Simultaneous travel: City, infinite evolution

Chapter 259 Improving the System and Taking on Zheng Ge as an Apprentice [Requesting Recommendation Votes]

"Alright, back to reality."

Chen Hong snapped his fingers, and the Milky Way disappeared.

The world map has been viewed.

A map of the Milky Way is naturally also a world map.

The old Ying Zheng, the young Ying Zheng, and Li Si were all struck by the world map and felt a sense of melancholy and loss.

"Only today do I realize how vast the universe is, and how insignificant a mayfly is..."

Old Ying Zheng sighed, and his whole demeanor calmed down considerably.

This is the effect Chen Hong wanted. Only by knowing how vast the world is and how insignificant one is can one avoid being swayed by an emperor's mentality and doing some bizarre and unspeakable things.

Only by recognizing one's insignificance can one understand humility.

He could tell from the fact that the three men were now much more respectful towards him.

"Alright, let's get back to the point."

"The world is so vast that there is ample land and wealth to support the operation of this enormous monstrous chariot of granting land based on military merit."

In addition to the reforms I mentioned, this would be sufficient to solve the problems of the military merit system's decline, the inability of the lower classes to move freely, and the difficulty of promotion.

Distance doesn't matter; we can establish feudal states, and after hundreds of years, it will once again be the ancient land of China.

I will also provide some technology to solve this traffic problem.

"Moreover, the army is deployed entirely on the frontier, leaving the Guanzhong and Central Plains regions with weak military forces, which is unacceptable."

A portion of the frontier troops should be dispatched back to the interior to suppress domestic unrest.

"Next, let's talk about another fatal problem of the Qin Dynasty - the taxation problem."

“In the present Qin Dynasty, taxes are extremely heavy. The taxes alone account for two-thirds of farmers’ income, far exceeding the “one-tenth tax” tradition of the Western Zhou Dynasty.”

Old Qin Shi Huang seemed somewhat troubled; he really needed money and provisions.

"May I ask, sir, what should be done?"

"Taxes should be levied according to the level of land output, with tax reductions or exemptions for barren areas and higher taxes for wealthy areas."

Implement a flexible tax rate ranging from one-thirtieth (lower) to one-fifteenth (higher), and reduce or exempt taxes during years of disaster.

Taxes should not exceed one-fifteenth of the total tax, as this would place an excessive burden on the people.

In addition, non-urgent projects such as the Epang Palace and the Lishan Mausoleum should be suspended to allow the people of the world to catch their breath.

We should also promote the use of iron tools and oxen for plowing, with the state uniformly distributing agricultural implements to improve productivity.

It is possible to build assembly line ironware workshops for large-scale iron smelting, which can produce both weapons and iron farm tools, such as hoes and curved plows.

I will provide the necessary technical support.

We also need to establish a stabilization warehouse system, setting up "ever-normal stabilization warehouses" to regulate grain prices, storing grain in bumper years and releasing grain at a stable price in disaster years to curb grain price fluctuations.

An official logistics system can also be established based on the existing post station system.

We should encourage trade and commerce, and not restrict population movement too much; we should relax restrictions appropriately.

I will provide advanced ocean-going vessel technology and river vessel technology, which can vigorously develop maritime trade and simultaneously develop canal transport, making use of the inland river network and reducing transportation costs.

It could also open up the Silk Road, enabling trade with West Asia and Europe and generating profits.

Once commerce develops, commercial taxes can be levied.

This would reduce agricultural taxes and lessen the burden on ordinary people.

Old Ying Zheng listened with rapt attention, yet also with some hesitation.

Seemingly sensing Qin Shi Huang's thoughts, Chen Hong offered some incentives.

“I have foreseen that a celestial star will be born soon.”

I will use its materials to refine an elixir of immortality.

If you behave well, I might grant you one, allowing you to live forever.

In this way, there would be no need to rush to build the Epang Palace and the Lishan Mausoleum.

"Stop it now, let the people of the world catch their breath."

Ying Zheng was overjoyed and excitedly grabbed Chen Hong's sleeve.

"Is the immortal's statement true?"

"Really?" Chen Hong nodded.

"Hahaha, good!"

"As the immortal has said, I will grant any request."

Old Qin Shi Huang was finally pleased and promised to do everything Chen Hong said.

The allure of immortality captivated both Li Si and the young Ying Zheng.

She looked at Chen Hong with burning eyes, her gaze filled with longing.

Having painted a grand picture, Chen Hong continued his story.

"In addition, those officials who hold power should be supervised."

The establishment of the Censorate and the Court of Justice system created a separation of powers among the administrative, supervisory, and judicial branches.

The establishment of the "Censorate" granted censors the power to directly impeach ministers and important officials such as the prime minister and the head of the Imperial Carriage Office, thus breaking the monopoly of power.

The establishment of the "Performance Evaluation Office" to assess the performance of officials and encourage them to do practical things and benefit the people, in which case they could be promoted.

Establish a petitioning mechanism that allows petitioners to directly reach the emperor.

The "Black Ice" intelligence network was established to monitor the entire world, with only investigative powers but limited judicial power.

In this way, officials who exploit and oppress the people can be identified and punished in a timely manner, preventing good policies from turning into bad ones that exploit the common people.

"Furthermore, we must establish a crown prince as soon as possible, set up an Eastern Palace, select virtuous and capable officials to assist him, and train the crown prince's ability to govern."

When the emperor was away, the crown prince would oversee the state affairs, working with the three highest officials to govern and prevent eunuchs and treacherous ministers from seizing power and harming the court.

"In order to promote social mobility, in addition to revitalizing the military merit system, we should also implement some reforms in the appointment of government officials."

For example, a combination of the recommendation system and the imperial examination system was adopted.

It can recommend talented people and also set up imperial examinations, which can test "policy essays" covering law, agricultural administration, and military affairs.

The aim is to enable all people, regardless of their social status or birth, to take the imperial examinations.

As long as one is talented, one can become a clerk or official. The imperial examination was divided into three stages: the county examination, the prefectural examination, and the palace examination.

Passing the county examination can lead to a position as an official, but it must be assigned to a distant location to prevent the cultivation of local powerful clans who would control the area.

Passing the county examination could lead to a minor official position.

Those who came to Xianyang to pass the palace examination, which was personally examined by the emperor, could be given special training and appointed as high-ranking officials.

Establish a military examination system, allowing commoners without official rank to enter officialdom through merit, running parallel to the military merit system, thus creating a competitive talent market.

Convicts were allowed to accumulate merit through hard labor such as frontier defense and mining. Upon reaching a certain level, they could be restored to civilian status, or even granted minor noble titles, thus reducing social conflict.

Faced with Chen Hong's suggestions, everyone recognized his talent, and the First Emperor readily agreed.

"Very well, we will all follow the immortal, we will all follow the immortal."

"But, my immortal, there are many things you have said that I and my ministers do not understand."

We humbly beseech the immortals to descend from the mountain and guide us mere mortals, so that we may accomplish these many tasks and bring blessings to all people.

Li Si's eyes darted around, observing the expressions on Li Si's face, and he immediately agreed.

"Yes, Immortal, Li Si is foolish and I fear he will not be able to complete the task entrusted to him by you."

We implore the immortal to descend from the mountain, implement reforms, and lead us in making great strides to revolutionize the world.

"I will implement all the benevolent policies described by the immortal, so that my Great Qin will be free from worries and become strong and prosperous!"

Chen Hong shook his head helplessly.

"Very well... I will only guide you on the parts you do not understand. As for the specific implementation, it is still up to you, Li Si, to lead the officials."

I will not sit in an office to do my job, nor will I dabble in power.

After I have accomplished my mission, I will leave the court.

"Mere worldly power, which you cherish as your very lives, is nothing but dust in my eyes."

Upon hearing this, Li Si broke out in a cold sweat. He knew that the immortal had seen through his little scheme.

Although the immortal seemed indifferent, he was actually afraid.

Old Qin Shi Huang gave Li Si a cold look, thinking that this old fellow was too attached to power.

It was absolutely necessary for me to establish the "Imperial Censorate" as the immortal had said, granting the censors the power to directly impeach the prime minister and supervise all officials, thus rigorously monitoring these ministers.

Immortals possess great wisdom.

Listen to the immortals; you can't go wrong.

With the help of immortals, perhaps the Qin Dynasty could truly prosper for ten thousand generations, and I could also achieve immortality.

Old Qin Shi Huang decided to cling tightly to the immortal's coattails.

Where can you find such a selfless, generous, and powerless immortal?

"I intend to establish the 'Hundred Schools of Thought Hall' in Xianyang City, inviting scholars from all over the world to debate, discuss academic matters, and absorb the essence of the wisdom of all schools of thought."

He also established the "Galaxy Library" to house books from all over the world, which would be open to everyone free of charge.

Regardless of social status, age, or gender, everyone can enter the library to study.

What do you all think?

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and immediately started flattering him.

"May the immortals have mercy!"

"The immortal has enlightened all people, enabling countless poor children to study. His merits are immeasurable."

"The immortals are greatly promoting education and culture, displaying the demeanor of ancient sages."

Chen Hong raised his hand to interrupt their flattery.

"If you don't object, then so be it."

"Go down."

Chen Hong waved his hand, and the old Ying Zheng and Li Si bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Before stepping down, the old Ying Zheng glanced at the young Ying Zheng, wondering about his identity.

"Who exactly is this boy?"

"Could he be a disciple, a relative, or an attendant of an immortal?"

Unable to figure it out, Qin Shi Huang simply stopped thinking about it.

The people around an immortal are not someone he can interfere with.

After leaving the platform, Qin Shi Huang and his entourage returned to Xianyang with their army.

On the platform, only Chen Hong and the young Ying Zheng remained.

Young Ying Zheng bowed to Chen Hong and said, "Today, thanks to the guidance of the immortal, I have broadened my horizons, benefited greatly, and felt as if I had been reborn."

Zheng thanked the immortal for his guidance.

I humbly beseech the immortal to grant me this honor and accept me as your disciple. I am willing to offer the fate of the nation, the entire world, and the galaxy as my tribute to repay my master. I will serve my master with utmost sincerity and never betray him.

Chen Hong glanced at the young Ying Zheng in surprise; he certainly possessed a grand spirit.

Unfortunately, Chen Hong was not interested in empty promises and did not expect the young Ying Zheng to repay him in any way.

However, Chen Hong did indeed prefer the young Ying Zheng, who was spirited, had an amazing spirit, an extraordinary mindset, and a tenacious will.

"What are you talking about repaying?"

"If you ever cause trouble in the future, just don't reveal my name."

Upon hearing this, the young Ying Zheng was overjoyed and immediately knelt down, respectfully bowing to Chen Hong as his disciple.

"Disciple Ying Zheng greets Master!"

"Haha, good disciple, get up quickly."

Chen Hong helped the young Ying Zheng to his feet.

Looking at his handsome and resolute face, I felt a sense of satisfaction.

"Now that you have become my disciple, I cannot let you leave empty-handed."

With a wave of his hand, Chen Hong conjured up a series of bottles and jars in front of Ying Zheng.

(End of this chapter)