Chapter 121: I Intend to Win You Over (Part Two)

Mad? Of course not. Li Xian had dared to confront such a sensitive question so openly from the very beginning for a reason. When dealing with an extraordinary man, one must employ extraordinary measures. Judging from what Li Xian knew of Di Renjie, the latter was precisely such a man. Had Li Xian proceeded in the ordinary fashion, there would not have been the slightest chance of drawing him onto his own ship. The only way to move him was to catch him unprepared, then compel his submission with overwhelming ability. That was Li Xian’s calculation. It was certainly dangerous, but it was also a bold stroke that might produce unexpected results. At the very least, Li Xian had already succeeded in shaking him to the core. Whether he could truly subdue him through sheer strength would depend on how Di Renjie responded next.

“I am too dull to understand. I beg Your Highness to enlighten me.”

Di Renjie was indeed a man of extraordinary maturity. Though the successive shocks had left him deeply agitated, he had not fallen completely into confusion. Sweat still poured from his brow, yet after his expression changed several times, it gradually softened. He secretly drew a deep breath, then forced himself to remain calm as he bowed and replied.

“I know that Lord Di has already formed his own judgment. Since you are unwilling to speak, I shall assume that you merely wish to test me. Very well, then. I shall explain matters in detail, and I hope you will correct me where I am mistaken.”

Li Xian shook his head and spoke with an air of utter indifference.

“I would not dare.”

Di Renjie harbored great ambitions and naturally cared deeply about the state of the court. He had indeed formed his own assessment of the political situation and believed that the government of the Great Tang suffered from many serious defects. He was simply not as pessimistic as Li Xian. Hearing Li Xian speak so bluntly, he could neither deny nor affirm his words, and could only bow and offer a vague response.

“Let us set aside the affairs of the court for now. I shall begin with local administration.”

Li Xian raised a hand slightly to indicate that Di Renjie need not continue bowing. Then, without bothering about his reaction, he went on.

“Our Great Tang inherited from the former Sui the system of allotting land. After the turmoil at the end of the Sui, the population was small and land plentiful, so the system was beneficial for restoring the realm. Yet after three reigns, the population has increased dramatically, and the land is gradually no longer sufficient. Take the Guanzhong region as an example. There is now no land left to allot, while the growth of the population shows no sign of slowing. If this continues, surplus population among the common people will multiply, and disorder will be inevitable. The northern provinces have vast territory and sparse populations, so there is no immediate danger there. But the populations of the southern provinces have grown no less than that of Guanzhong. If they too reach the point where no land can be allotted, what then? You must understand that the southern provinces are the granary of our Great Tang. Should chaos break out there, the lessons of the former Sui would be repeated before our very eyes. Am I wrong?”

“Your Highness is most perceptive.”

Di Renjie had served in local government for many years and had long since noticed how severe the land problem was becoming. He had also hoped to accomplish something in the way of land reform, but had not yet found the opportunity. Now that Li Xian had exposed the heart of the matter with a single remark, he was secretly astonished by the prince’s political insight. Yet he had no intention of expressing his own views at such a time. He merely offered his praise, then fell silent.

“Whenever disorder has arisen in an empire since ancient times, its root has always lain in the question of land. The present system of land allotment has now reached the point where reform is imperative. In my view, we must proceed in several stages. First, abolish the poll tax and instead impose a tax based on land. Those who own more land shall pay more; those without land shall pay no land tax. Second, require officials and the gentry to pay grain taxes alike, combining the two obligations. That should greatly restrain the large-scale consolidation of land. Third, encourage commerce and replace the miscellaneous levies currently imposed by the provinces with a uniform tax of one part in eleven. Whether through the trade routes of the Western Regions or the maritime trade routes, both would be immensely profitable ventures. Such measures would not only absorb the steadily increasing surplus population and stimulate production among farmers and craftsmen, but also increase the annual revenue of the treasury. The ancient minister Guan Zhong once accomplished such things, and I would be delighted to see them achieved again. Yet the distinguished ministers at court possess no such foresight. What a pity.”

Li Xian paid no attention to Di Renjie’s praise and directly laid out his proposed solutions.

“This… might indeed be feasible.”

Di Renjie was a man of considerable intelligence. From Li Xian’s words, he immediately understood that if these three policies could be implemented decisively, they would not only benefit the people but greatly strengthen the state. The difficulty lay in carrying them out, for the true obstacle was the multitude of powerful clans and great families. Thus, Di Renjie did not dare to say with certainty that the three measures could succeed.

“Feasible, but exceedingly difficult. The great clans and noble houses are everywhere; without overwhelming authority, such measures cannot be carried through. I do not expect them to be implemented at once. They may wait for the future.”

Li Xian naturally understood the implication behind Di Renjie’s words. Without the slightest concealment, he revealed the grand ambitions in his heart. Di Renjie could not help but tremble, the corners of his mouth twitching several times. In the end, however, he forced himself to remain silent.

“Land reform may be difficult, but in my eyes it is still an easy matter compared with reforming the military system.”

Li Xian cast Di Renjie a meaningful glance before continuing.

“Our military system was also inherited from the former Sui. The garrison militia system keeps soldiers among the common people, sparing the court the burden of maintaining a standing army, while allowing men to be called up when needed. At first glance, it seems ideal. In truth, it is profoundly mistaken. It was merely an expedient suited to times of war and disorder, not a sound policy for an age of peace. Have you not seen how, as the land-allotment system approaches collapse, the garrison militia has already become rootless? Within ten years, desertions will be widespread. Once the system exists in name only, what army will the court have at its disposal? And when rebellion comes, how will the court suppress it? At that point, a system of recruited soldiers will inevitably be adopted. Without careful planning, each province will act according to its own designs, and the armies of the state will become private armies. When the sword of authority is held by another hand, how can the court remain secure? With warfare breaking out again and again, the people will be left unable to live. Does Lord Di have any advice for me?”

Li Xian spoke at length, analyzing one by one the defects of the garrison militia system and the consequences of its inevitable collapse. Di Renjie listened with his heart pounding in alarm.

“If Your Highness believes that the military system must be reformed, why not submit a memorial…”

Di Renjie could tell that Li Xian’s words were no empty speculation. In his agitation, the question escaped him, but he stopped halfway through. He had already realized why Li Xian could not openly submit such a memorial. The military system was an imperial taboo, not a matter on which a subject might speak recklessly. Even though Li Xian was a prince of the blood, submitting a memorial of this sort without sufficient power would be nothing short of courting death.

“Do you think I do not wish to submit a memorial and sound the alarm? Unfortunately, a man of little influence carries little weight. It is not that I am unwilling; I truly cannot.”

Li Xian gave a wry smile and offered the explanation casually. Then he continued.

“Reforming the military system will be difficult, but there is still time to prepare for it. I am confident that I can resolve the matter within my lifetime, so we may set it aside for now. Besides, our system of official administration has countless defects and is in even more urgent need of change. Consider this: the court has only six ministries, while the realm contains more than four hundred prefectures. Though the prefectures are classified as upper, middle, and lower, they are not subordinate to one another. In name, there are circuits intended to restrain them, but in practice the circuits are little more than empty structures. The court’s control over the prefectures is exceedingly weak. Since the founding of the dynasty, rebellions by prefectures and counties have never ceased. Why? Because the prefectures possess too much independent authority, and the court’s decrees have difficulty reaching the localities. If this is not changed, then sooner or later a great upheaval is inevitable.”

“That is indeed true. How does Your Highness believe the system should be changed?”

Di Renjie understood local administration as thoroughly as anyone. He was well aware of the excessive power held by the prefects and knew that the court’s six ministries alone could hardly manage the prefectures effectively. This was one of the matters on which he had hoped to make his mark. Yet first, he had not found a satisfactory solution; second, he lacked the power to change the existing situation. Though he had given the matter some thought, he had never examined it in depth. Now, seeing Li Xian’s confident expression, his curiosity immediately surged, and he hurriedly pressed the question.

“This is not difficult in principle. We need only divide a dozen or more prefectures into a single province, and assign three offices to govern each province. The provincial governor would oversee its military and civil affairs; the provincial treasurer would manage its finances; and the provincial judicial commissioner would administer law and criminal matters. We would also establish a provincial inspectorate to supervise the officials, while stationing troops to assist with public order. With that, most of the problem would be settled. Yet this, too, is a matter easier to understand than to accomplish. I may have the will, but not yet the power. It must wait for the future. Lord Di, would you be willing to lend me your strength?”

At last, Li Xian had reached the true purpose of their meeting.

“If it concerns public affairs, then I shall naturally do everything in my power.”

How could Di Renjie fail to hear the unmistakable attempt to recruit him in Li Xian’s words? Though he was deeply impressed by the prince’s political ability, he did not wish to enter Li Xian’s service so quickly. Thus, he offered a deftly worded reply.

So you still refuse to take the bait? Very well, then. I shall use stronger medicine.

Li Xian was far too shrewd not to understand what Di Renjie meant. Yet he did not grow angry. He merely laughed and said, “To receive Lord Di’s promise is my good fortune, and the good fortune of the state. As for these political matters, though difficult, I do not fear them. Success is merely a question of time, and hardly worth mentioning. There is, however, one matter in which I am truly powerless. None but a great and virtuous man such as Lord Di can assist me.”

“Your Highness, I am no more than a withered willow. I dare not accept the title of a great and virtuous man. Though I am honored by Your Highness’s favor, I fear I may only hinder your greater affairs. I am deeply ashamed, deeply ashamed.”

Li Xian had not yet said what the difficult matter was, but Di Renjie had already guessed its essence. His face went white in an instant, and he hurriedly offered these modest words of refusal.

What a shrewd man Lord Di is. They say that great reputations are never undeserved, and it seems he has already guessed what I intend to say. Impressive indeed. But by now, old friend, you are already aboard my ship. Want to leave? Not a chance.

From Di Renjie’s expression alone, Li Xian knew exactly what he feared. He marveled inwardly at the man’s keen mind, but had no intention of letting him escape. His expression suddenly turned solemn.

“You should know what the court is like today, Lord Di, so I shall say no more on that subject. At present, I am merely struggling to hold things together, yet I cannot prevent another man’s vaulting ambition. Should he succeed, the foundations of our Great Tang will surely collapse, and the people of the realm will face an immense catastrophe. My own death would be of no consequence, but I cannot stand by and abandon the people of the world. Lord Di, are you truly unwilling to help me preserve the state?”

“Your Highness is overstating the matter. I… I…”

With those words, Li Xian had forced Di Renjie into a corner. An agonizing struggle raged within him, and for a time he simply did not know how he ought to answer.