“Since the governors of all states and counties believe that the emperor’s uncle has made great contributions and deserves to be crowned king, then I will follow the will of the people and crown the emperor’s uncle the King of Chu!”

In the palace, in the main hall, Liu Xie, who was sitting on the dragon throne, spoke with a trembling voice and through gritted teeth.

Only Liu Xie himself understood what a big decision he had made by saying this.

Liu Xie understood that once he had conferred the title of King of Chu on Liu Wu, he would never be able to take it back, and even the throne was gradually drifting away from him.

He was very unwilling.

However, public opinion was overwhelming, and all the states and counties were Liu Wu’s people, and they all supported Liu Wu, so he simply could not refuse.

And if he really disagreed, he was afraid that he would completely break up with Liu Wu.

Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and the others looked at each other, then all bowed to Liu Xie and said:

“Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise!”

“Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise!”

These words were so harsh to Liu Xie that they made him tremble all over.

Soon, imperial edicts were spread to all parts of the world.

It caused a sensation among the princes, their own families and the common people throughout the world.

“The Emperor proclaimed:
In the past, the Han Dynasty was in trouble with the traitor Cao Cao. The country was in danger and the people suffered. I was in trouble and could hardly survive. Fortunately, my uncle Liu Wu, who was loyal and brave, raised an army and saved me from the water and fire. He supported the Han Dynasty and made great contributions.

My uncle Liu Wu was a brave warrior with extraordinary wisdom and strategy. He fought bravely against Cao Cao, Zhang Lu and other traitors in the six states of Jizhou, Yuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Youzhou and Jingzhou, and he went through hardships and hardships. He finally restored the prestige of the Han Dynasty and enabled the people of the six states to live and work in peace. He is truly my right-hand man and the pillar of the Han Dynasty.

Today, I have specially appointed my uncle Liu Wu as the King of Chu and bestowed upon him the royal crown to honor his great military exploits and outstanding contributions. I have also granted him the former territory of the State of Chu as a hereditary inheritance, so that he can enjoy eternal prosperity. I hope that Liu Wu, the King of Chu, will continue to uphold his loyalty and filial piety, assist me, and work together to promote the prosperity of the Han Dynasty and protect the peace of our country.

Admire this! “

The ceremony of enthroning Liu Wu as king was held grandly in Xiangyang City.

Emperor Liu Xie, in front of tens of thousands of people, personally crowned Liu Wu with the royal crown and bestowed upon him the seal of the King of Chu.

Why was the emperor’s uncle Liu Wu granted the title of “King of Chu” and obtained the territory of Chu?
This is a question that many forces and families are asking with resentment.

The reason is that he successfully rescued the emperor from the control of the traitor Cao Cao, and made great contributions to supporting the Han Dynasty, restoring the rule of the six states, and fighting against Cao Cao, Zhang Lu and other traitors. This is the document and annotation that Zhuge Liang sent to various places for posting, which can be regarded as an explanation to make Liu Wu’s title as the King of Chu more legitimate and worthy of the name.

The plaque of the former residence of the General of Cavalry has been replaced with “Place of the Prince of Chu”.

Prince Chu’s Palace, inside the main hall.

Liu Wu was dressed in royal robes and sat in the main seat, with Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, Huang Zu and others gathered below him.

“Your Majesty, now that you have ascended the throne of the King of Chu, you have attracted the attention of all forces in the world. The most urgent task is to clearly plan the territory of Chu and let all forces understand that Chu is a title bestowed by the Son of Heaven and cannot be violated.”

“In addition, the people of all places are eagerly waiting to know whether they are the subjects of the State of Chu, and what is the attitude of the King of Chu towards them?”

Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Wu and said.

This matter was, on the one hand, an external attitude aimed at making the various princes understand the territory of Chu State, and on the other hand, an internal statement aimed at winning the hearts of the people from all over the country over.

Liu Wu listened to Zhuge Liang’s words, nodded, and said: “Kong Ming, you are right. I have just ascended the throne, and I should make my position clear. As for the territory of Chu, let’s follow the largest territory of Chu during the Warring States Period. You can mark it yourself.”

“As for how to treat the people of Chu, I will personally express my position in writing!”

Liu Wu said.

Immediately a messenger came with writing brush and ink.

Liu Wu did not hesitate. After a little thought, he started to write.

“A letter to the elders and fellow villagers of Chu:

I am Liu Wu, and I have been granted the title of King of Chu by the Han Dynasty. I am now in control of the former territory of Chu. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and tears. I know very well that this is not the glory of one person, but the result of the joint efforts of the people of Chu and me, and the embodiment of the deep friendship of the Han Dynasty for Chu.

Since I received the order, I have been thinking day and night about how to repay the kindness of the Han Dynasty and how to live up to the expectations of the people of Chu. I swear to uphold benevolent governance, take the people’s heart as my heart, and take the people’s interests as my own. From today on, I will reduce the taxes of all citizens of Chu by 20%, and benefit every elder and fellow villager with real benefits, so that you can go to battle with ease and work together for a living.

I will also do my best to develop farming, build water conservancy projects, and improve people’s livelihood. I am willing to work with you to build a homeland so that the people of Chu can have enough food and clothing, live and work in peace, and share the joy of peace and prosperity.

I know very well that the position of King of Chu is not a crown of glory, but a heavy responsibility. I will always remember to put the people first and the country first, and live up to the trust of the Han Dynasty and the expectations of the people of Chu. I hope that I can go through the difficulties with you, create brilliance together, and make Chu a solid foundation for the Han Dynasty.

I would like to inform the elders and fellow countrymen of Chu that you will hear this good news and celebrate this great era together. I will work with you to seek common development and create a better future. I hope that Chu will prosper for thousands of years!
King of Chu Liu Wushu! “

Liu Wu wrote hundreds of words in a fluent manner. When the ink was dry, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong and others looked at each other in surprise. This letter written by Liu Wu to the elders and fellow villagers of Chu fully expressed Liu Wu’s deep love for the people of Chu, which was truly touching.

They all had to admire Liu Wu’s writing skills.

However, what really made the people of Chu feel that they had gained huge benefits was that Liu Wu actually wanted to reduce taxes for the people of Chu by 20%!

Food is the most important thing for people. In addition, this is a time of war, so food is even more precious.

This is a direct reduction of 20% in taxes.

One can imagine how happy the people of Chu would be when the territory of Chu was specifically demarcated and announced to the world.

However, the people of Chu were happy, which made Zhuge Liang a little uneasy.

“Your Majesty, you should think twice before making a decision. If we divide it according to the peak territory of Chu during the Warring States Period, there are six states. Even if we exclude Yangzhou and Xuzhou, which are no longer in our hands, we now have four states. Reducing the tax revenue of these four states by 20% is not a small amount.”

Zhuge Liang hurriedly bowed to Liu Wu, but he didn’t want Liu Wu to be impulsive. He naturally understood that Liu Wu wanted to show off in front of his people after becoming the King of Chu, but the cost was too high, right?
However, Liu Wu smiled at Zhuge Liang’s words and said:
“Kong Ming, you can’t think like that. In fact, no matter when, the strength of a country depends on the strength of its people. If the people of my Chu are all rich and strong, and have more children and raise more people, I can mobilize more and stronger troops.”

“In addition, the taxation of the Han Dynasty is already heavy, and the people have long been suffocated. If I relax with them, it may not be without benefits. When the time comes, the people of other states will see that the people of Chu are more prosperous, and I am afraid they will be envious and rush to settle in Chu. This will be enough to make the people under the rule of Sun Quan, Sun Shao, Cao Cao, Zhang Lu, Liu Zhang and other princes dissatisfied and leave.”

“In fact, if you pay attention to farming, you will find that with the widespread use of the curved plow, this year’s grain harvest can at least increase by 30-40%. We will only have more grain, and it will not decrease because of the 20% tax reduction of the State of Chu.”

Liu Wu told his subordinates about his considerations. In ancient times, agriculture was the basis of a country, and food was very important, so taxation was also important. However, Liu Wu did not think so. Coming from the 21st century, Liu Wu’s cognition was not limited to exploiting the lower-class people to obtain food. The high-yield crops of the American continent, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn, were all his targets. However, large ocean-going ships were still under development and had not been built yet. Otherwise, Liu Wu would have asked them to set off immediately.

“This… Your Majesty’s concern is reasonable. I will immediately send someone to spread Your Majesty’s writing to all parts of the Chu State!” Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Wu.

After confirming that Liu Wu did not make the tax cuts on a whim, Zhuge Liang did not dare to say much. In fact, Zhuge Liang thought that Liu Wu’s ideas of enriching the country and strengthening the people to attract people from other states made sense when he heard them.

Besides, the State of Chu was just established, so it should do something to establish its reputation.

After some discussion, Zhuge Liang integrated Liu Wu’s opinions and clearly marked the territorial scope of Chu State, and sent it to the world together with Liu Wu’s “Letter to the Elders and Folks of Chu”.

When the various princes learned that Liu Wu was named King of Chu and that the territory of Chu actually included six states including Yangzhou and Xuzhou, they were all in an uproar.

Sun Quan, who occupied Yangzhou, was even more angry and cursed Liu Wu for being unfilial.

Yangzhou, Hefei.

Wu Hou Mansion, inside the hall.

Sun Quan was very angry, slammed the table and shouted:

“Liu Wu is not a good son. I recommended him as King of Jingxiang, but he wanted to be King of Chu and even included Yangzhou as Chu’s territory. Doesn’t that mean Liu Wu can order me around?”

Sun Quan’s angry voice echoed throughout the hall, making everyone look grim.

Zhang Zhao’s face was uncertain, and he bowed to Sun Quan and said:
“My lord, we in Yangzhou must not recognize Liu Wu’s title of King of Chu. Otherwise, Liu Wu can really give us orders. If we don’t obey, I’m afraid we will fall into Liu Wu’s hands!”

However, even though Zhang Zhao said this, he felt very heavy in his heart, because even if they insisted on not recognizing Liu Wu as the King of Chu, would it be useful?
I’m afraid that everyone in the world thinks that Yangzhou is part of the State of Chu. The King of Chu issued an order, but Sun Quan did not listen. Liu Wu is afraid that he can attack Sun Quan in any way he wants, and no one will say anything.

This is the name of righteousness.

“I will not listen to that little Liu Wu. I will send an envoy to Cao Cao immediately. Jiangdong wants to form a deeper alliance with him. I hope that if Liu Wu sends troops to Yangzhou, Cao Cao will immediately send troops to help.”

“Also send an envoy to Xuzhou to meet my nephew. Zhou Yu has been taken to Xiangyang. Now Liu Wu wants to annex Xuzhou and Yangzhou to Chu. The Sun family must ally. Otherwise, Liu Wu can send troops to Xuzhou and Yangzhou at any time, and then everything will be over.”

Sun Quan gritted his teeth and gave the order.

If it is said that Liu Wu was very intimidating to Jiangdong before, forcing Sun Quan to please Liu Wu by asking for the title of king for him, then now it is not just a simple threat. Now Liu Wu is like a sword hanging over their heads, ready to fall at any time. How can Sun Quan not feel a strong sense of crisis?

“Yes! We should send people to Cao Cao and Xuzhou immediately!”

Zhang Zhao nodded, agreeing with Sun Quan’s words.

Just when Sun Quan was jumping up and down anxiously because he felt a strong sense of crisis because Liu Wu was named King of Chu and established the State of Chu.

When Cao Cao in Luoyang heard the news, he was so angry that his head started to hurt.

Sikong Mansion, inside the hall.

Cao Cao was explaining the strategies of war with his sons Cao Zhi, Cao Pi, Cao Chong and others when his subordinates suddenly reported that Liu Wu was named King of Chu and established the six states of Chu.

“How could this villain be crowned the King of Chu and have the six states of Chu established? He even called Cao a traitor? How could he have the face to do that?”

Cao Cao cursed and covered his head with his hands, his face full of anger.

Cao Cao suffered repeatedly at the hands of Liu Wu, and he even watched Liu Wu grow stronger step by step, stealing Da Qiao from Jiangdong, Zhen Mi, the beauty from Hebei, Madam Mi, and Madam Gan. Now he has been crowned King of Chu and established the territory of six states. This irritated Cao Cao and made him feel a resentment that was difficult to relieve.

On the side, Cao Zhi, who was already fifteen or sixteen years old, his brother Cao Pi, and Cao Chong, who was almost ten years old, were all shocked beyond words by their father Cao Cao’s disarming performance.

Cao Cao has always held a high position in the eyes of Cao Zhi, Cao Pi, and Cao Chong. They have never seen Cao Cao so excited and angry.

Cao Cao slowly closed his eyes and controlled himself to calm down. However, when looking at the “Letter to the Elders and Fellow Villagers of Chu” written by Liu Wu, Cao Cao could not hide his fatigue.

He was already 62 years old, and faced with such a powerful enemy like Liu Wu, he only felt a sense of powerlessness. Even if he still had the courage to compete with Liu Wu, how old could he live? How long could he live?
Cao Cao’s eyes suddenly turned to his second son Cao Pi, third son Cao Zhi, and seventh son Cao Chong.

Especially when he looked at Cao Zhi and Cao Chong, his eyes were filled with deep expectations.

Cao Zhi was his third son. He was precocious and intelligent. When he was over ten years old, he had recited hundreds of thousands of words of poetry, essays and prose. He was also good at writing and could compose poems on the spot. He was deeply loved by the emperor.

Cao Chong was his seventh son, and the one Cao Cao loved the most and had great expectations for.

The main reasons are as follows:
Intelligence: Cao Chong was extremely intelligent since childhood and was known as a “child prodigy”. When he was five or six years old, he showed intelligence that was not inferior to that of adults. For example, the story of him using a mirror to make a pheasant dance was widely circulated, and he weighed an elephant when he was eight years old. Such intelligence made Cao Cao look at his son with new eyes.

Cao Chong was not only smart, but also kind-hearted. He used his wisdom to help others many times, and this kindness was also valued by Cao Cao. After all, Liu Bei won the trust of the people of the world with this.

In addition, Cao Chong’s personality has many similarities with Cao Cao. When Cao Cao saw these characteristics in Cao Chong, it was as if he saw himself when he was young. This resonance also deepened his love for Cao Chong.

Whether it was Cao Zhi or Cao Chong, Cao Cao had high expectations for them.

If so, Cao Zhi and Cao Chong could achieve something in politics and military affairs, with their talents, they might be able to continue to compete with Liu Wu in the future.

All of Cao Cao’s sons were outstanding, whether it was Cao Ang who died young, or Cao Pi who was both civil and military, or the intelligent and spiritual Cao Zhi, or Cao Chong who knew how to weigh an elephant at the age of six, they were all outstanding figures. Although Liu Wu was strong, could Liu Wu’s sons be compared with Cao Cao’s sons?

“Pi’er, Zhi’er, Chong’er, the world will be yours in the future. Your father is old, but you are young. Liu Wu has now forced the emperor to make him the King of Chu, and he also demanded six states and half of the country. He is a real traitor and a big villain. You must study hard and win honor for your father in the future.” Cao Cao said to Cao Pi, Cao Zhi and Cao Chong in the expectant tone of an old father.

(End of this chapter)