Listening to the reports below, Wang Jun felt that his fortunes were truly unfavorable. He suffered a defeat in the winter, gaining no advantage whatsoever over the Tuoba tribe. Instead, it led to the dispersal of the people in Dai Jun and significant losses of troops and commanders. After several months of recuperation, he had initially planned to resume military operations, advancing into Bing County from both the Yanmen and Leping directions. Unexpectedly, before the campaign could begin, Ji County was thrown into chaos by rebels.
This was the territory he had long coveted—how could he tolerate others’ audacity? Wang Jun was preparing to send troops, and it would be even better if he could wait for Ding Shao’s request for assistance. However, before the plea for help arrived, those rebels were unexpectedly driven away by Yiyan, who had been transferred to command the Northern Army. Had this Jie general fallen for the court’s scheme and defected from Bing County? Why was he meddling in other affairs!
Now, before he could quell his anger, those rebels had rushed to the border of You County, almost breaking into Fanyang. His You County was not something these bandits could lay their hands on!
“Quickly order Duan Wuchen to lead fifty thousand troops and annihilate the rebels!” Wang Jun declared sternly.
Using such a force to suppress bandits was indeed extravagant. After all, following the major defeat in Ji County, the remaining rebels might not even number ten thousand. Was there a need for so many troops?
However, everyone under Wang Jun understood his intentions. Sending troops to suppress the bandits was only secondary; the crucial part was to occupy more commanderies and counties. After this battle, his influence on Ji County would be significant, and the court would inevitably appoint him as the supreme commander of Bing County. With this, everything north of the Yellow River would be in his grasp.
“As for Yiyan, keep a close eye on him too. If he dares to seize counties like Changshan and Zhongshan, we must seize the opportunity to eliminate him!” Wang Jun added.
Although this Jie man had left Bing County, what if he maintained connections with Liang Zixi? That would be troublesome. Hearing that he had already taken control of Zhao County, if he advanced further north, he would encroach on his territory. How could he allow that? A cold gleam of intent flashed in Wang Jun’s narrow, long eyes. After all, Ji County was just a stepping stone; the crucial territories were Si County and Bing County!
Soon, the Xianbei forces led by Duan’s family mobilized and headed toward the rebels who dared to provoke the tiger. Ji County once again fell into chaos due to military disturbances. However, Yiyan, who had been suppressing bandits within the province, did not move northward. Instead, he marched southward, clearing and pacifying the areas of Pingyuan and Leling where the unrest had erupted. With Ding Shao stationed in Qinghe, Wang Jun’s forces dared not lightly provoke. The two forces, moving along the Clear River, intertwined in the region.
※
As the spring sun warmed, in the blink of an eye, the chill in Jinyang dissipated. Between the mountains and fields, not only was there a sight of lush greenery, but there were also countless farmers. Having just transformed from refugees into settled households, these days, none of them could find any leisure. County magistrates personally visited the rural areas, overseeing the anti-locust efforts. With the locust plague still fresh in memory from the previous year in Xihe, nowadays, Lishi was almost reduced to barren land. With such a precedent, who would dare to be negligent?
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However, such exertions, even entirely different from the previous anti-locust campaigns that involved “worshipping the locust deity,” did not breed weariness or fear among the common people. This was simply because they knew that under Governor Liang’s administration last year, there was no locust calamity. The governor was believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha, sent to bring stability to the realm. If they didn’t trust him, whom else could they trust?
Outside the city was lively, and inside the city, it was even more bustling. The date for Buddha’s birthday had already been set on the auspicious day of the eighth day of the fourth month. Following the Grain Rain season was the busy time for farming, including spring plowing and silkworm breeding, all to be completed around April. Therefore, the celebration of Buddha’s birthday would last only three days. In addition to commemorating the Buddha’s birth, there were also elements of blessing for favorable weather and a safe summer harvest, attracting early attention. Even those who couldn’t make it to the city to participate in the Buddha’s celebration would set up statues at home, praying for a fruitful season of labor.
Liang Feng didn’t wait until the actual day of Buddha’s birthday to visit; he arrived early and sat with two high monks at Huai’en Temple.
“I heard about some visiting monks cutting flesh and removing bones in the busy market to attract believers. I wonder if the two venerable monks are aware of this?”
Liang Feng’s expression didn’t look too pleasant. Since Master Zhu Fa came to Jinyang, it gradually became another sanctuary for Buddhism. Monks who fled from various places due to war also came one after another. While many worshipped at the temple gates, some wild monks developed independent ideas.
At that time, both monks and Taoists were closely related to the term “sorcerer.” Taoist priests used tricks to deceive the ignorant villagers, while monks liked to engage in self-mutilation such as “cutting flesh and removing bones” or even skinning alive in public, displaying bizarre acts. How could Liang Feng allow these charlatans to confuse the people?
Zhu Fa softly chanted a Buddhist mantra, saying, “The governor may not be aware; these are ascetics enduring hardship to traverse the sea of suffering with their bodies.”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Shaving heads and renouncing the world can be converted to Buddhism. Can cutting fingers, arms, skinning, and flesh removal deepen their spiritual powers and attain enlightenment? Whom do they worship, and what sacrifices are they making? Does the Buddha demand human flesh as payment?”
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These words were quite heavy, and the presiding monk beside them sighed lightly, “Governor, your words are harsh. However, these ascetics prefer to travel alone and may not be under our control…”
“Buddhism, spreading to the Central Plains, has diversified, becoming a source of disaster,” Liang Feng sighed deeply. “I venerate the Buddha, ultimately for the welfare of the people in this world. If the Buddha lacks compassion, where should we turn to? Huai’en Temple is a place of honor for Buddhism in Jinyang and should adhere to the original teachings.”
Although these words carried great weight, the chief abbot standing behind him, who was silently reciting sutras, showed a glint of excitement in his eyes. This was not targeting those wandering monks but clearly establishing the “Taoist court” in Huai’en Temple as the true path. The laws they promulgated were the true teachings. However, this alone might not be enough to dissuade those itinerant monks.
“Governor, your words are reasonable. However, our temple’s influence is limited, and we may not be able to dissuade those wandering monks,” the presiding monk nodded.
“Is this an announcement of Buddhist teachings?” Liang Feng said lightly, “Prohibiting licentious rituals is a law of the country. If there are those disturbing the people, the authorities will naturally eradicate them.”
This was something that successive dynasties had been doing. The worship of ghosts and gods had been prevalent since ancient times, with many unofficial small temples in the folk, often devoted to unknown deities. Therefore, emperors often issued decrees to prohibit such unauthorized temples. Emperor Wu of Jin had explicitly stated: “Except for rituals not included in the official worship, all others should be eliminated.” As the head of Bing County, Liang Feng could easily label those things he disliked as “licentious rituals.”
This was exactly what the old monk wanted. He clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist mantra.
Compared to the sharpness of the old monk, Zhu Fa, who was standing aside, seemed a bit out of touch. After all, he was a monk dedicated to translating scriptures, and how could he understand the hidden meaning in the conversation between the two?
Liang Feng didn’t mind. He smiled warmly at Zhu Fa and said, “This Buddha’s birthday should also mark the beginning of the prosperity of Mahayana Buddhism. While self-enlightenment is good, how can it compare to the merit of enlightening others?”
Zhu Fa was a standard Mahayana believer, and the scriptures he translated reflected that. However, at this time, Theravada Buddhism still held the upper hand, and Mahayana could only survive in the cracks. Hearing this, Zhu Fa also showed a pleased expression and expressed his gratitude with folded hands.
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Liang Feng smiled faintly and continued, “There’s also the matter of establishing caves on the mountain. Recently, high-ranking families have shown a keen interest. After the Buddha’s birthday, it will be initiated by my lord, and each family will send people to create caves. Additionally, various ethnic groups also have followers willing to sculpt statues for the Buddha.”
This was a plan devised by Liang Feng and his advisers. To promote Buddhism, it was necessary to establish Buddhist pagodas and carve stone caves. Liang Feng opted for the latter on a larger scale. His goal was not to leave behind a world cultural heritage for future generations but to use this method to extract labor from major aristocratic families and tribes that had surrendered. In times of chaos, no one was willing to easily release their servants. Once these thousands of laborers were handed over, they became private property, making it difficult for the government to control.
Although constructing stone caves was time-consuming and labor-intensive, once the manpower was surrendered, it wouldn’t be easy to reclaim. Moreover, the new stone caves could also consolidate the centrifugal force of surrendered ethnic groups towards Jinyang. With proper arrangements, it might turn into a double benefit with a single effort.
The old monk on the opposite side also revealed a hint of joy in his expression. Did he understand the twists and turns involved? Perhaps he knew all too well. However, this was a significant move for Huai’en Temple, and it couldn’t be easily overlooked.
After finalizing the details of the Buddha’s birthday, Liang Feng left Huai’en Temple. However, as soon as he returned to the provincial governor’s mansion, Duan Qin rushed over with a yellow register in hand, saying, “Lord, the number of refugees on official land has started to decrease recently. I’ve investigated, and it seems that the various noble families are secretly sheltering hidden households!”
“Noble families? Including minor gentry?” Seeing Duan Qin nod, Liang Feng’s expression immediately turned cold. This was no trivial matter!
Human resources were always the top priority. Previously, the gentry had taken advantage of the chaos to harbor refugees and use them as servants. However, each family had limited financial resources and might not have seized much. Now that the situation in Bing County was gradually stabilizing and there was surplus grain in hand, why would these people let go of the opportunity to exploit this readily available resource?
And this was not the action of one or two households; it was a collective movement of a social class. Even the minor gentry couldn’t resist taking action. How could he order a ban to stop it?
“Why is this happening?” If he had imposed heavy levies and exactions, the refugees fleeing wouldn’t be surprising. With the current well-established system of cultivating wastelands, providing free farming tools, and offering favorable grain lending terms, why would these people sell themselves into servitude?
Duan Qin sighed gently and said, “In the end, there are people who refuse to join the military…”
Just this sentence made Liang Feng understand. With the current connection between land cultivation and military service, most of the settlers were expected to enlist. They had to wield weapons to protect their homeland. However, not everyone was willing to accept such conditions; some feared the uncertainties. Military households were a lifelong commitment. If they became settlers, did that mean they would be soldiers for generations to come?
If one was willing to fight, who would leave their homes and become refugees? These illiterate commoners didn’t know the details of official land, they only sought advantage and avoidance of harm, choosing the easier path to survival. Becoming hidden households under the gentry, though reduced to servitude, was acceptable. These noble families generally had large estates and businesses, and they might not forcibly conscript them into the military. Cultivating the land was bearable, even if the rent imposed by the gentry was a bit higher. There were countless such naive commoners!
What to do? Punish the gentry so that they cannot harbor hidden households? Now is not the time for reform; the external conditions are not present. He still relies on these large and small gentry to govern the province. Turn a blind eye and let it be? He fears that these greedy noble families will become even more uncontrollable, indulging in their desires.
Liang Feng remained silent for a moment before speaking, “In that case, let’s amend the settlement law. Military service will be limited to five years. After completing five years, they can choose whether or not to continue serving in the military. If they choose to retire, the cultivated fields will belong to them personally, and taxes will be paid as usual.”
Duan Qin was shocked, “This… isn’t this like tearing down our own city walls?”
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After training hard for five years to become qualified soldiers, allowing them to retire and distributing farmland to them? If everyone goes to the farm, where will the soldiers come from?
“How many displaced people are there in the world?” Liang Feng retorted, “After five years, the old soldiers retire. Isn’t there new blood to fill their positions? Moreover, when these people return to the countryside, will they forget the long-term training they underwent and allow themselves to be bullied?”
Duan Qin broke out in a cold sweat. Was this… hiding soldiers among the people? This ambition was a bit too grand! True, didn’t the people just want a peaceful and prosperous life? After serving in the military, earning enough farmland, returning to the countryside for a peaceful life. They might have become civilians, but the martial spirit in their hearts would always remain. If a crisis arose, and the lord called upon them, would they let others seize their fields and destroy their homes?
This was akin to the strategy of Qin, the state entirely composed of soldiers! Yet, this approach could completely crush the selfish desires of the gentry. If they could benefit the common people, why become slaves? There might not even be a need to clear them out; runaway slaves would naturally emerge from various families. These people were all hidden households, not registered in the gentry’s records; who could stop them? At that time, perhaps not just Bing County, but all the refugees in the world would come under the lord’s governance!
But would these martial-skilled commoners become a hidden danger? Once military chaos erupted, they might be even more challenging to deal with than ordinary bandits!
Seeming to perceive Duan Qin’s hesitation and anxiety, Liang Feng chuckled, “To embody virtue, establish peace, appoint talents, promote educational officials, the Three Excellencies and other officials may emerge from humble lanes, start with white houses, divide land and grant fiefs, cultivate morality within the nation, rectify local customs. Yet, there still exist robbers and thieves, a crime punishable by the 2,000 stone officials of counties and commanderies, not due to the wielding of bows and crossbows.”
Duan Qin, well-versed in history, immediately recalled the source of these words. It was from the “Han Shu,” spoken by Wang Shou, who responded to Gongsun Hong’s proposal to ban the use of bows and crossbows among the common people to prevent them from posing a threat to the counties and commanderies. Gongsun Hong suggested this to Emperor Wu of Han, fearing an uprising. However, Wang Shou replied that the true threat to the realm did not come from bows and crossbows but from corrupt governance. In times of war, weapons were used to repel invasion, while in times of peace, bows and crossbows were used to subdue fierce beasts—this was the original purpose of weapons. When the Qin state prohibited the common people from using knives and weapons, they still used their farming tools to resist tyranny. Thanks to Wang Shou’s advice, Emperor Wu of Han did not issue a decree banning the use of crossbows among the common people. Even the crossbows of Han were so powerful that they remain unmatched to this day!
The capabilities of the common people are not the root cause of chaos; it depends on whether governance is clear and just. To be able to speak such words in such chaotic times demonstrates exceptional courage and vision, qualities not easily possessed by ordinary individuals!
Duan Qin took a deep breath and said, “With such a mindset, my lord, there’s no need to worry about building a hegemony!”
Liang Feng, however, knew in his heart the truth of the matter. During the Han and Tang dynasties, the control over weapons was relatively lax, and it did not hinder the emergence of their prosperous eras. On the contrary, the Yuan Dynasty, which strictly enforced weapon control, was overthrown by a shepherd boy and a wandering monk leading an army in less than a century. Where there is oppression, there will be resistance; this is the answer that aligns with the historical perspective of society.
Relying on the aristocracy is ultimately a brief and thorny path; either it gets swallowed up, or it assimilates. The common people of the realm are the ones truly worth relying on. After all, in the future, the Northern Wei will still have to face the Xianbei nomads, and who knows how many years of battles lie ahead. How could he allow the entire region to be left with only weak and vulnerable common folk?
Leaning on the desk, Liang Feng said, “This matter needs to be thoroughly planned and announced as soon as possible, spreading widely during the celebration of Buddha’s birth. Make comprehensive preparations before Wang Jun’s attack comes…”
Author’s Note:
Some people asked if Zhang Bin is the main wife, what about Yiyan? Well, of course, he is the scheming concubine!
But when the Ye city’s flying general is present, from now on, the monarch will no longer attend the morning court.
Your Majesty, if this continues, the nation will not be a nation anymore! (Tearing one’s heart and lung)
Yiyan: >///<
Liang Feng: …
Listening to the reports below, Wang Jun felt that his fortunes were truly unfavorable. He suffered a defeat in the winter, gaining no advantage whatsoever over the Tuoba tribe. Instead, it led to the dispersal of the people in Dai Jun and significant losses of troops and commanders. After several months of recuperation, he had initially planned to resume military operations, advancing into Bing County from both the Yanmen and Leping directions. Unexpectedly, before the campaign could begin, Ji County was thrown into chaos by rebels.
This was the territory he had long coveted—how could he tolerate others’ audacity? Wang Jun was preparing to send troops, and it would be even better if he could wait for Ding Shao’s request for assistance. However, before the plea for help arrived, those rebels were unexpectedly driven away by Yiyan, who had been transferred to command the Northern Army. Had this Jie general fallen for the court’s scheme and defected from Bing County? Why was he meddling in other affairs!
Now, before he could quell his anger, those rebels had rushed to the border of You County, almost breaking into Fanyang. His You County was not something these bandits could lay their hands on!
“Quickly order Duan Wuchen to lead fifty thousand troops and annihilate the rebels!” Wang Jun declared sternly.
Using such a force to suppress bandits was indeed extravagant. After all, following the major defeat in Ji County, the remaining rebels might not even number ten thousand. Was there a need for so many troops?
However, everyone under Wang Jun understood his intentions. Sending troops to suppress the bandits was only secondary; the crucial part was to occupy more commanderies and counties. After this battle, his influence on Ji County would be significant, and the court would inevitably appoint him as the supreme commander of Bing County. With this, everything north of the Yellow River would be in his grasp.
“As for Yiyan, keep a close eye on him too. If he dares to seize counties like Changshan and Zhongshan, we must seize the opportunity to eliminate him!” Wang Jun added.
Although this Jie man had left Bing County, what if he maintained connections with Liang Zixi? That would be troublesome. Hearing that he had already taken control of Zhao County, if he advanced further north, he would encroach on his territory. How could he allow that? A cold gleam of intent flashed in Wang Jun’s narrow, long eyes. After all, Ji County was just a stepping stone; the crucial territories were Si County and Bing County!
Soon, the Xianbei forces led by Duan’s family mobilized and headed toward the rebels who dared to provoke the tiger. Ji County once again fell into chaos due to military disturbances. However, Yiyan, who had been suppressing bandits within the province, did not move northward. Instead, he marched southward, clearing and pacifying the areas of Pingyuan and Leling where the unrest had erupted. With Ding Shao stationed in Qinghe, Wang Jun’s forces dared not lightly provoke. The two forces, moving along the Clear River, intertwined in the region.
※
As the spring sun warmed, in the blink of an eye, the chill in Jinyang dissipated. Between the mountains and fields, not only was there a sight of lush greenery, but there were also countless farmers. Having just transformed from refugees into settled households, these days, none of them could find any leisure. County magistrates personally visited the rural areas, overseeing the anti-locust efforts. With the locust plague still fresh in memory from the previous year in Xihe, nowadays, Lishi was almost reduced to barren land. With such a precedent, who would dare to be negligent?
Advertisement
AD
However, such exertions, even entirely different from the previous anti-locust campaigns that involved “worshipping the locust deity,” did not breed weariness or fear among the common people. This was simply because they knew that under Governor Liang’s administration last year, there was no locust calamity. The governor was believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha, sent to bring stability to the realm. If they didn’t trust him, whom else could they trust?
Outside the city was lively, and inside the city, it was even more bustling. The date for Buddha’s birthday had already been set on the auspicious day of the eighth day of the fourth month. Following the Grain Rain season was the busy time for farming, including spring plowing and silkworm breeding, all to be completed around April. Therefore, the celebration of Buddha’s birthday would last only three days. In addition to commemorating the Buddha’s birth, there were also elements of blessing for favorable weather and a safe summer harvest, attracting early attention. Even those who couldn’t make it to the city to participate in the Buddha’s celebration would set up statues at home, praying for a fruitful season of labor.
Liang Feng didn’t wait until the actual day of Buddha’s birthday to visit; he arrived early and sat with two high monks at Huai’en Temple.
“I heard about some visiting monks cutting flesh and removing bones in the busy market to attract believers. I wonder if the two venerable monks are aware of this?”
Liang Feng’s expression didn’t look too pleasant. Since Master Zhu Fa came to Jinyang, it gradually became another sanctuary for Buddhism. Monks who fled from various places due to war also came one after another. While many worshipped at the temple gates, some wild monks developed independent ideas.
At that time, both monks and Taoists were closely related to the term “sorcerer.” Taoist priests used tricks to deceive the ignorant villagers, while monks liked to engage in self-mutilation such as “cutting flesh and removing bones” or even skinning alive in public, displaying bizarre acts. How could Liang Feng allow these charlatans to confuse the people?
Zhu Fa softly chanted a Buddhist mantra, saying, “The governor may not be aware; these are ascetics enduring hardship to traverse the sea of suffering with their bodies.”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Shaving heads and renouncing the world can be converted to Buddhism. Can cutting fingers, arms, skinning, and flesh removal deepen their spiritual powers and attain enlightenment? Whom do they worship, and what sacrifices are they making? Does the Buddha demand human flesh as payment?”
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AD
These words were quite heavy, and the presiding monk beside them sighed lightly, “Governor, your words are harsh. However, these ascetics prefer to travel alone and may not be under our control…”
“Buddhism, spreading to the Central Plains, has diversified, becoming a source of disaster,” Liang Feng sighed deeply. “I venerate the Buddha, ultimately for the welfare of the people in this world. If the Buddha lacks compassion, where should we turn to? Huai’en Temple is a place of honor for Buddhism in Jinyang and should adhere to the original teachings.”
Although these words carried great weight, the chief abbot standing behind him, who was silently reciting sutras, showed a glint of excitement in his eyes. This was not targeting those wandering monks but clearly establishing the “Taoist court” in Huai’en Temple as the true path. The laws they promulgated were the true teachings. However, this alone might not be enough to dissuade those itinerant monks.
“Governor, your words are reasonable. However, our temple’s influence is limited, and we may not be able to dissuade those wandering monks,” the presiding monk nodded.
“Is this an announcement of Buddhist teachings?” Liang Feng said lightly, “Prohibiting licentious rituals is a law of the country. If there are those disturbing the people, the authorities will naturally eradicate them.”
This was something that successive dynasties had been doing. The worship of ghosts and gods had been prevalent since ancient times, with many unofficial small temples in the folk, often devoted to unknown deities. Therefore, emperors often issued decrees to prohibit such unauthorized temples. Emperor Wu of Jin had explicitly stated: “Except for rituals not included in the official worship, all others should be eliminated.” As the head of Bing County, Liang Feng could easily label those things he disliked as “licentious rituals.”
This was exactly what the old monk wanted. He clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist mantra.
Compared to the sharpness of the old monk, Zhu Fa, who was standing aside, seemed a bit out of touch. After all, he was a monk dedicated to translating scriptures, and how could he understand the hidden meaning in the conversation between the two?
Liang Feng didn’t mind. He smiled warmly at Zhu Fa and said, “This Buddha’s birthday should also mark the beginning of the prosperity of Mahayana Buddhism. While self-enlightenment is good, how can it compare to the merit of enlightening others?”
Zhu Fa was a standard Mahayana believer, and the scriptures he translated reflected that. However, at this time, Theravada Buddhism still held the upper hand, and Mahayana could only survive in the cracks. Hearing this, Zhu Fa also showed a pleased expression and expressed his gratitude with folded hands.
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AD
Liang Feng smiled faintly and continued, “There’s also the matter of establishing caves on the mountain. Recently, high-ranking families have shown a keen interest. After the Buddha’s birthday, it will be initiated by my lord, and each family will send people to create caves. Additionally, various ethnic groups also have followers willing to sculpt statues for the Buddha.”
This was a plan devised by Liang Feng and his advisers. To promote Buddhism, it was necessary to establish Buddhist pagodas and carve stone caves. Liang Feng opted for the latter on a larger scale. His goal was not to leave behind a world cultural heritage for future generations but to use this method to extract labor from major aristocratic families and tribes that had surrendered. In times of chaos, no one was willing to easily release their servants. Once these thousands of laborers were handed over, they became private property, making it difficult for the government to control.
Although constructing stone caves was time-consuming and labor-intensive, once the manpower was surrendered, it wouldn’t be easy to reclaim. Moreover, the new stone caves could also consolidate the centrifugal force of surrendered ethnic groups towards Jinyang. With proper arrangements, it might turn into a double benefit with a single effort.
The old monk on the opposite side also revealed a hint of joy in his expression. Did he understand the twists and turns involved? Perhaps he knew all too well. However, this was a significant move for Huai’en Temple, and it couldn’t be easily overlooked.
After finalizing the details of the Buddha’s birthday, Liang Feng left Huai’en Temple. However, as soon as he returned to the provincial governor’s mansion, Duan Qin rushed over with a yellow register in hand, saying, “Lord, the number of refugees on official land has started to decrease recently. I’ve investigated, and it seems that the various noble families are secretly sheltering hidden households!”
“Noble families? Including minor gentry?” Seeing Duan Qin nod, Liang Feng’s expression immediately turned cold. This was no trivial matter!
Human resources were always the top priority. Previously, the gentry had taken advantage of the chaos to harbor refugees and use them as servants. However, each family had limited financial resources and might not have seized much. Now that the situation in Bing County was gradually stabilizing and there was surplus grain in hand, why would these people let go of the opportunity to exploit this readily available resource?
And this was not the action of one or two households; it was a collective movement of a social class. Even the minor gentry couldn’t resist taking action. How could he order a ban to stop it?
“Why is this happening?” If he had imposed heavy levies and exactions, the refugees fleeing wouldn’t be surprising. With the current well-established system of cultivating wastelands, providing free farming tools, and offering favorable grain lending terms, why would these people sell themselves into servitude?
Duan Qin sighed gently and said, “In the end, there are people who refuse to join the military…”
Just this sentence made Liang Feng understand. With the current connection between land cultivation and military service, most of the settlers were expected to enlist. They had to wield weapons to protect their homeland. However, not everyone was willing to accept such conditions; some feared the uncertainties. Military households were a lifelong commitment. If they became settlers, did that mean they would be soldiers for generations to come?
If one was willing to fight, who would leave their homes and become refugees? These illiterate commoners didn’t know the details of official land, they only sought advantage and avoidance of harm, choosing the easier path to survival. Becoming hidden households under the gentry, though reduced to servitude, was acceptable. These noble families generally had large estates and businesses, and they might not forcibly conscript them into the military. Cultivating the land was bearable, even if the rent imposed by the gentry was a bit higher. There were countless such naive commoners!
What to do? Punish the gentry so that they cannot harbor hidden households? Now is not the time for reform; the external conditions are not present. He still relies on these large and small gentry to govern the province. Turn a blind eye and let it be? He fears that these greedy noble families will become even more uncontrollable, indulging in their desires.
Liang Feng remained silent for a moment before speaking, “In that case, let’s amend the settlement law. Military service will be limited to five years. After completing five years, they can choose whether or not to continue serving in the military. If they choose to retire, the cultivated fields will belong to them personally, and taxes will be paid as usual.”
Duan Qin was shocked, “This… isn’t this like tearing down our own city walls?”
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After training hard for five years to become qualified soldiers, allowing them to retire and distributing farmland to them? If everyone goes to the farm, where will the soldiers come from?
“How many displaced people are there in the world?” Liang Feng retorted, “After five years, the old soldiers retire. Isn’t there new blood to fill their positions? Moreover, when these people return to the countryside, will they forget the long-term training they underwent and allow themselves to be bullied?”
Duan Qin broke out in a cold sweat. Was this… hiding soldiers among the people? This ambition was a bit too grand! True, didn’t the people just want a peaceful and prosperous life? After serving in the military, earning enough farmland, returning to the countryside for a peaceful life. They might have become civilians, but the martial spirit in their hearts would always remain. If a crisis arose, and the lord called upon them, would they let others seize their fields and destroy their homes?
This was akin to the strategy of Qin, the state entirely composed of soldiers! Yet, this approach could completely crush the selfish desires of the gentry. If they could benefit the common people, why become slaves? There might not even be a need to clear them out; runaway slaves would naturally emerge from various families. These people were all hidden households, not registered in the gentry’s records; who could stop them? At that time, perhaps not just Bing County, but all the refugees in the world would come under the lord’s governance!
But would these martial-skilled commoners become a hidden danger? Once military chaos erupted, they might be even more challenging to deal with than ordinary bandits!
Seeming to perceive Duan Qin’s hesitation and anxiety, Liang Feng chuckled, “To embody virtue, establish peace, appoint talents, promote educational officials, the Three Excellencies and other officials may emerge from humble lanes, start with white houses, divide land and grant fiefs, cultivate morality within the nation, rectify local customs. Yet, there still exist robbers and thieves, a crime punishable by the 2,000 stone officials of counties and commanderies, not due to the wielding of bows and crossbows.”
Duan Qin, well-versed in history, immediately recalled the source of these words. It was from the “Han Shu,” spoken by Wang Shou, who responded to Gongsun Hong’s proposal to ban the use of bows and crossbows among the common people to prevent them from posing a threat to the counties and commanderies. Gongsun Hong suggested this to Emperor Wu of Han, fearing an uprising. However, Wang Shou replied that the true threat to the realm did not come from bows and crossbows but from corrupt governance. In times of war, weapons were used to repel invasion, while in times of peace, bows and crossbows were used to subdue fierce beasts—this was the original purpose of weapons. When the Qin state prohibited the common people from using knives and weapons, they still used their farming tools to resist tyranny. Thanks to Wang Shou’s advice, Emperor Wu of Han did not issue a decree banning the use of crossbows among the common people. Even the crossbows of Han were so powerful that they remain unmatched to this day!
The capabilities of the common people are not the root cause of chaos; it depends on whether governance is clear and just. To be able to speak such words in such chaotic times demonstrates exceptional courage and vision, qualities not easily possessed by ordinary individuals!
Duan Qin took a deep breath and said, “With such a mindset, my lord, there’s no need to worry about building a hegemony!”
Liang Feng, however, knew in his heart the truth of the matter. During the Han and Tang dynasties, the control over weapons was relatively lax, and it did not hinder the emergence of their prosperous eras. On the contrary, the Yuan Dynasty, which strictly enforced weapon control, was overthrown by a shepherd boy and a wandering monk leading an army in less than a century. Where there is oppression, there will be resistance; this is the answer that aligns with the historical perspective of society.
Relying on the aristocracy is ultimately a brief and thorny path; either it gets swallowed up, or it assimilates. The common people of the realm are the ones truly worth relying on. After all, in the future, the Northern Wei will still have to face the Xianbei nomads, and who knows how many years of battles lie ahead. How could he allow the entire region to be left with only weak and vulnerable common folk?
Leaning on the desk, Liang Feng said, “This matter needs to be thoroughly planned and announced as soon as possible, spreading widely during the celebration of Buddha’s birth. Make comprehensive preparations before Wang Jun’s attack comes…”
Author’s Note:
Some people asked if Zhang Bin is the main wife, what about Yiyan? Well, of course, he is the scheming concubine!
But when the Ye city’s flying general is present, from now on, the monarch will no longer attend the morning court.
Your Majesty, if this continues, the nation will not be a nation anymore! (Tearing one’s heart and lung)
Yiyan: >///<
Liang Feng: …
