It is a true truth and an objective fact that the vast territory makes the monarch troublesome. As the territory expands, more and more affairs need to be dealt with. However, the emperor cannot be divided and it is impossible for outsiders to share the imperial power, so

I can only give some to Li Chengqian.

In particular, criminal and prison matters are related to human lives and must be treated with caution. In addition to reducing the power of local criminal justice, cases reported to the Ministry of Punishment for settlement must be personally reviewed by the East Palace and then submitted to the emperor for approval.

Hong, this is all to ensure that no one is killed unjustly and to ensure the fairness of justice.

When Zhang Liang was the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, his life was very difficult. He was a military commander and was not good at this kind of thing, so he was often full of loopholes. He had to be scolded in the East Palace every quarter, which made him look disgraced.

Very shameless.

But Dai Zhou is different. Not to mention his background as a criminal officer, everything is done perfectly, and he has always been on good terms with the East Palace. For him, submitting files is like attending a banquet.

Make some weird things, and never think that you are relying on your old skills.

However, today, Dai Zhou brought a special file. This case was sent from the Ningzhou Governor's Office. There was a local family named Zhang. The old man only had one son. The family of three depended on each other. Although their lives were not rich, they were still able to live well.

Consider it happy.

But two months ago, Old Man Zhang had a conflict with a local gangster on the way to collect firewood. During the fight, he missed his hatchet and killed the gangster. Murder must be paid with life and debt must be paid with money. This is the principle that has not changed since ancient times.

Why do we say that it was Old Man Zhang who committed the murder? We can just arrest him when he is questioned.

But the problem is far from that simple. Old man Zhang was seriously injured in the fight and was paralyzed in bed. He cannot be held responsible for his actions at all. Shi Renji, the governor of Ningzhou, cannot bully a paralyzed person.

It also happened that his son was willing to atone for his father's sins and voluntarily surrendered, so he added a request for a lighter punishment after the approval document for beheading the prisoner. When Dai Zhou came today, he deliberately put this file at the end, just to let the prince

You can think about it carefully if you have time.

There is a law in the Tang Dynasty, and there is also a saying among the common people that the father's debt must be repaid by the son. No matter how hateful the gangsters are, they still hurt people's lives. Not to mention that it is difficult for local officials to handle the case. Even if the lawsuit is brought to the Three Laws Division, it is difficult to make a decision.

"Shi Renji is a good official. I just saw this year's official assessment a few days ago. He is considered to be the best among the first-level governors. Ningzhou is also much richer than before under his rule. But he can be imprisoned."

The matter is related to national laws, and cannot be forgiven with a simple word of "sympathy." Will the prisoner be sent to him as soon as he arrives?"

According to common sense, both the files and the prisoners should be sent to the capital together, but after all, this case is special, with special circumstances and special treatment, so a slight delay is understandable.

"Back to Your Highness, Governor Shi has done a reliable job. In addition to the detailed files, people were also sent to the prison of the Ministry of Punishment at the same time. Due to the special nature of the case, the old minister specially asked the prison guards to take care of it and is always waiting for your Highness's enquiry!"

Dai Zhou is also a father, he also has children, so of course he has a special regard for filial sons. As the saying goes, filial piety comes first, he will certainly show his talents where he can.

"Okay, it's rare for Duke Xuan Yin to show mercy. I can't help but show my respect. It's rare for a poor family to have a filial son. I'll bring him up to the main hall tomorrow and talk about it after a while." Li Chengqian's words were regarded as given.

Dai Zhou had enough face, so he invited Dai Zhou to have a meal with him, and said that today's meal had enough meat, and Dai Shangshu could eat and drink as he pleased.

The next day, in the lobby of the Ministry of Punishment, they first reviewed several criminals who had committed heinous crimes. After all, the heinous crimes mentioned in the files were unforgivable. In order to prevent unjust, false and wrongful convictions, the proper procedures must be followed. This is not only responsible for the criminals, but also for Tang Law.

Responsible, even if Li Chengqian is the crown prince, he has to abide by some rules.

After working hard all morning, he finally got through everything he should have. Li Chengqian refused Dai Zhou's offer to have a meal in the back hall. Each of the hall officials divided a bowl of white porridge, and while eating, he asked about the last one in the East Palace.

There were still a lot of government affairs to be dealt with, and he didn't have much time to waste here.

"Zhang Jian, according to the law of the Tang Dynasty, whoever kills must pay for his life. Although you did not kill the person, since you voluntarily spoke back for your father, there is nothing to say. You will be punished after the red vote next autumn." After putting down the white porridge in his hand, Li Chengqian said

He asked calmly. To be honest, his first impression of this man named Zhang Jian was good. He looked very honest and honest, and he was a typical farmer in Guanzhong.

"Yes, even though the common people have never read and don't know any words, they still know the principle of killing to pay for life, but how can a son of man sit back and watch the death of his paralyzed old father in bed.

The local ruffian surnamed Liu has repeatedly insulted his neighbors. The villagers are too angry and dare not speak out. He should have died long ago. Killing him will be clean. Anyway, it is just payment for his life. It will not work with anyone else. By killing me, I have fulfilled my filial piety, and also

It gives a sigh of relief to the neighbors, and it’s a great deal!”

After Zhang Jian finished speaking, Li Chengqian, Dai Zhou and other officials all laughed. This simple and honest man was quite interesting. He was so stubborn in taking the blame. It was a strange thing. Besides, the file Shi Renji issued also came with

There was a joint letter from neighbors pleading for mercy. It seemed that the gangster had long been complaining in the local area.

"Not afraid of death?"

"Don't be afraid, I'll have a big scar on my head, but eighteen years later I'll be a good man again."

"Then have you ever thought about who will support your parents after you die?"

"Oh, there's nothing I can do. As a son, I can only do this for them. Fortunately, the neighbors get along well with each other, so I should be able to help them a little. When I came out, I had already kowtowed to everyone too much."

What Zhang Jian said is correct. The people of the Tang Dynasty kept their promises. If something is promised, it will be completed. Even if one generation fails, future generations will continue to follow it. If someone betrays his promise, he will never raise his head in the countryside in this life.

, so Zhang Jian dared to get rid of his parents and let them take the blame alone.

Well, he nodded with a smile. Li Chengqian thought for a moment, and then said in a deep voice: "Zhang Jian, even if you are a filial son, you have hurt people's lives, so you must not be free of guilt.

The laws of the Tang Dynasty take into account both legal principles and human sentiments. Considering the special circumstances of the case and the fact that the governor's office and your neighbors are interceding for you, I will punish you with three months of hard labor as atonement."

While talking, he walked up and came down, took out a money bag from his arms and put it in Zhang Jian's hand, and continued: "Now that we have talked about the national law, let's talk about human relationships. An orphan is also a son of a man, and a father knows the word filial piety."
Chapter completed!