Shuhan

Liu Chan, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, slowly woke up on the spacious and soft bed in his bedroom. He subconsciously reached out to his side, but touched nothing. The beautiful queen who was supposed to be by his side was gone. Only the lingering fragrance seemed to be telling of last night's tenderness.

Liu Chan frowned slightly, rubbed his eyes which were still a little sleepy, and sat up from the bed.

Inside the bedroom, light shines through layers of curtains and softly falls on the ground.

Upon seeing this, the palace maids and eunuchs who had been waiting for a long time immediately came forward in an orderly manner like well-trained servants.

The leading palace maid held a golden basin filled with warm water and gently helped Liu Chan wash his face.

She has a graceful figure, lowered eyebrows, a pretty face, and eyes full of respect and caution.

The eunuch held a clean white towel in his hand, and after Liu Chan had finished wiping him, he handed him some tea for rinsing his mouth.

Then, everyone carefully dressed Liu Chan. Every movement was precise and detailed. The gorgeous dragon robe was unfolded in their hands and gently draped over Liu Chan's body. Then every wrinkle was carefully straightened out.

Liu Chan dressed neatly and walked out of the bedroom.

The morning breeze blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness. In the courtyard outside the palace, the flowers, plants and trees appeared full of vitality under the moisture of the morning dew.

Only then did he realize that Queen Zhang had been waiting there, and the table was filled with a sumptuous breakfast.

Queen Zhang was dressed in a gorgeous phoenix robe, with a dignified posture and a gentle face, and her eyes showed concern and tenderness.

"Your Majesty, you have finally gotten up. Come and try this breakfast, which has been carefully prepared by the imperial chefs." Queen Zhang said softly with a smile on her face.

Liu Chan looked up and saw a wide variety of food on the table.

After being improved by the imperial chefs, these foods were surprisingly similar to those in later generations.

There are steaming steamed dumplings with thin skin and large fillings, through which you can vaguely see the fresh fillings inside; there are also exquisite pastries with various shapes, some like blooming flowers, and some like auspicious beasts; and there is also the temptingly colorful porridge with a fragrant aroma.

Liu Chan and the queen sat opposite each other, talking and laughing while enjoying the delicious food.

Liu Chan's face was filled with satisfaction. He would sometimes praise the delicious food and sometimes discuss trivial matters in the palace with the queen.

"Queen, the royal chef's cooking skills are becoming more and more sophisticated. These foods give me some new tastes." Liu Chan said with a smile, his eyes full of joy.

Empress Zhang nodded slightly and responded softly: "As long as Your Majesty likes it, this is their duty."

After eating, Liu Chan's expression gradually became serious. He looked at the queen and asked, "Queen, what's the situation in Chang'an?"

Empress Zhang put away her smile and answered seriously, "Your Majesty, rest assured. With the Minister of Chancellery Fa Zheng in charge, Chang'an has been largely pacified. There is only a slight rebellion in Longyou and the Western Regions, but it is all under control."

When Liu Chan heard this, he nodded slightly and a look of relief appeared on his face.

He pondered for a moment, and then asked the queen for advice: "Now that the world has been stabilized, I am wondering whether we can start measuring the land and compiling a register of the people of the world? This is related to the foundation of our Han Dynasty, and I have to consider it carefully."

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhang frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "We have to do it, but we can't rush it. This matter involves a lot of things, so we need to take our time, otherwise something unexpected might happen."

Liu Chan had a different opinion. He frowned slightly, and said with a firm tone: "If we don't act too hastily, I'm afraid it won't work. This move infringes on the interests of too many people. It can only succeed when the new dynasty is just established and the forces of all parties are not yet stable. If those forces react after a period of time, the resistance will definitely be greater."

Liu Chan had made up his mind and immediately decided to summon Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, Nine Ministers Fei Yi, Dong Yun and other ministers to discuss the matter in the Taiji Hall.

The Taiji Hall is solemn and dignified.

Huge red pillars reach up to the top of the hall, and the floor inside is paved with smooth bluestone, spotless.

The sunlight shines through the glazed tiles on the roof of the hall, reflecting on the decorations inside the hall, refracting colorful light.

There were several desks in the hall, on which pens, ink, paper and inkstones were neatly placed.

Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, wearing a long robe and holding a feather fan, walked into the hall calmly.

He has a gaunt face and his eyes are full of wisdom and depth.

Afterwards, the Nine Ministers Fei Yi, Dong Yun and other ministers also entered the hall one after another. After greeting each other, they took their seats.

Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes slowly swept over the crowd, and he spoke solemnly: "Today, I summoned you all to discuss the matter of measuring the land and compiling the register of the people of the world. Now that our Han Dynasty has just been established, there are many things to be done. This matter concerns the people's livelihood and the long-term stability of our Han Dynasty. I think now is a good time to implement this matter. What do you think?"

As soon as the words fell, the hall fell into silence.

After a moment, Fei Yi stood up first, clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is certainly important, but measuring land and compiling a register of people involves the people of the world and the interests of all parties. Now that the world has just been settled, the people's hearts are not yet completely stable. If we rashly implement it, I am afraid it will cause unrest among the people. I hope Your Majesty will think twice."

Dong Yun also stood up and agreed: "Master Fei is right. We should not rush into this matter. We need to take a long-term view, first appease the people, stabilize the situation, and then proceed slowly."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, what Lord Fei and Lord Dong said is not without reason. But your Majesty's suggestion to implement this matter at the beginning of the new dynasty also makes sense. However, in the process of implementation, a detailed strategy needs to be formulated to minimize resistance."

Liu Chan listened to everyone's opinions, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

He understood everyone's concerns, but he was more aware of the urgency of the matter.

He frowned slightly, his eyes revealing a trace of determination: "I know this is difficult, and I understand the pros and cons. But I think that if we don't take advantage of the new dynasty, when the forces of all parties have not yet been fully integrated, to implement it, there will be more resistance in the future. I have made up my mind to try it out in Luoyang first. Luoyang has many nobles, and if it can be successfully implemented in Luoyang, it will surely be implemented in other places in the world."

After hearing Liu Chan's words, everyone fell silent again.

They are fully aware of Your Majesty's determination and understand that what Your Majesty said makes sense.

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly and said, "Since Your Majesty has made this decision, we will do our best to assist you. However, we need to select capable people to make a detailed plan to ensure that it is foolproof for the pilot project in Luoyang."

Liu Chan was pleased when he heard this: "What the Prime Minister said is absolutely right. I will leave this matter to the Prime Minister. Please select the right officials to go to Luoyang and make sure this matter is handled well."

Zhuge Liang bowed and accepted the order: "I obey your order."

Afterwards, everyone discussed some specific details until it got dark, and then they dispersed.

Liu Chan looked at the backs of his ministers as they left, secretly hoping that the task of measuring land and compiling a register of the people of the world could be carried out smoothly, thus laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of the Han Dynasty.

Inside the Han palace, candlelight flickered and light and shadows danced on the vermilion walls.

Liu Chan sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression, holding a scroll tightly in his hand, which recorded in detail the relevant matters of measuring land and compiling the register of people. This matter was like a heavy stone, pressing on his heart. After all, it was related to the foundation of the Han Dynasty. Any mistake could cause turmoil.

After careful consideration, Liu Chan decided to select a capable general to go to Luoyang to be responsible for carrying out the task of measuring land and compiling a register of the people.

The people he chose were either talented people who stood out through the imperial examination system and were granted official positions. These people were well-read, had the ambition to serve the country, and were eager to make great achievements in the new dynasty; or they were elites who came out of the Military Academy. They were highly skilled in martial arts, had strict discipline, and were loyal to Liu Chan.

These people were all Liu Chan's confidants. In his eyes, only they could take on this important task and ensure the smooth progress of measuring land and compiling population registers.

Luoyang, this prosperous ancient capital, has busy streets and numerous shops.

With the arrival of officials selected by Liu Chan, the work of measuring land and compiling registers of the people quickly began in various counties in Luoyang.

Officials are busy working everywhere in the streets and alleys. Holding official documents, they visit every household, carefully measure the land, and conscientiously register population information.

For the Han Dynasty, this was a top priority. It was not only related to the country's tax revenue. Adequate tax revenue was the economic cornerstone for national operation, military construction, and people's livelihood security. It was also related to the degree of control the government had over the local areas. A detailed civil register would allow the court to clearly understand the population and land conditions in various places, so as to better allocate resources and maintain order.

Amid the hustle and bustle of Luoyang City, Liu Chan summoned Zhou Che to the palace.

Zhou Che was wearing a gorgeous palace dress made of the finest silk and embroidered with exquisite patterns. As she walked, her clothes fluttered, making her look like a fairy descending to earth.

She has a graceful figure, and every step she takes is light and elegant, as if she is walking on clouds.

She has a beautiful face, skin as white as snow, eyes like the twinkling stars in the night sky, and her glance reveals all kinds of charm.

She was not only Liu Chan's beloved concubine, but also a key figure in Liu Chan's charge of the secret military department. She played a vital role in the intelligence network of the Han Dynasty.

Zhou Che walked slowly into the palace with lotus steps.

She leaned forward slightly, saluted to Liu Chan, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I heard that the work of measuring land and compiling population registers in Luoyang has already begun." Her voice was clear and pleasant, like a clear mountain spring, echoing in the palace.

Liu Chan nodded slightly, with a hint of worry in his eyes, and said: "My beloved, this matter is of vital importance. Although I have selected my confidants to go, I am still worried. There are many nobles in Luoyang, and their interests are complicated. I am worried that someone will interfere and disobey the measurement of land and the compilation of the people's register."

There was a determination gleam in Liu Chan's eyes. He knew the difficulty of this matter, but he was determined to push it through.

Zhou Che raised her head, her eyes revealing intelligence and courage, and said: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best. The spies of the Military Affairs Department are all over Luoyang, and they will monitor it at all times. If there is any disturbance, they will report it to Your Majesty immediately."

She frowned slightly, thought for a moment and then said: "But the situation in Luoyang is complicated. Those nobles will not give in easily. They may use various means to obstruct us."

Liu Chan stood up and paced back and forth in the palace. His footsteps were heavy and powerful, and every step seemed to be stepping on his heart.

"My beloved concubine is absolutely right. We have to use some iron-blooded means to carry out the pilot project in Luoyang. I want everyone to know my determination to promote this matter. Anyone who dares to stop me will be severely punished." His tone was firm and resolute, and his eyes revealed unquestionable majesty.

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will keep a close eye on those officials who may be involved in corruption. This land and civilian register involves a large amount of land and money. There is no guarantee that some people will not become greedy." Zhou Che said seriously, her eyes revealing her commitment to duty.

Liu Chan stopped and looked at Zhou Che, his eyes full of trust and expectation: "My dear, the military command is relying on you. If the pilot project in Luoyang is successful, the land measurement and population registration can be smoothly implemented throughout the country, and our Han Dynasty will usher in a new prosperity. You must act prudently to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Zhou Che bowed again and said firmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will live up to your trust."

Her voice was clear and powerful, echoing in the palace for a long time.

From then on, the spies of the Intelligence Department moved around every corner of Luoyang City like shadows hidden in the darkness.

They paid close attention to every step of the land measurement and population register, and watched the officials' every move and the reactions of the nobles.

Once someone is found trying to disobey or showing signs of corruption, the information will be passed on quickly.

In a small alley in Luoyang, under the dim light, a thin man sneaked into a pub.

He looked around and made sure no one was paying attention before walking into a private room.

In the private room, a middle-aged man in a brocade robe was sitting at the table with an anxious look on his face.

"How is it? What news have you heard? Are those government officials going to touch our land?" the middle-aged man asked anxiously.

The thin man approached the middle-aged man and said in a low voice: "Master, I heard that the government is determined to measure the land and compile a register of the people this time. Anyone who dares to disobey will probably suffer a bad fate. Moreover, I heard that they have sent a military officer to secretly watch us."

The middle-aged man's face changed. "Junsi? He is His Majesty's confidant, and is responsible for intelligence. What should we do? Our land cannot be measured by them like this." He frowned, his eyes full of worry.

"Master, how about we try to smooth things over and see if we can get those officials to turn a blind eye?" the thin man suggested cautiously.

The middle-aged man snorted coldly, "Smoothing out relationships? That's easier said than done. This time the order was given by His Majesty himself, who among the officials would dare to act in favoritism? If things go wrong, we'll get into big trouble." He stood up and paced back and forth in the private room, thinking about a countermeasure in his mind.

At this time, in another corner of Luoyang City, a young official in charge of measuring land was sitting at the table, carefully checking the land measurement data in his hands.

He has a handsome face and his eyes are focused and serious.

Suddenly, there was a light knock on the door. He raised his head alertly and shouted, "Come in."

A man who looked like a servant walked in, holding an exquisite box in his hand.

"Sir, this is something my master asked me to deliver. I hope you will accept it." The servant put the box on the table with a smile on his face.

The young official opened the box and found a glittering ingot of gold inside.

His face darkened and he said angrily, "What does your master mean by this? I am doing my job, how can I accept bribes? Take this thing back quickly and tell your master that if you dare to do this again, don't blame me for being rude."

The servant turned pale with fright. He quickly picked up the box and retreated out in disgrace.

The young official looked at the servant's departing back, secretly thanking his lucky stars that the military supervision kept him alert at all times, preventing him from slacking off in the slightest.

The night in Luoyang city is brightly lit.

Liu Chan was waiting in the palace for news from the secret military department.

(End of this chapter)