Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3744 The territory spans a thousand miles, where the people dwell, and the land extends to the four seas (Bonus Chapter)

"In the eighth month of the tenth year of the Tai Xing era of the Great Han Dynasty, Fei Qian, the Grand General of the Cavalry of the Great Han, issued this decree to all those who govern in the four directions."

"Heaven has endowed the people with its people, and established officials to govern them. However, since the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, who lost their way, the land has fallen apart, wolves and jackals have blocked the roads, and the people have suffered greatly. Dong Zhuo's tyranny preceded his actions, followed by the calamities of Li Zicheng and Guo Si; the land was in turmoil, and rites and music collapsed. We, inheriting the Mandate of Heaven, have valiantly fought in the Guanzhong Plain, rescuing those drowning and burning, with the aim of restoring order. Now, the Yellow River and Luo River regions are initially pacified, and the defenses of Henan and Yan are within reach. However, we deeply consider the fundamental nature of governance, which is not merely about suppressing rebellion, but also about reforming abuses and establishing new systems to lay the foundation for lasting peace!"

"Examine the changes throughout history, and investigate the sources of order and chaos. The common people thrive, but are trapped by two shackles: first, land constraints, where powerful families seize land, fields stretch endlessly, and the poor have nowhere to turn; second, the stagnation of skills, where ingenious crafts are abandoned, all trades are neglected, and sources of profit are blocked. The land cannot sustain the people, and skills cannot generate wealth; this is the root of the cycle of calamity and chaos!"

"Therefore, the 'Land Granting Order' was implemented to cut off the claws of land annexation, restore the stable property of those who cultivate the land, and solidify the hearts of the people. However, this is still not enough! The *Kaogong* records: 'Skillful craftsmanship combines four elements to create a fine product.' Now, the local gentry and powerful, fearing that the common people will become more intelligent and that advanced tools will become cheap, have implemented policies to keep the people ignorant and stifle their skills! Du Fu's poem about water-powered plows has been lost to obscurity, and Zhao Guo's method of land reclamation has almost been lost—this is not a natural disaster, but a man-made calamity! Stifling skills to maintain their positions and blocking sources of profit to seek personal gain—this is truly a great parasite of the nation and a great thief of the people!"

"To break this shackle, we must promote all trades and broaden learning! Therefore, we establish a system of 'dedicated duties'!"

"Agriculture has scholars who meticulously study the seasons and soil, cultivating crops and eliminating pests to ensure granaries are always full; craftsmen have master craftsmen who specialize in civil engineering and metallurgy, using their ingenuity and innovation to make tools and implements more efficient every day; merchants have strategists who understand the rise and fall of goods and the flow of goods to promote the prosperity of the market; doctors possess benevolent skills who clearly distinguish meridians and pathologies, saving lives and healing the wounded to ensure the health of the people; education enlightens children, imparting practical knowledge and literacy, clarifying principles and understanding righteousness, so that they may become pillars of society."

"Every profession has its specialists, each excelling in their craft and displaying their abilities! This is not a path to the stigma of scholars, but rather the path to the broadening of their influence! The Analects records Confucius saying of a true scholar: 'He acts with a sense of shame, and when sent on missions to the four corners of the world, he does not disgrace his lord's command.' Agricultural scholars ensure the people are well-fed, engineering scholars build cities for the benefit of the people, and physicians save lives—is this not a great virtue and righteousness? Those who practice the great way with practical knowledge and benefit all living beings are true scholars! How can they be inferior to those who spend their lives studying classics but lack practical experience, or even those who form cliques for personal gain and exploit the common people—the pseudo-intellectuals?"

"..."

This "Letter to the People of the World," written by Pang Tong and issued in the name of Fei Qian, was displayed as a "public notice" in Chang'an. It immediately attracted many aristocratic youths who loudly read it at the city gates and important markets. Its contents, like a boulder thrown into a lake, stirred up huge waves, shaking all social classes within and outside the territory of the Han Dynasty.

For the vast majority of illiterate ordinary people, peddlers and laborers, the lengthy text of the manifesto was completely incomprehensible to them. However, the core keywords repeatedly emphasized by the authorities, combined with their most basic desire for survival, gradually formed a few simple and powerful "symbols" that the lower classes could understand...

"Distribute the land!"

This is a continuation of the positive reputation of policies already implemented in Guanzhong, Bingbei and other places, and it is the most attractive symbol!
This means that ordinary people can own their own land and escape the fate of being tenant farmers.

New land!

This is closely linked to the "land redistribution" policy. All internal technological advancements and external expansion meant that one's descendants would also have land to cultivate and hope to look forward to!

"Become an official based on your abilities!"

If the first two points are still within the expectations of ordinary people, then the re-emphasis on "becoming an official based on merit" in the manifesto means that the channels for ordinary people to improve their social status have been broadened once again!
Outside of the military merit system, one can also pursue professional skills!

In the fields, along the walls during the off-season, the villagers whispered among themselves: "Did you hear what the village head said? The General issued a notice that from now on, those who are good at farming can also become agricultural officials!"

"More than that! With Wang the blacksmith's exceptional skills, he might even become a master craftsman and earn a living from the government!"

"I think the most important thing is to have new land! Our land isn't enough for the kids. In the future, some of them will have to follow the general west and south; I've heard there's plenty of land there!"

These simple, unambiguous statements boil down to one sentence: "The General led us to a good life!"

The phrase "good days" is that simple, not "this year has been tough, just bear with it..."

After enduring 'this year,' it turns out, 'If this year still isn't enough, let's suffer a little longer...'

As the officials' bellies grew fatter day by day, even the lowest-ranking constables' belts became like those of a woman in her twelfth month of pregnancy, their pants almost falling down after walking a few steps. And what the common people heard most often was still, "Just hang in there a little longer," and "Pay a little more money"...

Based on Fei Qian's past reputation, the people developed a simple trust and hope in the future depicted by the General of the Cavalry. This trust and hope penetrated the hearts of the people more deeply than any flowery words, becoming the broadest and most silent cornerstone supporting Fei Qian's new policies.

Even illiterate farmers would point to the unfamiliar characters on the proclamation, and though they couldn't understand them, they would tell their children, "My dear son, when you grow up, learn a skill well, and as the general's proclamation says, you can succeed in anything!"

……

……

"Where did this manifesto come from?!"

In Yingchuan, the sons of aristocratic families from the Central Plains were filled with shock and anger, as if they had lost their parents.

"This must be from Guanzhong! Where else could it have come from?!"

No, I meant to ask...

In his moment of panic, one of the aristocratic youths lost his composure and only realized something was amiss after asking half of the questions.

Whether someone in Yingchuan actively seeks information or passively obtains it, it is a very serious matter. How could they possibly clearly disclose the way they obtained the information?

"Read it! Read it!"

"Cough cough..."

Someone held up the manifesto and read it aloud with a resounding voice...

"From this day forward, the imperial court will select officials solely based on talent, virtue, and effectiveness! Those who can double the yield per mu will be generously rewarded and their names honored; those who innovate new tools to benefit the people will be granted titles and honors! Fame and fortune will be earned through actual achievements, and honor will arise from contributions! As Guanzi said, 'When granaries are full, people know etiquette; when food and clothing are sufficient, people know honor and shame.' When all industries prosper, the people are wealthy; when the people are wealthy, the nation is strong; when the nation is strong, rites and music will naturally flourish, and what need is there to worry about the fundamental principles of morality?"

"Advancing technology expands the land's potential! The ancient stories of Yu the Great dredging the Yellow River, Li Bing constructing dams, and Zhao Guo cultivating the land are all clear evidence that every inch of technological advancement expands the land's potential! Now, upholding this principle, our ambition extends beyond merely preserving Yu's legacy and restoring the Han territory! The grand principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals lies in unification, but this unification is not a self-imposed limitation; it is a prairie fire that spreads its benevolence far and wide!"

"Our Chinese ancestors, through King Mu's western expedition, the expansion of Chu into the southern wilderness, the conquest of the northern deserts by Qin, and the opening of the Western Regions by Han, have proven the vastness of our land, far exceeding the scope of the Yu Gong (Tribute of Yu)! Now, upholding the spirit of investigating things and applying them practically, and relying on the effective tools of division of responsibilities, we should pursue the great path of unifying all nations!"

"With my agricultural methods, I teach distant barbarians to cultivate the land, transforming wilderness into fertile fields; with my craftsmanship, I benefit neighboring artisans, replacing crude tools with exquisite ones; with my benevolent arts, I rescue lives afflicted by plague, reviving the bones of the dying; with my written language, I transmit rites, music, benevolence, and virtue, enlightening the world!"

"..."

The proclamation swept across the land like thunder, shaking the aristocratic families and causing them great anxiety.

Key figures from various clans held an emergency meeting, the secret room brightly lit with candlelight.

Some pounded the table in fury, shouting, "This scoundrel Fei Qian, does he intend to emulate the tyrannical Qin dynasty by burning books and burying scholars alive? He actually equates lowly artisans with scholars of the classics! This is blasphemy against the sacred Way and undermines the foundation of the nation!"

Some people's faces turned ashen. "Only the scriptures are the right path! The Fei family has gone astray!"

Some cried out in anguish, "If this decree is issued, sacred learning will be lost! Rites and music will collapse, and people will all pursue profit; how will they be different from beasts?"

Some mocked, "This scoundrel Fei, born of humble origins and ignorant of the Way, uses the tricks of commerce to wreak havoc on the world!"

However, it cannot be denied that the terms "pseudo-pure officials" and "major pests of the country" in the manifesto stung them!

This manifesto was practically a declaration of war against the traditional privileges of the Han dynasty's aristocratic families and an order to exhume their graves!

The division of responsibilities and specializations stripped officials of their monopoly on knowledge!
The saying "all professions are for scholars" breaks the golden rule that all other professions are inferior and only studying is superior!

The "performance-based" selection criteria further shook the very foundation of the Han Dynasty's traditional recommendation and selection system for officials!

Amidst this uproar, some members of the gentry were bewildered, while others began contacting officials and local powerful families still under Cao Cao's control, providing them with money and supplies, and urging them to stand up and join forces to resist the new policies, expressing sentiments such as "I will never let my life be subject to the will of others"...

Some members of the gentry also submitted memorials to the Han court, vehemently denouncing Fei Qian for "changing ancestral rules and corrupting moral principles; his intentions are deserving of punishment," and requesting the emperor to punish the rebels. Knowing it was futile, they merely sought to create public pressure, thereby demonstrating that they had still done something for the sake of the world…

However, amidst this commotion, a division emerged among some of the young aristocratic sons, especially those who were already dissatisfied and confused by their family's arrangements. They began secretly inquiring about Chang'an, about the idea that "all professions are for scholars" and "honor is earned through skill," which enraged the clan elders...

Cao Cao's group strictly blocked the spread of the proclamation, denouncing it as "seditious talk that sows discord among the army and the people." However, under this pressure, undercurrents were surging, and the minds of ordinary people, scholars from humble backgrounds, and some pragmatic officials were wavering.

"This proclamation from the traitor Fei is more poisonous than ten thousand soldiers! His words about dividing duties and making all trades officials are an attempt to uproot aristocratic families; his talk of expanding territory, increasing skills, and unifying all nations is nothing short of a usurpation of imperial ambitions! Immediately draft a proclamation to refute it, and anyone who dares to read or discuss it will be punished as a traitor!"

The manifesto was listed as forbidden material, and those who discussed it publicly were silenced.

Anyone who posts a comment containing twelve characters will be imprisoned.

But that couldn't stop the whispers at the unofficial level...

News of "land redistribution in Guanzhong," "officialdom in all trades," and "the General's plan to lead troops to reclaim wasteland in the Western Regions and Lingnan" still circulated quietly like wildfire in the countryside and marketplaces. Some scholars from impoverished families, those hopeless in the imperial examinations, or those frustrated under Cao Cao, would occasionally obtain a copy of the proclamation, or even just some oral accounts, and treasure it like a priceless gem. They would repeatedly read phrases like "both official and commoner education should be promoted" and "merit should be judged by actual achievements," their eyes igniting with hope: "If this is truly the case... perhaps my strength in mathematics will find a place to be used? There's no need to struggle so hard for the path of classical studies..."

Meanwhile, the lower-ranking officials in Cao Cao's camp, responsible for specific tasks such as water conservancy and land reclamation, dared not openly express their opinions, but they deeply felt the "shackles of technology" and "the entrenched skills by powerful clans" pointed out in the proclamation. One clerk in charge of river works, observing the slow progress of the project due to the lack of new tools and techniques, sighed inwardly, "If only Shandong truly had an engineer to specialize in this matter… alas!"

……

……

The Book of Rites speaks of a harmonious world where "people value trust and harmony, and do not only love their own parents and children." We, extending this principle to others, wish that wherever the sun and moon shine, and wherever rivers flow, all will be bathed in the light of Chinese civilization, and that everyone will abide by the teachings of benevolence, virtue, propriety, and music!

Alas, you people! Do not be misled by rumors, nor fear change. The old cauldron has cracked, the new pot is just beginning to burn!

Those who follow this trend will surely become pillars of all industries, pioneers in territorial expansion, and share in the joy of global peace; those who go against this tide will ultimately be foolish as to try to stop a chariot with their bare hands, and corrupt and self-serving parasites, inevitably crushed into the dust of history!

"Let this be proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know!"

This scroll of silk proclamation was now laid out heavily before Cao Cao.

The air was still, with only Cao Cao's heavy, suppressed breathing audible.

The servants and guards stood in the corner, wishing they could turn into shadows, not daring to even breathe.

Cao Cao did not clean the table or replace the inkstone. Instead, he silently scanned the silk scroll with the powerful yet piercing words.

"A great pest of the nation, a colossal thief of the people"...

Cao Cao's eye twitched slightly.

Is it anger?
Is it a stinging pain?
Or perhaps...

A subtle, indescribable sense of agreement?

Wasn't he himself also struggling against these deeply entrenched powerful forces?

He promoted land reclamation, suppressed powerful clans, and even went so far as to wield the butcher's knife, precisely because he was well aware of the harm caused by these corrupt officials.
He felt annoyed at being exposed, yet he also vaguely sensed that the other person's insults were...

happy!

But this "big" and "huge" were also like sharp blades, pointing directly at Cao Cao and the Cao and Xiahou clans...

"Every profession has its specialists, each excelling in their craft and displaying their abilities... This is not a path to the isolation of scholars, but rather a means to broaden their horizons..."

Cao Cao's hands, gripping the table, trembled slightly.

This is actually somewhat similar to Cao Cao's previous proposal of "appointing people based solely on their talents." However, Cao Cao only emphasized that they did not necessarily have to be "honest and upright officials," but now Fei Qian has almost taken "appointing people based solely on their talents" to the extreme!
It is no longer limited to the traditional "scholar" but encompasses all trades and professions!

Cao Cao felt a strong resonance, but now this confidant was a mortal enemy he had to crush!

This internal conflict caused his blood to boil.

Only by breaking down social barriers and judging people by their achievements can we gather truly talented individuals in this chaotic world. Fei Qian's argument is almost a theoretical refinement and institutional affirmation of his personnel strategy!
This filled him with both relief and fear. He seemed to see countless talented individuals from humble backgrounds and skilled craftsmen drawn by this manifesto, surging towards Guanzhong like rivers flowing into the sea!

He admired Fei Qian's boldness, and even envied his ability to break free of constraints so recklessly, while he himself had to wear the shackles of the Han Dynasty's prime minister and struggle to navigate the cracks between powerful clans...

May all that the sun and moon shine upon, and all that rivers flow upon, be bathed in the light of Chinese civilization!

Even upon rereading this sentence, Cao Cao still felt a chill run down his spine and straight to the top of his head.

This is no longer a simple struggle for supremacy, but a naked declaration of the new dynasty's mandate of heaven!

Fei Qian did not want to establish a separatist regime, or even simply change dynasties; he wanted to completely reshape the foundation and territory of Chinese civilization!
What a high-sounding excuse!

This is clearly an attempt to bring the entire world under the new order established by Fei Qian!
Fei Qian's blueprint was so grand it was suffocating, and so dangerous it was terrifying...

After a long while, Cao Cao let out a deep, long sigh, a sigh that contained extremely complex emotions.

"What a powerful manifesto!"

Cao Cao slammed his fist on the table.

"My lord..." Xun Yu bowed slightly, cupping his hands in a salute, "This proclamation..."

"His words, 'blocking skills and guarding private interests' and 'powerful clans corrupting the country,' though seemingly malicious, are not entirely unfounded..." Cao Cao frankly acknowledged the crucial points in the proclamation, which moved Xun Yu.

Cao Cao laughed heartily, "My edict seeking talented individuals also advocated 'appointing only the capable,' yet... I was ultimately constrained by prophecies and the circumstances of the time, unable to fully realize my ambitions. But this scoundrel, relying on his connections in Guanzhong, dares to take such a desperate gamble! His audacity... I must admire him to some extent."

Xun Yu's eyebrows twitched. "A desperate, all-or-nothing approach? My lord's intention is..."

"Hmm!" Cao Cao nodded, his tone suddenly turning sharp, like a blade drawn from its sheath, gleaming with cold light. "How easy is it for them to destroy the millennia-old moral order and change the traditions of China?! Their so-called 'decentralization of duties' may seem to broaden the path for talent, but in reality, it's a path to chaos! The people are foolish and greedy; how can they understand reason in a day? This will surely lead to chaos!"

Cao Cao said in a deep voice, "His words about 'expanding territory and increasing technology' and 'harmonizing all nations' are nothing but treacherous schemes! This is an attempt to emulate the tyrannical Qin dynasty's wolfish ambitions, to drive the people to his henchmen, to exhaust his military might, and to fill his bottomless greed! 'Wherever the sun and moon shine, wherever rivers flow'? Hmph! This is the prelude to his usurpation of the throne! His ambition is to use the arts and crafts as weapons, under the false name of a unified empire, to enslave the people!"

Cao Cao acknowledged that Fei Qian saw the problem and even offered a seemingly grand and self-consistent solution.

Some parts of this plan coincided with his own thoughts, resonating with him, but at the same time, it also made Cao Cao sense the danger involved...

Fei Qian went too far, too thoroughly.

"A new pot to cook a new world?" Cao Cao muttered to himself, shaking his head.

Cao Cao also once wanted a "new era"...

"Such arrogance...such a vicious strategy...Fei Ziyuan, you wish to forge a new cauldron, but do you know the blood in the old cauldron is not yet cold? This land, these hearts...can they be easily changed by your mere words of madness?"

Cao Cao closed his eyes, and images of the Central Plains, the formidable Sishui Pass, and beyond that, shrouded in an unknown mist, appeared in his mind the scene of "unifying all nations" described by Fei Qian...

"Since that's the case..." Cao Cao took a deep breath, brimming with righteous indignation, "Then... I request the Emperor to personally lead the expedition!"

Xun Yu was startled upon hearing this, "My lord!"

Originally, Cao Cao had Liu Xie issue an edict, the so-called "personal expedition," which was just a formality, at most a symbolic gesture. After all, they were quite adept at this kind of thing in Shandong. But now that Cao Cao has said "personal expedition," it is clear that it is not just a hollow formality.

Cao Cao patted the proclamation on the table, his gaze deep. "Wenruo, this challenge… is already laid out before us… If we do not respond… heh, I'm afraid… I will send this proclamation directly to the Imperial Palace, and see if His Majesty… will launch the campaign or not?"

Although Cao Cao was occupying the table, it nominally belonged to Liu Xie. Now, Fei Qian was about to overturn the table...

If Liu Xie (Emperor Xie) is "indifferent," then the people of the world will be even more "indifferent."

Xun Yu quickly grasped this as well, then his eyes flickered slightly. "Your Majesty... I understand... However, my lord, this General of the Cavalry... this proclamation... could it be that the General of the Cavalry did this intentionally?!"

"Hoo..." Cao Cao slightly raised his head, standing with his hands behind his back. "At this moment, intentionally...unintentionally...the candlelight flickers on the new cauldron, the cold blade cleaves the old palace gate...Ha! Go!"

Xun Yu remained silent for a moment, seemingly wanting to say something, but in the end he could only sigh softly along with Cao Cao, cup his hands in apology, and leave.

Bonus chapter, to celebrate the glorious China!