The eight ministers all bowed respectfully to Emperor Ying Zheng and Crown Prince Zhao Feng.
"We shall not disappoint His Majesty and the Crown Prince."
"We will fulfill our duties as provincial governors and bring stability to the provinces and counties."
The eight ministers spoke in unison.
"The governors of the Nine Provinces each oversee vast territories and hold great power."
"Their official rank is equivalent to that of a senior minister."
"As for the governors of the thirty-six commanderies, apart from those I have already appointed, the remaining vacant positions will be decided once you take charge of your respective provinces. Submit a list of nominations to me, and I will review them for appointment." Emperor Ying Zheng instructed the eight governors.
"We shall obey Your Majesty's decree." The eight ministers responded immediately.
"The Nine Provinces have been assigned governors, and each province has tens of thousands of regional troops. These troops require capable generals to command them."
"Has the Crown Prince selected suitable candidates?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile, turning to Zhao Feng.
"Father," Zhao Feng replied, "I have already made the necessary arrangements for the generals who will command the troops in each province."
"I have chosen meritorious officers from the five great military camps of our empire."
"I have already issued the relevant orders."
"Good," Ying Zheng nodded in approval, not pressing further.
"Honored ministers," Zhao Feng continued, "once you have assumed your duties in your respective provinces, your first task will be establishing academies in the counties, commanderies, and provinces."
"May I ask, Your Highness," Minister Yan Bing stepped forward and asked respectfully, "once the academies are built, how will students be recruited? Where will the teachers come from? What will be the tuition fees? And how long will the courses last at each level of the academy?"
"A good question," Zhao Feng said with a smile before explaining,
"Once the academies of the Nine Provinces are established, all individuals between the ages of eight and twenty-five will be eligible to enroll in county academies."
"County academies will have no tuition fees and will provide basic lodging, but students must bring their food."
"County academies will have a two-year curriculum."
"After two years, students will undergo an examination. Those who perform well may advance to the commandery academies."
"Commandery academies will charge a tuition fee of 500 coins. Students must bring their food, and the program will last for one year. Afterward, another examination will determine which students qualify to enter the provincial academies."
"Provincial academies will charge a tuition fee of 800 coins. The program will also last one year, and students must bring their food."
"After passing the provincial academy's examinations, students may proceed to the capital academy in Xianyang, where they will undergo final evaluations. Those who pass may enter government service as officials."
Upon hearing Zhao Feng's plan, the assembled ministers nodded in approval, clearly impressed by the detailed structure of the academy system.
The county academies would focus on literacy and basic knowledge.
The commandery academies would teach the principles of governance and military affairs.
The provincial academies would provide even more advanced instruction.
The capital academy in Xianyang would serve as the final testing ground, selecting the most talented individuals to serve the empire.
"In just four years," Emperor Ying Zheng said with a broad smile, "once these academies are operational, they will cultivate countless talented individuals for our empire. The best of them will join the government and strengthen our rule."
He could already envision a future where the academy system flourished, producing generations of capable officials.
"As for the teachers of these academies," Zhao Feng continued, "I have already sent envoys to the state of Qi to recruit scholars of great learning."
"The esteemed scholar Xunzi has agreed to serve as the head of the capital academy and oversee all the academies throughout the empire."
"Under Xunzi's leadership, many other talented scholars have also agreed to join the academies as instructors."
The court fell into stunned silence.
"Xunzi?! The great master whose disciples include Chancellor Han Fei and Minister of Justice Li Si?"
"He is a towering figure in the intellectual world! He has spent his life teaching at the Jixia Academy and has never left it before!"
"To think the Crown Prince could persuade him to lead our academies!"
"This is truly incredible! With Master Xunzi at the helm, the academy system will surely thrive!"
"Indeed! A figure of Xunzi's stature lends legitimacy to the entire system. With him on board, scholars from across the empire will surely follow!"
Even Han Fei and Li Si were astonished.
"The Crown Prince is truly extraordinary," Han Fei murmured to Li Si. "Our teacher has always remained in Jixia Academy. He is already advanced in years and was prepared to retire. Yet, the Crown Prince managed to convince him to take up this monumental task."
"With Master Xunzi leading, the academies will undoubtedly prosper."
"In the world of scholars, there is no greater symbol of wisdom and virtue than our teacher."
Li Si nodded in agreement.
Among all the scholars of the present age, Xunzi stood at the pinnacle.
His students had risen to prominence across various states, many becoming high-ranking officials Han Fei and Li Si themselves being prime examples.
Having Xunzi lead the academy system would ensure widespread acceptance and participation from the intellectual community.
At that moment, Minister Chunyu Yue cautiously stepped forward.
"May I ask, Your Highness," he said hesitantly, "will the academies primarily teach Confucianism, Legalism, or other schools of thought?"
Since the departure of Fusu, Chunyu Yue and the Confucian faction had been much more subdued in court.
After witnessing what had happened to Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang, Chunyu Yue no longer dared to act recklessly.
As a Confucian scholar, he had come to Qin with the hope of promoting Confucian ideals.
Now that the academies were being established, he was deeply concerned that they might be dominated by Legalist teachings, leaving no room for Confucianism.
Upon hearing Chunyu Yue's question, all the ministers turned to Zhao Feng, awaiting his response.
Emperor Ying Zheng, however, merely smiled and remained silent he and his son shared the same vision.
Qin would never favor only one doctrine.
"The land of China has nurtured countless schools of thought since ancient times," Zhao Feng declared.
"From the Spring and Autumn period to the present day, the Hundred Schools of Thought have thrived, shaping our civilization."
"My vision for the academy system is to enlighten the people and cultivate talent for the empire, strengthening our national power."
"Therefore, the academies will not be limited to a single school of thought. Instead, they will teach the wisdom of all the Hundred Schools."
"I do not seek to elevate one doctrine above all others I seek to embrace the strengths of every philosophy."
Zhao Feng's voice carried authority as he surveyed the court.
The ministers exchanged glances, sensing the sheer ambition in his words.
To welcome all schools of thought… To absorb the strengths of all philosophies…
Such was the vision of the Crown Prince of Qin.
"Then… does this mean that Confucian scholars will also be permitted to teach in the academies?" Chunyu Yue asked cautiously.
He was worried that his past actions might provoke Zhao Feng's retaliation.
"I have already said,"
"All schools of thought may teach."
"Whether it is Daoism, Legalism, Confucianism, Mohism, Gongshu, or military strategy!"
"Every branch of knowledge may be taught. In the future, what Great Qin needs is not only those capable of handling political affairs but also those skilled in military command, craftsmanship, and engineering, as well as other fields."
"After the court meeting is dismissed, I will issue a decree announcing to the world that all scholars from various schools of thought who wish to teach may come to Xianyang to register. I will assign special officials to review them, and those with real talent will be allowed to teach at the county, prefectural, or provincial academies, spreading their knowledge across the land." Zhao Feng smiled and spoke loudly.
Hearing this,
Chunyu Yue's face was filled with excitement, and he immediately bowed, saying, "Your Highness is most virtuous."
Many Confucian scholars in the court also followed, exclaiming, "Your Highness is most virtuous!"
Clearly,
Zhao Feng's broad-mindedness and his willingness to let go of past grievances had won their respect.
Since Zhao Feng was made Crown Prince and Fusu left for the northern frontier, they feared that their future in Great Qin would be bleak and difficult.
Yet Zhao Feng had not targeted them at all. Instead, he now offered them an equal opportunity to teach. How could they not be deeply moved?
"Grand Tutor Chunyu,"
"After the court meeting, come to my residence."
"I have an important task for you,"
Zhao Feng said with a faint smile, looking at Chunyu Yue.
"I will be there without fail," Chunyu Yue immediately bowed, his heart filled with astonishment.
Zhao Feng smiled and glanced around the court.
"My lords,"
"Let us continue with the discussions," Zhao Feng said.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness,"
"The preparations for the princess's wedding have been fully completed. She can be wed in ten days."
"Please make the final decision,"
An elderly minister stepped forward Zhang Cang, one of the Nine Ministers, though holding the lowest rank as Grand Herald.
Although his name was not as renowned in history as Han Fei or Li Si, in reality, he had studied under the same teacher as them he, too, was a disciple of Xunzi.
Since Zhao Feng and his family had formally acknowledged their ancestry,
Zhao Ying had been officially recognized as the legitimate princess of Great Qin.
The marriage of a legitimate princess was a significant event of great importance.
Everything had been carefully arranged, and the scale of the ceremony was grand.
"Minister of Justice,"
"Is your residence prepared?"
Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
Li Si, full of excitement, immediately stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, my residence is fully prepared to welcome the princess at any time."
For the Li family,
Welcoming Zhao Ying into their home was not merely gaining a proper wife it was securing their family's future.
As long as Zhao Ying remained with the Li family, they would have a powerful safeguard.
At present, the First Emperor reigned.
In the future, the Crown Prince would ascend the throne.
With such connections, the Li family would become one of the most powerful households, second only to the imperial clan itself. Their prosperity was assured.
"Li You,"
Ying Zheng then looked toward Li You.
"Your Majesty,"
"I have long been prepared to welcome Ying'er as my wife," Li You said excitedly.
His beloved was finally about to become his wife he had waited far too long for this day.
"Good,"
Ying Zheng nodded approvingly with a smile.
"Minister Zhang,"
"The wedding date is set. Let all ceremonies be carried out with the utmost solemnity."
"On that day,"
"I, the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess will all attend the Minister of Justice's residence," Ying Zheng declared.
"I shall obey the decree," Zhang Cang immediately bowed.
But then,
Wei Liao stepped forward.
"Your Majesty,"
"A few days ago,"
"Two northeastern nations, Tu'an and Goguryeo, sent envoys to meet with our border generals. They wish to dispatch emissaries to Great Qin and have expressed their intent to pay tribute."
Wei Liao reported loudly.
"Tu'an and Goguryeo?"
"What countries are those?"
"I've never heard of them before."
"These two nations were once neighbors of the Yan State and did not border Great Qin. Now that our empire has unified the land, they have naturally become our neighbors."
"In the past, even the weak Yan State could make them cower in fear how much more so with our mighty Great Qin?"
"These two small nations must be terrified of us."
...
Upon hearing of Tu'an and Goguryeo, the court officials engaged in discussions. Most of them dismissed the two nations as insignificant barbarian states.
Great Qin was now at the height of its power.
Its national strength and military might were at their peak.
Against such minor nations, they had little interest in paying attention.
This was the arrogance that came with the prestige of a great empire.
Zhao Feng, naturally, also smiled at this, finding the situation amusing.
The Qin people, the people of Great Qin, the people of Huaxia
His ambition was to make them reign supreme over all nations and all peoples.
The prestige of his empire, the prestige of his people, would one day be demonstrated to the world.
"Feng'er,"
"I recall that when you launched your surprise attack on the Donghu, one of your armies attempted to pass through Tu'an, but Tu'an blocked their passage, forcing them to take great risks to return to Great Qin."
Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Feng and asked.
"Yes, Father."
"It was indeed Tu'an,"
Zhao Feng nodded in response.
"Hmph,"
"A mere small nation dares to be so insolent, obstructing the march of my Great Qin's army?"
"They court death,"
Ying Zheng snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with a sharp killing intent.
"Please quell your anger, Father,"
"For now, Great Qin is focused on stabilizing its people and solidifying its rule over the empire."
"There is no need to raise arms at this moment. Once our national policies are fully implemented and our empire becomes even stronger, eliminating these two small nations will be as easy as crushing an ant."
"For now, our reforms require vast amounts of money and grain. If these two nations are willing to contribute some of their wealth, that would not be a bad thing," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"You little fox,"
"You want to take their tribute now, and then find an excuse to destroy them later, don't you?"
Ying Zheng glanced at him and chuckled knowingly.
"You understand me well, Father," Zhao Feng laughed heartily in response.
Amid this father-son exchange,
The Great Qin officials also burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"The Crown Prince is right!"
"The implementation of our national policies has cost Great Qin a great deal of resources."
"And the construction of the academies will require even more."
"If these two nations can provide some tribute, it may not be much, but it will still ease some of our burdens."
"Our Great Qin can crush these two nations with ease. Once our policies are fully established, our national strength will reach unprecedented heights."
"Indeed!"
.....
The court ministers all burst into laughter.
"In that case,"
"Let these two nations send envoys to our Great Qin."
"But as for this Tu'an Kingdom, make sure to give them a proper show of force." Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.
"I accept the decree and will instruct the border officials accordingly," Wei Liao responded with a smile.
"Father,"
"Now that our land of Shenzhou is pacified and the various states have been conquered,"
"In the past, we recruited young men from all over Great Qin every year to join the army."
"But now, this national policy must change," Zhao Feng said at the right moment.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded in agreement, deep in thought. "Feng'er is right."
"In the past, we recruited young men annually to replenish our troops and keep Great Qin's army strong, but now, changes are necessary."
"Feng'er, what are your thoughts?"
Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Feng.
"Father,"
"You don't want to deal with any of these matters yourself, do you? You're making me think about everything."
Zhao Feng spoke with a hint of helplessness.
Hearing this, the court ministers suppressed their laughter.
Ever since Zhao Feng became the Crown Prince and began overseeing governance,
Though the court remained solemn, the atmosphere had subtly changed.
In all of history, no other dynasty had ever seen a monarch and his heir so harmonious.
"Those who are capable should bear more responsibility," Ying Zheng chuckled.
"If I propose the policy, Father will implement it," Zhao Feng joked.
"Naturally," Ying Zheng nodded without hesitation.
"The recruitment policy shall continue, but not in the same manner as before."
"From now on, the Five Great Camps' supreme generals must report the number of retiring soldiers to the Minister of Finance, who will then pass the data to the Recruitment Hall."
"Young men from across Great Qin will be selected based on their physical strength. Those chosen will be enlisted into the military, filling the ranks of the Great Camps."
"Once the camps are full, any remaining recruits will serve in the agricultural corps."
"They will work on land reclamation throughout Great Qin and participate in the construction of highways and cities."
"This will be considered a labor service."
"The service period will be two years. During this time, they will receive the same pay as regular soldiers. After two years, they may choose to stay or return home."
"Great Qin must utilize all available manpower to strengthen the nation."
Zhao Feng's words were firm.
Upon hearing this, the court ministers all nodded in approval.
Zhao Feng's proposal not only maintained the merit-based military recruitment system but also ensured that any excess manpower was put to productive use.
"Generals of the Five Great Camps, Minister of Finance,"
"Have you all heard the Crown Prince's decree?"
"The new recruitment and agricultural policies will be implemented starting this year," Ying Zheng declared with a smile.
"We obey the imperial decree!"
The supreme generals and Wei Liao responded immediately.
"Very well."
"This morning's court session is almost concluded."
"But before we adjourn,"
"There is one more matter,"
Ying Zheng's voice became serious as he gazed down at the court.
The ministers' expressions also turned solemn.
"Guo Zhuang's assassination attempt on the Crown Prince led to the execution of his entire clan. The position of Right Chancellor is now vacant."
"I have given this matter great thought and have made my decision."
As his words fell,
The high-ranking officials, particularly those among the Nine Ministers, held their breath in anticipation.
Especially Li Si.
His hands were clenched tightly within his sleeves, his heart pounding.
When Wang Wan's family was exterminated, he had once dreamed of claiming the position of Right Chancellor, but Han Fei unexpectedly emerged, leaving him deeply disappointed.
It was only later that he realized
Han Fei's appointment was not just due to his abilities.
The key reason was his close ties with Zhao Feng.
Because Han Fei was a follower of the Crown Prince, he was entrusted with great responsibility and smoothly ascended to the position of Right Chancellor.
Now, under everyone's watchful gaze, Ying Zheng's eyes landed on Li Si.
"Tingwei Li Si,"
"You are highly capable. Since entering Qin, you have rendered countless services to our empire and have sworn unwavering loyalty to me."
"You are therefore worthy of being promoted to Right Chancellor."
As soon as Ying Zheng's words fell,
Li Si's face lit up with joy.
At once,
He stepped forward and bowed deeply to both Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, thank you for your trust."
"I pledge my life in service to Great Qin."
Seeing his reaction,
Ying Zheng smiled faintly.
"Do not fail in your duties as Right Chancellor."
"I will not let Your Majesty or the Crown Prince down," Li Si declared firmly.
"Good."
Ying Zheng nodded.
The expressions of the court officials did not escape his notice.
"Our Great Qin has vanquished the states and unified Shenzhou."
"But the affairs of state are vast and complex. Countless reports arrive from all over the empire, making it difficult for me to handle them alone."
"Therefore,"
"I have invited back one of Great Qin's capable ministers an elder of mine."
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