Chapter 0726 – The Nine-Rank Six Ministries System

The previously established Heavenly Register Hall, Heavenly Virtue Hall, Merit Hall, and other such institutions were, in essence, mechanisms for managing a city or a power base. In truth, their system did not differ much from the internal governance methods used by sects or immortal clans.

Of course, this wasn't to say that these institutions' past achievements should be entirely denied. Rather, they had to be adapted according to circumstances, with different changes made depending on different needs.

This was no longer a matter of managing a single city—it concerned the entire Great Yi Dynasty.

Originally, the governing structure included the Military Council, Heavenly Crafts Pavilion, Heavenly Register Hall, Six Doors, Gourmet Hall, Treasure Hall, Heavenly Virtue Hall, Heavenly Medicine Hall, and Merit Hall. Altogether, this was known as One Sect, Two Pavilions, and Six Halls. Later, the Hunter Hall and Heaven-Reaching Pavilion were added, evolving into One Sect, Three Pavilions, and Seven Halls.

This framework already encompassed various aspects of civil administration and was extremely practical at the time.

However, to govern an entire dynasty, a more detailed and comprehensive hierarchical structure was required.

"Indeed, Your Majesty is absolutely right," Huang Chengyan stepped forward and said with a gleam in his eye. "To govern a dynasty, there must be a structured system from top to bottom to effectively control everything. Still, I believe that the existing One Sect, Three Pavilions, and Seven Halls need not be dismantled. Instead, they should act as coordinating agencies. On top of this framework, new administrative departments can be derived."

"Master Huang makes a good point," Jia Xu said with a smile. "There's no need to destroy the existing order. For example, the Heavenly Register Hall can serve as the supreme body overseeing military and civilian registries. It should remain intact and gain supervisory responsibilities over the lower tiers."

Yi Tianxing nodded in agreement. With the Palace Divine Tree having evolved and now containing three tiers, he planned to dedicate the topmost level to the Royal Palace, and the second level to the One Sect, Three Pavilions, and Seven Halls, designating them as headquarters institutions. This arrangement not only defended the Royal Palace but also signaled their transcendent status.

"The One Sect, Three Pavilions, and Seven Halls will not be abolished. Instead, they will become the highest institutions within their respective departments in the Great Yi Dynasty. Only individuals of great virtue and achievements shall be allowed to enter. Without significant merit, entry will not be permitted. Those who do enter will have their names recorded and passed down through the ages."

This declaration brightened the eyes of many in the hall.

Even immortals were not free of worldly desires. The pursuit of honor and legacy was a motivation they shared with mortals. There was a saying: Even gods vie for incense offerings, and immortals crave fame.

"We obey, Your Majesty!"

Huang Chengyan and the others nodded in approval. Such a system benefited everyone.

"Since this matter is settled, we must now establish the full governing framework of the Great Yi Dynasty. Officials are needed to manage every region. Additionally, we must take into account the existing village lords who founded settlements using Village Creation Orders. As long as they submit to our dynasty, they are contributors to our cause. I, Yi Tianxing, will not stoop to discarding loyal service like a worn-out mule."

These words reassured the local lords and cultivators.

"In terms of historical precedent," Huang Chengyan said after a pause, "the Three Lords and Nine Ministers system of the Qin Dynasty was quite complete. The Han largely retained this structure. Though minor changes occurred, the core system endured for centuries."

Cai Yong stepped forward. "There's also the Three Departments and Six Ministries system, widely used in the Sui, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It subdivides administrative responsibilities even more than the earlier system and is a more refined structure. While the Three Departments may be unnecessary for now, I believe the Six Ministries are worth adopting and customizing for our dynasty."

As head of the Undying Academy, Cai Yong had access to countless records and histories from every dynasty. He was deeply familiar with governmental systems throughout time.

The transition from Three Lords and Nine Ministers to Three Departments and Six Ministries was a natural evolution shaped by the development of society and bureaucracy. Especially with the rise of the Imperial Examination System, which broke aristocratic monopolies and allowed commoners to rise through merit. The Six Ministries were critical in this meritocratic structure.

"I agree," Yi Tianxing said. "We once dismissed the Six Ministries as excessive for our needs, but now that we are founding a dynasty, they're not only suitable but necessary. However, we must adapt them—we can't just copy them blindly."

The Six Ministries were:

Ministry of Personnel (吏部): Responsible for official appointments, evaluations, promotions, and transfers.

Ministry of Revenue (户部): Managed the census and finances—the kingdom's purse.

Ministry of Rites (礼部): Oversaw rituals, education, examinations, and foreign affairs.

Ministry of War (兵部): Handled military personnel, arms, and command.

Ministry of Justice (刑部): Managed laws, justice, and legal cases.

Ministry of Works (工部): Supervised construction and infrastructure.

"Since this is an 運朝 (Fortune Dynasty)," Yi Tianxing continued, "once an official is appointed, they receive a corresponding Heavenly Merit Position, gaining national fate energy. I plan to adopt a Nine-Rank Official System, where First Rank is the highest, and Ninth Rank the lowest."

This was opposite the Nine-Star Military System, where one star was the lowest and nine stars the highest, with divisions between Heavenly Soldiers and Heavenly Generals.

"This is a sound decision," Jia Xu agreed. "Assigning ranks to officials based on merit and position aligns with the nature of a Fortune Dynasty."

Wu Yong asked, "How should these official ranks be determined?"

Yi Tianxing looked around and said, "All of you may speak freely. Only through collective wisdom can we perfect the system of governance."

"Your Majesty!"Cai Yong stepped forward again.

"No need for formality, Father-in-law," Yi Tianxing replied with a smile. "Also, since I am the sovereign of a 運朝, not a mundane dynasty, I must clarify: the appropriate title for me now is Royal Sovereign (王上), not 'Your Majesty'. Using inappropriate titles will harm the flow of fate. When a title is granted, use the formal title. For now, I shall be addressed as 'Royal Sovereign.'"

This was instinctive knowledge granted to Yi Tianxing as the ruler of a Fortune Dynasty. The others had no prior understanding of such intricacies—after all, none of them had ever ruled a Fortune Dynasty before. Everyone was feeling their way forward.

"As you command—greetings, Royal Sovereign!"All the ministers bowed in unison.

"You may rise."The Great Yi did not enforce kneeling etiquette, except on rare ceremonial occasions. The default was a deep bow.

Kneeling was a relic of the Qing dynasty—a method of control. It instilled servility in the hearts of the people. In Chinese tradition, it was said: A man kneels only to heaven, earth, and his parents. A sovereign should not demand kneeling outside of sacred occasions. Bowing preserved the people's dignity.