Good Landlord of the Tang Dynasty.

Summary

The Tang Dynasty's border officials, exemplified by Zhang Chao, were ruthless in their approach to maintaining order, often resorting to violence to instill fear among the Shu barbarians. Zhang Chao, appointed as a pacifying commissioner, believed in a mix of force and negotiation. The auction of over 25,000 slaves generated significant revenue, which was allocated to various funds for military and community development. Zhang Chao emphasized transparency and proper use of these funds. The garrison soldiers, benefiting from land and spoils, were motivated by substantial monthly dividends and educational opportunities for their families. Despite the challenges of equipping soldiers and cultivating land, Zhang Chao recognized the importance of rewarding merit to maintain morale and effectiveness, learning from past military failures.

Full content