Mythical Three Kingdoms

Cao Cao seemed to grasp something from Liu Ba's words, yet his mind was destined to have nothing to do with finance. Even though Liu Ba had explained to this extent, Cao Cao still did not understand.

"Ming Gong, if you consider the deposits Chen Zichuan signs as IOUs, you'll understand," Liu Ba said with a bitter smile. He had thoroughly understood how Chen Xi operated, but understanding it didn't help prevent it.

Cao Cao opened his mouth; the truth was surprisingly simple. It was just under a different name, and it was interest-free loans. In the Han Dynasty, what was most famous was usury, where big merchants backed by aristocratic families dared to lend to the state and actually recovered both principal and interest.

Now Liu Ba was telling him that Chen Xi's method was borrowing money, then writing IOUs, but his IOUs had a different label and came with the ability to trade, making those who borrowed feel convenient and overlook that it was essentially interest-free borrowing...

"Ming Gong, do you understand now?" Liu Ba asked with a smile, "This could be considered creating a clever disguise, and gathering money at the Money Exchange General Manor was actually to facilitate robbing Peter to pay Paul. However, Chen Xi's methods were so exquisite that no one could see through it."

"Thank you, sir, for resolving my doubts." Cao Cao immediately stood up, went to Liu Ba, and solemnly performed a grand salute. Though Liu Ba's explanation seemed simple, Cao Cao was well aware that even though everyone has their specializations, if even Xun Wenruo couldn't see through it, this person must be truly talented.

Liu Ba quickly helped Cao Cao up, his back already drenched in a cold sweat. On one hand, it was because all his strategies had been used by others; on the other hand, it was the gamble he took when directly mentioning the Money Exchange. What remained was a shock at Chen Xi's audaciousness.

In Liu Ba's view, the danger of these actions was enough to shake Liu Bei's foundation. Once the aristocratic families discovered the truth, even those who were pro-Liu Bei would have to stand against him.

"I wonder if sir would be willing to oversee the Money Exchange affairs for me here?" After being helped up by Liu Ba, Cao Cao immediately asked. In his view, if Chen Xi could play like this and do so well, then he should also have no problem copying him.

"It's not that it's impossible," Liu Ba hesitated for a moment, somewhat lacking confidence as he replied.

Though Liu Ba had seen through Chen Xi's operation method, the dangers within this method left him uncertain. However, seeing Cao Cao so earnest, Liu Ba thought that since he understood the principle, even if he couldn't do as well as Chen Xi, he wouldn't make too big a mess.

Before Cao Cao could express too much joy, Liu Ba spoke, "To build a Money Exchange, Ming Gong may need to prepare for it, and the policies under your governance need to relax towards commerce."

"This matter is not difficult," Cao Cao replied with a smile. Being able to gain the economic support of the Aristocratic Families Under Heaven with such subtle means made loosening commercial restrictions feasible.

"No, Ming Gong, my intention is to open up commerce, suppress monopolistic big merchants, eradicate wealthy merchants who are unrighteous, and support small and medium-sized merchants." Economics was Liu Ba's forte. Since he hadn't officially joined under Cao Cao, he first proposed some unconventional policies.

Cao Cao looked at Liu Ba, understanding what he was thinking. But Liu Ba had already proven his talent. At least in terms of money, perhaps no more than five in the world could surpass him, and this was extremely important! Cao Cao needed money.

"This strategy is acceptable," Cao Cao said after pretending to ponder for a while.

"Minister, Liu Ba of Jingzhou, Liu Zichu, greets my Lord," Liu Ba bowed his head immediately without saying more. Although Cao Cao was quite unattractive, Liu Ba was quite satisfied. In his view, only under Cao Cao could he truly showcase his talents.

Soon after, rumors in the Liuu Market of Chang'an said that Cao Sikong intended to relax commercial suppression, and at the same time, rumors emerged about a Money Exchange appearing in Yongliang.

This rumor scared the aristocratic families who intended to suggest building Money Exchanges almost to death. They didn't understand how their plans got leaked, and they couldn't help but lie low, waiting for the situation to become clear.

It's important to know that the Yongliang Aristocratic Families were planning to build a Money Exchange in the Emperor's name. But rumors about it had already spread in the market, leaving the families with endless resentment.

"Investigate!" Two Weii Family members almost simultaneously issued this order. Although the Money Exchange posed more restrictions on their two families than other families, they had to admit that commerce with a Money Exchange flowed much better than without one.

Though Cao Cao's intelligence organization was chaotic externally, internally, because it had to deal with the situation in Chang'an, it was quite tightly knit. When the aristocratic families began to move, Cao Cao's intelligence organization received the relevant information.

After Cao Cao met with the elders of the two Weii Families, he discovered that their thoughts perfectly suited his intentions. After hesitating on the surface for a while, Cao Cao expressed his willingness to respect the Weii Family, but the Yongliang Bank's General Manor must have someone from his side in name.

Regarding this aspect, the Weii Family had no room for consideration. Chen Xi hadn't mentioned who should manage the Yongliang General Manor. Originally, it should have been for the Weii Family, but Cao Cao asked for it, so they gave it to him. Whether Chen Xi was unhappy was not their concern; besides, he had never said that Cao Cao couldn't manage it, right?

Of course, these matters were more or less post-analysis. Currently, the Money Exchange issue and relaxing commerce, suppressing unrighteous monopolistic merchants—all these required a plan. As a result, Chen Qun, Sima Lang, Fan Qin, and Liu Ba were all busy.

Similarly, Liu Ba met those he thought were fame-seeking but were actually incredibly strong teammates. After silently observing them, he could only bitterly admit that aside from being better at economics, he was outmatched by these people in everything else.

Fortunately, Sima Lang and Fan Qin, who played a minor role, were very good-natured. As for Chen Qun, he used to be quite arrogant, but after being crushed repeatedly by his cousin Chen Xi and then again by Xun Yu, he became quite the gentleman.

As for Xun Yu, there was nothing more to say. His ability was extremely formidable, his character impeccable, never making people feel overbearing—a perfect gentleman.

This reassured Liu Ba a lot. His biggest worry was failing to integrate into this group, but now it seemed fine. Though he hadn't accessed overly secret information, and his official position was just the Minister of Works Chief Historian, it was obvious everyone regarded him as one of their own.

This feeling was great. Liu Ba felt he had to give his all for Cao Cao. However, when he saw the calculations from Liu Bei's side presented by Xun Yu, his heart skipped a beat.

This time, Liu Ba clearly understood the power disparity between the Feudal Lords and Liu Bei. The other side could indeed push forward to win the world in one go, no mere jest. Watching Xun Yu and others facing such mighty forces with composure, Liu Ba suddenly felt that perhaps they could indeed defy the odds. (To be continued. If you like this work, you're welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)