41Chapter 41: Debate on the law: Is leniency better?
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As Liu Heng listened to Chen Xi's line of thought, his eyes suddenly flickered.
His original plan was to prioritize agriculture and suppress commerce in the traditional sense, but after hearing Chen Xi's explanation, he felt that Chen Xi's approach was far more ingenious.
Did the Great Han need merchants to stabilize society and develop the economy?
The Great Han did.
The profits merchants gained from trade were secondary; their act of engaging in business itself was a method to stabilize society.
The biggest problem with the small-scale peasant economy was its 'self-sufficiency,' which led to a complete lack of economic flow.
And the lack of economic flow made the entire empire stagnant, like a pool of dead water.
This is also why, with the implementation of traditional policies prioritizing agriculture and suppressing commerce, China's economy progressively worsened, ultimately leading to restrictions on its political structure and scientific technology.
How could anything beneficial emerge from stagnant water?
Liu Heng's gaze towards Chen Xi at this moment practically radiated with admiration for his talent.
He had a thousand flaws, such as the emperor's suspicion and his ruthless cunning—but he had one virtue, which he inherited from his father: he valued and appointed talented individuals without sticking to convention.
Even if someone had previously made him suspicious and wary, if that person truly made him feel 'exceptionally talented,' he would unhesitatingly appoint them to benefit the empire.
This was Emperor Wen of Han.
The true eternal emperor in history.
Liu Heng smiled as he looked at Chen Xi, a myriad of thoughts swirling in his mind, and then asked a second question, which was also his test for Chen Xi.
"Guangze, this method indeed moves me."
He looked at Chen Yun with emotion: "To have such a child truly fills me with profound emotion."
"Years ago, my teacher once lamented to me that Guandu Marquis was dull and frustrating, but fortunately, you, his intelligent grandson, brought him some comfort."
"If my teacher knew that his great-grandson was also so intelligent, he would surely find solace even in the afterlife."
After a slight hesitation, Liu Heng looked at Chen Xi and said solemnly: "You possess great talent in these strategies. I had intended to appoint you as the Deputy Prefect of the Lesser Treasury to manage and formulate policies concerning merchants."
"However, given your talent, appointing you as Deputy Prefect of the Lesser Treasury would be somewhat a waste of your abilities."
"I have a more important position I wish to entrust to you, but... you must pass my test and answer a question to my satisfaction."
"Guangze, are you willing to accept my test?"
Chen Xi straightened his posture, his face showing a mix of calmness and seriousness. He whispered, "Your subject is willing."
Neither of them paid attention to Chen Yun, who was seated beside them; they sat facing each other, peering into each other's eyes.
Hearing Chen Xi's affirmative answer, Liu Heng's eyes held a hint of a smile: "How do you view the current laws of the Great Han?"
"In past years, my imperial father implemented a policy of recuperation, lightening taxes and reducing punishments, abolishing some harsh and cruel penalties, but those changes back then were not complete."
"Now, I wish to continue abolishing these severe punishments to allow the Qian Shou to live in peace and prosperity."
"What do you think?"
This was hardly even a question, as Liu Heng had already revealed his stance—that he wished to change these severe and cruel punishments. All Chen Xi needed to do at this point was agree.
But Chen Xi did not do so. Instead, after a slight deliberation, he looked at Liu Heng and gave a completely opposite answer.
With a soft sigh, Chen Xi spoke seriously and earnestly: "Your Majesty, your subject supports your idea, but regarding certain specific matters, your subject believes that not only should we not abolish harsh punishments, but we should continue to use these cruel punishments."
Continue to use?
Liu Heng and Chen Yun were both surprised; they had not expected to hear such an answer.
So they looked at Chen Xi and asked, "Why do you say that?"
Chen Xi did not answer the question directly. Instead, he asked, "Your Majesty, do you think the lowest-level Qian Shou prefer stricter laws or more lenient laws?"
Liu Heng was taken aback, then said, "Naturally, they prefer more lenient laws."
"Is that not so?"
"The reason Qin was overthrown in the past was precisely because of the severity of its laws, was it not? Did my imperial father not win the hearts of the people by implementing lenient laws?"
Liu Heng was somewhat puzzled.
Chen Xi, however, chuckled softly. He looked at Liu Heng and said, "In fact, the common people do not care whether laws are cruel; what does cruelty or leniency have to do with them?"
Chen Xi said, word by word: "The vast majority of Qian Shou care about laws only if these laws begin to govern areas they shouldn't. The reason Qin perished in the past was not because of the cruelty of its laws, but because the Qin laws were simply too 'numerous'!
"Qin laws regulated every aspect of the Qian Shou's lives, even trivial matters, causing people to violate laws with slight carelessness and live in constant fear. That is why the Qian Shou of the empire rose up en masse and overthrew Qin rule."
"Therefore, we only need to focus on major issues and let go of minor ones. For insignificant small matters, we do not need to enact such cruel laws, but for crucial matters, we can enact cruel punishments."
"Most Qian Shou may never violate certain laws in their entire lives; they are born simply wanting to live good, peaceful lives."
"For major matters such as theft, murder, robbery, and fraud, if the laws for these matters are made lenient and cruel punishments are abolished, then the consequences of violating these laws will become very small. Would this not encourage those with malicious intent to commit these acts?"
Chen Xi said softly: "Therefore, although your subject agrees with abolishing cruel punishments, I do not agree with abolishing cruel punishments for acts that harm others."
"On the contrary, as long as laws can truly be enforced upon those who genuinely violate them, people will not fear the severity of these punishments."
"If laws cannot protect ordinary people who are harmed, but instead protect the criminals who inflict harm, then the Great Han will truly collapse."
Chen Xi analyzed the laws in detail and then presented the most appropriate conclusion.
Liu Heng listened, utterly dumbfounded, but felt a sense of relief, as things he had previously not understood now became perfectly clear.
He immediately said, "Guangze's talent truly stands unrivaled in the world!"
"From this day forward, you shall be the 'Grand Judge,' responsible for all legal matters in the empire!"
Who was the Grand Judge?
One of the Nine Ministers! Besides the nominal head of the Nine Ministers, the Feng Chang, the Grand Judge was the true head of the Nine Ministers!
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace!"
Thus, the Chen clan's reputation ascended to an even higher level!
.... ...
Guandu Marquis Residence
Upon returning to the residence, Chen Yun's expression was peculiar. He looked at Chen Xi and said, "Was today's event something you had anticipated and prepared for all along?"