Chapter 82: The Immutable Law for Eternity

After carefully listening to Gu Yun’s account of the case, Xu You finally understood. It turned out that in Qiantang County, there was a man named Qiu Yangpi. Due to poverty and unable to afford a proper burial for his deceased mother, he sold his own daughter to Li Dong, a man from the same county. The girl, Qiu San, was only seven years old, with delicate and handsome features—a true beauty in the making. Li Dong then resold her to Liang Qing in Juzhang County at ten times the original price, but without disclosing Qiu San’s true origins.

Later, after a neighbor’s report, both Qiu Yangpi and Li Dong were arrested. According to Chu State’s theft law: “Those who sell their descendants shall be punished with one year of imprisonment… but those who kidnap, traffic, or sell people as slaves shall be executed!” At first glance, the case seemed straightforward.

Gu Yun explained, “The county warden Du proposes sentencing Qiu Yangpi to one year’s imprisonment according to the law, and imposing the death penalty on Li Dong. However, the county magistrate Li disagrees…”

“That should be the law!” Bao Xi asked, “Why does County Magistrate Li disagree?”

“It’s a long story.”

Gu Yun turned and called loudly, “Someone!”

Immediately, a tall, slender man dressed in black stepped out from behind a screen. His demeanor was restrained, but there was an effortless elegance about him despite his bowed head.

“Go to the main hall and invite County Magistrate Li and County Warden Du here for a discussion!”

“Yes, sir!”

The man bowed and left with steady, rooted steps. Xu You observed his confident gait and concluded he was not a mere constable of the county office. Considering Gu Yun’s background, it was reasonable that several skilled guards would be assigned to him.

After a moment, two men entered. One was lean and gaunt, like a withering leaf about to fall, staggering slightly—this was Li Dingzhi, County Magistrate of Qiantang. The other was tall, sturdy, with dark skin and a proud, spirited gaze—County Warden Du Sanxing.

Within a county, the county magistrate held the highest rank, followed by the county deputy magistrate, and then the county warden. Although the warden was third in command, he oversaw criminal cases, theft, and arrests, wielding considerable power—often disregarding the deputy magistrate.

“Greetings, Honorable Magistrate!” Li Dingzhi spoke, panting heavily as if his breath would give out at any moment, making his words somewhat difficult to bear.

“Magistrate, as I said, Li Dong deserves death for his crime. No excuse can absolve him!” Du Sanxing’s voice was as deep and forceful as his frame, like a heavy hammer striking a worn drum, muffled yet more unbearable than Li Dingzhi’s wheezing.

Xu You sat quietly on the side, feeling a bit sorry for Gu Yun. To work daily with these two men—setting aside their personalities—their manner of speech alone was quite challenging!

“Warden Du, please calm down!” Bao Xi smiled, “Let us first hear Magistrate Li’s reasoning. If it is sound, we can discuss further; if not, the magistrate will decide.”

Du Sanxing snorted, “Registrar Bao, you’re a wise man. Don’t you know what Magistrate Li is up to? Li Dong is his own nephew!”

Gu Yun was taken aback. “Why didn’t you mention that earlier in the hall?”

Du Sanxing raised an eyebrow. “Magistrate, although I am rough, I understand family matters should not be aired publicly. With so many people present, it would seem Qiantang County is protecting its own…”

“Du Sanxing, cease... cease your slander!” Li Dingzhi’s forehead veins bulged as he pointed angrily at Du. “It’s true Li Dong is my nephew, but both families have long been estranged—everyone in the neighborhood knows this! I am simply enforcing the law and serving my superiors faithfully. Even if it weren’t Li Dong, if it were someone else, I would do the same…”

“And what, protect and cover up?” Du Sanxing stepped forward fiercely, making Li Dingzhi seem like a child beside him. “Li Dingzhi, don’t think I’m unaware of your schemes. If they come to light, you’ll be the first to suffer!”

Xu You observed coldly. These two had harbored hostility long before Gu Yun’s arrival in Qiantang. For them to openly quarrel so disrespectfully before their superior suggested deeper secrets behind the scenes.

“Enough!” Gu Yun frowned. His delicate features, even when knitted in displeasure, seemed almost feminine. Yet when he said “Enough,” both Li Dingzhi and Du Sanxing flinched simultaneously, obediently standing at attention, not daring to utter another word.

“County Magistrate Li, explain why Li Dong should not be executed.”

Li Dingzhi cleared his throat, steadying himself. “The theft law states that selling descendants carries only a one-year sentence. Selling relatives within five degrees, if they are direct ancestors, results in death penalty; if they are more distant kin, concubines, or children-in-law, the penalty is exile. The buyer, however, is not subjected to death. Though the circumstances differ, the disparity in punishment is too great to be convincing.”

Du Sanxing immediately rebutted, “When Qiu Yangpi sold his daughter, he clearly declared Qiu San was his legitimate daughter—not a slave or servant, but a free-born person. Li Dong knowingly bought a free-born person, which technically does not violate the law. But reselling her at a higher price to Liang Qing constitutes kidnapping and trafficking, which, combined, warrant the death penalty. This is just and fair!”

Li Dingzhi’s breathing stabilized, and he spoke rapidly, “The law also states: ‘Those who knowingly buy stolen property shall be treated as accomplices.’ Li Dong’s purchase of Qiu San at most makes him an accomplice… Furthermore, when Qiu Yangpi sold his daughter, he explicitly said she was no longer redeemable. Qiu San became Li Dong’s slave, part of his property. Transferring family property to another is not forbidden by law. Therefore, the crime of an accomplice should not exceed that of Qiu Yangpi’s, and sentencing Li Dong to exile is sufficient punishment.”

Gu Yun nodded. “County Magistrate’s argument is reasonable. Warden Du, do you have anything else to add?”

Du Sanxing, less eloquent than Li Dingzhi, grew anxious. “Though Qiu San was sold by her father, her essence remains that of a free-born person. Li Dong knowingly bought a free person, then concealed her status and resold her to Liang Qing. Such conduct—buying from a parent, then immediately selling to another—would be a capital offense even in Jinling. Magistrate, you are new to Qiantang and unfamiliar with legal matters; do not be deceived by petty men, lest you bring calamity upon yourself.”

“Outrageous!” Gu Yun said coldly, “County Warden, the court convenes exactly to encourage open discussion and collective wisdom. Debate with reason; if unreasonable, do not persist. You may step down.”

Du Sanxing’s face flushed with resentment, clearly dissatisfied. He gave a careless bow and turned to leave.

Li Dingzhi’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “Magistrate’s clarity is truly a blessing to the people of Qiantang!”

“You may also withdraw. Detain Qiu Yangpi and Li Dong for now. Liang Qing is innocent and may be released to return home.”

“Yes, sir!” Li Dingzhi, knowing Gu Yun would confer with Bao Xi further, left contentedly, confident the matter was settled.

“Sir, what is your opinion?” Bao Xi smiled.

“Warden Du’s argument has merit. The theft law is explicit. If rulings stray from the law, it could jeopardize your future,” Bao Xi said.

Gu Yun shook his head. “Human life is not to be treated lightly. Blind adherence to law while ignoring facts truly hinders one’s prospects.”

Bao Xi stroked his long beard. “Selling descendants carries one year’s imprisonment, but selling free-born persons is punishable by death. Have you considered why the court enacted such laws?”

“Honestly…” Gu Yun admitted, “I had not considered this. Please enlighten me.”

Before Bao Xi could answer, he noticed Xu You deep in thought and deliberately asked, “Xu, what do you think?”

Xu You smiled faintly. “I am but a crude soldier, unversed in such matters. Please do not trouble me, Registrar.”

The more he demurred, the more Bao Xi sensed his depth and pressed him to speak. Even Gu Yun joined in, “No need for humility. This case concerns life and death; if you have thoughts, please speak openly.”

After hesitation, Xu You said, “If I may speak clumsily: Feiqing’s caution is justified. Matters of imprisonment and death are no trivial affairs—human heads are not like chives that can regrow after cutting. Hence, utmost caution is required.”

“Ha! Your words are exquisite!” Gu Yun applauded and laughed heartily, then said with a sigh, “Though in the future, we may no longer feast on chive blossoms.”

Chive blossoms, beloved as a common delicacy since ancient times, were mentioned in the Han dynasty’s “Monthly Almanac of the Four Classes” by Cui Shi, and remained popular through the Wei and Jin periods.

Xu You continued, “The court’s laws are well considered, sometimes lenient, sometimes strict. For example, the theft law prescribes only one year for selling one’s children because under dire circumstances, no parent would sell their child as mere merchandise. Sometimes parents sell children to obtain money for survival, and the children find refuge elsewhere. Though tragic, this is the lesser evil. Hence, leniency applies. But kidnapping and selling free-born persons is death to warn the world not to separate families for profit. Such acts are utterly heartless; the law is strict and satisfying to the people.”

Gu Yun’s smile faded as he listened attentively, sitting upright and gazing at Xu You with quiet affection, as if admiring a beloved. When he finished, Gu Yun praised, “You are truly a wise teacher and friend, far beyond my reach. I once thought you a carefree recluse, but now I see you are also a worldly sage.”

Xu You laughed awkwardly, “Such flattery! You honor me too much, Feiqing.”

While they exchanged warm words, Bao Xi’s eyes flashed with undisguised surprise. In this era, even officials overseeing criminal law often lacked deep knowledge, let alone noble scions like Xu You. His broad understanding was a stark contrast to rumors of a reckless aristocrat.

The Xu family of Yixing was indeed formidable.

Bao Xi suddenly asked, “Xu, given your view, how should this case be handled?”

Having opened up, Xu You spoke without reserve: “Qiu Yangpi’s one-year sentence for selling his daughter to bury his mother is appropriate. As for Li Dong, when he resold Qiu San to Liang Qing without revealing her true status, if Liang Qing believed she was a slave or servant and resold her again, causing her to drift without trace, lost to her family’s search, condemned to lifelong servitude without hope—this is akin to kidnapping. The law’s strictness warns that a lenient government invites crime, like water and fire. Li Dong deserves death!”

Xu You, in all his lives, most detested human traffickers. Having grown up poor and alone, many childhood friends in the orphanage were sold off and vanished without trace. The law’s leniency then failed to deter such crimes. How could he not support the death penalty in Chu’s law?

Bao Xi regarded Xu You intently, then turned to Gu Yun. “Xu’s opinion aligns with mine. Those who buy relatives and resell them without disclosure should be punished like kidnappers. Li Dong shall be sentenced to death by hanging.”

Gu Yun pondered briefly, then resolved, “According to your judgments, we shall convene tomorrow and issue a ruling.”

Suddenly, Xu You rose and bowed deeply to Gu Yun. “There is one more matter. I urge you, Feiqing, to petition the court to make this a permanent law.”

Seeing Xu You’s earnestness, Gu Yun’s expression grew serious. “Please speak.”

“According to Magistrate Li, laws exist regarding selling relatives within five degrees, but the buyer’s crime is not recorded. I believe the solution lies not in exile, imprisonment, or death, but in ensuring kidnappers have nowhere to sell, and buyers dare not purchase. This deterrent reduces such crimes naturally. Currently, buyers like Li Dong face no penalty if they do not resell or conceal facts. Such punishment is superficial, failing to curb human vice. Therefore, I ask Feiqing to petition that buyers of free-born persons be equally punished, not merely treated as mere accomplices.”

Gu Yun stepped forward and bowed deeply. “I shall marshal all my family’s influence to ensure the court adopts this proposal. Your noble heart is an example for all ages. For the sake of those lost and drifting, I thank you!”