RR Chapter 283

Liang Feng had not studied history before, and when it came to ancient political economy, he only possessed the most basic understanding. After arriving in this world, he found himself grappling with a headache for a while. Simply reacquainting himself with the official system took quite some effort. Now, finally, in control of two provinces, his first thought was to innovate this intricate bureaucratic system.

As for the method of innovation, it was quite simple. Something that could last for a thousand years must have its irreplaceable uniqueness and advancement. Just like the imperial examination system and the three-province and six-ministry system.

The imperial examination system – Liang Feng had already introduced a preliminary version, and now he naturally wanted to make use of the three provinces and six ministries. However, this matter was much more complicated. Among them, the three provinces couldn’t be used temporarily because the Western Jin Dynasty already had the embryonic form of three provinces. The Ministry of Personnel managed the six ministries, dealing with the country’s daily affairs. To prevent the Ministry of Personnel from having excessive power, the Court of the Imperial Secretariat was established, entrusted with confidential matters and the issuance of decrees. The Ministry of State Affairs was the emperor’s attendants and advisory body, involved in politics but with a relatively low status.

The responsibilities of these three provinces were not entirely the same as those in later dynasties, but they were, after all, crucial to the country. Setting them up casually in provinces and counties would inevitably raise suspicions of rebellion. The only ones that could be borrowed and used were the six ministries.

The Western Jin Dynasty had a similar function, which was the six ministries under the Ministry of Personnel. The six ministries of the time were the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of the Central Hall and Five Armies, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Popular Affairs. However, the powers and duties were not clear at all. At the local level, there were additional positions like magistrates, warehouse officers, central army officers, Xing prisons officers, and West Hall officers, as well as officials in charge of household affairs, treasury affairs, taxation affairs, military affairs, and collection affairs, making it an overwhelming variety of bureaucratic positions.

To consolidate these complex political matters, one could only rely on chief clerks and assistant officials. The efficiency was low, not to mention monitoring two provinces, which was nearly impossible.

Therefore, the establishment of the six ministries was extremely necessary. However, Liang Feng had limited memories regarding this, so he could only tell the names of the six ministries to Duan Qin and let him figure it out. Unexpectedly, he quickly came up with a draft.

Sitting at the desk, Liang Feng opened the document. The first thing he saw was the names of the new “six ministries.” Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Are they all changed to ‘Office’?”

Duan Qin nodded, “After all, there is already the Ministry of Personnel in the court. If we copy that directly, it might raise suspicions. Using ‘Office’ would be fitting and can serve as your lordship’s private offices.”

On the document were written six names: Office of Personnel, Office of Household, Office of Military, Office of Justice, Office of Rituals, and Office of Works. Corresponding to the functions of the six ministries, it was concise and straightforward. Although the court had positions like the Minister of Works or the Grand Marshal, these specific offices were unheard of.

Liang Feng nodded, “Using ‘Office’ for provinces and ‘Ministry’ for the imperial court, that’s a method.”

In later generations, there is also such a framework, with departments and bureaus covering everything from the central to local levels. When the territory expands, the framework can be applied, and titles can be changed as needed.

Receiving Liang Feng’s approval, Duan Qin also felt relieved. He explained, “Each office can have a chief military officer, and under them, two assistant officials. The Office of Personnel manages the selection and assessment of officials; the Office of Household handles population, taxation, finance, and granaries; the Office of Military is in charge of inspections, military registers, military forces, and communication stations; the Office of Justice oversees laws and criminal justice; the Office of Rituals manages rituals, schools, and hospitals; the Office of Works is responsible for construction, water management, and workshops. With these offices, local affairs in provinces and counties can be covered.”

Provinces and counties are not as complex as the country, and their affairs are relatively simple. The six offices serve as a framework, overseeing various institutions underneath. Either bypassing or utilizing the originally numerous departments, they can be made to function smoothly and coordinated by the Governor’s office. Just on this point, who knows how much effort can be saved.

While listening to Duan Qin’s explanation, Liang Feng looked at the details in the document and only spoke after a while, “What about garrison farming?”

The role of garrison farming was not mentioned among the six offices. Seeing that the lord noticed this omission, Duan Qin explained, “Garrison farming involves too many aspects. In terms of population and land, it should fall under the Office of Household; in terms of provisioning troops, it should fall under the Office of Military. However, if it involves land reclamation and water management, it should be under the Office of Works. It’s challenging to allocate, so it’s up to the lord to decide.”

Garrison farming is a major policy in Bing County, and it’s no longer within Duan Qin’s authority to decide which department it should be assigned to.

After contemplating for a moment, Liang Feng finally said, “It should fall under the Office of Military, with coordination from the Office of Works.”

Currently, garrison farming in Bing County follows the model of the Tang Dynasty’s regional armies. Its military significance outweighs its civilian aspects. Moreover, Liang Feng already had a candidate for the chief military officer in the Office of Military. As long as a dedicated person is appointed with assistance from the Office of Works, it would suffice.

Duan Qin immediately grasped the implication, “I understand.”

After carefully reviewing the documents again, Liang Feng finally nodded, “I believe this approach is feasible. Tomorrow, gather people for discussion to identify any shortcomings. Once it’s finalized, implement it within the prefecture.”

Having said this, he added, “By the way, the matter of commercial taxes should also be reconsidered. Once Bing County and Ji County stabilize, trade routes are sure to open up. Along the coastal areas of Ji County, if we can establish a route leading to the Jiangdong region, the benefits will be immense. We must not underestimate it.”

Ji County is the equivalent of Hebei in later generations. Although Bohai Bay has not been developed yet, Liang Feng is well aware of the convenience of Tianjin Port. With conflicts prevailing in the northern territories, land-based trade routes are cut off. If a sea route could be developed from the Bohai Bay heading south, the profits in between would be immeasurable. The ceramics and glassware produced by the Liang household now require wealthy buyers. Those nobles who fled south would indeed be the optimal choice.

Once the trade routes are open, the benefits from commercial taxes would be considerable. Consideration could also be given to establishing salt fields along the coast, another indispensable source of immense profit. Moreover, breaking free from the Xiongnu’s control over salt pits from the ground upholds strategic significance that cannot be ignored.

Upon hearing this, Duan Qin’s spirits lifted, “The Lord’s considerations are comprehensive, far beyond what I could envision! However, with this approach, dealing with banditry along the way becomes an urgent matter.”

“Banditry?” Liang Feng, puzzled, asked, “The province conducts anti-banditry and military training multiple times each year. How is there still banditry?”

Duan Qin sighed, “They’re referred to as bandits, but in reality, they are private troops of various households. Back when Shi Chong served as the Inspector of Jing County, he plundered wealthy merchants and amassed a fortune of tens of thousands. Such incidents occurred even during the Taikang era, let alone the present.”

Banditry and military forces were problems that the Western Jin Dynasty couldn’t avoid during its reign. Not to mention Shi Chong, even when Lu Ji took office, he encountered banditry and stories spread about him persuading and convincing the bandits. However, the one who robbed him was Dai Yuan, the son of the Inspector of Kuaiji. If Lu Ji hadn’t been renowned far and wide, the outcome might have been different.

It’s not that the Western Jin Dynasty lacked laws; it’s just that all criminal laws were aimed at commoners. The principle was that officials and gentlemen were exempt from severe punishment. According to the Eight Deliberations system, crimes committed by close relatives, friends, virtuous individuals, capable individuals, meritorious individuals, nobles, diligent individuals, and guests must be deliberated for major offenses and pardoned for minor offenses. They were entitled to special treatment. This system fundamentally encompassed all noble families, turning them into a group exempt from the law.

In addition to the privilege of official rank mitigating the punishment and the rule of substituting a fine in copper for a criminal penalty, the noble families were unrestrained. This was the case even during the reign of Emperor Wu, let alone in the current chaotic era.

Liang Feng’s expression darkened, “Bing County is impoverished, and commercial taxes are a major source of income. How can we allow them to plunder? Enact a decree: anyone robbing and killing traders and travelers shall be treated as bandits, with no mercy! If noble families are involved, officials in charge will be dismissed, and their seized possessions will be doubly compensated!”

Duan Qin hesitated for a moment, “But the Eight Deliberations…”

Liang Feng’s lips curled up, “Who are the ones engaging in commerce now? None other than the noble and prestigious families. Where there’s one side suffering, there’s another benefiting. If we restrict the few with malicious intentions who harbor private troops, more noble families will profit. Moreover, I’m not seeking their lives; it’s just a fine in copper from the government.”

In the fledgling Bing County, the significance represented by an official position far outweighed the value of seizing a batch of wealth. The fine in copper was not a confiscation of a large sum but rather double compensation for the losses suffered by the victim. If they miscalculated, wouldn’t it be a case of losing more than gaining?

Looking at the refined yet solemn face before him, Duan Qin’s last bit of hesitation was blown away. The lord remained unchanged. Despite receiving promotions, expanding territories, and even the enlistment of various talents, he never allowed arrogance or complacency to take root. On the contrary, his thoughts and concerns became increasingly meticulous, often drawing profound insights that surpassed those of his ministers. How could such a person commit absurdities? Coming late today must be due to some delay in business. ‘I have indeed been overly concerned.’

Putting aside his worries, Duan Qin earnestly bowed, “I will take care of it immediately.”

※

“Shishao, have your private troops gone out?” Zu Ti, briskly entering the courtyard, asked his brother Zu Yue, who was currently drinking.

Zu Yue was startled and stood up, “Elder brother, what urgent matter brings you here so hastily? I haven’t sent out any troops recently.”

Hearing this, Zu Ti sighed in relief, “That’s good. The Governor has issued an order, strictly prohibiting plundering. Offenders will be killed without mercy.”

Now Zu Yue was thoroughly shocked, “He’s disregarding even the Eight Deliberations?!”

“If they are mountain bandits, they’ll be killed outright. If they are noble families, officials will be dismissed, and they must compensate the robbed merchants multiple times.” Zu Ti sighed lightly, “It seems the lord is truly angered, taking this matter extremely seriously.”

Hearing his brother’s words, Zu Yue couldn’t help but frown, “But this way, won’t we lose a lucrative source of income? There are so many merchants in Bing County, a couple of raids shouldn’t matter much…”

“Don’t act recklessly!” Zu Ti sternly admonished, “The largest merchant in Bing County is the lord himself. The white porcelain and glassware produced by the Liang household are renowned throughout the realm. There are also profits from carriages, farming tools, liquor, and more. Each of them yields considerable profits. If we act recklessly, we might become targets. We’re newcomers to Bing County; we can’t be impetuous!”

Zu Yue and Zu Ti shared the same mother, making their relationship very close. Hearing his elder brother’s words, Zu Yue could only obediently admit his mistake, “Elder brother is right. I will keep a low profile and avoid causing trouble for you, elder brother.”

Hearing his younger brother’s assurance, Zu Ti finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, over the past month, Bing County’s situation has undergone a tremendous change once again. The Governor’s office established the six offices, serving as the lord’s advisors and overseeing the provinces and counties. While the titles may sound odd, the intention was apparent—to unify Bing County and Ji County. Most of those appointed as chief military officers were the lord’s trusted confidants. The only exception was his younger brother, Zu Taizhi, who was appointed as a military officer in the Office of Works.

The Office of Works manages various affairs related to construction, water management, and workshops, handling substantial amounts of money and provisions. The governor trusts Zu Taizhi, and naturally, he also trusts him as the Chief Military Officer and the Prefectural Chief Clerk. If his younger brother were to cause trouble due to plundering, it would be a significant loss of face. Moreover, the path to wealth extends beyond mere plundering.

“With this decree in place, the Bing County and Ji County trade routes are likely to reopen. If you seize the opportunity, engaging in commerce could also become a major source of income.” After pondering for a moment, Zu Ti said to his brother, “Go find some clever, bold, and meticulous merchants to join us. If you can seize this opportunity, it will undoubtedly open up new avenues of wealth.”

As for the matter of commercial taxes, the Governor’s office is still in deliberation, and a conclusion is expected soon. However, considering the governor himself engages in commerce, the tax rates are likely not to be excessively high, and there might even be exemptions for the noble families’ trade caravans. The wisest approach is undoubtedly to take advantage of this favorable wind. When the superior has preferences, the subordinates will surely follow suit. Following the governor’s line of thought can’t go wrong.

At this moment, Zu Ti increasingly felt that his journey here was not in vain. In times of chaos, many people risk their lives and fortunes for territories. However, once they acquire the territory, how to manage it becomes a question that few consider. Some resort to extortion, some run amok, and there are countless instances of forcing people to leave their homes. Those who grow bigger and stronger with each battle, like the governor, are truly rare.

And if more territories fall into the governor’s hands? The world is sure to change!

Did those people from the era of Cao Cao also foresee such a future?

Zu Ti expelled the frustration from his chest. Compared to his old friend Liu Kun, his path was indeed the right one!

 

Author’s Note:

(Records of Jin) Zu Ti harbored the ambition to restore the state even when the country was in turmoil. He treated guests and followers who were brave warriors with great care as if they were his own brothers. At that time, there was a severe famine in Yang Province, and many resorted to theft and looting, plundering wealthy households. Zu Ti comforted and consoled them, saying, “Have you all returned from Nan Tang yet?” Some of them were arrested by the authorities, and Zu Ti always came to their defense.

(New Tales of the World) When Zu Ti’s chariots and cavalry crossed the river, he lived a frugal and austere life, with no indulgence in luxurious attire or decorations. Public officials such as Wang and Yu visited him and were surprised to see luxurious fur robes piled up and precious ornaments filling the place. When they asked about it, Zu Ti said, “Last night, we returned from Nan Tang again.” Zu Ti regularly led a group to carry out raids for money, and those involved in these activities never dared to question him.

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