Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 250 Establishing Rules

The resounding edict establishing Chang'an as the capital spread like thunder across the land, swiftly reaching every corner of the empire and evoking profound and complex resonances. In Guanzhong, there was a quiet clamor and anticipation as countless laborers and artisans were about to be conscripted for the massive project; in Luoyang, the establishment of its status as the eastern capital sparked a new wave of political investment and commercial activity; in Beidu, a mixture of joy and slight disappointment arose as the "birthplace of the dragon" was elevated to a secondary capital. But in the imperial court, the decision to establish the capital was merely the beginning of a far larger, more meticulous, and far more crucial project for the empire's long-term stability—to establish a set of laws and regulations for the newly born Xingqi Empire, one that would build upon the past and pave the way for the future, a system that was both stable and dynamic.

After the court session, Chen Xing did not return to the inner palace to rest, but instead moved to the Wenhua Hall, located east of the Taiji Hall. This place temporarily served as his venue for handling confidential matters and summoning close officials. The hall was simply furnished, yet it appeared exceptionally imposing due to the mountains of maps, documents, and books piled up inside. Jia Wen, as well as Lin Wan'er, who had been specially summoned, were already waiting there.

Chen Xing sat behind his desk, several different versions of "Draft Discussions on Official System" and "Essentials of Rites" laid out before him. He rubbed his temples and looked at the two men: "Establishing the capital in Chang'an is to establish its 'form.' The laws and regulations are to establish its 'spirit.' Only when both form and spirit are in place can the empire be strong, vigorous, and function smoothly. Prime Minister Jia, Wan'er, I entrust this matter to the two of you."

Jia Wen bowed respectfully: "This old minister will certainly do his utmost. Lin Daizhao is quick-witted, well-versed in classics and history, and familiar with the literary tradition of Jiangnan. She is truly an excellent choice to assist in this matter." He was quite polite to Lin Wan'er, both because of Chen Xing's high regard for her and because he had witnessed her talent and learning over the past few days, which was far beyond that of ordinary young ladies.

Lin Wan'er bowed gracefully, her voice clear and respectful: "Your Majesty's trust in me is truly admirable. I am deeply humbled. I will certainly assist Prime Minister Jia wholeheartedly, filling in any gaps and daring not to fail Your Majesty's grace." She knew that this was her opportunity to formally enter the core institutional design circle of the empire, but also a tremendous challenge. She had to demonstrate sufficient value and loyalty.

Chen Xing nodded and got straight to the point: "My idea for establishing systems should follow the twelve-character principle of 'inheriting the ancient traditions, reforming corrupt practices, establishing new ideas, and seeking practical results.' We cannot completely abolish the old systems of the previous dynasty to avoid instability; nor can we stick to the old ways and eliminate accumulated problems; moreover, we must have innovations that are in line with the spirit of our new dynasty and conducive to long-term governance; ultimately, everything must be based on whether it can operate effectively, enrich the country and strengthen the military, and stabilize the people."

He tapped the manuscript on the table: "The most important thing is the official system. The Three Departments and Six Ministries framework can be inherited from the Sui and Tang systems. This is a time-tested central structure with clear responsibilities and powers, which is conducive to centralization and efficiency. However, the specific official titles, ranks, number of personnel, and methods of promotion and assessment need to be carefully considered. In particular, we must consider balance—balance between civil and military officials, balance between old officials in the north and newly annexed officials in the south, and balance between meritorious officials and those from humble backgrounds who passed the imperial examinations."

Jia Wen pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty's words are quite correct. My initial idea is that the heads of the Three Departments should not be appointed lightly for the time being. Instead, they should be given the title of 'Co-Chancellor of the Secretariat and the Chancellery,' which would allow Your Majesty to exercise the power of a prime minister, making it easier for you to control them. Below the Six Ministries, each should perform its own duties, but some temporary or specialized 'Cao' and 'Ju' can be added to meet the needs of the new dynasty. At the local level, the three levels of prefectures, counties, and districts can be temporarily retained, but the powers and responsibilities of the governors and prefects should be strengthened, and censors should be established to supervise and prevent them from becoming too powerful. As for those of noble rank, they can enjoy high salaries and honors, but specific political affairs should be handled through assessments and appointments based on their abilities, and should not be interfered with solely by their titles."

Lin Wan'er added, "Prime Minister Jia's considerations are comprehensive. In my opinion, the official system especially needs to pay attention to the distinction between the 'pure stream' and the 'turbid stream.' The official system of the previous dynasty emphasized the inner court over the outer court, civil officials over military officials, and officials in the capital over local officials. Moreover, important positions were mostly held by aristocratic families. Our dynasty could perhaps establish a system of regular rotation for officials both inside and outside the court, with both civil and military officials having a path to promotion, and strictly assessing merit, judging promotion and demotion based on actual political achievements, gradually breaking down the barriers of social class. In addition, although women do not directly hold official positions, for inner court or professional positions such as physicians, musicians, treasurers, and scribes, a system of female officials could be established as appropriate to give full play to their talents." She spoke her last point quite cautiously, her eyes secretly observing Chen Xing's reaction.

A hint of approval flashed in Chen Xing's eyes. Lin Wan'er not only saw the problem but also proposed specific and groundbreaking ideas, especially the proposal regarding female officials. Although it needed to be implemented cautiously, it was certainly a signal. "Wan'er's suggestions are excellent, especially the performance evaluation and rotation system, which are key to clarifying officialdom. The system of female officials... can be piloted first in the inner palace, the Imperial Medical Bureau, and some craft institutions under the Directorate of Works, and determined as appropriate. You two should draft a detailed proposal with specific provisions."

"Secondly, the system of rites," Chen Xing continued. "Rites are the order of heaven and earth, and the framework of human relations. With the establishment of a new dynasty, the rites of sacrifice, court assembly, ceremonial guard, weddings and funerals, and official attire must be established as soon as possible to clarify the hierarchy, establish the order of rank, and demonstrate legitimacy. This matter is particularly complex and concerns the world's perception."

Jia Wen's expression was solemn: "The system of rites is of paramount importance, concerning the Mandate of Heaven and legitimacy. This old minister has already instructed officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ministry of Rites to draft the grand ceremonies, referring to the rites of Zhou, the system of Han, and the rituals of Tang, and taking into account the special circumstances of Your Majesty obtaining the Imperial Seal and unifying the North and South. Among them, the ceremonies for the enthronement ceremony, the rites for worshipping Heaven and ancestors, and the rites for conferring titles upon the Empress, Imperial Concubines, and princes and princesses are of utmost urgency. In addition, the ceremonies for receiving tribute from foreign vassal states, daily court audiences, and lectures on the classics also need to be finalized as soon as possible."

Lin Wan'er said softly, "Besides demonstrating majesty, the system of rites also has the effect of educating people and changing customs. I believe that when formulating it, some of the overly extravagant and complicated procedures of the previous dynasty can be appropriately simplified, and some ceremonies that reflect His Majesty's ideals of 'emphasizing agriculture and caring for the people' and 'respecting literature and martial arts' can be added. For example, personally plowing the imperial field, inspecting schools and offering sacrifices, and reviewing military troops should be established as regular practices, and the people should be encouraged to attend the ceremonies in order to achieve the real effect of education. At the same time, the court can issue the 'General Rites' to guide folk customs such as weddings, funerals, and sacrifices, but it should not interfere too much in detail and should retain a certain degree of regional differences."

"Yes, propriety should be moderate, authoritative without being harsh, and simple yet respectful. You two should discuss the specific standards with the officials of the Ministry of Rites." Chen Xing expressed his approval, then pointed to the third type of document, "Furthermore, the law. The 'Star Law' promulgated when I was in the Star Kingdom was a simplified law for wartime and governing the northern regions. Now that the empire is unified, we need to build upon it, drawing on the essence of the laws of the previous dynasty, to formulate a comprehensive, balanced, and fundamental legal code that meets the needs of the new dynasty."

Jia Wendao said, "This matter has been handed over to the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review, and scholars proficient in law have been recruited to handle it. The principle should follow His Majesty's previous advocacy—'The law values ​​fairness, and punishment should be used cautiously.' It is necessary to clarify the names of crimes, litigation, and trial procedures, abolish some cruel corporal punishments, and refine sentencing standards. In particular, for serious crimes such as corruption, treason, and murder, the legal provisions must be clear and severe; while for minor offenses and negligent crimes committed by civilians, leniency can be granted as appropriate, or fines or labor can be substituted for imprisonment. At the same time, it is necessary to establish a system of 'laws, decrees, regulations, and procedures' so that legal provisions and administrative regulations complement each other."

Lin Wan'er pondered: "The essence of law lies in its implementation and awareness. After the legal code is formulated, it needs to be printed and distributed to all prefectures and counties throughout the country. Local officials should be tasked with regularly explaining the law so that the people know, fear, and abide by it. In addition, we can consider establishing a subject called 'Law Studies' to select legal talents through the imperial examinations, thereby enriching local judicial officials and changing the previous practice of judging cases based on Confucian classics while neglecting legal provisions."

Chen Xing became increasingly satisfied as he listened. Jia Wen was mature and steady, with a good grasp of the framework; Lin Wan'er was meticulous and often offered insightful and innovative supplements. This combination of the old and the young might truly be able to build him a solid yet flexible institutional framework.

"In addition, there are the land system, tax system, military system, education system, currency system..." Chen Xing listed, "There are countless things to consider, and at least the principles and main points need to be established before and after the enthronement ceremony. Prime Minister Jia, you will oversee the overall situation and coordinate the various departments. Wan'er, you will focus on refining and revising the official system, the ritual system, the education system, and the wording of the laws. Each draft will be presented to me for my review."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the trees outside the hall that were beginning to sprout. He said slowly, "Institutions and regulations are not something that can be accomplished in a day, nor can they remain unchanged. When Xingqi was first established, we first built a solid trunk. The details and branches can be gradually improved and adjusted in practice later. But the direction and principles at the beginning must be correct, and we must focus on the long-term well-being of the empire."

He turned around, his gaze intense: "What I desire is not a fleeting moment of glory, but a foundation that will endure for generations to come. The burden on your shoulders is heavier than a thousand pounds."

Jia Wen and Lin Wan'er felt the trust and expectation in those eyes, as well as the heavy responsibility they bore. They bowed simultaneously, saying, "Your Majesty, we will do our utmost and live up to your trust!"