Three Kingdoms

The sky above Chang'an is still gloomy.

But in the yamen of General Hussar's Mansion, the room was filled with splendor.

This kind of brilliance is not the light of sunlight and candlelight, but golden light.

A golden light.

The reflection makes people's eyes look dizzy.

The table top is covered with large and small alluvial gold nuggets, either bright or deep gold, which shine directly into people's eyes and people's hearts.

Fei Qian took Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang off the high platform and entered the government office, and then asked someone to deliver the latest batch of gold from the Western Regions.

Gold sand is found from the mud of the river bed. Generally speaking, it is relatively fine and can even stain your fingers, just like the golden light falling from the stars in the sky.

Half gold and half stone is a mixed gold mine. On the exposed surface, you can see natural gold crystals, creating many reflective surfaces. Even if there is no bright sun today, it is still shining and dazzling.

And with strange-shaped holes and structures, there are nuggets of different sizes. Although this kind of gold is generally not very pure, it is also yellow and heavy, demonstrating a power called wealth.

Of course, money is not everything, but without money, many things cannot be accomplished.

"These things are all gold from the Western Regions!" 』

Fei Qian has seen these golds before, and he has also seen many big scenes in later generations. After all, in later generations, if you walk into a large-scale gold store, you will inevitably undergo a shining test, so his tone is comparative smooth.

"If someone's prediction is true...the gold from the Western Region should be one million taels..."

"One million taels!" Pang Tong held a piece of nugget gold in his hands, his eyes wandering, as if he wanted to stuff a piece of gold into his sleeve when Fei Qian wasn't paying attention, and he refused to put it down.

Although the little carrot-head Zhuge Liang still looks a little cold and ascetic, his aura is slightly unstable in the face of so much frivolous wealth.

The weight of one pound in the Eastern Han Dynasty was about a little over two hundred grams, sixteen taels per pound, so the one million taels of gold that Fei Qian mentioned was actually not much. When converted into later units, it was about a dozen tons.

In fact, the gold reserves contained in the Western Region far exceed this value. A dozen tons may only be enough for future generations to produce gold in one year, or at most two years.

After all, during the crustal movement, there are a large number of non-ferrous minerals in areas such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Therefore, Fei Qian sent people to search along the Kunlun Mountains, and the possibility of finding various minerals increased.

Now we have only found the Kunlun Mountains area, and the Altun Mountains have not yet been visited...

You must know that later generations called the Zhungeer Basin the basin with a gold rim, and it was not just a casual saying.

Fei Qian looked at Zhuge Liang and said, "Kong Ming, if you have this gold, what should you do?" 』

Zhuge Liang seemed to notice something, he also raised his eyes and glanced at Fei Qian, and began to frown in thought.

Pang Tong held the gold nugget in his hands, his eyes rolling, and he refused to put it down.

Fei Qian turned his head and glared at Pang Yi, "Shiyuan, stop pretending!" If you are really greedy for money, your eyes will be fixed on it and you won’t be able to move it away! Why, here I am, why do I have to protect myself? 』

Pang Tong laughed and threw the gold nugget on the table, making a dull, gold-specific collision sound, "Hi!" I'm so familiar that I can't even pretend... No, I still have to pretend for a while. My lord, please give me a piece later, and I will take it back..."

"OK! Give you the biggest piece! Fei Qian also knew what Pang Tong meant.

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, obviously feeling very comfortable and relaxed in such an atmosphere. After thinking for a moment, he said: "Could it be that the general wants to use gold as a guide to stir up the sediment?" 』

Gold, regardless of its metallic properties, is not used in the industrial field. Speaking of its economic properties, or money, of course it cannot be eaten directly, but it can produce many additional effects, even in later generations. , in an era dominated by paper money, gold is still an indispensable precious metal with unique utility in the economic field.

Gold is very heavy. Once it is thrown into the pass, it will hit the pool like a heavy cannonball, stirring up all the sediments at the bottom of the pool...

Fei Qian nodded and said with a smile: "This matter... I have already asked Gongda to take care of it... However, since Kong Ming has some free time these days, he might as well formulate a strategy to see... mainly for Guanzhong." place……"

Now under Fei Qian, Pang Tong is mainly in charge of supervising personnel, while Xun You focuses on the economy. However, Fei Qian cannot let the Yingchuan faction focus too much on the economy, so he cultivates Zhuge Liang's economic skills earlier. Ability is the current topic.

Zhuge Liang obviously understood a little, so he didn't say anything like his lack of talent and knowledge, but he responded happily.

Fei Qian pointed to the gold on the table and said, "Actually, the Western Region does not have the most gold, and there is gold in the Western Region but little silver... It's a pity that Yuyang can't get it yet..."

Fei Qian sighed, "There is a vast ocean to the east of Yuyang, and there are islands like giant snakes in it, and there is silver in it... Well, about 20,000 taels..."

As for the silver in the Americas, there is naturally more silver, but if we can barely cross to Japan, it is probably possible, but we have to cross the Pacific Ocean, so for the time being...

Um? If during the Little Ice Age, the ice area expanded, would the Bering Strait be connected soon?

However, this is also troublesome. You need to have a lot of cold-proof items, food security along the way, and transportation is also a problem. Forget it, it can only be left for future generations, otherwise the silver reserves in America alone are almost four to five times that of Japan.

Navigation...

"Twenty thousand taels of silver?" "When he heard the amount mentioned by Fei Qian, Pang Tong subconsciously touched his chin. This amount didn't seem to be large. In addition to the loss on the road, if it could be doubled a hundred times, or ten times, then it could be said that it was worth sending troops to cross eastward. ...Uh, wait, something seems wrong?

"How many? Is it...two, twenty million? 』

Pang Tong stretched out two chubby fingers, a little confused.

"Just a little more, twenty million taels." Fei Qian confirmed again.

"Twenty million?" Is it twenty million taels? ! ” Even Pang Tong, who was used to having a lot of property on his hands, was still a little horrified by the number Fei Qian said, and his heart was beating wildly for a while.

China produces copper, but there is still a large copper shortage. One of the big reasons is the copper-based currency system, which makes copper always insufficient, causing money shortages to occur from time to time, and then forcing all dynasties to make excessive payments. Coins were minted in large quantities "for tens", "for hundreds", and even "for thousands", which caused the devaluation of coins and caused greater social turmoil.

If silver and gold are added as buffers, such troubles will be greatly alleviated. Just like if there were no currencies of large denominations in later generations, ordinary people could only use one-yuan coins, and gold and silver could only be used by dignitaries, which would naturally be extremely inconvenient. Of course, if all of them are large-denomination currencies, they may be "pawned as a hundred" or even "praised as a thousand" coins, which will greatly disrupt the social economy.

"In addition, there are also gold mines, about ten million taels..." Fei Qian continued, "Yuyang...sooner or later we have to fight...sooner or later..."

Pang Tong swallowed and nodded silently.

Pang Tong had only heard about Fei Qian's mention before, but there was no specific and detailed value. He thought it was just a general gold and silver mine. There were also gold and silver mines in Luliang, and there were gold and silver mines in the north of Yinshan Mountain, so Pang Tong didn't pay much attention. , but now that there are specific values, it cannot be measured by general concepts.

With such a large amount, there is no need to worry about the shortage of silver and gold for ten years, no, maybe for a hundred years.

Zhuge Liang on the side was also surprised, but also a little puzzled. How did Fei Qian know these things outside the East China Sea?

Is there any book that says this?

"What the general said is "Zhuyu Mountain" in Dongshan Sutra? Zhuge thought for a moment and suddenly asked.

Fei Qian was stunned for a moment.

"After Chuzui Mountain, the water runs nine hundred miles to the south, called Chuiyu Mountain. There are many vegetation on it, many gold, jade, and ocher." There is a beast, which looks like an ox but has a horse's tail. It's called Jingjing, and its cry is self-talking..." Zhuge Liang looked at Fei Qian and said, "Or... Qinshan? 』

Fei Qian laughed, waved his hand and said: "The Classic of Mountains and Seas also has unfinished meaning... There were books in the ancient pre-Qin Dynasty, but many of them were destroyed... Someone once saw an orphan copy in the former master's house, which mentioned this thing……"

In order to prevent Zhuge Liang from getting to the bottom of things, Fei Qian changed the topic and said, "Although there is a slight war in the land of Sichuan and Sichuan, it has been prosperous for a long time, and it contains grain, tea, iron, medicine, incense, silk, and silk." , pottery, porcelain, wood, bamboo, etc. are all plentiful. If they are purchased with gold from the Western Regions..."

The land of Sichuan and Shu is itself a small China. Although the Central Plains region suffered from war, the relatively isolated Sichuan and Shu were not greatly affected. Otherwise, there would be no way to support the repeated struggles of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang in history. However, Fei Qian cannot be said to be plundering these materials in Sichuan and Shu without a bottom line, so purchasing them with coins can naturally be used as a way to supplement the shortage of materials in Guanzhong.

At the same time, the addition of Western Region Gold can also supplement Fei Qian's finances, which were originally reduced due to the weather, so that even if Fei Qian wants to buy or sell, he cannot come up with coins.

After all, trade around Chang'an is also gradually increasing. Large-scale transactions can easily cause a more troublesome problem, that is, insufficient copper coins. Although some merchants are willing to accept checks similar to "Jiaozi" issued by Feiqianxia's banks for transactions, there are still many merchants who are only willing to accept metal currency and are unwilling to accept Jiaozi.

With a large amount of precious metals as collateral, Fei Qian's "Qingyin Shop" can naturally operate more smoothly...

At the same time, it can also solve the phenomenon of some shortage of coins.

Because of the name Zhengxi Qian, because everyone called it that when it was first issued, and now they are used to it and have not changed their name. The quality is relatively good, so there are many places where both Wu Baht Qian and Zhengxi Qian can be used. People like to use five baht coins first, but it is said that Zhengxi coins have gradually replaced five baht coins and become the currency used in most areas.

Therefore, no matter how much Fei Qian produces, there is still not enough.

This situation often occurred in history. Once the currency circulation was insufficient, deflation would occur. The court would not even be able to pay the officials' salaries, and then they would mint counterfeit coins, and the nobles would join in the carnival feast. Climbing on the country's soil and sucking blood...

Those copper coins, silver coins and gold coins that are usually in circulation disappear after a period of circulation. Where do they go? Most of them were cast into various bronzes, silver melons, gold ingots, etc. by powerful people in the countryside, and then stored. So why are these rich and powerful people in the countryside able to accumulate these coins?

Because taxation is unreasonable, the wealth exploited by these large households cannot flow back in time, but is deposited in the hands of these large households. However, it is not easy to change the tax system.

Even if the tax laws in later generations become more and more detailed, a rich man may have to pay a large amount of money according to the tax laws, but he can reduce or reduce it in various ways. In the end, he will pay less, or even not pay at all. Needless to say, in China During the feudal dynasty, these noble families had many ways to evade taxes.

Fei Qian's "Juetian Law" is aimed at the fundamental weakness of these rural surnames in the feudal dynasty. However, this "Juedian Law" will not slowly develop its power until a few years later, so now, try to reduce it as much as possible The self-sufficiency of these noble families forced these people to put money into circulation, which was an important means at the moment. This was also the reason why Fei Qian deliberately wanted to break the "small peasant economy" of these noble families.

Note that it is not a small-scale peasant economy for ordinary people, because for a common people at the most basic level, there is absolutely no way to achieve the so-called ideal state of "self-sufficiency between men farming and women weaving." If the hoe is broken, why not build it yourself? If you are sick, do you still drag yourself up the mountain to collect medicine? Therefore, the idea of ​​​​small-scale peasant economy instilled in the feudal dynasty will always belong to large estates and large landowners. Only these people can achieve a certain degree of "self-sufficiency in men farming and women weaving."

Therefore, once the gold from the Western Regions is added to Fei Qian's economic circle, it will not only make waves in Guanzhong, but also penetrate into Sichuan and Shu. Although these Sichuan and Shu rural tyrants may obtain a large amount of gold and silver from this transaction, Fei Qian can also use luxury goods such as jade war horses for hedging, and he can collect more transaction taxes between buying and selling...

"In addition..." Fei Qian continued, "Besides Sichuan and Shu, there is also Nanzhong..."

Pang Tong immediately nodded and said with a smile, stroking his palms: "There are many cow and horse leathers and red paint horns in Nanzhong, which are indeed of great use..."

Historically, Nanzhong refers to Yunnan, Guizhou, southwestern Sichuan, and northern Myanmar in later generations. During the Three Kingdoms period, Nanzhong became part of Jihan. In the Tang Dynasty, the Nanzhong area was firmly occupied by the Lao ancestors, and the Houbai people established the Dali regime here. The Yelang Kingdom mentioned in the well-known idiom "Yelang is arrogant" is located in Nanzhong.

Fei Qian couldn't help but look at Zhuge Liang again. After all, it was Zhuge's credit for exploiting... well, the South Central Circle of Co-Prosperity.

Zhuge Liang naturally couldn't understand the meaning behind Fei Qian's eyes. After pondering for a moment, he said: "In this way, the place will consolidate the transfer of men and horses..."

Fei Qian raised his head and looked at the sky, which was already getting gloomier. He nodded and said, "Presumably at this time, Liu Jiaozhou has arrived in central Sichuan and is preparing to enter Nanzhong... Well, there is no need to rush this matter... It's getting late, why don't you two stay and have dinner together? 』

"I have my wish but dare not ask for my ear!" Pang Tong laughed and said, "In such weather, we should eat Qiang boiled food!" Qiang cooking! 』

……ヽ（^o^）丿……

While Fei was lurking in Chang'an, planning how to deal with the arrival of Xiaobinghe, the three Liu Bei brothers were also planning how to march into Jiaozhi based on Nanzhong.

"Second and third brothers, look..." Liu Bei laid a map in front of him, then pointed at the map and said, "Now there are five counties in the South Central Plains... Have you noticed? In fact, this division is very bad..."

Zhang Fei stared at the map with wide eyes, trying to see what was wrong with what Liu Bei said, but he couldn't see it. Then he felt a little dizzy. It seemed that the words on the map began to twist. He couldn't help but raise his head and looked at Liu Bei. Then he turned to look at Guan Yu...

Guan Yu frowned, stroked his long beard slightly, and said, "But it's because of the region?" 』

"Exactly, exactly, you see..." Liu Bei nodded and said with his finger on the map, "In the sixth year of Yuanding, Zangke was opened, divided into counties and established Zangke County..."

Liu Bei's finger moved once, "In the same year, the Qiong capital was established as Yueqi County..." and then moved again, "Later, in the second year of Yuanfeng, Dianchi Lake was used as Yizhou County, and the Zangke County was divided and merged into Yizhou." County, combined with Zhuti County. In the twelfth year of Yongping, Yongchang County was established..."

"After Guangwu, all the counties in Nanzhong also gradually declined..." Liu Bei stood up straight, then walked with his hands behind his back in the tent and said, "If the heroes of the counties collude, the county governance will be in vain. If you don't find your own way, , I’m afraid it’s hard for you and me, brothers, to stretch our arms and legs..."

"Brother!" You said...ah..." Zhang Fei straightened up suddenly, stood up and wanted to follow him, but bumped into the knife rest on the side. He was about to fall over, and he couldn't help but hurriedly tried to hold the knife rest.

Guan Yu pressed the map on the desk, still frowning, and said: "If this is the case... what's the plan?" 』

Liu Bei laughed, turned around and said: "Five counties are too few, six counties are about the same, eight counties are better!" 』

Guan Yu pinched his long beard and pondered slightly, "These extra counties and counties...are they "two peaches"?" 』

Liu Bei laughed, walked back, patted Guan Yu on the shoulder, sat down, "What do you think, second brother?" 』

"You can give it a try!" ” Guan Yu said.

Liu Bei nodded, "In addition, I would also like to recommend the Cuan family and the Meng family. When the time comes, remember to have a better attitude..."

Guan Yu frowned slightly, and a cold smell spread out.

"Nanzhong has always been a place outside the law..." Liu Bei patted Guan Yu's shoulder again, taking away a lot of the coldness that Guan Yu had just radiated. "These guys don't understand what etiquette and ethics are." If you surrender, you will surrender, if you rebel, you will rebel... But we are different. If we want to establish rules, we must abide by them... If we don't abide by the rules, no one will be willing to listen to our rules in the future..."

"Emperor Xiaowu destroyed Yelang Kingdom because Yelang broke the rules..." Liu Bei continued, "But after Guangwu, no one took care of Nanzhong, so these people gradually forgot the rules of the Han Dynasty... …』

Liu Bei's eyes turned to the side where Zhang Fei had just held the sword rest, "If it were like Xiao Wu's move, destroying the country in an instant, it would be able to scare Xiao Xiao, but... the two worthy brothers have also seen the current situation, Nanzhong How many people still remember the great strength and majesty of the Han Dynasty? 』

I have to say that Liu Bei is a person who is very good at learning.

I learned how to fight from the battle with the Yellow Turbans, learned tactics from the intrigues of the Shandong nobles, and now I have learned new skills under the rule of the Hussar General...

"So, you still have to hold a knife in one hand!" ”Liu Bei pointed to the knife rest, and then pressed his other hand on the table, “I also need to hold a book in one hand... You two worthy brothers, do you know what is going on with the Southern Huns now? In this way, Nanzhong will be worry-free forever! 』