Inside Zhangtai Palace
"To do a good job, one must first sharpen his tools."
"The weaponry of our Great Qin is already the finest in the world."
"But the tools for livelihood that you mentioned what exactly do you mean?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.
In the imperial court
Ying Zheng fully supported Zhao Feng's national policies.
However, the "tools for livelihood" that Zhao Feng placed such great emphasis on were still somewhat unclear to him.
"Father."
"Take a look at this."
Zhao Feng smiled and suddenly produced several sheets of white paper.
"This... what is this?"
Seeing the white paper in Zhao Feng's hands, Ying Zheng immediately took it with a look of astonishment.
"This is paper."
"It can replace bamboo slips for writing official documents," Zhao Feng explained with a smile.
"How is it made?" Ying Zheng asked in surprise.
He immediately realized the immense significance of the white paper to the Qin Empire.
This invention would bring great change not just to Qin, but to the entire world. A monumental change.
"It is made from trees," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Feng'er!"
"This is truly a divine creation. Bamboo slips, though durable, are far too heavy, and they allow for only a limited number of characters. If we replace them with this paper, the future administration of Qin's affairs will be far more efficient," Ying Zheng said, laughing heartily.
"Not only that."
"Paper serves as a vessel for the written word, ensuring its preservation and dissemination throughout the land."
"To enlighten and educate the people of the empire so that all may gain literacy this cannot be achieved without it," Zhao Feng said solemnly.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng's eyes widened, and he sighed deeply.
"Feng'er, I once believed that unifying the world was an achievement grand enough to shake history itself. Yet, you aspire to educate the entire populace this is an incredibly difficult task."
"It is indeed difficult."
"But I do not wish for the written word to be monopolized by the noble families, nor do I want the people of the empire to remain forever without a path to advancement."
"Father, do you not see the flaw in our current Qin system?" Zhao Feng asked in return.
"What flaw?" Ying Zheng was taken aback.
Yet, seeing Zhao Feng's serious expression, he thought for a moment then suddenly understood.
"The military merit system."
Ying Zheng spoke slowly.
"Precisely."
"Before the unification of the Central Plains, Qin was superior to the other states because of its reforms because of the military merit system."
"Every Qin man could enlist in the army and fight on the battlefield."
"Every Qin man could earn military merit, climb the ranks, and achieve greatness."
"But now, the Central Plains are unified, and the land of Hua Xia is whole."
"The wars are over, and for a long time, Qin must focus on recovery and stability."
"Only by doing so can the Qin Empire endure for generations to come."
"And now, what Qin must do is enlighten the people and educate the populace so that all may have the chance to learn to read and write. It may be difficult, but it must be done."
"Only in this way can Qin continue to produce exceptional talents not just from noble families, but from all walks of life."
"One could achieve greatness through military service."
"But one could also rise through knowledge and intellect," Zhao Feng declared.
"What do you have in mind?" Ying Zheng asked.
He understood that Zhao Feng's reasoning was sound.
In terms of governance, Zhao Feng might not surpass Ying Zheng.
In statecraft, Zhao Feng might not yet be his equal.
But with his understanding of thousands of years of Hua Xia history, Zhao Feng knew exactly what policies were needed.
His role was to propose them, and Ying Zheng's role was to implement them to strengthen the empire, step by step.
At present:
Unifying roads and writing systems was already underway.
The next step was enlightening the populace.
Confronting the noble clans was another step.
Centralizing power under the empire was yet another.
"First."
"We must divide the land establish the Nine Provinces and delineate the commanderies."
"We shall transform the former state territories into commanderies, governed by appointed officials."
"Within each commandery, we will establish academies to educate the people and cultivate talent," Zhao Feng stated.
"The division of commanderies I have already planned it."
"I drafted the layout long ago," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
He took out a map from his desk.
Unfolding it
It revealed the thirty-six commanderies of Great Qin!
This map clearly defined the territorial divisions of the Qin Empire into thirty-six commanderies.
Each commandery was to be governed separately.
Even before the unification of the Central Plains, Ying Zheng had already made these preparations.
"Above the thirty-six commanderies, we shall establish Nine Provinces."
"We shall follow the concept of the Nine Cauldrons of Hua Xia establishing the foundations of the Nine Provinces," Zhao Feng declared.
"Come."
Ying Zheng immediately stood and walked toward the back hall.
Zhao Feng followed closely.
Before them
A grand sand table model of the empire's terrain.
"The thirty-six commanderies have been set."
"They can be implemented at any time."
"The division of the Nine Provinces I leave that to you," Ying Zheng said with a smile, entrusting Zhao Feng with the authority to make the final delineations.
"Very well."
Zhao Feng wasted no time.
He stepped forward.
Drawing his sword from his waist
"This region, including the lands of Baiyue, shall be known as Yang Province."
Zhao Feng spoke as his sword traced across the map, dividing the former Chu territory with a single stroke.
"However, Baiyue has yet to be fully conquered, yet you have already included it within the Nine Provinces?" Ying Zheng chuckled.
"It is only a matter of time."
"The Baiyue people, often considered barbarians, are in truth descendants of Chiyou's lineage just like us. Once our policies take effect, the next step will be to bring the Baiyue lands fully into the realm of the Central Plains and establish Yang Province," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Continue."
Ying Zheng gestured for Zhao Feng to proceed.
"The Lands of Chu and Han"
Zhao Feng's sword moved once more.
"shall form Jing Province."
"The lands of Qi and a portion of former Chu"
"shall form Xu Province."
"The central Qin heartland and the lands of Ba and Shu"
"shall form Liang Province."
"The lands of Yan and a portion of Wei"
"shall form Yu Province."
"The lands of Qin's Yong capital and part of Zhao shall be Yong Province."
"The lands of Zhao and part of Yan"
"shall form Qing Province."
"The lands of Qi and part of Yan"
"shall form Gun Province."
"The lands of Dai and the northern reaches of Yan"
"shall form Ji Province."
As Zhao Feng's sword continued to move, the map of the world before them was gradually divided into nine regions.
This was the embryonic form of the Nine Provinces of Great Qin.
In the original history, after the fall of Qin, the Han Dynasty was established. Han fully inherited Qin's laws, merit-based system, and governance by prefects.
Of course, as time passed, it further evolved, leading to the division of the thirteen provinces of the Han Dynasty.
But now, Zhao Feng had divided Great Qin into nine provinces, following the tradition of the Nine Sacred Cauldrons of Huaxia. In the future, these cauldrons would be used to stabilize the empire.
"Good," Ying Zheng said with a smile as he looked at the nine provinces that Zhao Feng had outlined.
"Now that the Nine Provinces are established, there should be an official position above the prefects to oversee the governance of each province."
"With this, the affairs of Xianyang's central government will be less burdened by trivial matters." Ying Zheng laughed.
"That is only natural," Zhao Feng replied.
"The one who governs a province shall be called a 'Governor' ."
"Additionally, each province shall have a general responsible for military affairs, leading the provincial forces to maintain stability."
In later history, provincial governors held both military and political power, effectively becoming local warlords. Zhao Feng would never allow such authority to be concentrated in a single individual.
Governors in Great Qin would only govern civil administration, while military affairs would remain separate.
Each province contained multiple prefectures, and even if each prefecture had only a thousand troops, the total would still be nearly ten thousand enough to cause trouble.
The separation of military and political power would be a key policy of Great Qin.
"Governor… What a fine title."
"Since they rank above prefects, they should hold the status of a high minister ."
"As for the selection of these nine individuals, careful deliberation is needed," Ying Zheng said thoughtfully.
"Indeed," Zhao Feng agreed.
"The selection of those who will oversee the Nine Provinces should be left to you, Father. They must be capable individuals, not mediocrities."
"Now that you mention it, I already have a few names in mind."
"Cai Ci, and Yan Bing both are capable of taking on great responsibilities."
"In addition, Yao Jia and Meng Yi."
After some consideration, Ying Zheng had already chosen four candidates, all of whom were highly competent.
"Now that the Nine Provinces are set and the thirty-six prefectures divided, what about your proposed academies?"
"Educating the people is no simple task."
"Even with this new paper to record texts, we have collected and centralized all books across the empire. Even if we recruit many scribes, it will take years to transcribe and distribute them across the land."
Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Feng.
Educating the people and making literacy widespread would truly benefit the empire, providing an endless supply of talent in the future.
But it would require a great deal of time, manpower, and resources.
"That brings me to the second matter moveable-type printing."
Zhao Feng smiled and took out several stamp-like blocks.
"Moveable-type printing?"
Like the concept of paper earlier, this was a completely unheard-of term.
"It functions like engraving a seal, but instead of a single design, each character is carved separately and can be arranged freely. No need for handwriting just ink the blocks and print onto paper."
Zhao Feng explained the principle of moveable-type printing.
Ying Zheng, being highly intelligent, immediately grasped the concept after just a brief explanation.
"A divine invention undoubtedly a divine invention!"
"If this method is used to print books, what once required years of copying can now be completed in half a year or a full year at most."
"No wonder you are so determined to educate the people. With both paper and moveable-type printing, it truly becomes possible!"
Ying Zheng's face was filled with excitement.
He could already envision a future where every subject in Great Qin could read and write.
"As for the establishment of academies…"
"We begin at the county level with county academies, then prefectural academies in each prefectural capital, and provincial academies in each provincial capital. A three-tier examination system will be implemented, culminating in the Imperial Academy in Xianyang."
"Only those who pass the provincial academy examination may enter the Imperial Academy for final assessment. Those who succeed may serve as officials in the government."
"All scholars of the empire will have a fair chance to enter government service through this system," Zhao Feng declared.
"A three-tier examination system, with the final selection in the capital?"
"This is a novel method of recruiting talent never before seen."
Ying Zheng was astonished by Zhao Feng's proposal.
Zhao Feng had given him too many surprises today so many that he could hardly process them all.
"This examination system shall be called the Imperial Academy Examination."
Zhao Feng smiled.
"To establish academies, you will need teachers and scholars. Where will you find them?"
"And academy operations require significant funds. How do you plan to finance this?"
"Even in the past, the famous Jixia Academy of Qi was not open to just anyone. One needed both talent and wealth to enter."
"You must consider these factors carefully," Ying Zheng said seriously.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng grinned.
"Tell me, Father, who is truly the Emperor of Great Qin?"
"I have already proposed so many policies, and now you want me to handle the implementation as well?"
"I merely offer ideas I never intended to carry them out myself."
"So, you'll have to figure it out on your own, Father."
"I'm heading home now."
With that, Zhao Feng waved his hand and turned to leave.
Ying Zheng was momentarily stunned by Zhao Feng's decisiveness.
After a long silence, he finally muttered in frustration,
"You ungrateful brat! Dumping so many matters on your father at once are you trying to wear me out?"
Despite his complaints, he glanced down at the paper and moveable-type blocks in his hand.
"This boy… how does his mind even work?"
"Paper… moveable-type printing…"
"Academies and examinations for recruiting officials…"
"All of these are truly beneficial to the nation and the people!"
"When the previous four policies are fully implemented, then these new ones… Great Qin will experience a transformation unlike anything before."
"And yet…"
"That boy saw the flaws in the military merit system but didn't suggest a solution."
"Forget it. The empire has just been unified there is still much to do."
"I must first refine the plans for these policies."
"Dividing the land into prefectures and provinces, and establishing academies all require talented individuals."
"Perhaps I can recruit teachers from Qi, as that land values scholarship."
"But I still lack enough capable men."
"Maybe… I should call upon Chancellor Lü. A task of this scale needs a strategist to oversee it."
Back at Zhao Feng's Residence
"Greetings, my lord!"
Li Mu, Han Xin, Sima Shang, and others knelt before Zhao Feng in salute.
"You're here."
"Sit," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Thank you, my lord."
The men immediately took their seats.
However, the expressions of the three men were somewhat strange.
"If you have something to say, just say it," Zhao Feng said impatiently.
"My lord," Li Mu said with deep emotion, "I never expected that you would turn out to be the son of the First Emperor and now even the Crown Prince of Qin."
"Indeed," Sima Shang added. "When I first heard the news, I thought it must be false."
"Haha," Zhao Feng chuckled. "It is what it is no need to overthink it."
"Do you know why I summoned you here?" he asked.
"We do not," the three men responded immediately.
"Now that I am the Crown Prince of Great Qin and in charge of the empire's military and political affairs, there is no need for you to remain in hiding anymore. Tomorrow, I will take you to see the First Emperor, and it's time for you to return to the army."
"We obey, my lord!" Li Mu and Sima Shang responded excitedly, bowing deeply.
"My lord, what about me?" Han Xin asked eagerly.
"You as well," Zhao Feng said. "I will have you enlist and temporarily command ten thousand troops in the Baiyue region."
Han Xin was still young but talented, and he was worth using.
The Baiyue region would eventually need military action, so sending Han Xin ahead to investigate was a good first step.
"Thank you, my lord!" Han Xin said with excitement.
"Alright," Zhao Feng waved them off. "Go and rest."
"Yes, my lord," the three bowed and left the hall.
After they departed, a smile appeared on Zhao Feng's face.
"With so many new policies, my father will be kept busy for a while," he thought. "Once these are implemented, Great Qin will undergo a complete transformation.
"And once the initial phase is complete, I can start dealing with the noble families of the former states. The land they hold is the lifeblood of the people I can't allow them to continue monopolizing it."
Zhao Feng had long planned the development of Great Qin.
Now, it was just a matter of implementing everything step by step.
"Two fourth-tier treasure chests," he mused. "Open them both."
He had obtained one fourth-tier treasure chest after killing Hu Hai and another after officially being recognized as the First Emperor's son.
Now that he had reached the highest possible rank, promotion was no longer a source of treasure chests, making each one precious.
"Opening fourth-tier treasure chest…
"Obtained: [Advanced Spiritual Vein].
"Obtained: [Fifth-Tier High-Grade Array Master Inheritance]."
A notification flashed across the system panel.
"An advanced spiritual vein I can place it into my Small World."
"And an array master inheritance? Not bad," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
"Extract Array Master Inheritance," he commanded.
A moment later, a glow enveloped him, and the knowledge of a fifth-tier high-grade array master flooded into his mind like a divine revelation.
The process lasted for two full hours.
"I already had high-grade fourth-tier knowledge of alchemy and artifact refinement," Zhao Feng reflected. "Arrays are just as profound.
"Without the treasure chest granting inheritances, mastering even one of these disciplines would be difficult let alone all three at once."
"But this is good."
"With this, I can start training array masters as well."
In his hidden faction, Yan Court, Zhao Feng had already nurtured enough alchemists and artifact refiners.
These individuals would play a key role in forging a martial powerhouse out of Great Qin.
"Establishing a Destiny Dynasty… It's still not time yet."
"Only once the Nine Provinces are established, the counties and commanderies solidified, and culture unified, will it be possible to condense national fate."
"At that point, we can begin expanding beyond the Divine Land."
"The Immortals and Deities… That path is the true goal."
"The Divine Land is stable, but what lies beyond is still unknown."
"Perhaps I should send scouts to explore beyond the Divine Land."
Zhao Feng recalled what Guiguzi had said about the Immortal Realm about the beings that consumed flesh and blood.
The Divine Land might be peaceful, but the world beyond was a mystery.
As Zhao Feng was deep in thought…
"[Faction Panel] has successfully evolved."
"It has transformed into the [Empire Panel]."
"Would the host like to open it?" the system prompted.
"It evolved?"
Seeing the notification, Zhao Feng's eyes filled with anticipation.
The previous Faction Panel had displayed the details of his personal forces his hidden army, Yan Court, and the Wine Immortal Pavilion.
Through it, he could see the loyalty levels of his subordinates, ensuring that no traitors infiltrated his ranks.
Any sign of disloyalty and Zhao Feng would immediately have them eliminated.
"Open [Empire Panel]!" Zhao Feng commanded eagerly.
Instantly, the interface changed.
Rather than displaying only his forces, it now encompassed the entire Great Qin government.
From the Left and Right Prime Ministers to the Nine Ministers and the Five Great Generals anyone with an official rank equivalent to a military commander or higher was now recorded in the Empire Panel.
Through this system, Great Qin was now laid out before Zhao Feng as if fully digitized.
"The faction panel evolved to such an extent?"
"I can now oversee the entire Great Qin bureaucracy at a glance."
"With this, ruling the empire will be effortless."
"Even that fool Hu Hai could have unified the world if he had this ability to see everyone's loyalty," Zhao Feng mused.
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