Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 269 Military Government System

The compilation of the *Enlightenment Code* was like a massive and intricate brocade weaving project, slowly unfolding under the tireless efforts of Commander Jia Wen, Counselor Lin Wan'er, and numerous legal scholars. The refinement of legal texts, the analysis of ancient and modern cases, and the clash between old and new ideas all took place quietly within the "Code of Laws Compilation Hall," and its results required time to mature. Meanwhile, another institutional design concerning the foundation of the empire's military power—military system reform—which also required careful balancing of interests, was placed on Chen Xing's urgent agenda along with the advancement of new policies such as land redistribution, the imperial examination system, and the tax system.

During the conquest of the empire, the Xingqi Army, with Chen Xing at its core and generals like Chen Wei and Dian Xiong as its backbone, rapidly expanded through recruitment, incorporation, and capture. While brave and skilled in battle, its organizational structure was relatively simple, and its logistical support relied heavily on local resources and Su Xiaoxiao's commercial network, exhibiting strong characteristics of a "private army" and a "wartime system." Now that the empire is at peace, the massive army cannot maintain a wartime state indefinitely. The challenge Chen Xing must overcome is how to transform it into a **normalized national defense force** that effectively protects the empire's borders, deters internal and external threats, without excessively depleting national resources or becoming uncontrollable.

In the first year of the Qiming era, at the beginning of the seventh month, outside Chang'an City, at the newly established Beiyuan Grand Parade Ground, the sun blazed fiercely, banners fluttered, and tens of thousands of elite soldiers were conducting drills under the command of their officers. The shouts of battle shook the heavens, and dust billowed. Accompanied by Chen Wei, Dian Xiong, the newly appointed Minister of War, and several generals from the Commander-in-Chief's Office, Chen Xing stood on the high reviewing platform, silently observing the military formation below.

"Your Majesty," Chen Wei reported in a deep voice, pointing to the changing military formations on the drill ground, "as per your decree, after returning from the southern expedition, the various units have undergone preliminary reorganization. Apart from the permanent troops stationed in Jiangnan, Lingnan, and key border passes, the main force that returned to the capital with you and the rotating troops from various regions currently number about 200,000 combat soldiers, not counting auxiliary troops, artisans, etc. However, local military prefectures and garrisons have not yet been established, and the troops are mostly concentrated in a few large camps. The supply of provisions, troop rotation, and daily training are all temporarily managed by the Ministry of War and other officials. In the long run, this will not only be extremely costly but also slow down the deployment and will not be conducive to the integration of troops and the defense of local areas."

Dian Xiong added in a muffled voice, "Yes, Your Majesty! Many brothers have finished their battles and received their rewards, but now they're stuck in the camp all day, doing nothing but training and eating and drinking. After a while, their bones are getting lax! We need to find them some proper work to do, or perhaps they could take turns guarding the border or farming! Otherwise, they'll get sick from being so idle!"

The Minister of War also bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the previous dynasty's Fubing system integrated soldiers with farmers, combining military and agricultural labor. In times of war, they served as soldiers, and in times of peace, they farmed, providing their own clothing, food, and weapons, thus lightening the burden on the state. However, its collapse was due to land annexation, insufficient land allocated to Fubing soldiers, and their inability to provide their own equipment. In addition, the excessively long service period led to increasing desertion. Our dynasty's implementation of the Equal-Field System may provide conditions for its revival. However, if it is copied wholesale, it may be difficult to adapt to the new situation of a vast territory and varying border defense pressures."

Chen Xing nodded, turning his gaze from the drill ground to the crowd: "I am well aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the previous dynasty's military system. Its essence lies in the combination of 'soldiers' and 'land.' Now, our dynasty is implementing the equal-field system, which can provide a foundation for the new military system. However, I do not intend to completely restore the old system."

He walked to a sand table temporarily set up on one side of the platform, which roughly marked the empire's territory and major military towns. "My intention is to establish a new military system that combines the Fubing (military service) system, the conscripted army system, and the previous dynasty's garrison system, with the central imperial guards and local garrisons complementing each other. This system will be tentatively named the Xingqi Military Prefecture System."

"Please enlighten us, Your Majesty!" The crowd perked up.

Chen Xing picked up several small flags representing different armies and began to explain his idea:

"First, military prefectures were established. Military prefectures, also known as 'warrior prefectures,' were set up in strategic locations and densely populated areas throughout the country. These military prefectures were not merely military units, but also grassroots organizations for conscription management, training and mobilization, and military supplies reserves. Their core source of soldiers was the soldiers from the prefectures who were granted land under the Equal-Field System."

"The soldiers of the Fubing (府兵) were selected from the households that received land. The criteria were: the household must have able-bodied men or middle-aged men, the land must be allocated in full, the soldiers must be physically strong, and the soldiers must be willing to serve or take turns serving. Those selected were exempted from part of their household's taxes, but they were required to provide their own basic weapons and a certain amount of rations, and to participate in regular training sessions at their respective military headquarters, especially during the off-season. The Fubing implemented a rotation system, which meant that the soldiers would take turns serving in the administrative center of their respective circuit, or in a designated border town, or in the capital for a certain period of time, after which they would return to farming. In this way, the soldiers did not leave farming, and the farmers did not abandon the soldiers, greatly reducing the cost of maintaining the army for the state."

Chen Wei pondered and said, "This plan is excellent and can solve the problem of the standing army being unable to provide food. However, if the soldiers provide their own weapons, there may be an imbalance between the rich and poor, which could affect their combat effectiveness. In addition, the deadline for delivery and the cost of the journey must be carefully calculated to avoid placing an excessive burden on the soldiers and repeating the mistakes of the previous dynasty."

"Chen Wei's concerns are extremely valid," Chen Xing nodded. "Therefore, supporting measures are needed: First, the government should establish an 'armory' to provide impoverished soldiers with loans or low-cost standard equipment, which they can repay with military merits or surplus grain. Second, the land holdings and financial capacity of soldiers' families should be strictly assessed to ensure fair selection and prevent powerful families from using servants and tenants to fill the ranks while their own able-bodied men evade military service. Third, basic food and lodging should be provided by post stations along the route, and this should be counted towards their service period. Fourth, soldiers who achieve merit in battle will receive generous rewards, and their families' tax reductions can be increased, or even granted merit land as an incentive."

"Second, establish a standing army." Chen Xing planted a small golden flag in Chang'an. "The Fubing (府兵) are the backbone, but the empire cannot be without an elite force that can be mobilized at any time. Establish a central imperial guard in Chang'an, including the Imperial Guard to protect the emperor, elite cavalry, and the 'Changshang Army' composed of the best selected from various military prefectures. The imperial guard will be well-paid, well-equipped, and rigorously trained, specializing in guarding the capital, responding to sudden battles, and serving as a strategic reserve."

He then planted several small red flags in key border areas: "Standing garrison troops will be established in important border defense areas such as the northern frontier, the western regions, and the southwest, as well as in important areas such as the Jiangnan region and the coast. These troops will be selected from the best of the local militia, stationed for long periods, familiar with the border situation and terrain, and forming a solid defense line. Their personnel can be rotated with the local militia or the imperial guards in the interior on a regular basis to maintain their vitality."

"Third, clarify the command and logistics system." Chen Xing's expression was solemn. "The military prefectures are subordinate to the Five Military Commissions. The Commissions are responsible for the management, training, and deployment of local military prefectures and garrison troops. The Ministry of War is responsible for the selection of military officers, maps and armor, the transmission of military orders, the administration of rewards and punishments, and the overall coordination of logistics nationwide. In times of war, the emperor appoints a commander-in-chief to form a temporary military command to unify the command of the mobilized prefectural troops, imperial guards, and garrison troops. In this way, there is a separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent the excessive concentration of military power."

"Fourth, link it to the equal distribution of land and the imperial examination system." Chen Xing emphasized in conclusion, "The families of soldiers are given priority in land allocation and tax reductions, which is their 'benefit.' The sons of soldiers are given appropriate preferential treatment in the imperial examination for military officers or in military promotions, which is their 'future.' Only by making the people feel that serving as soldiers is not only an obligation, but also brings benefits and honor can it be sustained."

This lengthy explanation outlines a blueprint for a new military system that combines traditional wisdom with practical considerations. The Fubing system addresses the issues of manpower and finances, a standing army ensures core combat capabilities and rapid response, a decentralized system prevents warlordism, and linkage with national policy enhances attractiveness and stability.

Dian Xiong listened with great enthusiasm: "That's great! My soldiers can be selected from the best to join the Imperial Guard! In my spare time, I can also visit the various military headquarters and train those lads!"

Chen Wei thought more deeply: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough. However, the key to implementing this system lies in whether the 'equal land distribution' is truly implemented, and whether the families of the military personnel can genuinely have land to rely on and enough grain to prepare. Moreover, the establishment of military prefectures in various regions and the selection of military personnel require a large number of reliable officers and clerks, and currently, the talent pool is..."

"This is precisely what we need to do next," Chen Xing said. "The Ministry of War and the Military Governor's Office, immediately begin selecting several prefectures and counties with relatively mature conditions as pilot areas for the military prefecture system. Prioritize combining these with the pilot areas of the Equal-Field System. Develop detailed regulations for the establishment of military prefectures, standards for selecting soldiers, methods for rotation, and reward and punishment rules. At the same time, establish a new 'Military Academy' at the Imperial Academy or a new one to accelerate the training of middle and lower-ranking military officers and civil servants for the military prefectures. Chen Wei, you will be in charge of this matter, with Dian Xiong and the Ministry of War cooperating to ensure its steady progress!"

"Your humble servants obey the decree!" Chen Wei, Dian Xiong, and the Minister of War responded in unison.