There was no need to explain the positions of Lizheng and Tingzhang.
They were roughly equivalent to village heads and local squad leaders.
Youzhi and Sefu held the same rank and duties, comparable to county magistrates and county chiefs.
They belonged to the township-administrator level.
In a large township, the chief official was called a Youzhi; in a smaller township, the position was known as Sefu.
A Youjiao was responsible for apprehending criminals.
They were essentially constables under the authority of the county commandant.
They typically patrolled the various townships and villages.
Their office was not located within the county government itself but was attached to the residence of the Youzhi official.
As for the Three Elders (Sanlao), the title did not refer to three people.
It referred to a single individual.
The Sanlao held no formal government office, but their status was highly unusual.
They were generally respected elderly figures of great virtue within the local community, responsible for moral instruction and social guidance rather than exercising administrative power.
What made them special was that they could communicate directly with the Emperor.
Even the Emperor would take their opinions seriously, and during important festivals they would sometimes receive rewards bestowed by the throne.
However, Zhang Jing’s version of the Sanlao was different from that of the Qin and Han dynasties.
He genuinely intended for them to educate both the common people and the children.
He had even chosen a new title for the role.
Principal.
The term Fulao here also did not mean “elders and fellow villagers.”
Rather, it referred to mature adult men and was a position with a fixed quota.
During the Han dynasty, a village typically consisted of around one hundred households.
Every five households had a leader known as a Wuzhang.
Every ten households also had a leader.
This leader was not called a Shizhang but rather a Fulao.
Zhang Jing’s intentions were obvious.
The veterans who were retired from military service would be assigned to these local positions.
Those who had earned military merit but were now too old or physically weak for active duty could continue contributing at the local level.
Literate veterans and elderly men would naturally have even more options available to them, such as serving as Lizheng, Tingzhang, and other local officials.
The establishment of Youth Homes was equally indispensable.
Whether the children were orphans of fallen soldiers or orphaned commoners, they all needed proper care and placement.
“My lord is benevolent indeed.”
Stroking his beard, Cheng Yu remarked:
“However, wouldn’t constructing an academy in every village be excessive?”
“Not at all.”
After some thought, Zhang Jing replied:
“We are currently resettling the population within the four commanderies of Yan Province. The population exceeds three million. Once things stabilize, the settlements will inevitably become densely populated.”
“Moreover, the Youth Homes are not merely for raising orphans.”
“They are also intended to provide basic education for the children of every village.”
“In a village of one hundred households, if the realm is at peace, there will easily be more than a hundred youths and children. What do you think, Zhongde?”
“My lord is truly wise.”
Hearing this, Cheng Yu’s doubts vanished entirely.
“Wise? Perhaps.”
Zhang Jing gently shook his head.
“I have simply endured enough hardship and seen enough of the world to gain some understanding.”
“In today’s world, every great clan and noble family hoards its knowledge as a treasured possession.”
“And every ruling authority governs through keeping the people ignorant.”
“But I, Zhang Jing, intend to do the opposite.”
“I wish to awaken the wisdom of the common people.”
“Though difficult, it is not impossible.”
“And the most crucial part of that effort lies with the younger generation.”
“If the youth are enlightened, they will gradually influence their parents and elders, thereby transforming an entire region.”
“When those youths grow up, they will become towering trees and pillars of the nation.”
“They will hold up the sky for the common people, influence a generation, and perhaps even shape the lands of Huaxia for thousands upon thousands of years to come.”
“My lord’s foresight is truly extraordinary. I am deeply impressed.”
After hearing this explanation, Cheng Yu’s expression became solemn.
Only now did he fully understand how important the Youth Homes truly were.
“Old Dian is impressed too!”
Dian Wei nodded vigorously in apparent agreement.
Though he did not fully understand what his lord meant, it sounded incredibly impressive to him.
“Zhongde,” Zhang Jing said calmly, “In truth, I do not hate the imperial court for keeping the people ignorant, nor do I resent the great clans for guarding their knowledge jealously.”
“After all, these are inheritances passed down by their ancestors. One cannot simply demand that others share them freely with the common folk.”
“Even the sages once said: ‘The people may be made to follow a path, but they cannot be made to understand it.’”
“And the belief that an ignorant populace is easier to govern is not entirely false.”
“Those who seek change are often the clever ones.”
“But I, Zhang Jing, believe that with proper guidance, these problems can be avoided.”
“My lord, please enlighten me.”
At this point, Cheng Yu finally understood the issue.
Too many intelligent people could indeed be difficult to control.
No one understood the principle that ‘an ignorant populace is easier to govern’ better than he did.
“Those matters cannot really be explained clearly in a short time.”
Zhang Jing waved his hand and said:
“However, I can give you a hint or two, Zhongde. Think about the relationship between government, the people, and the land.”
“As long as the proper balance can be found, then no matter how many clever people emerge in the future, they will all be put to use for my cause, and the common people will enjoy ever greater peace and prosperity.”
Hearing this, Cheng Yu fell into deep thought.
A flash of inspiration seemed to surface in his mind, yet he could never quite grasp it.
“Oh, right—except for Xun Yu. No, actually, Xun Yu doesn’t even count as clever.”
“He’s merely a Confucian scholar who has been thoroughly corrupted by Confucian teachings.”
Just as Cheng Yu was lost in thought, Zhang Jing’s voice drifted from ahead.
Cheng Yu shook his head and stopped dwelling on it.
Those matters were still far beyond their immediate circumstances.
“My lord,” Cheng Yu spoke up.
“Xun Yu is currently imprisoned within the city. His resolve is firm, and he has shown no intention of surrendering. What are your thoughts on the matter?”
“Oh?” Zhang Jing looked surprised.
“He’s still alive?”
Zhang Jing genuinely admired Xun Yu.
However, if they stood on opposing sides, he would not hesitate to act.
Yet personally executing him was something he found difficult to do.
Even Zhang Jing himself could not quite understand this feeling.
“Indeed, he is.”
Cheng Yu was momentarily taken aback before replying:
“Earlier, I brought him to Wuyan. Seeing that he had no intention of defecting, I took it upon myself to feed him the surrendered Cao army general Han Hao.”
“He’s still alive and well.”
“…”
Zhang Jing fell silent for a moment.
Frowning, he said:
“Zhongde… perhaps we should just kill Xun Yu?”
He had never imagined that Cheng Yu would evolve so quickly into a true gourmet.
“My lord,” Cheng Yu lowered his voice.
“In my opinion, Xun Yu is more useful alive than dead.”
“Leaving aside his status, the heads of Cao Cao’s five generals are currently in Xun Yu’s possession.”
“Since Cao Cao is still alive, if we release the news, he will certainly be willing to pay a price to recover Xun Yu and the heads of his officers.”
“And if he refuses, we can use the matter to damage Cao Cao’s reputation.”
“I have also heard that Xun Yu’s elder brother holds an important position in Ji Province.”
“Keeping Xun Yu alive is hardly a loss for us.”
“…”
Zhang Jing blinked and stared at Cheng Yu.
“Five heads? I thought there were only two.”
“My lord,” Cheng Yu explained, “There are also the heads of Chen Gong, Yue Jin, and Han Hao.”
“Han Hao was captured after exhausting himself in battle. He refused to surrender, so I executed him.”
“As for another young officer, Yu Jin, he has already surrendered to our army.”
“Zhongde, you’ve truly given me a surprise.”
At that moment, Zhang Jing’s emotions were indescribably complicated.
He could neither laugh nor cry.
What exactly had Cheng Yu turned Xun Yu into?
A collector of severed heads from the late Han era?
“My lord flatters me.”
Cheng Yu respectfully replied:
“I personally tested Yu Jin’s abilities. He comes from a humble background, has considerable knowledge of military strategy, and possesses skill in training and organizing troops.”
“I believe he is worth employing.”
“Then we’ll put him to use.”
Zhang Jing had no objections.
“As for Xun Yu, Zhongde, handle the matter as you see fit.”
“I shall refrain from interfering.”
— The end of the Chapter–
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