Shuhan

The sky of the Han Dynasty was as blue as a gem, and the sunlight poured down unreservedly, covering the majestic Luoyang City with a layer of golden glow.

The flags on the city wall fluttered in the wind, and the big flag embroidered with the word "Han" heralded a new beginning for this ancient dynasty.

At this time, the atmosphere in the Taiji Hall in the imperial palace was solemn and warm.

Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne. He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe. The gold embroidery on the robe sparkled brightly in the candlelight. He wore a crown on his head, and every jade bead reflected a majestic halo.

His eyes were bright and firm. He glanced at the ministers under His Highness and said in a steady voice, "Now, our Han Dynasty has completed the great cause of unifying the world. Although the past era name of 'Tianming' carries many expectations, it is a little outdated at present. I want to change the era name. Do you have any suggestions?"

In the court, ministers were whispering to each other.

A moment later, an old minister in crimson court robes and with a white beard stepped out. He was the highly respected Minister of Rites in the court.

He clasped his hands together and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I think the words 'Yanxing' are very wonderful. 'Yan' means the virtue of the Han Dynasty. Our Han Dynasty ruled the world with the virtue of fire; 'Xing' means that the Han Dynasty will prosper again under your Majesty's wise leadership. This era name is exactly what your Majesty wants, and it also demonstrates the vigorous atmosphere of our Han Dynasty."

Liu Chan nodded slightly, a trace of approval flashed in his eyes, and said: "My dear minister, what you said is very true. I also think that 'Yanxing' is very good. From now on, this year will be the first year of Yanxing. I hope that our great Han will prosper like a raging fire under this new year name."

His voice echoed in the temple, full of strength and determination.

After the reign title was determined, everyone in the court knelt down and shouted: "Your Majesty is wise and wise, and Yanxing will prosper!"

The voice resounded through the sky, as if cheering for the future of the Han people.

At the same time, after more than half a year of hard work, the land measurement work in Luoyang City finally achieved some phased results.

The officials in charge of measuring land excitedly presented thick account books to the court.

The land surveyor stepped forward, saluted respectfully to Liu Chan, then unfolded the account book in his hand and reported loudly: "Your Majesty, great news! The land survey in Luoyang has achieved remarkable results. The measured land is one million mu more than before. Not only that, after investigation, there are still millions of mu of land available for development, including countless forests and gardens. And in terms of household registration, the population has increased by 200,000 people."

His voice trembled slightly with excitement and a proud smile spread across his face.

Liu Chan took the account book and looked through it carefully, his eyes full of surprise and relief.

"Good, good!" he praised repeatedly.

"You have made great contributions to the land survey and household registration this time. This is not only related to the tax revenue of our Han Dynasty, but also to the people's well-being."

He raised his head and glanced at the ministers of His Highness, his eyes full of affirmation.

However, Liu Chan's joy did not last long, and his brows gradually frowned.

He knew very well that with such a huge amount of data, it was inevitable that some people would deceive their superiors and subordinates and deliberately lie about the numbers for personal gain.

In order to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the data, he fell into deep thought.

"Your Majesty, I think we can send people from the Secret Service to go to the people, in disguise, and investigate secretly. The Secret Service has many eyes and ears, and will definitely be able to find out if there is anything fishy." A young official stepped forward and made suggestions to Liu Chan.

Liu Chan nodded and said, "This plan is feasible. I can rest assured that the Jianjun Division is in charge of this matter. But I think this matter is of great importance and I must participate in it personally. I have decided to spend a month inspecting Luoyang and see with my own eyes whether the results of measuring land and registering the people are true."

His voice was firm and unquestionable.

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the court.

The ministers knelt down one after another to dissuade him: "Your Majesty is worth a fortune, how can you easily take risks? Although Luoyang City is peaceful, accidents are bound to happen. I hope Your Majesty will think twice!"

Liu Chan waved his hand and said, "I have made up my mind. No need to persuade me. As the Son of Heaven, I should seek the welfare of the people. If I dare not even take this little risk, how can I convince the people? I will make comprehensive arrangements for this inspection. My dear ministers, don't worry."

A few days later, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was as blue as a mirror, as if a clear curtain had been specially laid out for the emperor's trip.

The gates of Luoyang City slowly opened, and a huge imperial entourage filed out.

Thousands of imperial guards dressed in bright armor, holding spears, looked majestic. Their figures gleamed with metallic luster in the sun, like a long golden dragon winding forward.

At the front of the team were flag bearers holding high various flags. The flags were embroidered with Han totems and patterns symbolizing imperial power, and they fluttered in the breeze.

A gorgeously decorated carriage slowly drove over. The body of the carriage was made of precious wood and inlaid with dazzling gems. The curtains of the windows fluttered gently, and one could vaguely see that sitting in the carriage was Liu Chan, the emperor of the Han Dynasty.

He was dressed in a gorgeous robe embroidered with golden dragons, with a crown on his head. His face was solemn, and his eyes showed his anticipation and concern for this inspection.

The first stop of this trip is Gu County.

Gu County, the place that caused a great uproar in the land measurement issue, is now quietly waiting for the arrival of the emperor.

When the emperor's procession arrived outside Gu County, the officials of Gu County who had been waiting there knelt down to greet them.

In the crowd, a young man in official uniform and with an upright posture was particularly eye-catching. He was the new top scholar Su Ran.

Su Ran looked up and saw the emperor's carriage slowly stop.

Liu Chan got off the carriage with the help of his attendants. His eyes swept over the people kneeling on the ground in front of him and finally fell on Su Ran.

"Stand up." Liu Chan's voice was steady and majestic. Everyone stood up, Su Ran took a few steps forward, bowed respectfully and said: "Your Majesty, I am Su Ran, your servant."

Liu Chan looked at Su Ran and saw that he had a handsome face and his eyes showed determination and maturity. He seemed completely different from the young official who had caused the riots because of his rough land measurement.

"Su Ran, I came here this time because I want to hear about the specific situation of land measurement in your Gu County." Liu Chan's voice was not loud, but it carried unquestionable power.

Su Ran took a deep breath, calmed himself, and began to report in detail: "Your Majesty, since my last improper land measurement method caused many incidents, I have reflected deeply and have been restless day and night. Since then, I have changed my strategy and will no longer force it forward."

As Su Ran spoke, he observed Liu Chan's expression. Liu Chan nodded slightly, motioning him to continue.

"I first summoned the gentry and village heads of Gu County and patiently communicated with them, explaining the importance of measuring land and registering households to the country and the people." Su Ran's voice was clear and sincere.
"I also personally visited the fields and talked with the people, listening to their concerns and demands. For those who had doubts about the land measurement, I patiently answered them one by one."

Liu Chan listened quietly, with a glimmer of approval in his eyes.

He frowned slightly and asked, "Are there any obstacles in the implementation process? Are the people cooperating?"

Su Ran bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, at first some people were unwilling to cooperate, especially those who owned a lot of land and were worried about the increase in taxes. I promised them that the land survey would be fair and just, and taxes would be reasonably levied according to actual conditions, and the people would never suffer any loss."

Su Ran paused and continued, "I have also organized a special surveying team. Every time a piece of land is measured, the people are personally present to witness it to ensure that the data is accurate. For those who conceal their land, I will no longer use tough measures, but mainly use persuasion to get them to correct it on their own initiative."

Liu Chan nodded slightly and said, "That's very good. How is the progress of measuring the land and registering the people?"

Su Ran showed a gratified smile on his face and said, "Your Majesty, after the efforts of me and a group of officials, the work of measuring land and registering people in Gu County has been successfully implemented. Now, most people have recognized and cooperated with this work. The number of measured fields is much larger than previously estimated, and there are also thousands of newly registered people."

After listening to this, Liu Chan nodded with satisfaction and said, "Su Ran, you have learned from your previous mistakes and made changes, which is rare. Measuring land and registering households are related to the foundation of our Han Dynasty, and we must not be careless. I am very pleased that you can turn the situation in Gu County around."

Su Ran was excited and knelt down immediately, saying, "Your Majesty is wise. I am able to have the change I have today because of your teachings and tolerance. I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Afterwards, Liu Chan, accompanied by Su Ran, walked into the county seat of Gu County.

On the streets, people stopped to watch, their eyes full of awe and curiosity. Liu Chan looked at the lively scene in front of him, feeling deeply moved.

He knew very well that although the road to measuring land and registering the people was full of hardships, as long as the officials worked hard, the people would eventually understand and support them.

During the days in Gu County, Liu Chan went deep into the people's community and personally checked the actual situation of land measurement.

He walked into the fields, talked with the people who were working, and asked them about their opinions on farming.

The people have expressed that now that land measurement is fair and just and taxes are reasonable, they have hope for their lives.

Liu Chan also inspected the registration work of the people. Seeing the detailed and accurate information on the registration book, he was more impressed with Su Ran's work.

When leaving Gu County, Liu Chan said to Su Ran again: "Su Ran, you must continue to maintain your governance of Gu County. I look forward to greater achievements from you." Su Ran knelt down to thank him, looking at the backs of the emperor's procession going away, and secretly vowed in his heart that he would build Gu County into a more prosperous one and live up to His Majesty's expectations.

Liu Chan, satisfied with the results of the land measurement in Gu County, continued on his inspection tour, exploring more possibilities for the prosperity and stability of the Han Dynasty.

Afterwards, Liu Chan inspected the counties in Luoyang.

After a walk, we returned to Luoyang City.

Liu Chan, dressed in casual clothes and accompanied by a small team of guards, quietly left the team.

They blended into the bustling crowd like ordinary people. The streets of Luoyang were bustling with hawking and laughter.

The shops on the street are full of goods, and people are coming and going, creating a prosperous scene.

Liu Chan strolled along the street, carefully observing everything around him.

He walked into a rice shop and started chatting with the owner: "Boss, how is your business lately? Has the price of rice changed?"

The rice shop owner saw that this was a customer who was dressed in ordinary clothes but had an extraordinary temperament, and he immediately greeted him warmly: "Sir, thanks to your majesty, business is booming now! The price of rice is also very stable. I heard that the court has just completed the land measurement, and our people's lives will definitely get better and better in the future."

Liu Chan nodded slightly, feeling relieved. Then, he came to another farmland.

In the fields, farmers are working hard, their clothes soaked with sweat.

Liu Chan walked up to him and asked, "Fellow villagers, how is the harvest this year? Are these newly cultivated fields any good to you?"

The farmer straightened up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said with a simple smile: "It's good! The new land has made us know how much land we have, and we feel at ease. And I heard that the tax will be fairer in the future, so we are more motivated to work."

During his inspection, Liu Chan met an old man who was sitting on the street, watching the people passing by with a satisfied look in his eyes.

Liu Chan walked up to the old man and started chatting with him. The old man said with emotion: "Your Majesty is wise. Now the world is peaceful. With the land measurement and household registration, the lives of ordinary people are getting better and better. I have lived for most of my life and have never seen such a good situation."

Liu Chan listened to the old man's words and felt a sense of accomplishment, but at the same time he became more determined to thoroughly investigate the authenticity of the data.

A month's inspection passed in a flash, and Liu Chan slowly returned to the palace in the luxuriously decorated carriage.

In front of the palace gate, a group of eunuchs and palace maids had already lined up in an orderly manner to welcome the emperor's return.

Liu Chan got off the carriage, the sunlight shining on him, outlining his slightly tired but still upright figure.

His eyes were deep, revealing the thought and reflection after returning from inspection.

Liu Chan went straight back to the imperial study and after a short rest, he ordered someone to convey his imperial decree and summon the ministers to the palace to discuss matters.

Soon, the ministers came hurriedly wearing court robes.

Inside the imperial study, the atmosphere was solemn and serious. The huge desk was filled with various memorials. A map of the Han Dynasty's territory was hung on the wall, which stood out particularly under the candlelight.

The ministers filed in and knelt in unison, saying, "Long live His Majesty!"

Liu Chan sat on the chair behind the desk, raised his hand slightly, and said, "My dear ministers, please stand up."

His voice was a little tired, but still firm and powerful.

Liu Chan stood up and walked slowly, his eyes sweeping over the faces of each minister, and said, "During this inspection, I visited various places in Luoyang, and what I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears gave me a deeper understanding of the policy of measuring land and registering households. I see hope for our Han Dynasty. Most people are very satisfied with this policy. They work hard, and their lives are gradually getting better."

At this point, a hint of relief flashed in Liu Chan's eyes.

"However," Liu Chan changed the subject and frowned slightly.

"I have also found some shortcomings. In some places, the measurement of land is not accurate enough, which makes the people doubt the taxation; there are also omissions in the registration of households, and some people have not been included in time. Although these problems are small, they are related to the vital interests of the people and cannot be ignored."

There was a hint of worry in Liu Chan's voice. The ministers nodded one after another, with solemn expressions on their faces.

An old minister stepped out, clasped his hands together, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise and insightful. Land measurement and household registration are important national affairs that concern the people's livelihood and the country. Now that these problems have occurred, we, the ministers, cannot escape the blame."

The old minister's voice was slightly trembling and full of self-blame.

Liu Chan waved his hand and said, "My dear ministers, you don't have to blame yourself. The most urgent task now is to discuss a plan for improvement. I order you, my dear ministers, to speak freely about the problems found during this inspection and propose practical solutions to ensure that this policy truly benefits every citizen."

Liu Chan's eyes were firm and full of expectations for his ministers.

At this time, a young official stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I think we can reorganize a professional land measurement team and select fair and experienced officials to be responsible. At the same time, we should set up a supervision mechanism to monitor the entire measurement process to ensure that the data is accurate."

The official's eyes were bright and his words were sincere.

Liu Chan nodded slightly and said, "This plan is feasible. Do you have any other suggestions?"

Another minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, regarding the omissions in the household registration, I suggest setting up special registration points in various places and assigning special personnel to be responsible for rechecking every household. For those who were missed, a certain amount of compensation should be given to appease the people."

Liu Chan pondered for a moment and said, "Well, this suggestion is not bad. But the compensation must be done with discretion and the national treasury should not be wasted excessively."

The ministers spoke one after another and put forward their own opinions.

Liu Chan listened carefully and raised his own opinions and questions from time to time.

In the imperial study, discussions were ongoing and the atmosphere was lively.

As the sky gradually darkened, the candlelight in the imperial study became brighter.

Liu Chan felt a little relieved when he saw his ministers actively offering suggestions.

He knew that as long as the ruler and his subjects were of one mind, the Han Dynasty would be able to move forward steadily on the path of measuring land and registering the people, and achieve the goal of prosperity.

This discussion lit a bright light for the future of the Han Dynasty and provided guidance. (End of this chapter)