Fubing System. In the middle of the sixth century a new fubing (militia) system was created. Every family with more than 2 sons had to send 1 man for permanent service in fu (garrisons) located throughout the empire. The militiamen themselves, rather than their families, had an exemption from taxes and other labor levies. The state provided their essential needs, but the garrisons were required to become self-sufficient by farming state-assigned lands in intervals between military activities. The system, consisting of a series of militias, each of 800 to 1,200 men, continued to exist in Tang times (618-907), but it was not based on universal conscription for short terms. This type of service was highly respected, and well-to-do families tried to get officer positions for their sons. Young men were chosen at the age of twenty-one on the basis of their physical fitness and...