A year had passed. Cao Cao had rebuilt his forces and initially pacified most of Yan and Yu provinces, but his foundations were still shaky. After recent locust plagues and battles, the countryside was devastated, the land barren, and provisioning the army extremely difficult.
Chancellor’s Mansion, Council Hall
The atmosphere was heavy. Cao Cao’s face was grim as he reviewed the documents submitted—mostly urgent requests for tax relief, grain distributions, and reports of restless refugees gathering in counties, feared to incite rebellion.
Ren Jun, in charge of grain and forage, stepped forward, voice hoarse: “My lord, last year’s campaigns, compounded by the spring locusts, have depleted the storehouses. We cannot sustain the army for even three months. The new harvest will take time, and the outlook is uncertain.”
Xiahou Dun frowned. “Nearby counties have no surplus. Forced requisition may provoke unrest.”
Cao Pi, standing among the generals, spoke up: “Father, harsh measures are needed in times of disorder. Idle refugees—better conscript them. It strengthens the army and reduces potential threats. As for grain… perhaps we can ‘borrow’ from Liu Biao in Jing Province or requisition from the local gentry by persuasion,”—the so-called ‘persuasion’ was clearly backed by coercion.
Silence fell. Forcing the gentry or conscripting refugees could spark internal turbulence; the soldiers drafted from them would be unreliable and resentful.
At that moment, a clear voice broke the quiet:
“Father, uncles, may I speak?”
All eyes turned to Cao Zhi. Cao Cao looked up, studying him. “Speak.”
Cao Zhi stepped forward, hands clasped: “What my brother proposed may ease the immediate crisis, yet forced conscription, coerced contributions, or looting from neighbors are not long-term solutions. They are like treating a fire with dry wood—temporarily effective, but planting future hazards.”
Cao Pi snorted coldly. “And what wisdom do you offer, Third Brother? Shall we follow the sages and talk of benevolence while our soldiers starve?”
Cao Zhi ignored the mockery. “Father, in reviewing reports, I noted countless unclaimed wastelands left idle from war and disaster. At the same time, refugees wander without shelter. We spend large amounts of grain both feeding them and guarding against rebellion—this is a lose-lose situation.”
Cao Cao leaned slightly forward. “Go on.”
“My humble suggestion,” Cao Zhi continued, voice firm and methodical, “is to turn these two ‘problems’ into one ‘opportunity.’ Orders could be issued to survey all unclaimed lands, registering and recording them. Then, allocate the land to refugees and retired soldiers willing to farm.”
A stir ran through the hall.
“Preposterous!” Cao Pi leapt up. “Land is the foundation of the state! How can it be given to commoners? Many unclaimed lands are secretly claimed by powerful families. Are you courting conflict with the gentry?”
“Brother, please calm yourself,” Cao Zhi replied evenly. “This is not a gift. Those given land are registered under the state, under official protection. They may be exempt from taxes for a year or two, but must farm diligently. Once their productivity returns, they pay a modest fixed tax. This will:
1. Settle refugees with a home and reduce rebellion;
2. Cultivate wastelands, restoring harvests within two to three years, producing far more than short-sighted requisition;
3. Increase state revenue, stable and long-term.”
Turning to Cao Cao, his eyes ablaze, Cao Zhi continued: “Father, this is not charity—it is investment. Idle land now can yield future grain, soldiers, and stability. As for the gentry…” His voice hardened, “all lands belong to the state. Those who resist are opposing the court, revealing loyalty or hypocrisy.”
Among the advisers, Xun Yu’s eyes brightened, and Guo Jia nodded slightly.
Cao Zhi dropped the final bomb: “This policy may be called ‘tuntian’ (military farming), but its core is ‘land distribution and people’s welfare.’ Publicly, it shows father’s benevolence and restoration of the people’s livelihood, consolidating loyalty. With the people behind us, how could we lack food or soldiers?”
Silence. Every person in the hall sensed both the great potential and the risk.
Cao Cao tapped the table slowly, eyes scanning Cao Zhi, Cao Pi, and the various ministers and generals, weighing both opposition and the opportunity.
After a long pause, he said decisively: “Wenruo, Fengxiao, draft the details with Cao Zhi. Begin with one county near Xudu. Xiahou Dun, coordinate local forces—if the gentry obstruct… you know what to do.”
Cao Cao looked at Cao Zhi, eyes layered with admiration, scrutiny, and deep calculation. “Cao Zhi, since you proposed it, you will oversee the trial. If it succeeds, great merit. If it fails… hm.”
“I am ready to pledge my life and service!” Cao Zhi said without hesitation.
Leaving the council hall, Cao Zhi felt hundreds of eyes on him: wonder, admiration, jealousy, scrutiny… He knew this “land distribution” policy was both a boon for the state and a stone thrown into deep waters, stirring the undercurrents of the Cao Wei court.
Resistance was fierce. Cao Pi united with veteran officials and nobles to attack the policy.
On the council floor, Cao Pi argued passionately: “Third Brother’s plan seems idealistic, but it is a castle in the air! Competing with the people for land? It undermines those who fought and bled with father! Soldiers’ loyalty will waver!”
Cao Zhi remained calm, presenting data from the pilot county: “Brother, ministers, after three months of trial, refugee submission increased 50%, newly cultivated land doubled, autumn harvest expected 30% higher than previous years. The people are settled—no more banditry. These grain and manpower resources form the foundation for our army, do they not?”
He turned to the opposing nobles: “Your feudal rewards remain intact. This land is unclaimed; your interests are untouched. Prosperity here ensures long-term stability. If you hoard, the starving may revolt. Can your granaries withstand the anger of the people?”
Looking at Cao Cao, he added: “Father! He who wins the people wins the realm! With this policy, Yan and Yu provinces will be secure; grain and soldiers inexhaustible. Sweeping Yuan Shao and Liu Biao aside will be only a matter of time!”
Faced with clear data and logical argument, opposition fell silent. Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed: “Well done! My son understands my heart! Implement Cao Zhi’s plan fully! Anyone who obstructs will be treated as defying orders!”
Cao Pi’s smile stiffened; jealousy in his eyes could no longer be concealed.
After court, several previously neutral advisers, including Cheng Yu, nodded respectfully to Cao Zhi. Even officials of humble origins looked at him with eager admiration.
Back at his residence, Aqin reported: “Master, after Cao Pi left, he smashed a set of his favorite jade pieces.”
Cao Zhi traced the fragments with his fingers and smiled faintly.