Shu Han Confucian General of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 251
"In the pre-Qin Dynasty, the tyranny was indiscriminate and the hearts of the people were lost. It lasted no more than two generations, and he died in less than 40 years. After entering the customs, my great ancestor made three chapters and made benevolence and justice widely. Therefore, he won the hearts of the people. In just five years, he won the world. From this It can be seen that the abuse of criminal law is really a way to bring disaster!"

In the Chu Palace in Xuchang City, all the civil officials under Liu Bei's command in Xuchang City gathered together to discuss the "Han Law" sent by Zhuge Liang just now.Without waiting to read the content, Han Song had already quoted scriptures and talked about it eloquently.When these words were spoken out, many people echoed them.Even Liu Bei was a little moved. As a politician who talks about benevolence and righteousness all day long, he still prefers to rule the country by virtue.Not to mention that what Han Song said were all old things in this dynasty, so Liu Bei, who had always followed Gao Zu as an example, couldn't help but be tempted.

But obviously not everyone agrees with Han Song's words. As soon as his words fell, Gu Yong on the side had already refuted: "De Gao's words are biased. Thinking about the Spring and Autumn Period, Zichan was the Prime Minister of Zheng Guo. In charge of the criminal law, the rewards and punishments are clearly defined, and the people are sincerely convinced. In mourning, the laws are not prosperous, and benevolence and righteousness are abused, but the people are unscrupulous and do evil. It can be seen that if the laws are not clear, all things will be prosperous and abolished, which is not what the benevolent king wants!" He also quoted scriptures. , with sufficient evidence.

Liu Bei now listens to this and it makes sense, and that makes sense too.Although he knows how to use people well, he doesn't have a deep understanding of the significance of governing the country by virtue and law.While meditating, Liu Bei suddenly discovered a problem. At this moment, he seemed to realize how to make a choice.

Although they are both civil servants, Gu Yong and Han Song are different.Gu Yong is rigorous by nature, he doesn't drink alcohol, he is serious and rigid to the point of outrageous.Han Song is not the case. His talent is widely spread throughout the world. Although he is not a leader in the literary world like the Seven Sons of Jian'an, he is still very important.On weekdays, those who drink and sing, sing freely, and recite poems are the ones in this generation.Personal dispositions are different, so attitudes towards the criminal law are naturally different.

Thinking about this, Liu Bei had a lot of choices. Turning around and seeing Lu Su pondering himself, Liu Bei quickly asked, "Zijing, in your opinion, what should we do?"

"My lord," Lu Su stroked his goatee, and then said slowly: "What Yuan Tan and De Gao said are very reasonable, how to choose depends on the situation. However, in Su’s view, the disadvantage lies not in the execution of the criminal law itself, but in the excessive severity of the criminal law. As the so-called legal principle is nothing more than human feelings, if the punishment is too severe, the people’s resentment will inevitably boil, and eventually the Qin Dynasty will die because of it. But now However, the situation is quite different from that in the pre-Qin period!"

"What's the difference?" Liu Bei asked quickly.

"Liu Jiyu in Yizhou, Zhang Gongqi in Hanzhong, Liu Jingsheng in Jingxiang, and Tao Gongzu in Xuzhou. Although these four were in charge of the local area, although they were benevolent to the people, they were also in disorder because of the lax laws and regulations. Therefore, there was Zhang Kai's rebellion in Xuzhou. During the Chen-Sun Rebellion, although there were no wars in Yizhou and Hanzhong, it is true that the officials were in disorder and the political affairs were deserted. If the lord is now blindly implementing a benevolent government, he will inevitably repeat the mistakes of the former Song Xianggong. Today's "Han Law" by Zhuge Kongming Su deeply felt that his punishment was impartial, and the severity of the sentence was moderate, which could not only protect the people's livelihood, but also deter Xiaoxiao, so Su thought it was feasible, and implored the Lord to implement it!"

"It makes sense!" Lu Su's words were more insightful than Gu Yong and Han Song.If Zhuge Liang was Liu Bei's most trusted civil servant in history, then this person is Lu Su now.As one of the highest civil servants who followed Liu Bei, Lu Su's outlook on the overall situation and strategy are outstanding. What's more rare is that he is relatively open-minded and does not deliberately form cliques for personal gain. This is one of the main reasons why Liu Bei relies on him.Hearing Lu Su's words, Liu Bei finally made a decision to implement the "Han Law" compiled by Zhuge Liang, Qin Mi and others in the land of Henan under his rule.

But Liu Bei is now the king of Chu, not the emperor after all, it is better to talk to the emperor about the law, especially Liu Bei, who talks about the Han Dynasty all day long, can't make it clear that he regards the emperor as his own. decoration.Regardless of formality or pretentiousness, Liu Bei copied this set of "Han Law" and sent an envoy to send it to His Majesty the Emperor in Yecheng.

Not surprisingly, the "Han Law" appeared in front of Wei Wang Cao Cao a few days later. "There are so many talents under Liu Da'er's command. It is really rare to be able to compile such a complete set of criminal laws in the year when Zhuge Liang was too late to stand up! Why is there no such talent under my command?" Cao Cao was also amazed by this set of "Han Law".It's just that the last sentence is really hurtful.When Hua Xin, Dong Zhao, Xun You and other literati heard this, they couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.

"My lord, this "Law of the Han Dynasty" is nothing more than that. Now Liu Xuande has opened up the imperial examination and the nine-rank Zhongzheng system, recruiting talents from all over the world for his own use. If things go on like this, it will become a disaster!" As an old minister under Cao Cao's command, Xun You had to stand up Before going out, let's divert the topic a little bit, so as not to embarrass everyone.

"Well, this matter is indeed a matter of concern. Liu Bei knows how to use people well. If he is assisted by the world's talents, it will be difficult to contain it. This matter is really something to worry about! I don't know everyone, what is the strategy to deal with it?" Cao Cao pondered. road.

"My lord, in Yi's opinion, Liu Bei can be used in the nine ranks, and the lord can also use it. What's more, today's son is in Hebei, and the righteousness is here. If the lord can make good use of it, the world's elites will definitely abandon Liu Bei, and the lord will also use it." !” Sima Yi on the side talked eloquently.

"Well, what Zhongda said makes sense. Why, Zhongda, you seem to admire Chen Changwen's nine-rank Zhongzheng system so much, why don't you take Zhao Botao's imperial examination method seriously?" Cao Cao seemed to ask casually.

"Wei Wang Mingjian, Chen Changwen is a well-known person in the world, and the method he proposed is naturally excellent. This Zhao Botao is just a warrior. He can still be successful in marching and fighting. I am afraid that he has been involved in political affairs and selected talents. It's not what he is good at. Therefore, whether the method of the imperial examination proposed by this person is to select real talents, or a method that will harm the country and the people, I dare not speak in vain!" Sima Yi replied.

"I see, it's no wonder!" Cao Cao nodded noncommittally. At this time, the rest of the people also echoed Sima Yi's proposal. Seeing that everyone agreed, Cao Cao quickly made a decision to select highly respected people from the prefectures of Hebei to serve as the governors of the prefectures. Zhongzheng officials implement the nine-rank Zhongzheng system to select talents.

"Pi'er, Zhi'er, what do you think of Sima Zhongda?" After the discussion, Cao Cao asked such a question to his sons Cao Pi and Cao Zhi in Wei Wang's mansion.

"This person is an outstanding talent in the world, and he was born for the world. He is rare!" Cao Pi said succinctly.

"Sima Zhongda has outstanding intelligence, and the city is quite deep." Cao Zhi thought for a while.After hearing what the two sons said, Cao Cao nodded and then changed the subject, "What do you think of the imperial examination method and the nine-rank Zhongzheng system?"

"The nine-rank Zhongzheng system and the imperial examination method are both excellent. Compared with recruiting talents from the prefectures and counties first, it is undoubtedly more able to recruit talents from all over the world." Cao Zhi said without hesitation.

"Baby also thinks so!" Cao Pi seconded.Cao Cao smiled slightly when he heard the words, and then asked again: "Do you know why Sima Yi only respects the nine-rank Zhongzheng system, but not the imperial examination method?"

"This?" Cao Pi and Cao Zhi were speechless for a moment, and both shook their heads in silence.

"Hehe, the key to the nine-rank Zhongzheng system lies in the selection of the Zhongzheng official. With the prestige of the Sima family in Hedong, I am afraid that the Zhongzheng official in Sizhou must be Sima Fang. In this way, the people in Hedong, how can it be?" Didn’t they all come from the Sima family? If there were an imperial examination system, there would be other ways for Hedong scholars to become officials, so there would be no need for Sima Fanghui to recognize talents!” Cao Cao laughed.

The Sima Fang mentioned by Cao Cao was Sima Yi's father, the official Jing Zhaoyin.The Sima family has a long history, but it is extremely prosperous.It has been a famous family since the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and it has survived for thousands of years. It can be called the No. 1 family in the north.As Cao Cao said, if he wanted to select the Zhongzheng official from Sizhou, I am afraid that no one would be qualified to serve except Sima Fang.

"How dare Sima Yi abolish the government for personal reasons like this?" Cao Zhi and Cao Pi were both stunned. "People are not for themselves, heaven and earth are destroyed, it has always been like this!" Cao Cao was not as excited as his son, and when he changed the subject, Cao Cao suddenly said in a stern tone: "But Zihuan, Zijian, you have to remember that Sima Yi is a wolf. , holding a talent and holding a weapon, his ambition is not small. You can use it in the future, but you must not give it military power, otherwise disaster will happen sooner or later!"

"Kids, remember!" Cao Pi and Cao Zhi hurriedly responded when they heard the words.In fact, Cao Cao is also in a dilemma now. After all, he has such a subordinate with outstanding ability and complicated relationship network, and he has not revealed the opposite. Cao Cao can't kill him, and dare not reuse him.It can only be used while strengthening the defense.

At the same time, this person who made Cao Cao quite afraid wrote a letter at his home. "You crossed the river overnight and sent this letter to Brother Shanyang, and told him to calm down, don't act emotionally, and risk his life!" After writing the letter, Sima Yi put the letter in a cowhide envelope and sealed it with wax paint. After sealing it, he handed it to a servant who was waiting at the side, and instructed him carefully.

"I understand, Second Young Master, don't worry!" The man nodded, and then went out without mentioning it.Sima Yi looked at the person who was gone, and sighed softly.

"Second brother, what's the matter, you actually want you to edit books for eldest brother?" Accompanied by a question, Shi Shiran, a handsome young scholar, came in, but it was Sima Yi's third brother Sima Fu, who is currently a literary scholar under Cao Cao's command.There are as many as eight brothers in Sima's family, and the eldest brother Sima Yi called just now is Sima Lang, the original Yanzhou Biejia.Now Yanzhou has been occupied by Liu Bei, and Sima Lang was appointed by Liu Bei as the Chancellor of Shanyang County.Strictly speaking, Sima Yi was suspected of collaborating with the enemy when he wrote a letter like this.

"It's nothing. Nowadays, there are many people in Yanzhou who are rioting against Liu Bei in response to Mr. Cao. I just want to remind my elder brother not to be arrogant and follow the riots to cause trouble for the upper body." Sima Yi sighed.

"I see!" Sima Fu also nodded, as if remembering something, Sima Fu asked: "Second Brother, I heard that you recommended Chen Changwen's Nine-Rank Zhongzheng System to King Wei during the discussion today, and it has already Adopted by King Wei?"

"That's right, and I think, except for my father, no one can serve as the Zhongzheng official of Sili! Since then, all the talents in Sili Prefecture have come from my Sima family!" Sima Yi said confidently.

"What the second brother said is right!" Sima Fu nodded, but then frowned and said, "It's just that the eldest brother is stranded in Yanzhou under Liu Bei's rule, and his life is in danger at any time. I think, I think it's best for him to find a chance to escape. Go back to Hebei to make sure you are safe!" Sima Lang is the other driver of Yanzhou. When Jiyin was captured by Wei Yan, he was imprisoned. Although he joined Liu Bei later, as a prisoner, he could no longer hold a prominent position like before. He was appointed by Liu Bei as Chancellor of Shanyang County.Although he was demoted, he was able to save his life in the end, which is not a bad result.It's just that the Sima family is a prominent family in Hebei, and the eldest son of the family works under Liu Bei's command. Sima Fu feels that this kind of thing is a bit embarrassing, even dangerous, for both the family and Sima Lang himself.

"No, third brother, you are wrong. If the eldest brother stays in Henan, it will be beneficial to him and our Sima family. It looks dangerous, but it is actually as safe as Mount Tai. If you escape to Hebei, it is better to stay in Henan Yes." Sima Yi said flatly.

"Second brother, what do you mean?" Sima Fu asked in surprise.

"The eldest brother surrendered after being captured. It is not considered a surrender to Liu Bei, and it is not considered loyal to the King of Wei. If he fled back to Hebei, once Liu Bei found out, he must die; and even if he fled back to Hebei, the King of Wei would not reuse him. He. But my Sima family is a prominent family in Hebei after all. In order to attract the hearts of northern scholars in the future Northern Expedition, even if Liu Bei can't reuse his elder brother, he will not neglect him too much. Besides, the world will not belong to Liu in the future, even if it belongs to Cao Your brother and I are from Hebei, and the elder brother is from Henan. No matter who wins the world in the future, our Sima family can enjoy wealth and wealth. In this way, the elder brother will have two advantages if he stays in Henan, but there will be two harms if he returns to Hebei. You say he is Stay, or come back?" Sima Yi talked eloquently.

"It makes sense!" Sima Fu nodded after hearing the words, deeply convinced.The two brothers wentssip again, and Sima Fu suddenly said, "Second brother, you always take in those desperadoes and feed the dead. Doing things like this is probably not the way to protect your family!"

"Hehe, this matter is a last resort. If you want to achieve great things, you can't rely on conspiracy alone, and sometimes you have to play tricks!" Sima Yi said vaguely.Sima Fu was silent for a long time when he heard the words, but after a while he said a little shyly: "Second brother, in fact, there is nothing wrong with contentment and happiness sometimes. My Sima family is already a famous family that is rare in the world, and we enjoy the glory and wealth. Inexhaustible, if you don't have enough greed and act against the sky, I'm afraid you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

"Third brother, what do you mean by that?" Sima Yi's face changed slightly when he heard the words, and he asked hastily.

"Second brother, you and I are brothers, and we grew up together. Even if others don't know you, don't I know you? You have been ambitious since you were young. But you are acting more and more secretly. I think your ambition, second brother, is probably more than just being a capable official?" Sima Fu said leisurely.

Sima Yi looked at his third brother, and after a long silence, he sighed: "Third brother, I underestimate you as a brother. I didn't expect that you are not a scholar who only knows calligraphy!"

(End of this chapter)