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

June 1st, Luoyang, Imperial Palace.

Before dawn, Lü Bu got up.

He first practiced his halberd techniques in the courtyard, then shot fifty arrows, working up a sweat. Although he was now the emperor, he never slacked off in his martial arts. The attribute points the system had given him also required regular training to maintain his intuition and peak condition.

After finishing his martial arts practice, he returned to the palace to change into casual clothes and went to the imperial study.

The day's memorials were already laid out on the table, a thick stack. Lü Bu sat down and began to review them one by one.

The first document was a memorial from the Ministry of Works, reporting that the cement road connecting Luoyang to the Yellow River Bridge was expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Lü Bu picked up his brush and wrote: "Speed ​​up the work, and be careful. If you run out of materials, come and get more immediately."

The second document was a memorial from the Ministry of War, reporting on the progress of the reorganization of the various military regions. The demobilization was basically completed, and the resettlement of the demobilized soldiers was proceeding in an orderly manner.

Lü Bu instructed: "Resettlement allowances must be paid promptly and without deduction. Retired soldiers with land should return to farming, and those without land should be assigned jobs. If there are any disturbances, the cause should be investigated and dealt with appropriately."

The third document is a memorial from Zhang Ji, reporting on the spring plowing situation in Jizhou. Curved plows and waterwheels have been promoted throughout the prefecture, and grain production is expected to increase by 20% compared to last year.

Lü Bu wrote: "Ji Province is a major grain-producing province, so we must ensure agricultural production. If needed, we should apply to the court for supplies at any time."

By the time the memorials were approved, it was already broad daylight.

A palace maid entered carrying a bowl of seafood porridge and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, it's time for breakfast."

Lü Bu took the bowl, took a sip, and asked the young eunuch beside him, "Ah Quan, what are the plans for today?"

The eunuch said, "The cabinet will hold a meeting this morning, and in the afternoon we will go to the Yellow River to check on the progress of the official road connection. In the evening, several officials from the Ministry of Rites will come to the palace to report on the special imperial examinations held this year as a result of His Majesty's ascension to the throne."

Lü Bu nodded: "Understood."

He finished his porridge in a few gulps, stood up, and said, "Let's go to the cabinet."

……

Late June, Luoyang, Ministry of Rites.

Ju Shou, Guo Jia, and Zhang Song are discussing a plan to reform the imperial examination system.

Ju Shou said, "Before Your Majesty ascended the throne, the imperial examination system had already been implemented throughout the country. However, the standards varied from place to place, and the examination questions were not uniform. I believe that a unified imperial examination syllabus should be formulated to clarify the examination content and standards."

Guo Jia nodded: "Grand Secretary Ju is right. I suggest that the imperial examination be divided into four subjects: Classics, Law, Mathematics, and Military. Classics will test knowledge of classics, history, philosophy, and literature; Law will test knowledge of laws and regulations; Mathematics will test knowledge of arithmetic and geometry; and Military will test knowledge of military strategy and archery. Each subject can be chosen according to one's needs, so one does not need to be an expert in everything."

Zhang Song said, "Fengxiao's suggestion is excellent. In the past, although there were mixed examinations in the imperial examinations, only classics and history were emphasized, not practical skills. Now that four subjects are established, each can give full play to its strengths, so that truly useful talents can be selected."

Ju Shou then said, "There is one more matter. In the past, only men could participate in the imperial examinations. I believe that women with talent should also be allowed to participate. Your Majesty has said that the world belongs to all people, and men and women are all human beings. Why can't they take the exams together?"

Guo Jia and Zhang Song exchanged a glance, both somewhat hesitant.

Guo Jia said, "Grand Secretary Ju, this matter is probably not easy. Since ancient times, women have not been allowed to interfere in politics; this is the rule."

Ju Shou said, "Rules are made by people, and they are also changed by people. His Majesty has even changed marriage and childbirth, so what are these rules? Besides, aren't all of His Majesty's concubines smart and capable? The Empress manages all the affairs of the palace, and she is no less capable than any man."

Zhang Song said, "Grand Secretary Ju is right. However, this matter is of great importance, so we should first ask His Majesty's opinion."

Ju Shou nodded: "Very well. His Majesty summons us tonight, so we can bring it up."

That evening, in the Imperial Study.

After listening to Ju Shou's suggestion, Lü Bu pondered for a moment and said, "I have considered the women's civil service examination. But this matter cannot be rushed; it must be done step by step. First, lower the threshold for women to study and allow them to enter schools. After a few years, when there are more women studying, we can then hold the women's civil service examination and gradually introduce them into government offices and jobs suitable for women."

Ju Shou bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I suggest that girls' schools be established in all prefectures and counties, and that girls be enrolled. The tuition fees should be subsidized by the imperial court, and tuition should be free for impoverished families."

Lü Bu nodded: "Alright, let's do it that way. The Ministry of Rites will take the lead on this matter and come up with a plan as soon as possible."

Ju Shoudao said, "Yes!"

……

Early July, Yuzhou, Runan.

The newly appointed Governor of Yu Province, Tian Feng, arrived at his post and was warmly welcomed by local officials and people.

Runan was Yuan Shu's stronghold, which was only recovered by the imperial court last year. After more than half a year of appeasement, the situation has stabilized, but there is still much to be done and much needs to be done.

Upon assuming office, Tian Feng's first act was to post a notice announcing the imperial court's tax policy: Yuzhou would be exempt from taxes for two years, allowing the people to cultivate the land with peace of mind.

A crowd of people gathered in front of the notice, and a literate man read aloud: "The people of Yuzhou are exempt from taxes for two years. Officials of all prefectures and counties are not allowed to impose additional taxes on them. Anyone who violates this rule may report it to the Imperial Inspector."

A cheer erupted from the crowd.

"Two years of tax exemption! That's fantastic!"

"Long live Your Majesty!"

"Thank you, Governor Tian!"

Tian Feng quickly waved his hand: "The policy was issued by His Majesty. His Majesty used the Heavenly Granted Granary to guarantee tax reductions and exemptions. If you want to thank someone, thank His Majesty."

An old man stepped forward, his voice trembling, and asked, "Governor Tian, ​​can we really be exempt from taxes for two years?"

Tian Feng laughed and said, "Don't worry, old man. The imperial decree is written in black and white. For the next two years, you can just focus on farming and won't have to pay a single grain of rice."

The old man was moved to tears: "This is wonderful, wonderful! I've lived for over sixty years, and this is the first time I've encountered such a good thing."

Tian Feng was filled with emotion.

He had served Yuan Shao for many years and had never seen the people of Ji Province so grateful to the government. Although Lü Bu was born a warrior, his actions over the years had truly earned him respect.

……

Late August, Luoyang, Imperial Study.

Guo Jia requested an audience, saying he had important matters to report.

Lü Bu let him in, smiling, "Fengxiao, what's the matter in such a hurry?"

Guo Jia cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have something I have been thinking about for a long time, and I dare to speak of it today."

Lü Bu said, "Speak."

Guo Jia said, "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have reduced and reorganized the army, divided the military into regions, rotated generals, reformed the imperial examination system, built bridges and roads, planted trees and forests, and limited the population. Everything you have done is for the long term. But I believe there is one more thing that Your Majesty has overlooked."

Lu Bu frowned: "What is it?"

Guo Jia said, "Education. Although Your Majesty has promoted the imperial examination system, it is only for selecting officials, not for cultivating talent. Most scholars in the country still rely on family learning or private schools. Children from poor families can't even find a place to study if they want to."

Lü Bu suddenly realized: "Fengxiao is right, I was indeed negligent. Please continue."

Guo Jia said, "I suggest that government-run schools be established in each prefecture and county, progressing step by step from village schools, county schools, prefectural schools, state schools, and the Imperial Academy. Village schools would teach literacy and arithmetic, county schools would teach classics, history, and laws, prefectural schools would teach governance, and state schools would teach the art of governing the country. The schools would only charge a small tuition fee, which could be reduced or waived for impoverished students. In this way, children from poor families would also have the opportunity to study, and the court could select more talented individuals."

Lu Bu nodded: "Alright, let's do it that way. The cabinet will take the lead in this matter and come up with a plan as soon as possible to implement it throughout the land."

Guo Jia cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Majesty is wise. I have another matter to discuss."

Lü Bu said, "Speak."

Guo Jia said, "After Your Majesty ascended the throne, the people's hearts were with you. However, some places are still not peaceful. For example, in the southern part of Yizhou, the barbarians often cause trouble; the mountain tribes of Yangzhou also rebel from time to time. I believe that the court should take advantage of the fact that the country has just been stabilized to thoroughly resolve these problems. Otherwise, they will surely become a great threat in the future."

Lu Bu pondered for a moment and said, "Fengxiao is right. However, now is not the time. We should wait until the reorganization of each military region is completed and the troops are well trained before taking action. Let's stabilize the situation this year and talk about it next year."

"promise!"