In the same year, a new law was implemented starting from Jiangnan, then was expanded out to other areas, strictly investigating the land occupied by the local landlords. However, even after the investigation was done, the land did not get returned to the common people and the farmers, but instead was taken back by the imperial court.

After local powers were gathered and returned to the government, up until Long An's third year, for each and every piece of land, what would be planted or built on them must go through layers of approval. The degree of centralization had surpassed even that of Emperor Wu's ruling during his time, and the restrictions on Ziliujin had reached an unprecedented level never seen before.

No one dared to disagree - if someone did, it was undoubtedly those belonging to Wei Wang's party - and would be slain at once.

Another two years passed; in Long An's fourth year, Li Feng began to implement the 'Zhang Ling Law' - the Mechanics from the common folks had to register their names in their local areas and obtain a 'Zhang Ling badge' to be able to continue working.

According to each person's qualifications and skill level, the Imperial Court divided the Mechanics into five grades. There was a print under each badge, and each print was numbered. Those who possessed this badge, whatever they had fixed or created, everything needed to be recorded down thoroughly.

There were firm restrictions on what type of job one was allowed to take on depending on their grade. It was strictly forbidden for unregistered Mechanics to accept jobs.

For all armors and machines related to military needs, Mechanics not belonging to the army were not allowed to get involved; if in violation of this order, one would be punished by having a finger cut off and being sent to exile.

When this decree was sent down, there was a lot of controversy in the capital, but no matter how the court officials argued and what reasoning they spoke of, the Emperor and the cabinet that had undergone 'adjustment' had only one sentence in response - if they didn't tighten the Mechanics, how could they tighten the valve that was draining Ziliujin?

However, while this law was still not done being argued over, Li Feng already threw out the next bomb: the 'Drumming Order' - aiming directly at the army.

According to different functions, there were seven major military services, and a commander would be assigned in each region - Jiangnan, Zhongyuan, Saibei, Western Regions, and Nanjiang. The appointment and removal of military personnel, salary, rations, armor, and equipment would be coordinated by the Ministry of War. Other matters would be handled by the commanders of the individual military regions.

The Marquis of Order with the Black Tiger Emblem in his hands could command troops everywhere in the country in case of critical situations.