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Chapter 223: Tailoring
After much thought, Li Jing decided to write a memorial and sent a general of Turkic descent to contact the Western Turkic Khan. If the threat posed by Murong Fuyun could not be resolved at once, it would return to trouble them in a few years.
Still feeling uneasy, Li Jing instructed his confidant, "Select twenty of the finest Azure Wind Antelope and bring them back to Chang'an as a tribute to His Majesty."
"Understood."
However, the confidant did not leave immediately. After the other generals had taken their leave, he whispered, "Wei Gong, perhaps keeping Murong Fuyun alive is the best choice for you."
Li Jing was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
But he quickly realized and raised his eyebrows. "Are you suggesting I nurture a tiger to keep it warm?"
The man lowered his head. "Wei Gong, this is the land of the Four Commanderies, and it is quite remote. Many Hu merchants come and go. If you could become the Governor here, wouldn't that be delightful?"
Li Jing scoffed. "You have followed me for some time now, yet you think I am someone who covets wealth and power."
"Of course, Wei Gong has grand ambitions, but can you not consider your descendants? The Young Master is simple and kind-hearted; if he cannot inherit your legacy, he can only rely on you to accumulate some foundation for future prosperity."
Li Jing looked at him deeply. "Rascal, your vision is shallow; I have overestimated you. Leave now, and do not come to see me unless summoned."
The man said no more, only sighed before exiting.
Li Jing knew that this man was merely a representative being pushed forward; there were certainly many generals with similar thoughts.
As the saying goes, one cannot become wealthy without unexpected gains, just as horses do not grow fat without night grass. The generals were no different; without warfare, it was common for years to pass without any progress.
If he could stay here to guard and keep Tuguhun, occasionally engaging in skirmishes, he would earn both merit and labor, and sooner or later, he could secure a wife and children.
Months passed before Turkic finally settled on the candidates for Khan, but instead of one, they chose two: a major and a minor Khan.
As the third son of Qimin Khan, Ashina Tuo Bi had outlived his two elder brothers. His age and previous role as the Mogadushe (Grand General) for Turkic helped him win the struggle for the title of Khan.
However, he had been severely suppressed by Shibi Khan, which forced him to compromise with another strong contender, Princess Yicheng.
He sent away his own wife to welcome Princess Yicheng as Kehe Dun, establishing her alongside his brother Shibi Khan's son, Asena Shabbi, as the minor Khan, responsible for governing the eastern regions of Turkic, including territories like Khitan and Mohe. Their Yurt connected southward to Youzhou.
Additionally, he allocated most of the fertile grasslands to his supporters and members of the Ashina Clan, retaining only the right to collect taxes.
At this time, the Tang Dynasty was merely conducting joint military operations against Western Turkic. Undoubtedly, Tongye Hu was the main force, while Li Jian Cheng only dispatched Luo Yi with twenty thousand troops northward for show.
They could work together to weaken Eastern Turkic, but Li Jian Cheng absolutely did not wish to see it swallowed by Western Turkic. A unified Turkic, even if only temporarily, would spell disaster for the Central Plains Dynasty.
Before that could happen, however, Li Jian Cheng needed to push for the reduction of redundant officials. After years of chaos, the population had sharply decreased, yet the number of officials was still greater than during the peak of previous dynasties.
With fewer people to govern but more officials in power, how could this be sustainable?
When Fang Xuanling, at the emperor's behest, brought this matter up in front of the courtiers, he was immediately met with backlash.
The strongest opposition came from the Guanlong Officials, as they constituted the largest proportion of officials in the court. Regardless of how the court planned to implement reductions, it would undoubtedly harm them the most.
Minister of Rites Pei Ji, as Chancellor, was undoubtedly the most aware of the issues surrounding redundant officials. However, he had to act according to the position he represented. He stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I believe the Chamberlain's words are somewhat alarmist.
Everyone understands the problems caused by redundant officials, but our dynasty has been able to quickly quell the chaos due to Your Majesty's generosity in embracing all the talented individuals of the realm and granting them positions, working together to create Peace.
If we were to drastically reduce positions now, it would dishearten the Courtiers and could easily provoke great disorder."
Zhongshu Ling Xiao Yu, who had recently been reinstated, said, "I support the Chancellor's opinion; this matter should be approached gradually and not rushed."
Wang Yi stepped forward to support Fang Xuanling: "I believe we have reached a critical point where action cannot be delayed. Just in the Ministry of Rites, there are over eight hundred registered officials. Chancellor, do you really need so many officials to convey government orders?
Moreover, in the local Prefecture, after accounting for ten circuits, there are thousands of surplus officials. Is there no need for streamlining and reduction?
Officials do not engage in production; their salaries come from the people's hard work. Those who contribute to the State can rightfully receive their salaries, but should we continue to keep those who contribute nothing?"
Minister of Civil Affairs Wang Gui also stated, "The skin of a thousand sheep is not worth the armpit of a single fox; streamlining officials is imperative!"
The court was in an uproar, but overall, Pei Ji and his allies held the upper hand.
For most officials, maintaining the status quo was undoubtedly the safest option. Everyone worried that they might be among those affected by any reductions.
Li Jian Cheng observed from above for a long time before understanding the situation and recognizing where the resistance lay regarding whether this matter could be smoothly implemented.
After dismissing the court session, he retained his non-Guanlong confidants and first clearly expressed his stance to show his support: "If we can gain those who are capable, even if few in number, it will be sufficient; but what use is it to retain many who are incapable?"
From this, it can be understood that the essence of governance lies in examination, appointing officials based on their abilities, and reducing the number of officials.
Ministers, despite any resistance, this matter must be accomplished; we cannot easily speak of retreat. I will issue an edict immediately, and you shall be responsible for this matter.
In my view, it is sufficient to leave three officials in the Ministry of Rites, while the other offices such as the Five Imperial Historians, Astronomical Bureau, Grand Minister of Ceremonies, Grand Minister, Imperial Guard, Zongzheng, Grand Secretariat and Nine Ministries, National Academy, Minister of Revenue, Imperial Architect, Military Equipment Bureau, Water Control Bureau, Sixteen Guards of the Army, and Local Officials must all follow the Ministry of Rites to reduce their officials!
"We accept the decree."
The emperor's clarity invigorated everyone; the threat from Guanlong was no longer significant. They only needed to push forward decisively.
However, when they truly began to implement these changes, they realized it was not easy at all because the Noble Families of Guanlong were constantly watching them, looking for evidence of personal vendettas.
Thus, they were forced to first deal with their incapable relatives and old acquaintances before they could carry out the emperor's entrusted tasks.
But this approach was akin to severing ties with relatives and old friends. If they did not do so, it would be seen as deceiving the emperor. Therefore, they could only grit their teeth and handle matters with the most fair and just attitude.
Any slight flaw would immediately be reported to the emperor, forcing them to act more harshly. To demonstrate fairness, even their own sons were not spared.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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