Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 120: The Promulgation of the Star Laws

The established framework of the three prefectures was like installing categorized gears and drive shafts into the suddenly expanded machine of Starfire Fortress. However, for this machine to operate in a truly orderly and efficient manner, a set of precise and authoritative "operating procedures"—a fundamental code of law applicable throughout the entire sphere of influence—was still needed.

The military regulations and scattered civil administration rules previously implemented within Xinghuo Fort were already inadequate for managing the complex needs of over 40,000 people and hundreds of miles of territory, lacking both systematicity and authority. Chen Xing knew that without laws, authority could not be established; without credibility, the people could not be convinced; and without fairness, the people could not be brought at peace. Especially in the recently annexed Black Mountain region, where the original order had been completely destroyed, the new regime urgently needed a clear, fair, and strongly binding set of rules to establish authority, regulate behavior, and unite the people.

The first core meeting after the establishment of the three governments focused on the legal code.

"Mr. Wu, has the draft code been prepared yet?" Chen Xing asked directly, looking at Wu Xuejiu, who was in charge of the matter.

Wu Xuejiu took a thick stack of neatly bound books from the clerk beside him and solemnly placed them on the main desk in front of Chen Xing. The cover of the books had two large characters written in neat regular script: "Star Laws".

"My lord," Wu Xuejiu said, his voice carrying a hint of weariness and solemnity after completing a heavy task, "this is the draft of the Star Law, which I, along with several scholars well-versed in criminal law and legal regulations, have drafted after half a month of repeated discussions, revisions, and seven drafts, drawing on the old laws of the previous dynasty, the current dynasty's interpretations, and combining the military regulations of our Starfire Fortress with the existing civil administration regulations. It is divided into seven parts, thirty-two chapters, and a total of three hundred and sixty-seven articles." His core principles, as his lord had indicated, are: clear wording, impartiality, separation of civil and criminal law, proportionality between crime and punishment, consideration for both reason and emotion, to appease the people and establish the foundation of the nation.

Chen Xing nodded, but instead of opening it immediately, he gestured for Wu Xuejiu to briefly summarize the main points.

Wu Xuejiu cleared his throat and began to explain in detail: "The first chapter, 'General Principles,' is the general outline, clarifying the legislative purpose, scope of application, types of punishments (mainly the five punishments of flogging, caning, imprisonment, exile, and death, supplemented by fines, confiscation of property, and redemption in copper), as well as general principles such as surrender, accomplices, repeat offenders, and reductions or exemptions for the elderly, children, and the disabled. It explicitly states that 'all people under the rule of Xinghuo, regardless of rank, ethnicity, or whether they are old or new, shall be treated equally under the law.'"

"The law does not favor the powerful." Chen Xing repeated the sentence to emphasize it.

"Exactly," Wu Xuejiu continued. "The second chapter, 'Guardianship Prohibitions,' mainly regulates behaviors that endanger the safety of our lord and Xinghuo Fortress, violate military orders, leak secrets, or trespass into forbidden areas. The third chapter, 'Official System,' regulates the duties of officials, performance evaluations, dereliction of duty, and bribery. A special article on 'Supervision' has been added, granting the Supervisory Office corresponding powers and responsibilities. The fourth chapter, 'Household Registration and Marriage,' covers civil matters such as household registration, land and housing, taxes, marriage, and inheritance. The fifth chapter, 'Storehouse,' regulates livestock management, warehouse supplies, and official property. The sixth chapter, 'Unauthorized Construction,' concerns construction projects, military equipment manufacturing, and conscription of laborers. The seventh chapter, 'Theft and Robbery,' along with 'Litigation,' 'Fraud,' 'Miscellaneous Laws,' 'Capturing Fugitives,' and 'Judging Cases,' covers various criminal offenses, litigation procedures, and prison administration."

He paused, then added, "The draft incorporates the Lord's suggestions, reducing some of the overly harsh corporal punishments and collective punishments, clarifying the principles of evidence admissibility, restricting torture to extract confessions, and stipulating time limits for case trials. Most importantly, it establishes the systems of 'open trials' and 'direct appeals': except for special cases involving secrets, ordinary civil and criminal lawsuits must be conducted openly in the courtrooms of county or fort-level government offices, allowing the public to attend; if the public feels wronged or that the local government's trial is unfair, they can appeal at each level, and ultimately appeal directly to the Lord."

Chen Xing listened attentively, his fingers lightly tapping the table. This draft clearly reflected the considerable effort put in by Wu Xuejiu and others; its basic framework and principles met his expectations, inheriting the rigorous system of ancient legal codes while incorporating more progressive and practical considerations.

"Gentlemen, let's discuss this," Chen Xing said, looking at Chen Wei, Zhao Tiezhu, and the others present.

Chen Wei pondered and said, "The law is clear and the rewards and punishments are distinct, which is excellent. However... the principles of 'the law does not favor the powerful' and 'open trials' will likely face considerable resistance in their implementation. In newly annexed territories, there are still powerful local lords and surrendered leaders who may harbor侥幸心理 (a sense of侥幸, a feeling of getting away with something). If soldiers in our army who have rendered meritorious service break the law, will they truly be punished equally? The credibility of this law depends first and foremost on its ability to be implemented."

Zhao Tiezhu was more concerned about the provisions concerning people's livelihood: "If the provisions on household registration and marriage, and granaries, can be effectively implemented, they will greatly benefit the stability of the people and the restoration of production. However, in the newly annexed areas, there is a shortage of clerks, and their quality varies. How can we ensure that they do not distort the law and oppress the people? Education and supervision are both indispensable."

Although Murong Mingyue was not very proficient in the specific legal provisions, she did raise one point: "The northern lands are inhabited by both Han and non-Han peoples, and their customs vary. Does the law leave room for discretion in handling disputes arising from different customs? Being too rigid may cause trouble."

Wu Xuejiu noted down everyone's concerns and explained, "General Chen's concerns are precisely the key to whether the law can establish its authority. Therefore, the draft law specifically strengthens the powers and independence of the Censorate and establishes an article on 'reporting rumors' to encourage whistleblowing. As for meritorious soldiers, there is no exemption under the law, but their merits can be considered as one of the discretionary factors when sentencing. However, this power rests with the emperor and the three judicial departments in a joint trial, and cannot be exercised arbitrarily by officials. The issue of clerks mentioned by Zhao Gong is indeed an urgent matter. In addition to strengthening supervision, it is also necessary to quickly establish training programs for clerks and promote legal education so that the people know the law, and officials will not dare to overstep the bounds of justice. As for the differences in customs mentioned by the lady, the draft law's 'General Principles' section already has the principle of 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do, and respect the people's feelings and reason.' Specific cases can be considered by the presiding judge at his discretion, but they must not violate the fundamental principles of the law and public order and good morals."

The discussion lasted for nearly an hour, with everyone offering numerous additions and revisions from their respective perspectives. Chen Xing adopted most of these suggestions, only providing specific instructions for revising some overly idealistic or potentially ambiguous clauses. Ultimately, the draft of "Star Law" was basically finalized.

"Now that the code is finalized, it must be proclaimed to the world and deeply ingrained in people's hearts," Chen Xing decided. "Three days from now, a platform will be erected outside the main gate of Xinghuo Fort to proclaim the law! Uncle Zhao, you are in charge of preparing the ceremony, ensuring it is solemn. Mr. Wu, you immediately organize people to copy the entire finalized 'Xinglu' (Star Law), not only for archiving but also sending copies to the main departments of the Military Council and the Civil Administration Office. Post notices should also be posted in Xinghuo Fort and all the major fortified villages and towns in the newly attached area. Select eloquent individuals with some literacy to deliver the lectures at designated locations, ensuring that the essential meaning of the law is known to everyone, young and old!"

"Yes, sir!"

Three days later, the sky cleared and the air was fresh.

Outside the main gate of Xinghuo Fortress, a temporary but sturdy platform rose from the ground. A flagpole stood on the platform, and the Xinghuo banner fluttered in the wind. Below the platform, soldiers of the Trapped Camp, in perfect military formation, stood at attention with halberds, forming an open space. Around the perimeter of the space, a dense crowd of civilians had rushed over upon hearing the news. Some were former residents of Xinghuo Fortress, but most were newly arrived civilians whose faces were still unfamiliar and filled with unease. Everyone craned their necks to watch and whispered among themselves.

At the precise hour of Chen (7-9 AM), drums and music resounded. Chen Xing, dressed in a formal black brocade robe and wearing a jade crown, slowly ascended the stage, surrounded by his core subordinates including Chen Wei, Zhao Tiezhu, and Wu Xuejiu. Murong Mingyue, due to health reasons, did not ascend the high platform but took a seat in a specially prepared area below.

The soldiers and civilians below the stage gradually quieted down when they saw Chen Xing take the stage, and their eyes were focused on that tall and straight figure.

Chen Xing didn't exchange many pleasantries. His gaze swept over the countless eyes below the stage, and he spoke loudly, his voice, amplified by his internal energy, clearly resonating throughout the entire venue:

"The masses of sparks, people of the new and the old! We gather here today not to celebrate victory, nor to flaunt our strength, but to establish a fundamental law, named—'The Law of the Stars'!"

He accepted the beautifully decorated original copy of the legal code, which Wu Xuejiu respectfully handed over, and held it high:

"This law is not a fabrication, but a result of careful consideration of both ancient and modern times, adapted to the needs of the times, and established for the safety and well-being of all people under the rule of Xinghuo! Its purpose is: to define boundaries and stop disputes, to punish evil and promote good, to protect the territory and ensure the safety of the people, and to prosper Xinghuo!"

The audience was completely silent, everyone listening intently to this declaration that would determine their future.

"The essence of the Star Law lies first and foremost in fairness!" Chen Xing's voice suddenly rose, resounding powerfully. "The law contains 367 articles, written in black and white, and is hereby promulgated! From this day forward, all those under my Starfire rule, whether you are a former meritorious official, a valiant general, a newly surrendered citizen, a commoner, a laborer, a barbarian or a Han, old or young—before the law, all shall be treated equally! Merit will be rewarded, transgressions will be punished, and crimes will be investigated! There will be absolutely no favoritism; this is what is meant by 'the law does not favor the powerful'!"

A suppressed gasp and whispers rippled through the crowd. Many of the newly recruited civilians looked on in disbelief, while some former leaders or officers who had surrendered changed their expressions slightly.

"Secondly, fairness!" Chen Xing continued, "From now on, all disputes concerning land, debts, marriage, fights, and even cases involving criminal offenses, except in special circumstances involving confidentiality, must be tried publicly in the government court in accordance with the law! The public will be allowed to attend the hearings to witness the clarity of justice! If anyone feels that the trial is unfair, they can appeal at each level, all the way to me! I want to let the sunlight shine into every courtroom, so that fairness can be seen!"

These words caused an even greater shock. A public trial? An appeal to the emperor? This was simply unheard of for ordinary people who were used to the saying, "The government office faces south, but those with reason but no money shouldn't enter!"

Chen Xing paused briefly, waiting for the commotion to subside, before his tone turned serious: "However, the law is a vital instrument of the nation. It is difficult to establish, and even more difficult to uphold. Those who abide by the law have their rights protected by it; those who violate it are punished by it. I hope that everyone under my rule, both military and civilian, will learn, understand, abide by, and respect the law! Officials and clerks must set an example and enforce the law impartially! Once the 'Xing Law' is promulgated, it is as immovable as a mountain! The Supervisory Office will independently exercise its supervisory power. Anyone found guilty of corruption, malpractice, misinterpretation of the law, or oppression of the innocent will be severely punished without exception!"

Finally, he once again raised the legal code high, his voice booming like a bell: "This 'Star Law' is the cornerstone of my Starfire Fortress, my promise to you all to live and work in peace and prosperity, and the greatest guarantee you can obtain in this chaotic world! I hope that everyone will be of one mind, abide by this law, build our home together, and share in peace!"

"We will obey our lord's decree!"

"Long live the spark!"

Below the platform, led by officers and pre-arranged clerks, soldiers and civilians roared in unison, their shouts rising in waves. Many newly arrived civilians, especially those who had been oppressed by the Black Mountain Army and were uncertain about their future, looked at the solemn and dignified legal code on the platform and listened to the resounding declaration. A glimmer of hope gradually ignited in their eyes. They might not fully understand every clause, but they understood two things: here, there was law to follow; here, the law seemed truly intended to treat everyone equally.

Following the promulgation ceremony of the legal code, transcribed legal texts were quickly posted everywhere, and preachers began to travel through streets and alleys, going deep into villages to explain the essentials of the law in the simplest language. The effectiveness of the "Star Law" was soon initially verified in several publicly tried cases: one involved a dispute between old residents and new residents of Xinghuobao over homesteads, which was judged impartially according to the "Household and Marriage" chapter; another involved a surrendered soldier squad leader who had performed well during training but had assaulted a colleague in a verbal altercation, and whose merits and demerits were separated according to the "Litigation" chapter, with rewards and punishments given accordingly, and the soldier was publicly flogged.

As the news spread, public sentiment was reassured. The authority of the Star Law began to be truly established through the practice of "the law does not favor the powerful" and "openness and fairness".