Chapter 44 Section 8: Weishui Execution Ground Killed Ministers and Nobles

As soon as the incident happened, Zhao Kang, the county magistrate of Mei, was anxious first. Zhao Kang originally wanted to make a big difference in the reform of the Qin State, heal Mei County, and win some face for the Confucian scholars, lest people in the world say that only the Legalists can reform the laws and rationalize the people.However, the Weishui Grand Dharma Field in summer caused him to fall into the ice cellar all of a sudden.Sleeping at night, in the dream, there are always bloody human skulls rolling to the feet, and when I wake up, I am sweating profusely and my heart is jumping.After a month, he felt that the new decree was daunting, and his enthusiasm for the reform gradually turned from strangeness to indifference. Unknowingly, he yearned for "benevolent government" and the idleness of "small country with few people" Feelings.Zhao Kang began to regret his entry into the WTO as an official, and regretted getting involved in the political reform hastily. He missed the Jixia Academy chosen by his brother Zhao Liang very much.Then, how to retreat?Can you write a letter to the monarch and express your fear and regret?Wouldn't that make the world laugh out loud?After thinking over and over again, Zhao Kang felt that the only way was to delay for a while, and then submit a letter of resignation on the grounds of being sick. If the king refuses to allow it, he would ask Zuo Qian to be a civil servant in the Qing temple, break away from the reform, and then gradually plan it in the future.With a firm mind, Zhao Kang became indifferent to the implementation of the new field system, and assigned official duties to a few county magistrates, while he buried himself in the study all day long.Who would have thought that an accident would happen in Mei County at this time!

The county officials rushed back to the county to report like shooting stars, waiting for Zhao Kang's decision.Zhao Kang panicked all of a sudden and turned around in a hurry.He knew that if something happened at this time, the stern Zuo Shu chief Wei Yang would never give him a good look.In desperation, Zhao Kang led a group of county officials to Baixiang, the crown prince's fiefdom, overnight. After waiting for about a meal, the old Bailong "visited" the county magistrate.Zhao Kang asked about the cause of the matter in a warm and pleasant manner, but Bai Long only had a few strong words, "The meritorious minister gave the land, and the crown prince enfeoffed the land, no one can touch it." Zhao Kang said again, and Bai Long simply kept a straight face and said nothing.Zhao Kang became anxious, and said sharply: "Old patriarch, are you not afraid of Zuo Shuzhang's big dharma field?" Bai Long sneered: "Old Qin people have shed so much blood, what's the harm in bleeding more?" Zhao Kang suddenly He froze on the spot and had nothing to say, thinking about it, he couldn't force it, so he begged softly, asking Bai Long to focus on the safety of one side, and not to compete with the new decree.After grinding for half an hour, Bai Long said slowly: "Master County Magistrate, it's not that I, Bai Long, don't do it. This is the crown prince's fief, and I have to see the crown prince's handwriting, do you think so?" Zhao Kang said: "There is the crown prince's handwriting, You just move?" Bai Long nodded lightly, "That's natural." Zhao Kang cupped his hands, "Farewell."

As soon as he left Baixiang, Zhao Kang brought a county official and flew towards Liyang on a flying horse. Wei Yang's Zuoshu Changfu had already known about Mei County's resistance to the law and the paralysis of the sub-fields.Jing Jian was in a hurry and asked for orders to rush to Mei County.Wei Yang pondered for a long time, but waved his hands and said, "It's important to slow down the matter, let's wait and see." Wei Yang had already figured out the difficulties of abolishing the well field system. He would find it strange, there was unexpected resistance, but he didn't find it strange at all.But he really didn't expect the matter to come from the crown prince's fiefdom.The crown prince is only twelve years old, how can a young prince of the noble family be so sensitive and persistent about the fiefdom?There must be people and things that are difficult to explain behind.

What puzzled Wei Yang was that, three days after the incident happened, how could Zhao Kang, the county magistrate of Mei, not see anything?Last time when they were fighting for water and weapons, although Zhao Kang didn't deal with it directly, he immediately rushed to report and plead for his orders, how could he remain silent this time?Could it be that Zhao Kang is dealing with it resolutely, and will not report it until the matter subsides?After thinking over and over again, Wei Yang dismissed the idea.Although he didn't know much about Zhao Kang, he still had a basic judgment.When he saw Zhao Kang for the first time, he felt that this person was intelligent and enthusiastic, but there was always a kind of caution and tenderness in his flickering eyes, and his handling of the incident of fighting for water and weapons really proved that this person lacked decisiveness in killing.It is definitely impossible to expect him to hit such a big mountain as the Mengxi Bai clan and the prince's fiefdom.So, as the county magistrate, what exactly is Zhao Kang doing?Why didn't he give an explanation to him, the chief regent who carried out the reform?

At this time, Jing Jian walked in gently and said that Zhao Kang had arrived at the prince's mansion and went to meet the king with the prince, and the king asked Zuo Shuzhang to go to the mansion immediately.Wei Yang was both surprised and amused.This Zhao Kang went straight to find the prince, wouldn't it complicate the matter?Let the monarchs and princes get involved, and the country does not have a force that transcends conflicts, how can it maintain ultimate stability?It seems that this Zhao Kang is really a somewhat dull Confucian scholar. Wei Yang didn't stop, and immediately rode his horse to the palace.

Qin Xiaogong had already listened to the statements of the crown prince and Zhao Kang, and sat there as cold as ice, without saying a word.What he was most angry with was the crown prince Yingsi, who was still childish, and begged with snot and tears to keep his prince's fiefdom, and to expand all the Mengxi and Bai tribes.And Zhao Kang, the county magistrate of the Qin State, not only did not object, he even advocated retaining the crown prince's land to stabilize the hearts of the old Qin people.Is this considered a reform county magistrate?There is another layer, since the county magistrate is carrying out the reform, why not report the political affairs to Zuo Shu Chang's mansion, but go straight to the prince and the monarch?The political reform is a major event, and there are many political parties, and there is no order at all. Isn't it chaos?One is a young and indifferent prince, and the other is a timid and fearful Confucian scholar, and they even vent their breath from one nostril, and together they add to the chaos!Qin Xiaogong felt furious for the first time, but he still gritted his teeth and restrained himself. If Zhao Kang, the county magistrate, hadn't been in front of him, he might have already lost his temper with the prince.

"Chen Wei Yang, see Your Majesty." Until Wei Yang entered the study, Qin Xiaogong sat upright with a frosty face, without saying a word.The crown prince and Zhao Kang stood on both sides, embarrassed and uneasy, not knowing what to do?Seeing Wei Yang's arrival, Qin Xiaogong nodded solemnly and said: "Master Zuo Shu, what Zhao Kang, the county magistrate of Mei County, and the crown prince invited is a major matter of reform, and I will leave it to you to deal with it according to the law." After speaking, he got up and left in a huff. Wei Yang thought about it for a while, and when he knew it, he went in and asked lightly: "Dare to ask the prince, what are you asking for?"

The prince was left in the cold by his father, he was very embarrassed, his face flushed, Qi Qi Ai Ai said: "No, no, nothing. I will tell my father-in-law. You don't need to ask any more." Wei Yang smiled slightly, "Then Zhao Kang, you are the official of the government, how do you say it?" Zhao Kang already had a premonition from Qin Xiaogong's icy silence, so naturally he didn't dare to refuse to answer like the crown prince. He wiped the cold sweat from his brow, cupped his hands and replied, "I'm writing to Zuo Shuzhang, the three clans of Mei County, Please be the prince's fiefdom. The lower officials reported to the prince, thinking that if the prince's fiefdom is not banned, the stability of Qin can be guaranteed."

"Who did the three clans submit their letters to?" "Yes, in the hands of the subordinate officer." "Where should you report it?" "Yes, should it be reported to the Zuo Shu Chang's Mansion for disposal?" "Then, where did you report it?" "Send it, report it to the prince. The lower officials thought it was related to the prince..." Zhao Kang was already dripping with sweat. Wei Yang said solemnly: "The crown prince is the heir of the country. He is still a young man. He has never participated in state affairs, and he has never heard of the reform. As a minister, you did not enforce the law, but interfered with the crown prince without authorization, interceded for those who resisted the law, and violated your power to disturb the king. Come on, do you know what the crime is?"

Frustrated and frightened, Zhao Kang glanced at the prince, lowered his head, gritted his teeth, and remained silent. "Master Zuo Shu, today's matter is the work of Ying Si, and has nothing to do with the county magistrate." The prince was anxious, and raised his voice to take matters into his own hands. "This matter is serious and must be dealt with in accordance with the law. Please go ahead." Wei Yang was flat and indifferent. "Where are you going?" the prince asked anxiously. "Of course it's Zuo Shu Chang's residence." Wei Yang was indifferent and serious.

"Wei Yang, you are so bold! You actually tried to detain the crown prince?" The prince's face was red and his voice was sharp. At this moment, Che Ying, who was wearing a helmet and full armor, strode in, "The monarch has an order, and the prince must go to the Zuo Shu Chang's mansion to obey and not disobey." The prince gave Wei Yang a hard look, and Teng Teng Teng hurried out the door.When he arrived in the courtyard, he was stopped by Jing Nan with a hey sound.The crown prince was about to explode, Jing Nan arched his sword, stretched out his hand and pointed at a black cloth wagon beside him.The prince stomped his foot with a "cough" and jumped into the caravan.Zhao Kang wiped the sweat from his brow, then hurried out and got into the caravan.Che Ying waved her hand, and Jing Nan, who was already seated at the driver's seat of the caravan, shook the reins, and the caravan rattled away from the palace.Wei Yang changed to a soldier's horse and drove out. When they came to Zuo Shuchang's mansion, Wei Yang gave Jing Jian some instructions, and the two split up.Jing Jian invited the prince to Wei Yang's study to explain the reasons for the reform and the content of the new law.Wei Yang brought Zhao Kang to the political affairs hall to inquire about the details of the anti-law incident and Zhao Kang's government orders.An hour later, Wei Yang finished his interrogation and came to the study.The prince seemed to be listening intently to the Jingjian's explanation of the decree, without squinting.Wei Yang sternly ordered, "Jing Supervisor Shi, leave the prince in the Zuo Shu Chang's residence for ten days to study the new law, and take the school exam after ten days." Jing Jian agreed with a "obedience", cupped his hands and said, "Prince, please go to the small study." The prince was very surprised, and said sharply: "How? Do you dare to put the prince under house arrest?!" Wei Yang cupped his hands and said, "The prince has not yet been crowned, but he interfered in the government without authorization. The minister acts on behalf of the king to enforce the law, so he has to be punished." After speaking, he flicked his sleeves , went out alone.Jing Jian cupped his hands and said: "Prince, Zuo Shuzhang is protecting you, and the deep meaning of it should be carefully examined by the prince." The prince smiled coldly, "Protection? Humph! Let's go." He went out.Jing Jian placed the prince in a small study room that had been prepared, and arranged for guards and servants before rushing to see Wei Yang, regardless of the prince's boss's unpleasantness. At dusk, Wei Yang flew to Mei County with his entire team and a thousand armored knights. With the autumn wind, the earth is pale and yellow.The leaves are falling, and the houses all over the well fields are sparsely exposed in the field.According to Wei Yang's plan for the reform, it should be busy demolition, reorganization and subdivision of fields, and the fields should be steaming.But what I saw along the way, except for the movement in the fields outside Liyang City, the place I passed was actually deserted, the autumn wind swept across the wilderness, and everything was desolate. The horse team galloped on Jingtian's driveway, Wei Yang felt very uncomfortable.He didn't expect Zhao Kang to be so cowardly as a celebrity in Qin and as a magistrate of a big county.He also did not expect that the prince, as the heir of the country, would be so naive and impulsive.But he knew very well in his heart that neither of these two people was making waves, and there must be more sinister figures behind them.For all kinds of resistance that may be encountered in the reform process, Wei Yang has made a careful prediction. He not only carefully figured out the reasons for the failure of the reform in various countries, but also experienced all kinds of conspiracy in the officialdom in Wei State. The reform of overthrowing the old system is regarded as a good thing that is within easy reach.Although he couldn't predict what form the conspiracy and resistance would take in Qin, he was prepared for various basic contingency strategies.Regarding the current "Kangtian Incident", although Wei Yang felt heavy pressure, he did not panic at all. He had his own unique way of dealing with it. Entering Demei County, Wei Yang ordered Che Ying to immediately set up a large tent at the carriage and horse farm outside the county government. This large tent at the gate was originally used by the commander in the army on the battlefield. There is a government office in the county, so it would be quite strange to set up the gate.Che Ying was puzzled, and gave Jing Jian a wink, meaning to remind Wei Yang that there is no need to do anything unnecessary.But Jing Jian waved his hand and said: "Let's set it up, Mr. Zuo Shu is useful." Che Ying no longer hesitated, and waved the flag, and a team of soldiers set up the big tent in a short time, surrounded by twenty military vehicles, A Yuanmen handsome tent suddenly appeared.Wei Yang also ordered Jing Jian to set up a wooden sign more than two feet high at the gate of the gate, with a large book "Zuo Shu Chang Wei Yang strives to implement the general account of the new field system".As soon as the big sign was erected, the flags were unfurled, and the soldiers lined up, an atmosphere of majesty and solemnity immediately permeated. Wei Yang entered the big tent, and immediately ordered Jing Jian to lead a group of civil servants to enter the county government to clear up the registers of civil registration, and immediately sent an urgent official document to Xiagui in the east of Liyang, ordering Xiagui county magistrate to immediately escort Mengxi Baisan in the east. The patriarch of the clan rushed to Mei County.After the special envoy to the east set off, Wei Yang ordered Che Ying to take 60 soldiers and go to Bai's farm immediately. The Bai clan lives in the plains.The Weishui Plain in Mei County is mainly on the north bank of the Weishui River, about fifty or sixty miles wide.The Bai clan in Mengxi occupies an area of ​​more than 30 miles wide, among which the Bai clan occupies the most extensive land, accounting for about half of the three clans.As the head of the patriarch, Bailong and his six sons have land registrations, and the seven well fields occupy nearly 5,000 mu of land.The "big well" owned by Bailong alone has more than 800 mu of land, all of which are paddy fields near the canal.However, Bailong's manor was built in the well field of the eldest son, and did not occupy the best paddy field.This manor covers an area of ​​five or six acres, with more than 20 tiled houses. There are more than 80 members of the Bailong family living in three generations, which can be regarded as a rare big family in the farm.There are only a dozen people in the Bai family who can work and cultivate, but how can they plant so much land? This has to talk about the relationship between the free people and the peasants. During the Western Zhou Dynasty and the Spring and Autumn Period, the territories of the public house and the fiefdoms of the nobles were directly cultivated by slaves, and the nobles, the public house, and the royal family were directly managed and directly harvested.At that time, freemen had no direct relationship with slaves (slave peasants). The amount of land owned by freemen was not large and they had to cultivate it by themselves, and paid taxes directly to the government (more physical corvee and less money).Later, the active commodity exchange greatly changed the concept of the new nobles in various vassal states. They felt that the old method of directly managing a large number of slaves to cultivate the vast fields was too clumsy, and the management staff was huge and inefficient.There are many new nobles who disperse and entrust the fiefdoms to free people with rich farming experience. At the same time, they also distribute the original slaves (slave farmers) to the free people. The free people supervise and manage the cultivation of the slave farmers. "Taxation".In the early days of the Warring States period, this form was relatively common in eastern countries. After the reforms in some major vassal states, many slave peasants also became free citizens.However, in Qin State, the old-fashioned well field system in which the free people governed the peasants continued.At this time, in the state of Qin, all arable land was divided under the names of free people.The government only recognizes the "field registration" (qualification for dividing and occupying land) of freedmen.The slaves (slave peasants) assigned by the government and nobles to free people are only labor forces and only work on the land of the "landlord".As a result, the free people became "landlords" large and small, owning more or less slaves (slaves). Bailong is a prominent figure among the free people. Seven fathers and sons each have a well, and each well has eight slave farmers. The Bai family has a total of fifty-six slave farmers.Despite the hard work of slave farmers, the Bai family is still diligent.Every day at sunrise, all the men, women and children of the Bai family go out of the manor to work in the "home field" designated by Bailong.Bailong took his eldest son in charge around, inspecting the fields and urging the slave farmers to cultivate.At sunset, the family gathers for a meal.There is one room for adult men and one room for women.All the more than 30 children are eating "ban rice" in two fixed "big trees", which is a strange scene.These two "big trees" are two long and thick wooden boards, on which a copper bowl is inlaid every two feet, which is called "board bowl" by the Bai family.When meal time comes, several daughters-in-law carry out the meals in big basins and divide them into each plate bowl. "Food!" The second daughter-in-law of the head of the family gave an order, and the more than 30 children guarding the yard quickly walked to their own bowls in order of age and gender, and started eating until they finished eating. Not a single child dared to speak.Even if there are guests watching, the children don't look around.On this side alone, Lao Bailong's family management prestige is greatly famous.After dinner, it's time for the family to discuss farming and Bailong handles family affairs.Three years ago, Bailong had handed over the farming affairs of the family to the eldest son, his wife and the second son to take care of the housework, and he mainly dealt with the affairs of the family, and only occasionally asked about the family and farming affairs. Since the reform, the peaceful and orderly life of the Bai family has been completely disrupted. In the past, hard-working farmers handed over to the fields during the day, and almost all family affairs were left to find someone at night.But since the promulgation of "Tian Fa", there has been an endless stream of people who have joined the Bai family, especially when Bai Long came back from Liyang, people gathered every day to ask questions and discuss plans. Starting from noon today, all the elders over sixty years old gathered at Bailong's house and talked until sunset.Bailong's idea is quite correct, and he repeatedly said that even if the Qin State has implemented the new land system, the Mengxi and Bai clans are still the prince's fiefdom.But those clan elders are always worried, talking about all kinds of rumors and facts that they have heard and seen, they are actually the boss's uneasiness.The most frustrating thing is that Ai Ai, an old wizard in the clan, sighed Qiqiqi and said: "The Mengxibai clan has been prosperous for more than a hundred years, but their vitality has declined. They can't stand up." Silently, looking at Bailong sadly. Suddenly, Bailong became angry and waved his one arm, "If you can't stand up, you have to stand up! If you can't keep the ancestral property, I, Bailong, will have no face to see my ancestors!" Suddenly, there was a sudden sound of horseshoes, and the old people in the house stood up at the same time.They were all veterans in the army who had experienced many battles. From the momentum of the horseshoes, they knew that the coming was an iron knight.Bailong sneered slightly: "You have old bones, panic!" The sound fell, and the sound of horseshoes was approaching.The eldest son of Bailong rushed in, "Father, the imperial cavalry!" Bailong said coldly, "Open the gate of the villa." When the village gate opened, the horse team had already galloped from the driveway across the field to the threshing ground outside the gate of Bai's house.As soon as Che Ying waved the command flag, the cavalry quickly formed a small square formation.Che Ying dismounted, and with a wave, the six soldiers in the front row also dismounted and followed Che Ying into the manor.Going around the tall masonry screen wall, Che Ying was startled, and saw more than 20 gray-haired old men standing in the courtyard with angry eyes, clearly a small formation of infantry!Bailong's eldest son stood outside the old man's formation, he was so nervous that he was at a loss.Che Ying didn't seem to see the battle in front of her, she took out a roll of bamboo slips from the leather pouch on her waist and unfolded it, and said loudly: "By order of Zuo Shu, Bailong is arrested and brought to justice. Who is Bailong? Come out and be bound!" " An old man pushed aside several old men who stood in front of him, and walked out proudly, "This old man is Bai Long, let's go." Che Ying looked around, only to see the old man with white hair and shawl, long body and one arm, with a look of helplessness on his face. With a fearful sneer, he knew it was indeed Bailong Wuchai.As soon as Che Ying waved his hand, the soldiers behind him stepped forward to grab him. "You can't take people!" The old people behind Bailong roared, surrounding Che Ying and the six soldiers. "How? The elders of the Bai clan want to disobey the order and the law?" Che Ying sneered. An old man asked loudly, "You just said, why did you take someone?" "The old patriarch is in charge of the prince's fiefdom. Without the prince's order, who would dare to arrest him?!" Another old man shouted. Che Ying said coldly: "What crime did Bailong commit? He will understand naturally when he goes to Zuo Shuchang's tent. If the elders of the clan don't let him go, Che Ying will punish the disobedient people according to law." "Kill it! You are not a descendant of the Bai family if you are afraid of death!" The old people roared angrily and surrounded them. "Back off!" Old Bailong's face turned red.He knew in his heart that once there was a bloody battle with the government, the prince would have no choice but to defend it. Without the prince, even if the Bai clan members were bleeding, how would they be able to act in the government's way?He shouted loudly, "One person does the work and the other person is in charge, you know? Whoever acts recklessly will be killed by Bailong immediately!" At the moment when the old people were silent and stunned, Bai Long stretched out his hand and bound him, and went out happily. When the horse team went away, there were cries and roars from the manor behind them. In the middle of the next night, the county magistrate of Xiagui also escorted the head of the Mengxi Bai tribe in the east to Mei County.Wei Yang interrogated the three patriarchs in the big tent at the gate, and the three confessed to the petition to be the crown prince, and they were very dissatisfied with the abolition of the well field system and the slave farming system.Then, Wei Yang interrogated Bai Long again, but Bai Long only said one sentence: "Please speak to the prince about this matter." Then he didn't speak again.Wei Yang sneered, didn't ask any more questions, ordered the criminals to be taken into custody, and went to the back tent.Jing Jian was sorting out the land records of Mei County in the back tent. Seeing Wei Yang coming in, he patted a stack of bamboo slips on the desk, "The land records are ready, and the land will be distributed to the people." "Jing Jian, what's the point of this fight against Tian?" Wei Yang asked abruptly. Jing Jian pondered for a while, "The key point? Naturally, Bailong resists orders." "No. The key lies in the government, in the officials." "Master Zuo Shu said, in the crown prince? In Mei county magistrate?" "Yes. Without big trees, how can there be rumors? Civilian disobedience, how can they be so tough?" Jing Jian seemed to sense the seriousness of the situation from Wei Yang's stern tone, and asked hesitantly, "Could it be that Chief Zuo is going to treat the crown prince and county magistrate as criminals?" Wei Yang paced and said, "The crown prince is the heir apparent of the country, and when he was young and immature, there was no one to seduce him. How can it be absurd? There must be a shadow behind the crown prince." "Exactly, I also feel the same way. Find out, deal with it together, and get rid of the prince." "Legalists must pay attention to real evidence when discussing crimes, and cannot deal with them only by guessing and feeling." "Master Zuo Shu is too strict. To protect the crown prince, the overall situation comes first. Why should you pay attention to the law?" Jing Jian expressed his dissent to Wei Yang's approach for the first time. Wei Yang stared at Jing Jian with piercing eyes, seemed surprised, remained silent for a while, and said solemnly: "The words of the internal history are wrong. The investigation of traitors does not stick to the details. This is the theory of the three schools of Confucianism, Mohism and Taoism and the rule of the king. They will investigate the traitors. Punishment is entrusted to sage kings and virtuous ministers, who think that such people have lightning-like eyesight and can see traitors without specific investigation and detailed deeds. In fact, it means that people can be sentenced to death without real evidence. This is the rule of man. The rule of law is not the case. The rule of law must Govern the government according to the law, rule the people according to the law, and rule the country according to the law. What is the rule of law? It means that the words and deeds of state officials should be judged according to the law, not according to the insight of the king or ministers. When judging crimes according to the law, we must pay attention to the facts and not rely on the people. This is the fundamental difference between the rule of man and the rule of law." "In this way, the legalist rule of the country must wait for the treacherous ministers to become big before they can be judged for crimes? Isn't it very dangerous if the tail is too big?" Jing Jian was very unconvinced. "No." Wei Yang smiled faintly, "As long as the country is governed according to the law, a treacherous minister will never be able to become powerful. What is the reason? Every treacherous and treacherous minister must have treacherous deeds. Treacherous deeds must be illegal, and breaking the law must be punished. On the other hand, if a person has no illegal acts and is harmless to the country and the people, how can he be a traitor out of thin air?" "Yes. People's character is enough to rely on." Wei Yang looked solemn, and said word by word: "The rule of law does not punish the mind, and the rule of law is not the rule of law. Please remember." Jing Jian said with a smile: "That is to say, Legalists don't look at the good and evil of people's hearts, but only look at whether words and deeds are legal?" "That's right." Wei Yang said with a smile: "People's hearts are like the sea, and the ocean is full of will. How can we tolerate only the words good and evil? In the four hundred years of the Spring and Autumn Period, the princes of the world are generally ruled by men. The virtuous, the foolish, the loyal, and the traitors all depend on the monarch's insight into the minds of his subjects." Judging by character. Randomly punishing and killing the subjects of the country, causing everyone to be in danger, blindly pleasing the monarch and ministers, and neglecting state affairs. For officials, it is important to figure out power skills, and for the people, it is fundamental to clean themselves. When the country is in trouble, officials Retreat. Committing traitors and crimes, the people do not report them. Coups continue, and the country is not stable. In the end, it is all due to the lack of fixed laws, rewards and punishments, all in the mind of the monarch and ministers. It is a dry city of the country, loyal and powerful, but it is judged by Jin Jinggong as a traitor and extermination of the clan. Tu Anjia is a real traitor, but he is regarded as a loyal minister by Jin Jinggong. As a result, the internal chaos in Jin continued, and was finally divided by the three families of Wei, Zhao and Han. If Jin Guoming cultivated the law and governed according to the law, how could there be such a tragedy?" Jing Jian was silent, obviously he had understood Wei Yang's thoughts, but he still couldn't break the old pattern of believing in Mingjun and sages.He sighed, "Then, just wait until they jump out by themselves." Wei Yang looked at Jing Jian's dejected expression, but laughed heartily, "Well said! The rule of law is to strike later. Brother Jing Jian, but don't worry, the real restoration traitor will jump out sooner or later, and you can't hold it back. The new law is enacted Okay, did you not suppress the private fight? There are still people who commit crimes against the wind. The Tian Law was promulgated, did you not suppress the white dragon? Please wait and see, there will be bigger things jumping out of the water soon!" "You mean, the French Open has been restored, and it's not missing? Is that so?" Jing Jian made a beheading gesture. Wei Yang laughed out loud, and Jing Jian also laughed. The next day, Wei Yang ordered Zhao Kang to be imprisoned.When Che Ying led the warriors to Zhao Kang's small courtyard, Zhao Kang was inexplicably surprised, and was so stunned that he couldn't speak for a long time.Since Wei Yang arrived in Mei County, Zhao Kang was ordered to hand over the official affairs to Jing Jian, and he was placed under house arrest in his home in the backyard of the county government to think about his mistakes.Zhao Kang's enthusiasm for being in politics has completely faded away, and as soon as he was ready to do things here, he followed his elder brother Zhao Liang's way and went to Jixia Academy to study.As for this turmoil, he is also mentally prepared to accept punishment.In his view, the heaviest punishment is demoting officials and salary, and notifying the government and the public.Since ancient times, officials have not been punished. Since Mugong Bailixi, Qin State has a tradition of kingly and benevolent government, and has never severely punished an official.Chief local ministers like Mei County Magistrate will not be in danger of punishment.So Zhao Kang was thinking about something else entirely.He was worried that the government would still let him stay in Mei County, and he would be trapped in this right and wrong place and couldn't extricate himself.After all, I am a famous scholar in the Qin Kingdom, how easy is it to live in seclusion and study abroad?For three days, the center of his thinking was how to resign from office and go into seclusion.At Maoshi this morning, he sat solemnly in front of the desk and began to write the "Letter of Resignation" according to the ideas of the past few days.After Fang De finished writing, there was a sound of heavy footsteps, and Che Ying led the warriors into the courtyard. "Er, wait, what do you want to do?" Zhao Kang came back to his senses when the pen fell to the ground with a "pop". "By Zuo Shu's long life, arrest Zhao Kang and bring him to justice." Che Ying unfolded a scroll of bamboo slips and read aloud. "Wait a minute." Zhao Kang waved his hand, "Could it be that the general made a mistake, my official is Zhao Kang, magistrate of Mei County!" Che Yingqiang held back her smile, and said coldly: "There is nothing wrong with that, it is Zhao Kang, the magistrate of Mei County, who is arresting!" Zhao Kang was silent for a long time, and finally pointed to the parchment on the case and said: "Please hand over my official "Letter of Resignation" to Chief Zuo Shu. It is enough for Zhao Kang not to be an official, what is the crime?" After speaking, he raised his head Just bind. Wei Yang took Zhao Kang's "Letter of Resignation" and pondered for a long time, and went to the stone room of the prison where Zhao Kang was imprisoned. Zhao Kang was not at all surprised by Wei Yang's arrival.In Zhao Kang's view, even a monarch would respect him after seeing the noble feelings expressed in his "Letter of Resignation", let alone Wei Yang?Seeing that Wei Yang came alone, he didn't hug him, he couldn't help sitting up from the broken seat, and smiled calmly, "Master Zuo Shu, I've made up my mind to go, don't keep me. Zhao Kang, he's not an official. Wei Yang also smiled faintly, "Brother Zhao Kang, Wei Yang doesn't understand what you mean?" Zhao Kang was startled, "How? You didn't come to keep me?" Wei Yang said, "Why do you want to keep you?" Zhao Kang said with a relieved smile: "Then you are going to let me go, it's better like this, Zhao Kang thanked you first." Wei Yang shook his head and restrained his smile, "Why did you let you go?" Zhao Kang was really surprised, dazed Asked: "Where? What are you doing here?" Wei Yang was really angry and laughed, and teased: "Come to pay respects to you, a sage of Qin." "Since you know how to respect the virtuous, why do you send people to arrest him, and sweep the ground with respect?" Zhao Kang raised his chest proudly. Wei Yang couldn't help laughing: "Zhao Kang, Zhao Kang, you really don't know that you are guilty?" "Zhao Kang admires the sages, respects the ancestors and fears the heavens, knows the book and upholds the propriety, and keeps himself clean. Even if he is incompetent in politics, he is doing something and not doing it. Why is he guilty?" Zhao Kang's face flushed and he was confident. Suddenly, Wei Yang stared straight at Zhao Kang with sharp eyes, and said coldly: "What a man who admires the sages, respects the ancestors and fears the heavens, knows the book and respects the rites, keeps himself clean, does what he does and does not do it. It's a pity that you, Zhao Kang, are not a good person. Confucian students, you are not giving lectures in the academy. You are the county magistrate of the Qin State, and you are an official who considers himself a celebrity to serve the country. In the county under your jurisdiction, the laws of the country follow you, the government orders are ineffective, the people are tired, the aristocrats are chaotic, and they eat the state salary Zhao Kang, where have you been?" Zhao Kang felt that this kind of reprimand was insulting to his dignity, so he couldn't help but get angry, "How can Zhao Kang bow his head and obey orders to you who are against the laws of nature and only know the law of killing people?" Wei Yang laughed loudly, "So, you, a famous Confucian scholar, intend to resist the law?" "Exactly. What should Zuo Shuchang do?" Zhao Kang raised his head and looked at the roof, his throat trembling constantly. Wei Yang was silent for a while, he let out a long sigh, and said calmly: "Zhao Kang, Wei Yang knows that you are a Confucian by nature, so he doesn't want to explain to you the principles of Fa-ism governing the country. Exercising your power faithfully, otherwise you will desecrate this jade crown. Wei Yang came here today to tell you that according to the new law of Qin State, you will be punished with death." "How so? Say it again!" In an instant, Zhao Kang's face turned pale. "According to Qin's new law, you are a capital offense." "Since, since ancient times, rituals are not for common people, and punishments are not for high officials..." "The three generations were kings with different etiquette, and the five tyrants were hegemony with different laws. Punishment of doctors began with the reform of the Qin State." Like autumn grass beaten by frost, Zhao Kang lowered his haughty and stubborn head, with fine sweat dripping from his forehead.capital offense!It was like a bolt from the blue to him.He never dreamed that, as a famous scholar of Qin State, chief county magistrate of Qin State, and aristocrat of three generations, he would be beheaded just because he sympathized with Kang Tian.The reason why he didn't take Wei Yang seriously was because he always believed that Wei Yang, even Zuo Shuzhang, the chief regent, would not dare to kill ministers without authorization, at least he had to report to the monarch.And the monarch will never abruptly change Qin's tradition of relying on nobles, and will definitely retain him for fear of being charged with "killing the virtuous", or at least let him go back to the mountains safely.At this moment, under the shock, he woke up miraculously, and wondered why he had forgotten the countless stories he had heard and witnessed during the days in the recruiting hall. Martingale governs officials according to law?Weishui Caotan beheaded more than 700 people at a time, and the monarch still fully supported him, and he was not afraid of being notorious as a "tyrant". How could Zhao Kang, a county magistrate, change the rules for him?Suddenly, Zhao Kang's thoughts flashed, and he thought that killing a county magistrate who was born as aristocrat and celebrity like himself would deter the arrogance of the nobles against the reform, and it would definitely not stir up turmoil among the people of the country.Didn't An Zhi Wei Yang deliberately seek such a warning bell?How could they not dare to kill him when he bumped into him so hard? Zhao Kang was deeply remorseful, and he let out a long sigh, "I knew today, why bother?" Two lines of tears dripped down like broken threads. "Great benevolence is not benevolent, great kindness is not beneficial. Brother Zhao Kang can definitely regard Wei Yang as a mean and cruel official." Wei Yang arched his head, turned around and strode out. "Wait a minute!" Zhao Kang woke up suddenly, waving his hands tremblingly. Wei Yang turned around and asked coldly, "Is there anything else?" Zhao Kang burst into tears, "Yes, can you let me see my elder brother Zhao Liang for the last time?" Without hesitation, Wei Yang said, "Impossible. The whole country is under the same law. How have common people and criminals ever seen their family members?" Zhao Kang stamped his feet and beat his chest, "Wei Yang, you are so vicious! God will punish you—!" Wei Yang laughed loudly and walked away. Two days later, the execution ground in Caotan of Weishui River was once again crowded with people.This time, the common people no longer had the fear of last time, and everyone was excitedly talking about the thirteen criminals.Most of the 700 criminals who were executed last time were ordinary people, but this time the people who were waiting to die were all the famous noble heads of Qin State.What excites the common people the most is that the county magistrate Zhao Kang will also be beheaded!The two names of Zhao Kang and Zhao Liang have long been familiar to the people of Qin, they are very knowledgeable, in the backward and closed Qin, the two brothers Zhao Liang and Zhao Kang are as precious and dazzling as rare.People in Yunyang, especially, always like to say when they meet strangers, "I am from Yunyang, from the county of Zhao Liang and Zhao Kang." People who meet for the first time are particularly awe-inspiring, and look at the "Yunyang people" in front of them. As a man of Wanghua who is well-versed in books and rituals, he has something to say and business to do.Zhao Kang became the county magistrate of Mei County, and the people of Mei County were more proud than the people of Yunyang. They often said: "With the reform of the county magistrate Zhao, our life in Mei County will be easier." Unexpectedly, after nearly a year since the reform began, Mei County However, the county has become a pot of porridge, big clans fight with weapons, east and west fight for water, and now they can't divide the land. The hearts of Mei County became cold, and there were suddenly more complaints. The peasants and peasants who hoped that the reform would bring a better life became even more frowning.The savior-like compliments to magistrate Zhao have also become less and less.People in Mei County originally imagined Zhao Kang as a virtuous official like Baili Xi, and hoped that he could go to the people to ask for advice, deal with disputes, and solve the problems of the people like the legendary Baili Xi.However, the people of Mei County have neither seen this "Bailixi", nor the bustling reform scene in other counties. There is a pool of stagnant water, and so many lives have been attached to it! Finally, the reverence and expectation of the common people turned into indifference, ridicule and snorting in speech. "He is an official and noble person, how can he speak for the common people?" "Reform? Be a bird! Even the county magistrate Zhao is afraid of the Bai family." "If the change continues, Mei County will die." "Baili Xi? I think it’s death in the daytime!” A few months later, a nursery rhyme spread in Mei County, singing: At the beginning of the spread, no one could understand what the nursery rhymes sang.However, the people of Qin who firmly believe that "children are born in the sky" have a vague feeling that something big will happen in Mei County.Now, Zuo Shuzhang wants to kill this famous county magistrate, and the people of Mei County are blown away!They thought of the mysterious nursery rhyme, and suddenly felt clear.那“月亮走小，点下几日”不就是赵亢的名字么？那“百里不遥”，分明便是说这个假百里奚不会长远。 “秋草如刀”，不就是在秋天来临时杀赵亢么？ 人们在纷纷议论中，不禁惊叹这是冥冥天意！ 正午时分，渭水草滩一阵尖锐的号角，赵亢、白龙和十一位抗田族长的头颅喷溅着鲜血，滚到了黄绿色的秋草上！人山人海的渭水草滩，爆发出前所未有的一片欢腾。 哨声隐隐，又一只黑色的鸽子冲上蓝天，飞向东南方的苍莽大山中。