I Want to Be Emperor.

Summary

Corvée labor, known as "li yi" in the Han Dynasty, was a system where the ruling class forced the ruled to work without pay. This system was extensive, involving various regulations, and affected even commoners. While the law mandated service, wealthy landlords and merchants evaded labor by paying substitutes, a practice called "Jian Geng." The burden on lower classes was immense, with limited opportunities for upward mobility. Liu Che recognized the dangers of a stagnant ruling class and aimed to create a society where common people could rise, drawing lessons from historical examples of meritocracy and privilege. He believed that privilege could drive societal progress, and he sought to implement policies that would allow for greater opportunities for all.

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