Rise of a Lonely City: From Exiled Prince to Ruler of the Nine Provinces

Summer of the fourth year of Xuanji.

The blueprint for relocating the capital was being drawn up, the trickle of land equalization was slowly seeping into the countryside, and the tide of the imperial examinations was surging and turbulent among the scholars.

Behind all these grand changes, the very system of the empire's central hub—the imperial court—had reached a point where it was imperative to thoroughly reorganize and restructure itself.

The atmosphere in the East Warm Pavilion of the Zichen Palace was solemn and dignified.

On the huge rosewood table, official system records from previous dynasties and even earlier, such as the Zhou, Han, Wei, Jin and Northern and Southern Dynasties, were spread out, along with several draft reforms of the official system prepared over several months by Han Yu, Shen Du, the newly appointed Minister of Personnel, Minister of Revenue and others.

The air was filled with the scent of ink and aged books, as well as a heavy pressure that was almost tangible, concerning how power should be distributed.

Since Xiao Chen ascended the throne, he has continued the old system of the previous dynasty, mixed with temporary measures for wartime. This system was able to function during the extraordinary period of suppressing the rebellion and stabilizing the country, thanks to his personal prestige and the efforts of important ministers such as Han Yu and Su Zhongqing.

However, with the world now unified and the territory vast, government affairs are pouring in from all directions like a tide, exposing the drawbacks of the old system: overlapping institutions, unclear responsibilities, and mutual obstruction; multiple government orders, resulting in low efficiency; confusion between decision-making and execution; and the urgent need to clarify the relationship between imperial power and ministerial power, and between the central government and local governments.

In the later period of the previous dynasty, the prime minister's power was too great, even clashing with the imperial power. The Secretariat and the Chancellery became vassals, and the powers of the Six Ministries were dispersed. This was one of the important reasons for the disorder of the court and the failure of government orders.

"Your Majesty," Han Yu, as the chief minister, presided over the review of the official system. His voice was steady as he pointed to a draft document. "We believe that the problems of the previous dynasty were that the power of the prime minister was too heavy, and the power of the emperor was in the hands of others; the departments were too numerous and the powers were not clearly defined."

Therefore, the key to the new system lies in the separation of powers and checks and balances, with power centralized at the top to ensure smooth implementation of government orders.

"Having studied the merits and demerits of previous dynasties, we believe that the system of the Three Departments and Six Ministries of the Sui and Tang dynasties, although evolving, best embodies the separation of powers in decision-making, deliberation, and execution. This system, with its structure of the Secretariat issuing orders, the Chancellery reviewing and rejecting them, and the Department of State Affairs carrying out the final decisions, along with the division of responsibilities among the Six Ministries (Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works), ensured the absolute authority of the emperor and the unification of government orders, and thus served as the foundation for our dynasty."

The newly appointed Minister of Personnel, a veteran official known for his expertise in regulations and meticulousness, added: "However, the system of the Sui and Tang dynasties, after being in place for so long, has also produced abuses. If the heads of the three departments are all appointed as prime ministers, then policies will be issued from multiple sources, leading to buck-passing. The Ministry of Personnel, which oversees the six ministries, still wields too much power. We believe that we should adjust the system according to the times, strengthen imperial power, refine the functions of the departments, and improve efficiency."

Xiao Chen carefully reviewed the draft.

The core of the draft is to establish a new central system with the three provinces and six ministries as the main body, but key adjustments have been made:

"The Secretariat," Han Yu explained, "is the source of decision-making and the office that issues orders."

Two Grand Secretaries, two Vice Grand Secretaries, and several Secretariat Attendants were appointed.

All matters concerning military and national affairs, as well as memorials from officials, are subject to preliminary review by officials of the Secretariat, who then draft proposed solutions or edicts for His Majesty's perusal and final decision.

His Majesty's decrees are often drafted by the Secretariat.

The power of the Secretariat lies in drafting edicts and issuing decrees; it is Your Majesty's mouthpiece and the starting point for all government orders.

"The Secretariat," Shen Du interjected, "is the institution responsible for reviewing and rejecting imperial orders."

Two Attendants-in-Ordinary, two Vice Ministers of the Chancellery, and several Attendants-in-Ordinary.

All edicts and documents drafted by the Secretariat must be submitted to the Chancellery for review.

The officials in charge of supervising the imperial edicts, such as the Attendant-in-Ordinary, Vice Minister, and Attendant-in-Ordinary, may reject or revoke imperial edicts. If they deem them inappropriate, they may return or seal them back.

Without the countersignature and seal of an official from the provincial government, an imperial edict shall not be effective.

In addition, memorials from all over the country were initially classified and screened by the Secretariat before being presented to the Emperor or forwarded to the Secretariat.

The power of the gatekeepers lies in "judging" and "rejecting"; they are Your Majesty's shield and the checkpoint for your decrees.

Xiao Chen nodded: "In that case, the Secretariat drafts the edicts, and the Chancellery reviews them, with mutual checks and balances. This can prevent a single province from wielding too much power and ensure that policies are carefully considered before being issued, reducing errors. However, what if the two provinces cannot reach an agreement?"

"This is precisely where Your Majesty's decisive action is required."

Han Yu said, "Major matters that the two provinces cannot reach an agreement on, or edicts that the Chancellery insists on revoking, must be submitted to the Emperor for His Majesty's decision."

Furthermore, His Majesty may also directly summon the heads of the two provinces, or convene a meeting of the Council of State Affairs to discuss important matters.

"The Ministry of Personnel," the Minister of Personnel continued, "is the agency responsible for implementation and the central hub of government affairs."

The Ministry of Personnel shall appoint one Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, one Left and one Right Assistant Minister, and in reality, one Left and one Right Vice Minister.

The Ministry of Personnel (尚书省) comprised six ministries: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works. Each ministry was headed by a Minister (尚书) and two Vice Ministers (左侍郎 and 右侍郎).

After His Majesty's decree is approved, the Secretariat drafts the edict, and the Chancellery reviews and approves it, it is handed over to the Ministry of Personnel for promulgation and implementation.

The Ministry of Personnel (Shangshu Sheng) oversaw the Six Ministries and was responsible for specific administrative affairs, serving as the ultimate implementer of government orders. The power of the Ministry of Personnel lay in its execution and in its management of all affairs.

Xiao Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "How should the powers of the Six Ministries be specifically divided? How should they coordinate with local prefectures and counties?"

"Your Majesty," the Minister of Revenue stepped forward, "the draft has been finalized: the Ministry of Personnel will be in charge of the selection, evaluation, conferment of honors, and titles of civil officials throughout the empire; the Ministry of Revenue will be in charge of the empire's population, land, taxes, grain, and granaries; the Ministry of Rites will be in charge of rites, sacrifices, the imperial examinations, schools, and the tribute from vassal states; the Ministry of War will be in charge of the selection and appointment of military officers, maps, carriages, armor, military registers, and postal services; the Ministry of Justice will be in charge of laws, criminal cases, and the review of major cases throughout the empire; and the Ministry of Works will be in charge of engineering, artisans, land reclamation, water conservancy, and transportation."

The six ministries each have their own responsibilities and are directly accountable to the Ministry of Personnel, which in turn is accountable to His Majesty.

Local government affairs at the prefecture and county levels were reported to the Six Ministries according to their categories, and the Six Ministries would handle them or forward them to the Ministry of Personnel, the Secretariat, the Chancellery, or even to the Emperor.

"In addition," Han Yu added, "to strengthen oversight, the Censorate was established independently of the Three Departments, with positions such as the Grand Censor and the Vice Censor-in-Chief to oversee all officials, report on matters based on rumors, and impeach those who violated the law."

The Hanlin Academy was established to manage imperial secrets, draft special edicts, and serve as advisors to His Majesty. It was a prestigious and respectable institution to select literary scholars to fill these positions.

To manage palace affairs, guard the emperor, and oversee his daily life, the Palace Secretariat and the Inner Attendants Secretariat were established, separate from the administration of the court.

In military matters, the Privy Council remained unchanged, controlling military affairs and troop deployment, and checking and balancing the Ministry of War.

Xiao Chen listened attentively, gradually sketching out a picture of the new dynasty's operation in his mind: the emperor was at the top of power, overseeing the entire situation and making decisions unilaterally.

The Secretariat was responsible for "providing suggestions and drafting imperial edicts," serving as the starting point for decision-making and the emperor's secretariat; the Chancellery was responsible for "finding faults and reviewing imperial edicts," serving as the review and control body for decisions; and the Department of State Affairs was responsible for "ensuring implementation and managing specifics," serving as the execution body for decisions and the administrative headquarters.

The three are interconnected, mutually restrictive, and unified under the imperial power.

The six ministries have a clear division of labor, each managing its own area, which improves the efficiency of professional administration.

The Censorate, acting as an independent oversight body, ensured that the bureaucratic system was not corrupted.

"This system is excellent," Xiao Chen said slowly. "It separates powers and maintains checks and balances, centralizing power at the top, and clearly defining responsibilities. Compared to the old system of the previous dynasty, it is a great improvement. However, have you all considered that, since the new system is newly implemented, officials are unfamiliar with it, and if the three provinces pass the buck and wrestle among themselves, the efficiency will be lower than before? What should we do then?"

"Your Majesty's considerations are thorough and comprehensive."

The Minister of Personnel said, "Therefore, the draft stipulates that routine government affairs with established precedents shall be handled by the six ministries of the Ministry of Personnel in accordance with those precedents, major matters shall be reported to the Ministry of Personnel, and extremely important matters shall be reported to the Secretariat, the Chancellery, or even to the Emperor."

Official correspondence between the three provinces had clear time limits, and those who delayed could be impeached by the Censorate.

More crucially, the selection of personnel is paramount. The heads of the Secretariat and the Chancellery must be ministers who are insightful, loyal to the country, and willing to speak frankly. The heads of the Ministry of Personnel and the Six Ministries must be ministers who are knowledgeable in practical matters, capable, and diligent.

Furthermore, Your Majesty may convene meetings of the Council of State from time to time, or directly summon relevant officials to urge progress and adjudicate difficult cases.

With clear division of responsibilities and Your Majesty's decisive action, smooth operations can be guaranteed.

"Local coordination also needs to be clarified."

Xiao Chen pondered, "With the new system implemented at the central level, the local state and county official systems also need to be adjusted accordingly. Their responsibilities and powers in dealing with the Six Ministries should be clarified, the hierarchical structure should be simplified, and the stagnation of government orders at the local level should be avoided. The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue need to discuss this matter in detail."

"Your Majesty, we obey."

Xiao Chen stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the summer sky over the capital city.

The new official system is like forging a brand-new, stronger framework for the imperial center, which is about to move to Chang'an.

It must not only bear the weight of the current massive political affairs, but also adapt to the needs of a future unified empire with a vast territory, a large population, and complex affairs.

"This system is not merely about the separation of powers and checks and balances, but also about firmly consolidating power in the hands of the court and in the hands of the Emperor."

Xiao Chen turned around, his gaze sharp. "The mistakes of the previous dynasty lay in the power of local authorities and the separatist rule of regional warlords; in the expansion of the power of the prime minister, which threatened the emperor's authority."

Under the new system, the Secretariat and the Chancellery check and balance each other, and the power of decision-making ultimately rests with the Emperor.

The Ministry of Personnel carried out the tasks, which were divided into six departments, and the local prefectures and counties obeyed only the orders of the imperial court.

The Privy Council was in charge of military orders, while the Ministry of War was in charge of military and political affairs, thus checking and balancing each other. The Censorate oversaw both internal and external affairs.

Only in this way can the government act as naturally as its body controls its arm, and as naturally as its arm controls its fingers, ensuring smooth policy implementation and a lasting national prosperity.

He walked back to his desk, picked up his vermilion pen, and wrote four powerful characters on the cover of the draft: "Three Provinces and Six Ministries".

"The detailed rules and regulations will be further reviewed and improved. The key points are clear boundaries of authority, clear operational procedures, and strict rewards, punishments, and performance evaluations."

In particular, the power of the Secretariat and the Chancellery to refute government orders must be guaranteed so that they dare to speak frankly, but it must also be prevented from becoming a tool to obstruct or delay government orders. How to grasp the balance needs to be clearly stated in the regulations.

The Council of State Affairs can serve as a permanent, supreme deliberative body, convened by me periodically or irregularly, with key officials such as the Chancellor, the Grand Councilor, the Ministers of the Six Ministries, and the Privy Councilor participating to discuss major policies. However, the final decision rests with me.

"We, your humble servants, have received your decree and will certainly consider it carefully to ensure its perfection!"

"Now that the new system is in place, we should select the right people to fill the responsibilities. Han Yu,"

Xiao Chen looked at the Grand Secretary and said, "You and the Ministry of Personnel will jointly examine the current officials and, based on the functions of the new system, propose a draft of candidates for the main officials of the Three Departments and Six Ministries for my consideration. The principle is to ensure a smooth transition, emphasize competence, and take into account a balance. In particular, the heads of the Three Departments must possess both virtue and talent and be able to serve as role models for all officials."

"I obey your decree."

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen pondered, "the promulgation of the new system has attracted worldwide attention. The edict must clearly state its purpose: to clarify responsibilities, improve efficiency, centralize power, and facilitate good governance. It should let the people know my determination to govern diligently. The new system will first be implemented in the central government, and once it is running smoothly, it will be gradually rolled out to the local areas. Next year, the fifth year of Xuanji, before the capital is moved to Chang'an, the new central government structure needs to be basically operational!"

"Your Majesty is wise! We will do our utmost to live up to your expectations!"

In the autumn of the fourth year of Xuanji, the "Edict Establishing the Three Departments and Six Ministries" was officially promulgated throughout the land.

Like throwing another boulder into a calm lake, it caused a huge shock throughout the government and the public. The old power structure was broken, and the new positions, new powers and responsibilities, and new operating methods made countless officials feel both expectant and uneasy.

Some saw an opportunity for promotion, some worried about losing power, and others were busy studying the new system and adapting to the new rules.

A silent yet profound reorganization of the political landscape was quietly taking place in the government offices of the capital.

Countless positions that will determine the future of the empire await new masters.

Xiao Chen, standing at the pinnacle of power, calmly observed everything, like the most skilled chess player placing pieces one by one on the newly defined chessboard.

The Three Departments and Six Ministries, like a sophisticated machine, began to slowly assemble and debug, preparing to provide a continuous source of power and control for this newly unified empire in the imperial palace of Chang'an in the future.