166: Chapter 166 Lowering the crime rate isn't just about severe punishments!

With this series of moves, not only can one stand on the side of justice, but the local commoners will also scramble to become Little Generals of Criticism.

The more exaggerated the weeping and complaining, the more property and goods they will be allocated.

Zhao Fusu believed that the local Little Generals would surely denounce the landlords' exploitation as if they were their father's killers.

To strengthen propaganda, Zhao Fusu also planned to create Model Operas.

This stuff is even more addictive than Anti-Japanese Divine Dramas, and the aftereffects are even stronger.

It is both entertaining and highly effective for brainwashing.

After watching it, a person is filled with righteousness and energy; even a 120-year-old man could jump up.

Coupled with the tunes of the Model Operas, it would simply be invincible.

Of course, Zhao Fusu's current focus was still on annexing the Xiongnu Kingdom.

Only by securing the safety of the grain-producing regions of the Hetao Plain would he have more confidence to Topple the Local Tyrants.

The more local tyrants he toppled and land he redistributed, the stronger the sense of justice in the hearts of the common people at the bottom.

Tyrannical Qin would thus become the Sovereign's Army.

The local commoners oppressed by the tyrants, in order to get the tyrants' wealth—no, one should say, to uphold justice—would they not welcome the Sovereign's Army with baskets of food and jugs of wine?

This is called changing the image of Tyrannical Qin, starting with sacrificing the local tyrants to the heavens.

"His Majesty the Head of State."

Frowning, Li Si found Zhao Fusu.

As the Head of the Legalists, his political stance was to restrain people through harsh punishments.

Seeing Li Si's unhappy expression, Zhao Fusu smiled and said, "For what matter has Prime Minister Li Si come? There is no need to keep it in your heart; you may speak to me directly."

"His Majesty the Head of State, then this old official shall take the liberty to speak," Li Si said.

"I believe you are too benevolent toward the common people."

"Human beings are born evil; to stop them from doing bad things, one must use heavy punishments to make them afraid, only then will they not cause trouble!"

"What does Your Majesty think?"

Li Si's gaze was fixed on Zhao Fusu.

"Then I also have a question for Prime Minister Li Si," Zhao Fusu said with a smile.

"What question?"

Li Si was somewhat puzzled.

Zhao Fusu said, "Prime Minister Li Si, you have also used harsh punishments for so many years; has crime been eradicated?"

"This!"

Li Si's expression froze.

However, he still said, "If not for these harsh punishments, I fear there would be even more people wanting to commit crimes."

"But has crime been eradicated?"

Zhao Fusu asked the same question.

Li Si gritted his teeth and said, "No."

"Since it hasn't, have you looked for the reason?"

Zhao Fusu used PUA tactics, saying, "Look more into your own reasons."

Li Si fell silent.

He smiled bitterly and said, "I ask for Your Majesty's guidance."

Li Si originally felt he was the smartest person in the entire Great Qin Empire, but after meeting His Majesty the Head of State, he felt inferior.

Regarding many issues, he could not see as far or as clearly as His Majesty.

For instance, he was also confused: the punishments were already so harsh, so why did people still break the law?

"It's not that the heavier the punishment, the fewer people break the law," Zhao Fusu said, shaking his head.

Old Zhu was ruthless enough toward corrupt officials, wasn't he?

Especially after Empress Ma and Zhu Biao both died, his blade was completely without a scabbard, showing its full sharpness, causing heads to roll throughout the court.

Those who served as Old Zhu's ministers saw him as if they were seeing King Yama.

But even with Old Zhu's methods being so ruthless, corrupt officials could never be fully eliminated.

"Please instruct me, Your Majesty."

Li Si cupped his fists and sincerely asked Zhao Fusu for guidance.

"We must be clear on one point: the highest degree of our punishment is the death penalty."

"In formulating other punishments, we hope that those who commit crimes can realize their mistakes and change."

"Mhm."

Li Si thought so too.

The purpose of formulating punishments is not that the Legalists enjoy torturing people or seek pleasure through it.

They want to maintain social order through strict laws, to give people a code of conduct, and to ensure society is well-ordered, rather than having rites and music collapse into chaos and disorder.

"We must repeatedly emphasize to the criminals, making them realize their mistakes, giving them a chance to turn over a new leaf and become kind."

"If they are unwilling to be kind and repeatedly break the law despite knowing it, then we can only use physical means—cut off their heads and let them go back to the furnace to be remade."

"Your Majesty, you, you..."

Listening to Zhao Fusu's down-to-earth way of speaking, Li Si couldn't help but laugh.

His Majesty is benevolent, but not overly so.

He and His Majesty were truly of one mind.

Li Si took out a small notebook and recorded all the maxims Zhao Fusu had just spoken.

He had to ponder His Majesty's thoughts at every moment to make progress.

Zhao Fusu did not mock Li Si for his actions.

Zhao Fusu knew very well that for an academic researcher, academic research was more important than women in their eyes.

When they are engaged in academic research, they enter sage mode and will unceremoniously push women away.

Zhao Fusu's explanation was a summary of thoughts distilled by generations of sages over thousands of years of reflection.

To Li Si, this was no different from profound insight, an infallible law, or a golden maxim.

Zhao Fusu waited for Li Si to finish recording before saying to him, "Instead of blindly increasing punishments, it is better to focus our work on legal education."

"Let the commoners know which actions are forbidden."

"We must patiently explain to the commoners why we have made these punishments so strict."

Li Si scribbled furiously, like a diligent student listening intently and taking down the key points mentioned by the teacher.

"Prime Minister Li Si, remember, rather than focusing on increasing punishments, besides legal education, you must speed up the efficiency of solving cases."

"You must catch the criminals as soon as they commit a crime."

"You cannot allow criminals to have a mentality of luck."

"If they dare to commit a crime, they must be caught with the utmost speed!"

"Furthermore, a public trial must be held at Caishikou, allowing the citizens of the entire city to judge and denounce them."

"Stand firmly on the moral high ground and denounce them!"

"We want all commoners to know that there is a Heavenly Net three feet above their heads; to dare to commit a crime is to violate that net!"

"They will surely receive a pair of Silver Bracelets!"

Listening to Zhao Fusu's words, Li Si was stunned.

He could not have imagined these methods even in his dreams.

His Majesty is truly the greatest sage since ancient times!

After listening to His Majesty's sacred words, he felt as if he had been enlightened by a sudden realization.

He had attained enlightenment!

"His Majesty the Head of State, please accept this old official's bow!"

Li Si wept.

It was as if a door had suddenly opened before him; after entering, he came upon a new world.

He saw a rainbow and enjoyed the warm sunlight falling upon him, unable to resist the urge to run within that twilight.