Happy life in the world of film and television

Chapter 1600: Mi Zhen from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms
“Zhiwei, you…” Jiang Chen was slightly taken aback.

Clearly, Jiang Chen hadn't expected Feng Zhiwei to refuse at this point.

He thought things would fall into place today.

After all, he has already done a lot today.

"Young master, please give me a little more time, okay?" Feng Zhiwei's eyes held a hint of pleading.

"Okay, I agree." Jiang Chen looked at Feng Zhiwei and finally softened.

"Young Master, thank you." Feng Zhiwei was very happy because she knew that Jiang Chen would not go back on his promise. However, at the same time, Feng Zhiwei felt a strange emotion welling up in her heart.

“However, I’ll be collecting some interest today,” Jiang Chen said.

"Interest?" Feng Zhiwei looked at Jiang Chen with some confusion.

“Yes, it’s interest.” Jiang Chen chuckled and whispered in Feng Zhiwei’s ear.

Upon hearing Jiang Chen's words, Feng Zhiwei blushed: "How could you do that..."

"Because I like it." Jiang Chen also felt that his thoughts were a bit... inappropriate, but he couldn't help it. Especially when he thought of Feng Zhiwei's image in "The Rise of Phoenixes," the impulse in his heart became even stronger.

"..." Feng Zhiwei.

What's the reason?
"I... I can't do it," Feng Zhiwei said.

"Whether it works or not, we'll know once we try." Jiang Chen's heart was pounding as he looked at Feng Zhiwei with great anticipation.

“No.” Feng Zhiwei shook her head vigorously.

“Okay, let’s lie down together for a bit, I’ll leave in a bit,” Jiang Chen said.

"Hmm." Feng Zhiwei did not refuse Jiang Chen's request.

At that moment, Jiang Chen held Feng Zhiwei as they lay down on the bed.

Of course, Jiang Chen's hands wouldn't stay still.

Although we can't take the final step, there are still some things we can do.

This is also a way to strengthen the bond between two people.

An hour later, after Feng Zhiwei had fallen asleep, Jiang Chen got up and left.

Sigh, Jiang Chen was filled with regret for not winning over Feng Zhiwei today.

……

Eastern Han Dynasty, Luoyang, Beigong.

"Your Majesty, let me first report on the affairs of the court..." Tang Ying began to report on the events that had occurred in the Eastern Han continent during this period.

When we last came to the Second World, Han Shiyi and Wu Shiyi had already defeated the allied forces of the warlords and were pursuing them everywhere. In addition to Wu Shiyi and Han Shiyi, Cao Cao and Lü Bu's battles were also progressing well.

However, although the autumn harvest last year was not plentiful, military operations ceased in November and December after arriving in the Second World.

Of course, this was not only due to food shortages, but also because the soldiers were exhausted from the prolonged fighting. Coupled with the weather, Jiang Chen implemented the plan formulated last year: first stabilize the base in Luoyang, Guanzhong, Yanzhou, and Jizhou. Once sufficient food was available and the troops had rested and recuperated, they would then launch attacks on other areas.

It's already January, so if we want to send troops, we can only do so after the spring planting season.

Therefore, during this period, the Eastern Han Dynasty was focused on internal affairs.

"How are those powerful and influential families doing now?" Jiang Chen asked.

“Those powerful and influential families have been quite cunning,” Tang Ying said. “Our weakness is that we don’t have enough officials. Those officials all come from powerful and influential families. In the context of knowledge dissemination, we can’t afford to completely break ties with them.”

In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, some powerful families emerged among the scholar-officials. They held high office for generations, specialized in one classic, and had students and former officials all over the country. They were given priority in the recommendation and recruitment process and occupied a special position in politics, economy and culture.

Historically, the power of the aristocratic families was suppressed during Cao Cao's reign, but it re-emerged during the Wei and Western Jin dynasties. Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, established the Nine-Rank System, which, because the officials in charge of the Nine-Rank System were controlled by the aristocratic families, created a situation where "the upper ranks had no commoners, and the lower ranks had no aristocrats." Aristocratic sons entered officialdom through the Nine-Rank System, forming a hereditary aristocracy. Meanwhile, commoners almost lost the opportunity to enter officialdom.

Currently, in the Eastern Han Dynasty, during the reign of Liu Bian, it is a crucial time for the formation of powerful clans. However, Jiang Chen will never allow these powerful clans to exist.

In the Eastern Han Dynasty, what was considered a "humble family"?

They were ordinary small and medium-sized landlords.

Even if Jiang Chen wanted to win over those from humble backgrounds, it was far from enough.

"It seems we need to establish a new education system as soon as possible," Jiang Chen said.

The official schools of the Eastern Han Dynasty were the core of its education system, which was divided into two levels: central and local. Central official schools included the Imperial Academy (太学) for regular education, as well as special schools such as the Hongdu Gate Academy (鸿都门学) and the Four Surnames Minor Marquis Academy (四姓小侯学). Local official schools were divided into county and state schools (郡国学) and other levels such as schools (校), academies (庠), and prefectures (序).

When the Imperial Academy was first established, it initially had 50 students, but later grew to 3. Teachers at the Imperial Academy were called "Doctors," and students were ranked and appointed to official positions through examinations. Those who passed could serve as literary historians, court officials, and other similar posts. The Hongdu Gate Academy was founded in the first year of the Guanghe era of Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Located at Hongdu Gate in Luoyang, its students were recommended by the prefectures and counties for their expertise in letter writing, poetry, and calligraphy. Graduates could serve as governors, ministers, and other similar positions. The Four Surnames Junior Academy was limited to students from the Fan, Yin, Guo, and Ma surnames, and taught classics such as the *Classic of Filial Piety* and the *Book of Documents*.

Local government schools had a four-tiered system of administration, consisting of prefectures, counties, townships, and villages. Prefectural and national schools were run by literary officials or local scholars and served the dual functions of training officials and promoting education, but their actual effectiveness was greatly influenced by local officials.

However, this education system was far from sufficient to sustain the development of the Eastern Han Dynasty. A complete overhaul of the education system was necessary.

"Was it established according to the First World education system?" Tang Ying asked.

“No, the education system of the First World is not suitable for Han Kingdom.” Jiang Chen explained the education system he needed.

The education system Jiang Chen described was similar to that of the Ming Dynasty in the Third World.

The implementation of the imperial examination system in the Third World during the Ming Dynasty greatly promoted the development of the Ming education system. To prepare for the examinations, academies and private schools were established throughout the country, and renowned teachers were hired, fostering a social atmosphere where "all other professions are inferior, only studying is superior." At the same time, the imperial examination system also played a significant role in promoting the printing and publication of books, enabling the printing and dissemination of numerous classic works and laying the foundation for the inheritance and popularization of culture.

Jiang Chen plans to improve upon the education system of the Third World Ming Dynasty and adapt it to the education system of the Han Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, if this education system is made public, those powerful and influential families will probably turn against us completely," Tang Ying said.

"Yes, so we need to take it one step at a time..." Jiang Chen didn't want to completely fall out with those powerful families. He could only resort to political tactics.

Jiang Chen knew that it would take decades to build a complete education system.

However, Jiang Chen was not in a hurry.

Because the Jiang family has plenty of time.

If it weren't for the greed for three months of cultivation in the Second World, not everyone would need to enter it. However, the Jiang family's overall strength is currently too weak, so they have no choice but to cultivate without wasting any time.

Moreover, development in the Second World can increase ethnic fortunes.

"That's the only way." Tang Ying nodded.

"Next we..."

Jiang Chen and Tang Ying discussed it.

Having experienced several worlds, Tang Ying has matured and is now adept at handling affairs and politics in the Han Kingdom of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

After arriving in the Second World, Tang Ying officially became the Regent Empress.

Of course, Tang Ying was also criticized when she became Empress Regent.

However, this is quite normal.

After discussing business with Tang Ying, Jiang Chen dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs.

"Your Majesty?" Tang Ying looked at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen reached out his hand.

Tang Ying immediately understood what was going on.

She immediately stood up with a smile and came to Jiang Chen's side.

Jiang Chen reached out and pulled Tang Ying into his arms.

"Your Majesty." Tang Ying sat in Jiang Chen's lap, her arms around his neck.

"My Empress smells so good." Jiang Chen leaned close to Tang Ying's neck and took a deep breath.

"How fragrant it is." Tang Ying approached Jiang Chen.

“I smelled it and I wanted to…” Jiang Chen whispered in Tang Ying’s ear.

At that moment, Jiang Chen's hand entered Tang Ying's phoenix robe.

"Your Majesty always bullies me." Tang Ying said, but she still changed her position, not for any other reason than to make it easier for Jiang Chen.

"Because I like it." Jiang Chen didn't stand on ceremony and started making his move.

"Wait a minute." Tang Ying stopped Jiang Chen.

"Is there anything else?" Jiang Chen asked. "I heard from Gu Qingyu that three of the four major wealthy merchant families have come to Luoyang. Find some time to meet them," Tang Ying said.

"Three companies? Which three?" Jiang Chen nodded.

During the late Eastern Han Dynasty, there were four wealthy merchants: Mi Zhu, Zhen Shi, Wei Zi, and Lu Su. They used their enormous wealth to support the feudal lords.

Mi Zhu was a wealthy merchant from Xuzhou, originally from Donghai. His family had been merchants for generations, employing tens of thousands of servants and possessing assets worth hundreds of millions. He once funded Liu Bei's army, including two thousand servants and gold, silver, and other valuables, helping him to make a comeback. Later, his sister married Liu Bei. Mi Zhu held a prominent position in Shu Han, being appointed General Anhan, ranking above Zhuge Liang.

The Zhen family was a wealthy merchant family in Hebei. They amassed enormous wealth through commerce, supported Yuan Shao's struggle for power, and later switched allegiance to Cao Cao. The family consolidated its political alliances through marriage; for example, Zhen Mi married Yuan Xi and then Cao Pi, allowing their wealth to continue to expand amidst the chaos of war.

Wei Zi was a wealthy merchant from Chenliu. He rose through the ranks of the "filial piety and incorruptibility" system, and his family's wealth rivaled that of a state. When Cao Cao raised his army, Wei Zi funded the recruitment of over five thousand men, providing funds and household slaves to help Cao Cao establish his initial military force. Wei Zi himself accompanied Cao Cao in his campaign against Dong Zhuo and died in battle at Xingyang.

Lu Su was a wealthy merchant from Jiangdong. Born in Linhuai, he was rich and known for his philanthropy. When Zhou Yu borrowed grain from him, Lu Su generously gifted him 3,000 hu (approximately 360,000 jin), a priceless sum. Later, he joined Sun Quan and became the Grand Commander of Eastern Wu, where his wealth provided crucial support for the early development of the state.

“The Zhen family, the Wei family, the Mi family,” Tang Ying replied.

"It's them? Okay, I'll meet them tomorrow," Jiang Chen said.

“Your Majesty, do you want to cooperate with them? None of these people are simple,” Tang Ying said.

“I know, but in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the social hierarchy is that of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. These wealthy merchants have no choice but to submit if they want to expand and become powerful. What we want is simply their distribution channels.” Jiang Chen didn’t believe that coercion could solve the problem.

In Jiang Chen's view, to deal with and utilize these people, one must adopt the methods used on merchants in feudal society.

Of course, some modern methods will still be needed in this process.

"It's good that you have an idea. But, in what capacity will you meet them?" Tang Ying asked.

"Today I'll infiltrate their residences to find out what's going on. Tomorrow I'll summon them one by one in the name of the Emperor," Jiang Chen said.

Jiang Chen did not want to meet these families in his own name first.

After all, the emperor and the wealthy merchant are of different weight.

"Shall I make the arrangements?" Tang Ying said.

"Mm." Jiang Chen nodded.

"Your Majesty, let's go inside!" Tang Ying said, putting her arms around Jiang Chen's neck and leaning on his shoulder.

"Okay." Jiang Chen picked up Tang Ying and walked inside.

Soon, indescribable sounds came.

That evening, Jiang Chen first went to the Zhen family's house.

Jiang Chen had met Zhen Mi and the others before.

The Starry Sky Merchant Caravan also has a partnership with the Zhen family. However, Jiang Chen plans to keep Zhen Mi, Guo Huan, and others in the palace this time, making them the Plum Blossom Guards of the Jiang family.

After spending fifteen minutes at the Zhen family's house and figuring out some things, Jiang Chen went to the Wei family's house.

The person who came from the Wei family was Wei Zi.

Because of Jiang Chen, the Wei family did not support Cao Cao.

However, the Wei family is very influential in Yanzhou and other places, and their support is inevitable if the Central Plains want to revive its economy.

After wandering around the Wei family's house for half an hour, Jiang Chen had acquired quite a few things.

Soon, Jiang Chen arrived at the Mi family's residence in Luoyang.

The person who came from the Mi family was none other than Mi Zhu.

"I didn't expect Mi Zhu to come in person."

"I wonder if his sister came."

Jiang Chen did not forget his purpose and infiltrated the Mi family to gather useful information.

A moment later, Jiang Chen began to stroll around the Mi family's house.

Soon, Jiang Chen saw a woman.

Almost simultaneously, a system notification sounded.

"Sign in."

Jiang Chen silently recited in his heart.

[Congratulations, host! You have successfully checked in and received ten low-level spirit cannons.]

"Ten low-level spirit cannons?"

"Seventeenth check-in received."

"According to the system description, this low-level spirit cannon is similar to the M777 cannon, with a large barrel length to caliber ratio and a smaller propellant charge, making it suitable for low-angle firing."

"The difference is that the low-level spirit cannon is engraved with runes and array patterns. The super cannon of the First World has a range of 1000 kilometers, while the low-level spirit cannon has a range of 2000 kilometers."

"Unlike cannons, spirit cannons use low-grade spirit stones (only low-grade spirit stones are used). A single shot from a low-grade spirit cannon costs one thousand low-grade spirit stones, and its power is equivalent to a full-force attack from a Martial Emperor."

"The cooldown time for each firing of a low-level spirit cannon is five minutes."

"As long as there are enough low-grade spirit stones, a low-level spirit cannon can fire one hundred times in a row. After firing one hundred times in a row, the low-level spirit cannon will need to undergo a three-day cooling-off period."

“Each low-level spirit cannon requires five Grandmaster martial artists to operate.”

"However, the sign-in reward is pretty good."

"It's a pity that too many low-grade spirit stones were used."

At that moment, Jiang Chen looked at the female lead who had signed in.

Lady Mi (Mi Zhen) is a character in the 10 TV series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

In the drama, she is the younger sister of Mi Zhu and Mi Fang. Guan Yu resigned his post and returned the gold, traveling a thousand miles alone to find his brother Liu Bei. When Liu Bei was in Xuzhou, he took Lady Mi as a concubine. After the incident of the imperial edict in the belt, Lady Gan and Guan Yu were captured by Cao Cao. After resigning his post and returning the gold, Guan Yu was influenced by Liu Bei's letter and escorted the two ladies to bid farewell to Cao Cao. He traveled a thousand miles to find his brother and finally met Liu Bei, Mi Zhu and others in Gucheng.

"Madam Mi?"

"Sure enough, it's here..."

In the drama, Lady Mi's family is a wealthy merchant family, and her eldest brother, Mi Zhu, is the head of the family. Mi Zhu is not skilled in martial arts and has no special talents. Although he has wealth, it brings him more danger in the chaotic world. Mi Zhu decides to try to join a warlord. At that time, the most powerful warlords were Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Liu Biao, Sun Ce, and the rising star Cao Cao.

They were all quite far from the Mi family, and besides, as commoners, the Mi family could hardly get close to these powerful warlords who held considerable military strength. In addition, Mi Zhu was well-informed and knew that Lü Bu, relying on his bravery, had made enemies everywhere, and his "rule of the world on horseback" was unlikely to last long; Liu Biao and the Yuan brothers were old and senile; as for Cao Cao, he was suspicious and bloodthirsty, and it was extremely dangerous to associate with him.

In contrast, Liu Bei's power was not great, but his prestige was high, his potential for growth was strong, and he was relatively less bloodthirsty. Therefore, Mi Zhu took a liking to Liu Bei, and in addition to providing him with some funds, he also married his own sister—Lady Mi—to Liu Bei.

At that time, Liu Bei already had a principal wife, Lady Gan, but Lady Mi had no choice but to become Liu Bei's concubine, becoming a bridge between the Mi family and the Liu family, or perhaps a pawn of the family.

Mi Zhu, who was neither literate nor skilled in martial arts, also became a close advisor to Liu Bei. He and Liu Bei were protected by a large army every day and lived a safe and worry-free life. However, Liu Bei had no special feelings for Lady Mi, and the two had no children. Liu Shan (A Dou) was the son of Liu Bei's principal wife, Lady Gan.

Liu Bei knew that his principal wife's son, A Dou, was an idiot. If he had another son with a concubine, the concubine's son might pose a threat to the succession and the principal wife's son after his death.

Liu Bei fought against Lü Bu and was defeated, fleeing in disarray. Mi Zhu, fully armored, followed closely behind Liu Bei, feigning loyalty and protection, but in reality, ensuring his own safety. Lady Mi and other family members who were not his principal wife were abandoned by Liu Bei, left to fall into Lü Bu's hands.

Fortunately, Lü Bu was upright enough not to harm the enemy's family, so Lady Mi escaped unharmed and was returned to Liu Bei.

During the Battle of Changban, Liu Bei was defeated. Lady Mi, carrying the two-year-old Liu Shan, was separated from the army in the chaos. She was found by Zhao Yun, but Lady Mi refused to mount Zhao Yun because he only had one horse. After entrusting A Dou to Zhao Yun, she threw herself into a well and died. When Zhao Yun saw that Lady Mi was dead, he was afraid that Cao Cao's army would steal her body, so he pushed down the earthen wall and covered the dry well.

"Madam Mi?"

"I wonder what this Madam Mi's full name is?"

"Is it Mi Zhen?"

"That's a good name."

"However, because Mi Zhen was born into a merchant family, even though the Mi family fully supported Liu Bei, she was only a concubine."

"That's because of status and position."

Jiang Chen looked at Mi Zhen, and the relevant plot flashed through his mind.

However, Jiang Chen did not stay at the Mi family's residence for long. After obtaining the relevant information he wanted, he returned to the palace.

Upon returning to the palace, Jiang Chen went to the palace where Cai Wenji was located.

Jiang Chen had already slept with Tang Ying, so he went directly to Cai Wenji's palace.

"Husband." Cai Wenji was reading a book when she saw Jiang Chen walk in and quickly stood up: "You've come."

"Hmm, have you been waiting long?" Jiang Chen approached Cai Wenji.