Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 251 Establishing Rules

The lights of Wenhua Hall burned night after night. The process of drafting regulations was like a riverbed fed by countless trickles, stretching forward arduously yet resolutely amidst disputes, compromises, flashes of inspiration, and repeated deliberations. Those involved were no longer just Jia Wen and Lin Wan'er. As the issues deepened and became more detailed, more and more ministers, senior officials, and even learned scholars and retired ministers specially summoned to court were drawn into this grand "institutional" project concerning the foundation of the empire for centuries. Every day, the Wenhua Hall and several adjacent side halls were filled with the faint sounds of people debating, the air thick with the scent of ink and tea, and a near-excited concentration.

The draft of the official system first took on a relatively clear outline. Under Chen Xing's general principle of "inheriting the past and innovating, seeking truth and balancing," Jia Wen and Lin Wan'er, together with officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Secretariat, revised the draft several times, finally producing the first version of the "General Outline of the Enlightened Official System." The core remained the Three Departments and Six Ministries system, but many adjustments were made:

The Secretariat was in charge of issuing orders, the Chancellery was in charge of rejecting orders, and the Department of State Affairs was in charge of execution. The heads of the three departments held high positions and wielded great power, but were not officially appointed. Instead, they were given additional titles such as "Third Rank of the Secretariat and Chancellery" or "Participating in State Affairs" to give core ministers and prime ministers real power, which made it easier for the emperor to control them and also left room for flexibility.

The Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Works were under its jurisdiction. Their functions and powers were largely the same, but the responsibilities of each department were refined, and new institutions such as the "Office for Encouraging Agriculture and Sericulture", the "Director of the Imperial Workshops", and the "Office for Maritime Trade" were established to adapt to the development needs of the new dynasty.

Locally, the three-tiered system of prefectures, commanderies, and counties was retained, but the administrative and some judicial powers of the governors and prefects were strengthened. The performance evaluation of county magistrates was directly linked to population growth, land reclamation, tax collection, and public security. At the same time, an independent supervisory system was established, with the Censorate dispatching circuit censors to inspect and supervise local officials and report directly to the emperor.

Meritorious officials were granted titles, land, and generous salaries, but without corresponding official positions, they were not allowed to directly interfere in specific government affairs. The promotion channels for civil and military officials were further opened up, with clear regulations establishing a system of regular rotation between officials in the provinces and the capital, and emphasizing experience in grassroots positions. The imperial examination system was formally established as the most important means of selecting officials, divided into regular and special examinations, aiming to break down social barriers and attract a wider range of talent.

After careful discussion, Lin Wan'er's proposal regarding female officials led to the decision not to establish an independent system of female officials for the time being. However, specific positions such as "female historian," "official in charge of regulations," and "official in charge of treasures" were established in institutions such as the Imperial Medical Bureau, the Imperial Workshops, and the Palace Attendants' Office. Although the ranks were not high, this set a precedent for women to hold public office based on their professional skills, which was of great significance.

The formulation of the ritual system was more complex and tedious, but it also had a unique "divine mandate" blessing due to the acquisition of the Imperial Seal. Under the guidance of Chief Administrator Jia Wen and Lin Wan'er, officials from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ministry of Rites, referring to ancient rituals and combining them with the special circumstances of Xingqi's founding of the country, formulated the "Essentials of Qiming Ritual System," which covered all aspects of sacrifices, court assemblies, investiture, weddings and funerals, official attire, and diplomacy.

Among them, the most crucial document, the "Procedures for the Enthronement Ceremony," has undergone several revisions, striving for solemnity and grandeur to highlight the legitimacy of "receiving the mandate of heaven and ruling the four seas." The rituals for offering sacrifices to heaven and ancestors are given special attention, with the location chosen at the planned Circular Mound Altar and Imperial Ancestral Temple in the southern suburbs of Chang'an. The ceremonies for bestowing titles upon the empress, imperial concubines, princes, and princesses have also been initially drafted, clearly distinguishing ranks and demonstrating imperial favor.

Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er's advocacy of "emphasizing agriculture and caring for the people" and "respecting literature and martial arts" was incorporated into the system of rites. The emperor's personal plowing of the imperial field, the empress's silkworm rearing, the inspection of schools and sacrificial rites, and the spring and autumn military parades were established as national rituals, and scholars and commoners were encouraged to attend these ceremonies to achieve the goal of "celebrating with the people and educating the world." For folk customs, the relatively lenient "Comprehensive Rites" were promulgated to provide guidance, respecting local differences and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

The revision of the law was another massive undertaking. Based on the *Xinglu* (Star Law), and incorporating the essence of previous dynasties' legal codes such as the *Tanglu Shuyi* (Commentary on the Tang Code), the *Qiming Zhidian* (Enlightened Code for Governance) was compiled jointly by the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and renowned legal scholars. Chen Xing's repeated emphasis on "fairness in law and caution in the abuse of punishment" became the guiding principle. The draft code abolished some cruel corporal punishments, refined the levels and applicable conditions of the five punishments, and clarified the procedures for litigation, evidence collection, trial, and review. It particularly stipulated severe and clear punishments for official corruption, treason, and murder. Simultaneously, it introduced the "redemption" system for some minor offenses and began exploring the establishment of a mechanism similar to "legal aid" to provide basic judicial assistance to the poor and helpless. Lin Wan'er's suggestions of "promulgating the law throughout the land and popularizing legal knowledge" and "establishing a legal discipline" were also adopted and incorporated into relevant supporting edicts.

In addition, regarding the land system, it was decided to combine and improve the "Equal Field Order" and the "Rental Labor and Tax System" which had already been effective in the north, and then gradually promote them to the whole country, but allow the implementation steps and transition periods in places like Jiangnan to be differentiated according to their actual conditions.

Regarding the tax system, Su Xiaoxiao strongly advocated for the "equalization of land tax and poll tax" pilot program, which would be implemented first in several prefectures and counties. At the same time, commercial taxes would be reformed, and a relatively unified customs and municipal tax system would be established.

In terms of military system, the system of combining the Fubing system with the standing army was established, which not only guaranteed the source of soldiers in wartime, but also reduced the financial pressure in peacetime, and made more detailed provisions for the mobilization, command, logistics and rewards and punishments of the army.

In terms of the education system, a hierarchical education system was established with the Imperial Academy as the core, prefectural schools, county schools as the backbone, and private schools and academies encouraged. In addition to classics and poetry, the content of the imperial examinations greatly increased the proportion of practical subjects such as mathematics, law, engineering, and agriculture.

Every draft of a new system would be submitted to Chen Xing. He would examine it meticulously, sometimes nodding, sometimes frowning, writing annotations and questions with a vermilion pen, or directly summoning the responsible officials to inquire about the details. He was not omniscient, but his visionary perspective and dedication to "practicality" often allowed him to pinpoint potential loopholes and impracticalities in the draft, or to highlight innovative points with long-term potential.

"In the draft official system, in addition to household registration and taxation, should the evaluation of local officials include soft indicators such as 'improvement of people's livelihood,' 'promotion of education,' and 'fairness in litigation'? How should these be quantified?"

"In the ritual system, the ceremony of personally plowing the imperial field is very good, but whether it can truly promote agriculture and sericulture in the future still requires supporting policies to encourage agriculture and performance evaluation of agricultural officials."

"The legal distinction between 'self-defense' and 'intentional homicide' needs to be clearer. Are the existing legal provisions sufficient for handling emerging commercial contract disputes?"

"Regarding the education system... Could the Imperial College establish an 'Academy for the Study of Things' to specialize in practical subjects such as astronomy, geography, mechanics, and medicine?"

His questions were often incisive, guiding the direction of system improvement. Lin Wan'er discovered that although His Majesty was young, the depth and breadth of his thinking, as well as his reflections on "how a system can last," far surpassed those of many seasoned officials who had spent their lives studying. She felt increasingly fortunate to be involved and increasingly aware of her own lack of knowledge. In her spare time, she studied even more diligently, sought advice, and tried her best to keep up with His Majesty's line of thought.

On this day, inside the Wenhua Hall, Chen Xing had just finalized the design, purity, and issuance regulations for the new coin, "Qiming Tongbao," with Jia Wen, the Minister of Revenue, and Su Xiaoxiao. After seeing everyone off, only Chen Xing and Lin Wan'er, who was still organizing documents, remained in the hall.

Chen Xing rubbed his slightly sore eyes, looking at the dusk settling outside the hall, and suddenly asked, "Wan'er, how have you felt these past few days participating in the drafting of the regulations?"

Lin Wan'er put down her pen and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I have been greatly enlightened, but I am also deeply humbled. The laws and regulations are intricate and complex, and a single change can have far-reaching consequences. I am of limited knowledge and can only do my best to fill in the gaps."

"You have done very well," Chen Xing said gently. "Many of your insights are quite original and address current problems. In particular, your discussions on official performance evaluation, popularizing the law, and female officials are very much to my liking."

Receiving such direct affirmation warmed Lin Wan'er's heart, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I have merely combined my thoughts with the wisdom of Prime Minister Jia and the other officials."

Chen Xing looked at her profile, which appeared slightly thinner but with bright eyes under the lamplight, and suddenly said, "These rules and regulations are all 'public instruments.' However, within the empire, there are also 'private domains.' For example... my harem."

Lin Wan'er's heart skipped a beat, and the tip of her wolf-hair brush paused, leaving a tiny ink dot on the paper. She quickly composed herself and lowered her head in silence.

"The Empress's position rightfully belongs to Mingyue, without question." Chen Xing's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination. "As for the position of Imperial Concubine, Su Xiaoxiao has made great contributions, is shrewd and capable, and manages the inner palace and some commercial affairs. She is beneficial to the country and helpful to me, so she should also have a place."

He paused, his gaze falling on Lin Wan'er, and continued, "You are exceptionally talented and insightful. As a military advisor, you have made contributions to the pacification of Jiangnan and the establishment of regulations. Moreover, you are gentle and refined, well-educated and reasonable... What do you think of the position of Consort Shu?"

Lin Wan'er's breath hitched. Although she had a premonition, hearing the words "Consort Shu" from Chen Xing's mouth still felt unreal. Consort Shu, one of the Four Consorts, held a prestigious position. This was not merely a title, but a formal recognition of her value, and a bond that would bind her even more deeply to the empire and the man before her.

She slowly rose, took two steps back, and then solemnly knelt down. Her voice trembled slightly, yet it was clear and firm: "Your Majesty, I, Lin Wan'er, thank you for your great favor! I am of dull and foolish talent, yet Your Majesty has not abandoned me, entrusted me with important responsibilities, and bestowed upon me such honors. I will certainly uphold the virtues of a concubine, wholeheartedly assist the Empress, and share Your Majesty's burdens. I will never dare to be arrogant because of your favor, and I will never fail to live up to Your Majesty's grace."

Chen Xing stepped forward and gently helped her up: "Get up. I know your temperament. Although the titles and ranks in the harem are private matters, they also concern the decorum of the court and the upbringing of the princes. The formal appointments will be made after the ceremony. As for Lan Fenghuang... I will also give her a suitable title. The four of you have different personalities, and I hope you will get along harmoniously."

"I understand." Lin Wan'er rose, still bowing her head, but her heart was in turmoil. Joy, fear, a sense of responsibility, and apprehension about her future life in the palace were all intertwined.

"Alright, that's enough for today. You should go back and rest early too." Chen Xing waved his hand.

"Yes, this concubine takes her leave." Lin Wan'er bowed and slowly withdrew from Wenhua Hall. The evening breeze outside the hall carried a chill, but it could not dispel the warmth and turmoil in her heart. She knew that from this moment on, her life trajectory would be completely intertwined with this deep palace, with this empire, and with that man, with no way back.

Inside the hall, Chen Xing sat alone for a moment, watching Lin Wan'er's departing figure, and sighed softly. The arrangement of ranks in the harem was a matter of balance, reward, and also an intertwining of affection and responsibility. He could not give everyone completely equal affection, but he had to give them corresponding respect and protection. This was the helplessness of imperial family affairs, and also a necessity for the stability of the empire.