Leaving the Black Mountain army camp, Lu Ming deliberately brought Zhang Yan's daughter, Zhang Ying, along, just to show Zhang Yan.
The Black Mountain army was large, with over 200,000 regular troops.
Lu Ming had divided them, placing half in Bingzhou and half in Jizhou…
He only left behind those who refused to leave.
He forcibly relocated them, showing no mercy, offering only meager benefits, leaving them to figure things out themselves.
Lu Ming didn't have the time or energy to persuade them one by one.
As for what would happen afterward, Lu Ming wasn't worried. After sudden wealth, most people would find it hard to control their true nature, becoming frivolous, arrogant, disdainful, and overbearing…
At that time, a single mistake would be enough to deal with them, forcing them to return everything they had taken, with interest.
Passing an inn, Lu Ming had his men disperse, pretending to be travelers.
This is Zhang Chun's inn, located on a major thoroughfare, making it very profitable.
Replenishing food, water, and resting—the last stop before venturing into harsher terrain—is always a lucrative opportunity. As a shrewd businessman, Zhang Chun immediately recognized the potential of these key locations.
In legitimate business, all you need is a prime location. With your power and influence, no one dares to try and exploit you.
Naturally, you can make a lot of money. There's no need to force or deceive farmers into selling their land. The biggest landowner in the world is probably Lu Ming himself.
On his land, he can do whatever he wants without needing to negotiate with anyone. Those without land can be hired as laborers; there's no harm in that, and they won't starve.
Having the land in his own hands is far better than having it in the hands of farmers.
At least in his hands, no one is foolish enough to try anything funny.
Lu Ming arrived at the inn, where many of the staff were actually his personal guards in disguise.
He led his sisters, his younger sister, and Diao Chan to a private room. His sisters and Diao Chan went to rest, while his younger sister, Lu Qing, dressed in men's clothing, accompanied him to the main hall for dinner.
Immersing oneself in the lives of ordinary people and listening to their conversations is very useful for rulers. While not everything is useful, it can at least reveal some problems, some unseen issues.
For example, the character of the village head, the local officials, and whether there are any local bullies.
The two people sitting at the table to his right caught Lu Ming's attention. He narrowed his eyes, "Cheng Yu and Guo Jia? Interesting."
The course of history has already been disrupted by Lu Ming…
And how history will unfold, Lu Ming dared not predict with certainty.
Some things, despite being at the wrong time and place, still happened. Like the falling out between Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo, Lü Bu's attack on Puyang, and so on.
Besides the talents from the Cao and Xiahou families, Cao Cao hadn't recruited many outside his ranks. Apart from Xi Zhicai, who was relatively well-known, he hadn't seen any other notable figures.
Lu Ming had originally hoped to see if the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix would appear ahead of schedule, but now he realized it was a waste of time.
"Brother Zhongde, are you still going to Xuchang this time?"
Guo Jia picked up a piece of beef and took a swig of wine.
Beef was the only thing available here; otherwise, slaughtering oxen without permission was a criminal offense.
Cheng Yu pondered for a moment, as if making a decision. "That's right, I am indeed going to Xuchang this time. The King of Qin has many talented people under his command; I wouldn't be able to make a difference."
Cheng Yu was different from Guo Jia, although both were scholars.
However, Cheng Yu's hometown was considered powerful in Dongjun, and not far from Cao Cao's territory.
For his own sake and for his family's, he needed to avoid opposing Cao Cao.
"But the world will ultimately belong to the King of Qin. Going to Cao Cao now offers no future."
"Given the Central Plains' status as a battleground on all sides, even if Cao Cao eliminates Liu Bei and Kong Rong within two years and seizes control of the Central Plains, he still won't be able to contend with the King of Qin."
"Furthermore, Lü Bu is causing trouble in Puyang, and Yuan Shu and Sun Quan are still to the south. It will be difficult to maintain stability in this battleground."
"Moreover, this year Chenliu has suffered from a locust plague; the common people are starving, let alone the army." "
Guo Jia was a strategist; he always viewed things from a strategist's perspective, analyzing carefully based on intelligence.
The other warlords weren't doing so well…
Cao Cao had already conquered half of Xu Province and was on the verge of destroying Liu Bei, but then Lü Bu appeared out of nowhere, capturing Puyang and, together with Taishan Commandery and Kong Rong in Beihai, forming a three-way balance of power—enough to deal with Cao Cao.
In You Province, Yuan Shao was thwarted, his army of 100,000 annihilated by Mi Heng's scheme, Wen Chou and Yan Liang severely wounded and fled, his strength greatly diminished. If it weren't for the Yuan family's stronghold…" It's still there, but it's likely already been annexed by Gongsun Zan!
Meanwhile, Lu Ming's army has taken over Ji Province and is gradually taking over and replacing it. Once things stabilize, it will be difficult to expel them.
Unlike other warlords, Lu Ming occupies Guanzhong, with stable prefectures that can provide provisions and troops. He also focuses on domestic development, resulting in a thriving commercial sector. Furthermore, he has opened up the Western Regions, reintroducing many rare treasures that are highly sought after by the aristocratic families of the Central Plains.
Moreover, the craftsmanship is exceptionally high. Just looking at the cement roads and bicycles is a refreshing sight. Alright.
Especially bicycles paired with paved roads—efficient and fast.
Guo Jia had the good fortune to see bicycles; their design was ingenious…
Moreover, a single bicycle would cost close to a thousand taels of gold. Yet, in Guanzhong, they could be purchased; even postmen and messengers were provided with them.
It is said that some people plotted murder and robbery, but every time they were apprehended, the powerful figures behind them were wiped out—from Jingzhou, the Central Plains, Xuzhou, and even Jiangdong.
Lu Ming had many wandering knights under his command; getting them to kill and commit arson was a real feat. This is their profession. They are vengeful and hold grudges, so no one dares to actually rob them; they can only buy obediently.
All things considered, Guo Jia believes Lu Ming has the greatest advantage.
Besides, the world is so vast; it always needs someone to manage it, right? This piece of the pie is just right; he can indeed get a share…
And perhaps his own family can be revitalized in the future.
Even a poor family, a fallen powerful family, is still much better off than an ordinary person; otherwise, commoners simply couldn't afford to support a scholar.
In this era, those who can afford to study are at least from families with surplus grain.