Not long after the convoy of Wang Xiaotong and others entered the city, there was suddenly a rush of horse hooves in front of them, as if thousands of horses were galloping. A young general holding a spear was seen running forward with a group of cavalry.
The main road in Zhangye City is the same as that in Daxing City. It is divided into three parts: left, middle and right. Ordinary people and carriages and horses walk on both sides. The middle part is reserved for officials, troops and scouts. This is not only the prerogative of officials and troops, but also to prevent emergencies from happening. At this time, the urgently mobilized troops bumped into civilians or were obstructed by civilians, thus delaying the opportunity to fight.
The troops that were galloping in were all wearing exquisite armor. The streamlined armor was not only beautiful, but also exuded a simple sense of strength. Before it stopped, a murderous aura was already surging over. Don't even call it a human being. The horses pulling the cart were all frightened by the murderous intent of the opponent, and they kept barking.
When the army stopped, the tall, middle-aged Hu Shang rode out from the team, pointed at Wang Xiaotong and others on the left road, and said: "General Dugu, after they entered the city, they asked around and seemed to be interested in Liang. I know nothing about the state. I suspect that their names are Sui people and they look like Sui people, but in their hearts they are foreign spies!" (Note: During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, a large number of Han people fled to Turks and Tuyuhun for refuge.)
Wang Xiaotong and Xu Wenyuan looked at each other and smiled bitterly. They did not expect that Yang Ji's control over the city was so terrifying. Not long after they entered, they were reported.
But I saw the general riding his horse forward, glanced at everyone, and said coldly: "I have seen a lot of traitors, but it is extremely rare to be as bold as you. Tell me, which country are you traitors from?" Why do you go around trying to find out what my Sui Dynasty is like?"
"I know him! His name is Dugu Pingyun, and he is the cousin of King Wei. I will explain to him." Li Jiancheng said to Wang Tong, then rode forward, cupped his hands and said: "General Dugu, I am Li Jiancheng of Longxi. This time I am accompanying all the great scholars to meet friends through literature. Since Zhangye is extremely prosperous and its customs are very different from those in Daxing, I asked you out of curiosity and for no other purpose."
"It turns out to be the prince Tang Gong!" Dugu Pingyun looked carefully and recognized Li Jiancheng. He said to Hu Shang beside him: "You are mistaken, there is no prize."
"I thought it was a big fish, but I was mistaken. What a pity!" The Hu Shang glanced at Li Jiancheng and others with disappointment, ignored their glares, and left.
"The king and others have been waiting for a long time. Please come with me!" Dugu Pingyun bowed his hands to everyone.
"Please!" After hearing this, everyone continued to move forward.
"I learned a lot today!" Wang Xiaotong looked at the orderly Zhangye City and said to Xu Wenyuan: "Everyone in the world says that King Wei is vulgar and rude, but look at Zhangye City today and compare it with Daxing City. It's really funny. pole."
Xu Wenyuan nodded. At least in terms of rules and etiquette, it is not unreasonable for Zhangye City to be prosperous today. But looking deeper than the surface, I'm afraid it has something to do with Yang Ji's vigorous promotion of the rule of law. Laws and systems are used to regulate all people. Even illiterate people know what they should do, what they can do, and what they cannot do. What to do and what not to do.
The rule of virtue advocated by Confucianism seems to run counter to the rule of law advocated by Legalism, but in fact they have many similarities. The rule of virtue requires everyone to be a polite moral saint. If everyone is a moral saint, then naturally There will be no more crimes.
But is it possible? It's simply impossible.
But the rule of law is different. The biggest role of the rule of law is to draw a bottom line. In fact, the rule of law has been around since the Qin Dynasty. However, because the Qin laws were too strict and the second generation of the Qin Dynasty died, everyone in the world said that the rule of law cannot be done. However, after the establishment of the Han dynasty, many Qin laws were still used, but in many cases due to compromises in interests and execution capabilities being far inferior to those of the Qin Dynasty, the rule of law could not be implemented to the end.
After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Han family's rituals and music collapsed. In fact, how could this not be the complete collapse of the rule of law? In war-torn times, people are all in danger and have distracting thoughts. How can there be anyone to redress the injustice of the people? Moreover, in many cases, princes, noble families, and officials are the perpetrators of all kinds of unjust, false, and wrongful convictions. Do you still expect them to kill you?
Later, the Jin Dynasty had a brief period of unification, but there were many internal interest groups and aristocratic families were flourishing. These forces were in the bloodiest and most primitive stage of accumulation of force. Each of them used various means to strengthen themselves and strive to protect the interests of their own groups. They made numerous transactions behind the back of the emperor and the law, and committed countless tragedies in private. How could they maintain the rule of law that was unfavorable to them?
In troubled times, in order to unify the world, the capable emperors of various dynasties had no choice but to turn a blind eye to generals and noble families. As for emperors like Chen Shubao, they just lived in the harem drunkenly, and you can expect him to take care of state affairs. ?
Even the late emperor who ruled the country by law actually made a lot of compromises. The only thing he could do was not to show favoritism and be strict with himself. In order to let the concept of ruling the country by law be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, he had to have his own son operated on; but despite this, It only set up a concept and a standard for the people of the Sui Dynasty. The rule of law did not actually penetrate into the local area. At most, the country and officials can be governed by law in the places he sees, but places far away are actually no different from before.
However, Yang Ji has been in Liangzhou for many years. On the one hand, he has maintained external stability, and on the other hand, he has vigorously promoted the rule of law internally and continuously improved the laws. Over the past few years, without much interference, Liangzhou has become what it is today.
From the perspective of the whole world, this is a bottom-up reform in Yang Ji. If this is the case in other major states, then ruling the country by law is not empty talk.
Wang Xiaotong's ideas are different from Xu Wenyuan's. He also knows the benefits of the rule of law, because the Wang family in Taiyuan has a large business and luxuriant branches. An elder is equivalent to a prime minister, and a steward is equivalent to a governor. The descendants compete for it. The limited number of elders and stewards are also scheming and fighting openly and secretly. Among the many elders and stewards, there are also some who are corrupt and eating away at the bones of the Wang family. Therefore, the Wang family also has a set of family laws, which are more severe than the national law.
But that is the Wang family's business. Once they leave the Wang family's door, the Wang family's children are a whole. If the whole country is governed according to law, how can the Wang family take advantage of the situation to grow? If Yang Ji followed Yang Ji's approach, just settling old cases would shrink their Wang family's strength by 70 to 80%.
"Brother Xu, I have seen that the rule of law advocated by King Wei is very effective. However, after we entered the city, we were subject to bottom-up supervision. Under such high-pressure supervision, the people within the territory had no happiness and freedom at all. , if things go on like this for a long time, I’m afraid there will be problems with your temperament.”
Wang Xiaotong said to Xu Wenyuan: "Confucianism emphasizes governing people by virtue, while Legalism uses laws to restrain and suppress human nature. If human nature is suppressed for too long, big problems will definitely occur. This is like Ying Xiao, soldiers Their emotions have been suppressed for so long, and they will eventually burst out with terrifying power. So after I go back this time, I should invite the world's great scholars to oppose Liangzhou's strict laws and let the people of Liangzhou live a carefree life. .”
In the final analysis, Wang Xiaotong was afraid.
Along the way, I saw that Liangzhou was very orderly, everyone abided by the law, and everyone was used to the days of governing the country according to law. This orderliness alone made Liangzhou better than any other state. If it expanded to the whole country from now on, the family would be How about taking bribes, perverting the law, and doing evil?
Xu Wenyuan frowned and remained silent. He came from a poor family. Although he was an admirer of pseudo-Confucianism, he did not agree with Wang Xiaotong's statement and so-called opposition.
Today, the boundaries between hundreds of schools of thought are blurred, and it is difficult to distinguish between Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, and Yin-Yang School. The so-called Legalists and Legalists by Wang Xiaotong are at best law enforcers appointed by the court, but you Can we say that they are descendants of Legalism? Rather than a Confucian disciple?
Moreover, the laws of the imperial court and the laws of Liangzhou actually set a bottom line for people. They are not as strict as the Qin Dynasty. As long as the people do not do anything illegal and disorderly, they almost do not need to be supervised; and the existence of laws , is protecting the vast majority of honest people, how can it be malicious and suppressing human nature? Looking at the endless crowds of people coming and going, who seems to be suppressed?
Therefore, what Wang Xiaotong said about "opposing Liangzhou's strict laws" was purely for the sake of opposition.
But Wang Xiaotong had to give him face. Xu Wenyuan thought about it and said ambiguously: "Let's finish the debate first, and then let's talk."
"That's fine!" After hearing such ambiguous words, Wang Xiaotong felt displeased, but it wasn't a big deal, so he nodded.
The motorcade slowly approached the Prefectural Mufu Mansion, and Wang Tong and Li Jiancheng, who were walking ahead with Dugu Pingyun, suddenly saw a long line of people lined up at the entrance of the government office, and most of these people were foreigners, wearing silk, silk, etc. Although he is a jewel, he bows his knees and bows to the officials and soldiers who come and go. Even an ordinary waiter will be treated politely by these people.
"General Dugu, where did these people come from?" Li Jiancheng asked curiously.
Dugu Pingyun took a look and said casually: "These people are all from the small foreign countries on the Silk Road. They are either the envoys of the king, or the children and envoys of nobles. The nearest ones are the small countries in the Western Regions, and the far ones are the eight Sogdian countries; and more Far away, from Persia.”
Li Jiancheng asked again: "Then what are they doing?"
Dugu Pingyun said casually: "Their purposes are similar, either they want to establish friendly relations with us in the Sui Dynasty, or they want to open a new Silk Road; and some small countries in the Western Regions are because of the Western Turks and Tiele When the two tribes went to war, they were worried that their country would be destroyed in the war, so they all surrendered to me, the Sui Dynasty, and sought the protection of the Sui Dynasty."
"In fact, there were not so many in the past. This should be some agreement reached by Prime Minister Pei with various countries after his mission to the Western Regions. Therefore, these small countries sent envoys over first and asked the king to give instructions to the Western Turks and Tiele."
Li Jiancheng pondered for a long time and asked: "The Second Division of Western Turks and the Second Division of Tiele are so obedient?"
"Don't dare not listen." Dugu Pingyun said proudly: "We in the Sui Dynasty were famous for being bellicose, and the Liangzhou Army was the most belligerent army in the Sui Dynasty, so the surrounding countries were afraid of us. Sui. It would be okay if our Liangzhou army was fighting, but once the king stopped fighting, the surrounding countries began to worry. They were worried that they would become the next target of the Sui Dynasty, and they had to get a clear answer before they could rest assured. And fighting for life The two Western Turks and Tiele tribes who were killed were equally powerful. They were originally afraid that the Sui Dynasty would suddenly send troops, so as long as a small country was protected by the Sui Dynasty, they would not dare to attack."
"I really envy you." Li Jiancheng heard this and felt deeply in his heart. What the nobles of Guanlong discussed most about Liangzhou was how backward Liangzhou was, how barbaric Liangzhou people were, and how many wars there were in Liangzhou. , there is a kind of gloating in the tone of many people, as if Liangzhou is a place of despair and a big fire pit. But in fact, Liangzhou people have already lived a good life, and their sense of security may be stronger than that of Guanzhong people. The original Qiang, Xianbei, Sogdians, and Turks now only have the glory and pride of being Sui people, instead of rejection and resistance.
Li Jiancheng knew that all of this was brought about by Yang Ji, which made him feel deeply envious. Today's Guanlong aristocratic family has many children who live and die in the prosperous Daxing City all day long. Each one has fallen behind and fallen behind in the protection of their ancestors. However, Yang Ji and many young generals who are far away in Liangzhou have not only made military achievements. With all the victories, they surpassed the noble children of Guanlong who lived in comfort in every aspect.
Not only is he not that kind of degenerate person, but he also has the ambition to make great achievements. However, as the prince of Tang Gong, he can only live in comfort, which is really not what he wants.
But, what can I do?
You can’t just ignore everything at home, right?
"Writing is not a treat, it is playing with your life. What is there to envy?" Dugu Pingyun said with a bitter smile: "I was also possessed by the devil back then, so I followed the king to Liangzhou. Now I regret it to death. If I If he is the eldest son, even if I am locked up, I will run back to Daxing and become a playboy."
"General Dugu, do you really think so?" Li Jiancheng was a little unconvinced.
"Of course, in fact, it's not just me, but Yang Shidao also thinks so." Dugu Pingyun sighed: "What a mistake that will lead to eternal regret! I miss the comfortable days before, but it's a pity that because of my wrong choice, I followed a Wrong and overbearing bosses, no more.”
"..." Li Jiancheng was speechless.
At this moment, a group of people appeared outside the gate, led by the majestic and heroic Yang Ji.
Li Jiancheng and others dismounted, and those who dismounted got off.
After dozens of them were gathered together, Liu Xuan and Liu Zhuo strode forward, bowed their hands to the leaders Wang Xiaotong and Xu Wenyuan and said, "Two gentlemen, we haven't seen each other for several years, but now your style is even better than before."
"I have met Mr. Guangbo and Mr. Shiyuan." Wang Xiaotong, Xu Wenyuan and others quickly bowed and saluted.
"You're welcome." Er Liu bowed his hands again. They looked at the crowd and found many familiar faces, and these people were all leaders and masters in the field of Confucian classics.
Seeing these people, the two knew that the other party had bad intentions. They had to win this match, otherwise they would not have gathered so many people. The arrival of these people would obviously make this debate famous all over the world.
However, they are not afraid, because Liangzhou University has also attracted many famous scholars in recent years. Although these people are not well-known among scholars, they are all people with real talents and practical knowledge.
After they met, Er Liu invited Yang Ji to come forward and introduced everyone one by one. Yang Ji smiled and said: "I have heard that you are coming. I didn't expect you to come so soon. I have ordered people to prepare your stay. Where you are, you all go and wash up first, and tonight, I will catch the wind and wash away the dust for you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but there is no need to go to such trouble. I stayed at an inn outside the city last night. This journey is like stretching our muscles." Wang Xiaodao said with a smile: "I have admired Liangzhou University for a long time. If If possible, can you let me pay my respects first?"
"That's fine!" Yang Ji looked at the long queue behind him, nodded and said, "The university also has an inn specially designed to receive visitors. If you don't mind it, just go there and rest."
"That's very good." Wang Xiaotong cupped his hands and said: "Where I am bothering you, I would like to thank you, Your Majesty Wang Haihan!"
"It doesn't matter!" Yang Ji said with a smile: "Actually, I have always held a supportive attitude towards exchanges in the academic world. You are all leaders in the economics community, but everyone is doing research beyond each other's knowledge. Now When everyone comes together to communicate and debate, there will definitely be new gains.”
"What the king said is absolutely true!" Wang Xiaotong fully agreed with this statement.
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