After returning to the Imperial Palace, Zi Shou issued three decrees in succession.
The first was to promote horse-plowing, the second to turn the nobles' private fields into public fields, and the third to institute military service.
He had thought of public fields and horse-plowing out in the countryside. Military service had come to him in a flash of inspiration after he returned to the palace.
With new farming tools and more efficient cultivation, you thought you would have more time to rest?
Not a chance. Compulsory service, for at least one month and as many as three.
The Regular Army had undergone sweeping reductions, and the slaves from the various regions had yet to arrive. The farmers serving their terms could fill out the fighting strength of Chaoge's army nicely.
After all, turning the nobles' private fields into public fields could easily provoke opposition. If things went wrong and a riot broke out, that would be troublesome. Having more people keeping watch would also pose a modest threat.
This would also offset the positive effects of sending the high officials into the countryside.
Zi Shou had originally intended to make the common people serve during the busy farming season, but his ministers talked him out of it, so he let that go.
Making service compulsory was enough. Whether it fell during the busy season or the slack season, the farmers would certainly harbor resentment unless every last one of them was a masochist.
Lu Xiong was in the main hall of the Ministry of War, worrying over military service.
Never in his wildest dreams had he expected King Zhou to use the high officials' trip to the countryside as an opportunity to issue such a demanding decree.
Was making the common people perform military service a good thing?
Yes.