General Wang was quite at leisure now; everything was developing in an orderly fashion.
There were no major wars at present. Officers at every level were already familiar with military affairs, and many of the former roughnecks could now barely manage their duties. Whether it was military farming, training, or small-scale battles, none of it required much of his attention anymore. He only needed to know the specific casualties, results, and course of each engagement.
Internal affairs posed even less of a problem. The old officials had long since been brought to heel, and now they worked diligently. In addition, some impoverished scholars had gone into teaching, while others had become low-ranking civil officials. Everything throughout his territory was operating normally.
Commerce within his territory was entrusted to Zhen Sheng. A new Commerce Bureau had been established, with Zhen Sheng serving as Superintendent of Commerce. Its sole responsibility was overseeing trade and business throughout the territory and collecting substantial commercial taxes.
As the first investor—and one who had sent over two legitimate daughters, one of whom was even named Zhen Mi—General Wang was quite tolerant of the Zhen Clan. Their standing was roughly equivalent to that of Old Cai, his father-in-law and lucky charm.
There were no major changes to the ranks of civil officials. The commandery-county system was still broadly implemented, but beneath county magistrates, the former township and pavilion system had now been clearly defined. One pavilion for every ten li, one township for every ten pavilions; each had clearly assigned duties and corresponding personnel, all of them civil servants eligible for promotion. This was meant to strengthen grassroots governance. The reach of authority had to extend deep among the common people.
Grassroots authority could not be handed over to local powerful clans, wealthy households, or landlords, much