Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 119 Establishment of 3 Prefectures

The atmosphere in Starfire Fortress's council chamber was more solemn than usual. Seated on either side of the long table were all of Chen Xing's core subordinates and generals: Chen Wei, Murong Mingyue, Zhao Tiezhu, Wu Xuejiu, Li Shu, and several newly recruited key personnel who had distinguished themselves during the takeover of the Black Mountain territory. The map hanging on the wall had been updated, outlining Starfire Fortress's now considerable sphere of influence.

The meeting had been going on for half an hour. Zhao Tiezhu and Wu Xuejiu had just given a detailed report on several thorny cases they had encountered in the new territory—land disputes involving the old powerful families hiding their land, fights between newly recruited auxiliary soldiers and natives over water sources, and a former Black Mountain chieftain who had surrendered secretly withholding relief grain... No matter how small the matter, they all concerned the foundation of their rule.

Chen Xing listened quietly, his fingers occasionally tapping lightly on the table, until the two finished speaking. A weary silence fell over the room. Dealing with these specific administrative matters seemed to be more mentally taxing than fighting a war.

"Gentlemen," Chen Xing finally spoke, his voice steady, breaking the silence, "you have all worked hard these past few days. We established our authority through force, defeated Black Mountain, expanded our territory by a hundred miles, and increased our population by tens of thousands. However, as you all just mentioned, I'm sure you share the same feeling—our original methods of governance are gradually becoming inadequate."

His gaze swept over the crowd, noticing Chen Wei's slightly furrowed brow, Zhao Tiezhu's troubled expression, Wu Xuejiu stroking his beard in contemplation, and Li Shu with his eyes lowered, seemingly lost in thought. Although Murong Mingyue had reduced her workload due to health reasons, a thoughtful look also appeared in her eyes.

"In the past, we gathered in a corner of Xinghuo Fortress, with only about ten thousand soldiers and civilians, and affairs were relatively simple. I was in charge of the overall management, Chen Wei commanded military affairs, Uncle Zhao handled civil affairs, Mr. Wu advised on documents and criminal matters, and Li Shu gathered information. Each of us performed our duties, and things were still running smoothly," Chen Xing said slowly. "However, now, the territory has expanded rapidly, the population has surged, and the complexity of affairs is a hundred times greater than before. Military and political affairs, civil affairs, finances, criminal justice, supervision, artisans, commerce, education, border affairs... there are countless things to deal with. If we continue to follow the old practices, with everything, big or small, concentrated here, not only will my energy be exhausted, but you will also be bogged down in paperwork and trivial matters, neglecting one thing for another, resulting in low efficiency and making it easier for problems to arise."

He paused, then his tone became firm: "Therefore, for the long term, to ensure the solid inheritance of this hard-won foundation, and to truly govern this land and its people well, I have made up my mind—to reform the political system, establish three governments, and implement professional management."

"The Three Prefectures?" Everyone perked up and looked up at Chen Xing.

"Not bad." Chen Xing stood up, walked to the map, and pointed to the map with his finger. "First, the Military Affairs Office. It oversees all military affairs, including troop organization, training, mobilization, deployment, arms manufacturing and storage, horse administration, military intelligence gathering, and the recording of soldiers' merits and demerits. The army is the foundation of our nation, and it must be professionally and systematically managed to ensure that it can be used effectively and maximize its combat power."

His gaze fell on Chen Wei: "Chen Wei, you have served me the longest, are well-versed in military affairs, and are calm and capable. You will be the first head of the Military Council, granted the title of 'Military Council Commander,' and will oversee all matters of the Military Council. I hope that you will, for me and for Xinghuo, forge a truly disciplined and invincible iron army!"

Chen Wei took a deep breath, rose from his seat, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice, "This humble general, Chen Wei, obeys! I will do my utmost and live up to the great trust placed in me by my lord!"

Chen Xing helped him up and continued, "Secondly, the Civil Administration Office. It oversees all civil affairs, including household registration and land management, taxes and grain, promoting agriculture and sericulture, water conservancy projects, road construction, granary storage, price stabilization, disaster relief, education and culture, medicine and health, etc. The people are the foundation of the state, and a stable foundation ensures a peaceful state. Civil affairs are complex and concern the well-being of the people, as well as the solidity of our foundation."

He looked at Zhao Tiezhu and said, "Uncle Zhao, you are mature and prudent, fair in your dealings. Since the founding of Xinghuo, you have been in charge of internal affairs and have a deep understanding of the people's conditions. You are the only one suitable to be the first head of the Minzhi Prefecture. You are hereby appointed as the 'Minzhi Magistrate'. From now on, the food, clothing, housing, transportation, birth, old age, sickness and death of these tens of thousands of people will depend on you."

Zhao Tiezhu quickly stood up, his beard trembling slightly with excitement: "My lord trusts me greatly, this old man... this old man will certainly do his utmost to live up to your expectations!"

"Thirdly," Chen Xing said in a slightly somber tone, "the Censorate."

Upon hearing this name, the atmosphere in the hall became solemn. The word "supervision" naturally carried a chilling connotation.

"The Supervisory Office is independent of both military and civil administration." Chen Xing's voice was clear and forceful. "Its main responsibilities are threefold: First, to supervise all officials and public servants, and to impeach those who are corrupt, derelict in their duties, or abuse their power; second, to audit the accounts of the Military and Civil Administration Offices regarding their finances and supplies, preventing corruption and plugging loopholes; and third, to possess independent investigative powers, allowing investigations into matters suspected of endangering the security of Xinghuo Fortress or violating serious crimes under the Xing Law. Its head is directly responsible to me, and is not subject to interference from any other institution or individual besides me."

He surveyed the crowd and said slowly, “Power without restraint will inevitably lead to corruption. We rose from humble beginnings and know the suffering of the people, as well as the importance of clean governance. The establishment of the Supervisory Office is not to harbor suspicion towards you, but to set rules and clarify laws, protect your reputations, and safeguard the hard-won clean and honest atmosphere of Xinghuo Fortress. The head of this office must be impartial, discerning, fearless of power, and incorruptible.”

The hall was silent. This position held great power and heavy responsibility; it was a risky job that could offend people.

Chen Xing paused for a moment, then said, "I have already considered the candidate for the first head of the Censorate, but I still need to deliberate. For now, I will personally act as head of the agency. When the time is right, I will make the appointment."

A slight ripple stirred in everyone's hearts as they secretly guessed who their lord favored, but no one dared to ask.

"Under the three offices, various departments and bureaus can be established. The specific division of duties will be determined by the heads of each office in conjunction with Wu Xuejiu, referring to the old system and actual needs, and a detailed plan will be drafted and submitted to me for approval." Chen Xing returned to the main seat. "The three offices each have their own responsibilities and need to cooperate closely. The Military Council needs the Civil Administration Office to guarantee food, fodder and laborers for military operations. The Civil Administration Office needs the Military Council Office to provide protection or suppression for water conservancy projects and maintaining public order. The Censorate has the power to supervise both offices. Major decisions will still be discussed by me, convening the heads of the three offices and key personnel."

He looked at Wu Xuejiu and Li Shu: "Mr. Wu, you are learned and knowledgeable in regulations and systems. I would like to trouble you to assist Chen Wei and Uncle Zhao in drafting the detailed rules for the establishment and responsibilities of the various departments and offices, and to begin drafting the corresponding procedures and document systems. Li Shu, the duties of intelligence gathering under your command will be partially merged into the Military Intelligence Department of the Grand Council, and partially merged into the Investigation Department of the Censorate. The specific division should be discussed with the heads of the two departments. It is imperative to ensure that the intelligence network operates efficiently and is subject to institutional supervision."

"We will obey our lord's command!" Wu Xuejiu and Li Shu replied hastily.

"Mingyue," Chen Xing looked at Murong Mingyue, his tone softening, "You are pregnant and should not overwork yourself. However, the defense of the northern frontier and the construction of the cavalry still require your careful supervision. You can be appointed as the Deputy Commander of the Military Council and assist in military affairs. When your health permits, you can take on a real position."

A warm feeling flashed in Murong Mingyue's eyes, and she nodded, saying, "Mingyue understands, and will do her best."

With the arrangements complete, Chen Xing concluded, "The establishment of the three offices is not about dividing power, but about better exercising power, serving the people, and strengthening Xinghuo. I hope everyone will stay in their positions, fulfill their responsibilities, and work together. As this is the beginning of the system, there will inevitably be a period of adjustment. We should discuss matters extensively and prioritize public interest. The future of Xinghuo depends on the choices and efforts we make today."

As the meeting adjourned, everyone had their own thoughts, but overall they felt an unprecedented sense of clarity and order. The chaotic administration seemed to have been channeled into different channels, and the heavy burdens on their shoulders were being distributed to more professional structures.

Chen Xing remained alone in the council hall, watching the darkening sky outside the window. The establishment of the three prefectures was his attempt to combine modern management concepts with the realities of ancient times, and a crucial step for Xinghuo Fortress in transforming from a group with strong military characteristics into a formalized and institutionalized local government.