Chapter 54 Extrajudicial torture
Before the prince and He Xi arrived. Zhu Yuanzhang already knew.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the two pamphlets in his hand. The ink handwriting inside was written by He Xi, while the red handwriting was annotated by Zhu Yuanzhang. At first glance, it looks like a mixture of vermilion and ink, but there are a lot of papers mixed in this booklet. These papers have vermillion writing on them.
This was Zhu Yuanzhang's comment in the pamphlet and he could not write it down. Can only be written on paper. Then sandwich it in the middle.
If you count these.
Zhu Yuanzhang's annotations far exceed those written by He Xi.
Zhu Yuanzhang did not know the contents of He Xi's two pamphlets by heart. But it’s also very familiar. It can be said that I have completely mastered it.
Just because you have complete mastery.
Zhu Yuanzhang felt a sense of tearing.
The history of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Zhu Yuanzhang figured it out very well. Although many things are not clear, in his opinion, the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties is not essentially different from the history of the previous dynasties. What really made Zhu Yuanzhang feel different and fresh was the so-called major changes in the late Qing Dynasty that had not happened in three thousand years.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at a brochure about science and technology, which actually answered the reason why the Western Yi ships were strong and powerful. However, there was no mention at all about the weapon that He Xi said could strike the whole world and destroy the city of Nanjing within an hour or two.
Zhu Yuanzhang became more and more curious about what He Xi didn't say.
Zhu Yuanzhang called Xu Zheng over and gave him these instructions.
Xu Zheng was taken aback and rarely said, "Your Majesty, this is not good."
Xu Zheng had always obeyed Zhu Yuanzhang's advice, but it was rare for him to lose his composure and actually dare to ask questions. It can be seen how surprised Zhu Yuanzhang was by what he said.
Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly: "Just do it."
Xu Zheng immediately said: "I obey my orders."
Then Xu Zheng went out to do errands.
While Xu Zheng was going out. The prince came in with He Xi.
Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the two of them to sit down. Zhu Yuanzhang asked He Xidao: "How do you feel about going to Hangzhou?"
He Xi was already prepared to persuade Zhu Yuanzhang to be accommodating. After listening to Zhu Yuanzhang's question, he was silent for a while, then reorganized his words and said: "The people are too miserable. The people in Jiangnan are considered the richest in the world, but they are only free from famine. The people in Jiangnan have only a few dozen acres per family, and at most they only have More than ten acres, a family of seven or eight people. The maximum harvest in a year is less than 30 dan, food rations require nearly 10 dan, taxes and services require nearly 35 dan, and clothing and other expenses also cost several dan. After a year, almost nothing There is nothing left. But in fact, most household expenses are not like this. Because there is a disaster every three years, and if the weather is bad, two disasters every three years are possible. Many times, people are frugal and would rather go hungry. You must also save some food in your stomach. This can prevent you from starving to death in famine years. Then there are weddings and funerals, building a new house, and providing education for your children. I am afraid that after a year, even if it is just some chores, you will be hungry. "
"This is still the situation today. But Zhejiang officials actually increased the money and grain several times, which deprived the people of their little surplus grain. If it is always a good year, it will be fine. If there is a disaster year, I am afraid that the land will be starved to death."
During this period of time, He Xi made a real inspection in the rural areas of Jiangnan.
It can only be said that there is no industrialized countryside. It's really bitter. Jiangnan is already the least miserable place. From He Xi's point of view, he was still soaked in bitter water.
The people in Jiangnan can only have enough to eat.
You know, this made the people of Ming Dynasty miss the three hundred years of Emperor Gao. Facts have proved that, as far as the entire Ming Dynasty is concerned, the period when the people at the bottom lived the best was the Hongwu period.
Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with He Xi's words and said to the prince: "Prince, please listen to this. This is what you should know. Xiaoren is the thief of Daren. Those around you have always advised you to be a benevolent king and let others kill less." Kill with caution, but don’t know that if this person violates laws and disciplines, how can he treat the people of the world if he doesn’t deal with it severely? If he doesn’t deal with this person severely and set an example, how can he treat the people of the world. Can these people forgive these corrupt officials? Let them go. They are generous to others.”
"Didn't Confucius say, repay grievances directly. This is the right thing to do."
The prince said: "What my father said is absolutely true."
The prince could not object to this. But practical problems still exist. The prince paused slightly and said, "Father, the Minister of Civil Affairs is in urgent need. It is absolutely impossible to recruit so many officials at once."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "The old rule is to let those who are guilty of crimes that are not worthy of death be made meritorious."
The performance of meritorious deeds for committing crimes in other dynasties is completely different from that of the Hongwu Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang invented a way to allow officials who committed crimes to serve in the court in shackles. It's simply disrespectful. While humiliating them mentally, carrying heavy shackles. In addition, let them control the power and handle the government affairs.
One can imagine what the consequences will be.
This is not the first time that this has happened. Zhu Yuanzhang has done this before when officials were vacant after several major cases.
The prince had already advised Zhu Yuanzhang on many things. It is said that a scholar can be killed but not humiliated. But here Zhu Yuanzhang, I prefer to humiliate him, what do you think of him?
Not really.
Perhaps Zhu Yuanzhang saw correctly that most people have the backbone to say no. There are only a few people who would rather die than surrender. For the vast majority, if they are humiliated, they are humiliated. He doesn't know how to do anything at all, and even kneels down and licks her.
It’s just that many things need to be cultivated. The same is true for scholarly conduct. Zhu Yuanzhang looked down on these people and destroyed them wantonly. For the Ming Dynasty, the seeds of poor morale were sown.
Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head, looked at He Xi and said, "He Xi, what should we do about this case?"
He Xi took a deep breath and said, "We will do it according to the law."
Zhu Yuanzhang was a little strange and said: "Do it according to the law? What should I do?"
He Xi said: "Your Majesty, the Ming Dynasty Code has been drafted since the first year of Wu Dynasty, and it has been revised three times. This code is based on the laws of the Tang and Song Dynasties, and is incompatible with contemporary laws. It is almost perfect and can be passed down to future generations. It is considered as the most important code for the country. The case of Guo Huan, Just do it according to the law."
The prince's heart moved, and he immediately understood what He Xi said, and said: "Yes. Yes. Yes. Father, it is most appropriate to act in accordance with the laws of the Ming Dynasty at this moment."
The Ming Code was Zhu Yuanzhang's pursuit of eternal law. Although the Ming Code was more severe in terms of sentencing than the Tang Code and the Song Code. But the weight is limited. At least, not a lot of brutal punishment. It can be said that although Zhu Yuanzhang formulated the Ming Law, he never used the Ming Law when handling major cases.
It is extrajudicial punishment.
Because of this, the four major cases in the early Ming Dynasty were particularly cruel.
If all were handled according to Ming law, many cases would not be like this.
Therefore, as soon as He Xi spoke, the prince accurately grasped He Xi's intention. I think He Xi's method is very good. Even Tang Shengzong determined that Guo Huan's case was rebellion. As long as we follow the laws of the Ming Dynasty, many people can be spared the death penalty.
What the prince could understand, Zhu Yuanzhang could not understand. He didn't snap immediately, but asked, "That's what you all think."
He Xi said: "Your Majesty is wise. I believe that the laws of the Ming Dynasty were established by your majesty, and I should follow the laws of the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "It's stupid. The laws of the Ming Dynasty are the laws of governing the world. They should not be used in troubled times. In troubled times, heavy codes should be used. And who are the people in the Ming Dynasty? Prince, don't you know? There are those who rely on power to act rashly. I am deceived by the superiors. In my name, those who violate the law will be blamed on me, and those who have merit will do it themselves. Everything they do is intended to kill someone, but they will not realize it until they die. Officials in the world often inherit the shortcomings of the old Yuan, and when they are in power , sit with hands high, and the plans are made by the officials. There are officials in the world, and they are either guilty or mediocre. Even the censor threatens the public with the intention of corruption. As for the place, it is even more unspeakable. A person without talent and no status will arrive. When he takes office, he colludes with the officials, scoundrels, and the like. He only pursues corruption and does not care about the people's livelihood. He regards my destiny as normal and treats it as a precaution. He cleverly establishes a name and is responsible for the people. He falsely reports disasters and famines, and reduces relief. He lives in seclusion. Land tax, pretending to be public and enriching private individuals. Manipulating lawsuits, taking human life seriously. The list goes on and on."
"Do you really think that I don't know the sufferings of the people in Jiuzhong?"
"This generation is not afraid of death when they are greedy for money, and they are not afraid of me when they seek power. How can I restore the power of the emperor if I don't deal with it seriously. The laws of the Ming Dynasty are not enough to deter this generation, and illegal and additional punishments are not allowed."
In fact, when Zhu Yuanzhang just started, it was only the beginning of the founding of the country, and everything was undecided. At that time, it was governed by strict regulations. But Zhu Yuanzhang soon discovered a problem: Are officials not afraid of death? No matter how Zhu Yuanzhang increased the punishment, corruption cases continued one after another.
This made Zhu Yuanzhang feel that this was the case. It's because he didn't kill hard enough to make these people afraid.
Therefore, the punishment was repeatedly increased.
In the end it became what it is today.
Even the Ming Code itself is much heavier than the Tang Code. As for Zhu Yuanzhang's extrajudicial punishment, it was even more horrific.
However, what disappointed Zhu Yuanzhang was that even so, he could not stop the wave of corruption in the Ming Dynasty. It should be noted that the Kongyin case only happened a few years ago, and now there is the Guo Huan case. It’s really about money rather than life.
Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that he should not be soft-hearted. If he was not soft-hearted, what would it be like to be soft-hearted?
The prince couldn't help it anymore and said: "Father, I understand my father's intentions. When a big case comes out, tens of thousands of people will be implicated. There must be love and evil in it. And the law does not blame everyone----"
Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted the prince and said: "What law does not punish everyone? Anyone who violates my laws, even if there are tens of millions of people, I will punish them. Moreover, in a major case, there will be a few unjustly accused. But Lanzhi is in charge, and I will not hesitate to do so." .Since the emperor feels that there is love fraud, what he needs to do is to find out the love fraud, rather than to persuade me not to impose a harsher punishment."
“It’s the opposite direction.”
The prince was speechless for a moment.
He Xi understood Zhu Yuanzhang's thoughts. Zhu Yuanzhang harbored a peasant's simple hatred for corrupt officials. How could I raise my hand and let them go? He Xi even had some agreement. It's just that He Xi felt that Zhu Yuanzhang's method was wrong.
