PFC Chapter 67 Politics
Chapter 67 Politics
The 28th day of the 12th month of the seventh year of Emperor Wen's reign.
The festive atmosphere of the New Year in Chang'an was completely overshadowed by a heated court debate.
Inside the Xuan Shi Hall, the atmosphere was heavy as iron. The detailed rules of the "Decree on Reducing the Feudal Powers" presented by Chao Cuo were like a boulder thrown into an already turbulent lake, stirring up towering waves.
The detailed rules were far more stringent than expected. They not only reiterated the revocation of the power to appoint and dismiss officials of the vassal states with salaries of two thousand piculs or above and reduced the number of guards, but also added several new regulations: vassal states were required to double the number of times they could request permission from the capital, and were not allowed to leave their states without an imperial edict; all taxes levied on the kingdoms, except those used for the royal palace, were to be sent to the Imperial Household Department in Chang'an; princes and younger brothers of vassal states who were fifteen years of age or older were required to serve in the capital; and there were even strict restrictions and supervision on the interactions between vassal kings and local powerful families and officials of prefectures and kingdoms.
"Your Majesty!" The first to object was not Zhou Yafu, but the mature and prudent Prime Minister Shen Tu Jia.
His beard and hair stood on end as he said, “If this decree is implemented, how will the feudal lords be any different from the prefectures and counties? Emperor Gaozu enfeoffed his sons and brothers to protect the central government; this is an ancestral system! Now, Minister Chao’s proposal, ostensibly to reduce the power of the feudal lords, is tantamount to abolishing the kingdoms! Will this not chill the hearts of the imperial family and make the meritorious feudal lords feel cold? The King of Liang is loyal and diligent, the King of Dai is respectful and obedient, and the King of Changsha has rendered meritorious service in defending the borders; now they are also subject to this harsh constraint. Where is the reason and justice? Where is the law?”
Chao Cuo stepped forward and said, "The Prime Minister speaks of ancestral rules, but when Emperor Gaozu enfeoffed the princes, the empire was newly established, and each prince's territory comprised only a few counties, with no more than ten thousand soldiers, sufficient to pacify the region. However, over the decades, these princes have grown powerful, controlling multiple prefectures and counties, wielding considerable military strength, and disobeying imperial orders, leading to the calamity of the Seven Kingdoms today! Why did the Wu rebel dare to rebel? Not because he was the richest man in the land, but because he controlled thirteen prefectures and fifty-three cities in Wu and Chu, and the officials and people only obeyed the orders of the King of Wu, unaware of Chang'an! Are ancestral rules rigid rules? They must change with the times! Although the rebellion has been quelled, the power of the princes has not been fundamentally shaken. If we do not take swift and decisive measures to remove their wings and seize their power, who knows if today's Wu rebel will not be someone else tomorrow?"
He turned to Emperor Wen and bowed deeply to the ground: "Your Majesty! Hesitation will only lead to chaos! Showing leniency to the loyal princes today will surely become a new source of rebellion in the future! I do not wish to cut off the path of the imperial family, but only for the sake of the Han Dynasty's eternal prosperity! This decree may be harsh, but only in this way can we centralize power, ensure smooth governance, unify the empire, and forever prevent the calamity of princely separatism and rebellion! I beg Your Majesty's wise decision!"
Newly promoted officials who supported Chao Cuo, officials from the Legalist school, and some generals who saw the threat posed by the feudal lords during the rebellion all chimed in with their opinions.
Conservatives, nobles with ties to the feudal lords, and officials who considered the move too extreme vehemently opposed it, and arguments erupted again in the court.
Emperor Wen sat calmly on his imperial couch, listening patiently to the debate between the two sides. His gaze swept over Zhou Yafu, who stood with his hands at his sides, not in a hurry to speak, as well as Crown Prince Liu Qi and Zhang Keran, who were equally silent.
"Grand Commandant," Emperor Wen finally spoke, his voice low but silencing the hall, "what were the results of your discussions with the Crown Prince and Junior Tutor Zhang regarding the new policies? What are your thoughts on Minister Chao's decree?"
All eyes immediately focused on Zhou Yafu, the newly appointed Grand Commandant and the meritorious official in suppressing the rebellion, whose attitude was of paramount importance.
Zhou Yafu said, "Your Majesty, the regulations discussed by me and Zhang Shaofu are generally consistent with the decree of Chao Dafu, both aiming to strengthen the central government and weaken local officials. The only difference lies in the strategy and pace of implementation."
He did not directly deny Chao Cuo, but emphasized the difference in methods.
"If Minister Chao's decree can be thoroughly implemented, it will indeed achieve a permanent solution. However," he changed his tone, "the court has just pacified the southeast and its strength has not yet recovered, while the Xiongnu in the north are eyeing us covetously. At this time, if harsh laws and urgent orders are applied to all the lords at the same time, regardless of their loyalty or rebellion, it may be too much of a burden, causing those who could be won over to become disloyal, instilling fear in those who are watching, or even driving the loyal to rebel. This is not an exaggeration, but a lesson from the past."
He continued, "The proposed regulations advocate a phased, differentiated, and lenient approach. For the former territories of rebellious lords like Wu, we will implement the orders of Minister Chao with swift and decisive action. For those who followed the rebellion in Qi and Zhao but have already been pacified, we will also apply strict measures, but allow them a respite. For loyal and meritorious lords like Liang, Dai, and Changsha, we will provide a buffer, clearly demonstrating the court's trust and rewarding them with titles, stipends, and favors, while strengthening their ties with the central government through opportunities for their sons to enter officialdom and marriage alliances. After three to five years, when the court's foundation is more solid and the surrounding areas are more peaceful, we can proceed gradually, achieving our goals naturally, with significantly reduced resistance, and potentially more lasting results."
Zhou Yafu did not attack Chao Cuo himself, and even admitted that his goal was correct, but questioned his methods and timing.
Chao Cuo frowned, about to retort, but Emperor Wen waved his hand: "Crown Prince, what do you think?"
Liu Qi took a deep breath and said, "Father, I believe that both Master Chao's concern for the country and Grand Commandant's mature consideration are for the sake of the nation. Master Chao's strategy can establish authority in the present and set rules for the long term. Grand Commandant's proposal can reassure the people and stabilize the situation before it arises. The two are not irreconcilable."
He walked down the imperial steps and addressed his ministers: "The 'Decree on Reducing the Power of the Feudal Lords' must be implemented; this is a national policy that cannot be shaken. However, how to implement it requires drawing on the strengths of various parties. Your subject suggests that we take the decree of Grand Master Chao as the framework and the regulations drafted by Grand Commandant Zhou and Junior Tutor Zhang as the details, and refine the specific rules. The provisions for different treatment of different lords should be clearly stated in the decree. The buffer period and the policies for preferential treatment should also be clearly defined. In this way, we can demonstrate the court's determination to eliminate internal troubles and reclaim power, as well as Your Majesty's benevolence in caring for relatives and rewarding merit and punishing demerit. This will let the world know that the court's laws are strict and clear, and also know Your Majesty's magnanimity and tolerance."
Emperor Wen looked at his son, who was now able to offer constructive suggestions in the complex political situation and try to bridge the differences, and a look of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
He paused for a moment, then slowly said, "What the Crown Prince said was the wisdom of a seasoned ruler. Chao Cuo."
"Your subject is here."
"I approve your 'Decree on Reducing the Power of the Feudal Ranks.' However, its specific implementation can be based on the Crown Prince's proposal and with reference to the regulations drafted by Zhou Yafu and Zhang Keran. The detailed provisions for differentiated treatment and preferential treatment should be formulated to ensure that the decree is reasonable, just, and legal, and then proclaimed to the world. This matter will be overseen by the Chancellor, with Chao Cuo, Zhou Yafu, Zhang Keran, and the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers jointly discussing the details and submitting a report to me before the fifteenth of the first month."
"We obey the decree!" the crowd replied in unison.
The thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.
The Zhang residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, but Zhang Keran had little interest in the holiday.
During the day, he had just attended a discussion on the details of the new policies chaired by Prime Minister Shen Tu Jia. Although Chao Cuo and Zhou Yafu did not publicly argue at the meeting, their views clashed fiercely, and he had to mediate frequently, which took a lot of effort.
As night fell, sporadic firecrackers echoed through the city. Zhang Keran sat alone in his study, looking at the secret letter his father had just received.
In the letter, King Liang Zhang Wuji expressed his understanding of the court's final new policy attitude and instructed him not to strive excessively for the benefit of the Liang Kingdom, but to prioritize the overall situation of the court and his own safety, and to reiterate the importance of being respectful and cautious.
"Your Highness, a guest has arrived. He has not yet given his name, but presents this item." A servant hurriedly entered and presented an ancient jade thumb ring.
Zhang Keran took a look and his heart stirred slightly.
This was something Zhou Yafu gave him when he was in the army, during a discussion about riding and archery. Zhou Yafu casually took it off and gave it to him as a souvenir, saying it was an old item from his father, Marquis Jiang.
"Please come to the side hall, I'll be right there."
In the side hall, a man stood with his back to the door, dressed in the simple robes of a scholar, without any attendants. Hearing footsteps, he turned around, and it was Zhou Yafu.
"Grand Commandant?" Zhang Keran bowed. "No need for the Grand Commandant to come in person; it is I who have come to pay my respects."
"No need for formalities." Zhou Yafu waved his hand, his expression somewhat somber under the lamplight. "Tomorrow is the grand court assembly, and the day after, we both need to attend a banquet at the palace. I fear we won't have time for a detailed discussion. Therefore, I've come tonight to say some things that I must get off my chest."
Zhang Keran dismissed his attendants and personally closed the door: "Grand Commandant, please speak."
Zhou Yafu paced back and forth, then said in a deep voice, "Today's court meeting, though it settled the matter in accordance with Your Highness's words, shows that Chao Cuo's ambitions extend far beyond this 'Decree on Reducing the Power of the Feudal Ranks.' I have observed his recent actions, which reveal his close ties with the Court of Justice and the Imperial Household Department, suggesting he is secretly investigating the affairs of the princes, meritorious officials, and marquises. His schemes are far-reaching; he may be using the guise of the new policies to carry out a purge, bringing all forces that could potentially threaten the central government—whether princes, meritorious officials, or even... generals with military power—under his control and under his purview."
Zhang Keran felt a chill run down his spine.
Zhou Yafu's concerns were not unfounded. Chao Cuo's personality and Legalist ideology meant that his definition of a threat would be extremely broad, and his methods would be ruthless.
"The Grand Commandant holds military power, his achievements are so great that they threaten the emperor, and his political views are also different from his own, so it is indeed..." Zhang Keran did not finish his sentence.
"The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind." Zhou Yafu smiled self-deprecatingly. "I am not a power-hungry man, but war is a matter of vital importance to the nation, a matter of life and death. How can it become a tool for powerful ministers to scheme against each other? Nor can I abandon my military prowess and disregard the safety of the border just because I fear suspicion!"
He added, "Although the Xiongnu have not launched a major southward invasion this year, small groups have been constantly raiding. According to reports from spies, there seems to be some unusual activity in their Chanyu's court. If the court is filled with suspicion and internal strife, how will we defend ourselves should an emergency arise on the northern border?"
"The Grand Commandant's concerns are indeed fundamental to the stability of the nation," Zhang Keran said solemnly. "Minister Chao's desire to implement new policies, strengthening the central government and weakening local powers, is perhaps understandable. However, if his methods are too extreme, leading to internal instability, discord among generals and ministers, and even lax border defenses, it would be tantamount to robbing Peter to pay Paul, causing far-reaching consequences. The Grand Commandant should seek an opportunity to inform His Majesty and the Crown Prince of the advantages and disadvantages involved."
"Your Majesty... has great faith in Chao Cuo." Zhou Yafu shook his head. "Although the Crown Prince is reasonable, he is still, after all, the Crown Prince. Moreover, Chao Cuo's actions are all within the bounds of the law and cannot be criticized. The only option is to deal with each move as it comes and proceed with caution."
He looked at Zhang Keran and said, "Lord Zhang, although you are young, you have extraordinary insight and are adept at handling affairs. What is even more commendable is your concern for the big picture. In the future, there will likely be many storms in the court. I hope you can advise the Crown Prince from time to time to stabilize the situation. If anything happens... I do not want to see the court destroy its own foundation, and I do not want to see the Crown Prince misled by villains."
Zhang Keran bowed and said, "Rest assured, Grand Commandant. I will do my utmost to live up to your trust and the important responsibility entrusted to me by the court."
Zhou Yafu nodded, said no more, patted Zhang Keran on the shoulder, put on his hood, and silently disappeared into the night outside the mansion and into the increasingly loud firecrackers.