Although the expression was very euphemistic, the real intention was to seize power.

However, the imperial court made it clear that it was a system of co-governance, except that the official positions originally given to the chieftains were handed over to officials of the imperial court.

On the surface, the power given to court officials was relatively limited, mainly involving local people's livelihoods and some cases.

They didn't even have local military power, so the chieftains in the southwest region didn't feel much of a crisis.

After all, although the imperial court handed over the Pacification Commission to officials of the court, their power was still limited, and the southwest region was still the domain of the local chieftains.

Therefore, the chieftains did not object. After all, the imperial court's power was undeniable, and they would not rebel or resist unless it significantly impacted their interests.

Therefore, after this matter was implemented, the chieftains in the southwest region tacitly accepted the officials sent by the imperial court.

The first step of the reform of local administration and the replacement of native chieftains with centrally appointed officials can be considered a success.

Of course, it will take a long time to implement the entire plan.

However, as long as the imperial officials are placed in the southwest region, and power in the southwest region is gradually seized, this is not a problem.

Half a month later, Yang Shiqi found Zhu Yunwen and told him that the official sent by the court had officially taken up his post in Guizhou Chengxuanwei Division, but his power was indeed very small.

They only have the right to local development, some rights related to people's livelihood, and the right to handle certain cases.

As for military power and major political power in some areas, these still remain in the hands of the Tusi families.

Yang Shiqi said to Zhu Yunwen:

"It will take far too long for His Highness the Crown Prince to weaken the power of the chieftain families and transfer power to the officials of the court."

We need to seize opportunities time and again to gradually infiltrate and take control, while also guarding against any resistance. This is probably beyond our generation's capabilities!

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen said:

"It's not that difficult. If there's no opportunity, we can create one."

Yang Shiqi's eyes lit up as he looked at Zhu Yunwen. He sensed that Zhu Yunwen seemed to have another idea, so he humbly said:

"Please enlighten me, Your Highness."

Zhu Yunwen smiled slightly and said:

"Power is something everyone wants to have, so once some people have the opportunity to seize power, they will definitely try their best to fight for it."

Even if it means losing something, they are willing to do it. Especially if this person has no power but is able to seize power through certain means.

Even though this power might be diminished once it's in his hands, he'd still be very happy. Such a person can also be used by us.

Yang Shiqi looked at Zhu Yuntong with a sense of understanding, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He felt that Zhu Yuntong's words had made him understand something, but he just couldn't pinpoint the exact point.

Just then, Zhu Yunwen finally spoke up, saying, "Go and draft a system, similar to the Edict of Grace, that is designed for the chieftain families in the southwest region."

The general idea is that certain important or capable members of the Tusi family, or descendants of the chieftain, could obtain various powers associated with the Tusi, or inherit power over certain areas in the southwest region.

Upon hearing this, Yang Shiqi's eyes lit up, and he said:

"His Highness the Crown Prince's intention is to distribute the power of the southwestern chieftain families to other members of the families, rather than concentrating it in the hands of a single chieftain. This would allow them to fight for power among themselves, causing the family to crumble and dissipate power from within?"

Zhu Yunwen smiled slightly and said:

"That's right. Once this system is implemented, I believe that everyone except the chieftain of the Tusi family will be very happy and willing."

Within the Tusi family, the Tusi (chieftain) holds the most power, while other clan members have virtually no rights. If power were delegated to them and distributed evenly, the other clan members would be very willing.

When these tribesmen all want power, no one will support their chieftains, and their chieftains will have no choice but to cooperate with the imperial court and distribute power.

In order to gain power, those clansmen would also support the court's decisions. As a result, a stable chieftain's power would be dispersed into various smaller forces.

For example, some cities in the southwest region were originally under the control of a chieftain, but now they have to be divided among their clansmen, and each clansman may only be able to control a small area.

They will become disunited, even engaging in infighting, distrusting each other, framing each other, and harming one another. Wouldn't that present an opportunity for the imperial court? Wouldn't the local officials be able to fulfill their roles?