Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 262 General Amnesty

The extraordinary phenomenon of the genuine Imperial Seal "sounding with divine mandate" was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, its ripples spreading subtly and powerfully within the limited scope of the empire's highest echelons. After careful arrangements by Jia Wen, the Inner Palace Secretariat, and the Ministry of Rites, a few days later, during a "chance" small-scale meeting before the Emperor, when Chen Xing, accompanied by several core members of the imperial family, representatives of noble families, and important officials, was "routinely inspecting" important ritual objects in the Imperial Treasury, the once-lying Imperial Seal (the genuine one) indeed emitted a brief but clear faint light and low hum under the watchful eyes of everyone.

Those who witnessed this scene, whether devout believers in destiny or seasoned generals, were all deeply shaken and filled with astonishment, which quickly transformed into a profound reverence and fervor for Chen Xing. The idea that "the true Lord of Destiny communicates with the divine artifact" took root in the hearts of these core members of the empire, subtly influencing a wider range of officials through their "unintentional" expressions. This undoubtedly bestowed upon Chen Xing's newly established imperial power a mysterious and solid aura of legitimacy.

However, Chen Xing himself remained remarkably clear-headed. While using auspicious omens to consolidate popular support was a necessary tactic, he deeply understood that the true "Mandate of Heaven" lay not in the sound of jade, but in the support of the people and the effectiveness of actual governance. At the beginning of the dynasty, everything was renewed. After establishing systems, rewarding meritorious officials, and demonstrating the Mandate of Heaven, the next step was to showcase the new dynasty's grandeur and benevolence to the hundreds of millions of people, fulfilling the promise of "starting anew with the people."

In the first year of Qiming, on March 15th, there was a great meeting on the first day of the lunar month.

Inside the Taiji Hall, civil and military officials stood solemnly. Unlike the grand ceremony of bestowing titles a few days ago, the atmosphere of today's court assembly, while still solemn, carried an added sense of anticipation for the release of specific government decrees. Many had already vaguely guessed that after a series of high-level actions, including establishing the foundation of the state, rewarding meritorious officials, establishing institutions and legislation, and even the "manifestation of the Mandate of Heaven," His Majesty was finally about to turn his attention to the vast majority of the people.

Chen Xing sat upright on his throne, his gaze calmly sweeping over the officials below the steps. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and clear, reaching everyone's ears: "Since my ascension to the throne, I have worked tirelessly day and night, my thoughts and concerns focused solely on the two words 'pacifying the people.' The land has long suffered from war, with countless lives lost, fields lying fallow, and people displaced. Now, thanks to the blessings of Heaven and our ancestors, and the valiant efforts of our soldiers, the world has been initially at peace. However, the wounds have not yet healed, and we have not yet found our footing. The way to govern a country should begin with benevolence and compassion, allowing the people to recuperate."

He paused, then his tone became solemn: "The previous dynasty was immoral, its legal system was complex, and lawsuits were in vain. This was due to either harsh policies or war, resulting in many pitiable and deserving individuals imprisoned. Furthermore, countless people were forced to break the law due to poverty or were coerced into joining rebellion, unable to control their own lives. If all of them were to be severely punished, it would harm the harmony of heaven and earth, and it would not be in accordance with my benevolent policies."

"Therefore, I have decided to follow the will of Heaven and obey the wishes of the people, and at the beginning of this new dynasty, I hereby issue an edict of grace, granting a general amnesty to the entire realm!"

The moment the words "General Amnesty" were uttered, a slight commotion arose in the hall, which quickly subsided. A general amnesty was a routine measure for the new dynasty to establish its authority and spread its influence, so no one was surprised. However, everyone pricked up their ears, waiting for the specific details and scope of the amnesty decree.

Chen Xing gestured, and Jia Wen, who was standing to the side, unfolded the draft edict that had been prepared beforehand and read it aloud:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, having inherited the great throne and reign over all nations, am mindful of the suffering of my people and compassionate towards the injustices in prisons. Therefore, I hereby issue this imperial edict, granting a general amnesty to the entire realm, allowing the people to begin anew. Except for the ten heinous crimes, and those of grave offenses such as intentional murder, robbery, arson, and embezzlement by officials, all other crimes, regardless of their severity, whether discovered or not, whether concluded or not, are hereby pardoned!"

The edict clarified the broad scope of the amnesty, while also drawing a clear bottom line—the ten heinous crimes, some serious criminal offenses, and corruption crimes would not be pardoned. This reflects the new dynasty's principles of "benevolence without condoning evil" and "emphasizing clean governance."

"Prisoners who are pardoned are released on the spot, and the government issues them a certificate to return to their hometowns. If they have nowhere to go or no one to rely on in their original place of residence, the local prefecture or county will arrange for their resettlement as appropriate, either by incorporating them into the local farmland or by providing them with a small amount of money, grain and seeds to help them make a living."

"Those people who have fled or hidden in the mountains and marshes due to war shall, within one month of the issuance of this amnesty, return to their place of origin, confess to the local government, and be registered in the household register. Past offenses shall be forgiven, and they shall be incorporated into the civil register, granted barren land, and exempted from taxes for the year."

"Those minor offenders currently detained in all prefectures, counties, and districts, as well as any related corroborating evidence that is not significantly connected to the case, shall be released immediately. The backlog of cases shall be cleared swiftly, and fairness shall be ensured."

"In the newly annexed areas of Jiangnan, all former soldiers and officials of the Southern Dynasty, except for the ringleaders and those who committed the aforementioned unpardonable crimes, those who wish to surrender, shall be allowed to reform themselves, be employed according to their abilities, or be given gold and sent back. Those who were coerced into following the people shall not be questioned."

The edict was read aloud line by line, its contents detailed and comprehensive. It not only pardoned prisoners but also covered the resettlement of displaced people, the clearing of backlog cases, and policies for newly attached personnel. It was essentially a comprehensive "post-war social order restoration and reconciliation program".

After the decree was read aloud, Jia Wen added, "His Majesty has issued a special edict that after this amnesty is promulgated, all prefectures and counties must post notices to inform the public, ensuring that even the most remote and impoverished areas, including women and children, are aware of it. The Censorate and the Ministry of Justice must dispatch officials to various regions to supervise the implementation of the amnesty, strictly preventing officials from taking advantage of the situation to commit malfeasance, failing to grant amnesty when it is due, or extorting those who are released. Anyone who disobeys will be severely punished!"

"Your Majesty is wise and benevolent!" the officials chorused in praise. Many officials, especially those from local areas, knew the immense impact this amnesty would have on stabilizing the region, restoring production, and winning over the hearts of the people.

After the clamor subsided slightly, Chen Xing continued, "The general amnesty is a demonstration of my benevolence, giving the people a chance to breathe. However, what will become of their livelihoods after the amnesty? This is the fundamental question. Therefore, concurrently with the amnesty decree, I have decided to reduce taxes across the empire for one year! Except for essential military supplies and official expenses, all land taxes and poll taxes for this year in all prefectures and counties will be reduced by half. In the areas north and south of the Yangtze River, which have been most severely affected by the war, taxes may be completely waived, depending on the circumstances! The Ministry of Revenue must immediately formulate detailed regulations and issue them as quickly as possible!"

"Your Majesty—!" Even the most prudent and experienced ministers couldn't help but get excited. A general amnesty pardons "sins," and tax reductions relieve "suffering"—a two-pronged approach directly addresses the most pressing needs of the people after the war! This is undoubtedly a more practical and popular benevolent policy!

"Furthermore," Chen Xing's voice carried an undeniable force, "the equal land distribution edict, the encouragement of agriculture and sericulture, the construction of water conservancy projects, the reorganization of the canal transport system, and the promotion of commerce and industry must all be implemented immediately and in parallel. I want to see that the amnesty will not only leave prisons empty, but also restore fields to cultivation, revitalize markets, and restore hope for livelihood to the faces of the people!"

He stood up, his gaze piercing: "My ministers, let me make myself clear. This general amnesty and tax reduction are my 'gift' to the people, a 'bestowing'; what I want to see next is how you, my officials, 'take'—gain the people's trust and serve the country! Now that the Three Departments and Six Ministries are established, they must operate efficiently. Administration, agriculture, criminal law, finances, engineering projects… a myriad of tasks, which I will share with you! Doing well is your duty, and I will reward you handsomely; doing poorly, whether outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, incompetent, or even corrupt and harming the people… do not blame me, for the law is merciless!"

The combination of kindness and severity clearly indicated their intentions. Everyone in the court was awestruck.

"Your Majesty, we will obey your decree! We will do our utmost to comfort the people and live up to Your Majesty's benevolent rule!" Led by Jia Wen, all the civil and military officials bowed deeply.

The edict granting amnesty and tax reduction was stamped with the genuine Imperial Seal of the State, and accompanied by a unique mark "countersigned" by a replica of the Imperial Seal of the System, which Chen Xing had specially requested. It was transmitted to every corner of the empire as quickly as possible through multiple channels such as post stations, official gazettes, and government proclamations.

When the news of "pardoning prisoners and reducing taxes" spread to the streets and countryside along with various legends about the new emperor's "divine mandate," the shock and joy it brought were unimaginable. Countless families were reunited, countless unsolved cases were resolved, and the heavy taxes weighing on the people's shoulders were reduced... These tangible benefits were more touching than any auspicious legends.

"Emperor Qiming was truly a benevolent ruler!"

"Heavens have opened their eyes! They've sent a true dragon emperor to save us!"

"Finally, I can catch my breath and focus on farming this year..."

The voices of the people are simple and genuine. The new dynasty's reign title, "Qiming," along with benevolent policies such as amnesty and tax reduction, truly began to permeate the grassroots of the empire, transforming into the most widespread and solid foundation supporting this new regime—the hearts and minds of the people.