The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 302 "A Spray of Plum Blossoms - Ink Stained the Night Before It Ends"

Yecheng, Hebei.

After three months of hard work, Li Yi and Chen Qun finally completed the revision of the Qi Law.

Once the new laws are finalized, a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court must be elected.

Although Liu Bei did not say it directly, Li Yi could tell that Liu Bei had specially sent Chen Qun to Hebei, meaning that he wanted Chen Qun to be the Minister of Justice.

As mentioned before, the Court of Justice wielded immense power.

He was able to directly oversee all prison cases nationwide, and all doubtful cases in prefectures and kingdoms were dealt with and reported accordingly.

If that's all, then it's not powerful enough.

The true power of the Court of Justice lay in the fact that it was directly subordinate to either the emperor or a feudal lord.

He could even directly refute the opinions of the prime minister and the censor-in-chief.

In other words, once Chen Qun became the Minister of Justice, he would only obey Liu Bei.

Even Li Yi couldn't command him.

In a sense, isn't this another form of being second only to one person and above ten thousand others?
Liu Bei's intention in placing this important post in Hebei was self-evident.

This was specifically targeting the Hebei faction.

Has the administrative and military power of the Hebei faction been weakened?

Not at all!

However, it strengthened the central government's supervisory power over Hebei, further restricting the expansion of power in Hebei.

Li Yi was a clever man, and he saw this point. After the Qi Law was revised,

He then drafted a memorial and submitted it to Xiapi overnight:

"Your subject Yi respectfully reports—"

"The position of Court Minister is in charge of criminal matters throughout the land, and only those who are knowledgeable in the law and adaptable to change it can be appointed."

"Having read Chen Qun's long article, I can see that he understands both the essentials of laws and regulations and the practicalities of expediency. He is truly the best candidate."

"I beg Your Majesty to grant me the position of Minister of Justice, so that I may uphold the laws of the land and maintain order."

Liu Bei glanced at the memorial, then with a flourish of his brush, declared, "Approved!"

In fact, Liu Bei could have directly appointed Chen Qun as Minister of Justice.

The reason they didn't say it explicitly was to test the attitude of the people of Hebei.

It wasn't a test of Li Yi's attitude, but rather the attitude of the people of Hebei.

But Li Yi knew his lord, with whom he had spent fourteen years, all too well.

Before the Hebei officials could react, they immediately expressed their stance.

They said that we Hebei people unanimously support Chen Qun becoming the Minister of Justice.

Yes, Li Yi forcibly represents all people from Hebei.

that's it,
The title of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Qi fell to this man from a prominent family in Yuzhou and a former retainer of Liu Bei.

This move not only appeased the Chen family of Yuzhou, but also limited their power in Hebei.

This can be described as killing two birds with one stone.

I thought that was the end of it.

But Li Yi's next memorial shocked and surprised everyone.

The second letter reads as follows:

"Your subject Yi respectfully reports—"

"Now that the Court of Justice has been established, subordinate officials should be prepared."

According to the "Han Dynasty Old Rituals", the Court of Justice had two subordinate officials, the Left Supervisor and the Right Supervisor, who assisted in handling criminal cases.

"Now that the national laws have been newly implemented, it is appropriate to restore the old system."

"Your Majesty, I have observed that Zhen Yaoming is well-versed in laws and regulations and is suitable to serve as Left Supervisor."

"Xu Shu is adept at adapting to changing circumstances and is qualified to serve as the Right Supervisor."

"Furthermore, the judicial office is located in Hebei. If all officials from outside the province are employed, they may not be familiar with the local customs and conditions."

"We humbly submit to Your Majesty's wise decision."

After recommending Chen Qun for the position of Minister of Justice, Li Yi also secured the positions of Left and Right Supervisors for people from Hebei.

These two positions are equivalent to vice deans.

Furthermore, Li Yi found a loophole here.

That was during the Eastern Han Dynasty, when the Right Supervisor was abolished.

Li Yi deliberately mentioned "examining the Han Dynasty's old rituals" in his memorial, meaning that he intended to reinstate the Right Supervisor.

At the same time, the positions of Left Supervisor and Right Advisor were established concurrently, but Li Yi recommended people from his own residence to fill both positions.

The coexistence of the two supervisory offices actually weakened the power of the Court of Justice.

Obviously,

For someone like Li Yi, he didn't want a person in Hebei who was completely beyond his control to appear.

Now, anyone with eyes can see that Li Yi has only relinquished the position of dean on the surface.

But they still hope to intervene in the country's judicial system.

Li Yi and his Hebei province do not wish to be excluded from the judicial system.

This move naturally drew criticism from many domestic officials.

In the taverns and bars of the city, it was common to see groups of three or five officials gathering and talking privately.

"Li Yi's reach is far too long!"

"He's the one revising the law, but he also installs his cronies to enforce it..."

"Isn't this kind of autocracy going to lead to the story of Wang Mang?"
The news reached Liu Bei's ears, and that morning at court, he suddenly saw the King of Qi slam his fist on the table and rise, his voice like thunder:
I have heard that the Guanzi says: "A wise man does not govern only one matter."

"Now that Minister Li has overseen the revision of the Qi Code, how can he remain outside the law?"

"Are you all criticizing me behind my back because you doubt my judgment of character?"

The hall fell silent instantly.

But then a bamboo scroll fell out of Liu Bei's sleeve—it was a copy of the secret memorial that the ministers had discussed privately a month ago!

The officials were drenched in sweat and lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to look up.

Liu Bei sighed inwardly, realizing he now understood Li Yi's reasons for tightening control over his subordinates.

Originally, Liu Bei disliked prying into the privacy of his subordinates, but Li Yi strongly advised him to set up a secret agent organization to monitor his officials.

This was actually the prototype of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and it was Li Yi who first started it.

Li Yi privately told Liu Bei that this would save a lot of trouble.

Liu Bei initially didn't take it seriously, but now he finally understands the benefits.

By bringing out the secret report, it was as if the officials had been caught red-handed.

Liu Bei didn't need to exert much pressure to do many things by "one-man rule".

"Only today do I realize the Prime Minister's profound wisdom and foresight."

Liu Bei secretly sighed, realizing that since he declared himself king, he had been constantly improving and learning.

Liu Bei truly learned a great deal from Li Yi about how to be an excellent political leader.

Of course, the price was that this diminished Liu Bei's chivalrous spirit.

We can no longer act impulsively and wield swords like we did during our warlord days.

But that's reality; you can't have your cake and eat it too.

If Liu Bei wanted to manage a vast country well, he sometimes had to avoid being burdened by emotions.

Liu Bei glanced around at his ministers, and seeing that no one spoke, he said slowly:
"Effective immediately, the Right Prison shall be re-established."

"The appointments of Xu Shu and Zhen Yao are approved."

He paused slightly, then added:
"From this day forward, I shall not allow myself to hear any more slanderous words against the Prime Minister."

The ministers all agreed and dared not raise any further objections.

Liu Bei could silence the officials, but he couldn't silence the gossip.

In the streets and teahouses, there was no shortage of people making fun of Li Yi.

Even Hebei is no exception.

As the saying goes, "When people are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame; when their granaries are full, they know etiquette."

It means that only when people are well-fed and have money in their pockets will they start to care about things like propriety, integrity, shame, honor, disgrace, rise and fall.

In other words, I ate too much.

Hebei had not experienced any large-scale battles for several years, and thanks to Li Yi's benevolent rule, many people no longer had to worry about making a living.

Naturally, they would boast a little after tea or a meal.

In a teahouse in the West Market of Ye City, several elderly farmers squatted on benches, chatting and laughing while holding rough earthenware bowls.
"I heard that Prime Minister Li keeps a parrot at his residence?"

"Why?"

"That hairy beast immediately said 'Granted,' and I'll do it!"

Amidst the laughter of the crowd, they suddenly saw a patrolling soldier passing by and quickly changed their tune:
"The Prime Minister works so hard, even the birds are learning to do the work!"

The guard glared and said:
"If you spout any more nonsense, I'll send you to revise the Qi Code!"

Admittedly, people may be making fun of Li Yi, but that doesn't mean they disrespect him.

This is what is meant by,
Those who fear his power mock him in the alley, while those who benefit from his kindness remember him in their hearts.

The common people know when to make fun of others and when to show respect.

Li Yi heard all of these rumors.

He didn't say anything, and no one knew whether Li Yi was happy or sad.

But most people felt that, given Li Yi's personality and the Prime Minister's good temper—

He'll probably just laugh it off.

On this day, at the Prime Minister's residence.

Li Yi summoned two newly appointed officials, Zhen Yao and Xu Shu, to his residence.

After the two entered the mansion, they noticed that their prime minister looked unusually tired.

But his eyes remained as resolute as ever, and he said solemnly:
"Do you two know why I have so strongly protected you as Left and Right Prisoners?"

Zhen Yao and Xu Shu looked at each other, both hesitant to speak.

They didn't understand why Li Yi asked that question.

Your Excellency, you think highly of us and support us. We will always remember your kindness.

But is it really necessary to say such things in public?
Unable to fathom Li Yi's intentions, the two could only bow in unison and reply:
"Your humble servant is dull-witted and cannot fathom the deeper meaning."

That's it!

Li Yi waved his hand, sat down wearily, and said earnestly:

"No more lies today——"

"I am determined to seize the reins of law for all under heaven!"

"If it is not the king's will, then Chen Qun is the one to fill the position; the position of Minister of Justice must be held by Hebei!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shu nearly dropped his official tablet.

Zhen Yao was so shocked that a chill ran down his spine, and his clothes were soaked with sweat.

Just then, a startled magpie broke through the air outside the window, its cry as sharp as tearing silk.

Li Yi's meaning was already quite explicit and straightforward:
If Liu Bei hadn't hinted that Chen Qun should be appointed Minister of Justice, he really would have supported someone from Hebei to take the position.

As for why, he explained, "I, Li Yi, want to take control of the country's judicial system."

Zhen Yao and Xu Shu were so shocked because they did not expect Li Yi to be so frank with them.

How can you say such things in public?
What's wrong with the Prime Minister today?
Li Yi continued speaking:

“Yuanzhi, Yaoqing, you two are both trusted ministers whom I have personally promoted.”

"I have nothing to hide from you two."

"I have been working with Chen Changwen on the revision of the law for three months, day and night without rest, neglecting sleep and food."

"Others say that I work so hard because I covet the state's judicial system."

"Very well, today I will openly admit in front of you two that I am indeed coveting this place."

Zhen Yao and Xu Shu looked at each other, listening quietly, not daring to utter a sound.

"...Now, I would like to ask you both a question."

"What do you gentlemen consider to be the law?"

Both men were learned and skilled, and they faced Li Yi's test.

Xu Shu was the first to reply:

"Your Excellency, I believe—"

"Laws are created by sages based on the principles of Heaven and in accordance with human sentiments."

"Therefore, the Book of Documents says, 'Only the punishments are appropriate,' and the Rites of Zhou says, 'When punishments are just, the state uses the middle way.'"

"The Qi Law clearly defines rewards and punishments and establishes social hierarchy, preventing the powerful from indulging their desires and giving widows and orphans something to rely on. This is the proper way of the law."

Xu Shu quoted extensively from classical texts and did not forget to praise Li Yi's "Qi Laws".

Not to be outdone, Zhen Yao immediately replied:
"The law is the whip of the emperor."

"In the past, Lord Shang moved a log to establish trust, and Han Fei said, 'Regardless of social status, all should be judged according to the law.'"

"Now that Hebei has been newly annexed, it is time to use strict laws and severe punishments to eliminate long-standing abuses."

"For example, a doctor cannot cure a serious illness without strong medicine!"

Both of them did their homework beforehand, reading the "Qi Laws" over and over again.

It is well known that the laws compiled by Li Yi were quite harsh, which has drawn criticism from many people.

Two trusted confidants also strongly supported Li Yi at this time.

After listening, Li Yi pondered for a long time, then suddenly pointed to the ancient pine tree in front of the hall:

"If this tree develops tumors, what will you two do?"

Xu Shu replied:

"Prune and water it, and wait for it to heal itself."

Zhen Yao replied:

"Use an axe to chop off the affected area to stop its spread."

Li Yi's brows did not relax; he simply said in a low voice:
"The Qi Law is not a pine or cypress."

"Yuanzhi desires its life, Yaoqing desires its sharpness."

"But I intend to wield the axe and halberd, while harboring a benevolent heart."

Li Yi then formally began to explain what the law meant to him.

"In my view, the way of governance should have four principles."

"If the laws are clear, the people will know what to avoid."

“If the law is strictly upheld, officials will not dare to act arbitrarily.”

"When discipline is strictly enforced, authority cannot be violated."

“When all crimes are thoroughly investigated, evil will have nowhere to hide.”

"With these four principles in place, one must not act recklessly."

In short,
Before the law, there must be laws to follow, laws must be followed, discipline must be strictly enforced, and violations must be investigated and punished.

But the next question Li Yi faced was quite serious.

He slammed his hand on the table and demanded:

"But when the law is enforced in the world, can it truly be said that there are no distinctions in punishment?" "Let me ask you two gentlemen, is everyone equal before the law?"

Both of them were taken aback; this was a very serious problem.

Although we often say that the emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people.

But who would dare to actually punish the emperor?

The Spring and Autumn Annals contain profound principles, and the law should not be applied to those of high status.

The Book of Rites states that punishments should not be applied to high-ranking officials.

With this regulation in place, the authority of the law will be challenged.

This is a limitation of the feudal era.

"This, this, this..."

Neither Zhen Yao nor Xu Shu could answer this question.

Because they had just praised Li Yi's "Qi Law" for being based on sound principles and for being fair and impartial.

We can't just say that the law can't punish the powerful and wealthy, can we?

"If neither of you can answer, it means that I made the right decision to call you here today."

Li Yi rose with a flick of his sleeve.

Xu Fulijian, methodical and earnest, said:
"Now I will tell you."

"The law is like a plumb line for a carver—it can straighten crooked wood, but it cannot cut jade from Kunlun Mountain."

"Therefore, the punishments and education should be differentiated."

"There is a distinction between the gentry and the common people, and a proper measure between close and distant relationships."

"The 'level' mentioned in the Qi Law today refers to measuring millet with a measuring scale, not to weighing Mount Tai or a feather equally!"

Li Yi explained his understanding of the law.

That means that it is impossible to achieve equality before the law for everyone; it is only possible to achieve relative equality.

Because the poor can never afford to hire a lawyer.

The powerful and wealthy can use their influence to exploit legal loopholes and evade criminal charges.

But if the poor break the law, they have no choice but to accept the judgment.

"The laws and regulations are like a net; the noble can leap over it like fish, while the lowly are stuck and await their doom."

"This is why I must be in charge of criminal matters, and why I summoned these two rulers alone."

That's right, this is why Li Yi wanted to take control of the country's judicial system.

He wanted to differentiate between the powerful and the common people.

If powerful and influential people break the law, they should be severely punished.

If a petty person breaks the law, a relatively lenient policy should be adopted.

For example, tax evasion.

The powerful can easily fill the vacancy by using their power, and their quality of life will not be affected in any way.

Even if he is severely punished, he can still use his connections and resources to evade punishment.

Meanwhile, ordinary people, who pay very little tax themselves, are subjected to the same legal treatment.

Whether the rules are lenient or strict, it's the ordinary people who suffer.

This will only make the common people weaker and the powerful and wealthy families stronger.

Fearing the two might not understand, Li Yi gave another example:
"Why is it that I have explicitly forbidden officials from entering brothels for pleasure, but do not strictly enforce this rule on ordinary people?"

"The common people toil with their hands and feet, only able to enjoy a moment of pleasure every month."

"If clerks and runners are allowed to enjoy their salaries while sitting idly by, and are allowed to indulge in pleasures day and night, who would be willing to toil away on official documents?"

"Therefore, being strict with superiors and lenient with inferiors is not out of favoritism, but rather—"

"Stop the turbid stream to purify the source, prohibit corrupt officials to rectify the people's customs!"

Li Yi forbade officials from indulging in debauchery at brothels and similar places of pleasure.

But no such demands are made on ordinary people.

It's because ordinary people work hard all month and may only be able to go once a month.

But officials can go there every day.

In this situation, which government official would feel at ease working and doing practical things for the people?

This is also why we need to treat them differently.

“This is not the main text of the Qi Law, so I am telling you two in person.”

The same crime should be treated differently.

Because it cannot be discussed openly, Li Yi needs his own people in the judicial system.

Then why not choose Chen Qun?
Because Chen Qun was born into a prominent family in Yuzhou, he represented the interests of powerful and influential families.

This is precisely the target that Li Yi wants to focus on!

That's right, even a fool could see it.

Li Yi openly proposed revising the "Qi Laws," but secretly harbored a treacherous aim to weaken powerful aristocratic families.

The law is not only for officials, but also for landlords and powerful families.

For a long time, Li Yi's approach to dealing with powerful figures has always been like boiling a frog in lukewarm water.

We dare not use drastic measures, lest they become desperate and act recklessly.

The same applies to the Qi Law.

Why not differentiate between them directly in the legal provisions, instead of using the same law to sentence different people?

The world is still controlled by powerful and influential families.

If Li Yi dared to openly write these articles in the Qi Code.

Then the great cause he and Liu Bei built could be overthrown the very next day!

This is not an exaggeration at all!
So what exactly has Li Yi been doing these past three months?
He worked tirelessly, day and night, to revise the "Qi Laws" with Chen Qun.

In the end, he did not seek personal credit and, following Liu Bei's wishes, voluntarily relinquished the position of Minister of Justice.

This was intended to allow Liu Bei to strengthen his oversight of Hebei.

Then, despite the pressure from the officials of Qi, he took the initiative to bear the infamy of being "dictatorial" and requested that people from Hebei be promoted.

That is, their own people were appointed as the left and right supervisors.

This would make it easier for him to carry out his plans.

All of this was aimed at weakening powerful and influential families.

This will make it easier for Liu Bei to better rule the State of Qi in the future, allowing Qi to better reclaim wealth from the powerful families and make it easier to deal with them!

Li Yi asked himself honestly, and he had never shown favoritism for himself from beginning to end.

And what did he gain from this?

It was the hard work of March, and the ridicule of the officials.

This would further offend powerful families and the common people, who would relentlessly mock them.

Despite this, Li Yi's actions were still aimed at protecting the interests of ordinary people.

But the people seem to only care about whether they can eat their fill and stay warm, and only care about the tangible benefits they receive.

During this period, Li Yi felt lonely.

Many people cannot understand what he is going to do.

At this moment, Zhen Yao and Xu Shu finally understood why Li Yi looked so haggard and exhausted.

He must still be feeling very upset inside, right?
Thinking of this, the two of them, without even shedding a tear, said:

"Prime Minister, please take good care of yourself."

"You have always been selfless and devoted to the public good; the people will never forget you."

Li Yi stood with his hands behind his back, always presenting a strong image.

He rarely showed his vulnerable side to his subordinates, but faced with their concern, he couldn't help but sigh:
“I know that many people have criticisms of me.”

"Some say I abuse my power, others say I pursue profit."

"However, Li asked himself honestly, and found that his actions had never betrayed his conscience."

"Those who know me and those who condemn me, only history will tell."

"Let future generations judge me after I die and my coffin is closed!"

Zhen Yao and Li Yi are related by marriage, and at this moment he felt extremely sorry for his "brother-in-law".

In addition, he respected Li Yi, and his emotions surged, so he disregarded etiquette.

He immediately asked loudly:

"Prime Minister! What is the point of all this?!"

“I know that the King of Qi has been kind to you, but as you said.”

"Your actions, both before and after, have never betrayed your conscience."

"No matter what, you've done your best!"

"There was absolutely no need to go this far!"

"You are the Prime Minister, second only to the Emperor!"

"You hold great power, yet you choose to offend the powerful and wealthy, and stand up for those lowly people."

"But...but do those lowly people even appreciate your kindness?!"

"You know, it's because you are too kind."

"That's why those troublemakers dare to spread rumors about you after dinner!"

"Why did you have to go to such lengths?!"

Given Li Yi's serious work ethic, Zhen Yao would never dare to say such things.

But today, Li Yi revealed his true feelings to them, and Zhen Yao was also willing to speak his mind.

Even though Xu Shu was a chivalrous knight-errant, he felt extremely sorry for Li Yi at this moment.

Li Yi did not react much to this.

He simply recited a single line:
"Even though my clothes are getting looser, I will never regret it. I am becoming haggard because of her."

……

A female poet in later generations wrote a poem called "A Spray of Plum Blossoms":
The ink stains the night's watch, the night is not yet over.
The criminal law is on the desk, and the temples are frosted with autumn white.

Gan Fenquan and Liu Lang,
I am not afraid of people's ridicule, but I am worried about the people's suffering.

The wealthy and powerful family of Baishi was hiding its true intentions.
Laughter filled the teahouse, while slander filled the imperial court.

Who can understand my lonely heart and measure my heart?
Even if it's unpaid, we must still take on the responsibility.

……

Luoyang, late summer.

Meanwhile, Sima Yi fled all the way and finally managed to escape Hebei.

Fang intended to send an envoy to Li Yi to discuss a ceasefire and the redemption of his clansmen.

However, he happened to hear rumors that Li Yi had exterminated the entire Sima clan.

Sima Yi initially did not believe it; he did not think Li Yi was so cruel.

Furthermore, given his rational nature, he shouldn't dare to risk such a heinous act.

Even from a purely political perspective, the story of how Cao Cao's execution of Bian Rang led to a rebellion in Yan Province is still fresh in our minds.

It's only been a few years, and you've already forgotten?!

Therefore, Sima Yi dispatched spies to Hebei to find out the whereabouts of his clansmen.

The spy reported back that all one hundred members of the clan, young and old, had indeed been killed.

Upon hearing this, Sima Yi was so angry that he threw his crown to the ground.

His eyes were bulging and blood suddenly gushed out, staining his white robe crimson.

Those around him hurriedly helped him up, and Sima Yi looked up to the sky and roared:

"Li the traitor has lost all conscience; how swift is his blade!"

"As long as I, Sima Yi, have a breath left, I swear to be an enemy of Li Zicheng!"

The sound shattered the palace tiles, deafeningly loud.

Upon hearing the devastating news, clan chief Sima Lang rushed over.

"Zhongda!"

"Brother!"

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"

The two brothers embraced and wept bitterly upon seeing each other, their clothes soaked with tears.

"Brother! Li is a heartless and insane villain who slaughtered my entire clan."

"This hatred is irreconcilable and must be avenged."

Sima Lang wiped away his tears and said, choking back sobs:

"Zhongda, don't worry, I will never let my brother and our clansmen die in vain!"

Sima Yi was also unable to contain his emotions at this moment:

“…Brother, Yi is in a state of confusion and cannot think.”

"What should I do now?"

Sima Lang stopped crying and said in a vicious voice:
"The only course of action now is to hurry to Hanzhong to find Lord Cao."

"Cao Cao is currently in the land of Xichuan. We have lost our clansmen and can only wholeheartedly assist Cao Cao."

"Only by helping Cao Cao obtain Xichuan and occupy this land of abundance can we have a chance to fight against Liu Bei."

"Only by defeating Liu Bei can we avenge Li Yi!"

Li Yi was backed by Liu Bei, and behind Liu Bei was the State of Qi, which was built by their group.

This was undoubtedly a huge challenge for the Sima clan, which had already lost the support of its clan.

They have no choice but to cling to Cao Cao's coattails.

Only by wholeheartedly assisting him can one have the opportunity to seek revenge.

Otherwise, relying solely on the Sima clan, whose lineage has been eradicated, to claim revenge against Li Yi would be futile.

That is undoubtedly a pipe dream, a fool's fantasy!
"...Okay...okay...okay!"

Sima Yi's eyes were bloodshot, his teeth were clenched, and he said in a ferocious voice:

"Brother, there's no time to lose."

"Let's pack our things and head to Hanzhong!"

"When I return to Hebei in the future, I will definitely kill that treacherous Li Yi."

"Only by whipping the corpse to vent my anger can I quell the hatred in my heart!"

Sima Lang, being the head of the family, had calmed down considerably.

He helped Sima Yi to his feet and repeatedly gave him instructions:
"Zhongda, now is not the time for sorrow."

"We must stand tall and shoulder the great responsibility of reviving the Sima family!"

"Brother, don't worry, I understand."

Sima Yi nodded. At this moment, the Tomb Tiger bloodline within his body awakened.

From this day forward, Sima Yi only has two words in his eyes.

Revenge! Revenge! Revenge is the only thing left!!
……

(End of this chapter)