Transmigrating to the Three Kingdoms as Lu Bu: I Have a Pseudo-Apocalypse System

After listening to Lü Bu's detailed explanation, Huang Zhong stroked his beard and said, "In my half-life of military service, I have never seen such a detailed and clear military system. Duke Jin's method can make the army orderly and clear at a glance."

Lu Bu said solemnly, "The reform of military ranks is not for show, but for strengthening the army. From now on, all benefits in the army—salary, housing, medical care, and pensions—will be linked to military rank. Even if a colonel holds a sinecure, his salary will not be lower than that of a deputy division commander with real power. In this way, generals will not have to compete for positions with real power, and everyone can be content with their positions."

He looked at his generals and said, "I know that reforms will inevitably bring growing pains. Some have had their ranks lowered, some have had their positions adjusted, and some may be unwilling to hand over their private troops, so they may harbor resentment. But let me make this clear: everything will be based on military merit and ability. Anyone who disagrees can appeal to me; but if anyone dares to cause trouble or disobey orders—military law is merciless!"

The generals shouted in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Lü Bu's tone softened slightly: "Of course, after the reform, the salaries of generals have generally increased. A major general can earn hundreds of thousands of coins a month. If they achieve meritorious service, they will receive additional generous rewards."

These words brought a smile to everyone's faces.

In chaotic times, soldiers are expected to earn more food and pay; who wouldn't want to earn more?

Zhang Liao laughed and said, "Since our lord treats us so kindly, we will surely pledge our loyalty to the death!"

Lü Bu nodded: "Within two months, finalize the list of ranks. Before the end of the year, reform the army's organization, abolish the system of private soldiers and retainers, and have the entire army wear new uniforms and rank insignia. Starting next year, they will train and receive salaries according to the new system."

He paused, a cold glint in his eyes: "Next year, I will inspect the three armies. Anyone who fails will be demoted. I want a disciplined, battle-hardened, and obedient army, not a private army or a rabble that only listens to a particular general!"

"We will obey Duke Jin's command!" the generals roared in response.

As news of the nine-rank, eighteen-level official system, the imperial examination system, and the reform of military ranks spread throughout the three prefectures of Si, Bing, and Liang, the reactions from all sides were quite different.

In a tavern in Chang'an, several men dressed as minor officials were drinking and discussing something.

"Have you heard? We county clerks will be ninth-rank officials from now on!" a young official exclaimed excitedly. "A monthly salary of forty thousand coins, plus a performance bonus at the end of the year! I've calculated it; if we do well, we can earn five or six hundred thousand coins a year, which is equivalent to three years of work in the past!"

The older clerk opposite him was worried: "The salary has increased, but the assessment has also become stricter. There are four criteria: morality, ability, diligence, and performance. They are evaluated every quarter, and the final grade is determined at the end of the year. If you are rated as low, not only will you not receive a bonus, but you may also be demoted or dismissed from your post."

"We still have to work hard!" the young man said. "Before, those of us without connections couldn't get promoted no matter how well we did, and our salaries were even deducted by our superiors. Now, we're paid according to rank, directly to the individual. Who dares to deduct from our pay? The evaluations are strict, but fair. If you're capable and get recognized for excellence every year, you're sure to get promoted!"

A man nearby chimed in, "There's also the imperial examination! The prefectural exam is in October. If you pass, you become a scholar, exempt from corvée labor, and can even become a clerk in the government office or enter the Imperial Academy. My son has been studying at a private school for several years, and I was worried about his future. Now we have hope!"

"Yes, yes, my nephew too..."

Children from poor families and low-level officials are more likely to support the reforms. They are the most direct beneficiaries.

In contrast, the atmosphere in some aristocratic mansions is oppressive.

Fufeng, the ancestral home of the Geng family.

The patriarch, Geng Zhi, was over fifty years old and came from a prominent family in Fufeng, with descendants serving in official positions throughout the generations. Seven or eight elders sat in the hall, each with a somber expression.

"Lu Bu is trying to undermine the foundation of our aristocratic families!" an elder slammed his fist on the table. "The nine-rank system is one thing, but the imperial examinations select officials regardless of their background. Even those from humble families can register and take the exams. If they pass, they can become officials. If this continues, who will respect us aristocratic families?"

Another elder sighed, "What's even more hateful is the improvement of paper and movable type printing. Books should have been treasured by aristocratic families, but now cheap books are sold openly. Knowledge is no longer rare. What advantage do we have?"

Geng Zhi remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Lu Bu is powerful, commands a large army, and has a divinely bestowed granary with inexhaustible supplies. To confront him head-on is tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock."

"Are we just going to let him do whatever he wants?"

"Not so." A sly glint flashed in Geng Zhi's eyes. "The imperial examinations will be held in October. We can do this..."

He whispered a few words, and the elders were taken aback at first, then smiled.

Similar secret discussions frequently occurred among prominent families in various prefectures.

In the military camp, the reaction was quite different.

In the western camp, several captains and military commanders gathered together to look at the newly issued detailed rules of the military rank system.

"Old Li, by these standards, you could be promoted to lieutenant," a bearded captain said to his companion. "A lieutenant colonel's monthly salary is 100 shi (a unit of dry measure), which is equivalent to 200,000 coins, higher than your previous salary!"

The captain surnamed Li frowned: "The salary is more, but I heard that this job adjustment will break the old rule that soldiers are assigned to generals and that generals will be changed frequently. I know my brothers in the old camp well. If I am transferred to another camp, we will have to get used to each other again."

The bearded man said, "Our lord said this is to prevent the development of private armies into warlords. It makes sense. Look at Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Cao Cao—weren't they all powerful figures with their own armies? Our lord represents the court and must curb the separatist warlordism."

A young military officer standing nearby exclaimed excitedly, "I think it's great! Military rank represents seniority, and it's recognized everywhere. Unlike before, when you had to start over from scratch if you changed units. A general who lost his military power was no better than a county magistrate. I'm a second lieutenant now, and even if I'm transferred to be an instructor, I'll still have the rank of second lieutenant."

Another, more mature Sima pondered, "After the reform, promotions will be based on years of service, merits, and performance evaluations. I'm getting old, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to be promoted to general. But our lord said that officers who have served for twenty years will still receive 70% of their salary upon retirement until their death, which is a guarantee."

There was much discussion, with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, but the lower-ranking officers were generally satisfied with the improved treatment. Only those generals with private armies were somewhat unhappy.

The study of the Duke of Jin's residence.

Lü Bu listened to the reports from Jia Xu and Guo Jia.

Jia Xu said, "Of the twenty-six counties in the three provinces, the governors of twenty-one counties have expressed their support for the reform of the official system and the imperial examination. The remaining five counties are mostly in areas where powerful aristocratic families are strong, and their attitudes are ambiguous."

Guo Jia added: "Among the generals in the army, 70% support it, 20% are observing, and 10% oppose it. Those who oppose it are mostly generals who have a large number of private troops and are accustomed to the old system."

Lu Bu sneered: "Watching and waiting? Resisting? Issue the order: Before September, all prefects must clearly support the reforms, or they will be replaced. Any military commander who opposes the reforms will be transferred to a sinecure and demoted one rank. Anyone who dares to oppose and refuses to comply will be dismissed from office. There will be no one in my army who does not obey orders."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "As for the petty tricks of those aristocratic families, Fengxiao, have someone keep a close eye on them. During the imperial examinations, anyone found cheating, obstructing, or intimidating candidates must be arrested and punished without exception."

Guo Jia laughed and said, "I have already arranged for secret guards to infiltrate various prefectures. If those aristocratic families behave themselves, fine; but if they dare to make a move, their henchmen will be slain."

Jia Xu said, "My lord, at the beginning of reforms, it is better to proceed steadily than hastily. Should we postpone the imperial examinations until the official and military systems are implemented smoothly?"

Lü Bu shook his head: "We can't delay. The imperial examination is the key to breaking the monopoly of the aristocratic families, and it must be implemented as soon as possible. Besides, the October examination is just a trial at the prefectural level, and the questions are simple. If we can't even implement this, how can we talk about a major reform?"

He rose, walked to the window, and gazed at the street scene of Chang'an: "I know that reform will inevitably backfire. But in chaotic times, harsh measures are necessary, and correcting a wrong must be done to the extreme. If we do not change now, it will be difficult to change again once I have pacified the country and the power of the aristocratic families has been solidified again."

Jia Xu and Guo Jia looked at each other and nodded.

Lü Bu turned around: "Wenhe, you continue to promote the nine-rank system. Fengxiao, you take charge of the imperial examinations and prepare for the county examinations in October. Make sure the examination venues, examiners, and examination papers for each county are properly arranged."

"promise!"

"Also," Lü Bu recalled something, "the 'Detailed Explanation of the Nine-Rank System,' 'Regulations for the Imperial Examination,' and 'Explanation of the Military Rank System' printed by the printing press should be distributed to every official and general as soon as possible. Let them understand the contents of the reform and reduce misunderstandings."

"A messenger has been arranged to deliver it, and it should arrive within two months."

Lu Bu nodded, his eyes shining with determination: "I want to see talented people from humble backgrounds enter officialdom, soldiers fight bravely, and the people live in peace and prosperity."

Jia Xu and Guo Jia exclaimed in unison, "Our lord is wise and will surely succeed in this great undertaking!"