Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

A powerful regional official controls the livelihoods of millions.

If this were during the late Han Dynasty, he would definitely be a feudal lord.

In a ruling region, the regional governors wield almost absolute power.

If the governance is poor, officials may force the people to rebel, which could destabilize the very foundation of the country.

Therefore, any high-ranking official in charge of a region deserves the emperor's serious attention.

The saying that officials in the capital are one rank higher does not apply to high-ranking officials in charge of a region.

Jiang Zhao was not a high-ranking official, but he exercised the power and responsibilities of one.

There are some questions that need to be asked.

Jiang Zhao pondered for a moment and replied, "We should defend our territory with weapons, govern to ensure peace and harmony, and integrate the Han and non-Han peoples to stabilize our borders."

Throughout history, newly conquered territories have always been highly unstable.

If you're not careful, someone might snatch it back.

The same applies to the seven prefectures of Xihe.

The main factor leading to instability is the issue of the sense of belonging among the Tibetan and Western Xia people.

Although the Tibetan and Western Xia troops withdrew from the seven prefectures of Xihe, many ordinary people still remained.

Compared to soldiers, ordinary people may never leave their small town in their entire lives.

Border troops, in their expansion of territory, would never actually carry out large-scale massacres of innocent civilians.

The land of barbarians has a very different way of life from that of the Han people.

For these people, there was absolutely no sense of belonging when Han Chinese were in power.

If the Tibetan and Western Xia border armies were to return, those innocent civilians could become spies and collaborators.

If a culture doesn't identify with it, even if it occupies a place for a hundred years, it won't make much difference.

Once a tribe gains power, it naturally gains recognition, and a single success can allow it to reclaim its territory.

This is an issue that must be taken seriously.

To truly stabilize the territory, the only way is to integrate the cultures of the Han and non-Han peoples, establish academies, encourage the children of high-ranking tribal leaders to attend school, and implement assimilation policies.

"Perhaps we could implement a land reclamation policy, encourage intermarriage between Han and non-Han peoples, promote tea and horse trade, and achieve economic integration."

The policy of military colonization allowed the army to achieve a certain degree of self-sufficiency in resources.

Otherwise, no nation can withstand the drain of prolonged warfare.

The daily rations for hundreds of thousands of troops are astronomical.

The only way to achieve food security is through land reclamation.

Intermarriage between Han and non-Han peoples is the most classic and effective way to resolve Han conflicts.

Compared to nomadic civilizations, agricultural civilizations are far more advanced.

Once married, daily life, coupled with the influence of Confucianism, takes place.

The results will be visible within three to five years.

If this continues for more than twenty years, and a generation is replaced, the territory can be completely stabilized.

Zhao Zhen nodded in satisfaction.

These approaches are, at least in general, without any problems.

Chapter 104: Let me examine the Holy Grandson?

"Xihe Road is a newly expanded territory. What kind of support do you need?" Zhao Zhen asked.

This expansion of territory was unprecedented in the century-long reign of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

As the emperor, he was the biggest beneficiary.

This deserves to be recorded in great detail in history books.

To put it bluntly, based on his achievements in expanding the territory, he could even be compared with Emperor Taizong in terms of accomplishments.

Today, matters concerning territorial governance and territorial stability are being addressed.

He would support anything that wasn't particularly excessive.

It's particularly excessive, but it's not that it can't be supported.

In short, we will spare no effort for the sake of achievement!

Jiang Zhao was startled.

It is extremely rare for the emperor to directly ask his ministers for "support."

“A separate quota will be granted to Enke.”

Without hesitation, Jiang Zhao stated his request.

“There are almost no Han Chinese in Xihe Road. In order to stabilize the territory, in addition to Sinicizing the Tibetans, we also need to have some Han Chinese move there.”

"Among them, the most important thing is to get scholars to come. If we don't give them a certain number of places in the imperial examinations, we will definitely not be able to retain them."

In this era, scholars are all elites.

The only way to gather people together and prevent population loss is through the allure of "reading."

Population is an indispensable part of maintaining a stable border region.

Currently, the majority of people living in Xihe Road are Tibetans and Western Xia people.

If you want people to move from Shaanxi Road and Hedong Road to Xihe Road, you have to promote the idea of ​​"superior educational resources".

The frontier is harsh and cold, but that also means less competitive pressure.

Having a fixed number of scientific expedition slots is a huge advantage.

Some less capable candidates, hoping for even a sliver of hope of passing the imperial examination, would naturally move to Xihe Road with their families.

These scholars who passed the imperial examinations were themselves a rare resource.

Gradually, Xihe Road will be able to develop.

"Approximately how much?" Zhao Zhen pondered for a moment before asking.

The number of places for Enke is quite unexpected.

However, it's actually acceptable.

Compared to the imperial examinations held in spring, granting a separate quota for Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examinations) did not affect the competition among candidates from other regions.

Of course, if any candidate is dissatisfied, they may be relocated to the frontier.

"Twenty," Jiang Zhao gave a fair figure.

In one spring imperial examination, three to four hundred scholars were selected, representing thirteen different routes.

The average number of people recruited along the way was around thirty.

Twenty, this number is below the average.

“Alright.” Zhao Zhen nodded.

Certain policy support is absolutely necessary.

"I propose to reduce redundant troops and streamline the military system."

Jiang Zhao explained, "With the expansion of the frontier, there was a shortage of people farming. Some old, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers were appropriately rewarded with land and their military status was reduced."

“That’s acceptable,” Zhao Zhen nodded.

Excess soldiers have always been a major problem in the military.

Military spending has been substantial over the years.

However, there must be a reason for disarmament.

Soldiers should be laid off, and some compensation should be given, and production arrangements should be made appropriately.

Otherwise, if too many soldiers are dismissed and gathered together, and a brilliant idea emerges, it could lead to a rebellion.

Xihe Road is sparsely populated, and granting land as a reward would be a perfect solution to this problem.

This is a good thing!

"I need to appropriately transfer some of the newly appointed scholars to maintain the operation of the border political situation."

Xihe Prefecture has seven states, each with at least five or six counties, totaling thirty or forty counties.

If you include the accompanying minor officials and clerks, the number would be at least over a thousand.

Such a number of officials could only be filled by those who had passed the imperial examinations or were selected for the provincial examinations.

"Alright." Zhao Zhen nodded.

With newly expanded territory, everything must be rebuilt, and the necessary support must be provided.

"That's all for now," Jiang Zhao said respectfully.

In fact, besides these, there are some implicit forms of support.

Such as personnel adjustments and changes in government offices.

However, this is all supported by default and doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

"You have not failed me, and I will not fail you either." Zhao Zhen nodded slowly and patted the spirited young man.

"Your Majesty, I am terrified." Jiang Zhao was startled and quickly bowed.

Just then, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial announced, "Your Majesty, several princes request an audience."

son?

Jiang Zhao raised his eyebrows.

The title "Young Master" is undoubtedly quite common in the outside world.

However, the only people whom even the palace officials addressed as "Young Master" were probably a few sons of the imperial clan.

In other words, what a wonderful grandson!

Zhao Zhen waved his hand, signaling Jiang Zhao to stand up.

He is old!

In recent years, he has been able to clearly perceive that his energy is getting worse and worse.

If nothing unexpected happens, Jiang Zhao will be the last capable minister he selects.

Generally speaking, everyone treats the first and last time with a little special consideration.

"Let them all come in!"

In less than ten breaths, five young people walked in.

Zhao Shiyi, son of the King of Yan.

Zhao Shiqian, son of the Prince of Yong.

Zhao Zhong was the son of Zhao Zong'e.

Zhao Congshi's son, Zhao Shicheng.

Zhao Zongquan's son, Zhao Ceying.

They are all definitely the grandchildren of saints.

The group entered, behaving reservedly, but clearly not strangers.

Clearly, they had all frequented the Imperial Study.

The eunuch presented the memorial at the opportune moment, and had several people pass it around to observe the situation.

"This is Jiang Zhao, the Pacification Commissioner whom I have mentioned many times," Zhao Zhen said, waving his hand and introducing Jiang Zhao.

The group of people felt a chill and quickly bowed.

Expanding territories—he was truly a renowned minister whose legacy will be remembered for generations.