Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 278 The first real land grant in five hundred years, China is in an uproar!
At the same time, Zhao Shuo also issued an imperial edict, appointing Zhao Bixie as a civil official who assisted in the founding of the country, was honest and upright, and as the Viscount of Brunei County.

In other words, Zhao Bixie was granted the title of Viscount of the Zhao Shuo Khanate.

Zhao Bixie not only persuaded the Ryukyu Kingdom to surrender, but also persuaded many small countries in Southeast Asia to surrender, including Brunei.

Such meritorious service in expanding territory deserves a noble title.

"Founding with Sincerity" means acknowledging Zhao Bixie as one of the founding heroes, and that the title he received could be inherited indefinitely.

"Upholding righteousness as a civil official" refers to the merits established by Zhao Bixie, which are attributed to civil officials.

"Boni County Prince" refers to the specific fiefdom and benefits granted to him.

Brunei, formerly known as Brunei, is now one of the Southeast Asian countries that have submitted to foreign rule.

Zhao Shuo designated a territory with a circumference of one hundred li in the former Brunei Kingdom as Zhao Bixie's fiefdom. Within this fiefdom, Zhao Bixie was permitted to build two castles with a circumference of no more than two li. He was also allowed to maintain an armed force of eighty men, consisting of thirty armored soldiers and fifty unarmored halberd bearers.

By now, Zhao Shuo had already made preliminary plans for the future rule of the empire.

For remote regions like Southeast Asia, the cost of direct imperial rule was too high; it was more efficient to establish fiefdoms.

In the future, this could be applied to inland areas of Africa, inland areas of North and South America, as well as unimportant islands in the ocean and the inland areas of the Indochina Peninsula.

It can both stabilize the rule and reward meritorious officials.

Indeed, these places were very poor, but there was plenty of land! Like the Western colonists of later times, establishing large plantations and growing various cash crops was still very profitable.

Not enough manpower?
Doesn't this allow privateering? If we buy enough slaves, we'll have enough manpower.
On the one hand, immigrants from the mainland were free. On the other hand, they bought natives as slaves, carefully managed their resources, and were not worried about accumulating enormous wealth.

Moreover, those who are granted titles are all wealthy and powerful individuals; they are capable of accomplishing all of this.

The Chinese are a nation that values ​​land the most and its descendants the most. They have a piece of overseas land that they can inherit and maintain without worry.

The local natives are unreliable, so they have to offer generous terms to attract immigrants.

It should be understood that the so-called "armored soldiers" and "halberdiers" were only a quota allowed by the imperial court, not people who were paid by the imperial court. They had to recruit themselves and pay to support them.

If their territory is to develop, most of their doctors and artisans must come from China. Without offering attractive conditions, who would be willing to come?
This creates a virtuous cycle, allowing China to firmly occupy those regions. In a hundred or two hundred years, they will be completely transformed into fertile land for China.

As for whether another civil war would break out at that time, Zhao Shuo couldn't care less; the matter would remain unresolved.

In addition, Zhao Shuo felt that the threat of civil war was not great.

The most significant characteristic of this system of enfeoffment was its extremely strong ability to suppress local inhabitants and its excellent effectiveness in external defense. The logic is simple: protecting one's territory means protecting one's property and the future prosperity of one's descendants. Why wouldn't one diligently build castles? Why wouldn't one train soldiers well? And why wouldn't one fight desperately when the enemy comes?

But precisely because of this characteristic, wars for unification would face countless formidable obstacles, making them exceptionally difficult to overcome. Therefore, with the emperor far away, wars between various noble families were possible, but challenging the authority of the imperial court would be extremely difficult.

In any case, just three days after Zhao Shuo conferred the title of Viscount upon Zhao Bixie, the "Edict on Conferring Titles Throughout the Land" was officially issued.

This edict formally stipulated the various ranks of nobility in the empire, as well as the various privileges associated with those ranks.

First, the monarchs of various countries who voluntarily surrendered were granted the title of "Meritorious Officials Who Founded the Nation, Assisted in the Mandate of Heaven, and Submitted to the Nation," and their lives and property were guaranteed.

Those who come to submit to a state with a circumference of one hundred li will be granted the title of Baron of the Zhao Shuo Khanate, and must reside in Zhongdu, without a fief. However, they will receive an annual stipend of three hundred taels of silver, which will be hereditary and permanent, and their status will be tied to that of the state. In all circumstances, they will be treated the same as other barons of the empire.

Those who come to submit to the Khanate of Zhao Shuo, whose circumference is more than 100 li or less, will be granted the title of Viscount and receive an annual salary of 800 taels.

Those who come to surrender from countries with a circumference of more than a thousand li but less than five thousand li will be granted the title of Earl, with an annual salary of two thousand taels.

Those who come to surrender from countries with a circumference of more than five thousand li but less than ten thousand li will be granted the title of Marquis and receive an annual salary of three thousand taels.

Those who come to surrender from countries with a circumference of more than ten thousand li will be granted the title of Duke and receive an annual stipend of eight thousand taels.

Of course, all of this is predicated on not engaging in formal war with the Zhao Shuo Khanate. If surrender is made after a major war has already begun, the consequences will vary depending on the circumstances, ranging from demotion to death and even extermination of the entire clan.

Then came the bestowal of titles and rewards upon the civil and military officials of the empire.

Like Zhao Bixie, the unified title for civil officials who received titles was "Civil Official Who Founded the Nation, Assisted in the Mandate of Heaven, and Upheld Integrity and Righteousness".

The unified title for military generals was "Founding Minister, Assisting the Nation, Sincere and Powerful Military Official".

Civil and military officials received the same titles and treatment.

A duke was granted a territory with a circumference of eight hundred li. If converted to the area of ​​the interior, that would be roughly equivalent to three or four prefectures, which is quite large.

A marquis's fiefdom, with a circumference of four hundred li, roughly equivalent to a small prefecture in the interior.

An earldom is a territory with a circumference of two hundred li, roughly equivalent to the land of a county in the interior.

A viscount's land area with a circumference of one hundred li is roughly equivalent to the land of three to four towns in the interior.

A baron's territory had a circumference of fifty li, roughly equivalent to the land of a small town in the interior.

Within their territory, the Chinese were protected by the laws of the Zhao Shuo Khanate. However, the local lords could formulate their own laws for the indigenous people.

The imperial court would send inspectors to each noble's land to verify the taxes that each noble should pay to the court and to supervise the treatment of the Chinese people by each noble.

Of course, land varies not only in size but also in barrenness, and underground mineral deposits also differ.

This means that the actual merits were taken into consideration when bestowing titles, and that's how each nobleman was granted a title.

The number of fortresses allowed to be built in each fiefdom, and even the permitted armed forces, need to be considered based on the actual situation.

In addition, this edict specifically states that meritorious officials who discover new overseas territories are regarded as "civil officials who establish the nation, assist in its destiny, and uphold justice," and are entitled to the same treatment as other civil officials.

The whole country was shaken after the imperial edict was issued!
……

……

Northeast region, Huining City, inside the royal palace.

"Ever since the Great Khan personally led his expedition, Zhao Shuo Khan has been making one big move after another. He has been seeking talented people from all over the country, promoting immigration from Jiangnan to the West, and even issuing an edict for overseas titles. Now, it's even more outrageous, with the edict for private plunder in the South Seas and the edict for bestowing titles throughout the country. Mr. Yao, what do you think Zhao Shuo is trying to do?"

Tolui's widow, Sorrughte Ni, asked Yao Shu, the chief strategist of Tolui's faction.

Möngke, Kublai Khan, Bochuo, and Moge all looked at Yao Shu.

Hulagu and Ariq Böke went to Iraq to manage their fiefdoms, but did not stay in Huining City.

"Zhao Shuo's ambitions are far-reaching!"

Yao Shu said, "The ancestor of the Chinese nation is generally recognized as the Yellow Emperor. After that, there was the abdication of Yao and Shun, the flood control of Yu the Great, the hereditary rule of Xia Qi, and the revolution of Tang and Wu. However, it was actually the Zhou Dynasty that laid the foundation for the Chinese nation's territory."

"When the Zhou Dynasty was established, it could only truly control the Central Plains. As the saying goes, it was surrounded by enemies on all sides, including the northern barbarians, the southern barbarians, the western Rong and the eastern Yi. It was the Zhou Dynasty that enfeoffed the feudal lords and sent a large number of nobles to the surrounding barbarian lands. After the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, although the world was constantly at war and eventually returned to the Qin Dynasty, the territory of China had been largely fixed. The lands enfeoffed by the feudal lords became the fertile land of China."

"Zhao Shuo's situation is similar now. The world is vast, with countless wild and undeveloped lands. The best way to transform these places into fertile lands of China is to enfeoff them to feudal lords." "If he really succeeds, Zhao Shuo will be another progenitor of China! Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han would be utterly insignificant compared to him!"

To be honest, Yao Shu is now somewhat regretful.

How did he end up working for Tolui in the first place? It would have been so much better if he had joined Zhao Shuo's forces.

On a smaller scale, it could mean being granted a noble title, a rank and land to be passed down to future generations. On a larger scale, participating in such a momentous event as the rise of China is what makes one's life worthwhile.

Of course, it's no use regretting it now; he still has to rack his brains to come up with ideas for the Tore family.

Kublai Khan nodded slightly and said, "I have read many books by Han Chinese scholars and I agree. But now that things have come to this, what should we do? Mr. Yao, do you think we can learn anything from Zhao Shuo's various measures?"

Yao Shu shook his head and said, "I'm afraid we can't learn from this. Although Lu Zibu promoted education on the grasslands, how can the hard work of studying compare to the thrill of fighting on the battlefield? When Mongolian nobles arrived in their fiefdoms, didn't they still have to be governed by the Semu people? After they arrived in their fiefdoms, they probably wouldn't turn the local area into Mongolian territory, but would instead be assimilated by the locals."

"And more importantly, there are simply too few people on the grasslands. After the large-scale granting of titles, let alone expanding our territory, we probably won't even have enough warriors to defend the grasslands."

Mengge said unwillingly, "Then what do we do? Are we just going to watch Zhao Shuo's foundation become more and more solid, and the gap between us and Zhao Shuo widen?"

Yao Shu smiled wryly and said, "I'm afraid that's the only way. However, Möngke Khan doesn't need to worry too much. Judging from Zhao Shuo Khan's actions, he is someone who cherishes the old friendship with Genghis Khan. As long as the Mongols don't provoke him, he will do his best to restrain himself and maintain the existence of the Great Mongol Empire."

Kublai Khan shook his head and said, "But that's not reliable. Even if Zhao Shuo's uncle and his son Zhao He are people who cherish old friendships, what about the future heirs? How much loyalty will they have to the Mongols? This empire will probably still fall into the hands of the Zhao family."

"But Zhao He's son may not be so wise and intelligent."

Yao Shu stood up and said solemnly, "Now that things have come to this, we must not rush things. We can only take it one step at a time. First, we must find a way to become the Great Khan of the Mongols. Then, we must treat Zhao Shuo and his son cautiously, not giving them any excuse to turn against us, and slowly restore the authority of the Mongol Khanate over the other three lineages. As for whether we can protect ourselves in the future, that depends on the will of the Eternal Heaven."

……

……

Meanwhile, in Zhongdu City, at Yang An'er's residence.

"Congratulations, Brother Yang! Congratulations, Brother Yang! It's truly a cause for celebration that you've been granted the title of Duke of Langya! Come, let me toast you!"

Liu Erzu held a cup of wine and spoke to Yang An'er.

Yang An'er was old and had just retired due to the many injuries he had accumulated during his early years in the rebel army.

On the very day he retired, Zhao Shuo bestowed upon him the title of "Duke of Langya Xiu" and granted him the Langya Xiu Kingdom in Southeast Asia as his fief.

Yang An'er was, of course, very satisfied with the current situation.

His younger sister, Yang Miaozhen, bore Zhao Shuo two sons and two daughters. Leaving aside the daughters, the sons would certainly be granted the title of prince!

His nephew was granted the title of king, and he himself was granted the title of duke.

Let alone when she was a street vendor in Shandong, Yang An'er was living hand to mouth even when she was a member of the righteous army. How could she have imagined that she would be so successful now?

"Come on, do it!"

Yang An'er downed the wine in her cup in one gulp and said, "We were both commanders of ten thousand households before, but now I've been granted the title of Duke, while you're only a Marquis. Brother Liu, tell me the truth, you don't feel any resentment, do you?"

"How is that possible?"

Liu Erzu shook his head repeatedly and said, "How did I get this title of commander of ten thousand? Others may not know, but don't I know myself? Back then, I was the one who asked the king to retire first. The king took pity on me and said that even though I had no merit, I had worked hard, so he allowed me to serve as commander of ten thousand for two years. Now, even if you don't give me any title, let alone a marquis, I will be extremely satisfied!"

This is what he thinks.

Who would rebel if they weren't desperate to survive? Although Liu Erzu was a leader of the rebel army, his head could be chopped off at any moment.

Originally, he was already quite content to enjoy 70% of the benefits he received before retirement after retiring as a Wanhu (a military officer).

Unexpectedly, just a few years after retiring, he was granted a noble title!
Furthermore, Liu Erzu only married and had children after submitting to Zhao Shuo, and his children are still minors. He had initially regretted not having the opportunity to pave the way for his children's advancement in the army. Aside from money, he had nothing to leave to his descendants.

He never dreamed that the king would bestow upon him the title of marquis!

The thought of the marquis's estate, which he could leave to his descendants, made him so happy he could laugh in his dreams.

After a pause, Liu Erzu added, "Furthermore, it's not that people don't know the value of goods, it's that they don't compare them! How did the State of Song treat those military generals back then? They used a cup of wine to release their military power! They gave them some money and sent them on their way! But Your Majesty, you actually gave them land!"

"I've heard that since the Han and Jin dynasties, China has never had a real fiefdom. Your Majesty is showing us divine grace! If I'm still not satisfied, would I even be human?"

Yang An'er nodded and said, "His Majesty's arrangements for us old brothers are truly impeccable! In the future, we old brothers will gradually retire, and new young generals will grow up. The empire will surely become stronger and more prosperous!"

"Come, let's drink another cup! May the King live ten thousand years, and may the Empire enjoy lasting peace and prosperity, and become even stronger!"

"Dry!"

The two raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp!

……

……

Hubei Province, outside Suizhou City.

"My son! When you go to Zhongdu Martial Arts Academy, you must study hard, practice your martial arts diligently, repay the King's kindness, achieve merit, and bring glory to your ancestors!"

Li Yuan carefully instructed his son, Li Tingzhi.

Li Tingzhi was a remarkable figure in history. He initially served under Meng Gong and was appointed magistrate of Jianshi County. He rose through the ranks to become the military commissioner of Lianghuai. When the Song army was routed by the Yuan army at Wuhu, and the cities along the river surrendered without a fight, Li Tingzhi alone defended Yangzhou. He repeatedly killed those who tried to persuade him to surrender and was promoted to Vice Chancellor.

Later, after Empress Dowager Xie surrendered to the Yuan dynasty, she twice ordered Li Tingzhi to surrender as well, but Li Tingzhi refused both times. When food supplies ran out in Yangzhou, Li Tingzhi broke out of the siege. After fighting his way to Taizhou, he was captured by the Yuan army and killed in Yangzhou.

This man can certainly be considered one of the most outstanding generals of the late Song Dynasty.

Of course, Li Tingzhi is only eighteen years old now, a young man who has just come of age. He has been intelligent since childhood, and is naturally tall and strong with extraordinary strength. He has now passed the exam and been admitted to Zhongdu Martial Arts School.

Once you graduate from Zhongdu Martial Arts School, you can join the Eight Banners Army.

"Father, don't worry! I will study hard and fight on the battlefield in the future, so that our Li family can earn a title!"

Li Tingzhi is now filled with boundless pride and ambition.

Dali, Myanmar, Japan, India, and even Annam, which the Southern Song Dynasty could not conquer for a long time, as well as countless lands in Africa and the West.

There will be more battles to be fought in the future!
What worries could a fine man of the Han dynasty not have about making a name for himself and obtaining his own fiefdom?

To bring glory to one's ancestors and bestow honors upon one's wife and children!

(End of this chapter)