Three Kingdoms: Taking Over Liu Bei’s Legacy at the Start, Rebuilding the Han Dynasty Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Liu Qi arrived at the government office, and order had already been restored in the city.

Kuai Yue came forward with a stack of documents, reporting, “General, the investigation into Cai Mao’s usurpation of power, conspiracy for profit, murder of royal relatives, oppression of officials, and corruption has been concluded. Please review.”

Liu Qi waved his hand, saying, “This matter is entrusted to the deputy. I trust it will be handled according to the law.”

With the Cai brothers dead and Madam Cai dealt with, Liu Pan now held military power, so Liu Qi still needed to rely on these people for the governance of the prefecture and could not afford to offend them all.

Kuai Yue continued, “The Cai family’s servants are easy to deal with, but this matter also involves the Huang family. Should we investigate further regarding Madam Cai?”

“The Huang family?” Liu Qi was momentarily taken aback, having forgotten that Cai Mao had a brother-in-law. “You mean Huang Chengyan?”

“Exactly!” Kuai Yue nodded slightly, looking at Liu Qi.

In Jingzhou, the most powerful families were the Cai, Kuai, and Huang families, and he wanted to see how Liu Qi would respond.

Unexpectedly, Liu Qi suddenly asked, “I’ve heard the Huang family has an unattractive daughter; has she been married off?”

“Ah?” Kuai Yue was caught off guard by the question and, after a moment of shock, replied, “She has been betrothed to Zhuge Liang, but they have not yet married.”

When Liu Qi thought of Huang Chengyan, the first person that came to his mind was Huang Yueying, which naturally led him to Zhuge Liang.

Liu Qi chuckled, “Isn’t Zhuge Liang’s brother-in-law from the Kuai family?”

Kuai Yue’s heart sank at this, thinking that perhaps Liu Qi wanted to forcibly implicate the Kuai family as well.

He quickly replied, “Although my nephew is betrothed to the Zhuge family, since Zhuge Xuan’s passing, Zhuge Liang has secluded himself in Longzhong, farming for his own amusement. The two families have little contact.”

Liu Qi smiled and said, “Deputy, you worry too much. I’m not inquiring about the Cai family. The main culprits like Cai Mao have been dealt with, and their crimes will be publicized to warn others. There’s no need to involve the innocent; we must stabilize people’s hearts as soon as possible.”

Only then did Kuai Yue breathe a sigh of relief and ask, “Should the Cai family’s property be confiscated? They have usurped over ten thousand acres of land; how should we deal with this?”

“Everything will be handled according to the law!” Liu Qi said, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Kuai Yue. “The usurpation of land likely isn’t limited to just the Cai family, is it?”

“Well…” Kuai Yue hesitated for a moment before nodding, “With years of war and natural disasters, the people are displaced. Many families are purchasing land and taking in the displaced to provide shelter.”

Liu Qi snorted softly, reflecting that the root of the turmoil at the end of the Han dynasty lay in the problems caused by the powerful families. Talent, land, and arms were all in their control, leading to the court being sidelined. Even the governors and magistrates depended on the favor of these prominent families to manage their regions effectively.

This was particularly evident in Jiangdong, where Sun Ce’s oppressive tactics led to his downfall. Sun Quan had no choice but to compromise, but in the later stages, he resorted to widespread killings, resulting in a sharp decline in the strength of Eastern Wu.

Liu Qi asked, “If we were to re-register the land and population in each prefecture and strengthen the taxes, what do you think, Deputy, would be the advantages and disadvantages?”

Kuai Yue clasped his fists and said, “If the general wishes to invigorate the administration and win the people’s hearts, re-establishing land records is unavoidable. However, reducing burdens and taxes is also essential, but this must be done gradually and not rushed.”

Liu Qi nodded with a smile, saying, “You speak wisely. There’s no need to investigate land matters in detail; we should simply re-register and clarify the tax system. All excess land should be confiscated.

Kuai Yue replied, “As you command!”

Talent, land, and the people are the decisive forces behind the rise and fall of a regime. During the late Han dynasty, land consolidation and monopolization of official selections meant that resources were controlled by powerful families, and the consequences were dire.

Liu Qi continued, “Currently, many places are concealing their populations and land, which is a significant issue with tax collection. With war looming, we must ensure sufficient funds and provisions. I hope the Deputy will prioritize public affairs, set a good example, and work together to safeguard Jingzhou.”

Kuai Yue was taken aback by Liu Qi’s hints and determination, quickly standing up and saying, “In a fallen nest, how can there be intact eggs? General, rest assured, we will do our utmost to handle this matter well.”

Liu Biao had long been sidelined by the Cai family, and although Liu Qi had dealt with them, his strength was still insufficient to confront the powerful families directly. What was needed now was stability in the situation.

He was now more concerned about the situation in Xinye; Cao Cao was likely to advance south. Stabilizing Nanyang was the first step before gradually implementing reforms.

Liu Qi sighed, “With my uncle harmed and no one to guard the north of the river, I must hurry to Xinye tomorrow. As for matters in the rear, I will rely on you, Deputy, to take care of them.”

“The responsibilities of my position require me to do my utmost; I dare not show any slackness.”

Kuai Yue readily agreed, but Liu Qi knew that these people were still watching and that their future actions would determine whether they would fully support him.

Just as he felt fatigued and was preparing to rest, Liu Xian arrived at the government office with someone. This person was tall and sturdy—he was Huo Jun, the commander of Jiangling.

Huo Jun was from Zhijiang in Nanjun. After his elder brother Huo Du passed away, Liu Biao appointed Huo Jun to lead his troops, and he was transferred here with a formal document.

Liu Xian held a list and said, “There’s also Li Yan, who is currently the magistrate of Zigui. With Yizhou being unstable, he hasn’t dared to move easily. Should we send someone to replace him?”

“No need. Promote Li Yan and assign him to guard Badong!” Liu Qi shook his head slightly and asked, “Is that all?”

Liu Xian shook his head with a wry smile, explaining, “Pang Tong has gone to Jiangdong for studies and hasn’t returned, while Zhuge Liang is reluctant to serve due to spring plowing…”

“Enough!” Liu Qi raised his hand to interrupt him, saying, “The recruitment of talented individuals should be communicated to all counties. Anyone who recommends useful talents will be generously rewarded. For those I have listed, we should not force it; let it happen naturally!”

“Understood!” Liu Xian was somewhat surprised, realizing that Liu Qi truly valued talented individuals.

He had expected Liu Qi to fly into a rage, employing the same harsh methods as a few days ago when he sent someone to forcibly bring Zhuge Liang to the government office for a severe reprimand.

Liu Qi then instructed Huo Jun, “Commander Huo, please rest at the inn first; tomorrow you will accompany me to Xinye.”

Huo Jun accepted the order and left with Liu Xian. Liu Qi couldn’t sleep the entire night; his eyelids began to feel heavy, and he returned home to rest.

Before he realized it, two days had passed. Upon returning to his residence, Liu was so excited that he wept tears of joy, and Du Ling attitude had changed dramatically. She had become gentle and obedient, like a little kitten.

She eagerly helped Liu Qi change his clothes and wash up, and without needing to be told, she climbed into bed with him.

The news of the Cai family’s downfall had shocked her, but she also understood that Liu Qi was her only support.

Feeling his hand moving gently, Du Ling face flushed like a peach blossom, and her breathing quickened as she pressed against his slightly thin chest, murmuring, “I am ashamed before you, my lord. For the rest of my life, I am willing to serve you, to be your cattle or horse…”

Before she could finish, she heard a loud snore. Looking up, she saw that Liu Qi had fallen into a deep sleep. She couldn’t help but pout her lips, her expression filled with sorrow.

She had asked Liu about the situation, and everyone in the Cai family had been captured and interrogated. Only she remained unscathed, clearly protected by Liu Qi. This thought made her secretly happy, and she resolved to serve him for life.

Last time, she had been reluctant, but Liu Qi had taken her by force. Today, having fully prepared herself, Liu Qi seemed completely indifferent. Had he lost interest in her?

Unbidden, she thought of the desolation of being abandoned. The heart that had just burned with passion now felt a pang of sorrow, and two streams of tears rolled down her cheeks.

Du Ling was filled with mixed emotions, anxious about gain and loss. Little did she know that Liu Qi was simply exhausted; he had been lively when he got into bed, but as soon as he lay down, fatigue washed over him like a tidal wave, overwhelming him.

His body had not fully recovered, and he truly felt the disparity between his will and his strength.