At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 272: The Governor of Nanzhong, the grand plan of opening up Xinjiang

Immediately afterwards, Zhou Qi discussed with the barbarian chiefs of various tribes for a long time and finally finalized the basic policies of Nanzhong in the future.

The government established county towns in various counties and counties in Nanzhong according to the size of the nearby tribes. The government appointed Han officials to help coordinate all matters.

After the county town was established, the nearby barbarian tribes first opened up wasteland and built houses near the county town. With the guidance of Han officials, as long as the barbarians were not lazy, the food production in the coming year would be able to feed them all.

In the county, there is one pavilion for ten li, and there is a pavilion chief; there are ten pavilions and one township, and there are three elders in the township, one who has rank, one who is stingy, and one who travels.

The three elders are in charge of education and are responsible for teaching elementary education to the children in the village. They are Han people and are the spiritual leaders of the township. Youzhi is the township chief, who is the substantive leader of the township and are served by barbarians.

The positions of being a stingy husband, hearing lawsuits and collecting taxes, were held by Han people; the positions of wandering, guarding, and forbidding thieves and theft were held by barbarians.

In this way, half of the official positions in the township were Han and half were occupied by barbarians, and the division of labor was clear, which could greatly alleviate the conflicts between Han people and barbarians.

A large county covers a radius of hundreds of miles. If there are many barbarians nearby, they can expand the area as appropriate. If there are few barbarians, they can reduce the area as appropriate.

Barbarians can also learn calligraphy or join the army. Those who have made outstanding contributions can be promoted to officials and nobles just like the Han people. If a barbarian can be granted a title and enjoy a fiefdom, the fiefdom is called Dao.

In order to protect barbarian lands from being annexed, the circulation of land is prohibited between counties, townships, and pavilions. It is illegal for outsiders to acquire local land for any reason. As long as the locals file a lawsuit with the government, even if the purchaser of the land has to pay for it, Contracts are also waste paper, and the government can take them back unconditionally.

As a result, the land can only be transferred within a pavilion with a radius of ten miles. Even if a rich man appears in the pavilion, the land in the pavilion can only be annexed. This will prevent the newly developed barbarian autonomous county from monopolizing power. The powerful man in the county.

Of course, all barbarians who moved into the county must register with the government.

Those who register have the same rights and obligations as Han people, and can also enjoy free education.

Those who do not have registered residence are not allowed to buy houses and fields in the county, but can only rent or live in them. Once there is a conflict with barbarians who have registered residence, their rights and interests will not be protected.

It is precisely because of various restrictions and the favorable conditions for household registration that Zhou Qi can conclude that it will not be long before the barbarian tribes hidden in the mountains and old forests will flock to the county to register for household registration.

Barbarians also have the obligation to perform military service. As long as the government needs it, barbarians must be organized into an army unconditionally, and their treatment is the same as that of Han people.

Of course, the policies formulated by Zhou Qi were far more than these, and touched almost every aspect. In the end, most of the barbarian chiefs were extremely happy.

After the meeting ended, Zhou Qi immediately said: "Establishing a county, relocating barbarians, building houses, educating the people, etc. cannot be accomplished in one day."

"The counties in Nanzhong are in urgent need of excellent internal affairs talents to come and govern."

"Gu Yu transferred Du Ji to be the governor of Yongchang County, Zhang Zhao to be the governor of Yizhou County, Zhang Hong to be the governor of Zangke County, and Gu Yong to be the governor of Yuexi County. All three of them are famous people today, with excellent moral character and talents."

"With them here, as long as you implement government policies, don't be lazy, and don't gather in groups to make trouble, your life will become very good in a short time."

When Zhou Qi named the four people, the barbarian chiefs of each tribe did not react much, but Meng Huo and the barbarian king Gaoding both looked surprised.

Even though they were far away in Nanzhong, they were very familiar with the four people except Gu Yong. They knew that these people were all talented people in the world, and they were the great general's subordinates.

The general is willing to send all these talents to Nanzhong, which shows how determined he is to transform Nanzhong.

Meng Huo and Gao Ding introduced him in a low voice, and the barbarian chiefs of the other tribes were also very happy.

They know how much influence a talented and virtuous county governor can have on the entire county.

The reason why Zhou Qi spent such a price to transform Nanzhong into a stable rear area was not only because he wanted to speed up ethnic integration, but also because the land here is fertile, the products are rich, the territory is vast, and the food can be harvested three times a year.

As long as Nanzhong is managed well, within three to five years, Nanzhong will not only become Zhou Qi's big granary, but also provide Zhou Qi with a large amount of animal skins, precious medicinal materials, trees, and countless minerals. resource.

Animal skins, trees and mineral resources can provide Zhou Qi with countless armors, weapons, and crossbows, which can greatly enhance Zhou Qi's war potential.

The most important thing is that Zhou Qi plans to use Nanzhong as an experimental base.

Once Nanzhong's model is successful, it can be gradually extended to other counties under its jurisdiction.

You know, the territory that Zhou Qi occupies is not comparable to that of the Central Plains. Most of the counties here are home to countless tribes.

Only when you can appease them can you be considered a leader in politics and harmony.

After finalizing the future political policy of Nanzhong, Zhou Qi sent away most of the barbarian leaders, leaving only Meng Huo, Gaoding, Dong Dana, A Hui Nan and Wu Tu Gu.

Just when several people looked puzzled, Zhou Qi summoned Xiang Hong, Fazheng, Huo Jun, Li Hui, Dong Xi, Xu Ding and others.

Zhou Qi looked around at the crowd and asked, "Do you know why I left you all alone?"

Everyone shook their heads, even Fazheng was no exception.

Zhou Qi did not show off and said directly: "I am calling you here for two reasons."

"Firstly, although Nanzhong has been established, there are still too many barbarian tribes, and even the barbarian kings may not be able to completely suppress them. Therefore, I plan to establish the Nanzhong Governor's Palace in Nanzhong, with Xiang Bode as the governor of Nanzhong. Take charge of the military affairs of the four counties of Nanzhong."

"Usually summon barbarians and Han people from all over the country to participate in military training, and if there is a rebellion, lead the troops to put it down!"

Zhou Qi's decision made everyone shocked, and then looked at Xiang Hong with complicated expressions.

The governor of Hunanzhong, in charge of the military affairs of the four counties, was such a powerful power that no one expected that the general would let Xiang Hong hold such an important position.

Although Zhou Qi also appointed Xiang Hong as the governor of Nanzhong before, he did not clearly confirm his authority. Many people thought that this was just a false position.

Until now, they didn't know how valuable this position was.

Zhou Qi also considered this decision for a long time.

Speaking of the person who was the first to follow him, who was willing to die with him and who was unparalleled in loyalty, it was Xiang Bode.

I think back then, Zhou Qi was just the grandson of a local miser. Apart from hanging out with the rangers, he was able to make friends with the person with the highest martial arts value, Xiang Hong and Xiang Bode.

As for the scribes and the like, there is no need to even think about it.

Xiang Hong is also a person who values ​​affection and righteousness, and was taken care of by Zhou Qi. After learning about the death of the old stingy husband, he did not even have time to observe filial piety for his mother, so he followed Zhou Qi to do earth-shattering things.

From the initial assassination of Wang Ji to Zhou Qi's appointment as the county magistrate of Anfeng, Xiang Hong always followed Zhou Qi during his most difficult time, never abandoning him, and having no regrets.

Zhou Qi will remember this kindness today.

Although Zhou Qi now has many famous generals under his command, Xiang Hong's achievements are not as good as those of the generals who took refuge later, but it does not affect Xiang Hong's status in his heart.

As long as you are rich and noble, don't forget each other.Before Zhou Qi assassinated Wang Ji, he once told the young people who followed him, and he indeed fulfilled his promise.

But for Xiang Hong, Zhou Qi not only regarded him as a subordinate, but also regarded him as his elder brother. This feeling even surpassed that of a biological brother.

Now that Nanzhong has been initially decided, Zhou Qi will no longer set his sights on this place in the future. He urgently needs a trustworthy and prestigious person to guard it, who can also intimidate the northern counties of Yizhou in disguise.

After thinking about it, only Xiang Hong can take on this important task.

The rest either lacked enough prestige to convince the public, or Zhou Qi was not at ease entrusting such a great power to him.

When Xiang Hong heard the news, he was shocked and hurriedly said: "The governor of Nanzhong is in charge of the military affairs of the four counties. He has too much power. If someone knows himself, he may not be able to take on this important responsibility."

Zhou Qi stepped forward, took Xiang Hong's arm, and said, "With filial piety and uprightness, my brother will definitely be able to shoulder this important task."

Xiang Hong looked at Fazheng and did not doubt the authenticity of Zhou Qi's words.

Through this period of getting along, Xiang Hong felt a similar temperament to Xi Zhicai in Fazheng, a young man.

He could conclude that given time, Fa Zheng's achievements would definitely not be inferior to Xi Zhicai's.

However, what Xiang Hong is most worried about is not that he is not capable of serving as the governor of Nanzhong, but that he knows how powerful this position is.

He was indeed loyal to Zhou Qi, but once he resigned, there was no guarantee that the future governor of Nanzhong would not become a feudal prince.

He had to mention such a big hidden danger, and immediately said bluntly: "The governor of Nanzhong is in charge of the military affairs of the four counties of Nanzhong. His power is too heavy. If it is not restrained, it may cause future troubles. Please be careful, my lord."

When Zhou Qi heard this, a bright smile appeared on his face, and he said to himself: "I really didn't misjudge Bird."

These words were inappropriate for anyone to say. Only Xiang Hong was the most appropriate to say them, and he could also express his loyalty to Zhou Qi.

Zhou Qi turned to look at Fazheng and asked, "What does Xiaozhi think of Bode's words?"

Fa Zheng looked at Xiang Hong and couldn't help but think in his mind: "I never thought that General Xiang was so trusted and valued by his lord, that he could face the temptation of a high position without being arrogant, and instead actively asked to reduce his power. He was indeed a loyal person. "

Thinking of this, he said directly: "As General Xiang said, the power of the Nanzhong Governor is indeed too heavy and must be restrained."

The land of Nanzhong occupies almost half of the territory of Yizhou. Historically, after the death of Liu Bei in the Shu Han Dynasty, Zhuge Liang was able to use a small half of Yizhou to occupy one-third of the world. This can also be seen from the wealth of Yizhou.

If an ambitious person is allowed to serve as the governor of Nanzhong and take over the military power of the four counties of Nanzhong, the consequences will be unpredictable.

How could Zhou Qi not know how to check and balance as a monarch for so many years, but he deliberately asked: "Xiaozhi thinks, how should we check and balance the governor of Nanzhong?"

Fazheng pondered for a moment, and then said: "The Governor of Nanzhong may have the power to punish thieves, but he does not have the power to mobilize troops."

"If there is a small rebellion in the local area, the governors of each county can lead their own troops to conquer it. When the rebellion is too large and difficult to conquer, the governor can ask the Nanzhong Governor for help."

"After the Governor of Nanzhong receives the request for help from the county governor, he still needs to seek the consent of the county governors of the remaining three counties before he can deploy troops in each county to counter the rebellion."

"In normal times, the Governor of Nanzhong only maintains a few thousand soldiers and horses under his command."

Zhou Qi couldn't help but nodded secretly after hearing Fazheng's suggestion.

In this way, unless the governors of all counties are secretly colluding with the Governor of Nanzhong, the Governor of Nanzhong will not be a serious problem.

However, Zhou Qi was keenly aware of the loopholes in it and asked: "If the rebels kill the county guard, the county guard cannot ask for help from the Nanzhong Governor, or the other county guards are not on good terms with the Nanzhong Governor, no? What if they send troops to quell the rebellion?"

Fazheng smiled and said, "This is easy."

"If the county guard dies, there must be the county magistrate or other county officials. Even if they all die in battle, such a big news must not be hidden."

"Once the Nanzhong Governor learns that the rebellion has spread throughout the county, he can take action on his own even if he does not receive a request for help."

"As for the governors of other counties who do not agree to send troops due to personal grievances, the Governor of Nanzhong can report this to the lord. Once the matter is verified, the governors who delayed the military situation will be severely punished."

"Presumably with my lord's ability to recognize people, he would not appoint such a county governor who neglects public affairs for personal reasons, right?"

"What's more, even if one county guard disagrees with sending troops, the rest of the county guards won't all agree, right?"

"If the governor of one county agrees, he will mobilize troops from one county to quell the rebellion; if the governors of two counties agree, he will mobilize troops from two counties to quell the rebellion. In this way, the spread of the rebellion can be curbed as soon as possible."

When Zhou Qi heard this, he couldn't help stroking his hands and laughing, and said: "Xiaozhi is really thoughtful."

Zhou Qi then turned to look at Xiang Hong and said, "Just act according to the words of filial piety and uprightness, okay?"

Xiang Hong nodded and said nothing, but there was still a little worry on his face.

Zhou Qi comforted him and said, "Bode doesn't need to worry. The establishment of the governor of Nanzhong in Gusuo is just a temporary measure and is not intended to be established for a long time."

"As soon as Nanzhong becomes stable and prosperous, this position will be abolished, and you will become the only governor of Nanzhong."

Xiang Hong was completely relieved after hearing this.

Zhou Qi turned to look at the crowd and said, "In addition to wanting to stabilize the situation in Nanzhong, there are other considerations for setting up a separate governor of Nanzhong."

Having said this, he walked to the map and pointed to the Shan and Pyu countries in the south of Yongchang County, and said: "The Pyu Kingdom continues to invade the Shan Kingdom, and the war has also spread to the Yongchang border. I cannot sit idly by."

"In the first two years, while stabilizing the situation in South China, you can send more people to explore the detailed intelligence of Shan and Pyo."

"When all the barbarians from all tribes have migrated and become self-sufficient, I will wait for you to march south to destroy the Shan Kingdom first, and then the Pyu Kingdom, so as to open up territory for the Han Dynasty."

"You can promise here that if you can destroy these two countries and expand the territory of the Han Dynasty to the southernmost sea area, those who have made meritorious deeds, regardless of whether they are Han or barbarian, can be made generals!"

When the generals heard this, their faces were full of surprise at first, and then their faces showed expressions of ecstasy.

It is the dream of many people to open up new territories and gain the title of general.

Not to mention Xiang Hong and others, even the scribe Fazheng, Gao Ding, Dong Dana, and A Huinan had eyes full of longing.

It is true that the barbarians cannot defeat the Han people, but they are not weak against those small southern countries.

The barbarian generals would naturally be very happy if they could gain meritorious deeds from them. They all planned to make meritorious deeds and serve as officials in various places.

(End of this chapter)