Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

Jia Jing is now extremely familiar with the "Great Han Code". He has taken the time to read it, and he can even recite most of its articles.

He knew that the fundamental purpose of the Han Dynasty's laws in this way was to consolidate the feudal patriarchal system and social hierarchy:

First, status determines rights: the law divides members of society into "good" and "lowly," and slaves belong to the "lowly" class, who do not have independent litigation rights.

They are considered dependent members of the family, and their accusations are seen as violations of "family rules."

The second reason was to prevent "insubordination" from causing social unrest: those in power worried that allowing slaves to accuse their masters would shake the hierarchical order and lead to "disruption of social order".

Therefore, severe penalties are used to create a deterrent effect and ensure the absolute stability of the master-servant relationship.

Third, this move also echoes the privileges of vassal kings and bureaucrats: similar logic applies to the political sphere as well.

For example, if an official impeached a prince, the emperor might consider it "sowing discord among relatives" and he could be punished; if a commoner exposed a prince, he might even be executed first.

It is evident that "one should not easily accuse those in higher positions" was an implicit principle that permeated the legal system of the Han Dynasty.

Of course, there are exceptions: for example, extremely serious crimes may be exempted. Although the system is strict, there is still a possibility of breakthrough in extreme cases.

If the master commits a serious crime that endangers the imperial power, such as treason, rebellion, or high treason, the servant may file a lawsuit according to law, and this is not limited to this.

By the time of the Han Dynasty, with the strengthening of central authority and the weakening of the power of vassal kings, some local officials began to accept accusations against the powerful and wealthy, but it was still extremely rare for ordinary servants to sue their masters.

Of course, this doesn't mean that if a servant reports on his master, the master is completely harmless.

It's just that servants can't report it themselves.

If a servant informs others of his master's crimes and those others then file a complaint, then there is no problem.

Especially if the government or political enemies obtain evidence of a crime, disaster will strike in an instant.

"Of course, what I mean by military law and discipline is not just empty talk. Only when the master himself upholds righteousness can he expect his servants to abide by the law."

"This is the principle of 'what the superiors do, the inferiors follow.' There is absolutely no reason for those in positions of authority to disregard national laws and regulations. This is also for the long-term prosperity of the family!"

"Your accusation to me is not exactly a case of a slave accusing his master; it is merely a family member reporting the private affairs of the household to the master."

"But this matter involves your master's reputation, so think carefully before you speak. If the accusation is true, I will not punish you for the crime of a servant accusing his master!"

"If they speak nonsense or falsely accuse their master, then their entire family will be beaten to death without mercy!"

Jia Jing's voice was filled with a chilling intent.

"This isn't appropriate... Jing-ge'er, these things should be discussed among family members behind closed doors; it's not wise to let outsiders know!"

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia frowned, her expression changed slightly, and she spoke softly to Jia Jing.

Regardless of which master in the household violated the law, she didn't want the whole household to know. It was best to minimize the problem and let it go.

Jia Jing frowned. If it weren't for the fact that it was a time to rectify family conduct, he would have been willing to listen to Grandmother Jia's suggestion and discuss it with his family behind closed doors.

However, Zhou Rui's wife had already publicly accused him. If she were to discuss it behind people's backs now, it would be a sign of a guilty conscience, giving her servants and outsiders an opportunity to make trouble for her.

Moreover, he knew everything that happened in the manor. He knew that Zhou Rui's accusation must be related to Feng Jie's secret lending of money at exorbitant interest rates.

This is a minor matter and is very easy to investigate. Most of the powerful nobles, officials, wealthy households, and temples in the Han Dynasty engaged in lending for profit.

Since Sister Feng hadn't caused any serious consequences yet, it would be better to address the matter publicly and handle the aftermath properly.

Wang Xifeng, that foolish woman, I've already warned her about this, but she still doesn't know when to stop. She's short-sighted and deserves to be taught a lesson.

"Say it right here, there's nothing you can't tell others!" Jia Jing said coldly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife paused. She was already facing expulsion from the manor and didn't care about offending Feng Jie; she only wanted to curry favor with Madam Wang. She continued:

"This is by no means a false accusation; I only learned of it by chance."

"Last time I went to Sister Feng's room, I saw her maid, Wang'er's wife, giving her interest money."

"I secretly inquired and found out that Sister Feng was secretly using the servants' monthly wages and her own private savings to lend money at exorbitant interest rates outside the mansion."

"Every time, Sister Feng would go to the mansion's treasury in advance to withdraw her monthly salary, and then delay the payment by one or two months, using the mansion's silver to earn interest for herself."

"Adding her own savings, she can earn two thousand taels of silver a year!"

"As the Marquis just said, the Lai family's practice of lending money at exorbitant interest rates is illegal and disorderly. I think what Sister Feng is doing is also wrong, so I am reporting this matter to the Marquis."

Zhou Rui's words softened the expressions of Grandmother Jia and the others present.

Thankfully, it wasn't anything serious!

Although the imperial court forbids lending money at exorbitant interest rates, it is extremely profitable, and many powerful and wealthy families do it secretly. The court does not report or punish such activities, as the law does not punish the masses.

The servants in the courtyard were also greatly disappointed. They thought they would hear some earth-shattering revelation, but this was all they got.

In fact, Zhou Rui's family wasn't the only one in the household who could detect that Sister Feng was lending money, even though Sister Feng did it discreetly and didn't publicize it.

However, the monthly salary was always delayed, and over time, it was inevitable that someone with ulterior motives would notice.

Many people are intimidated by Sister Feng's authority at home, but they see through it without saying anything.

At this moment, Wang Xifeng's expression turned very unpleasant.

She never expected that Zhou Rui's family would accuse her of lending money at exorbitant interest rates, especially since it was her own extremely secretive activity.

Although this matter was not a big deal for a large family, it was still an act that violated the laws of the imperial court.

Moreover, if he said it in such a public place, how could he have the face to stand in the mansion afterward, and how could he have the face to manage the household?

She glanced at Zhou Rui's wife, then at Madam Wang. She was never a fool, and immediately had a guess in her mind.

Zhou Rui's wife was Madam Wang's trusted maidservant. For her to stand up and accuse her at this time, she absolutely refused to believe that it wasn't at Madam Wang's behest.

She just didn't expect Madam Wang to be so heartless.

Although the first and second wives were vying for power, she was secretly competing with Madam Wang for control of the household.

But in the end, Madam Wang and she were aunt and niece from the Wang family, and they had developed some affection for each other over the years. She never thought of making things difficult for Madam Wang!

She never mistreated Lady Wang, Jia Baoyu, or others.

As for vying for the management rights, she was merely reclaiming what belonged to her own branch of the household; she had no intention of harming Madam Wang.

But now that Zhou Rui's wife has publicly exposed her loan sharking, she has not only lost face but also violated traditional feminine virtues, and may even face legal punishment.

Madam Wang's sudden attack caught Feng Jie off guard, leaving her momentarily stunned.