repeated construction and a lot of waste! If it is of no use to the country, what benefit will it be to China? ! Thinking about this, how much did the Han Dynasty spend more than four hundred years? What will happen if all these wealth are used for the country? ! 』

"What my lord said is true..." Pang Tong sighed, "If the wind is gentle and the sun is bright, the branches will naturally be dense and difficult to distinguish." If the weather is cold and the ground is freezing, we can only remove the rough and extract the essence, eliminating the false and retaining the true..."

"It can even distinguish the place and eliminate the worries of the seven kingdoms..." Zhuge Liang also nodded slowly, and said with bright eyes, "The general is indeed far-sighted, I admire him very much..."

There are different specialties in different parts of China, and in many cases it is impossible to say that everyone wants them. For example, if a place obviously does not produce copper or iron, what is the purpose of purchasing copper and iron to build a smelting place? Isn't it possible to purchase farm tools and weapons from the central court? Do you have to make it yourself?

"But in this case, I'm afraid..." Pang Tong glanced at Fei Qian, cupped his hands and said, "It's the tax this autumn..."

"If the noble families of the three auxiliary lands in Guanzhong fail to harvest, how much damage will be done?" Fei Qian asked.

Pang Tong had obviously made his calculations and said without any pause: "If the worst happens, this year's taxes may only be 40%..."

"Forty percent..." Fei Qian sighed.

Forty percent, we have to do it! As the saying goes, nothing can be established without destruction! If not, how could we force these nobles to change their minds? But in this way, the pressure on Fei Qian will be even greater.

Fei Qian turned around and said, "A gentleman should do something and not do something." Even if you are stuck, do it! You two don’t need to worry too much, there is a good thing here, which may temporarily solve the predicament..."