Chapter 22: Re-feudalization, the Twelve Princes
Before Luo Su helped Shen You and Zhou Yun up, several more people bowed down loudly and asked to be transferred to other places.
Luo Su and everyone at the table turned around and saw that they were the patriarchs of the three families: Zhang of the Ji clan, Ji of the Jiang clan, and Xu of the Xu clan.
Luo Su did not expect the effect to be so good, and he quickly helped the few people up, saying: "I already know what you are thinking. As the descendants of King Su, I am naturally willing.
But I am not the regent after all. I will bring it up at the regency meeting tomorrow and let the other princes vote on it.
This is a major event that will strengthen our country, so it won't be a big problem, you guys can rest assured."
The patriarch of the Jiang and Ji clans was originally planning to think about it, but Shen's words just now directly hit the nail on the head.
The Shen family only had some competition with the Lu family a hundred years ago, but the Ji family was a direct branch of the Lu family!
I would like to ask, which branch doesn’t want to overthrow the main family?
In real history, the Qin family, which split from the Ying family of Zhao, showed no mercy when killing the royal family of Zhao.
Not every main family is like the Luo family, who have a better attitude towards their branches.
The patriarchal system divides people into high and low levels from birth, and these branches feel very uncomfortable facing the arrogant master family.
For the Ji family, staying in the royal capital would always mean they would be inferior to the Lu family, which had been married to the emperor for generations.
The Ji family had a large number of members and enormous power, and was fully capable of transferring large amounts of manpower and material resources to the fiefdoms while maintaining a certain influence in the royal capital.
Ji thought that exchanging part of the royal power for a free fiefdom was a very good deal and worth a try.
The Xu family was in a position of losing power within the royal domain. Due to the lack of talent in the family and successive adjustments to the official system, the power controlled by the Xu family was gradually deprived.
Now there is finally a talent worth cultivating in the direct line of the clan, but the power of the Xu family is no longer enough to push him to the position of Shangqing.
The positions of the princes in the capital were indeed noble. Although the upper limit was locked, under the system of hereditary nobility, even a family like the Xu family, which lacked talent, was able to hold on to power for so many years.
It is different for the princes outside the capital. If they fail in their expedition against the barbarians, they may die and their country will be destroyed. However, during these years they have stayed in Luoyi, the people they have seen the most are the princes from the east.
Under the powerful attacks of the great powers of Qi, Luo, Song and Wei, the power of Dongyi has been weakened to the extreme. Now, as long as the eastern vassal states do not deliberately cause trouble, there is no danger at all.
Under the influence of his surroundings, and with the growth of the Zhou Dynasty's power in recent years, Xu probably had some misunderstanding about the difficulties faced by the Xia monarchs in the early Zhou Dynasty.
The Zhang family of the Ji surname is the most different one among them. The patriarch of the Zhang family, Zhang Shao, is a man of great political wisdom.
From the long list of titles that Qi Hou Lu Bai had when he went to Haojing, he vaguely judged that Luo Su wanted to revitalize Haojing. What happened at the banquet today confirmed his guess.
If we want to revitalize Haojing, we must completely open up the passage between the two capitals, at least to the level of the east, instead of being like now where there is no distinction between Xia and Yi, and countless Rongdi tribes living on large tracts of land.
In Zhang Shao's opinion, in the next ten years or so, Luo Su would gradually enfeoff the great nobles in the capital area to occupy the land between Haojing and Luoyi, just like the Su king built the royal capital of Luoyi, and manage that land as the core of the Zhou Dynasty.
The geographical location of the land there is relatively advantageous. To the north, it borders the land that has already been developed by the Ji princes such as the State of Jin, and to the south, there is unlimited vast space.
According to historical records, this plan was intended to be implemented during the reign of King Su. However, the development of the east was too successful, and countless lands and wealth flowed into Luoyi and various vassal states, attracting the resources of the entire Zhou Dynasty, resulting in a lack of extra manpower and resources to develop other places.
As a result, after King Su's death, the plan for a dual capital system was shelved for decades until now, when it was reinitiated by his direct descendant Luo Su.
Luo Su cleverly chose a stage when the power of Luoyi royal capital was excessive and conflicts were about to explode if they were not transferred outward.
The most important thing is that Luo Su, who is trying to promote the plan, happens to have enough prestige, enough power and good political credibility. In a sense, it can be said that he has the right time, the right place and the right people.
If Luo Su knew his analysis, he would also give him a thumbs up.
Although Luosu's main purpose was, firstly, to delay the trend of the land in the royal capital flowing involuntarily to the nobles and improve the financial problems of the royal capital, and secondly, to ease the political problems caused by the land annexation between the great nobles and the small nobles.
But his plan included building a true dual capital system, strengthening power projection to the central and western regions, and ultimately rebuilding the defense of Haojing, and even moving the emperor westward.
He wanted to finish the most difficult task within his limited life so that his son could take over a relatively stable position as one of the Three Dukes.
No matter what these people were thinking, Luo Su himself was already very satisfied with the results of tonight. Of the seventeen great noble families he invited, eight expressed their support, and half of the number meant that the initiative of this matter was completely in his hands.
Now the nine families felt a little embarrassed. On the surface, since the beginning of the banquet, Luo Su had never asked them to leave the town.
This was all done on the other eight families' own initiative. They begged Luo Su, hoping that he would issue a golden edict in the name of the Regency Council and grant them the golden book of princes.
It's embarrassing to rely entirely on self-consciousness.
Some, such as the Wang family of the Ji surname, were descendants of the royal family and had the closest relationship with the royal family. The emperors of all dynasties also trusted them and they really did not want to leave the royal capital.
There were also some people like the Qi family with the surname Si. There was already a Qi State outside the capital, which was a duchy. When they went out to establish their own state, they had to pay tribute to the Duke of Qi during the meeting of the princes. Even as the main suzerain state, they would definitely be extorted, which made them feel very uncomfortable.
Moreover, they did have great power within the royal capital. They were stable ministers and sometimes even ranked among the Three Dukes. Their fiefs were also enormous, no less than those of a duke or marquisate of a hundred miles. This was truly fertile land within the royal capital.
Although Luo Su's words sound nice and he would retain the status of a vassal lord within the capital even if he left the town, politics requires balance.
Even if Luosu agreed, other clans would not agree. Once a large number of clan members left to establish fiefdoms, the power within the royal capital must be ceded.
Those who have no ability and prestige but cling to power and are unwilling to let go will only become the target of public criticism and be attacked by the crowd, and ultimately die without a burial place.
Luo Su seemed not to notice the awkward atmosphere in the room, and laughed heartily, "I have been the regent for a short time and I met you today in the hope that you talented people can serve the country. Sure enough, you gave me a big surprise today.
My ancestor was Xuansheng Su Wang, who could communicate with heaven and manage human affairs. When I was young, I read Su Wang's book on government. Su Wang called himself a man of utmost sincerity, saying that "the way of utmost sincerity can predict the future." Therefore, Su Wang was successful in governing the country, the army, and the people.
I also have this feeling of sincerity today. The King of Su established feudal states and expanded the Eastern Yi, which made the Zhou Dynasty prosperous. Now I am establishing feudal states again and expanding the Western Rong, and the Zhou Dynasty will surely prosper forever."
The maids poured wine for everyone, and they all drank it up with Luo Su, but everyone keenly caught the word "opening up the Western Rong".
Everyone immediately became excited!
"As expected." Zhang Shao looked around at the people at the banquet calmly, feeling a little proud of his foresight. "Lord Luo's target today is the twelve of us. Now three of us have agreed. The Zhang family is the strongest among them. It seems that the Zhang family will take the lead in opening up the Western Rong this time."
The last large-scale military action was the Eastern Expedition and the subsequent feudalization. The dividends from the development of the east have not been exhausted until now, and are still continuously supplying blood to the royal capital of Luoyi. For example, the states of Qi, Song, and Luo, these big countries are the central focus of every meeting of princes and offering gifts.
In the beginning, the strength of the Zhou Dynasty was not as strong as it is now. Every prince who was enfeoffed fought alone. If the seventeen of them were to come together now, they could go out on a large scale to be enfeoffed. The newly established states could also help each other. Compared with the beginning, the difficulty has been greatly reduced.
Now, in addition to a few clans that were more determined, four more people had made up their minds to go out and fight. Anyway, the status of Jinei would at most decline a little.
Luo Su's gaze swept across the faces of the other people. He had a smile on his face, but a cold light in his eyes. When the twelve great noble families left the town, there would definitely be a power vacuum in the royal capital. He was not a kind-hearted person who would make wedding dresses for others.
The reason why I've so politely invited you to come over for a drink and discuss this is because you are indeed powerful when you unite. But now your allies are my allies, so you guys have to get out of town even if you don't have to!
…
At the regency meeting the next day, the Marquis of Qi was absent, but everyone else, including the Regent Queen Mother, was present. Luo Su spoke about this biggest event in the past thirty years.
"The current situation is that the twelve major clans are willing to send at least half of their clansmen out of Luoyang. Among them, the three Ying clans and the Xu clan are even willing to send clansmen above the seventh level. They sent their legitimate sons, and the Fei clan even sent their eldest legitimate son. They are determined to return to their ancestral land."
The Queen Mother Regent was the most surprised, and her voice couldn't help but rise: "Lord Luo really deserves to be the most important minister of Bang Zhou. In recent years, the land in the royal capital has become less and less, and I have been holding back many fiefs without distributing them. In recent years, I have occasionally heard many complaints. Luo Gong can solve this problem, which is a relief for me.
As expected of him being the descendant of King Su, he is capable of what others cannot do. In the past, King Wu said that King Su was the most talented person in Zhou State, and that only with his assistance could the world be stable. Later, King Su indeed stabilized the country and prospered Zhou State.
The emperor is still young, and only with the assistance of important officials like Luo Gong can he sit on the throne safely."
Luo Su smiled slightly and said, "You are too kind, Queen Mother. The King of Su is a man born from heaven. How can I compare with him? These things are just repeating what others have said. It is just my duty."
The Queen Mother Regent waved her hand and said, "Lord Luo, don't be modest. This matter involves many nobles and the relationships are complicated. I know that I don't have the ability to govern the country, so I will give it to Lord Luo. The seal of the Regency Council is up to you."
The other people present said in unison: "We will follow your orders."
Now, in theory, the most powerful person in the entire Zhou Dynasty is here, and the huge power of the royal capital begins to show in front of this political force.
The Golden Seal Edict of the meeting of princes quickly announced the matter in the royal capital, and then sent messengers from all directions to go to various vassal states to announce it to the world.
"I once asked the Grand Tutor about politics, and he said that the King of Su once said that the key to the prosperity of the Zhou Dynasty lies in appointing virtuous people and formulating beneficial systems. Now I have the assistance of the regent and the princes. The descendant of the King of Su, Luo Su, has the style of his ancestors and the talent of governing the world. He is a great sage who can be entrusted with the world.
King Su established the feudal system, clan system, rites and music for the Zhou State, which led to its prosperity. Over the past few decades, the feudal system has been abolished and the clan system has been relaxed. I am deeply saddened, as this is a symbol of the decline of the Zhou State's mandate.
Before his death, King Su said that when rituals and music are broken, the Mandate of Heaven will end. I have given the King's mandate to the Regency Council, and I am determined to revive the state and rebuild the feudal system. I will announce this to all the people of the world, so that everyone will hear it!"
After conferring titles on four marquises in the south, Wang Ji conferred titles on twelve princes at one time. Such a large-scale conferring title attracted the attention of the entire Zhou Dynasty.
Fei of the Ying surname came and was granted the title of Marquis of Fei. He was also given 150 li of fertile land in Qinchuan. His eldest son was sent to the fiefdom to accept the title. In addition, he was given a certain amount of money, grain, and cloth.
The Ji clan had the same origin as the Zhou clan and was granted the title of Marquis of Western Zhou and a grant of 150 li of land, located west of Yi and Luo.
You of the Shen clan of the Jiang surname was granted the title of Marquis of Shen and was given a fiefdom to the north of Haojing, and was also granted 150 li of land.
In order to distinguish Shen Hou You from the previously enthroned Shen Hou Bo, Shen Hou You was called Xi Shen Hou and Shen Hou Bo was called Nan Shen Hou.
Zhang Shao of the Ji clan was granted the title of Marquis of Zhang and was given a fiefdom west of Jin and north of Haojing, and was granted a land of 100 li.
The Xu and Jiang families of the Ying surname were granted the title of earl, and were specially granted a hundred miles of land. They were allowed to use the musical instruments and tripods of the marquis, but not the ceremonial vessels of the marquis. They were also granted the title of earl in Qinchuan, and they helped each other with the Fei State.
The Ji family of the Jiang surname was also granted the title of earl, and was granted an additional 100 miles of land, and was only allowed to use the musical instruments of the marquis.
The Chen family of the Si surname, the Xu, Xie, and Gao family of the Jiang surname, and the Li family of the Ji surname were all granted the title of earl and, according to old rules, were given seventy li of land.
These twelve vassal states were basically located in a key position between Haojing and Luoyi, surrounded by mountains and rivers, and were important military locations.
[Your family has left many traces in history. Your family has once again accelerated the course of history. The system will gradually strengthen the existence of historical correction power, and the speed at which your luck points increase will be accelerated.]
"Um?"
The sudden news alarmed Ji Zhao.
…
The last division of the four marquisates was completed very easily, because the personnel relationships of the three princes and Yu Xiu were very simple, and they only needed to take away their confidants and property.
However, each of the twelve families this time is a great noble in the capital. Not to mention their political influence, the economic relations alone are extremely complicated.
The clan system established by Ji Zhao stipulated that when concubines' sons came of age, they had to separate from the family and change their clan names, establish a small clan, and become the ancestor of their own lineage. They were not allowed to worship the ancestors of the main family anymore.
The legitimate son does not need to change his surname, but the fourth generation needs to change his surname, which proves that the blood relationship between the two parties is very distant, and the next generation is no longer a royal family, but only a royal clan.
In the current Zhou states, in order to strengthen the power of the royal family, many of them do not strictly enforce the second article, but even so, there are still a lot of clans deriving from concubines' sons.
Most of them survived by working for their masters and following their masters to serve the emperor.
Taking the three clans of the Ying surname as an example, the Fei, Xu and Jiang clans are all major clans in the family. These nobles have no pressure to survive and are quite fertile. They don't have many legitimate sons, but a lot of illegitimate sons, and there are dozens of small clans that depend on them for survival.
People with the same surname cannot marry, and the economic ties between small clans are very complicated because of marriage.
…
The Regency Council, which existed briefly in the middle of the Western Zhou Dynasty, was the first ruling body with aristocratic republican characteristics in China's monarchy era. During its five years of existence, a group of slave aristocrats with advanced ideas and outstanding abilities promoted a series of far-reaching reforms.
The prosperity of this era proved that it was feasible for a group of experienced professional bureaucrats to control the country, which had a profound impact on later history. - "Global History of the Western Zhou Dynasty Volume 2"
(End of this chapter)
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