Three Kingdoms: I am not Liu Bian

Chapter 253 Lu Zhi: In the first year of Hanxing, he won the championship in his first free fighting match at Jiade Hall!
"In the first year of the Hanxing era (185 AD), he won the championship in his first free-fighting match at the Jiade Hall." — Grand Tutor Lu Zhi

Well, Liu Bian thought that if Lu Zhi could write a diary, he might record today's events in this way.

As the Grand Tutor, Lu Zhi rolled up his sleeves and easily separated the two men's fists. He then squeezed one of their fists with each hand, causing them to instinctively release their grip in pain. Zhang Xi was then kicked away by Lu Zhi. Zheng Tai tried to chase after him, but Lu Zhi grabbed him by the collar and threw him away.

How could a scholar-general who had quelled barbarian rebellions in the south and personally led troops into battle be a scholar-official who was powerless to even kill a chicken?

Although Lu Zhi, as the commander of the Central Guard, did not have actual command authority, he did have supervisory authority. Therefore, under his "kind" gaze, the soldiers of the Left Guard Battalion on duty in the hall quickly stepped forward and tied up Zhang Xi and Zheng Tai respectively.

Looking at the two men who had been tied up and pressed to the ground, Lu Zhi calmly rolled up his sleeves again, his clothes slightly dirty. He patted off non-existent dust and looked at the assembled civil and military officials with the eyes of someone looking at trash.

Oh, Huangfu Song, Dong Zhuo, and a group of generals and officers of the central army were busy reorganizing the central army and were not present, and Dian Wei was standing, so in Lu Zhi's eyes, all the officials present were probably indeed trash.

It's no wonder Lu Zhi was so angry. Today was the first grand court assembly of the new dynasty, and yet it turned into this mess in front of him, the Grand Tutor. It was utterly absurd!
Do you two still have any regard for the nation?

Lu Zhi glared at Zhang Xi and Zheng Tai, the former being too selfish and disregarding the Han dynasty and the dawn of a new era.

Allowing private salt and iron production would certainly have its advantages, as it could stimulate commercial activity among the people and also motivate state-run salt and iron workshops. However, this is something that can only be done in a truly peaceful and prosperous era, and it must be done through a semi-open private sector based on state ownership.

Private enterprises are too vulnerable. If they encounter natural disasters or man-made calamities and the government does not respond in time, prices will soar and people will suffer.

Now that the world is somewhat at peace, the Xianbei in the north are eyeing us covetously, and many barbarians in the south are frequently causing trouble. The Qiang and Hu in Liangzhou are licking their wounds and plotting revenge. If we were to suffer a series of natural disasters like in previous years, the edifice that has been painstakingly built up might be on the verge of collapse again.

Zheng Tai is also a self-serving guy, but he has some brains and knows how to assess the situation. He is also willing to set a good example, but in the end, it's all for his own benefit.

"That's right! You two are simply outrageous! To openly fight in the imperial court, in front of the nation, do you even have any respect for the proper conduct between ruler and subject?"

"They should both be cut in half at the waist for 'great disrespect'!"

"Two insects!"

Hearing the criticisms echoed by the court officials, Lu Zhi's blood pressure, which had just come down, spiked again.

"I insulted them, not you, right?"

"Aren't you all just standing here watching the show, not knowing to come out and stop it?"

Lu Zhi suddenly turned his gaze to his friend Fu Qian and angrily shouted, "Fu Zishen, are you still going to take this censorate position? If not, get out!"

"And you too, Huan Gongya (Huan Dian), Liu Ziqi (Liu Tao), Zhao Bode (Zhao She)... If you don't even want to do your jobs anymore, you should submit your resignations as soon as possible, so that I won't have to submit a memorial to the state to impeach and dismiss you!"

Faced with Lu Zhi's almost all-out attack, even the usually tough Liu Tao couldn't help but lower his head slightly.

He was the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and also held the position of Imperial Censor, but he hardly ever participated in the affairs of the Imperial Censor. Unexpectedly, he was also criticized by Lu Zhi.

However, this was not entirely undeserved, since Liu Tao did indeed hold the position of Imperial Censor, which was a clear dereliction of duty.

Lu Zhi snorted coldly and looked around at the officials who were all bowing their heads and remaining silent. Among them, most of those who opposed the state monopoly on salt and iron were families who ran salt and iron businesses.

Those who live off the world's wealth and power engage in such despicable and vile acts; they are nothing but a bunch of vermin!
How can the Han Dynasty be made great again if it is governed by these scoundrels?

And his good disciples!
Lu Zhi suddenly turned around and looked at the emperor, whose lips still had some pastry crumbs on them, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Liu Bian coughed lightly, wiped the crumbs from the corner of his mouth with his fingertips, and said in a deep voice, "The Grand Tutor is right!"

"Zhang Zhongjiang, the Minister of Civil Affairs, has behaved improperly before the palace, showing contempt for the emperor's authority, and has also assaulted a court official. According to the law, what should be done to the Left Supervisor of the Court of Justice?"

Regardless of personal feelings, Zhang Xi, as the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and an important official of the court, actually beat his subordinates in front of the emperor during a grand court assembly. If he were to be let off lightly, wouldn't all the officials be in a state of fear in the future?
Therefore, this loophole must absolutely not be opened, and those responsible must be severely punished.

After a moment's thought, Fa Yan, the Left Supervisor of the Court of Justice, realized that the Emperor clearly disliked Zhang Xi. Therefore, Zhang Xi should be severely punished according to the law, leaving no room for criticism. So he bowed and said, "Reporting to the State, Minister Zhang has committed two crimes."

"Firstly, assaulting a subordinate without cause constitutes the crime of assault under the Thieves Law!"

"Secondly, his disrespectful and arrogant behavior before the palace constitutes a grave offense of disrespect under the Imperial Law!"

"For the crime of assault, which caused such severe injuries to Vice Minister Zheng, the punishment is eighty strokes of the cane. However, Minister Zhang holds the rank of Grand Master and can pay a fine of four taels of silver to offset the crime."

"The crime of disrespect is punishable by dismissal from office and stripping of titles at the very least, amputation of the left toe at the middle level at the very least, and execution by dismemberment at the waist at the worst!"

"The sentencing should be decided by the state!"

Liu Bian nodded. "Fa Yan is utterly lacking in virtue... but he understands my heart."

The laws of the Han Dynasty reached maturity during the reign of Empress Gao. She ordered the Qin laws and the Han laws compiled by Xiao He, Cao Can, and others to be revised and expanded, bringing a complete and mature legal system to the stage. Most of the provisions are still in use today.

Every sentence adhered to the laws of the Han Dynasty, allowing him to thoroughly punish Zhang Xi without giving others cause for criticism.

Liu Bian waved his hand, feigning magnanimity, and said, "For the crime of disrespect, let him be dismissed from office and stripped of his title. As for the crime of assault... although Zhang Zhongjiang has already been stripped of his title, out of consideration for the late Lord Yuanjiang, he is allowed to pay four taels of gold in lieu of flogging."

Fa Yan bowed and praised, "The nation is benevolent!"

The courtiers echoed this sentiment, and in such a situation, it was imperative to praise the emperor's benevolence and virtue.

Moreover, Fa Yan's convictions are very skillful.

According to Han law, if one holds a noble title, even if it is only a first-class duke or scholar, one is allowed to pay a fine to offset the crime. However, if another, more serious crime results in the stripping of one's noble title, then one can only obediently choose to be flogged eighty times.

For Zhang Xi, who was in his early fifties, eighty strokes of the cane were practically a death sentence!

The crime of disrespect could also lead to Zhang Xi's execution. Although the Later Han Dynasty did not advocate corporal punishment, for many crimes that were neither serious nor minor, they would either be sentenced to death or be given a lenient sentence.

Therefore, even if Liu Bian directly sentenced Zhang Xi to be cut in half at the waist, no one would jump out to criticize him.

In contrast, Liu Bian merely stripped Zhang Xi of his official rank and fined him four taels of silver, which was equivalent to pardoning him from two death sentences. It was truly a case of lifting a heavy hand and then letting it fall lightly.

Although the value of four taels of gold has fluctuated since the laws were enacted, it is now worth no more than 5000 coins.

The salary of a Minister of the Imperial Academy, with a rank of 600 shi, was 48000 coins and 252 shi of rice per year. Even without considering the income from other businesses in his household, it was only equivalent to one and a half months' salary.

As for Zheng Tai...

Fa Yan, with great insight, determined Zheng Tai's guilt for the emperor.

Although Zheng Tai, as the one who retaliated, also committed the crime of assault, his teeth were knocked out by a punch, which was considered a serious injury. Therefore, the crime of retaliating was very minor and did not constitute the crime of arrogance and disrespect. It was merely considered a breach of etiquette in front of the palace.

A fine of one tael and a three-month salary deduction were nothing to Zheng Tai.

The emperor openly showed favoritism, but the courtiers had no reason to object.

After Cui Lie, the Minister of Justice, was promoted to Minister of Works, the Emperor has not yet appointed a new Minister of Justice. Currently, the Minister of Justice, Guo Tu, the Chief Minister of Justice, Fa Yan, the Left Minister of Justice, and Wu Zheng, the Right Minister of Justice, are jointly handling all matters of the Minister of Justice's office.

The Court of Justice is staffed entirely by the emperor's men, and naturally, the emperor's will prevails.

The Court of Justice has the power to interpret the legal provisions. The Emperor can decide how the Court of Justice decides!
Fa Yan sentenced Zheng Tai to punishment according to the law, and no one could criticize him. Although it was indeed a lenient punishment, if the emperor could spare Zhang Xi from death twice, why couldn't he also be lenient with Zheng Tai?

"Your subject acknowledges his guilt and is willing to accept punishment!"

Unlike Zhang Xi, whose face was ashen, Zheng Tai was beaming with smug satisfaction.

Although Zheng Tai had a black eye and a missing molar, looking utterly disheveled, he still managed a smug smile, which only fueled the hatred of the court officials who opposed the state monopoly on salt and iron.

After fighting with Zhang Xi, Zheng Tai calmed down and realized that his words had indeed touched upon the interests of those who opposed the state monopoly on salt and iron. He bowed to the emperor and said, "However, I still stand by what I said earlier. All those who oppose the state monopoly on salt and iron should follow my example and return the salt and iron businesses run by their families. Otherwise, those who advise against the state monopoly on salt and iron are selfish and seeking personal gain, and are not righteous ministers!" Liu Bian looked at the smile on Zheng Tai's face and couldn't help but shake his head.

Actually, he didn't have a good impression of Zheng Tai either, but Zheng Tai almost single-handedly resolved a topic that should have dragged on for a long time.
Without arguing about competing with the people for profit, Liu Bian simply silenced the opponents. Although he disliked Zheng Tai, he had to acknowledge Zheng Tai's wisdom.

This is also the main reason why Liu Bian forgave him.

As long as someone is loyal to him, Liu Bian can tolerate and give them important positions even if they have minor flaws in their character.

Although he successfully passed the proposal for state monopoly on salt and iron, Liu Bian did not forget his fundamental purpose in promoting state monopoly on salt and iron.

Whether it's suppressing salt prices or seeking more revenue for the national treasury, these are only some of the objectives, and can not be achieved solely through the implementation of state monopoly on salt and iron.

Liu Bian's ultimate goal was to weaken the power of the local governors!
"I intend to reclaim the military power of the governors of prefectures and the prefects of counties. If a governor of a prefecture does not hold any other concurrent post, he shall only be in charge of the administration of the prefecture and shall no longer be in charge of military affairs, but shall retain only the power to supervise military affairs. The same applies to the prefects of counties."

In fact, Liu Bian was very curious about why the so-called "warlords attacking Dong Zhuo" could emerge at the end of the Han Dynasty, and why these prefects could become "warlords".

Ever since Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun rebelled, Liu Bian's desire to investigate and learn about this matter has only grown stronger.

After shifting his focus entirely from military to politics, Liu Bian finally understood, thanks to the explanations of Lu Zhi, Xun Shuang, and others, why the prefects were called "Lord of the Prefecture".

These are no prefects, they're practically miniature feudal lords!
In the sixth year of Jianwu (30 AD), Emperor Guangwu abolished most of the commandery commandants and merged their powers into the prefects, namely the power to "manage the troops of the commandery". Only the commandery commandants of border commanderies, the commandery commandants of dependent states, and the commandery commandants of passes were retained.

Each prefecture and kingdom had a force ranging from two to three thousand to five thousand soldiers, who almost exclusively obeyed the orders of the prefect, essentially acting as the prefect's private army paid by the imperial court.

The prefect's subordinates, from the chief clerk who replaced the prefectural assistant and second-in-command, to the merit officer in charge of selecting and appointing meritorious officials, the household officer in charge of households, ancestral temples, and agriculture, the resignation officer in charge of litigation, and the memorial officer in charge of memorials, were all appointed by the prefect himself, which gave the prefect the power of personnel appointment.

You mean the county magistrate below?
Whether a county magistrate is good or not is entirely up to the prefect and the chief clerk.

If there are vacancies in the counties within a prefecture, the prefect has the right to recommend candidates to the imperial court.

The prefects, who already possessed political power, now also had military and personnel power, as well as wealth obtained through the exorbitant profits from salt and iron. They were essentially small courts, no different from feudal lords.

This was the most superficial form of the dual monarchy in the Later Han Dynasty, which is why the prefects were called "Prefects" and addressed as "Lord".

To be honest, it's truly a miracle that Liu Bian could maintain basic loyalty to the imperial court among these prefects instead of allowing local autonomy and regional separatism!

Therefore, it is imperative to divide the power of the prefect!

Fortunately, the governor's military power was somewhat reduced during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Because the military abilities of the prefects varied, for example, Zhao Qian, the prefect of Runan, took the initiative to attack but suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Bo Cai, and almost all of his subordinates were killed or wounded. This is why Zhao Qian could only serve as the Minister of the Central Capital Office with a salary of 600 shi after entering the court, and did not receive any other promotions.

At that time, the imperial court ordered the appointment of a commandery officer in each prefecture to lead the troops of the prefecture, thus nominally separating military power from that of the prefectural governors.

The reason it is only nominal is that although the Commandant divided military power from the Prefect, the basic system of civil control over military affairs remained unchanged, or in other words, the local administrative system of all dynasties was mostly based on civil control over military affairs.

Even though the civil and military officials are not actually subordinate to each other, the local administrative head still has a certain degree of power to restrain the local military officers.

Meanwhile, the prefects, who were already overwhelmed by the Yellow Turban Rebellion, were also worried about how to deal with the military. After all, the soldiers and bandits they recruited were only good at dealing with mountain bandits and thieves. They could easily deal with undisciplined and poorly armed bandits, but they were no match for tens of thousands of Yellow Turban soldiers. They were even unable to effectively command the three thousand soldiers from the prefectures and kingdoms, plus the thousands or even tens of thousands of young men temporarily recruited.

A force exceeding an individual's command capacity is actually a burden.

Therefore, many prefects were happy to shift the blame for their poor performance in suppressing the rebellion onto the captains.

Ultimately, military power wasn't very attractive to the prefects.

Unless the building is about to collapse, or you command an army of 100,000, what difference does it make whether you have military power or not?
If you can't rebel, or if you can't succeed in rebelling, then what's the point of holding military power?
Having military power, they even had to spend money to reward these lousy soldiers from time to time!

The old men can't even keep all the money for themselves, how can they possibly share it with you bunch of stinking soldiers?
The prefect gives you money, so you have to listen to the prefect!

Even if the prefect doesn't give you money, you still have to listen to him!

Then what else is there to give me with this money?

Why not simply delegate military power to the Commandant and return it to the imperial court?

Therefore, when Liu Bian wanted to reclaim the power of "military command" from the governors of provinces and prefectures, no one raised any objections.

However, all of this was the result of a series of military victories by the Han army.

Without this series of military victories, if the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Qiang and Hu rebellion, and the Xiongnu rebellion had all relied on the efforts of local powerful families, even if the military power of the prefects had been successfully divided among the commanders, these commanders would mostly have obeyed the orders of the powerful families, and the situation of the local prefectures and counties becoming their own small courts would still not have changed.

Military victory is always the best weapon to subdue internal opponents. Thanks to the several brilliant military victories after Liu Bian took over the reins of government, Liu Bian's prestige also reached an unprecedented level, and he was quite intimidating to the prefectures and counties.

In addition, given the lesson of the massacre of the Yuan family in Runan, it was not difficult to regain military power and control over salt and iron production in most areas.

Especially after Liu Bian established good relationships with merchant families in various regions, such as the Mi family of Donghai, the Zhen family of Wuji, and the Su family of Zhongshan, who were grain merchants, salt merchants, and horse merchants, all cooperated quite well.

The world is bustling with people, everyone is coming and going for benefit.

These wealthy merchant families had absolutely no interest in money; they had never even touched it!
What's the use of money? It won't change their status!
"After the world was at peace, Emperor Gaozu decreed that merchants were not allowed to wear silk or ride in carriages."

"Merchants must not wear brocade and silk... or carry out military training and ride horses."

Emperor Taizu Gao's two edicts initially only prohibited merchants from wearing silk and riding in carriages, but later they added silk fabrics such as brocade to the list, stripped them of the right to possess weapons, and even prohibited them from riding horses.

However, as time went on, although the Later Han Dynasty nominally inherited the laws of Emperor Gaozu, it actually turned a blind eye to the "imperial merchants" outsourced by the court.

If you can't ride a horse-drawn carriage, then ride a donkey cart. Sticks and clubs aren't considered weapons. There are too many loopholes to exploit. As long as you don't openly violate the law, no one will investigate.

Even so, commerce is ultimately a lowly profession, and once you're a merchant, you're a merchant for life, and even your descendants are no exception.

However, the current emperor has given the children of merchants an opportunity to escape their merchant status by allowing those who are well-versed in the Five Classics and of good character to pay high tuition fees to enter the Imperial Academy as temporary students.

To prevent the sons of merchants from not studying the classics and only intending to spend money to obtain a diploma, students who neglected their studies or violated the rules of the Imperial Academy could be expelled at any time.

However, to be eligible to pay the tuition fee, one must first pay tens of millions of dollars as a stepping stone. Only after paying the tuition fee can one be eligible to pay tens of millions of dollars in other school fees, such as school selection fees, meal fees, accommodation fees, clothing fees, book fees, and other miscellaneous fees.

You spent nearly 50 million yuan to get your child a diploma from the Imperial Academy. Are you really willing to accept that he still won't be able to enroll?
Then you should just pay these tuition and fees honestly!

Step by step, these merchants were brought under their control. Despite the high cost of immersion, these merchants were unwilling to give up easily, and dared not defy the emperor's decrees, helping powerful families to resist the court's salt and iron regulations.

Merchants from all over flocked to the local powerful families, ultimately seeking a powerful patron.

In the eyes of powerful families, merchants are like chamber pots; they are used when needed and disliked for their stench when not in use. How could they possibly give their offspring the opportunity to escape the status of merchants?
Such an opportunity to change one's class status is a once-in-a-century event, and one would be willing to spend hundreds of millions, even go bankrupt, to achieve it!

Well, although it was Liu Bian unilaterally exploiting these wealthy merchant families, it was purely a case of one party willing to give and the other willing to receive.

Tell me, isn't this a good relationship of interests?

They should thank me!

(5513 words)
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P.S.: My phone suddenly wouldn't turn on today, and I'm in a bad mood, so I'll only be adding 1,500 words.

Ugh, now that my phone's broken, it's like not having my car keys, wallet, or ID. If I hadn't brought my tablet for a video conference with a client today, I wouldn't have been able to eat Crazy Thursday or drive home. Waaah~
So, dear readers, please consider the author's pitiful state and cast more monthly tickets for him!
(End of this chapter)