dmims Chapter 936: Begin rewarding according to merit!
Chapter 936: Begin rewarding according to merit!
On days when the court was not in session, each government office and official could handle affairs independently according to established laws, policies, and their own authority. This not only improved efficiency but also respected the division of labor, and was the prototype of the modern bureaucracy.
Second, it was to show consideration for officials, ensuring they had time to rest and attend to personal matters. The continuous daily court sessions, especially the need to rise in the wee hours to prepare, were extremely draining on officials' physical and mental health. Gaoyao's rule of holding court once every five days effectively provided officials with institutionalized "rest time."
This allowed officials to temporarily withdraw from the heavy workload of state affairs, take care of family matters, recuperate, read and think, and thus devote themselves to work with a fuller mental state. An energetic and stable bureaucracy will naturally have higher administrative efficiency and loyalty.
Third, supporting measures were implemented to "open up channels for expression." Gao Yao encouraged his officials to voice their opinions at any time, and these were not empty words. By reducing the pressure of scheduled court meetings, officials had more time to research, reflect, and refine their memorials. On days other than court meetings, they could express their views calmly through standardized memorial channels or by requesting a private audience. This environment was more conducive to generating insightful ideas than the hasty speeches in the tense atmosphere of daily court meetings.
While officials were still seated, taking notes and digesting Gao Yao's proposals for a new system for the cabinet, the six ministries, and the three departments, Gao Yao had already entered the core phase of the court meeting: the announcement of the cabinet members. While there had been sporadic enthronements before, these were primarily stopgap measures and transitional arrangements during the capital's relocation. This moment was the historic moment that truly established the power structure of the new dynasty.
"Okay, now that everyone is clear about the positions of the cabinet, the next thing to be announced is the candidates to enter the cabinet." Gao Yao's voice was calm and powerful, instantly bringing everyone's thoughts back. The entire hall was silent, and the air was filled with tension and anticipation.
"Xiao He, for assisting me in establishing my foundation, has rendered great service. Therefore, I appoint him Chief Minister, Grand Secretary, and First-Rank Duke of the State. Furthermore, I grant him a residence in Xianyang, three hundred servants, and thirty thousand gold!"
This decree was expected by everyone. As a founding father of the government, Xiao He's exceptional administrative skills, stable logistical support, and command of the overall situation had long been an indispensable cornerstone of the government's operation. The position of Chief Minister was unquestionable. The ministers had no objection, merely awaiting the formalities of thanks.
However, the title of "First-Rank Protector of the State" was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring ripples within Xiao He and his fellow ministers. Xiao He immediately stepped out of line and knelt in gratitude, but countless thoughts raced through his mind: "Your Majesty has always opposed hereditary titles, believing them to be the root of the ills of the previous dynasty. Why is he suddenly breaking with that rule today? What is his purpose in doing so?"
Gao Yao seemed to have anticipated the crowd's confusion. Without waiting for the whispers to rise, he clearly explained the nature of the "Protector of the Nation" title: "A First-Rank Protector of the Nation is an honorary position, possessing no rights of its own. However, one enjoys the special privileges of a First-Rank Protector of the Nation. Upon death, one can be buried near the Emperor's mausoleum, receive a special annual stipend, and have direct access to the imperial court."
Even if the Protector of the Country dies, his descendants will continue to enjoy the same treatment for a hundred years. He further emphasized, "This title can only be obtained by those who have made great contributions to the court. It is not an independent hereditary title, but only a title that can be rewarded."
This explanation made everyone present, especially Xiao He, suddenly understand and admire. Gao Yao's move was a three-pronged approach:
Honor Incentives, Beyond Material Goods: Gao Yao keenly grasped the supreme life pursuit of the ancient scholar-officials: "Leaving a name in history." Being buried near the monarch's mausoleum was the highest honor, shared in the ancestral temple and sacrifices. It symbolized the highest recognition of one's achievements and loyalty, bringing glory to the family and immortalizing their reputation. This kind of spiritual incentive was far more effective than simple rewards of land and gold and silver.
Resolving Conflicts and Adhering to Principles: By clarifying that "honorary positions carry no real power," Gao Yao skillfully appeased officials who opposed the restoration of the nobility system. He did not overturn his core policy of abolishing hereditary nobility, but instead created a new, superior honor system. This rewarded distinguished veterans without reversing history, preventing the formation of a new privileged class and preserving the purity of political reform.
Consolidating the core and enticing the emperor to win over the throne: Granting Xiao He such a special honor and symbolically tying his family to the royal family greatly solidified Xiao He and his faction's loyalty to Gao Yao. This effectively declared to the world that Xiao He was Gao Yao's most trusted and dependable right-hand man, and any challenge to his position could be seen as disrespectful to the royal power itself.
Gao Yao then made a second, more controversial appointment: "Zhang Liang, for your great contributions, shall be promoted to the rank of Deputy Minister of the Cabinet, Grand Secretary, and Second Rank Duke of the State. He shall also be granted a residence in Xianyang, 300 servants, and 20,000 gold. He shall also serve as Chief of Staff of the Grand Council!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense. Countless glances, some filled with surprise, some with confusion, and some with envy, were cast towards Zhang Liang, who had stepped out to express his gratitude. According to the traditional order of rewarding according to merit, following Xiao He should have been Cao Shen, known for his brilliant military exploits, or Han Xin, known for his strategic planning and decisive victories from afar. While Zhang Liang possessed numerous brilliant strategies, his contributions were primarily strategic, and his seniority and foundation in the government did not appear to be as deep as those of the previous two.
Zhang Liang himself felt the pressure, like a thorn in his side. He respectfully accepted the order, but his mind was rapidly pondering Gao Yao's deeper meaning: "Your Majesty, this move is putting me in the spotlight. Is it a true reliance on me, or is it a warning to balance the forces?"
Gao Yao's appointment was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but was based on a long-term plan for the future. Of course, Cao Shen would also be the second assistant, but it would be announced later.
Gao Yao's purpose was to be able to check and balance the court and introduce fresh blood: prioritizing Cao Shen or Han Xin as the second assistant would easily form a cabinet dominated by the military merit group, which might lead to an imbalance between civil and military affairs.
Promoting Zhang Liang, an outsider who served more as a counselor and had fewer ties to various factions, could effectively check Xiao He's potentially overbearing executive power and prevent the cabinet from becoming monolithic. Zhang Liang's superior position and wisdom enabled him to serve as a coordinator of the interests of all parties.
Leveraging strengths and building a think tank: Appointing Zhang Liang to concurrently serve as Chief of Staff of the newly established Grand Council was a true testament to knowing the right person for the right position. Gao Yao announced the establishment of the Grand Council with the intention of professionalizing and institutionalizing military decision-making. He explicitly stated his intention to "completely abandon involvement," signaling a shift in his ruling style from "personally involved" to "overseeing the overall plan."