dognovel Chapter 290 Li Si proposes the system of three dukes and nine ministers.
Chapter 290 Li Si proposes the system of three dukes and nine ministers.
While Ying Wuyou was busy studying the new bureaucratic system, other officials in the court were not sitting idly by either.
Upon returning home, Li Si hurriedly locked himself in his quiet study. For a long time, he had harbored a steadfast goal—to become the Prime Minister of Qin. However, reality left him feeling rather helpless, as the current Prime Minister, Wang Wan, had not committed any obvious wrongdoing, and besides, he was of similar age to Wang Wan. If he were to wait expectantly for Wang Wan to abdicate voluntarily before he could have a chance to take his place, he didn't know how many long years he would have to endure! It was even possible that he would die without ever seeing that day.
However, Li Si knew perfectly well that as long as Wang Wan remained in power, his chances of being promoted to the position of Prime Minister were virtually nonexistent. But today, Princess Jiayang had unexpectedly proposed a bold plan to reform the bureaucratic system, which undoubtedly brought a glimmer of hope to Li Si. Since he couldn't directly remove Wang Wan from power, why not try to elevate his own rank to the same level as Wang Wan?
Thinking of this, Li Si felt a surge of excitement and fervor. He eagerly began to devise a new bureaucratic system that would be most advantageous to himself. Currently, he held the position of Minister of Justice, still quite a distance from the position of Chancellor. Furthermore, he belonged to the civil service, and the Chancellor was precisely the head of all civil officials. With two Chancellors already in power—left and right—the difficulty of gaining a foothold was self-evident. But what if the position of "Chancellor" didn't exist at all?
At this moment, Li Si's heart was burning like a raging fire, but at the same time, a flood of resentment surged into his heart. If he really lost the position of prime minister, even if he and Wang Wan could be on equal footing, he would ultimately not be able to possess the admirable power and lofty status of the prime minister.
Thinking of this, the ignited passion within him was instantly extinguished like a bucket of cold water. No, absolutely not! If the position of Prime Minister were truly abolished, even if he obtained a first-rank official position, there would be no shortage of first-rank officials in the court. Then the question arises: wouldn't the first-rank title become less rare and less valuable? The answer is clearly yes. At that point, the first-rank position would lose its original value and weight. In that case, even if he painstakingly obtained a first-rank position, what practical significance would it have?
After letting out a long sigh, Li Si slowly rose and walked out of the study. In the courtyard, the cold wind cut like a knife against his face, but he felt no pain, letting the chill wash over him, trying to calm his chaotic thoughts. He murmured to himself, "If I could build a completely new and perfect bureaucratic system, it would be a tremendous achievement for both Qin and myself." Thinking this, the gloom in his heart gradually dissipated, and his mood brightened.
Back in his study, Li Si spread out paper, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and began to sketch out his thoughts. "First of all, civil officials and military generals must each have their own clearly defined highest official positions."
He pondered, “The Prime Minister manages the government and coordinates the affairs of all parties; he is the core hub of the national administration. The Grand Commandant is in charge of the military and commands a large army to protect the territory of Qin. But these two men have too much power, and if they are not checked and balanced, they will surely pose a threat to Your Majesty’s rule.”
Thinking of this, he frowned, and after a moment, a glint of light flashed in his eyes. "Imperial Censor! Establish this position to supervise all officials. Whether it is the Prime Minister or the Grand Commandant, they will all be under his supervision. In this way, there will be a three-way balance of power in the court. Three first-rank officials, no more and no less, will be just right to check and balance each other, ensuring that power is concentrated in the hands of the King."
Having resolved the issue of high-ranking officials, Li Si turned his attention to more detailed matters. "Etiquette is the foundation of a nation and should be the responsibility of designated personnel."
As Li Si pondered, he wrote, “The position of Fengchang can be established to manage matters such as ancestral temple rituals and sacrifices, and to maintain the spiritual order of the country. Taxes are related to the national finances and are the lifeblood of supporting the army and construction. The position of Zhisu Neishi should be established to manage the national finances and ensure that the national treasury is full. Judicial fairness is what the people want. My position as Tingwei is indispensable. I am responsible for criminal trials and ensure that the law is executed fairly.”
Li Si paused briefly, took a sip of tea to moisten his dry throat, and continued to ponder: "Diplomacy is also of paramount importance. We should establish a Bureau of Guests to receive envoys from other countries, handle diplomatic affairs, and safeguard the interests of Qin. As for Your Majesty's safety, the command of the Imperial Guards is crucial. We should establish a Commandant of the Guards to command the palace guards and protect Your Majesty's safety."
As time passed, darkness fell. The night in Xianyang was as thick as ink, and a cold wind howled through the streets and alleys, sweeping past the majestic palace walls and secluded courtyards. Inside the Court of Justice, the lamplight flickered, and Li Si was engrossed in writing in his study. The candlelight before him danced, illuminating his furrowed brow and his tired yet gleaming eyes.
Li Si meticulously recorded each official position and their responsibilities on paper. He carefully considered the establishment of each position, taking into account not only the division of functions but also the checks and balances and coordination of power.
The next morning, at the crack of dawn, Li Si rose, tidied his clothes, and headed to the court with the scroll of paper that embodied his painstaking efforts. At the court assembly, the ministers stood in rows on either side as usual. The King of Qin sat regally on his throne, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials with an imposing air.
Li Si stepped forward, holding the paper in both hands, bowed respectfully, and then said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have recently given much thought to my work and have developed a new idea for the bureaucratic system of our Great Qin. I wish to present it to Your Majesty for your consideration."
Ying Zheng nodded slightly. Fu De quickly ran down, took the paper from Li Si's hand, and handed it to the King of Qin. The King of Qin did not look at it, but put it aside and looked at Li Si, saying, "Li Tingwei, please explain in detail."
Li Si took a deep breath and began to elaborate on his new bureaucratic system. From the establishment of the Three Dukes to the division of labor among the Nine Ministers, from the adjustment of local official positions to the checks and balances mechanism, he spoke clearly and earnestly. The court was silent; the ministers listened quietly, some with surprise, some deep in thought, and some with expressions of doubt.
Ying Wuyou listened intently, and gradually, she realized that this was actually the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system that the Qin Dynasty used for a long time! However, Ying Wuyou didn't know who had first proposed this system in history, but she was certain it wasn't Li Si. So why was Li Si bringing up the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system now? Was it some kind of butterfly effect at work? Ying Wuyou had no clue.
However, one thing she was very clear about was that if she hadn't transmigrated and appeared here, the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system would undoubtedly have been adopted and implemented, continuing into the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties. Even though later dynasties made some changes, its origins remained the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system. Even the Three Departments and Six Ministries system of the Sui and Tang Dynasties evolved from the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system. Therefore, it is clear that the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system was indeed an extremely excellent and powerful bureaucratic system in that era.