activa-t Chapter 26 The Way of the Divided and Strategized
Chapter 26 The Way of the Divided and Strategized
Twelve days after Zhang Quzhuo's burial, the Liang Palace held a grand ceremony for the new emperor's accession to the throne.
Zhang Yu, dressed in black court robes and wearing a crown, paid homage to the past emperors in the ancestral temple.
When he received the jade tablet, symbolizing the monarch's power, from the Grand Master of Ceremonies, his gaze swept over his father's memorial tablet, pausing slightly.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"
The sounds of officials kneeling and bowing echoed through the temple.
Zhang Yu turned around and looked down at the assembled officials below. At this moment, he was no longer the son who had wept at his father's sickbed, but the new monarch of Liang.
"All of you, rise."
His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
The first edict issued after his ascension to the throne concerned the placement of Lady Si.
Zhang Yu ordered that a hundred acres of fertile land be allocated south of Liangyi City and granted to the Si clan's children to cultivate. He also bestowed the title of "Lord of the State" upon the head of the Si clan and selected eligible children from the Si clan to study at the Hanzhong Academy. The rewards were just right, neither too generous to cause controversy nor too stingy to lose face.
The second imperial edict summoned Zhao Han to court. However, he was not immediately appointed as one of the Six Ministers, but was first granted the position of "Junior Tutor".
These measures all strictly follow Zhang Quzhuo's last instructions.
Inside the ancestral temple, information about Zhang Yu also appeared before Zhang Zhao's eyes.
Name: Zhang Yu
Position: Sergeant
School of thought: Former King
Intelligence: 90
Policies: Water is channeled to form canals; grass is stored for preservation; sacrifices are offered in recognition of merit.
Abilities: Alchemy, Wealth, Five Virtues
Events: City Defense, Benevolence
六维：权谋89、策略88、政治90、军事88、魅力81、统帅71、总计：499（s-）】
Undoubtedly, Zhang Yu is an enhanced version of King Zhuang of Chu. As a ruler who maintains the status quo, he is not up to the task of expanding territory and stabilizing the country like Zhang Quzhuo.
Of course, considering Zhang Yu's status as a ruler of a vassal state, the current situation of the Liang state, and the general trend of the world, his abilities were already sufficient.
However, whether he, as the successor of a hegemon, can maintain Liang's status as the hegemon of the Western Regions remains to be seen.
Zhang Zhao didn't have many demands on Zhang Yu, nor were they high. He even only required the previous heads of the Zhang family to preserve the family.
Unexpectedly, the family lineage—the legacy of a prominent family—was so powerful, first producing two consecutive wise rulers of the Liang Kingdom—Zhang Chengsi and Zhang Buyi.
Their successors were decent, neither too brilliant nor too foolish, and then came Zhang Shen.
Damn it! That damned Ji Xia, look what you've done!!!
Give me back Shen'er! Give me back Shen'er!!
Whenever Zhang Zhao thought of Zhang Shen dying on the banks of the Han River alongside King Zhao, he felt a pang of heartache, and even wanted to crawl out of his coffin and give Ji Xia a good scolding.
Zhang Shen's stats are too strong, how could Zhang Zhao be willing to accept that?
Zhang Shen's six-dimensional comprehensive score was 50 points higher than Zhang Quzhuo's, making him essentially an enhanced version of Li Shimin, which is a pity.
Zhang Zhao sat in the void, recalling the lives of the Zhang family patriarchs of past generations.
After an unknown amount of time, the update of the official gazette brought him back to his senses. He clicked on it and discovered that a major event had occurred in the Liang Kingdom.
It turned out that there was a great intellectual explosion in the Liang Kingdom, and after Zhang Jing, the Zhang family had produced another sage. Zhang Zhao clicked to check the official gazette for details.
"In today's chaotic world, various countries stand side by side, with varying strengths and weaknesses, and the situation changes rapidly. The key to governing a country lies in skillfully employing both vertical and horizontal strategies. Vertical strategy involves uniting the weak to attack the strong, thus resisting the oppression of powerful nations and protecting the people's borders. Horizontal strategy involves serving one strong nation to attack the weak, choosing a powerful nation to ally with, and leveraging its influence to open up a path for advancement."
"This is the principle of diplomacy and strategic maneuvering. If Your Majesty adopts this strategy, you can achieve hegemony through skillful maneuvering!"
The speaker was Zhang Zhen, a descendant of Zhang Ke and the current clan head of the Zhang family. Sitting in the main seat was Zhang Du, the son of Zhang Yu.
Since ascending the throne, Zhang Yu appointed Zhao Han as prime minister, who personally handled all matters. Although he did not expand the territory of Liang, he preserved the foundation left by Zhang Quzhuo.
Since the deaths of Zhao Han and Zhang Jing, Zhang Yu has shown signs of becoming increasingly senile.
Not only did they engage in large-scale construction projects, but in order to satisfy their luxurious lifestyle, they also implemented a grain tax policy of "two out of five taxes" and "renewal of soldiers."
As public discontent grew and riots were about to break out in the four counties, Zhang Yu passed away.
After the new ruler Zhang Du ascended the throne, he reverted to the policies of his grandfather Zhang Quzhuo to appease the people, which finally brought stability to the Liang Kingdom.
In the empty space of the ancestral temple, Zhang Zhao looked away from the official gazette, lost in thought.
"The art of diplomacy... Could Zhang Zhen, under the influence of Confucian architecture and doctrines, have actually grasped the principles of diplomacy?" He muttered to himself, his gaze falling on Zhang Du. "I wonder what you will do then?"
The newly appointed Liang Bo is at a critical juncture. There is the strong foundation left by his grandfather Zhang Quzhuo, the internal strife caused by his father Zhang Yu's senility in his later years, the undercurrent of public resentment in the four prefectures, and the growing covetousness of the western lords for the position of the Western Marquis.
"Strategic maneuvering..." Zhang Zhao repeated the phrase, perhaps the art of strategic maneuvering was very suitable for the current Liang Kingdom.
Since the decline of the Zhou dynasty, feudal lords have risen up one after another, and the strongest have become the dominant power.
From the time of Zhang Chengsi, the Liang Kingdom had been developed by successive generations, and by the time of Zhang Quzhuo, it had become the hegemon of the west.
However, the general trend of the world is that after a long period of division, there will be unity, and after a long period of unity, there will be division. Now, Qi, Chu, Jin, and Qin are all eyeing us covetously. Although Liang is strong, it is difficult to resist enemies on all sides.
Although Qin reconciled with Liang, it harbored a wolfish heart. In particular, the current ruler of Qin was Duke Wu of Qin, Ying Shuo. Historical records show that during his reign, he successively eliminated powerful ministers, expanded the territory, and conquered and annexed the Rong tribes such as Mianzhu, Beirong, Jirong, Yiqurong, Di, and Mo.
Today, not only has the prefecture-county system been implemented within the Qin state, but corrupt practices have also been greatly reformed. Although he is not as capable as his nephew, Duke Mu of Qin, he has laid the foundation for Qin's later eastward expansion, annihilation of the six states, and unification of the world.
"The strategy of 'vertical alliance' is to unite the weak to attack the strong..."
"The 'horizontal' approach involves serving one strong force to attack the many weaker ones..." He then looked towards the Qin state, "The people of Qin are known for their fierce and valiant nature, and the Guanzhong Plain is fertile; they are not to be underestimated."
Just as I was pondering this, the official gazette updated with another message:
Liang Bo Zhang Du issued an edict to move the capital and opened the Mingfa Hall in Hanzhong, allowing scholars of all schools of thought to debate the way of governing the country. The best scholars were selected to be doctors and consulted by the emperor.
“Mingfa Hall…” Zhang Zhao’s eyes flashed with admiration. “This kid knows how to be inclusive.”
He remembered that Zhang Du was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, had studied governance under Zhao Han, and often consulted Zhang Jing on military strategy.
When Zhang Quzhuo was alive, he was particularly fond of this grandson and often said, "This child is just like me."
In retrospect, Zhang Du not only inherited his grandfather's keen judgment, but also had his own unique qualities. He did not adhere to one school of thought, but was willing to open up to all schools of thought.
He recalled a line from the Zhang family precepts he left behind: "Govern a country with sincerity and govern the people with trust; though things may change, this principle remains unchanged."
The light and shadows shifted in the void. The territory of Liang Kingdom was no different from that of Zhang Quzhuo's time. However, the current Liang Kingdom, with 100,000 armored soldiers, was indeed the strongest country in the west.
"But water overflows when it's full, and the moon wanes when it's full..." Zhang Zhao sighed.
He thought of Zhang Shen, the heir who could have led the Liang Kingdom to its peak, but died young on the banks of the Han River.
If Zhang Shen were still alive, the Zhang family's Liang state today would probably have already challenged the emperor's authority!
"Ji Xia has ruined the Zhang family!" Zhang Zhao couldn't help but curse again. Although Ji Xia had been dead for a hundred years, he still couldn't get rid of this resentment.
Just as I was feeling sentimental, another message came in: Si Wenming, the head of the Si clan, wrote a letter expressing his willingness to lead three hundred of his sons and brothers to Wudu to guard the border in order to repay the emperor's kindness.
"Si Wenming..." Zhang Zhao remembered this person. He was the most outstanding member of the Si clan in this generation. He had studied at the Hanzhong Academy and was knowledgeable in agriculture and military strategy.
Zhang Yu's decision to settle the Si clan was both a gesture of appeasement and a means of maintaining balance.
Now, the Si clan has taken the initiative to request to be stationed in the west, which is both a sign of loyalty and an opportunity to make a name for themselves.
"How will Zhang Du respond?" Zhang Zhao asked curiously, waiting for what would happen next.
Not long after, Zhang Du issued a new imperial edict: granting Si Wenming's request, he was granted the title of Lord of Wudu, and was allowed to establish his own government and office. If he could expand the territory by 100 li within three years, he would be promoted to general. All members of the Si family could be granted titles according to their merits.
"Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!" Zhang Zhao couldn't help but exclaim.
This move not only appeased the Si clan and expanded Liang's western borders, but more importantly, it also transformed the resettled clans left behind by Zhang Yu into a force for expansion, turning a passive situation into an active one.
"This boy's abilities may not be inferior to his grandfather's." Zhang Zhao reassessed Zhang Du's potential.
The changing light and shadow in the void revealed the scene of Liang Palace.
The young Liang Bo Zhang Du sat upright in the Mingtang Hall, with civil and military officials below him. On the left was Zhang Zhen, who advocated the "strategy of diplomacy"; on the right was Shusun Yan, a disciple of Zhang Jing, who insisted on "benevolent governance and the way of the king"; in the middle were ministers with various viewpoints, arguing endlessly.
Zhang Du listened quietly, occasionally asking questions but never drawing conclusions.
After the debate subsided, he slowly spoke: "What you all say makes sense. However, governing a country is like cooking a small fish; timing and heat are of utmost importance. The art of diplomacy can be used, but it should not be the guiding principle; benevolent governance should be implemented, but it must be done within our capabilities. The priority now is to secure the hearts of the people domestically and to act wisely and opportunely abroad."
He paused, then continued, "From this day forward, the Mingfa Hall will be permanently established, where all schools of thought may submit their opinions. Every ten days, I will personally attend the debates. Those who are most outstanding will not only be granted official positions, but their words will also be included in the national policy."
"Furthermore, the 'Four Directions Halls' will be set up at the four gates. Regardless of whether one is a scholar, farmer, artisan, or merchant, anyone with a plan for governing the country and ensuring the people's well-being can enter the hall to present their proposal, which will be recorded and reported by the hall's officials."
These words shocked the entire court.
Since the Zhou dynasty, although there has been the saying "inquire of the common people," there has never been a time when ordinary people were truly allowed to speak frankly about national affairs.
Shusun Yan couldn't help but step forward: "Your Majesty, etiquette does not extend to commoners; this system may disrupt the hierarchy..."
Zhang Du waved his hand and said, "In the past, King Wen visited Taigong at the Wei River, and King Wu obtained Zhaogong at Mengjin. How can talent be judged based on birth? Now, if the Liang Kingdom wants to prosper, it should open its doors to all directions and welcome talents from all over the world."
He swept his gaze across the assembled officials: "Moreover, if the people's sentiments are not understood, then government decrees will be difficult to implement. I must not only listen to the opinions of scholars, but also understand the suffering of the common people."
A strange light flashed in Zhang Zhen's eyes as he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty is wise. However, with so many conflicting strategies from all sides, how can we discern their merits?"
Zhang Du smiled and said, "Therefore, the Hall of Bright Law has been established. The scholars debate, and the truth becomes clearer through debate. Any suggestions should first be debated in the Hall of Bright Law, then discussed by the six ministers, and finally decided by me. In this way, we can avoid being misled by one-sided opinions."
After the court assembly adjourned, Zhang Du remained alone in the Mingtang Hall, gazing at the portrait of his grandfather, Zhang Quzhuo, and whispered, "Grandfather, may your spirit in heaven bless the Liang Kingdom and the Zhang family!"
"Father's mistake in his later years was alienating himself from the people. I, his grandson, should take this as a lesson, first strengthen our foundation, and then strive for progress."
In the void, Zhang Zhao listened to these words, a look of approval flashing in his eyes, "Zhang Du, Zhang Du, perhaps you really can forge a different path."
As light and shadow shifted, time seemed to accelerate in the void of the ancestral temple.
Zhang Zhao observed that under Zhang Du's governance:
In the Mingfa Hall, the Confucian and the School of Diplomacy debated fiercely, which eventually formed the "Ten Treatises on the New Policies of Liang State," which became the guiding principles for governing the country.
Inside the Sifang Pavilion, commoners offered their suggestions in an endless stream. An old farmer offered a "method of crop rotation," a craftsman offered a "system of waterwheels," and a merchant offered a "policy of exchange." Many of these suggestions were adopted and implemented.
During his three years in the western border region, Si Wenming not only expanded the territory by a hundred li, but also established alliances with various Western Rong tribes, opened up trade routes, and brought peace to the border.
With the people of the four counties reassured, the undercurrents of unrest gradually subsided...
Meanwhile, the situation in the Central Plains was also changing: the State of Chu was busy confronting the Yue people, the State of Jin was in frequent internal strife, and after the death of Duke Wu of Qin, his younger brother Duke De of Qin ascended the throne. He ordered the establishment of the Fu day in the Qin calendar and ordered the construction of the Fu shrine for sacrifices on the Fu day.
Unexpectedly, his decision led to the emergence of Yin-Yang philosophy in the Qin state, and soon Qin became the second state after Liang to enter the era of sages.
After looking at it for a while, Zhang Zhao's gaze fell on Zhang Du's information:
Name: Zhang Du
Positioning: Bangshi
School of thought: A blend of diverse styles (creating a unique school of thought that integrates the strengths of various schools).
Intelligence: 92
Policies: Enlightening the Law and Accepting Advice, the Four Directions System, Strengthening the Foundation and Cultivating the Source
Abilities: discernment, mediation, foresight
Events: Suppression of Rebellion, Reform, Expansion Westward
六维：权谋90、策略91、政治93、军事87、魅力92、统帅88，总计：541（ss）】
"SS..." Zhang Zhao's eyes flashed with surprise, "Another Zhang Quzhuo!"
What surprised him even more was that Zhang Du's "broad learning" school of thought was something that had never appeared among the heads of the Zhang family throughout history.
This unconventional and inclusive approach to governance may be exactly what the Liang Kingdom needs in this new era.
The light and shadow in the void continued to shift, revealing a vision of the future of the Liang Kingdom:
Under Zhang Du's rule, the Liang Kingdom's national strength steadily increased. Although it did not expand extensively, it was internally stable, the people were loyal, and its culture flourished. The Hanzhong Academy became a place that scholars from all over the world longed for.
The ideas of the era of ritual and law, along with those of Confucianism and the School of Diplomacy, collided and merged in the Liang Kingdom, forming the unique "Liang Studies" that had a profound influence.
With the opening of the western trade routes, treasures and fine horses from the Western Regions flowed in continuously, and Liang Kingdom gradually became a hub for trade between the East and the West...
"Perhaps," Zhang Zhao thought with a smile, observing all this, "Zhang Du's policy of consolidating the foundation, recruiting talented individuals, and adopting an open-minded approach is the right one!"
"Zhang Quzhuo conquered territory, Zhang Yu barely managed to maintain it, but Zhang Du... might be able to lay a different kind of foundation for the Liang Kingdom, a foundation that is more enduring than territory!"
In the void, the light and shadow froze on the scene of Zhang Du standing in front of the Mingfa Hall, discussing the Dao with the various schools of thought.
The middle-aged monarch was composed, his eyes brimming with unparalleled wisdom.
In one corner of the scene, Zhang Zhen is having a low conversation with a strategist from the State of Qi. The two occasionally glance at Zhang Du in the hall, their expressions complex.
How will the global situation evolve?
How far can Liang go on this path, different from that of its ancestors?
Zhang Zhao gently closed his eyes, awaiting the beginning of the next era.