Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 263 Implementation of the Equal-Field System

The emperor's boundless grace of granting amnesty and reducing taxes was like a gentle spring rain, nourishing the war-torn and parched land of the empire. Wherever the edict reached, prisoners were released and returned home, refugees registered and were granted citizenship, and the people felt a weight lifted from their shoulders. Their gratitude and anticipation for the new dynasty's "enlightenment" quickly coalesced from the streets and countryside into a surging wave of public sentiment, which then flowed back to the imperial court in Chang'an. This undoubtedly injected a powerful boost into the newly established Xingqi Empire and proved the correctness of Chen Xing's judgment that "the will of the people is destiny."

However, Chen Xing and his core ministers, led by Jia Wen, knew that pardons and tax cuts were merely relief measures, a soothing remedy for a chronically ill society. For the empire to truly recover and become prosperous, it needed a powerful remedy to strengthen its foundations and stimulate productivity—a system that could fundamentally adjust land relations, stabilize the social base, and provide a sustainable source of national revenue. This system had been piloted in the north for many years with remarkable success; now, the time had finally come to roll it out nationwide.

On the first day of the fourth month of the first year of the Qiming era, the Taiji Hall held its regular court session.

Unlike previous grand court assemblies that discussed bestowing titles, establishing institutions, and promulgating benevolent policies, today's assembly was less fervent and fervent, and more solemn and pragmatic. Below the imperial steps, besides the central civil and military officials, some governors and prefects from neighboring prefectures and counties were also granted special permission to attend. Many of them, especially officials from newly annexed or war-torn regions like Jiangnan and the Central Plains, wore obvious expressions of worry and pressure. They knew that today's discussion concerned the very foundation of their rule, affecting the lives and fortunes of countless powerful gentry and even ordinary farmers—the comprehensive implementation of the Equal-Field System.

Chen Xing sat upright on his throne and went straight to the point: "The general amnesty and tax reduction are benevolent policies to allow the people to recuperate. However, governing a country is like treating an illness; in addition to addressing the symptoms, it is even more important to strengthen the root cause. The root of the turmoil in the world lies in land annexation, where the poor have no place to stand, while the rich own vast tracts of land. The ills of the previous dynasty are a stark warning. When I was in the State of Xing, I piloted the equal-field system in the north, granting land to the people and levying taxes on them. Within a few years, the north gradually prospered, the treasury became fuller, and the people's hearts became more at ease. This is the foundation for lasting peace and stability."

His gaze swept over the local officials: "Now that the country is newly at peace, it is the perfect time to implement this excellent law throughout the nation. If farmers have land and residents have houses, the people's hearts will be at ease, taxes will have a source, and the foundation of the nation will be secure forever. Prime Minister Jia, please proclaim the General Principles for Implementing the Equal-Field System and the Draft Implementation Rules to the public, and explain the key points in detail."

"Your old minister obeys the decree." Jia Wen stepped forward, holding a neatly bound stack of documents. Unlike the impassioned reading of the imperial edict earlier, his tone was now calm and firm, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"The core of the Equal-Field System lies in 'allocating land according to population size and limiting land ownership to prevent land consolidation.'" Jia Wen's voice echoed in the hall. "Specifically: First, a nationwide census was conducted, and all existing households, newly arrived migrants, and even those who had been pardoned and returned home were re-registered by the government to determine whether they were 'good people,' 'medium people,' 'small people,' or 'old people.'"

"Secondly, land allocation standards were established based on the total amount of land, fertility level, and population size in each region. In principle, each able-bodied man and middle-aged man was allocated forty mu of open land, and women were allocated twenty mu; in addition, twenty mu of mulberry or hemp land were allocated per household. Slaves and oxen could also be converted into land allocations at a certain ratio, but the number was strictly limited to prevent powerful families from keeping slaves and seizing land."

"Thirdly, the land granted is strictly prohibited from being bought and sold. Land acquired by the deceased is returned to the government and then transferred to another entity; mulberry and hemp lands are perpetual property. At the same time, the total amount of land privately owned is strictly limited. From princes and dukes to officials of all ranks and commoner landlords, there is an upper limit to the amount of land they can own. Any excess land must be purchased by the government at a discounted price within a specified period, or the owner must be ordered to sell it to people who have no land or little land."

"Fourth, the people who receive land shall bear corresponding taxes and labor services. The specific amounts of rent, labor service and tax will be determined by the Ministry of Revenue based on the grade of the land and the harvest of the year, striving for fairness and avoiding repeating the mistakes of the previous dynasty in levying exorbitant taxes."

Jia Wen's words were concise, yet each point struck like a heavy blow to the hearts of certain people in His Highness's household. Those officials, especially those from powerful local families or who owned vast tracts of land in their hometowns, turned pale. The investigation of land and population, the allocation of land based on population size, restrictions on land occupation, and the purchase of excess land… each of these measures threatened the very lifeblood of them and their families!

A prefect from a major prefecture in the Central Plains couldn't help but step forward, his voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Jia! The Equal Land Distribution Law is well-intentioned, but... but its implementation will likely face countless difficulties! The situations in different regions vary greatly. Jiangnan is densely populated and limited by land, while the Central Plains are devastated by war. Land statistics are chaotic, and powerful families are often concealing their populations and land holdings! If we forcibly conduct a land survey and impose a deadline for purchases, I fear... I fear it will incite popular uprisings and local unrest!"

Another official from Jiangnan echoed, "Your Majesty, the gentry of Jiangnan have deep roots, and their landholdings are mostly accumulated over generations and legally acquired. If we suddenly buy them off under the guise of 'land restriction,' we may lose the support of the gentry and it would be detrimental to the stability of the newly annexed lands. Moreover, the profits from mulberry and hemp fields are different from those from open fields. If they are granted to the same land, it may be difficult to adapt to the reality of Jiangnan's emphasis on both agriculture and sericulture."

Opposition voices emerged, directly pointing out the biggest obstacle to implementing the equal land distribution decree: resistance from vested interest groups and operational difficulties arising from regional disparities. This was something Chen Xing and Jia Wen had anticipated.

Chen Xing was not angered. Instead, he calmly asked, "In your opinion, what should we do? Should we allow land annexation to continue, making the poor poorer and the rich richer, waiting for the conflict to escalate and cause further chaos? Or should we make patch things up, continue the old system of the previous dynasty, and watch the finances dry up and the foundation shaken?"

The two officials were speechless for a moment.

At this moment, the newly appointed Minister of Revenue stepped forward and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, the concerns of my two colleagues are not without merit. However, the Equal Field System is not a monstrous flood, but a sound policy for consolidating the foundation. When it was first implemented in the north, there was also resistance, but Your Majesty promoted it with an iron fist, supplemented by detailed rules and clear rewards and punishments, and it was ultimately effective. Now that it is being implemented nationwide, it is appropriate to adapt to local conditions and implement it step by step."

He turned to Chen Xing and reported in a clear and organized manner: "After repeated discussions with Minister Jia and colleagues in the ministry, we believe the following feasible measures are: First, establish a 'Land Survey and Household Clearance Mission' composed of officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the Censorate, the Ministry of Works, and local officials, and send them to various prefectures to conduct pilot programs in one or two prefectures to gain experience and improve the details, especially how to deal with the concealment of powerful families, how to reasonably assess land prices, and how to handle land properties of different natures."

"Secondly, the excess land will not be forcibly purchased. It can be handled on a case-by-case basis: those who are willing to cooperate and sell the excess land to the government or landless farmers will be commended and may be granted honorary titles or have their taxes reduced; those who are stubborn, resist the investigation, or conceal land and people will be severely punished once verified. Not only will the excess land be confiscated, but they will also be prosecuted for deception. This is called 'punishing one to warn a hundred'."

"Third, policies can be more flexible for newly established areas such as Jiangnan. For example, the quotas for mulberry and hemp fields can be appropriately adjusted, acknowledging the established fact of some legally purchased land, but strictly restricting future land acquisition. At the same time, measures such as building water conservancy projects, promoting new agricultural tools, and introducing drought-resistant crops from the north can be used to increase yields and alleviate the contradiction of too many people and too little land. Furthermore, the development of industry and commerce can be encouraged to divert the population and reduce land pressure."

"Fourth, the equal land distribution should be closely integrated with tax reform. The new tax law can be implemented first in areas where land distribution has been completed, so that the people can truly feel the reduction in their burden and thus support the new policy. At the same time, the court needs to allocate funds and grain as special funds for purchasing excess land, resettling displaced people, and rewarding land reclamation, to show the court's determination."

The Minister of Revenue's memorial not only addressed the concerns of his opponents but also proposed concrete and feasible solutions, employing both soft and hard approaches and demonstrating thorough consideration. Many pragmatic officials in the hall nodded slightly.

After listening, Chen Xing's gaze swept across the room again, finally settling on the two officials who had raised objections first. His tone was calm yet carried an invisible pressure: "I am aware of your concerns. However, governing a country is like treating an illness; how can one avoid treatment because of fear of pain? The Equal-Field System is imperative. However, how to implement it safely and effectively is the key point of today's court discussion. The strategy presented by the Ministry of Revenue is very much in line with my wishes. Minister Jia."

"Your old minister is here."

"Based on this, a detailed 'National Implementation Strategy for the Equal-Field System' will be formulated, clearly defining pilot areas, timelines, implementing agencies, reward and punishment regulations, and procedures for handling special circumstances. I want to give the entire nation, and you local officials, a clear 'roadmap' and 'toolbox.' I do not wish to see local areas causing chaos due to poor implementation or taking the opportunity to harass the people, and I certainly do not wish to see those who outwardly comply but inwardly defy and obstruct national policy!"

His voice turned stern: "Implementing the equal-field system is a long-term plan for the empire, concerning the safety and well-being of the nation. Those who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly, overcome all difficulties, and achieve tangible results will be generously rewarded and promoted! Those who are perfunctory, shirk their responsibilities, or even collude with local powerful figures to obstruct the new policies, regardless of their rank or background, will be severely punished without exception!"

"I hereby establish this rule: From this day forward, the progress of the 'land survey and household registration' in various regions, the difficulties encountered, and the performance of officials must be reported monthly in a special memorial directly to me and the Grand Secretariat. The Censorate will strengthen its inspections, and I will also send envoys for unannounced visits from time to time. This matter concerns the fate of the new dynasty; I hope all of you will act accordingly!"

Thunder and rain, both are blessings from Heaven. The officials in the hall, regardless of their inner thoughts, all bowed respectfully: "We obey the decree! We will certainly do our utmost to implement it, to secure the foundation of the nation!"