Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
At the fifth watch before dawn, as the sun began to rise in the east, the sealed palace gates slowly opened. It was another routine court session.
As usual, the courtiers lined up outside the palace gates, and civil and military officials entered from the east and west gates respectively. Drums and music played, and “Long live” cheers echoed, as they paid respects to the emperor.
When the emperor ascended the imperial throne, the officials took their seats. Gao Bao, the Gentleman of the Palace, carefully arranged his robe and sat beside the officials. Holding the imperial register, he prepared to record.
Like other scholars from the Chongwen Hall, Gao Bao was also appointed an official after the founding of the nation. He entered the Qintian Observatory, served as an editor of national history, and was well-versed in historical studies. His work in compiling history was notable. However, two months ago, the previous Gentleman of the Palace retired, and Guo Pu, a scholar in the Imperial Academy, took the opportunity to recommend him to the emperor. Perhaps having heard of his talents, the emperor appointed him to the position of Gentleman of the Palace.
In terms of official ranks, the difference between the Gentleman of the Palace and the editor of national history seemed insignificant. However, the editor of national history was just an assistant official in the Qintian Observatory, while the Gentleman of the Palace was under the jurisdiction of the Secretariat, entering the palace every day, accompanying the emperor closely – a close minister to the emperor. It was a benefit that couldn’t be obtained through normal means, and Gao Bao naturally cherished it. Therefore, he had been diligent in his duties these days, not daring to neglect even the slightest detail.
With the pen poised over the paper, Gao Bao focused, attentively listening to the reports in the court.
Currently, the most crucial aspect of the military campaign is the situation in Yong County. The Grand Military Commissioner and the Minister of War successively reported on the war’s progress. This battle was unlike the cautious approach in the previous campaign against You County. Currently, a secondary force had recaptured Fengyi County, and General Yiyan personally led the troops, stationed in Basha, exerting pressure on Chang’an. It seemed like a strategy of encirclement and reinforcement.
Chang’an was a fortified city no less formidable than Luoyang. Siege tactics were more favorable than direct assaults. However, this also led to significant consumption of provisions. Fortunately, Zhao had experienced several years of abundant harvests, and with two years of peace, there was no shortage of supplies. On the other hand, the Han and Xiongnu were in continuous internal strife, facing locust plagues, and had to guard against the threat of the Great Zhao army. They likely had scarce surplus grain. In less than two months, their situation was bound to become chaotic.
The situation on the battlefield was clear, and the reports did not take much time. However, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Zhang Bin, mentioned a rebellion that occurred in You County’s Tuoba clan. Duke of Daijun, Tuoba Yilu, angered his eldest son, Tuoba Liuxiu, due to his favoritism towards his younger son. This led to a rebellion where Tuoba Liuxiu killed his father and younger brother, declaring himself the Great Chanyu. Tuoba Yulu sought assistance from Great Zhao, hoping to send troops to suppress the rebellion.
On the imperial throne, Liang Feng frowned slightly, “Rebellion against the superior, patricide, and fratricide—such heinous acts deserve punishment! I command Xie Kun, the Inspector of You County, to assist Tuoba Yulu in suppressing the rebellion.”
The Duke of Daijun was enfeoffed by the court; being killed now, it was impossible to let the matter rest. Tuoba Yulu had also assisted the Great Zhao army in multiple engagements, making this command both justified and reasonable. However, those courtiers familiar with the border affairs of You County knew in their hearts that Tuoba Yulu was not the first in line to inherit the leadership of the Tuoba clan. Before him was Tuoba Pugen, the son of Tuoba Yilu’s elder brother. According to Xianbei customs, once Tuoba Pugen eliminated Tuoba Liuxiu, he could become the next Chanyu.
Now, Great Zhao intervened, assisting Tuoba Yulu in launching a campaign against the rebellion. If successful, Tuoba Yulu might become the new Xianbei Chanyu. In that case, how could Tuoba Pugen be content? Both were ambitious and capable leaders and regardless of who succeeded in leading the Tuoba clan, it could potentially stimulate their growth. However, the competition between the two tigers was likely to reignite internal turmoil within the Tuoba clan.
Yet, the intricate machinations of the court, when recorded by Gan Bao’s pen, boiled down to a simple sentence: “In the autumn of the fifth year, on the eighth day of the eighth month, Tuoba Liuxiu rebelled, killing the Duke of Daijun. The emperor ordered Xie Kun, Inspector of You County, to suppress the rebellion.”
After dealing with military and political matters, the Minister of the Revenue Department, Guo Xing, stepped forward and reported, “Your Majesty, I, Guo Xing, have the honor to submit the completed manuscript of the book ‘Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture.’ It has been meticulously reviewed by the Agricultural Affairs Bureau. I request Your Majesty to peruse it.”
Liang Feng immediately became attentive, saying, “Quickly present it!”
An attendant promptly presented two bound volumes of the book, placing them respectfully on the imperial desk. Liang Feng casually flipped open the table of contents, glanced for a moment, and nodded approvingly, “This single book can benefit millions of people! Reward the Agricultural Affairs Bureau with fifty taels of gold and two hundred pieces of silk. Order the Imperial Bureau of Books to print and distribute it to all provinces and counties!”
This reward was indeed generous, especially considering the nationwide distribution. Guo Xing immediately knelt to express his gratitude.
However, a censor from the Imperial Censorate spoke out, “Your Majesty, this should not be allowed! If the agricultural book leaks out and falls into the hands of rebels, wouldn’t it be troublesome? In my opinion, it should be published after unifying the southern territories!”
Though the words were impetuous, they carried some reasonable meaning. If the agricultural knowledge reached the hands of remnants of the former dynasty in the south and increased agricultural productivity, wouldn’t it create additional complications? It might be better to withhold the book until the entire realm was unified before publishing.
This perspective seemed to suggest a hidden agenda on Guo Xing’s part. He hastily defended himself, “Your Majesty, the climate differences between the north and south are significant. ‘Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture’ contains few farming and sericulture methods suitable for the southern regions…”
Before he could finish, Liang Feng interrupted, “No matter. All under heaven are my subjects. This benevolent act is meant to benefit the people and should be widely disseminated. If someone in the South is willing to use these good methods, should I fear them having a more prosperous populace? Moreover, the southern regions are unlikely to have such broad-minded individuals. Those who seek personal gain at the expense of the state are the real harm to the country.”
His words left the court in a brief silence. Indeed, if the book could significantly increase production, the aristocratic families in control of southern politics might prefer to keep it hidden, ensuring more yields for their own estates. To promote such beneficial methods, the Agricultural Affairs Bureau and agricultural officials needed to guide the ignorant common people step by step. Besides Zhao, who else would undertake such a thankless task? The influential families dominating the southern political landscape might even prefer impoverished and hungry farmers who would submit their meager harvests as tribute.
Such behavior, fattening oneself at the expense of the nation, would undoubtedly further fuel unrest. If the southern regions truly obtained the agricultural book, rebellion might be imminent.
The censor, realizing the gravity of the situation, showed a look of embarrassment on his face and knelt on the ground, “Your Majesty’s benevolence is evident. This official was narrow-minded and short-sighted. Please punish this official.”
Liang Feng spoke with warmth, “Rise. This agricultural book is only the beginning. In the future, it will include methods for cultivating the lands of Chu and Shu, Jingchu, Jianghuai, Jianguang, and other regions. During the Han Dynasty, every mu of land produced two stones of grain. Now, it has dwindled to one stone. This is a failing of the court and a shame for the officials. Governance lies in virtue, not in severity. Without the Three Emperors managing fire, fishing, planting the five grains, and the Five Emperors pacifying chaos, controlling water, and abdicating to govern the world, where would the governance of the Three Dynasties come from? I do not dare to compare myself to Yao and Shun, but I also have the heart to show benevolence and benefit millions. In the future, regardless of the Six Ministries, any methods benefiting the people can be disseminated throughout the realm!”
This round of praise prompted all courtiers to bow in admiration. Gan Bao suppressed the excitement in his heart and quickly noted, “The Agricultural Affairs Bureau submits ‘Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture’ for Your Majesty’s perusal. Delighted, he said, ‘Governance lies in virtue, not in severity. Any methods benefiting the people can be disseminated throughout the realm.’ Orders for publication in provinces and counties.”
However, in the face of this chorus of praise, Liang Feng remained indifferent. After five years of governance, he had long understood that in an era where education was not yet widespread, restraining the aristocracy was like seeking fish on dry land. In the regular examinations, more than half of the positions were filled by aristocratic offspring each year. As long as they were willing, talents were abundant, and they held the upper hand. Even if commoners were appointed, these hungry power brokers would find ways to amass wealth, consolidate land, and expand their influence. Sooner or later, when the contradictions reached their peak, those deemed as ants, the commoners, would once again raise the banner of “rebellion” to stir up a redistribution of benefits.
No one can sever the greed in people’s hearts. However, Liang Feng knew one thing: the economic foundation determines the superstructure, and productive forces determine production relations. To delay the arrival of this revolution as much as possible, the simplest way is to continuously increase productive forces and retroactively transform production relations.
And basic science is the key to everything. Writing agricultural books encourages agricultural development. Promoting various crafts broadens the thinking of artisans. Providing a broader path for those researching mathematics, chemistry, geography, mechanics, and even basic physics. Using the “Emperor’s preference” to carve out a narrow gap on the high wall. Perhaps some clever individuals will notice, but these scientific advancements are equally important for the elites with vast estates. Who wouldn’t get along with money?
Coincidentally, during the transition from Wei to Jin, it was an era where Confucianism was at its lowest point in five hundred years. When Huang-Lao re-entered the upper echelons, could it also revive the hundred schools of thought?
In terms of governance, Liang Feng did not intend to replace Confucianism with science. However, these technological developments would undoubtedly become a powerful supplement to governance. When there is a renewed understanding of the volume of the Earth, knowing that beyond China, there are boundless territories. Will the deadlock of the three-hundred-year cycle also change?
He didn’t know if doing so was entirely correct, but in his lifetime, these actions would undoubtedly drive social progress, allowing lower-class people to live more comfortably and with more dignity.
For him, these achievements were far more valuable than the title of a sage emperor throughout the ages.
After announcing the policy of printing agricultural books and decentralizing governance to provinces and counties, Liang Feng handled several other political matters before declaring the end of the court session. Gan Bao quickly packed up his writing tools, rising to follow behind the imperial carriage. In his short two months as the Attendant to the Imperial Study, he had learned that the current emperor was diligent in state affairs. After the regular court session, the emperor usually returned to the Chuigong Hall to review memorials and sometimes summoned important ministers to report. As an Attendant to the Imperial Study, Gan Bao couldn’t speak casually. The emperor also didn’t seem to consult him on state affairs as he did with the former royal scribe.
Sitting quietly in a corner, Gan Bao diligently fulfilled his duties, recording the emperor’s activities for the day. During the emperor’s mealtime, he was even granted a space in the corridor to eat. Sometimes, Gan Bao couldn’t discern whether the emperor truly valued the records of daily activities or dismissed them entirely.
Restraining the emperor’s words and actions with daily records adheres to ancient rites. His Majesty has gone a step further by establishing a specific Attendant to the Imperial Study. The records are also to be handed over to the court historians to compile into official annals for future generations to peruse. This undeniably demonstrates the emperor’s emphasis on historical accounts. However, strangely enough, the emperor does not restrain himself in the presence of the Attendant to the Imperial Study. Even if there are occasional slips of the tongue, he does not summon the Attendant to censor the records. He just lets it flow naturally and lets him annotate the books.
Perhaps this is the demeanor of a generation of wise rulers. The events of today have indeed left Gan Bao with many emotions. After finishing his meal, he returned to his original position. At that moment, an urgent report was delivered to the palace.
It was a war report from Yong County! Even Gan Bao couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Is there another victory?
However, unexpectedly, when the emperor opened the letter and quickly scanned its contents, he burst into laughter, saying, “Being so bold and reckless, this will surely drive you mad.”
In that laughter, there was both reprimand and helplessness. More importantly, there was an indifferent familiarity. Gan Bao’s fingers trembled, and a drop of ink stained the paper. He quickly lowered his head, pretending to be engrossed in writing. However, his heart was in turmoil, as if he had heard something he shouldn’t have.
But the emperor paid no attention to him and promptly responded to the military report. He then summoned the Grand Marshal to discuss the military situation.
A few days later, true victory reports arrived. General Yi, luring out 30,000 troops of the Xiongnu with 5,000 soldiers, surrounded and defeated them. How could this be described as “bold and reckless”? Gan Bao couldn’t help but smile bitterly; it seems that the palace rumors were not unfounded. When General Yi returns to court, how should he record it in his daily notes?
