Chapter 43: The Han Revolution

Chapter 43: The Han Revolution

As someone from the modern world, Shu Yichao wasn’t sensitive to the different levels of civilization development in the Middle Ages.

The Central Plains was actually one of the more matured civilizations in that era, especially in the field of governance.

A long time ago, the many civilizations living in the Central Plains fought in an endless battle royale. All participants, regardless of their locations, languages, or religions, used everything at their disposal to rise above the others.

Losing was not just a big deal either—it was just extinction.

And the final survivor was the one with the strongest fist.

To deal with the natural calamities and the frequent outbreaks of war in the Central Plains, the culture of collectivism was propagated, where the nation’s needs were put above the needs of individuals.

There were complaints, but most people knew this was necessary for their survival.

That was what happened in the Shang Dynasty, evident from its archaeological site.

Women and children lived together, while men lived in military barracks. They were constantly preparing themselves to deal with the threat of war. While their freedom was restricted, their efficiency in mobilizing their massive army was so tremendous that the Sparta would have peed themselves facing them.

Of course, there were downsides to this too.

The rulers of such countries wielded greater power in their hands, but that translated to greater responsibility too. The individuals were only willing to tolerate suffering because they believed that their ruler was wise and could safeguard their interest.

If the ruler gave them any reason to believe otherwise, the people might seek to dethrone him.

Shu Yichao had no interest in such matters, but Constantin XI was fascinated in them. He could see the advantages in it.

“Is this why the Khitans are so strong?” Constantin XI wondered.

Reading about how the Khitans governed themselves, as detailed in the book Shu Yichao tossed away, he realized that the Eastern Romain Empire’s way of governance was an utter mess.Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

There were many overlapping official positions and nobles. No lines drawn to segregate the military, administrative, and legal functions. Looking at them left Constantin XI with a headache.

Not only was it inefficient, but the nobles were also powerful enough to stage a revolt when things weren’t going their way. This status quo was slowly shaped and reinforced over the years, so it was not easy to change it.

Stripped to bare bones, the Romain emperor was really just the leader of the military.

Had Shu Yichao’s books not opened Constantin XI’s eyes about different styles of governance, he would have thought that the Romain’s system was not bad. It was much better than the other barbaric Western nations, where the kings and nobles were often at loggerheads, and being able to write some words made one an intellectual.

But after seeing how the Khitans operated, he realized that he was the barbarian here!

He glanced at the stats.

The answer to the question was a resounding yes.

All right, I should stop staring, or else it’ll be too rude.

The highest armor stat Shu Yichao had ever seen on any NPC troops prior to this was 60, but the Metal Fortress had reached an astonishing 140?

Desire blazed in Shu Yichao’s eyes.

He was familiar with what Constantin XI had said—the latter just wanted to create an army of farmer militia and introduce state examinations. As a dragon’s descendant, these things were practically carved into his bones!

He had a strong passion for governance too, being an internet forum frequenter. Countless hours he had spent online arguing with other netizens, so it excited him to be able to put his precious work experience into practice.

Actually, I don’t care that much about the Metal Fortress. I just want to try my hand at governance.

Anxious to push for a revolution, Constantin XI was willing to resort to extreme means if that was what was needed to push for swift changes. He wanted to make Romie prosperous and strong as soon as possible.

He was a radical.

“We shall learn the Khitans’ speech, the Khitans’ words, the Khitans’ military, and the Khitans’ way of governance. This is all to revitalize the Eastern Romain Empire!” Constantin XI shouted while waving his hands fanatically, his saliva flying everywhere. “Let the revolution begin today!”

“Hm?” Shu Yichao was taken aback. “What did I do to suddenly level up?”

He scratched his head. “Jade Emperor, Goddess of Mercy, Supreme God of Virtue, Buddha Sakyamuni, Sage that Rivals the Heavens... I don’t know who’s listening, but please bless me again.”

He tapped on ‘Accept’.

“...Why does a governance talent have such an imposing name?” Shu Yichao was baffled.

—

Starve’s Translation Trivia:

Mobilization of the Imperial Army is a parody of a Meng Zi’s words:

‘Should feudal kings fail to respond to the emperor’s summon three times, the armies ought to be mobilized to eradicate them’.

That’s why Shu Yichao said that it’s imposing.