helpers, to whose efforts he owed his position. Chuko Liang became Master of the Forces; Kuan Yu, Tang-k'ou Chiang-Chun (General, Destroyer of Rebels) and a Marquis; Chang Fei, General, Assailant of the West, and a Marquis; Chao Yun, General, Guardian of the Distant; Huang Chung, General, Guardian of the West; Wei Yen, General, Wager of Successful War; Ma Ch'ao, General, Pacificator of the West. All the others, many of whom had come to Yuan-te from Chingchou and Hsiangjang, received promotion and rewards.
In addition, a special gift of five hundred "axes" (catties) of gold, a thousand "axes" of silver, much copper money and a thousand rolls of Ssuch'uan silk, was sent to Kuan Yu. And all the military men were given appointments. Huge numbers of oxen and horses were slaughtered for banquets to the army. And the contents of the granaries were given to the common people. So that there were great rejoicings.
Ichou being settled, Yuan-te next desired to confiscate the lands of the more famous of the inhabitants about the capital and divide them among his officers. But here Chao Yun and others dissuaded him, saying that the sufferings of the people had been severe and losses great; it would be wise policy to let them settle down to their occupations as soon as possible. "It would be wrong to reward his own men at the expense of these persons." Yuan-te listened and gave in with good grace.
To Chuko Liang he assigned the revision of the laws, the punishments to be made, on the whole, heavy. Then Fa Cheng spoke up, "The founder of the Hans drew up three chapters of law, and the people were all profoundly affected by his virtue. I would rather that the laws be few and liberal that people may be comforted."
K'ung-ming replied, "You only look at one side. The laws of Ts'in were fiercely cruel and provoked resentment among the people; it was fitting that Kao Tsu should temper them with kindness. Under the weak administration of the late ruler there has never been an efficient government and there is a lack of respect for the law. The proper relationship between ruler and minister has been gradually obscured. Favour has been the means of rising, and the highest in rank have been the basest: kindness has been extended into licence and the most benefited have been the most contemptuous. And thereby have crept in many evils. Now I mean to inculcate respect for the dignity of the law, and kindness shall follow its attainment: there shall be moderation in conferring rank, but honour shall really follow on such promotion. In the mutual cooperation of kindness and honour and in proper distinction between superiors and inferiors lies the efficiency of a government.
Fa Cheng had no argument to oppose. In due time all became perfectly tranquil, and all the forty-and-one districts, with their respective garrisons, were peaceful and contented.
As Prefect of the metropolitan district, Fa Cheng earned much hatred, caring for no one but himself, and one man told of the complaints to K'ung-ming, urging his dismissal.
But K'ung-ming referred to his meritorious services. "When my lord was in Chingchou, fearful of his enemy on the north and trembling lest he be attacked from the east, Fa Cheng was his sure support. In these prosperous days one can hardly begin to discipline him. Could we reasonably forbid him following somewhat his own way?"
So no investigation was made, but Fa Cheng heard of the complaints and corrected his faults.
One day, when Yuan-te and K'ung-ming were resting and at leisure, Kuan P'ing arrived with a letter from his father, thanking his elder brother for the handsome gifts. Handing in his letter, the son said his father was anxious to come into Ch'uan to try conclusions with Ma Ch'ao.
Said Yuan-te, "If he were to come and fight I fear they would not both survive."
"There is nothing to be anxious about," said K'ung-ming. "I will write to Kuan Yu."
Yuan-te feared that his brother's impulsive temperament might lead to trouble,
In addition, a special gift of five hundred "axes" (catties) of gold, a thousand "axes" of silver, much copper money and a thousand rolls of Ssuch'uan silk, was sent to Kuan Yu. And all the military men were given appointments. Huge numbers of oxen and horses were slaughtered for banquets to the army. And the contents of the granaries were given to the common people. So that there were great rejoicings.
Ichou being settled, Yuan-te next desired to confiscate the lands of the more famous of the inhabitants about the capital and divide them among his officers. But here Chao Yun and others dissuaded him, saying that the sufferings of the people had been severe and losses great; it would be wise policy to let them settle down to their occupations as soon as possible. "It would be wrong to reward his own men at the expense of these persons." Yuan-te listened and gave in with good grace.
To Chuko Liang he assigned the revision of the laws, the punishments to be made, on the whole, heavy. Then Fa Cheng spoke up, "The founder of the Hans drew up three chapters of law, and the people were all profoundly affected by his virtue. I would rather that the laws be few and liberal that people may be comforted."
K'ung-ming replied, "You only look at one side. The laws of Ts'in were fiercely cruel and provoked resentment among the people; it was fitting that Kao Tsu should temper them with kindness. Under the weak administration of the late ruler there has never been an efficient government and there is a lack of respect for the law. The proper relationship between ruler and minister has been gradually obscured. Favour has been the means of rising, and the highest in rank have been the basest: kindness has been extended into licence and the most benefited have been the most contemptuous. And thereby have crept in many evils. Now I mean to inculcate respect for the dignity of the law, and kindness shall follow its attainment: there shall be moderation in conferring rank, but honour shall really follow on such promotion. In the mutual cooperation of kindness and honour and in proper distinction between superiors and inferiors lies the efficiency of a government.
Fa Cheng had no argument to oppose. In due time all became perfectly tranquil, and all the forty-and-one districts, with their respective garrisons, were peaceful and contented.
As Prefect of the metropolitan district, Fa Cheng earned much hatred, caring for no one but himself, and one man told of the complaints to K'ung-ming, urging his dismissal.
But K'ung-ming referred to his meritorious services. "When my lord was in Chingchou, fearful of his enemy on the north and trembling lest he be attacked from the east, Fa Cheng was his sure support. In these prosperous days one can hardly begin to discipline him. Could we reasonably forbid him following somewhat his own way?"
So no investigation was made, but Fa Cheng heard of the complaints and corrected his faults.
One day, when Yuan-te and K'ung-ming were resting and at leisure, Kuan P'ing arrived with a letter from his father, thanking his elder brother for the handsome gifts. Handing in his letter, the son said his father was anxious to come into Ch'uan to try conclusions with Ma Ch'ao.
Said Yuan-te, "If he were to come and fight I fear they would not both survive."
"There is nothing to be anxious about," said K'ung-ming. "I will write to Kuan Yu."
Yuan-te feared that his brother's impulsive temperament might lead to trouble,
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