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

Chapter 406 Prime Minister Li was not a bloodthirsty man; those he killed were simply those who deserved to die.
"...Ziyu, I cannot sleep or eat properly whenever I think about the matter in Xuzhou."

Liu Bei looked up at Li Yi.

"This place is where I built my career, and it has degenerated to this extent in just a few years since I left."

"Corruption is rampant, and public resentment is boiling."

“Whenever I think of this, my heart aches terribly.”

What Liu Bei didn't know was that Xuzhou was the place where he established his career, and that's where corruption was most rampant.

The wealthier a place is, the more prone it is to corruption.

Because any policy that is arbitrarily formulated can bring benefits to countless people.

Everyone knows that corruption is punishable by death or imprisonment.

But why do people still dare to embezzle for thousands of years?
Because that's human nature.

Li Yi gently comforted Liu Bei, saying:
"This is the nature of a country's regime; it requires human intervention."

"If those in power become even slightly lax, they will immediately become corrupt and degenerate."

"This is why we still respect our jobs and are dedicated to our work."

Ok……

Liu Bei nodded slightly. "You may tell me in detail about the investigation you just mentioned."

"...I suggest that local military officers and officials be selected to be in charge of the investigation in Xuzhou."

“When a corrupt official is found, a probationary official is appointed to take his place.”

"In this way, the investigator and the successor are one, which can avoid the problem of officials protecting each other."

Li Yi spoke calmly, clearly having given it considerable thought.

"This is a great plan!"

"With you and I far away in Luoyang, it is indeed difficult to guarantee that the officials in Xuzhou are not in cahoots and deceiving Your Majesty."

A glimmer of light flashed in Liu Bei's eyes, but then dimmed again:
"Of course..."

The emperor paused briefly, his brow furrowing into a deep frown.

"Wouldn't such actions lead to wrongful convictions?"

“If a candidate for office fabricates charges in order to obtain an official position.”

"To falsely accuse a good minister would surely chill the hearts of loyal ministers throughout the land."

Li Yi took a step forward, and the sunlight outside the hall slanted onto half of his face.

"I have considered what Your Majesty is concerned about."

Therefore, Pang Tong and Jiang Wei were specially ordered to go to Xuzhou to preside over the investigation.

"These two men, one is exceptionally intelligent and the other is cautious and meticulous."

"They complement each other, ensuring safety."

"Pang Shiyuan and Jiang Boyue?"

Liu Bei nodded slightly, but his brows remained furrowed.

"...These two are indeed excellent choices."

"However, people's hearts are unpredictable. What if the candidate exaggerates or makes a mountain out of a molehill?"

Li Yi cupped his hands and said:
"...Your Majesty is wise."

“The alternate officials may be dealt with strictly, but it must be based on evidence.”

The saying goes, "If you don't want others to know, it's better not to do it."

"If one is innocent, what is there to fear from investigation?"

"If there is indeed corruption, then they have only themselves to blame."

Liu Bei got up and paced back and forth, his red shoes making a soft sound as they stepped on the cold floor tiles.

A moment later, he stopped by the pillar of the palace and looked out the window at the distant streets of Luoyang.

“…Ziyu, I have heard that ‘if the water is too clear, there will be no fish; if a person is too discerning, he will have no followers.’”

"If this leads to a wrongful conviction, wouldn't it be my fault?"

Li Yi's expression was solemn:

"...Your Majesty, please forgive my bluntness."

Even if there is a single mistake, it won't harm one or two officials.

"However, if corruption is allowed to continue, it will harm the people of a county and the people of a prefecture."

"For the sake of the overall situation, some sacrifices at the micro level are probably hard to completely avoid."

The hall suddenly fell silent, with only the dripping of the water clock breaking the silence.

Liu Bei turned around, a resolute look already in his eyes.

"If that's the case, then we'll do as you've suggested."

"However, I must convey my oral decree to Pang and Jiang:"

"When investigating a case, it is essential to have solid evidence. One should not blindly believe what others say, nor should one use torture to extract confessions."

"If there is any injustice, they are permitted to report it directly to me."

Li Yi bowed and accepted the order:

"Your Majesty is wise! I will take care of it immediately."

"Wait a minute,"

Liu Bei suddenly called out to Li Yi, who was about to retreat.

"Ziyu's plan, though seemingly swift and decisive, actually contains a hidden benevolence."

"Eliminating corrupt officials and bringing benefits to the people is the true meaning of benevolence and righteousness."

Li Yi was slightly taken aback, then bowed again:

"...Your Majesty sees through everything perfectly."

"When Emperor Guangwu restored the dynasty, he also made great efforts to rectify official corruption."

"Now that Your Majesty has inherited the Han dynasty, you should follow the example of the sages of the past and restore order to the court."

Liu Bei nodded slightly, his gaze seemingly extending beyond the palace walls to the distant Xuzhou.

"May this action restore peace and tranquility to Xuzhou, and enable the people to live and work in peace and contentment."

The emperor sighed softly.

"Once this matter is resolved, I will issue an edict of self-reproach. If there is any injustice, I will bear the full responsibility."

Li Yi looked up, a look of admiration flashing in his eyes:
"Your Majesty's benevolence will surely move Heaven and Earth."

"However, in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken."

"Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens. If I am to be blamed, I will bear it alone."

Liu Bei waved his hand:

"As the emperor, how can I allow my subjects to bear the brunt of the blame?"

"Go and do this quickly."

After speaking, Liu Bei's gaze fell once again on the stack of memorials from Xuzhou.

"...I hope that my decision today will not lead to a grave mistake."

The emperor murmured to himself, his voice fading into the hot summer breeze.

Li Yi accepted the order, but did not immediately leave, remaining standing beneath the steps.

The man in black remained motionless, as if he had something to say but didn't finish.

Liu Bei was about to bend down to read the first batch of memorials when he looked up and saw that he had not yet left, and couldn't help but ask in surprise:

"...Why does Ziyu not retreat? Is there anything else to report?"

Li Yi bowed respectfully, his gaze sharp and piercing.
"Your Majesty still appears troubled, even though you have made a grand plan, your mind is not at peace."

"Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens and resolve this issue once and for all."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei put down his vermilion brush and sighed deeply.
"Ziyu is truly my confidant, with keen insight."

"I do have something on my mind, but I didn't have time to say it earlier."

"I would like to hear the details," Li Yi said.

Liu Bei rose, strolled to the map of the nine provinces in the hall, and pointed to the land of Xu and Si:
"According to your plan, having reserve officers investigate cases and fill vacancies would certainly break the pattern of officials protecting each other."

"However, what I am thinking about is not just capturing corrupt officials."

"Even if a new official takes office in the future, it is difficult to guarantee that he will never become corrupt."

"Furthermore, if the embezzled military funds are not recovered..."

“An empty national treasury is ultimately a hidden danger.”

Li Yi listened attentively and nodded slightly.
"...Your Majesty's concerns are very valid."

"The harm of corruption lies not only in people's greed, but also in the loss of wealth."

"I have heard that Xuzhou suffered a military deficit of one million last year. If it cannot be recovered, it may harm the foundation of the nation."

Just then, an attendant outside the palace announced:
"Prime Minister Chen Deng requests an audience!"

Liu Bei raised his hand: "Send it."

Chen Deng strode in, and although he was over fifty, his steps were still vigorous.

After he finished bowing, he took out a scroll of documents from his sleeve:
"Your Majesty, the preliminary investigation into the corruption case in the six prefectures of Xuzhou has been completed."

"This is a list of the embezzled funds and the names of the officials involved."

Liu Bei then informed Chen Deng of Li Yi's plan, and the prime minister, upon hearing it, clapped his hands in approval.
"Your plan is brilliant! By having a probationary official investigate the case, once the truth is revealed, he can immediately fill the vacancy."

"It will surely expose their factionalism and selfishness."

"Use the candidate to investigate the current one, thus eliminating any thought of protecting him."

"In this way, the deep-seated problems in the officialdom of Xuzhou can be eliminated!"

Liu Bei replied:

“…Yuanlong is right.”

"However, Ziyu and I are currently discussing the recovery of stolen goods."

"Corrupt officials can be punished, but if the ill-gotten gains cannot be recovered, it is all in vain."

Li Yi stepped forward, his voice as firm as metal and stone:

"I have a plan: We can thoroughly investigate the household registration and land ownership of corrupt officials and directly confiscate their property."

"This will both fill the deficit and deter others, making them realize that ill-gotten gains will ultimately be hard to keep."

Chen Deng suddenly shook his head and interrupted:
"I have already considered your plan, Lord Yi."

"However, according to investigations, several corrupt officials who have already been prosecuted have assets under their names—"

"They have no land or houses, and all their money is gone."

"Even if we search their homes, there will be nothing to take."

As he spoke, Chen Deng unfolded the document in his hand.

"For example, Zhou Qu, the prefect of Pengcheng, embezzled 200,000 strings of cash from the army."

"However, he only owned a humble house and ten acres of meager land."

"My family members all wear simple clothes and eat plain food; there is no luxury in their lives."

Liu Bei's expression changed drastically, and he slammed his hand on the table:
"Cunning clerk! He must have already transferred the embezzled funds to his relatives and friends."

"Otherwise, how could such a vast fortune have vanished into thin air? These people have gone too far in deceiving me!"

Liu Bei was unusually enraged, and he stomped his feet in anger.

These corrupt officials are truly shrewd; they had already anticipated that one day their misdeeds might come to light.

They transferred the embezzled funds in advance.

Even if the incident occurs, they still want to annoy Liu Bei.

Liu Bei was furious and said to Li Yi:

"No matter what, this matter must be thoroughly investigated and dealt with."

"You must find out the truth for me!"

Li Yi's gaze suddenly turned cold, and he bowed, saying:

"...Your Majesty is wise."

"In that case, the principle of collective punishment should be applied."

"The relatives and friends of corrupt officials, who have benefited from the ill-gotten gains, should also be punished."

"They can be seized together as a warning to others."

The hall fell silent instantly.

Chen Deng's expression changed upon hearing this, and he hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Majesty, no!"

"The system of collective punishment was a tyrannical rule of Qin."

"Since the restoration of the Han dynasty under Emperor Guangwu, he has been cautious in administering punishments and showing compassion in prisons, which has won him the hearts of the people."

"If the crimes of corrupt officials are used to implicate their relatives, it would likely lose the support of scholars throughout the land."

Li Yi, however, said:

"...Prime Minister Chen is overthinking it."

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures should be taken."

"Corruption in Xuzhou has become a chronic disease that can only be cured with strong medicine."

"And those relatives and friends who received the embezzled funds are not innocent people."

“If we condone this now, corrupt officials will follow suit in the future.”

"If the embezzled funds can be preserved simply by transferring them, then isn't the great cause of fighting corruption just a castle in the air?"

Li Yi proposed the idea of ​​collective punishment, and ordered Chen Deng to investigate the household registrations of those corrupt officials.

They confiscated all the property of their relatives and friends to make up for the national deficit.

Li Yi's reason was quite simple.

These relatives and friends usually associate with these corrupt officials.

Do you think these relatives and friends have no idea how much money corrupt officials embezzle on a daily basis?
Knowing this, they still dared to accept the benefits offered by corrupt officials.

Don't complain about being implicated if something happens in the future.

Of course, you might ask if it's possible that some of your relatives or friends are innocent?
This will definitely happen.

But as I said before, the top leadership always addresses problems from the perspective of the country's macro-development.

From a micro-level, private perspective, this is not something that the national leadership should consider.

All the leaders want is for the country to develop in an overall positive direction.

No one can do everything at the same time.

Therefore, sacrifice is necessary.

Just like when Liu Bei first entered Shu, he ordered Fa Zheng and Zhuge Liang to formulate the "Shu Code".

Zhuge Liang's insistence on implementing harsh laws and punishments stemmed from the same reason.

Fa Zheng also cited the story of Emperor Gaozu of Han abolishing the harsh laws of the Qin Dynasty and establishing a three-chapter law after entering Guanzhong, hoping to govern with tolerance.

However, Zhuge Liang believed that the powerful clans in Shu were wielding absolute power and that the proper relationship between ruler and subject was gradually being replaced by the domineering behavior of these powerful clans.

Therefore, the reason I am now implementing harsh laws and severe punishments is to correct this political situation.

This can be described as a radical argument.
In ancient times, whenever harsh laws and severe punishments were implemented, innocent people were bound to be implicated.

It's just a matter of more or less.

Including Zhuge Liang's "Shu Code", the criminal law was very strict.

It is impossible to guarantee absolute fairness and impartiality.

But as I said before, the top leadership always thinks about issues from a national macro perspective.

The fact is, after Zhuge Liang governed Shu...

The landscape of Sichuan has been greatly transformed, and the administration has been completely renewed.

Li Yi also adhered to this principle in dealing with the corruption problem in Xuzhou and even the whole country.

Liu Bei remained silent, gazing at the map showing the territory of Xuzhou.

After a long silence, he slowly said:
"...What Ziyu said, though seemingly harsh, hits the nail on the head."

"However, Yuanlong's concerns were not without reason."

He suddenly turned to Chen Deng, "Yuanlong was born in Xuzhou. Do you know about the collusion between local powerful families and officials?"

Chen Deng sighed:

"...Your subject dares not conceal the truth."

"Xuzhou is a prosperous city, attracting merchants from all over the country, where officials and merchants have colluded in a deeply entrenched network."

"Many officials transferred embezzled funds to merchants' families under the guise of business transactions."

"Or they may purchase jewelry and antiques and hide them elsewhere."

"Some even secretly lend money and charge interest, using all sorts of tricks."

Li Yi sneered:

"This warrants a thorough investigation! We should send capable personnel to investigate the asset changes of these officials and their relatives in recent years."

"All wealth whose source cannot be explained shall be confiscated."

Liu Bei nodded and said:
"...so this proposal shall be adopted."

"However, a set of rules must be established: First, the scope of the search and seizure shall be limited to immediate family members and those for whom there is concrete evidence of transfer of property."

"Secondly, establish channels for appeals, allowing those who have been wronged to defend themselves."

"Thirdly, half of the recovered embezzled funds will be returned to the national treasury."

"Half of it will remain in Xuzhou for the purpose of improving people's livelihoods."

Upon hearing this, Chen Deng's expression softened slightly:
"Your Majesty is wise! In this way, the embezzled funds have been recovered without compromising the court's benevolent governance."

"I suggest that Pang Tong and Jiang Wei, while investigating the case, should establish a special department to be responsible for the recovery of stolen goods."

Chen Deng was, after all, a member of a prominent family in Xuzhou, and he certainly hoped to adopt a relatively conciliatory policy towards the scholars of Xuzhou.

Upon hearing this, Li Yi's lips curled into a slight smile:
"Your Majesty is as benevolent as ever, but please forgive me for not reminding you."

"Your Majesty is the ruler of all people, and your servants will always listen to what you want to hear."

"What you don't want to hear, your subordinates will never tell you."

"Over time, one's perception and hearing will be clouded, which will naturally affect one's judgment."

"This is why many ancient emperors neglected state affairs in their later years."

"He believed that the world was at peace and there was no need for political affairs."

"However, as long as the country continues to function, those in power must constantly strive to improve themselves."

Oh?
Liu Bei raised an eyebrow and said in a deep voice:

"My dear minister, your words have a hidden meaning. Are you trying to tell me something?"

"Would the people below try to outsmart me?"

"...Hard to say."

"...Hehe." Liu Bei smiled slightly, "My dear minister, your ability to discern people's hearts is unparalleled in the world."

"Then let me wait and see!"

Li Yi bowed slightly.

“In that case, I will recommend another person to go to Xuzhou to assist in the investigation.”

Liu Bei asked who it was.

Li Yi replied:

"This man is from Xinye County, Yiyang Prefecture. His surname is Deng, his given name is Zhi, and his courtesy name is Bomiao."

"He is a descendant of Deng Yu, a famous general under Emperor Guangwu."

"He was a man of great cunning and keen insight."

"The current Minister of Revenue is skilled at auditing accounts and tracing the flow of funds."

Liu Bei granted the request:

"……good."

"Immediately appoint Deng Zhi as the Xuzhou Recovering Commissioner to assist Pang Tong and Jiang Wei in investigating the case."

"Issued by imperial decree: Those who voluntarily return the stolen goods shall be given a lighter punishment."

"Anyone who reports another person for concealing stolen goods may have their crimes offset by merit."

Chen Deng suddenly thought of something and said again:

"Your Majesty, I have another concern:"

"If we pursue the stolen goods too hastily, we risk driving them to desperate measures."

"Xuzhou is located on the border. If corrupt officials collude with foreign forces..."

Liu Bei's eyes sharpened, and he nodded repeatedly:

“…Yuanlong’s concerns are absolutely correct.”

Then he turned to Li Yi and instructed him:

"Ziyu, transfer troops stationed near Xuzhou under the guise of drills to strengthen border defenses."

"At the same time, I ordered Pang Tong and his men to secretly investigate whether there was any collusion between the two countries."

Li Yi cupped his hands in greeting:

"...I will take care of it immediately."

"We must ensure that we eradicate corruption within the country and strengthen border defenses without neglecting either."

Liu Bei finally smiled, took the two men's hands, and said:

"With your assistance, I have no worries."

"May the Xuzhou incident serve as a model for the fight against corruption across the country."

Chen Deng seemed to be thinking about something, and then suggested:
"Your Majesty, once this matter is settled, we should rectify official corruption and increase officials' salaries." "Insufficient salaries are also a cause of corruption."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei sighed deeply:
“Yuanlong’s words are the fundamental solution.”

"We will discuss this matter once the situation in Xuzhou is settled."

The three discussed for a long time until dusk fell and the palace lanterns were lit.

A sweeping anti-corruption storm that engulfed Xuzhou was thus launched.

The path to recovering stolen assets is likely to be even more difficult and tortuous than the path to apprehending corrupt officials.

Outside the palace,

The midsummer night was sultry and windless, as if a storm was brewing.

……

Meanwhile, Jiang Wei and Pang Tong arrived in Xuzhou by imperial decree.

Zhang Liao has already deployed 3,000 elite troops outside the city, awaiting further orders.

As soon as the two entered Pengcheng, Governor Yan Jun led his officials to welcome them and treated them to a grand banquet.

Yan Jun was born into the Langya Yan clan and was a descendant of Yan Hui.

During the banquet, delicacies were laid out, and toasts were exchanged.

Yan Jun raised his cup in respect and said:

"...You two imperial envoys have come from afar and have had a long journey. I have prepared a small feast for you."

"Let's welcome our two superiors to a warm welcome."

Pang Tong stroked his beard and smiled:

"Governor Yan is too kind."

"We are acting on orders to investigate cases and dare not indulge in pleasure."

After saying that, he took only a small sip.

After several rounds of drinks, Yan Jun gave a signal to his servants, and a singing girl gracefully entered.

A woman in a flowing dress dances gracefully, a subtle fragrance wafting through the air.

A stunningly beautiful woman approached Jiang Wei's seat, intending to pour him wine.

Although Jiang Wei was young and impetuous, he was extremely good at self-control. He raised his hand to stop him and said seriously:

"Go back."

Upon seeing this, Yan Jun chuckled twice:
"This is a famous courtesan from Xuzhou, who has come to entertain us."

Jiang Wei said sternly:
"His Majesty sent us here to investigate the case, not to watch the dance and listen to the music."

"Please open the treasury tomorrow and check the accounts."

The room fell silent.

A wealthy-looking man in the room sneered:
"With such an inhumane imperial envoy, I fear he will find it difficult to establish himself in Xuzhou."

Jiang Wei was furious upon hearing this. He slammed his fist on the table, stood up, and shouted:

"Stand firm? We carry the Emperor's sword and stand on the land of the Han Dynasty."

Why should I need your shelter?

Pang Tong was much older than Jiang Wei, and had been in politics for over twenty years.

Not only are they experienced, but they are also quite calm and composed when faced with problems.

However, this newly appointed top scholar is still somewhat inexperienced in officialdom.

He tugged at Jiang Wei's sleeve, as if reminding him to control his emotions.

Jiang Wei respected Pang Tong as an elder and listened to him very much.

He managed to control his emotions and sat down again.

Pang Tong said:

"We are only responsible for investigating the case, and we hope that you can cooperate."

"Don't worry, as long as you listen to us and cooperate with our work."

"I, Pang, will absolutely not make things difficult for you."

However, it was too late.
All the officials from Xuzhou, led by Yan Jun, remained silent and did not utter a single word.

Upon seeing this, Pang Tong stood up, pulled Jiang Wei along, and prepared to leave.

"...Goodbye."

After casually uttering a single sentence, the two left with their entourage.

Only a group of high-ranking officials from Xuzhou were left standing there dumbfounded.

"My lord, what should we do now?"

"The imperial envoy refuses to befriend us; judging by this, he intends to eradicate us!"

The crowd surrounded Yan Jun and asked anxiously.

"Young man, you're too hot-blooded."

Yan Jun's eyes narrowed, and he said in a deep voice:
"Now that things have come to this, we can only cut our losses..."

The next morning, Jiang Wei led his men to the treasury.

But the warehouse clerk dawdled for half a day before finally unlocking the many locks.

The ledgers in the warehouse were piled up like mountains, and Jiang Wei ordered his men to take inventory immediately.

Jiang Wei finally rested at midnight.

Suddenly feeling unbearably hot, he rolled over and got up from the bed.

Looking out the window, I saw flames shooting into the sky.

Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed. He put on his clothes and went out, just in time to meet Zhang Liao leading his troops at full speed.

"General Wen Yuan, where did the fire start?"

"The treasury! The treasury is on fire!"

"I have already sent people to put out the fire, but there seems to be something fishy going on!"

Upon reaching the warehouse, they saw flames soaring into the sky, illuminating half the city in crimson.

Officials including Yan Jun rushed to the scene in a panic, shouting for help to put out the fire, tears streaming down their faces.

"A natural disaster! This is a natural disaster!"

The fire was finally extinguished after a day and a night of fighting by soldiers and civilians.

However, the government offices and treasuries, which were adjacent to each other, were all reduced to ashes.

Wisps of smoke curled upwards, and white vapor could still be seen amidst the ruins.

Jiang Wei sat on a broken beam, his face covered in dust.

Pang Tong staggered over, his clothes soaked through.

"I regret not heeding Brother Shiyuan's advice!"

Jiang Wei pounded the ground in pain, saying, "If I hadn't forcibly opened the treasury yesterday, things might not have come to this!"

Pang Tong wiped his brow and sighed:

"...What wrong has Boyue done?"

“Since they dared to burn the warehouse, they are like dogs jumping over the wall in desperation.”

"Even if you treat him with kindness, how can his crimes be hidden for long? They will be exposed sooner or later."

"It's just that we both underestimated the audacity of these people from Xuzhou."

"Knowing they couldn't escape their guilt, they decided to go all the way and burn everything down."

"Human nature, oh human nature, the Prime Minister was right again."

Jiang Wei sighed:

"This is truly my fault; I should have taken immediate control of the local officials."

"Otherwise, the treasury wouldn't have caught fire and flooded."

Pang Tong gently comforted him, saying:

“This is not your fault. Even if you and I control them, they will still find a way to start a fire.”

"Don't forget, we are outsiders, while they are locals who have been rooted here for years."

“They have eyes and ears everywhere here, and we have far too little information.”

“Even if they are all imprisoned, they still have ways to send messages out.”

"Our only mistake was provoking them yesterday."

"If we had been able to keep them calm yesterday and investigate the case slowly, we wouldn't be in this mess today."

"This was a failure of oversight, but it has been a good lesson for both of us."

"Let us each submit a memorial to His Majesty and the Prime Minister to apologize!"

Just then, Zhang Liao brought in a man:

"Arson suspect captured! This man attempted to escape the city amidst the chaos, and was carrying flint and kerosene!"

The prisoner suddenly raised his head and grinned maliciously:

"There was more than one arsonist, but the emperor was far away in Xuzhou."

"What can you outsiders do to me?"

Pang Tong stepped closer to examine it closely, and suddenly said:
"Isn't this a retainer of the powerful Zheng family of Donghai? I saw you accompany the head of the Zheng family to the capital last year."

The man's expression changed, and he lowered his head, remaining silent.

Jiang Wei suddenly stood up:

"Issue the order! Close all four gates tightly; no one may leave the city without permission!"

"General Wenyuan, please deploy troops to control the residences of the powerful clans!"

Pang Tong quickly stopped him, saying:
"Wait! The treasury has already been burned. If we launch another attack, it may cause chaos."

He then asked the prisoner, "If you tell the truth, you may save your leader."

The prisoner did not answer, willingly facing death.

It seems he was a private bodyguard kept by a powerful family.

Pang Tong then discussed the matter with Jiang Wei:
"We should appear lenient on the surface but be strict on the inside, showing leniency outwardly while conducting thorough investigations inwardly."

He then posted a notice to reassure the people, declaring that the fire in the government treasury was a natural disaster and that the audit of accounts would be temporarily suspended.

Secretly, they dispatched skilled spies to investigate the interactions between various powerful clans.

The two slowed down their pace and quickly stabilized the situation in Xuzhou.

The officials in Xuzhou were not in a hurry to process everything.

Instead, they first arrested a few typical cases and threw them into prison.

On this day, after stabilizing the situation in Xuzhou, Pang Tong was reviewing case files in the government office.

Suddenly, Jiang Wei strode in, his face grave.

"Mr. Fengchu, something terrible has happened!"

Jiang Wei lowered his voice, "Prefect Zhou Qu of Pengcheng committed suicide in prison!"

Pang Tong paused, ink dripping onto the scroll:

"When did this happen? How did you commit suicide?"

"Just half an hour ago, the jailer found him dead when he brought him food."

He hanged himself from the beam with his belt.

Jiang Wei said hatefully, "This scoundrel must be afraid of punishment and wants to save his family's wealth and status by dying!"

He concluded that the man was afraid of being investigated and having his family implicated.

He wanted to ensure his wife and children would be well-fed and clothed for the rest of their lives by leaving no one to prove his innocence.

Pang Tong pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said:

"...that may not be entirely true."

"Zhou Qu embezzled a huge sum of money; did he not know that even death could not atone for his crime?"

"Perhaps the person behind it was afraid that he would confess, so they threatened his family's lives and forced him to commit suicide."

Jiang Wei struck the table in anger and said:

"How hateful! How infuriating!"

"How brazen he was when he embezzled military funds! After being caught, he even wanted to end his life!"

"When those soldiers whose rations were withheld were starving and freezing, did anyone ever pity their wives, children, and elderly parents?"

Just as the two were discussing, a servant outside announced:

"Imperial Envoy Deng Zhi, the Commissioner for the Recovery of Stolen Goods, has arrived!"

A moment later,

Deng Zhi entered, looking travel-worn, and without exchanging pleasantries, immediately asked:
"I just entered the city and heard the news of Zhou Qu's death. Is it true?"

Pang Tong sighed:

“…Exactly.”

"Our negligence allowed a major criminal to commit suicide in prison."

Deng Zhi sneered:
"This was not an oversight, but an inevitability."

Before leaving the capital, Prime Minister Li had foreseen that corrupt officials would deny their crimes with their lives to protect their families.

Suddenly, he said seriously, "Do you two know where Zhou Qu's family is?"

Jiang Wei answered without hesitation:
“His wife, children and elderly relatives are all in his residence in Pengcheng, and people have been assigned to monitor them.”

Deng Zhi nodded:

"Please, General, capture his entire family and relatives for three generations immediately."

"Tomorrow at noon, carry out a massacre at the market entrance!"

These words struck like a thunderbolt.

Jiang Wei was taken aback and said:
"Lord Deng! The calamity should not extend to the wife and children, let alone relatives?"

"This is not the way of benevolent governance!"

Since the founding of his kingdom, Liu Bei has upheld benevolent governance.

People all over the world are grateful for his kindness.

However, this also fostered a culture of favoritism and corruption among Han Dynasty officials.

Knowing that Liu Bei wouldn't severely punish him for his mistake, he became even bolder.

As everyone knows,

Historically, the Shu Han state never killed the families of traitorous generals.

For example, Huang Quan, Mi Fang, and Pan Jun—even if these people betrayed him…

Their families were not harmed by the Shu Han.

This is certainly a commendable aspect of Liu Bei's character, and it also reflects his kindness and generosity.

However, this did indeed cause many Shu Han generals to defect without any psychological burden.

Compare it to the neighboring Cao Wei state.

When Zhuge Liang led tens of thousands of troops to Chencang, Hao Zhao and his few thousand men chose death over surrender.

Zhuge Liang sent people to persuade Hao Zhao to surrender twice, but Hao Zhao refused to do so.

Hao Zhaoyuan said:
"You have practiced the Wei family's methods; you know my character."

"I have received much from the country, but my family is too important. You have nothing to say, but I am prepared to die."

"You should thank Zhuge Liang, then we can attack."

Hao Zhao made his point very clear, stating directly a key reason why he could not surrender.

Right now--

The State of Wei has laws, but I have a family.

The State of Wei implemented the "Zhi Ren" system.

The hostage system stipulated that the families of generals who led troops abroad for many years had to remain in the mainland as hostages.

If the hostage is a general guarding the border, then the hostage must be his son.

This serves as a constant reminder to the generals fighting on the front lines.
If you want to betray us or surrender, think about your family first.

The Shu Han state also adopted the system of appointing officials based on their positions.

It's just that Liu Bei never killed the families of generals who betrayed him.

This is also related to the national conditions of Shu Han.

Liu Bei thought to himself, "The country already has a shortage of talented people, so I will treat them with sincerity."

They hope to attract more people to their side.

However, Liu Bei overlooked a very important matter.

With the cost of betrayal so low, who will take loyalty to you seriously in the future?

Even killing Liu Feng required Zhuge Liang's pleading before he would agree to do so.

Even in his later years, Lao Liu was never able to completely shake off the chivalrous spirit he had in his youth.

Therefore, Li Yi's performance in rectifying the atmosphere of officialdom was much more mature.

Li Yi's governing philosophy has always been to treat the people with benevolence and to be strict with officials.

As I said before, when it comes to national-level issues, we must think about them from a macro perspective.

Faced with the solution proposed by Li Yi.

Pang Tong seemed to understand the Prime Minister's intention.

Then he spoke up to comfort Jiang Wei, saying:

"...Boyue, please be at ease."

"Could it be that Governor Deng's actions are... a warning to others?"

Deng Zhi looked at Pang Tong approvingly:
"...Mr. Pang is indeed discerning."

Before leaving the capital, Prime Minister Li specifically instructed: If any official commits suicide, his relatives will be implicated.

"Why? It's to make the remaining corrupt officials understand—"

"Suicide will not only fail to protect your family, but will also bring disaster upon your relatives!"

He walked to the desk, took a pen, and wrote a few lines:
"You should know that these corrupt officials would rather die than let their ill-gotten gains and relatives be lost."

"If they are allowed to succeed, others will surely follow suit."

"Only through severe punishment can they be made to understand:"

"If they cooperate with the investigation, only one person may be convicted."

"If he commits suicide out of fear of punishment, his entire family will be executed!"

"When faced with two evils, they will make their own choice."

Deng Zhi explained Li Yi's line of thinking very clearly.

This method is used when an official commits suicide in an attempt to escape punishment and protect his family.

This is to prevent officials from refusing to cooperate with investigations.

Such a wicked trend of denying wrongdoing at the cost of one's life must not be encouraged.

Although this method seems harsh, it is not actually so.

Without doing so, it would be impossible to prevent the remaining officers from following suit and committing suicide.

Thus, they risked their lives to deny their crimes and evade responsibility.

By slaughtering their family and friends, the message was meant to be sent to the remaining people—

As long as you don't commit suicide and cooperate with the court's investigation, they will only arrest you.

If you dare to commit suicide, your entire family will be arrested and executed afterwards.

These people should know what's more important than what's less important.

This is more about making an example of someone to deter others than about indiscriminately killing innocent people.

"good."

Pang Tong turned around, took a letter from the table, and said to the two men:

"Besides, Zhou Qu's relatives may not be innocent."

"According to investigation, his son Zhou Fang acquired extensive land in Pengcheng, and his son-in-law Wang Yan was in charge of the canal transport."

"All of them were involved in embezzlement."

"So-called relatives are actually accomplices!"

“These relatives and friends have received much kindness from him in the past, so they should have expected this situation to occur today.”

Jiang Wei then realized:

"I see! I was just being too kind-hearted."

Pang Tong sighed:
"Although Prime Minister Li's plan is ruthless, it is in fact a wise and experienced approach to governing the country."

"It should be known that the relatives of corrupt officials often enjoy the benefits of their ill-gotten gains."

"Although the current measures are strict, they can deter those who come after, thus saving more people."

The next day at noon, Pengcheng City was packed with people.

Deng Zhi personally oversaw the execution and loudly proclaimed:
"Zhou Qu embezzled military funds and committed suicide out of fear of punishment."

"In accordance with the 'Han Law - Edict on Joint Liability for Corruption,' his entire family shall be executed!"

"From now on, if any corrupt official commits suicide, this precedent will apply!"

Where the blade flashed, blood splattered on the execution platform.

Several onlookers turned pale and fled in panic.

That afternoon, the scene in the prison changed drastically:
Previously silent officials are now demanding confessions and even vying to expose their accomplices.

In just three days, the amount of embezzled funds recovered has reached a staggering one million strings of cash!
……

(End of this chapter)