Luonan.
Ever since Xu Guozhong coerced the Emperor to move the capital to Luonan, the court has been in disarray. Especially with the sudden and mysterious death of the Empress Dowager, all suspicions pointed towards Xu Guozhong, causing widespread negative impact. Coupled with the Emperor's deposing of the Empress, it made the people and ministers of Luonan despise Xu Guozhong. Although they did not express it openly, their loyalty waned, and very few remained as true confidants to Xu Guozhong.
How significant is this impact?
First, let's talk about grain. The noble families and commoners below would not willingly hand over their grain. When you send troops to forcibly collect, the noble families and wealthy merchants claim they have no grain, even daring you to search. Having hidden the grain, the search comes up empty. When desperate, they threaten with their lives and offer only a symbolic amount.
This is the way of the noble families.
