The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Meng Tian took a deep breath and continued, "When the Zhou Dynasty first divided the feudal lords, each one was able to abide by the law and obey the orders of the Zhou emperor. However, as time passed, the power of the princes grew, and with it, their ambitions. No longer content with their own fiefdoms, they began to attack each other, competing for more land and population. While the Zhou emperor, though nominally the common ruler of the world, was no longer able to control the situation, the world was plunged into endless war and chaos."

Having said this, Meng Tian paused for a moment, as if recalling that chaotic history.

His voice deepened slightly. "Think of our Great Qin. We were once a tiny nation on the western frontier. Thanks to the diligent governance of several generations of kings, especially after Shang Yang's reforms, our national strength rapidly increased. Since then, thanks to the wise leadership of successive rulers, we have finally been able to implement the county system, dividing the country into several counties, governed by officials directly dispatched from the imperial court. This allows the imperial court's orders to reach the local areas directly, and the resources of the world can be centrally mobilized, making the Great Qin even more powerful."

Meng Tian's tone grew increasingly serious. "However, if we were to divide the feudal lords again today, it would be tantamount to repeating the mistakes of the Zhou Dynasty. Once these lords possess their own fiefdoms and armies, their power will inevitably expand. Over time, they may become too powerful to be controlled, posing a serious threat to the imperial court. This is truly not a good strategy for the long-term stability of our Great Qin!"

Meng Tian's words were like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart hard.

His words were sincere and he stared at Fusu with a serious expression.

At this moment, the entire court fell into a dead silence.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Meng Tian, ​​some looked surprised, while others seemed to be thinking about something.

You must know that when Meng Tian said this, it was like a stone that caused a thousand ripples, causing a huge uproar in the court.

Because what he represents is not just his personal opinion, but also the attitude of the military.

Fusu above frowned slightly. Obviously, he needed to think carefully about Meng Tian's proposal.

At this moment, Xin Sheng, who had been silent until then, slowly stepped out of the ranks. He bowed and said, "Your Highness, I believe Fu Sheng's words are not without reason. Enfeoffing meritorious princes can indeed appease the hearts of meritorious officials and clan relatives, and is beneficial to stabilizing the current situation. However, the general's concerns are not unfounded. Excessive enfeoffment does pose a hidden danger, and may lead to the expansion of princes' power and threaten the rule of the court."

Xin Sheng paused and continued, "In my opinion, we can adopt the best of both worlds. Implement the county system near the capital, which will facilitate direct control by the imperial court. In remote areas, enfeoff princes, but clearly define the scope of their power and restrict their development. This may help balance the interests of all parties."

Xin Sheng's eyes were calm and steady, his words were well-organized, and his analysis was well-reasoned.

After hearing what he said, everyone nodded in agreement.

Just as everyone was talking and discussing, Meng Yi suddenly stood up again and said loudly: "Your Highness, I believe that while titles, salaries, and land can be granted, they must not be allowed to divide and govern the land on their own. Otherwise, they will become a state within a state, which will cause great harm to the unity and stability of the Qin Dynasty!"

Although Meng Yi's voice was not loud, it contained an unshakable firmness, as if the views he stated were the indisputable truth.

As soon as he finished speaking, the noisy discussions in the court suddenly stopped as if someone had pressed the pause button.

However, this silence only lasted for a moment, and then the court exploded again, setting off a more intense wave of debate.

Some ministers agreed with Meng Yi's point of view. They nodded in agreement and thought that Meng Yi was right and that those people must not be allowed to exist independently of the country.

However, another group of ministers held different opinions. They either shook their heads or frowned, questioning and refuting Meng Yi's views.

For a moment, there were many different opinions in the court, and various voices intertwined together, making the already noisy scene even more chaotic.

Fusu looked at the group of ministers below who were arguing with each other, frowned slightly, then raised his hand and signaled everyone to be quiet.

The noisy court suddenly became silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on Fusu, waiting for his speech.

Fusu slowly stood up, walked down from the dragon throne, stood in front of the ministers, and said

"Everyone has their reasons for saying this." Fusu's voice was deep and powerful, echoing in the empty court. "I also know that both fiefdoms and counties have their own advantages and disadvantages."

He paused, as if considering how to express his thoughts, then continued, "Now that the empire has just begun to stabilize, the people's hearts have not yet fully surrendered. The court must both appease the hearts of meritorious officials and relatives, and ensure the stability of central authority. Both are indispensable."

Fusu's words caused a slight commotion in the court, and the ministers whispered and discussed among themselves.

Seeing this, Fusu smiled slightly and continued, "I think what you said is very reasonable. I have decided to do as he said."

His eyes fell on Meng Tian, ​​who bowed slightly to express his gratitude.

Fusu continued, "You can grant some of your relatives and meritorious officials the title of princes and grant them a certain amount of land. The princes can lead troops and garrison abroad, campaigning in all directions to expand the territory of the Great Qin. However, their residences must be located in Guanzhong, and they may not be granted land. The Great Qin Empire will still follow the county system, directly governed by the imperial court."

As soon as Fusu finished speaking, whispers were heard again in the court.

The ministers who supported the enfeoffment showed a hint of disappointment on their faces. They talked in a low voice and seemed not to be completely satisfied with Fusu's decision.

However, seeing Fusu's determination, they could not forcefully refute him, but just exchanged glances silently.

The ministers who strongly advocated the county system looked relieved. They nodded to each other and felt that Fusu's decision took into account the interests of all parties and was a wise move.

Chunyu Yue, standing by, frowned slightly, wanting to speak but holding back. He moved his lips as if he was about to say something, but ultimately chose to remain silent, only a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

Li Feng nodded secretly, fully approving of Fusu's decision.

Brothers Meng Tian and Meng Yi looked at each other and saw recognition in each other's eyes.

Fusu seemed to have anticipated differing opinions. He smiled, looked around, and said, "I know this move may cause some controversy. But I believe that as long as we handle it properly, we will be able to achieve long-term peace and stability in the Qin Dynasty."

Fusu returned to the dragon throne and said with a determined look, "I hope you will all work together to assist me in governing the Great Qin, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment, and that the Great Qin will endure forever."

All the ministers said in unison: "We will obey your Highness's order!"

Afterwards, Fusu announced his withdrawal from court.

The ministers bowed and saluted, then slowly left the court.

In Zhangtai Palace, the atmosphere changed from solemn to exciting, and a court debate about fiefdoms and counties came to a temporary end.