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"Hua means the glory of China, the glory of civilization, and the glory of splendor! My Hua Dynasty shall inherit the orthodox calendar of China, carry forward the flame of civilization, and ensure that wherever the sun and moon shine and wherever the rivers flow, all are bathed in the glory of China!"

"The capital will be established in Luoyang, which will be called the Divine Capital. Chang'an will be the Western Capital, Xiangyang the Southern Capital, and Jiangling the Secondary Capital. With the reign title now established, this year will be the first year of the Dingding era!"

"Empress Consort Shan Wanjing shall be established as Empress, ruling over the six palaces and serving as the mother of the nation!"

Shan Wanjing stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Yi Huawei, receiving the homage of the officials and soldiers. She came from the Dongming faction, not a traditional aristocratic family, but she had made great contributions in the eastward expedition across the sea and the pacification of Silla. She was also one of the earliest women by Yi Huawei's side. Making her empress would not only reward her merits, but also balance the power of various factions, and further demonstrate to the world the new dynasty's principle of "rewarding those who have made contributions, regardless of their background" in personnel selection.

Immediately following this was the grand conferment of titles upon meritorious officials and the establishment of new policies.

Yi Huawei gestured, and the chief eunuch unfolded the first imperial edict that had been prepared beforehand, and read it aloud:

"The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and the edict says:"

"The empire has just been pacified, and everything needs to be rebuilt. We rely on the achievements of both civil and military officials, and the hard work of our soldiers. Now we reward those who have made contributions to ensure the stability of the nation and to encourage future generations!"

"Jin Songque was appointed Duke of Zhenguo, General of Tiance, and Chief of the Privy Council, overseeing the deployment of troops and national defense throughout the land!"

Song Que's contributions need no further explanation; the title of "Heavenly Blade Protector of the Nation" is well-deserved. The Privy Council is a newly established highest military institution, standing alongside the Council of State Affairs (administrative).

"Jin Zhu Yuyan is the Lady of Yin Kingdom (given the title 'Yin' because of her background in the Yin Kui Sect, not in a derogatory sense), and serves as the Chief Envoy of the Oversight Council, in charge of overseeing all officials, intelligence gathering, and matters concerning the martial arts world!"

Zhu Yuyan leads the Yin Kui Sect and "Shadow," making the supervisory role a perfect fit for her, and thus she holds a high position of power.

"Jin Lu Miaozi is the Duke of Anguo, and the head of the Ministry of Works' Institute of Crafts, overseeing all engineering construction, machinery manufacturing, and craftsmanship in the country!"

Lu Miaozi is the chief technical officer, and the Tiangong Academy is independent of the traditional six departments, holding a superior position.

"Li Jing of Jin was appointed Duke of Wei, Minister of War, and concurrently served as Vice-Chancellor of the Privy Council!"

After Li Jing surrendered, he performed well. His military talent was recognized worldwide. Giving him a real position not only demonstrated his magnanimity but also served to appease the surrendered officials.

"Xu Shiji of Jin was made Duke of Yingguo, Su Dingfang was made Duke of Xingguo, Qin Qiong was made Duke of Yiguo..." A group of military generals were granted titles and positions based on their military achievements, and each was assigned to govern a region or command the imperial guards.

"Song Zhi, Song Lu, Song Shidao..." The core members of the Song clan were all granted titles and rewards.

"I hereby appoint Shan Meixian as Lady of the East Sea, and appoint her as the Governor-General of the Navy, in charge of all affairs of the East Sea and South Sea ships and overseas vassal states!"

"Wanwan is hereby granted the title of Duke of Shu, and appointed Governor-General of Yizhou, overseeing all affairs in Bashu and the southwestern border regions!"

"Feng Wencaiting, Danmei, Bai Qing'er... all the elders and meritorious members of the Yin Kui Sect will be granted titles, salaries, and official positions, and assigned to the Censorate, the Imperial Guard, or local authorities..."

Regarding civil officials, capable ministers from the former Tang dynasty, such as Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji, were selected and appointed based on their abilities after careful consideration. Fang Xuanling was appointed Minister of Personnel, Du Ruhui Minister of Revenue, and Changsun Wuji Minister of Rites. At the same time, a large number of talented individuals were promoted from the existing civil service system of the Heavenly Alliance and from newly qualified candidates in the imperial examinations to fill positions in government offices at all levels.

The nobility was divided into five ranks: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron. These ranks were not hereditary but rather linked to merit and political achievements, with succession occurring in descending ranks. Official positions were separate from nobility titles, emphasizing actual duties.

After the bestowal of titles and honors was completed, shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" echoed throughout the square. Those who received the titles were moved to express their gratitude, while the onlookers were filled with excitement. The power structure and core leadership of the new dynasty were thus clearly revealed.

Immediately afterwards, the eunuch announced the second, third... a series of new edicts concerning the foundation of the state:
"The official system was established: the central government consisted of three parallel offices—the Council of State Affairs (administration), the Privy Council (military affairs), and the Censorate (intelligence surveillance)—to check and balance each other. These offices comprised six ministries: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works, as well as special agencies such as the Imperial Works Bureau and the Maritime Governor's Office. Locally, the two-tiered system of prefectures and counties was temporarily maintained, with governors (prefects) and magistrates directly under the central government. A separate patrol inspection office was established to oversee public security and education. Many redundant and miscellaneous official positions from the previous dynasty were abolished."

The military system was structured into three levels: the Imperial Guard, the Border Army, and the Local Garrison Soldiers. The elite Imperial Guards were stationed in the capital and key locations; the Border Army defended the frontiers; and the Local Garrison Soldiers farmed in peacetime and were conscripted in wartime. A combination of the Local Garrison System and the Volunteer System was implemented, emphasizing training and equipment. Military academies were established to train officers.

Fixed-field system: A comprehensive implementation of the "Equal-Field Order" and a modified version of the "Rent, Labor, and Tax System." The entire country's land was re-measured, and land was allocated according to the number of people, restricting land consolidation. Taxes were primarily levied in kind (rent), labor service (labor service), and cloth (tax), with fixed amounts and strict prohibition against additional levies. Newly reclaimed wasteland was exempt from tax for three years, and its tax was halved after five years.

The imperial examination system was formally established, abolishing the remnants of the Nine-Rank System. It was divided into civil service examinations (covering classics, policy essays, mathematics, law, etc.) and military examinations (covering horsemanship, archery, military strategy, martial arts, etc.). Each prefecture held its own provincial examinations annually, selecting candidates to participate in the metropolitan and palace examinations in the capital. Selection was based solely on talent, regardless of social status! Upon this edict, countless scholars from humble backgrounds shone with unprecedented brilliance!
Laws and Regulations: The initial version of the "Chinese Law" was promulgated, based on the principles of "simple laws and reduced punishments, legality of crimes and punishments, and equal application of laws," abolishing many harsh laws and privileged clauses of the previous dynasty. It emphasized evidence and limited the abuse of power. Independent trials were established at various levels of the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review.

Education was standardized: Official schools (county schools, prefectural schools, and imperial academies) were established in each prefecture and county to promote elementary education and teach classics, history, mathematics, law, and basic agriculture and industry. Private schools were encouraged, but registration was required. The "Correct Pronunciation of China" was compiled to unify the official language, and the "Great Compendium of Establishing the Capital" was compiled to organize classical texts.

Regulation of Industry and Commerce: Reduce customs and market taxes, standardize weights and measures, and regulate the management of overseas trade by the Maritime Trade Office. Protect the skills of artisans and encourage improvement and innovation. Establish "Ever-Normal Granaries" to stabilize grain prices and "People-Benefiting Pharmacies" to provide basic medical care.

The edicts on stabilizing the frontiers recognized and bestowed titles upon the already subjugated frontier powers, including Feng Ang of Lingnan, the various chieftains of Bashu, the governor of Yingzhou (Japan), and the Protectorate General of Andong (Silla), granting them autonomy, but requiring them to abide by Chinese laws, pay tribute, and accept supervision and coordination from officials dispatched by the central government. This series of edicts repeatedly shocked everyone present. This was a profound transformation encompassing politics, military affairs, economy, culture, and society! Many measures were unprecedented, yet they directly addressed the ills of the time.

In particular, the imperial examination system, the equal-field system, and the new laws completely broke the monopoly of hereditary aristocratic families, provided avenues for upward mobility for ordinary people, guaranteed their basic survival rights, and won the heartfelt support of countless middle and lower-level officials, scholars, and common people. Furthermore, the emphasis on commerce and industry, encouragement of skills, and promotion of education demonstrated the new dynasty's pioneering spirit and commitment to practical learning.

Of course, these policies have affected countless vested interests, and it is foreseeable that there will be resistance and setbacks in the future. However, Yi Huawei unified the country by absolute military force, and at the height of his prestige and the new dynasty, he implemented these policies with the momentum of a great victory and the expectations of the people. This was the time with the least resistance and the highest success rate.

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Yi Huawei stepped forward again, looking at the crowd below with their varied expressions, his voice deep and solemn:

"My lords! My people! Every word I speak today is a vow I and my officials have made to the people of the world! The new dynasty is newly established, like the rising sun, but the road ahead is long and thorny. There are corrupt officials within the country and the Turks outside who are eyeing us covetously. The implementation of the new policies will inevitably encounter obstacles."

"I am willing to work together with all my ministers and the people of the world to overcome these difficult times! May our Chinese dynasty be prosperous and harmonious, and may all industries flourish; may our Chinese civilization be civilized and powerful, and may our land be free from the suffering of war, and forever enjoy the blessings of peace!"

"This oath is witnessed by heaven and earth, and proclaimed by the sun and moon!"

"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

This time, a thunderous roar of cheers swept out from in front of Zetian Gate, resounding throughout the night sky of Luoyang! The sound carried with it the anticipation of the new dynasty, the yearning for the future, and the awe and support for the new emperor who brought miracles and changes!
The coronation ceremony lasted until late at night.

Yi Huawei (now known as Emperor Hua) and Empress Shan returned to their palace (Ganlu Hall in Ziwei City). After removing their heavy crowns and robes, the two stood on a high platform outside the hall, overlooking the dimly lit, yet subtly changed, capital city of Luoyang.

"Wanjing, from this day forward, you will be the Empress of my Hua Dynasty." Yi Huawei held her slightly cool hand and said softly.

Shan Wanjing rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes sparkling: "Your Majesty, Wanjing does not aspire to be the empress, but only to be by Your Majesty's side, to share Your Majesty's burdens, and to witness Your Majesty create this unprecedented golden age."

Yi Huawei smiled slightly, his gaze fixed on the endless night sky to the north: "The golden age... has only just begun. Hebei has been pacified and needs to be digested; the Turks have not been pacified and border troubles remain; the implementation of new policies faces numerous obstacles; and there are still territories to be reclaimed thousands of miles overseas... The road ahead is still very long."

In the first year of the Dingding era, the Hua Dynasty was established.

………………

In the early fourth year of the establishment of the dynasty.

Luoyang, the divine capital.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye, yet they have left a vibrant mark on the reborn land of Huachao.

Since the thunderous reforms of the first year of his reign, Emperor Hua did not rush to wage large-scale military campaigns abroad, but instead focused his main efforts on consolidating domestic affairs, implementing new policies, and resting and recuperating the people.

Although the implementation of the Equal-Field System and the reformed land tax system initially encountered covert resistance and feigned compliance from some local powerful families, it was rapidly rolled out under the omnipresent "shadow" of the Censorate and the iron-fisted crackdown by the powerful imperial inspectors dispatched by the central government. Large amounts of unclaimed wasteland and fields hidden by powerful families were remeasured and redistributed. The government provided loans for seeds, oxen, and agricultural tools (the prototype of the "Green Seedling Law"), and vigorously promoted new agricultural implements such as the curved-shaft plow and the waterwheel. Water conservancy projects were also listed as a top priority in the performance evaluation of local officials.

Several key sections of the Yellow River, Huai River, and Yangtze River basins were systematically managed, countless silted-up channels were dredged, and new ponds and canals were extended like blood vessels. Although there were occasional disasters, the "ever-normal granary" system established by the imperial court played a timely role in stabilizing prices and providing relief, preventing major disasters.

In the autumn of the third year of the reign of Emperor Dingding, the Ministry of Revenue reported that the amount of cultivated land nationwide had increased by nearly 30% compared to the first year of the reign. The granaries in Taicang and various prefectures and counties had reached the level of the prosperous period of the Kaihuang era. Although the folk saying that "there are leftover ears of grain on the road and doors are not locked at night" was an exaggeration, people's faces were indeed less pale, and the scene of "rice flowing with oil and millet white" of abundance reappeared in the city.

Under Lu Miaozi's leadership, the Ministry of Works' Tiangong Institute not only continuously improved military equipment, but also made rapid progress in civilian technology.

Improved papermaking techniques significantly reduced paper costs, allowing books to reach a wider range of social classes. Although movable type printing was not widely adopted, it was used in the imperial court and the Imperial Workshop to print standard documents and textbooks. Continuous improvements to ocean-going and inland waterway vessels greatly increased shipping efficiency. Official and private workshops in mining, metallurgy, ceramics, textiles, and tea production sprang up everywhere, absorbing a large number of displaced people and farmers.

The imperial court reduced commercial taxes, regulated the market, standardized weights and measures, and severely cracked down on market manipulation and monopolistic practices. Major cities such as Luoyang, Chang'an, Xiangyang, Jiangling, Yangzhou, and Guangzhou saw a surge in merchants and the flow of goods, exhibiting a prosperity unprecedented since the end of the Sui Dynasty. Overseas trade was particularly thriving. Ports such as Dengzhou, Mingzhou (Ningbo), and Guangzhou, where Lady Donghai Shan Meixian was stationed, saw massive ships coming and going, carrying mountains of exotic goods. Caravans from Yingzhou, Silla, Southeast Asia, and even further afield, Persia, arrived in an endless stream.

The official school system in various prefectures and counties was initially established. Although the teachers and teaching materials were still rudimentary, it at least opened a window for children from poor families. The Imperial Academy in the capital city gathered outstanding students from all over the country. They not only studied classics and history, but also had practical subjects such as mathematics, law, agriculture, and engineering. There were often heated debates and active thinking.

After three years and two sessions (the second and third years of the reign of Emperor Dingding), the imperial examination system, though still imperfect, had become the most important way to select officials. A large number of talented people from commoner families or even ordinary citizens entered the bureaucracy, greatly impacting the monopoly of the old aristocratic families and bringing fresh blood and a pragmatic atmosphere to the court. A number of classics compiled by the court, such as the "Commentary on the Laws of the Reign of Emperor Dingding," "Essentials of Agricultural Administration," and "Maps and Maps of the Mountains and Rivers of China," were completed one after another, and cultural integration was quietly underway.

Under the leadership of Song Que of the Privy Council, military reforms reorganized and downsized the national army. The old, weak, and redundant soldiers were properly resettled (given land or transferred to local security and engineering teams), while the elite forces were preserved and strengthened. The Imperial Guards were equipped with the finest armor and weapons, practicing new battle formations day and night. The border armies focused on strengthening their cavalry and mobility. Military academies had trained two batches of junior officers, who were then deployed to the army, raising its professional level. Under the supervision of Shan Meixian, the navy expanded, with new warships constantly being launched. Although there were no major wars for three years, small-scale border skirmishes, the suppression of mountain bandits and river pirates, and actions to deter rebellious vassal states never ceased, and the army maintained its fighting spirit.

Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. The backlash against the new policies never ceased, only shifting from overt to covert. Some local powerful families colluded with former officials to secretly obstruct land surveys; controversies frequently arose regarding the selection of officials from the north and south, and from the gentry and commoners; the excessive power of the Censorate drew criticism from some officials in the court; and the continuous construction of water conservancy projects and the maintenance of a large army led to enormous expenditures on the national treasury. Although commercial tax revenue supplemented these expenditures, the brow of Du Ruhui, the Minister of Revenue, remained furrowed. Furthermore, while the Turks in the north were temporarily quiet due to the death of Bi Xuan and internal power shifts, their ambition to seize the Central Plains never ceased; and the Tuyuhun in the northwest repeatedly raided the borders, plundering caravans and becoming a threat to the frontier. (End of Chapter)