With just a few words, before he even fully explained his ideas,
Qin Shi Huang immediately voiced his support.
"First, standardizing carriage tracks."
"Before the Qin Dynasty unified the land, each state had its carriages and roads, each with different sizes and specifications."
"When Qin's carriages enter Zhao's territory, they do not fit the roads, making transportation difficult."
"When Zhao's carriages enter Chu's territory, they face the same problem."
"Therefore, for commerce and transportation to function smoothly across the empire, carriage sizes, and road standards must be unified."
"Second, unifying the written language."
"Since the days of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, the script has never been unified. Every state and ethnic group has developed its character. Though they originated from a common source, they have become too fragmented."
"Now, after centuries of division, the Seven Warring States each have their script. If Qin is to truly unify the realm, its language must also be unified. Only then can decrees be effectively enforced, and only then can the Qin Dynasty endure for all eternity."
"Third, establishing a common system of customs and rituals."
"Within the various states of our land, the Hua-Xia people are divided into many smaller ethnic groups. Though they bear different names, they share the same ancestry."
"However, after years of separation, their customs, traditions, and even daily habits have diverged. They even worship different totems."
"Our Qin Dynasty reveres the Black Bird as our sacred symbol, while other states worship bears and other creatures."
"If we want true unity, we must enforce a shared system of customs and rituals across the empire. Only by solidifying cultural unity can we ensure that the Qin Dynasty never fractures again."
"Fourth, standardizing weights and measures."
"In this vast land, grain is measured by the 'shi' (stone), but in each state, the weight of a single 'shi' varies. Length measurements differ, as do measurements of volume and area."
"These inconsistencies must be eliminated through standardization."
"Only by implementing all four of these policies can Qin endure for eternity and fully unify the Hua-Xia people."
Zhao Feng spoke in a firm, resounding voice.
Of course, these changes were inevitable in history Zhao Feng was merely proposing them in this era.
As his words echoed through the grand hall,
The court fell completely silent.
All the ministers were stunned, utterly shocked by this nation-altering proposal.
A long moment passed before
"Excellent!"
"The Crown Prince's policies are truly wise governance. Once these four policies are enacted, Qin will achieve true and lasting unity. No longer will our rule depend solely on military might Qin will truly control the empire." Han Fei said with great excitement.
"Indeed!"
"Standardizing carriages, unifying the script, establishing shared customs, and standardizing measurements!"
"Such profound policies are true statecraft at its finest!"
"I am willing to oversee the implementation of one of these reforms, for the glory of the Qin Dynasty and the prosperity of our people!" Li Si stepped forward, equally excited.
Upon hearing this,
Many ministers could no longer stay silent.
"I am also willing to oversee one of these reforms and serve His Majesty for the benefit of Qin!"
"I, too, am willing!"
…
Feng Quji, Feng Jie, and even the usually reserved Wei Liao all stepped forward, volunteering for the task.
Li Si reacted quickly he understood what this policy represented. Those who led these reforms would be remembered for eternity.
Who would want to miss such an opportunity?
"My son, Zhao Feng, is not only skilled in military command but also a true statesman."
"The heavens have truly blessed me by returning him to me."
Qin Shi Huang was filled with joy as he gazed at Zhao Feng.
With his foresight, he immediately grasped the immense impact these policies would have on Qin and the entire Hua-Xia civilization.
If they were successfully implemented,
Qin Shi Huang would not only be remembered as the emperor who unified China but also as a wise ruler who established a cohesive civilization.
His name would be recorded in history for all eternity.
And, of course, his son Zhao Feng would be equally immortalized.
"My elder brother is not just a brilliant military leader he even conceived these policies."
"Perhaps... this is the difference between him and me."
Fusu looked at Zhao Feng with newfound admiration.
These four policies had never even crossed his mind.
"Enough."
Qin Shi Huang spoke, his tone solemn, but he could not hide the smile on his face.
"Feng'er."
"Among the ministers present, who do you believe is most suited to lead the implementation of these reforms?"
Qin Shi Huang looked at Zhao Feng with a warm expression, entrusting him with the authority to appoint the officials in charge of these monumental changes.
"These four reforms are of great importance."
"They must be entrusted to the most capable ministers of Qin."
"For script unification, I recommend Chancellor Han Fei."
"For standardizing carriage tracks, I appoint the Minister of Justice."
"For establishing common customs, I assign the Minister of Public Works."
"For standardizing weights and measures, I entrust the Minister of Agriculture."
Zhao Feng did not hesitate and immediately selected the candidates.
Upon hearing Zhao Feng's words, four high-ranking court officials Han Fei, Li Si, Wei Liao, and Xiao He stepped forward.
Xiao He had been regarded as the fastest-rising official after Han Fei, thanks to his demonstrated abilities. His competence had already been proven in the governance of newly conquered territories.
"Let it be as Feng'er has decided," Ying Zheng declared without hesitation. "My beloved ministers, the responsibility of implementing these four national policies is now entrusted to you."
"Your Majesty, rest assured!"
"Your Highness, rest assured!"
"We shall not fail in our duty!"
The four ministers responded in unison.
"Feng'er," Ying Zheng continued, "aside from these four policies, do you have any other proposals? Speak freely today."
"Father," Zhao Feng replied, "it will take at least two years to fully implement these four policies. If I propose more at this time, our Qin Empire may be stretched too thin."
"However," he added, "for the sake of national stability, I do have one more suggestion one that will ensure the security of our empire and make it even harder for the remnants of the six defeated states to survive in hiding."
"Speak," Ying Zheng said eagerly, smiling in anticipation.
"First," Zhao Feng explained, "to implement standardized writing, we must not only create a unified script but also collect all books from across the land. Once the new script is established, books will be recompiled and distributed throughout the empire."
"Second," he continued, "to prevent future conflicts and reduce chaos, all bronze and iron weapons must be collected from the people. Civilians shall not be allowed to possess arms, armor, or forge weapons. Any violation shall be met with severe punishment."
"Excellent strategy!" Ying Zheng exclaimed.
"With this policy, any rebellious remnants of the six states will have no weapons to use, making them powerless!"
"Your Highness," Wei Liao interjected, "while the confiscation of weapons is feasible, there is one concern. The people require bronze and iron not only for weapons but also for hunting, butchering, and even farming tools such as hoes and plows. If all metal is banned, how will the common folk survive?"
"An excellent question, Minister of the Lesser Treasury," Zhao Feng replied with a smile. "I have already considered a solution."
Sweeping his gaze across the court officials, he continued,
"After the weapons are confiscated, blacksmith shops throughout the empire may register with the government. The government will allocate bronze and iron specifically for civilian needs, and monthly inspections will ensure that supplies are used appropriately. If any blacksmith shop consumes excessive amounts beyond civilian needs, the matter will be immediately investigated by the judicial authorities."
"Furthermore," he declared, "all iron and copper mines in the empire shall be placed under direct government control. These materials shall no longer circulate freely in the private market."
Hearing this, Wei Liao nodded.
"Your Highness' foresight is truly admirable. This measure will indeed cut off any chance of the six-state remnants regaining strength."
Ying Zheng burst into laughter.
"Feng'er's words resonate deeply with me!"
"Pass my decree," he commanded.
"The four national policies shall be fully implemented under the leadership of the four officials selected by the Crown Prince."
"In addition," he continued,
"Let it be proclaimed across the land: the Qin government will collect books from the six former states. Those who refuse to comply shall be punished! Those who willingly submit their books shall be rewarded!"
"Now that the land is united under Qin, our people no longer need to bear the burden of war. The armies of the six states left many weapons and armor scattered among the people. Now that peace reigns, civilians do not need arms. The mighty warriors of Qin shall be their protectors."
"Therefore," he declared,
"The Qin Empire shall confiscate all weapons and melt them down to forge new armaments for the state."
"One month from today, the government shall begin inspections. Those found hoarding weapons or armor shall face severe punishment."
"For civilian needs, the government shall distribute bronze and iron to registered blacksmiths, ensuring that the people can obtain necessary tools for daily life."
With this proclamation, the imperial edict was finalized.
"His Majesty is wise!"
The entire court echoed in unison.
"Very well," Ying Zheng said with a satisfied smile.
"Ministers, let us continue our discussions."
As the court session neared its end, Zhao Feng suddenly spoke again.
"Father, I have one more matter to present."
"Speak, Feng'er," Ying Zheng said, still smiling.
"Now that I am the Crown Prince, entrusted with military and governmental authority," Zhao Feng stated, "I believe I no longer need to hold the position of National Commander."
"Therefore, I respectfully recommend General Wang Jian to be appointed as National Commander, overseeing the four major armies of Qin."
Hearing this, the court officials were not surprised.
After all, ever since Zhao Feng became the Crown Prince, rumors had already spread that Wang Jian would be appointed as National Commander.
Since Zhao Feng no longer needed to hold this position, it was only natural for Wang Jian to take over.
Wang Jian, upon hearing the announcement, felt an overwhelming surge of excitement in his heart.
"Since the Crown Prince has recommended him,"
"And since General Wang Jian is indeed capable of fulfilling this great responsibility,"
"I approve," Ying Zheng said with a smile, waving his hand decisively.
"Your Majesty, I shall not disappoint you."
"I shall not disappoint Your Highness, the Crown Prince," Wang Jian said as he stepped forward into the grand hall, bowing deeply to both Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng.
"Now that General Wang Jian is promoted to National Commander, Feng'er, who do you think should take command of the Lantian Army?" Ying Zheng asked, once again entrusting the decision to Zhao Feng.
"General Wang Ben possesses the talent to lead troops. He is capable of assuming this great responsibility," Zhao Feng answered without hesitation.
This was a key position naturally, he wouldn't allow an outsider to take it.
Upon hearing this, many ministers in the court wanted to speak up but ultimately remained silent.
Since Zhao Feng had become the Crown Prince, he had proven himself to be far from weak. He was a prince with immense influence, both within the military and across the empire.
With Zhao Feng's presence, as long as he remained alive, the throne would undoubtedly be his in the future.
Anyone who dared to oppose him would be openly defying him and courting death!
"So be it," Ying Zheng said with a smile, nodding in approval.
From Ying Zheng's perspective, he had no concern that his son would seize too much power and attempt a rebellion. After all, the empire would one day belong to Zhao Feng. With Zhao Feng's capabilities, there was no need for such drastic actions.
Since he had entrusted his son with power, he would grant him the greatest authority possible, handing over the affairs of the state to him.
"Your Majesty is wise," Zhao Feng responded immediately.
As Wang Jian and his son received such immense imperial favor, many officials in the court looked upon them with envy.
"Sigh…"
"The Wang family is truly fortunate."
"Who would have thought that their daughter would end up marrying the Crown Prince?"
"If only we had built a good relationship with the Crown Prince back when he first entered the court, how different things might have been!"
"Now, Wang Jian is National Commander and Wang Ben is Protector-General."
"The Wang family holds immense power."
"And all of this… is because of the Crown Prince…"
Many officials deeply envied the Wang family, wishing they could turn back time and establish connections with Zhao Feng earlier. If they had, perhaps they too would have had a chance to rise.
"Feng'er,"
"Now that you are the Crown Prince of our Qin Empire, it is time for you to visit the Ancestral Temple, formally acknowledge your heritage, and be recorded in the royal genealogy," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"I shall follow Father's command," Zhao Feng replied at once.
"Good," Ying Zheng nodded. Then, turning to Li Si, he asked,
"What has been done with Ying Xi?"
"Your Majesty," Li Si answered,
"Ying Xi has confessed to all his crimes. He is merely awaiting Your Majesty's final order for execution."
"Execute him," Ying Zheng ordered without hesitation.
"I accept the decree," Li Si responded, immediately withdrawing to carry it out.
"Since we no longer have a Minister of the Imperial Clan,"
"I shall set a date,"
"Ten days from now, before all the officials, the Crown Prince, the princesses, and the Crown Prince's children shall go to the Ancestral Temple to acknowledge their heritage," Ying Zheng announced.
"His Majesty is wise!"
The court officials all shouted in unison.
"I accept the decree," Zhao Feng responded readily.
As the court session concluded, the officials dispersed, leaving only Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng in the grand hall.
"Feng'er,"
"I never expected you to have such remarkable talent in governance."
"The four policies you proposed today, as well as the two confiscation strategies,"
"Truly, you have made me see you in a new light," Ying Zheng said with a hearty laugh, clearly pleased.
"In the coming days, the remnants of the six conquered states will undoubtedly retaliate,"
"For they will realize that our Qin Empire is cutting off their last means of survival," Zhao Feng remarked with a faint smile, though a trace of coldness flickered in his eyes.
"Moreover,"
"Those within Xianyang will not sit idly by either," he added.
Ying Zheng's expression changed slightly.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Now that I have become the Crown Prince, do you think they will simply stand by and do nothing?"
"Power tempts the heart."
"They must act," Zhao Feng said with a cold smile.
"And what do you plan to do?" Ying Zheng asked.
"They want my life? Then I shall give them the chance," Zhao Feng replied with a smirk.
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