Xianyang!
Across the thirty-six provinces of the Nine Regions!
A public proclamation was made!
"The imperial edict has arrived."
"Hear this proclamation!"
"Today, His Majesty and the Crown Prince, deeply concerned with the suffering of the people and their hardships, have issued a decree."
"Land! It is the foundation upon which our Qin citizens rely for survival. However, most commoners own no land, as it has long been seized and monopolized by the nobility. Through coercion and manipulation, they have stripped the people of their rightful fields."
"Therefore, out of boundless benevolence, His Majesty and the Crown Prince have decreed:"
"From this day forth, within the thirty-six provinces of the Nine Regions and all lands under Qin's rule, except for land granted to nobility and those awarded for merit, all remaining land shall be reclaimed as state property. Once the government completes its registration, the land will be fairly distributed among the people according to household population. From now on, every Qin citizen will have land to farm!"
"This national policy is an act of grace upon the common people. Anyone who dares to defy it shall be punished for treason!"
"The second decree:"
"Before Qin unified the land, the warring states imposed oppressive taxes that left the people in misery. Thus, out of benevolence, His Majesty and the Crown Prince have bestowed another gift upon the people."
"From the next tax collection onward, Qin's tax rate shall be reduced to fifteen percent. This decree shall apply across all thirty-six provinces of the Nine Regions!"
…
Throughout the Nine Regions, the imperial edict had been publicly announced.
The impact of these two policies was immeasurable.
Upon hearing the decree, countless commoners were left in shock, struggling to believe what they had just heard.
"My heavens!"
"Is this real?"
"The court is distributing land to commoners?"
"This can't be true!"
"I've lived my whole life as a tenant farmer, working the land of noble lords and paying exorbitant rent. By the time the year ends, I'm lucky if I have enough to eat."
"Exactly!"
"We've all suffered the same fate."
"Perhaps only the original Qin citizens had land, as land was granted only to those with noble titles. Our land had already been taken by the aristocrats."
"His Majesty is wise! The Crown Prince is wise!"
"This is truly an act of great virtue!"
"This is incredible!"
"From now on, we will all have land to farm, and taxes are being reduced by two-tenths!"
"When we were under Zhao's rule, taxes were nearly ninety percent! With this tax relief, we can finally live decent lives."
"The Qin Dynasty is the greatest of all!"
"If anyone dares speak ill of Qin, I'll slap them myself!"
"That's right!"
"Our former states were ruled by incompetent officials and corrupt aristocrats. Now that we can live well under Qin's rule, I have no regrets."
…
The imperial edict was issued.
The policy was enforced.
With its announcement, all of Qin's citizens erupted in celebration.
Countless commoners cheered and rejoiced, cursing their former kingdoms and their corrupt rulers. At this moment, the people who once belonged to different states now wholeheartedly embraced Qin.
However, among the landowning nobility, a shadow loomed over their hearts. They withdrew to their estates, secretly convening to discuss countermeasures.
At the same time
Shortly after the decree was issued, Qin's military forces stationed across the nation began to mobilize.
Following the unification of the Nine Regions, Qin established five major military camps to maintain order.
The Northern Army guarded the northern border against foreign tribes.
The other four armies were strategically stationed across different provinces to maintain stability.
In Liang Province, formerly the land of Wei
"Gentlemen," an elder spoke, "how do you perceive Qin's latest decree?"
"Qin is seizing the aristocracy's lands and distributing them among the people."
"Is this to our advantage or our detriment?"
Xiang Liang addressed the gathered nobles.
"This is a disaster! A catastrophe of the highest order!"
Zhang Liang sighed deeply, his face filled with resignation.
"Zifang," Xiang Liang questioned, "isn't this a good thing?"
"This policy targets the nobility. Their lands are being confiscated, so they will certainly resist Qin."
"In the past, when we sought their support, they hesitated and tried to coexist with Qin. But now, if they wish to protect their wealth, they have no choice but to rebel. Doesn't this benefit us?"
Xiang Liang was puzzled.
"General Xiang," Zhang Liang responded, "have you not realized how meticulously Qin has implemented its policies, step by step?"
"First, they abolished regional scripts and standardized the written language. Then, they established uniform laws. Next, they confiscated all private weaponry, seizing the entire nation's supply of bronze and iron."
"Now, all weapons are in Qin's hands. Even the nobility has little access to arms."
"Meanwhile, Qin commands an army of a million soldiers, stationed across the empire."
"Perhaps Emperor Ying Zheng and Crown Prince Zhao Feng, want the nobles to rebel. That would only give them a legitimate excuse to seize the aristocracy's wealth and strengthen the imperial treasury."
"I can guarantee this"
"If the nobility dares to rise, Qin's army will annihilate them without hesitation."
Zhang Liang shook his head with a bitter smile.
"Then what should we do?" Xiang Liang frowned.
"We have only two options," Zhang Liang said grimly.
"First, we can continue hiding and biding our time."
"Second, we can seize this opportunity to rise, joining forces with the rebellious nobles. However, in the end, we would likely face destruction."
"The choice is yours."
At his words, the gathered men fell into deep contemplation.
Zhang Liang's analysis had shaken them.
"Zhao Feng," Zhang Liang murmured to himself, "what a brilliant strategist."
"One step at a time, he has methodically tightened his grip over the entire realm."
"First, Qin conquered the land by force, subduing its enemies with military might. Then came policies like standardized writing and laws measures that won the hearts and minds of the people."
"And now, by seizing the nobility's land and distributing it among the common folk, he has enacted the most devastating move of all."
"After this decree, the former citizens of the warring states will no longer long for their past nations. Our hopes of restoration will be utterly shattered."
Zhang Liang understood everything perfectly.
This was a flawless plan.
A truly inescapable trap.
By redistributing the land and reducing taxes, the Qin Dynasty was not only imposing its authority through force but also securing the people's loyalty.
Even if the nobles resisted, the common folk themselves would turn against them.
The aristocracy had already lost.
And Qin still had a million-strong army at its disposal.
...
Great Qin Divine Land.
Across an unknown distance, tens of thousands of miles over the sea
A thick mist shrouded the ocean, obscuring everything within.
But suddenly
A radiant glow flashed.
The mist dispersed.
Revealing before the eyes
A massive island concealed within the clouds, appearing like an ethereal land of immortals.
Yet, upon stepping onto this island
The scenery changed drastically.
Dark clouds loomed.
The stench of blood filled the air.
The reek of rot.
The foul odor of corpses.
Blood soaked the island, inside and out.
Corpses lay scattered everywhere.
This place was like a vision of hell.
A stark contrast to the illusion of an immortal paradise seen from outside.
Faintly, cries of agony and wails of despair echoed through the air.
To call this place a demonic lair would not be an exaggeration.
Deep within the island
A grand palace stood tall.
A sinister aura of blood emanated from it.
Yet, to an ordinary mortal's eyes, this place would appear nothing short of divine.
They would see celestial mist swirling around.
They would breathe air infused with immortal essence.
Above, white cranes soared gracefully across the sky.
Inside the palace
A middle-aged man dressed in a black robe knelt before a high seat.
"Your humble servant greets the Immortal Envoy."
On the throne sat a figure clad in a Daoist robe, holding a horsetail whisk, his gaze cold and piercing.
A terrifying pressure radiated from him.
"The number you brought this time is far from enough."
"I require more boys and girls."
The Immortal Envoy's voice was icy.
"Immortal Envoy," the black-robed man trembled, "I will demand more from the Wokou (Japanese pirates), have them send additional boys and girls as tribute."
"Wokou?"
"They are worthless, devoid of spiritual nourishment. Useless as sustenance."
"I want children from the Divine Land."
The Immortal Envoy's brows furrowed. A terrifying force erupted, instantly lifting and imprisoning the kneeling man in midair.
"Immortal Envoy!"
"I will return to the Divine Land at once!"
"Please spare me!"
The man struggled in midair, pleading in terror.
With a thud
The Immortal Envoy released his grip, and the man fell to the ground.
"Immortal Envoy," the man said, trembling, "there is something I do not understand."
"Speak."
"With your power, you could easily enter the Divine Land yourself. There, boys and girls would be plentiful for your taking. Why not go yourself?"
The Immortal Envoy's expression darkened.
"The Divine Land has been unified."
"The Qin Empire's fortune is overwhelming. Entering would bring backlash from its destiny."
"The Divine Land is also a forbidden place for immortals and gods."
His tone carried a tinge of resentment, but in his eyes, there was a burning, bloodthirsty desire for the Divine Land.
"Then… why am I able to enter the Divine Land?"
"I, too, have embarked on the path of cultivation," the man asked, puzzled.
"Because you are a native of the Divine Land."
"No matter how much you cultivate, the Divine Land's destiny will not reject you."
Upon hearing this, the man's eyes flickered with deep thought, a trace of secret delight flashing across his face.
The Immortal Envoy, however, seemed to see right through him.
"Xu Fu."
"I advise you not to entertain any foolish thoughts."
"The Divine Land may be a forbidden place for immortals now but in a thousand years, that may no longer be the case."
He sneered coldly.
Indeed
The kneeling man was none other than the former head of the Great Qin's alchemy court Xu Fu.
"Does that mean the Divine Land will undergo some kind of change?"
Xu Fu asked cautiously.
"I don't mind telling you."
"Within a thousand years"
"The mortal world and the Earthly Immortal Realm will merge, becoming one."
"In the past, the Five Emperors of the Human Race severed the Pillar of Heaven, cutting off the path between heaven and earth, barring immortals and gods from descending."
"But do you think the immortals and gods will tolerate this forever?"
"In less than a millennium, the mortal world will be incorporated into the Earthly Immortal Realm."
"And when that time comes, the so-called 'fortune of the Divine Land' will be nothing more than a joke."
"Therefore"
The Immortal Envoy stared into Xu Fu's eyes.
"If you faithfully serve me, I will grant you true immortality."
"You will ascend beyond the mortal realm."
"But if you dare to betray me"
"I will ensure you suffer a fate worse than death."
Xu Fu immediately kowtowed.
"This humble servant swears eternal loyalty to the Immortal Envoy!"
"Good."
"Now, return to the Divine Land."
"And continue poisoning the Qin Emperor."
"If he lives too long, it will hinder the plan to merge the mortal world with the Earthly Immortal Realm."
"He must die."
"The collapse of Qin's national fortune will plunge the Divine Land back into chaos giving us the perfect opportunity."
A sinister glint flashed in the Immortal Envoy's eyes.
"As you command, Immortal Envoy."
Xu Fu obeyed with utmost reverence.
"The Divine Land…"
"If I am the one who brings about the downfall of Qin"
"The disintegration of its fortune…"
"Surely, the higher powers will reward me handsomely."
A twisted grin formed on the Immortal Envoy's face, filled with expectation.
...
Time passed gradually!
One month.
Two months.
As the decrees of the Great Qin were issued, the entire empire underwent a new transformation.
Due to the implementation of Qin's national policy, which involved reclaiming land across the empire, countless nobles developed rebellious intentions. They gathered their retainers and conspired to revolt.
It could be said that, except for the core territories of Qin, almost all the former lands of the six conquered states erupted in noble uprisings.
However, their rebellions rose swiftly and were quelled just as quickly.
In some places, before the army could even mobilize, local commoners armed with iron hoes and carrying wooden poles had already organized themselves to suppress the rebellious nobles.
By the time Qin's military forces arrived, countless commoners had already captured these rebellious nobles and delivered them as prisoners.
The hearts of the people were with Qin.
The will of the people was with Qin.
Time continued to pass.
Three months. Four months.
All nine provinces of Qin were in motion.
A transformation no less significant than a dynastic change was unfolding.
Xianyang!
Inside the imperial court's assembly hall
"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince,"
"The reforms have been implemented, and the national policy is being successfully carried out."
"Today, the governors of the nine provinces submit their reports."
"After four months of effort, led by the provincial governors, assisted by the county magistrates, and supported by the commanders of various military garrisons"
"The policy of reclaiming all land under the empire is now settled."
"As of today"
"Except for the lands granted to Qin's titled warriors and meritorious officials"
"All other lands have been reclaimed as state property."
"They are ready to be distributed among the people at any time."
Lü Buwei stepped forward and loudly reported.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince,"
"Over these four months, as the land was reclaimed"
"Many landowning nobles harbored treacherous intentions and gathered their followers to rebel."
"In the thirty-six counties of the nine provinces, except for Qin's original core territories, nobles in all other regions staged uprisings."
"More than 100,000 people, including nobles and their retainers, were involved."
"Fortunately, thanks to the Crown Prince's previous decree to confiscate private weapons across the empire, these nobles had no arms to equip their forces and could not stand against Qin's elite troops. Moreover, upon learning of the noble uprisings, many commoners voluntarily organized themselves to assist the authorities in quelling the rebellions."
"As a result, the prisons across the nine provinces are now filled. Furthermore, under the laws of Qin, many nobles implicated in the uprisings have not yet been sentenced."
"We await Your Majesty and the Crown Prince's judgment."
Li Si stepped forward and reported loudly.
"Treason and rebellion an unforgivable crime."
"Issue my decree"
"All principal offenders shall be executed by dismemberment."
"All accomplices shall be enslaved men will serve as slaves for life, performing hard labor until death; women will be condemned to servitude in brothels and distributed as rewards to meritorious officials and soldiers."
"All those implicated in the rebellion shall receive the same punishment."
Zhao Feng declared without hesitation.
Holding the reins of state power, Zhao Feng had no intention of showing mercy.
After all, these rebels sought to overthrow the Great Qin, and Zhao Feng saw no reason to spare them.
"Your servant obeys the decree."
Li Si immediately bowed and accepted the order.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince,"
"Now that the land has been reclaimed as state property, this is the household land allocation policy that I and the other ministers have drafted."
"Please, Your Majesty and Your Highness, review it."
Lü Buwei presented a written proposal with great reverence.
A nearby attendant stepped forward to take the document and first presented it to Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng opened it, glanced through its contents, and nodded in approval.
"Chancellor, this land distribution policy is well-planned allocating land based on population."
"A household with male members will receive two mu of land per person, while a household with only females will receive one mu per person."
"Those who have been wounded in the battle for Qin, in addition to any land previously granted, shall receive an extra five mu. Their descendants will also be granted land according to household population."
"Feng'er, what do you think?" Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Feng.
"It is feasible," Zhao Feng nodded.
"In that case,"
"We shall proceed with this land distribution policy."
"Let the governors of the nine provinces implement it as soon as possible, ensuring that by the next planting season, every citizen of Qin has land to cultivate."
Ying Zheng smiled as he issued the decree.
"Your servant obeys the decree."
Lü Buwei bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince,"
"Yesterday, we received a report from the frontier generals."
"The kingdom of Tu'an has prepared a princess for marriage and is ready to send her to Qin at any time."
Han Fei stepped forward to report.
"A mere princess from a minor kingdom?"
"Simply send a ten-thousand-man commander to the border to escort her back."
Ying Zheng said indifferently.
"Understood," Han Fei nodded.
"This national policy implementation has been a great success, and all of you ministers have rendered meritorious service."
"I have said before"
"Anyone who contributes to the prosperity of Qin shall be generously rewarded, not limited to mere wealth and treasures."
"And today, it is time to fulfill that promise."
Zhao Feng swept his gaze over the court ministers and smiled.
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