Nine Provinces Administrative System

A framework for organizing territory into administrative units with standardized assessment and tribute collection.

Overview

This procedure divides territory into provinces (州), each with specific soil classifications, tax rates, and tribute obligations.

Steps

1. Province Delineation

   • Define boundaries based on natural features (rivers, mountains)
   • Name each province (e.g., 冀州, 沇州, 青州, 徐州, 扬州, 荆州, 豫州, 梁州, 雍州)

2. Soil Assessment

   • Classify soil types (e.g., white soil 白壤, black soil 黑坟, red clay 赤埴坟)
   • Rank land quality (上上, 上中, 上下, 中上, etc.)
   • Determine agricultural potential

3. Tax Classification

   • Assign tax rates based on land productivity
   • Account for soil quality variations
   • Establish graduated payment schedules

4. Tribute Specification

   • Identify local products and resources
   • List specific tribute items per province (silk, salt, metals, timber, etc.)
   • Specify packaging requirements (篚 containers)

5. Transportation Routes

   • Map water routes for tribute transport
   • Identify key waterways and connections
   • Establish access points to main rivers

Decision Points

• If soil quality varies within province, adjust tax rates accordingly
• If transportation is difficult, identify alternative routes

Expected Outcomes

• Clear administrative boundaries
• Standardized taxation system
• Efficient tribute collection and transport

Validation

• Verify that each province has a documented soil classification and corresponding tax rate
• Confirm that tribute items match each province's local products and resources
• Check that water transportation routes connect each province to the central collection points