Become the Emperor of Man by starting from the Qiyun entry

Chapter 765 Social Transformation in the New Era: Chu Wujiang's Shaping of the Powerful Class

Bai Ye, known as a loyal subject of the Dragon Gate, is one of the most outstanding disciples of the Dragon Gate.

He was not as cunning and scheming as Hei Chen in his struggle for power, but he had a deep understanding of the lives of ordinary people and how to improve them.

After all, Bai Ye had been eating earthworms every day for over ten years and was already sick of them, so he had a greater capacity to empathize with the lives of ordinary people.

What makes Chu Wujiang's governance model different from other emperors is that he is not afraid of rebellions by powerful clans and wealthy families, so he can govern the world with a more tolerant attitude.

That's the advantage.

Chu Wujiang did not intend to kill them, but rather to guide them, which was consistent with what he had told the Lu family.

Chu Wujiang would acknowledge the property of aristocratic families and powerful clans, as long as it was within reasonable limits, and would gradually transform and train them into forces adapted to the new era.

If someone isn't a good fit, then they're bankrupt and out.

Bai Ye's suggestion opened up new avenues of thought for Chu Wujiang.

He added directly:

"I've figured it out. We should encourage aristocratic families, powerful clans, and sects to employ more people. The more they hire, the greater their contribution."

"Make them spend all their money, don't hoard it in the cellar!"

"They can engage in sports, entertainment, and competitions—the more the better, to promote economic development."

"In that case, the Young Heroes Tournament should not only be held, but should be held in large numbers, and some educational competitions should also be organized, etc."

"Whoever makes the greatest contribution to popularizing education will receive the most Dragon Qi rewards."

"Bai Ye, you've come up with a great idea."

Bai Ye was stunned.

What idea did I come up with? Why does my lord suddenly seem so excited?

Bai Ye had no background in economics; he simply relied on his keen intuition to figure out how the imperial court could suppress powerful clans and weaken their economic strength without resorting to violence.

Although it has some drawbacks, it also has considerable advantages.

In fact, many people had used this approach in Chu Wujiang's previous life.

For example, the Zhou Dynasty's system of paying homage to the emperor stipulated that feudal lords must pay homage to the Zhou emperor, and required the corresponding etiquette, number of people, and offerings.

If one does not conform to the requirements of propriety, one will be subject to demotion, punishment, and so on.

For example, during the Han Dynasty, powerful families were relocated to the capital, given certain political power, and their local resistance forces were gradually disintegrated, while they were encouraged to spend lavishly in the capital.

For example, Louis XIV of France's Palace of Versailles required nobles to come to Versailles to compete and consume extravagantly, leading the trend of the times and ultimately creating the Versailles culture.

You see, throughout history and across the world, powerful rulers have almost always adopted the same core strategy when dismantling local tyrants and targeting aristocratic families.

They didn't use methods like killing entire families, but rather guided the nobles to undertake costly endeavors, gradually draining their financial, material, and human resources.

This policy is relatively more moderate, less likely to cause social unrest, and less likely to lead to resistance from the nobility. It can be gradually dismantled and also helps to develop the economy.

Moreover, this plan hits the core of economics.

Demand and employment.

For example, during the Edo period in Japan, the Tokugawa Shogunate ordered daimyo from various regions to maintain the proper etiquette and the number of people visiting the temple, which inadvertently promoted social development.

Historical records from the Edo period show that this plan was quite effective.

It fostered the prosperity and culture of the Edo period, bringing classical Japan to its peak, making Edo a city of millions, cultivating a large urban class, and facilitating industrialization.

Why do you say that?

Because the daimyo was going to the capital, he needed to hire commoners and maintain his entourage, which required a lot of money and silver. The surrounding cities also had to provide services for these people.

This will lead to greater social division of labor, stimulate demand, and become a driving force for social development.

In a word.

In the classical era, the primary task of the rulers in economic policy was to get the rich, landlords, and powerful people to spend their hard currency, thereby promoting urbanization and increasing the social division of labor.

The more specialized the social division of labor and the more developed the commodity economy, the greater the demand for industrial technology will be.

This will prompt smart people to study how to improve productivity.

Early Europe, driven by such forces and with its growing accumulation of scientific knowledge, eventually embarked on the process of industrialization.

In short, what is the mother of industrialization?

Commodity economy, social division of labor, scientific knowledge, and the material conditions and social environment necessary for industrialization.

If you're just looking for machinery and equipment to produce, then it's nothing more than the Self-Strengthening Movement.

Bai Ye realized what was happening and said with some worry:

"Your Majesty, won't this allow powerful clans to grow stronger?"

"That's not what I originally thought."

"The handover of duties and the general application for projects mainly consume the manpower, material resources and financial resources of local powerful families."

"In this way, the imperial court can further weaken the local areas and consolidate the central government's rule."

"If they are allowed to hold more competitions, like the football tournaments and martial arts competitions you mentioned, they might even be able to make a profit."

"In this way, heroes will take the opportunity to grow and forge a powerful force that will have the chance to rebel against the imperial court."

Bai Ye's political instincts are clearly very sharp.

The original requirement for powerful local families to come to the capital regularly was merely to create a grand spectacle and encourage them to hire more subordinates and displaced people.

Now Chu Wujiang is encouraging them to hold more martial arts competitions, isn't that very dangerous?

Sports and politics are often two sides of the same coin.

In Chu Wujiang's previous life, the place where football culture flourished was built by community culture, which had an extremely strong political mobilization capacity.

This is why football receives so much attention from all sides.

Chu Wujiang allowed various regions to organize, conduct activities, and form groups, which was completely contrary to political tradition. He simply smiled and said:
"As long as it's not illegal or disorderly conduct, the imperial court's management capabilities are adequate."

"If they want to do it, let them do it. Let them do more economic work and get things done."

"The imperial court must fulfill its supervisory responsibility and not allow any acts of cruelty or abuse against the people."

“We need more jobs, including water conservancy projects, and then we should assess the contributions of all parties to the local area and give them appropriate rewards.”

"You just need to pay attention to one thing: implement a bottom-ranking elimination system for local powerful families, and let them get involved."

Bai Ye was puzzled upon hearing this and quickly asked:
"Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this?"

Chu Wujiang smiled and said:

"The rewards given by the imperial court are generally only earned by the top families; other aristocratic families and sects lose money."

"They dare not not compete; they must compete."

Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, manipulated the nobility to the point of ecstasy by establishing a competitive system.

For a powerful ruler, this is not difficult.

Just basic operations.

Bai Ye suddenly realized.

It turns out that His Majesty simply used another method to weaken the powerful clans.

Just as Emperor Wu of Han would use the system of tribute gold to eliminate marquises in various regions.

Your Majesty's approach of simultaneously releasing powerful families and clans while intensifying performance evaluations is likely weakening them layer by layer, until they are completely drained.

I never expected His Majesty to be so young, yet he's already using such tricks one after another.

Bai Ye added:
"Your Majesty's strategy is already known to me."

"Should we be wary of the appearance of a real dragon, and have the dragon protectors prepare to eliminate it before it's too late?"

ha?
Chu Wujiang couldn't help but sigh:
"Bai Ye, what are you saying?"

Bai Ye made a throat-slitting gesture.

"Isn't His Majesty supposed to select the leaders, find the elites, and then wipe them all out in one fell swoop!"

He was a disciple of the Dragon Gate, and had finally achieved the merit of following the dragon. Just when he was about to defeat his senior brother, his murderous aura suddenly intensified.

kill!

Once I get on the bus, I'll deal with anyone who dares to get on.

Chu Wujiang took a deep breath and cursed:
"of course not."

"They haven't broken the law, why should I kill them?"

Bai Ye was shocked and said:
"But if this competition continues, it is very likely that a dragon will emerge, or even a real dragon."

Chu Wujiang laughed:
"That's fine."

"If he has the ability to defeat me and conquer this world, then it should rightfully belong to him."

Why be such a despicable person?

"Killing a true dragon is pointless and would only harm the heroes of the human race."

"If such a true dragon exists, I will wait for him."

Chu Wujiang truly didn't care.

History is always full of humor; the more you learn from history, the more unexpected stories of dragon-slaying heroes will emerge.

For example, Liu Xuan, at the end of the Western Han Dynasty, believed that Liu Yan was a true hero who could compete with him for the world. In addition, he had read "The Feast at Hongmen" and believed that Xiang Yu did not kill Liu Bang, and ultimately lost the world.

So he learned his lesson and killed Liu Yan beforehand.

As a result, Liu Yan had a younger brother named Liu Xiu.

The young man who slays dragons in the distance might be a beggar, or he might be a slave; who knows?

Bai Ye fell silent.

He knew Chu Wujiang was confident, but this was far too confident.

Bai Ye had to add:

"Your Majesty, please be careful with your words."

"We have rendered meritorious service by following the dragon, and we also have the desire for wealth and honor. We do not want other true dragons to disrupt the order of the human world."

Having finally secured victory, of course we must defend ourselves rigorously to prevent other heroes from emerging.

Chu Wujiang smiled and said:

"Do not worry."

"This pond can't raise a true dragon that can rival me. Let's expand the pond first."

"I'm just telling you, I don't play these underhanded tricks."

"The aristocratic families and sects must understand that a new era has arrived, and they must prove their abilities and that they deserve this wealth."

"If you're not good enough, you'll be gradually weakened, that's all."

Humans are bitter creatures; they need to be dealt with.

If the scions of powerful families live too well, the lives of ordinary people will become difficult.

But Chu Wujiang didn't intend to kill people indiscriminately. Instead, he used various methods to get them involved.

Whether it's developing technology, opening a factory, or playing Go, only by proving oneself can one obtain the dragon's energy and ensure the family's prosperity and fortune.

Chu Wujiang allows privileges and wealth, but he does not allow incompetence.

He will also give commoners the opportunity to participate in gambling alongside the nobles.

Society should provide more opportunities for ambitious people to strive for success, and also ensure the well-being of those who are content with a simple life.

Bai Ye was now convinced and said:
"Wei Chen understands."

Chu Wujiang nodded and said:

"This is just a general guideline, on how to design a system that encourages the sons of powerful families and wealthy clans to strive for excellence, and how to strictly punish spoiled brats."

"The entire plan will be designed by you."

Chu Wujiang is now in a class of unparalleled strength; his will is the will of Heaven.

If he wanted equality for all immediately, that's not impossible.

Everyone except themselves becomes the same level.

But it doesn't make sense.

He still hopes that society itself can develop a robust enough force and progress step by step, so he tries to find a way to promote social progress.

Bai Ye naturally wouldn't refuse and immediately nodded, saying:

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"But I have a few questions. In Your Majesty's opinion, what kind of contributions should be rewarded more, and what kind of mistakes should be punished more severely?"

Just like an AI model, the most important reward and punishment mechanism is also present in human society.

Chu Wujiang thought for a moment, smiled, and said:
"Behind the red gates, meat and wine go to waste, while on the road, the bones of those frozen to death lie—this is the most severe punishment."

"To investigate things thoroughly and explore their principles to unlock profound knowledge, to innovate and bring forth new ideas to benefit all people, this is the greatest reward."

"In the former case, the imperial court could promulgate the 'Tax Payment on Behalf of Poor People,' whereby wealthy local households would pay taxes on behalf of the poor who could not afford them. These payments on behalf of poor people could be recorded as a score, etc."

“If a civilian dies due to human error, points will be severely deducted.”

Chu Wujiang wasn't begging the local tyrants to do charity; rather, they had to do it, or they would face the iron fist of the Emperor.

The nouveau riche and corrupt officials are destined to be eliminated.

Bai Ye nodded and said:
"I understand the former, but I don't quite understand the meaning of the latter."

Chu Wujiang said:
"The former refers to the study of knowledge, such as printing and papermaking. They can study it themselves or fund scholars to study technology and knowledge."

"These are all credits."

"They need to realize that being a village bumpkin won't work."

In his previous life, Chu Wujiang had studied the historical context of the rise of scientific power in Europe out of personal interest. One very important factor was the nobles' pursuit of science.

Indeed, in Europe at that time, it was very fashionable and sophisticated for nobles to study science. The king himself led the way in patronizing mathematicians and scientists.

For example, Duke Ferdinand sponsored Gauss, Frederick the Great sponsored Euler and Lagrange, and the Brunswick family sponsored Leibniz, and so on.

Even mathematics, which seems useless, has many nobles and kings who are willing to generously donate to it.

This pursuit of fashion inadvertently led European civilization to invest the most funds in science, far exceeding other civilizations.

While other civilizations had only a few geniuses conducting scientific research out of personal interest, European scientists, supported by noble patrons, could dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to their scientific research, and in large numbers.

For example, the great astronomer Tycho Brahe received funding from the King of Denmark to build the world's largest observatory at the time, which led to Kepler's three laws of motion.

Comorius II funded and protected Galileo throughout his life; even under papal oppression, Galileo was at most imprisoned, but never killed.

Galileo dedicated his work to King Comoros II.

You can't even call yourself an aristocrat if you don't fund and protect a few famous scientists.

Even Catherine the Great of Russia used countless amounts of gold and silver to invite Euler to Russia to study mathematics, providing him with a mansion, official position, and education for his children.

Even historians were amazed, deeming the funding far too extravagant.

Bai Ye hesitated and said:
"Your Majesty, does financial aid also count?"

Chu Wujiang nodded with a smile and said:

"Of course."

“We don’t know how the future will unfold, and these affluent groups must realize the need to make various investments and experiment.”

"I will provide generous rewards for outstanding individuals."

Bai Ye felt like her brain wasn't working properly.

His Majesty's thinking was so unpredictable and whimsical that he couldn't help but ask:

"If we need nobles to invest, wouldn't it be more efficient for the imperial court to invest directly?"

Chu Wujiang smiled and said:

"The ways of Heaven are unpredictable; how can they be fully calculated?"

“If we rely solely on government investment, mistakes are likely to occur.”

"That's why the entire aristocratic class needs to make a comprehensive attempt."

Human society is a chaotic model.

Chu Wujiang wouldn't invest all his money in science just because he knows its power. You need to allow for multifaceted investment in order to reap unexpected rewards.

This is the "leisure class" he wanted to forge.

The development of human society will inevitably lead to the division of labor, and with different rates of return on that division of labor, a wealthy class will inevitably emerge.

It is very important to know how to train these social classes so that they do not become like Huang Silang, a country bumpkin.

If the powerful and wealthy only know how to enjoy wealth and luxury, then what use is Chu Wujiang to them?

Bai Ye tried to understand:
"Your Majesty, doesn't this encourage powerful families and influential clans to take in retainers?"

Chu Wujiang chuckled and said:

"You can understand it that way."

"I allow them to fund their retainers and engage in more scientific research."

Bai Ye finally breathed a sigh of relief, managing to catch up with His Majesty's pace. He quickly said:
"Does His Majesty's next phrase, 'Innovation for the benefit of all people,' refer to the creation of new industries, such as the recently emerging newspapers, and the greenhouses built by the First Lady?"

Chu Wujiang admired Bai Ye's intelligence and nodded with a smile:

You're absolutely right.

"The same principle applies to creating jobs and absorbing workers. If they can create new industries, such as textiles or steel mills, to create more jobs for the population, then the rewards are also substantial."

Bai Ye took a deep breath, bowed, and said:

"Your Majesty understands. I will definitely design this plan well to realize Your Majesty's ideal of a well-governed world."

Chu Wujiang nodded and said:

"Go."

The nobles of the Heavenly Mandate Dynasty had no idea that while they were anxiously awaiting Chu Wujiang's entry into Tianjing, Chu Wujiang had already made clear arrangements for them.

It is not simply about slaughtering and plundering their property, but about carrying out a far-reaching transformation to shape a new era for the entire Mandate of Heaven dynasty.

Just as Bai Ye was about to take an important step, Chu Wujiang called him back:
"and many more."

Bai Ye quickly said:

"Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

Chu Wujiang said with a smile:
"To ensure this, we also need to reduce land revenue, such as rent, etc."

"We cannot allow some people to make a fortune by monopolizing land."

The development of capitalism also requires overcoming the landlords and directing capital towards more profitable industries, rather than collecting land rent and getting rich through usury.

Even among the powerful and wealthy, there are differences.

Chu Wujiang aims to continuously eliminate the most worthless benefactors, making them more contributing to society.

Social transformation is a complex undertaking that cannot be accomplished overnight with a single stroke of the pen.

Chu Wujiang has the time, patience, and strength to safeguard the new era.

Bai Ye quickly said:

"My subordinate understands!"

"Go, summon the King of Qin and General Tianming."

Chu Wujiang waved his hand to signal that after he and Bai Ye had roughly discussed the plan to transform the new world, he invited the King of Qin and Di Jiahe over to discuss the future of the imperial family.

The imperial family will withdraw from the ranks of royalty, and most of the princes will be demoted, relinquishing their lands and property to save their lives.

Of course, those who made great contributions to the King of Qin and others would retain their thrones and fiefdoms.

Everything depends on your contribution.

During the brief respite before Chu Wujiang arrived, he closed his eyes to rest and await the arrival of the King of Qin and his entourage. Suddenly, he heard a joyful sound:

"My lord, I'm coming in."

Chu Wujiang opened his eyes and saw that several women had arrived at the training room in Longzhou.

They are Tang Yuyan, Tang Wenrou, Yunshang, Lingyun, Baili Jin, Baili Zhi, and Hong Yanling.

In an instant, the spacious practice room became somewhat crowded.

The women's faces showed both anticipation and shyness.

Chu Wujiang was a little surprised that they had arrived so quickly, even though he had activated a delay array. Then Lu Youlan got out of bed, waved her hand, and said:
"Of course, it was I who informed you."

"My husband and Sister Qingyue were chatting so enthusiastically that I couldn't get a word in edgewise, so I had to call someone to serve my husband."

"How is it, my husband? Are you happy?"

Lu Youlan awoke from the power of the Mirror Flower Water Moon, a slight smile appearing on her lips.

She is jealous.

Just now, Chu Wujiang and Shen Qingyue were discussing the way of governing a country and the way of the emperor, and Lu Youlan couldn't get a word in edgewise. She saw that Shen Qingyue was gradually becoming Chu Wujiang's virtuous wife.

Lu Youlan became anxious.

She called up all the other sisters, since her husband was destined to go crazy today anyway, so she might as well lend a hand and share the burden of Shen Qingyue's threat.

This woman is too much of a threat; she must be neutralized.

Chu Wujiang chuckled and said:

"Good, my wife has really put a lot of thought into this."

"I'm not afraid of you all coming at me."

come together?

This is a bit too much.

Although they were both Chu Wujiang's wives, such an absurd thing was still quite rare.

Seeing the women hesitate, Chu Wujiang couldn't help but laugh:

"Yunshang, you go first."

"Master, it's me?"

Yunshang has already awakened the [Mysterious Female Immortal Body (Orange)], and is expected to advance to [Goddess of Wushan (Silver)] in the future. Her love and desire for Chu Wujiang are even stronger.

However, according to her status, Yunshang had always considered herself a maid, and she never expected that Chu Wujiang would let her come over first.

Chu Wujiang smiled and said:

"My alter ego is discussing reducing land revenue, while you are traveling to various places to investigate land rent."

"It just so happens that you're in charge of investigating this matter."

"Tell your husband about it properly today."

what……

Before Yunshang could react, Chu Wujiang grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.

You ask him what he's doing.

Chu Wujiang replied confidently, "We are discussing matters of national importance."

The other women blushed instantly.

That's ridiculous, absolutely absurd.

Chu Wujiang will definitely differentiate between his wives; it's impossible for them to be completely equal. However, he will try his best to treat them all equally.

Apart from the Queen Consort of Wei being conquered by Chu Wujiang and becoming a slave of the "Five Desires Demoness," the others will not be treated unequally.

Luck, dragon energy, cultivation techniques, practice, and so on.

Chu Wujiang cherished all the women in the Crystal Palace.

Therefore, he will not take the initiative to express the difference in status in this choice, but will instead use the excuse that he has to handle matters of state.

Soon, Yunshang was immersed in extreme pleasure, but when she remembered Chu Wujiang's discussion of state affairs, she said in a trembling voice:

"Master, Master."

“I, I investigated the Cui family, the Wang family, and even the Lu family. They have indeed announced reductions in land rent, and some have even forgiven their debts.”

"The tenants are all very happy and grateful for Your Majesty's kindness."

"Based on the current investigation, there are not many cases of companies trying to cheat. After all, it is the first year and they dare not be too obvious. They have basically reduced the rent to 10%."

In recent days, Yunshang has investigated the Chu family's main allies, and they have all complied with her instructions and reduced their land rent to 10%.

The tenants clearly reaped real benefits.

Yunshang added:
"There were just some problems."

Chu Wujiang hugged Yunshang, touching her roughly while asking curiously:

"Yunshang, what's the problem?"

Yunshang was about to speak when she couldn't help but let out a soft "ah," and even with her compliant nature, she couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Master, let me finish speaking first.

Chu Wujiang revealed a mischievous smile, and only then did he stop causing trouble. Yunshang quickly said:

“Master, many farm laborers would rather accept 50% of the land rent in order to become tenants of wealthy and powerful families.”

"They knelt down, vying to become tenants of wealthy and powerful families."

Chu Wujiang pondered for a moment and said:

"It's not surprising that such a thing could happen."

"But why are they willing to accept 50% of the land rent?"

Yunshang added:
"That's how the master is."

"When I disguised myself and went to investigate, I found that the poorest people in the fields were not the tenant farmers. On the contrary, generally speaking, the tenant farmers could afford to get married."

"On the contrary, the farmhands, who cannot afford to get married at all, will be the last generation."

"Tenants who join established families are able to manage production, and 90% of them can afford to get married, while farmhands cannot. Therefore, they are the most motivated to become vagrants and join the rebels."

"The farmhands hated Lingmi the most and longed to become tenants of the noble families. There were even cases where they killed other tenants in hopes of taking their place."

“Some farmhands even complained that His Majesty cares about the tenants but not about us.”

“They think these tenant farmers deserve to die because they are living too well.”

These days, Yunshang has been visiting rural areas in various places and has gained a full understanding of the divisions in this world.

Chu Wujiang was somewhat stunned upon hearing this.

What? Tenants aren't the worst off.

In order to become tenants, farmhands would even grovel and offer gifts to the steward.

You want to become a tenant farmer? There's no way you can do that.

Rural women would never marry farmhands, as 99% of farmhands are unable to find wives.

Yunshang drew a conclusion:
“If the court did not impose restrictions, the landowners would raise the rent back to 5% without the need for the powerful families to exploit them.”

In the face of the population crisis, Hayek's powerful hand will continue to exert its influence.

Landlords, by controlling the means of production, did not need to be cruel to incite their laborers to compete with each other and drive up rents again.

It was all voluntary.

Chu Wujiang said upon hearing this:

"Don't worry, my wife, I came here specifically to solve this problem."

(End of this chapter)