Recently, the topic of "more than 80 million financial supporters" has aroused heated discussions. This is a staggering figure, and it begs the question: how did rulers in history deal with similar financial pressures? During the reign of Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, he also faced the dilemma of "ten people and nine officials". How did he resolve this dilemma, and what measures did he take to streamline the organization and eliminate redundant officials? In contrast, why did the layoffs in the late Ming Dynasty not work well? In exploring these issues, we may be able to draw wisdom from history and find inspiration for today's governance challenges. Let's go back to the Tang Dynasty and see how Tang Taizong coped with this challenge. Is his move really clever? What are the lessons we can learn from?
In 618 AD, Li Yuan established the Tang Dynasty and set the capital at Chang'an. However, the situation facing the new imperial court was not optimistic. The war at the end of the Sui Dynasty led to a sharp decline in population, barren land, and separatist forces in various places were still eyeing each other. Li Yuan knew very well that in order to consolidate his political power, in addition to military conquest, he also needed to recruit talents and win over heroes from all walks of life.
To this end, Li Yuan took a series of measures. He rewarded a large number of meritorious heroes, promised high-ranking officials good fortunes, and even did not hesitate to reward the entire state and county as fiefs to the surrendering forces. Although this practice rapidly expanded the scope of Tang rule in a short period of time, it also buried the hidden danger of official expansion.
According to the Book of the Old Tang Dynasty, the number of prefectures and counties in the early Tang Dynasty was more than twice that of the Sui Dynasty. This means that the number of local officials has also proliferated. At the same time, in order to appease the forces of all parties, the imperial court also set up a large number of false titles and idle positions. These practices have led to the peculiar phenomenon of "nine out of ten sheep", that is, nine out of ten people are officials.
This situation has not only increased the financial burden on the State, but also caused serious administrative chaos. Many officials only care about enjoying their fortunes and do not want to make progress, and even abuse their power and oppress the people. To make matters worse, some local officials still retain the military power of the secession period and could threaten the central government at any time.
When Li Shimin succeeded to the throne as Emperor Taizong of Tang in 627, the problem had reached a point where it had to be resolved. However, the situation was even more dire than during his father's time. After years of war, the population of the early Tang Dynasty was only about one percent of that of the Sui Dynasty. This means that the proportion of officials is more distorted relative to the population base.
To visualize the severity of the problem, let's look at a set of data. It is estimated that the number of officials in the early Tang Dynasty was about 200,000, when the country's population was probably less than 2 million. This means that, on average, one out of every 10 people is an official. Such a large bureaucracy not only swallows up a lot of financial resources, but also seriously hinders the effective implementation of government decrees.
Faced with this dilemma, Tang Taizong realized that decisive measures must be taken. He is well aware that if the problem of inflated officials cannot be solved in a timely manner, it will not only increase the burden on the people, but may also shake the foundation of the country. However, the reduction of officials is no easy task. Many officials are highly decorated Founding Fathers or their descendants, and a hasty dismissal could trigger political instability.
What is even more tricky is that some local officials hold military power, forming a situation of local separatism. For example, Li Yi, the former king of Shu, had a strong military force in Shu and posed a potential threat to the central government. Tang Taizong had to strike a balance between cutting redundant officials and maintaining political stability.
In addition, the early Tang Dynasty also faced serious economic difficulties. Years of war have left farmland barren and tax revenues plummeting. According to the record of "Zhenguan Political Dignitaries", in the last years of Tang Gaozu, the treasury was almost empty, and he was even unable to pay military salaries. Under such circumstances, the huge bureaucratic system has become even worse and has become a heavy economic burden for the country.
Faced with such a complex situation, Tang Taizong realized that simple layoffs were far from enough. He needs a comprehensive reform plan, which not only streamlines the organization, abolishes redundant officials, but also establishes a new mechanism for selecting and employing personnel, and at the same time takes measures to restore the economy and reduce the burden on the people. This requires that he is outstanding in terms of political wisdom and courage for reform.
Faced with the grim situation of the swelling of officials in the early Tang Dynasty, Tang Taizong Li Shimin realized that decisive measures must be taken. In the first year of Zhenguan (627), he convened important officials of the court and began an important discussion about streamlining the organization and eliminating redundant officials.
According to the record of "Zhenguan Political Dignitaries", when Tang Taizong consulted with Fang Xuanling and other ministers, he made it clear: "Hundreds of officials are redundant, like shepherding. If there are fewer sheep and more sheep, the sheep will be fat and thin; If there are few sheep and many sheep, the shepherd will be fat and the sheep will be thin. Aren't today's officials shepherds? Are the people not sheep? These words vividly illustrate the problem of too many officials and too many burdens on the people.
Tang Taizong knew that in order to solve this problem, we must first reach a consensus on understanding. He explained to his courtiers the importance of streamlining the bureaucracy, pointing out that redundant bureaucracy not only increased the financial burden on the state, but also affected the efficiency of the implementation of government decrees. He stressed that a lean and efficient government can truly benefit the people.
In the course of the discussion, Tang Taizong put forward the concept of employing people with "only meritocracy". In his opinion, the number of officials is not important, the key is to select really talented people. He said: "The breadth of the world is not more than a few hundred people. If you are an official and competent, although there are few in the world, Xi will not be cured? If you are not competent, although there are many in the world, chaos is the same. This point of view has received a positive response from Fang Xuanling and other important ministers.
On this basis, Fang Xuanling further suggested that a scientific selection and assessment mechanism should be established. He suggested that the decision to stay should be based on the actual performance of officials, rather than simply based on seniority or background. This suggestion laid the ideological foundation for the later improvement of the imperial examination system.
Wei Zheng put forward his views from another angle. He pointed out that layoffs cannot be one-size-fits-all and different situations should be distinguished. For some meritorious officials, even if there is no suitable position for the time being, they should be given appropriate placement to show the integrity of the imperial court. At the same time, he suggested that some non-permanent institutions could be set up to call in talent when needed, and not to occupy formal establishments in normal times.
After listening to the suggestions of the ministers, Li Shimin decided to adopt a step-by-step approach to carry out reforms. He first started with his own Qin Wang's Mansion and drastically reduced the number of idle staff in the mansion. This move sends a clear signal to the whole of the DPRK that the reform of layoffs starts at the top, and there are no privileges or exceptions.
In the specific implementation process, Tang Taizong took a number of measures. First, he ordered a review of the qualifications of all officials, and the demotion or dismissal of those who were incompetent or had a bad record. Second, he merged a number of departments with overlapping functions to improve administrative efficiency. Thirdly, he encouraged officials to take the initiative to resign from their posts, promising that it would not affect their prestige and status.
In order to ensure the fairness and impartiality of the layoffs, Tang Taizong also set up a special supervision body. He appointed a group of honest and outspoken officials to serve as the overseers, who were responsible for overseeing various problems in the process of layoffs. These imperial histories had the right to report directly to the emperor without interference from other officials.
While laying off employees, Tang Taizong also focused on cultivating and selecting new talents. He has repeatedly issued edicts to recommend talents from all over the country, and personally assessed the recommended candidates. He also often summons lower-level officials to understand the situation at the grassroots level and discover potential young talents.
The implementation of this series of measures has not been without its challenges. Some of the dismissed officials expressed displeasure, and some even tried to keep their positions through bribes or solicitations. In the face of these circumstances, Tang Taizong showed a firm attitude. He publicly punished several bribery cases and harshly criticized ministers at court meetings who tried to obstruct reforms.
After several years of hard work, Tang Taizong's decision to lay off employees has achieved initial results. According to historical records, by the tenth year of Zhenguan (636), the number of court officials had decreased by nearly one-third compared with the early Tang Dynasty, while the efficiency of the government's operation had significantly improved. More importantly, this reform established the orientation of meritocracy, which laid the foundation for the later imperial examination system.
After Tang Taizong made the decision to lay off employees, he immediately began to implement a series of specific measures. These measures not only involved the center of the capital, but also extended to the local administration, and even affected the old ministry of his cronies.
First of all, in terms of the reduction of Beijing officials, Tang Taizong adopted drastic reforms. According to the records of the New Tang Dynasty, in the second year of Zhenguan (628), Taizong ordered the reduction of officials in Zhongshu Province, Menxia Province and Shangshu Province. These three provinces were the core institutions of the central government of the Tang Dynasty, and the extent of the reduction can be seen. Specifically, the number of officials in Zhongshu Province has been reduced from more than 200 to about 60, the number of officials in Menxia Province has been reduced from more than 180 to about 50, and the number of posts in various departments in Shangshu Province has also been generally reduced by one-third to one-half.
This reduction involves not only the number of personnel, but also the reorganization of functions. For example, the original separate left and right servants were merged into a single position, which greatly reduced the decision-making process and improved administrative efficiency. At the same time, some redundant idle posts were also abolished, such as the fictitious free-rider attendants.
It is worth noting that Tang Taizong adopted a differentiated strategy in the process of reduction. For some key positions, such as the Zhongshu Sheren who was responsible for drafting the edict, he not only did not reduce it, but increased the manpower to ensure the accurate transmission of the decree. This practice of retaining and reducing reflects the wisdom of Tang Taizong's governance.
In terms of the adjustment of local administrative institutions, Tang Taizong's measures are equally eye-catching. He first set out to solve the problem of excessive power of local officials since the early Tang Dynasty. In the third year of Zhenguan (629), Taizong ordered the abolition of the military power of state and county officials and brought the local military command to the central government. This move not only weakened local forces, but also laid the foundation for the later reform of the government and military system.
At the same time, Tang Taizong also drastically reduced the personnel of the local administrative organs. He ordered that the number of adjutant officers in each state be reduced from a few dozen to less than 10, and that the number of personnel in county-level agencies be reduced accordingly. This measure has greatly reduced the cost of local administration and reduced the burden on the people.
However, the reduction of local officials did not happen overnight. In order to maintain their power, some local governors deliberately exaggerated the level of local affairs and demanded that more people be retained. In this regard, Tang Taizong adopted the method of field investigation. He sent the imperial historian to inspect various places to verify the actual situation and severely punish those officials who made false reports.
In the process of layoffs, Tang Taizong showed the courage of "turning the blade inward", starting with the old department of the Qin Wangfu and taking the lead in reform. According to the record of "Zhenguan Political Dignitaries", Taizong laid off a large number of idle personnel in the Qin Palace's palace in the early days of his reign. Among these people, there are many of his old subordinates and heroes, but Taizong adheres to principles and does not show favoritism.
There is a typical example to illustrate this. Taizong's confidant Wei Zheng used to serve as a clerk in the Qin Palace, but his position was removed during the layoffs. Taizong not only did not open the back door to Wei Zheng, but appointed him as a counselor, specifically responsible for admonishing the emperor. This appointment not only reflects Taizong's wisdom in making good use of talents, but also shows his impartial and selfless attitude.
In addition, Tang Taizong also took some supporting measures to ensure the smooth progress of the layoffs. For example, he has set up a special monitoring body to oversee issues in the redundancy process. At the same time, he also enacted a series of policies to resettle officials who had been laid off, such as allowing them to return to their hometowns to work in agriculture, business, or other positions.
It is worth mentioning that Tang Taizong also encountered a lot of resistance in the process of layoffs. Some ministers worry that the layoffs will affect the functioning of the government and may even trigger social unrest. In the face of these doubts, Taizong repeatedly expounded the necessity of layoffs at court meetings, and led by example, taking the lead in reducing his own attendants.
Through this series of measures, Tang Taizong succeeded in controlling the number of officials at a relatively reasonable level. According to historical records, by the last years of Zhenguan, the number of court officials had decreased by nearly one-third compared with the early Tang Dynasty, while the efficiency of the government's operation had improved significantly. More importantly, this reform laid the foundation for later major institutional changes such as the imperial examination system and the government military system, and had a profound impact on the long-term peace and stability of the Tang Dynasty.
After the implementation of Tang Taizong's decision to lay off employees, its results gradually appeared, and it had a profound impact on the political, economic and social aspects of the Tang Dynasty.
First, at the political level, layoffs have greatly increased the efficiency of the government. According to the Book of the New Tang Dynasty, in the tenth year of Zhenguan (636), the speed of processing official documents in various departments of the imperial court was nearly double that of the early Tang Dynasty. This efficiency improvement is not only reflected in the central government, but also extends to the local level. For example, in one county in Henan Province, a tax return that used to take ten days to process can now be completed in just three days. This increase in efficiency directly facilitates the rapid delivery and implementation of government decrees.
At the same time, the layoffs have also optimized the structure of the bureaucracy. By eliminating redundant personnel, Tang Taizong succeeded in breaking up the interest groups formed by some officials. Before layoffs, some departments often formed "small hills" due to the large number of personnel, which affected the fairness of decision-making. After the layoffs, this phenomenon was effectively curbed. For example, in an important personnel adjustment of the Ministry of War, the problem that was difficult to reach consensus due to the large number of factions was quickly resolved after the personnel were reduced.
On the economic front, the layoffs have significantly reduced the financial burden on the country. According to historical records, the layoffs in various central departments alone have saved the state treasury nearly one million yuan every year. The savings were used to build water conservancy projects and provide relief to the victims. For example, during a major drought in the 7th year of Zhenguan (633), the imperial court was able to allocate sufficient funds to carry out large-scale disaster relief activities throughout the country, effectively alleviating the pressure on people's livelihood caused by the drought.
The layoffs have also indirectly contributed to the development of the economy. Some of the officials who had been dismissed returned to the civilian sector and put their talents to good use in agricultural production and commercial operations. In a village outside Chang'an, it is recorded that several former court officials set up a joint venture to set up a silk workshop, which not only provided local employment opportunities, but also promoted the development of the silk trade.
At the societal level, the implementation of the layoff policy has changed people's values and life pursuits. Until then, being an official had always been seen as the most decent and secure career choice. After the layoffs, more and more people realized that relying on being an official alone could not guarantee a long-term livelihood. This shift in mindset prompted more people to join the industry and laid the foundation for economic prosperity in the Tang Dynasty.
At the same time, layoffs have also contributed to increased social mobility. The original monopoly of official positions by some big families has been changed. For example, before the layoffs, mid-level officials in certain departments were almost always from a few specific families. After the layoffs, this phenomenon has improved significantly, and more talents from ordinary families have the opportunity to enter the official career. This not only increases the fairness of the society, but also selects more outstanding talents for the country.
In terms of culture and education, the policy of layoffs has indirectly promoted the improvement of the imperial examination system. Due to the decrease in the number of officials, the imperial court paid more attention to the selection of truly talented people. This prompted Tang Taizong to further improve the imperial examination system, making it the main way to select talents. For example, in the twelfth year of Zhenguan (638), Taizong ordered the establishment of the "Ming Jing Section" to select talents who were proficient in the classics, which greatly improved the overall quality of officials.
The layoffs also affected literary creation in the Tang Dynasty. Some of the dismissed officials turned their energies to literary creation, which produced a number of excellent works. For example, the dismissed former secretary Lang Li Baiyao wrote important historiographical works such as the Book of Northern Qi after leaving the imperial court, leaving valuable historical materials for future generations.
On the military front, the layoffs laid the foundation for the later reform of the military system. By reducing the military power of local officials, the central government was able to control the military power of the country more effectively. This created the conditions for the later Tang Dynasty to establish a strong government military system, which greatly enhanced the country's military strength.
However, the implementation of the layoff policy has also brought some negative effects. Some of the dismissed officials found it difficult to adjust to their new lives, creating discontent. Although Tang Taizong took various measures to settle these people, there were still some who held a grudge against the imperial court. For example, in the later period of Zhenguan, there were several small-scale rebellions planned by frustrated officials.
In addition, layoffs have also affected the operation of some local governments to a certain extent. In some remote areas, the number of officials has plummeted, and administrative efficiency has declined. In view of this, Tang Taizong adopted a policy of adapting measures to local conditions and appropriately increased the number of officials in some special areas.
Overall, Tang Taizong's decision to lay off employees was remarkable, laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. It not only improved the efficiency of the government and reduced the financial burden, but also promoted social change and cultural development, which became an important milestone in the governance of the Tang Dynasty.
Tang Taizong's layoff policy not only had a profound impact on the Tang Dynasty at that time, but its historical significance and enlightenment transcended time and space, providing valuable experience for later generations to govern the country.
First of all, this policy embodies Tang Taizong's "people-oriented" concept of governance. By reducing redundant personnel, Tang Taizong not only reduced the financial burden of the state, but more importantly, reduced the tax pressure of the people. According to the Book of the Old Tang Dynasty, during the Zhenguan period, due to the decrease in the number of officials, the imperial court was able to lower the tax standard. In some areas, the tax burden has even been reduced by a third. This practice won the hearts and minds of the people and laid the foundation for the long-term peace and stability of the Tang Dynasty.
Second, the layoff policy shows Tang Taizong's courage to reform. At that time, the large number of officials had become the norm, and many people saw it as a sign of the country's strength. However, Tang Taizong was able to think outside of this mindset and realized the importance of streamlining the organization and improving efficiency. His spirit of reform set an example for future generations of rulers.
For example, in the Song Dynasty, when Wang Anshi implemented the New Deal, he repeatedly cited the example of Tang Taizong's layoffs to illustrate the need to streamline the organization. Although Wang's reforms ultimately failed, his approval of Tang's policy of layoffs shows that the policy's influence has lasted for hundreds of years.
The layoff policy also reflects Tang Taizong's way of employing people. In the process of layoffs, Tang Taizong did not apply a one-size-fits-all approach, but adjusted according to the actual situation of different departments. For some key positions, he not only did not cut them, but increased the number of people. This practice shows that Tang Taizong is good at recognizing and using talents.
In the history of later generations, this way of employing people has been imitated many times by later generations. For example, Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty adopted a similar approach after establishing a new dynasty. He drastically reduced the number of redundant departments and strengthened the staffing of some key departments. To a certain extent, this practice draws on the experience of Tang Taizong.
The implementation of the layoff policy also reflects the political wisdom of Tang Taizong. Instead of mass layoffs all at once, he took a step-by-step approach. This approach avoids violent social upheaval and ensures the effective implementation of the policy. This idea of gradual reform has provided useful inspiration for later generations of reformers.
For example, during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, the imperial court also tried to reduce redundant personnel. When Emperor Kangxi implemented this policy, he adopted a gradual approach similar to that of Tang Taizong. He started with the central departments and then gradually expanded to the localities, and this approach has achieved good results.
Another important revelation of Tang Taizong's layoff policy is that reform must start with itself. When Tang Taizong laid off employees, the first thing to lay off was his cronies and old department. This approach of "turning the blade inward" has not only set an example, but also won the support of the government and the opposition.
This practice has had a profound impact on Chinese history. For example, in the early years of the Ming Dynasty, when Zhu Yuanzhang implemented various reforms, he often emphasized that he should start from himself. He even personally took the lead in reducing expenses as a way to promote a culture of frugality throughout the court. This practice can be said to be a kind of inheritance of the spirit of Tang Taizong.
The policy of layoffs also teaches future generations that reform must take into account the balance of interests of all parties. While laying off employees, Tang Taizong also took a series of measures to resettle the officials who had been laid off. This practice not only ensures the smooth progress of reform, but also reduces social contradictions.
In later reforms, this balancing approach was adopted many times. For example, during the New Deal period in the late Qing Dynasty, the imperial court adopted a similar approach when dismantling some traditional institutions, providing an alternative way out for the dismissed officials. This approach has to some extent alleviated the social pressure brought about by the reform.
Tang Taizong's layoff policy also reflects a long-term strategic vision. He not only focuses on the current issues, but also takes into account the long-term development. For example, layoffs created the conditions for the later reform of the imperial examination system and opened up new ways for the Tang Dynasty to select talents.
This long-term vision was a profound inspiration for future rulers. For example, in the Song Dynasty, when Wang Anshi implemented the New Deal, he placed special emphasis on long-term planning. He repeatedly cited the example of Tang Taizong, emphasizing that reform should not only focus on short-term interests, but also consider long-term impacts.
Finally, the successful implementation of Tang Taizong's layoff policy also benefited from his ability to listen to different opinions. In the process of layoffs, Tang Taizong held court meetings many times to listen to the opinions of ministers. Even in the face of opposition, he was able to accept reasonable advice with an open mind and adjust policies in a timely manner.
This open-minded attitude set an example for future generations. For example, during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, when the scholar Xia Yan was carrying out reforms, he repeatedly quoted Tang Taizong's practice of opening up his views widely, emphasizing that reform must be widely listened to. Although Xia Yan's reforms ultimately failed for a variety of reasons, his identification with Tang Taizong's approach shows that the policy had a far-reaching and lasting impact.