Suddenly, Sima Yi rose and stepped forward, cupping his hands. "Your Majesty, it is winter now. The weather is freezing and the ground is frozen solid. There is no work the common people can do."
Relief through work was certainly feasible, but it was difficult to implement in winter.
With winter upon them, they could neither clear wasteland nor build city walls. What could they have the common people do?
"That is precisely what I wish to discuss with you."
Liu Xie had anticipated this question. "First, we will have the common people build houses, allowing them to construct shelters for themselves."
"Second, I intend to establish a textile workshop and have the common people work there weaving cloth."
"I want enough winter clothing woven for every officer and soldier in the army as soon as possible. This is critically important, and our most urgent task."
Hearing the gravity in Liu Xie's voice,
all the ministers felt their hearts tighten.
Guo Jia frowned and asked, "Your Majesty, the officers and soldiers normally remain in camp during winter. Why must we weave so much winter clothing?"
Because of the cold, there was no training in winter, much less fighting.
The officers and soldiers spent almost all their time in their tents.
Under such circumstances, there was no need to expend vast amounts of manpower and resources making winter clothing. Those resources would be better spent producing weapons and equipment.
"Because we will need it very soon."
Liu Xie's expression remained calm. Raising his eyes to the ministers, he announced his decision in a grave voice. "I intend to send troops to attack Bing Province this winter."
The ministers were all shocked by his words!
Send troops to attack Bing Province in winter?!
Once he recovered, Zhang Liao said anxiously, "Your Majesty,