I Want to Be Emperor.

Summary

Liu Che, the emperor, learns about the strategic importance of various passes known as 'Jin Guan' from historian Sima Tan. He reflects on the strict pass system of the Han dynasty, which included official and private passes akin to modern passports. Despite the potential for tax revenue from reinstating checkpoints, Liu Che recognizes that such measures would harm commerce and industry in the long run. He notes the negative behavior of wealthy merchants who exploit workers and challenge authority, leading him to decide that they need to be taught a lesson. Liu Che instructs Wang Dao to limit interactions with merchants and asserts control over state affairs.

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