At these words, everyone turned to Yang Biao.
They had all thought the idea of surrendering land had come from that old fox Yang Biao. Yet it had actually been Yang Xiu's idea?
Yang Biao said slowly, "Dezu told me that the Han Dynasty has yet to be restored, and the realm has yet to be united. Scrambling for profit will only invite His Majesty's disgust."
"His Majesty's heavenly might is as vast as the sea, its depths unfathomable. Letting immediate gains blind us will only cost our families the chance of lasting prosperity."
"The Zhen Clan has given the Imperial Court countless contributions, never weighing its gains against its losses. Though its expenditure is immense now, you should all be able to foresee how prosperous it will become once the realm is united."
"The land reclamation policy is His Majesty's sound plan for reassuring the people. If we exploit it to seize vast tracts of land, His Majesty may have no legal grounds to punish us, but would he not keep an account in his heart?"
"When that account has piled high enough one day, the time will come to settle it. By then, regret will come too late."
"Would you not agree?"
After Yang Biao finished, everyone fell silent. Their eyes flickered as they began weighing the benefits and drawbacks.
Seeing their expressions, Yang Biao knew his words had worked, so he continued, "That is why I did this not only for the Yang Clan, but with all of you in mind as well."
"By surrendering seventy percent of our land now, we at least retain thirty percent, while also letting His Majesty vent his resentment. It is a good thing through and through."
"And let me offer you a word of advice: whenever matters concern the state