Han officials

Chapter 306 The Vigor of New Life

Late at night, Wei Zhe sat at his desk, writing furiously.

Guan Yan couldn't bear to see him like this and came over to persuade him to rest, but Wei Zhe had someone send him back.

After a long while, Wei Zhe finally put down his brush.

He took a sip of the honey water, looked at the results on the silk, and finally stroked his beard with satisfaction and smiled.

He finally drafted a rough framework for the administrative structure of the State of Wei.

First of all, there will be no prime minister!
Or, to put it another way, it does not set up single phases or two phases, but instead adopts a "group phase system".

Of course, Wei Zhe was also aware that the concentration of power was inevitable.

But whether there is a legitimate distinction between superiors and inferiors is very important.

For example, the Shangshu Pushe (尚书仆射) in the mid-Tang Dynasty and the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中书门下平章事) in the late Tang Dynasty were both considered prime ministers.

However, the imperial court often had multiple prime ministers, who, although differing in the extent of their power, were all of equal rank.

Even if a prime minister can seize power through his personal skills, such power is not sustainable.

Once this person steps down, the previously concentrated power will once again be scattered and reshuffled.

This cycle of separation and reunification may seem cumbersome, but it was absolutely necessary for the imperial power.

Because the only right that can be inherited through generations is imperial power.

If the system of powerful ministers can become a fixed rule and continue uninterrupted, wouldn't that be the second case of a powerful general from a powerful maternal relative's family?

In that case, the imperial power would be in danger.

For the same reason, Wei Zhe decided not to appoint a Grand General.

Frankly speaking, entrusting the entire nation's military to one person is a step backward in history.

Even if the First Emperor were on drugs, he wouldn't have done something so outdated.

Not to mention that, in addition to holding military power, the Grand General could also legitimately participate in politics.

It's no wonder that most of the relatives of the emperor who became generals in history became powerful ministers.

Throughout the history of the Han Dynasty, it can be said that the emperor, empress dowager, and maternal relatives took turns in power.

However, the current official system is not without its good aspects.

For example, after Emperor Guangwu established the country, he simply sidelined the Grand Commandant, Minister of Works, and Minister of Agriculture.

Nominally, the Three Dukes, the Masters, and the Hundred Officials were the highest-ranking officials, but in reality, they had no real power and were merely honorary titles.

Wei Zhe thought this was quite good, so he made some slight modifications, replacing the Grand Commandant with the Grand Tutor.

Furthermore, Wei Zhe had already decided on the candidates for the first Grand Tutor, Minister of Works, and Minister of Agriculture of the State of Wei.

Zheng Xuan, Lu Zhi, and Cai Yong—no one is more suitable than these three.

The problem is... figuring out how to convince those three old men!
However, these matters are not urgent for now. After retaining the Three Dukes, Wei Zhe also retained the Secretariat.

However, the Ministry of Personnel will no longer appoint Left and Right Vice Ministers to avoid the emergence of Left and Right Chancellors.

Instead, the government held discussions in the Hall of State Affairs, also known as the Council of State Affairs.

Whether they were Attendants-in-Ordinary, Censors, or Ministers of various ministries, as long as they were granted the title of "Participating in the Administration of State Affairs," they could enter the Hall of State Affairs.

To put it bluntly, it was to avoid any unspoken rule that "only those who have studied in the Hanlin Academy can enter the cabinet."

As for the various departments under the Ministry of Personnel, Wei Zhe decided to follow the Han system and retain the various departments under the Ministry of Personnel.

In fact, the term "Shangshu" originated from the Qin system, and Emperor Wu of Han gradually increased the importance of the Shangshu platform.

After Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, he directly declared: "The key to the world lies in the Ministry of Personnel."

From then on, six departments were established, each headed by a Minister, who was in charge of their respective duties.

However, unlike later dynasties, the Six Ministries of the Eastern Han Dynasty were:

The three departments were: the Department of the Three Dukes, the Department of the Personnel, the Department of the People, the Department of the Guests, the Department of the Two Thousand Stones, and the Department of the Central Capital Officials.

However, during the Cao Wei period, the number of officials in the Secretariat once increased to more than twenty.

After Wei Zhe made some revisions, he only kept the Personnel Department and the Civil Affairs Department, and set up the Finance Department, the Law Department, the Rites Department, and the Military Department.

In addition, nine government offices and five courts were established.

The Nine Offices were: Grand Master of Ceremonies, Grand Master of the Palace, Commandant of the Imperial Guards, Minister of the Imperial Clan, Grand Master of the Imperial Stud, Minister of Justice, Minister of State Ceremonies, Minister of Agriculture, and Imperial Treasury;
The five academies were: the Censorate, the Workshop, the Water Conservancy Academy, the Armory, and the Communications Academy.

……

The next day, when Xun You and the others looked at Wei Zhe's framework, they couldn't help but frown.

The absence of a Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Left and Right Ministers... the profound meaning behind this is something few dare to speculate on.

As for the changes to the six departments of the Ministry of Personnel, the three of them quickly understood that they should indeed be optimized.

However, nothing was immediately apparent regarding the Nine Palaces and Five Institutes.

After a long while, having digested the information, Xun You asked curiously:

"Why is the Suspended Mirror Bureau nowhere to be seen?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhe did not give a direct answer, but simply said:

"The State of Wei is newly established, and many government offices still need to be adjusted. The Suspended Mirror Bureau will be put aside for the time being."

The real reason was that Wei Zhe was still somewhat uneasy about Tian Feng.

Indeed, Tian Feng was a straightforward official who dared to risk his life to offer advice.

However, when the ministers urged him to ascend the throne last time, and even discussed whether he should be enfeoffed as the Duke of Qi or the Duke of Yan, Tian Feng's reaction was quite indifferent. Although he did not object, he remained an observer.

This forced Wei Zhe to temporarily suspend his arrangements for the Suspended Mirror Division.

That's how politics is; even old friends who have always supported you will sometimes disagree with you.

Tian Feng was a capable minister, but Wei Zhe was unsure whether Tian Feng was absolutely loyal, and that was the problem.

Therefore, maintaining the status quo for the Suspended Mirror Bureau is the best arrangement.

Therefore, Wei Zhe even had to make alternative preparations, establishing the Censorate and appointing an Inspector General.

Perhaps only when the world is unified and Wei Zhe takes the final step will he understand who is standing opposite him and who is standing behind him.

When the time comes, kill those who should be killed and demolish those government offices that should be demolished, the court and the government will naturally be at peace.

Xi Zhicai, Guo Yuan, and the other two nodded in agreement after hearing Wei Zhe's idea.

Indeed, national affairs cannot be rushed, let alone matters of paramount importance such as establishing systems for future generations.

Even if it's decided now, adjustments and modifications are inevitable during the subsequent implementation process.

They were able to establish the framework of the court before they died, and that was enough for them to be remembered in history.

……

Let alone how Guoyuan and others considered the new system.

In any case, after the administrative structure of the State of Wei was established, there was not much reaction from the outside world.

After all, there aren't many smart people in this world who can see through the truth. Most of the officials under Wei Zhe's rule were concerned with whether they could profit from it.

To put it more plainly, all the generals and ministers hoped to be granted official titles from the Wei state.

Even though they are nominally Han officials, they have all submitted memorials to Wei Zhe hoping to serve as ministers in the state of Wei.

Whether you call it a political statement or pandering, there's nothing wrong with these people's attitude.

Wei Zhe felt somewhat helpless about this, and even found it difficult to refuse, lest he disappoint everyone.

After much deliberation, Wei Zhe decided to first change his post to Wei Zhi.

As luck would have it, the very next day after Wei Zhe made his order, good news came from the west.

After capturing Hanoi Commandery, Zhang Liao advanced triumphantly, heading straight for the White Wave Army's stronghold. Three consecutive battles routed the White Wave Army, allowing Zhang Liao to successfully capture Hedong Commandery.

If it weren't for the natural barrier of Mount Wangwu between Hedong and Hanoi commanderies, Zhang Liao's speed might have been even faster. But it's all for the best; good news arriving after Wei Zhe's ascension to the title of Duke of Wei is auspicious.

Therefore, Wei Zhe simply reorganized the army and rewarded those who had rendered meritorious service.
-
Wei Gong's edict:

I have been entrusted with the mandate of Heaven to sweep away the wicked. Considering the generals' valiant efforts in the military and their meritorious service to the nation, they should be granted high ranks to recognize their outstanding achievements.

Taishi Ziyi, armed and clad in armor, has served the orphan for a long time.

Pursuing fugitives on a snowy night in Liaodong, single-handedly breaking through enemy lines in Youzhou, sweeping away bandits with spears across the fields of Ji, and shedding blood to destroy the enemy's forces in the Central Plains. Always leading the charge in every battle, his achievements surpassed those of the entire army.

He is now appointed General of the Former Army, granted the authority to command troops, and given a fief of two thousand households, with the authority to oversee all military campaigns.

Zhong Qingboyuan is calm, courageous, and resourceful. He is loyal, diligent, and tireless, and is a trusted confidant.

He was specially granted the title of General of the Rear, with the authority to act on behalf of the emperor, and a fief of 1,800 households, in charge of all logistics and garrison duties.

Zhao Qingzilong is my most trusted and capable minister!

Since I first took up my halberd in Luoyang, I have never left my horse. At Hulao Pass, the torn banner deterred the traitor Dong Zhuo; in the northern deserts, I pursued the enemy for three thousand miles; in the Central Plains, I protected the people with unwavering loyalty and righteousness. Humble and respectful, I have never been arrogant despite my great achievements.

He is now promoted to Left General, granted the authority to act on behalf of the emperor, and given a fief of two thousand households, leading the elite cavalry of the Imperial Guard.

Zhang Qingwen, a general of eagle-like stature!
In Luoyang, he held the reins and assisted the lone warrior; in the Xianbei courtyard, he shot down an eagle. He was a shrewd strategist who could adapt to changing circumstances in times of crisis, a true henchman of the state.

He is now appointed Right General, granted the authority to command troops, and given a fief of 2,500 households, to oversee the defense of Yong, Liang, and Guanzhong.

Xu Qingziping, you and I have known each other for a long time, having fought together to eliminate the Yellow Turbans. In Luoyang, you abandoned darkness for light, and from then on, you risked your life for us. In Bingzhou, you alone guarded the border, weeping with the sound of the barbarian flute. For thirty years, your armor stood cold at Yanmen Pass, deterring ten thousand barbarian invaders. Your loyalty is clear, your integrity unwavering.

A special General of the Central Army was appointed, granted the authority to command troops, and given a fief of three thousand households, to oversee the military affairs of Bingzhou.

Announce it to the world, and the envoys will hear about it!
Autumn of the second year of Xingping, August
-
Due to the war, there are not many generals in Ye City now, but they all have residences in Ye City.

Therefore, when Wei Zhe issued the edict of reward, the families of all the generals, with joy on their faces, led their relatives to express their gratitude.

For a time, August of the second year of Xingping was truly a season of harvest for the civil and military officials of Wei.

The entire city of Ye seemed to be immersed in joy, even though most people were just bystanders.

However, from this series of changes, the people of Hebei saw the immense vitality of the Wei army.

This gave them a long-lost sense of vigor and hope.

Therefore, even though they did not receive any reward, they still shared in the joy.

The Wei army was also greatly encouraged by this wave of rewards, and their fighting spirit soared.

It's unclear who started it, but the busybodies in Ye City began referring to Taishi Ci and the others as the Five Tiger Generals.

After all, among Wei Zhe's rewards this time, only these five people were granted the title of General.

Even though other military officers were promoted and rewarded, they were still a level below the five of them.

In his early years, after Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, he established the Twenty-Eight Generals of Yuntai.

Taking this as an example, idle people and busybodies in Ye City began to comment on the generals of the Wei army.

This shows that the Han people's habit of giving nicknames is indeed an ancestral tradition.

When Wei Zhe heard about it, he just laughed it off and didn't take it seriously with these idle people.

Amidst all this turmoil, Wei Zhe's old friend Yuan Jun quietly took up his post in the Censorate as Vice Minister.

The first thing he did after taking office was to select students from the military academy who were involved in land reclamation and appoint them as inspectors to patrol the Wei army's territory, impeach civil and military officials, distinguish the innocent, and supervise the various prefectures.

Perhaps because Wei Zhe appointed too many officials during this period, it did not cause any disturbance for a time.

Meanwhile, Wei Zhe arrived at Zhixing Academy in simple clothes.

……

The relocation of Zhixing Academy was a pleasant surprise for the people of Yecheng.

They were even more enthusiastic about this than about Wei Zhe, with wealthy merchants from Hebei vying to donate money and goods.

After all, they weren't from aristocratic families, so they didn't have such a deep family background.

While knowledge monopolies do exist, they haven't become an irreversible trend.

At least the existence of private schools and academies gave children from humble backgrounds who were not from aristocratic families the opportunity to receive an education.

Even though this path also has certain barriers, at least it doesn't require the skill of being born into the right family anymore.

In the eyes of these people, Zhixing Academy represents a new ladder of advancement.

Because the vast sea of ​​books and literature in the academy, as well as the Confucian masters and great scholars who taught there, were things that they could not access in the past no matter how much money they spent.

However, the gentry in various parts of Hebei had a different understanding of Zhixing Academy.

It should be noted that "mastering the classics leads to officialdom" was a concept advocated by both the Han and Western Han dynasties.

At least... that's what they say on the surface.

For example, students of the Imperial Academy in Luoyang had to participate in a strategy competition every year, and write a strategy essay based on the nomination they were drawn. This was called the annual examination.

The top-ranking officials would typically select sixty people, appoint them as physicians, and send them to the palace to serve as halberd bearers, with a rank of three hundred shi (a unit of grain).

As for those students with poor grades, they need to stay at school to continue their studies.

Of course, if a student of the Imperial Academy has connections in the local area, he can also be recommended by the prefect to enter officialdom as a "filial and incorrupt" candidate.

If one has connections in Luoyang, the Three Dukes can directly recruit students from the Imperial Academy as their subordinates.

If a student lacks both of the above two types of connections and still has poor grades, there is a third way.

That is to curry favor with the "doctors of the Imperial Academy," and one can be recommended by the doctor to take up an official post.

The fourteen scholars who held the power to interpret the Five Classics accumulated their disciples and former officials in this way.

From this perspective, the academic cliques and aristocratic families of the Han Dynasty were essentially the same thing.

However, this personnel system was relatively fair during the reign of Emperor Guangwu, but by the middle period, the Imperial Academy had begun to decay.

Originally, the selection of students for official positions by the Imperial Academy was based on both annual examinations and recommendation, but over time, the emphasis gradually shifted to recommendation.

This resulted in some students who, despite achieving the highest rank in the imperial examinations, were still unable to obtain official positions and died young without success.

It should be noted that at its peak, there were as many as 30,000 students in the Imperial Academy, but only 60 were selected for the top-ranking examination each year. With such a narrow path to advancement, the resentment of the students who had no way to enter officialdom can be imagined.

As a result, some students of the Imperial Academy who were originally upright began to choose to attach themselves to the relatives and eunuchs of the empress dowager under the constant pressure of reality.

For example, when Empress Dowager Dou and Prefect Liang ruled from behind the curtain, many students from the Imperial Academy often sought refuge with the relatives of the Empress Dowager and Prefect Liang, becoming their protégés and former subordinates, and were recommended by them to enter officialdom.

After the late emperor began to heavily rely on eunuchs, many students from the Imperial Academy also flocked to them. The eunuch Wang Fu once recruited students from the Imperial Academy as his henchmen.

After the late emperor started selling official positions, he completely ruined the career paths of the students studying at the Imperial Academy.

Therefore, during the reign of the late emperor, the reputation of the Imperial Academy in Luoyang was already tarnished, with its texts becoming increasingly sparse and its scholars pursuing superficiality.

The emergence of Zhixing Academy made the gentry of Hebei seem to see a brand-new Imperial Academy.

A university that has not yet been polluted and is still full of vitality.

Perhaps out of instinct, the Hebei gentry began to try to infiltrate the Zhixing Academy.

They might send their children to study, invite renowned scholars from their families to visit them, or donate money or goods.

In any case, the various methods employed were too numerous to count, causing great distress to Lu Zhi, Zheng Xuan, and Cai Yong.

So when Wei Zhe arrived, as soon as he entered the library, the old man Zheng Xuan grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go.

"We are doing quite well in Liaodong, why does the general have to disturb our studies?"

Upon hearing this, Cai Yong, who was not far away, also hurried over and complained:

"This is not a place for studying. General, you should find someone more capable to take charge!"

It should be noted that Cai Yong had been revising the "Dongguan Hanji" and was almost finished with the work of the previous emperor. However, his progress slowed down considerably as soon as he arrived in Ye City, which greatly annoyed him.

Lu Zhi, however, had been standing at a distance silently watching Wei Zhe ever since he entered, without uttering a single word…

(End of this chapter)