“Father, don’t worry about these details.
Legalism naturally has this principle, it’s just that you may not have seen it.”
Ying Zheng glared at Zhao Chen, you must be trying to deceive me!
“Then tell me, what does this mean?”
“Isn’t this simple? It means that laws cannot remain unchanged.
In every era, we must find the most effective solution based on the social contradictions that arise at the time. Governing a country requires using methods that suit our own national conditions, not blindly copying what other countries do.
In terms of legal systems, outdated laws should be abolished. Laws that are harmful to the current society should be discarded. We cannot completely follow the methods of our ancestors in governing the country.
This is what some sophist Confucian scholars say. They say that the laws are constantly changing, and when they don’t benefit their interests, the powerful change them again.
In fact, this is completely wrong. The main thought of Legalism is that when an old law leads to discontent among the people, we must immediately find ways to change it, not according to the interests of the powerful. On the contrary, the law changes for the benefit of the people.
The powerful don’t want to change, because each change means a little less benefit for them.
Just like in the current Great Qin, the laws should continue to be reformed, because the Great Qin is growing stronger every day, changing every day. Many laws are no longer applicable to the current Great Qin or are lagging behind the pace of the Great Qin.”
“Oh? I see!”
Ying Zheng suddenly said.
“Father, what do you mean by that?”
“After you said this, I suddenly realized that the Great Qin has changed so much in these past few months. I always felt that something was missing, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
Now that you say it, I understand. It’s missing the corresponding laws, or rather, many laws can no longer keep up with the current Great Qin.
For example, the commercial tax. Merchants now have a corresponding change in status based on the current commercial tax. However, if they evade taxes, using the previous punishments would be too lenient. After all, the status of merchants has changed, and the corresponding laws should also change.
Also, in agriculture, now that land is being distributed per capita, combined with agricultural tool reform, the people’s enthusiasm for reclaiming wasteland is unprecedented. However, there are no corresponding laws to protect their land, which is not right.
I didn’t think of this before, but now that Chen mentioned it, I suddenly understand. It’s the lack of laws that needs to be changed.”
“Father, it’s good that you understand!
This is Legalism. To be honest, I admire the Legalist sages. They have a sense of the overall situation: Everything that Legalism does is for one purpose, the overall situation takes precedence!
An ancient saying goes, “Great benevolence is not benevolence,” “To lose the greater for the lesser,” and “To gain a small advantage but suffer a great loss.” However, Confucianism looks at problems in a partial and one-sided way, never considering the overall situation.
For example, in the past, Duke Xiang of Song called himself a “benevolent ruler.” Song and Chu were at war, and the Song army could have taken advantage of the Chu army’s lack of preparedness during the river crossing and completely defeated them.
But Duke Xiang of Song insisted on the “gentlemanly” way and waited for the Chu army to land and form their formations before attacking!
The consequence of being merciful to the enemy is naturally cruelty to oneself. The Song state was defeated, and he himself was seriously injured and died. This is called “Great benevolence is not benevolence”!
Because of this, Duke Xiang of Song became a laughingstock.
But even so, there have been similar examples in many other feudal states since then. Why?
Isn’t it because they were influenced by Confucianism?
Confucianism can be pedantic. The root cause is being bound by an invisible “benevolence.” They haven’t correctly understood “benevolence.” “Benevolence” isn’t about being kind to a specific example, but about the overall situation, about the consequences.
In this regard, Legalist thought is very good. They always emphasize putting the overall situation first. They consider the outcome of events the most, not caring about the process.”
“Chen, well said. That’s exactly it. Women’s benevolence is not acceptable. Very good. Your elder brother should learn from you.”
“Chen, I’m planning to establish a Ministry of Punishments, specifically responsible for formulating and enforcing laws. Would you be willing to take charge?”
Zhao Chen………………
What’s this? Why does it feel like I’m being set up?
This won’t do, I don’t like this.
“Father, I won’t do it! The Great Qin has many talented people, and there are many Legalist disciples. Let them formulate the laws. At most, I’ll help them fill in the gaps after they’re done. As for law enforcement, there are so many people who can do it. Why me?
Didn’t I recommend many talents to you? Among them, Li Si and Han Fei are both capable!”
“Li Si is indeed very good, but Han Fei is the son of the Marquis of Han. He’s not willing to come to the Great Qin, and I haven’t forced him.
Let’s not talk about that for now. The law enforcers I’m talking about need to be impartial. From the princes and nobles to the common people, no one can act corruptly. If they make mistakes, they must be tried according to the law.
In this case, someone in a high position needs to be in charge, and I think you’re the best choice.”
“No, I’m only three years old! You’re abusing children. Father, you don’t only have me as a son, pick someone else!”
Ying Zheng: Can you stop using your age as an excuse? I’m tired of hearing it.
Zhao Gao: My good young master, this is an immense power, how can you give it to someone else?
“I don’t care, it must be you. You have to do it even if you don’t want to.”
Zhao Chen: You’re being unreasonable, you know?
This doesn’t fit your image of a great emperor, Father.
No, I must find someone to take my place, otherwise I won’t have any peace in the future.
Zhao Chen began to think.
Right, my elder brother will do!
Upon this thought, Zhao Chen’s eyes suddenly lit up.
“Father, I think my elder brother can do it.”
“He? No, no, he’s been corrupted by Confucianism and is somewhat soft-hearted. Letting him take on this responsibility wouldn’t that cause major problems with the law?”
Ying Zheng immediately refused.
“Father, don’t worry. Although my elder brother is deeply influenced by Confucian thought, that’s precisely why he’s the most suitable candidate. Think about it, our Great Qin governs by law. Even if my elder brother is benevolent, he won’t act corruptly. After all, many people in the Great Qin are watching?
My elder brother must uphold the national interest. In the face of the nation, everything else is illusory.
Even if my elder brother makes mistakes due to his benevolence at the beginning, it doesn’t matter. People will remind him and inform him of the consequences of doing so, and there are established outcomes.
At that time, my elder brother will naturally have an awakening, and then he will ponder the difference between the benevolence of Confucianism and the benevolence of law. Then, Father, you can have someone guide my elder brother, and I believe he will absolutely become enlightened.
Isn’t this what you want to see most?”
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng fell silent.
He began to contemplate Zhao Chen’s words. Upon reflection, it seemed to make sense.
Even if Fusu is pedantic, he is still a prince of the Great Qin, and he must put the Great Qin first. At that time, he will not be able to continue to be benevolent in certain matters.
“Good!”
Ying Zheng slammed his fist on the desk.
Zhao Chen: Oh my God, you startled me!
“How could I have overlooked this? Do as you said, Chen!”
“Yes, yes!”
Elder brother, I’m sorry. To have some peace, you’ll have to take this up first! !
Fusu: I thank you for this!
Keep asking for flowers, asking for monthly tickets! Asking for flowers, asking for monthly tickets! Asking for flowers, asking for monthly tickets! Asking for flowers, asking for monthly tickets!