Jia Xu felt dizzy, his mind spinning from the information Chen Xi had just shared with him. If it hadn't been Chen Xi who calmly said these words, Jia Xu would never have believed it, even if beaten to death.
"Are you sure?" Jia Xu's eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "Are you sure that the place where the Wuhuan and Xianbei reside is really like you described? If it's true, why haven't they started farming there?"
"Because they're too foolish, or maybe they never considered that the land could be farmed. Although you can only harvest once a year, Wenhe, do you think it's worth it?" Chen Xi said with a mocking tone, gazing towards the northeastern plains. The Xianbei and Wuhuan would never have imagined that the land they occupied could be such a treasure.
"If it's true, then there's no question about it. That land must be secured. Five million acres of fertile land—conquering the Central Plains wouldn't compare to occupying that place!" Jia Xu's eyes gleamed coldly. If it were indeed true, there was no need to discuss further. They would need to take it all, as fertile land has always been the most valued asset in Chinese tradition.
"So, how do you like the path I've paved for the future?" Chen Xi smiled and continued, "You can send people to investigate. After all, we have good connections with Liaodong. Although the northern frontier is dangerous, I believe it shouldn't be a problem for you to scout it out."
Chen Xi could already see the eagerness in Jia Xu's eyes. A place like that, with thousands of acres of land, would be a perfect legacy to secure the future of one's descendants.
"I'll send people to investigate. If there are indeed five million acres of fertile land, then there's no need for further discussion. We'll eliminate anyone who stands in our way. But let me ask you, what about the money? The grain? What about the money?" Jia Xu pressed, locking eyes with Chen Xi. He had decided to take on this task.
"We'll have to wait on the money front. Many powerful families live off lending to the common people. I'm waiting for the right moment. There are still many things that haven't been put in place yet. I'm preparing to reform the currency. This time, copper must be abundant," Chen Xi said, his expression darkening at the thought of those parasites.
Chen Xi had long wanted to reform the currency, but the lack of copper mines held him back. Moreover, Liu Bei was not yet the strongest warlord in the land, and mishandling the currency could have adverse effects. So, Chen Xi was simply waiting—waiting for Gan Ning to bring him solid news.
As long as the information was confirmed, Chen Xi would wait for the right opportunity to deliver a heavy blow. Copper was valuable, but it couldn't equate to its exchange value. Besides, the Han Dynasty was short of copper coins, and large transactions relied on guarantees, which was full of loopholes that could ruin people.
"You've certainly prepared well in advance. That's expected of you, Chen Zichuan. But who are you planning to target?" Jia Xu nodded, impressed by how Chen Xi always seemed to be thinking three steps ahead.
"Why do you think the powerful families lend money to the common people? It's the end of the year again. If it weren't for the abundance of resources we distributed last year, how many people do you think would have been torn apart by loans?" Chen Xi said, glancing at Lu Su, who was still gazing into the distance. "Do you think they really care about the meager earnings of the common folk?"
"This has been a problem for hundreds of years," Jia Xu murmured. His own family lent money too, though they were far better than 99% of other families. If the money was repaid in early spring, they only charged a 10% interest rate, which was much more reasonable compared to those who demanded double or even more.
"They're holding onto too much money. They'd rather bury it than use it. But what happens when the currency devalues? Devalues to one-tenth, one-twentieth, or even to the value of the copper itself?" Chen Xi said with a smile that sent chills down Jia Xu's spine. "And then, to maintain stability, I abolish the old currency and introduce new copper coins into circulation."
Jia Xu looked at Chen Xi and smiled bitterly. Although he didn't fully understand the implications, he could guess the outcome. The powerful families hoarding the old currency would lose at least half of their assets, and it was possible that Chen Xi had been deliberately buying up physical goods beforehand.
"Ruthless, but I admire it," Jia Xu praised. "Using this method, you could evaporate more than half of the wealth of the powerful families."
"It's just an idea. I wouldn't actually go that far. When the time comes, I'll handle it differently," Chen Xi said calmly. Sometimes, he did feel like delivering a harsh blow to those shameless aristocrats, but the potential upheaval was too great. Although this tactic would leave the opposition too weakened to fight back, it was ultimately too extreme.
"I knew it," Jia Xu said with a sigh. Such a brutal strategy wasn't something Chen Xi would actually use. It would take someone like Li You to carry out such a plan. Normal people, even himself, wouldn't go that far.
"We'll decide when the time comes. We won't do anything drastic until we have the absolute power to dominate the world. After all, handling it this way would cause a lot of trouble," Chen Xi said with a sigh. Some things, though obviously correct, still required consideration of their impact.
"Yes, let's start with the horse administration and military dogs. By the way, do you have any specialists in these fields?" Jia Xu nodded, then smoothly shifted the topic.
Jia Xu would quietly put an end to his family's lending practices. They didn't need that little bit of money, and it was just something they did to follow the crowd and provide additional layers of protection. But he didn't want to get caught in Chen Xi's violent crackdown.
"If not, look for some of the aristocrats who love cockfighting and dog-fighting. Or perhaps some who are skilled at handling horses," Chen Xi suggested after thinking for a moment. "Although they're not experts, they'll have their own techniques for making dogs more aggressive and obedient. The same goes for those who love racing horses."
"Hmm, makes sense," Jia Xu said as he scrutinized Chen Xi. "You always think from unusual angles, but I have to admit that these people would be very suitable."
There was no shortage of people who enjoyed cockfighting and dog-fighting, especially in a prosperous city like Fenggao. Even though entertainment options had expanded, it didn't stop the aristocrats from indulging in such activities.
As Chen Xi and Jia Xu continued chatting, they kept an eye on Lu Su. If he didn't let them through, they would be stuck outside, left to enjoy the breeze. Fortunately, the autumn wind wasn't too cold yet.
If it were truly cold, Lu Su would probably be the first to leave. After all, as a top strategist with an ice-based spiritual talent, it was ironic that he couldn't endure his own power. How tragic.
"Finally, someone's here," Chen Xi said with a smile as he saw a small carriage slowly approaching.
"Kongming?" Jia Xu remarked, clicking his tongue in wonder. He hadn't expected Liu Bei to invite Zhuge Liang. "He's finally ready to take the stage. You won't have the chance to lead him anymore."