Chapter 366: No Law to Rely On

Shaoyin was just under fourteen years of age, and while their laws previously lacked provisions in this regard, Baifeng now intended to establish this rule on the spot, clearly aiming to exonerate Shaoyin and already standing on Xiong's side. However, Mu and Yan had long since guessed this outcome, and to them, this could also be considered a good thing. If it were back in the tribe or tribal society, if the son of a Tribal Chief, or rather a head leader, accidentally killed a tribesman, nothing would actually happen; this was privilege.

But now they had established a nation and were moving along the path toward standardization. They had gained power, and it was not just to obtain more food and manage more people; some invisible privileges were also what they sought to secure. Otherwise, why would one want to obtain power?

As Minister of Justice, Yan did not have legislative power. Their laws, on the surface, were created by all officials and citizen representatives, but at that time, they didn't even know what law was. What laws could they establish? It was merely going through the motions; almost everything was proposed by Baifeng, and then everyone just voted to agree.

Now, these added clauses were nothing more than this same process. Thus, Yan proposed: "King, regarding the addition of new legal clauses, should we convene a grand assembly once more?"

Baifeng said: "That is a matter of course. The law is the law of the people under Heaven, not my own. To amend or add to it, of course, everyone must pass it. However, it is a bit too rushed right now. How about this: Yu, you draft an imperial decree. Huaxia intends to convene a temporary National Assembly in two days to revise the laws. Let everyone prepare."

Yu immediately accepted the order and noted this item in his work journal; he would go to write it shortly.

Subsequently, Baifeng looked at the father and son, Xiong and Shaoyin. Although nothing would happen to the two of them, what should be punished still had to be punished. When all was said and done, Xiong was still his strongest supporter, and he could not possibly push him out to be beheaded. However, using him as an example to set a template for all officials and their families was quite good. Moreover, Xiong would not hold a grudge against him for this. As for Shaoyin, he was too unruly; this time, he must be properly disciplined. He had originally planned to send him into the Battalion once he matured a bit; now, this could be considered an opportunity.

Baifeng pondered for a moment and then said: "As for the two, Xiong and Shaoyin, Shaoyin, due to his youthful temperament, unintentionally committed a mistake resulting in death, and he must be punished. But since there is no relevant law to judge him now, just place him in solitary confinement for the time being. Once the relevant laws are established, we will then conduct his trial."

"Because Xiong failed to strictly discipline his son, leading to a grave mistake, he is first stripped of his official position, with Chi to serve in his stead. Before the trial result for Shaoyin is out, he is to be detained in prison."

"As for the accomplices, Erhu and the others, because they are indeed immature and did not actively commit the mistake, they will not be pursued, but they are required to be grounded at home, strictly supervised by their mothers, and are not allowed to step outside a single step until school begins."

"The other family members will not be held responsible for now. That is all. Xiong, Shaoyin, do you two have any objections? You may speak now."

Xiong immediately knelt: "This Subject has no objections!"

Shaoyin just kowtowed several more times. Hearing that his younger brothers would no longer be pursued for their crimes, he was already so emotional that he couldn't even keep his snot from hanging. It didn't matter what happened to him in the end, as long as his brothers were fine.

Just as the Ministry of Justice was about to take the people away, Second Tiger and the others were also brought over. Seeing his father, Fourth Tiger immediately rushed out of the crowd, ran over, hugged Xiong's thigh, and started crying. The events of today had severely impacted his young heart, and he could only seek comfort from his father.

Xiong's arms were bound, and although he could not hug Fourth Tiger, patting Fourth Tiger's head was still no problem. He also said kindly: "Fourth Tiger, don't be afraid."

Second Tiger and Third Tiger also wanted to rush over and cry, but after all, they were much older than Fourth Tiger and were more sensible. Having caused such trouble, they were still afraid to face their father and could only lower their heads and stand there.

Xiong looked at them and said: "You few will go home and be grounded in a moment. Let your mother discipline you properly until school begins; you are not allowed to step out of the house for a single step. It is my fault for not disciplining you well, going out to cause trouble day after day. Now that such a grave mistake has been committed, it is too late for me to regret it."

Hearing their father say they could go home, the few of them revealed expressions of disbelief.

Xiong could not say that nothing would happen to the two of them. Although the result was basically set, could he make such bold claims now? Wouldn't that just cause more trouble? He only said: "After going back, tell your mother not to worry, stay obediently at home, and then go to that herdsman's home to apologize and offer compensation to his family. Did you understand?"

The three boys nodded blankly.

Yan looked at Xiong, meaning to ask if he was done with his instructions. Xiong indicated he was finished.

Subsequently, the people from the Ministry of Justice took Xiong and Shaoyin away—one to prison, and one to be locked in a small dark room. Erhu and the others hurried home to report the news. The moment they opened the door, what they saw were their mothers sitting slumped on the ground, crying incessantly.

Mu was still in the office. Baifeng sighed and asked him: "By protecting Xiong and Shaoyin like this, do you feel a bit disheartened? Do you feel I am too partial and do not care about the dead herdsman?"

Mu hurriedly waved his hands and said: "No, no, King. Although we say everyone must abide by the law, we also understand that Xiong's ability is greater than a herdsman's, and he is also more important than a herdsman. You doing this is also for the good of our nation."

Baifeng sighed lightly: "It is good that you can understand me. How about this: Xiong's family will go to provide compensation to that herdsman's family. Your department will also represent the government to provide a portion of compensation. Then, if that herdsman has sons or daughters, whatever trade they wish to pursue in the future, they shall be treated according to the standard of the descendants of fallen Soldiers. Is that clear?"

Mu's face revealed joy, and he hurriedly agreed. Now, he would have an easier time speaking to his subordinates; at the very least, he had secured sufficient benefits for them.

Mu said he would withdraw first to handle the herdsman's funeral arrangements. Baifeng nodded and said to go ahead.

This meeting was thus concluded. Yu began to write furiously, drafting the announcement for the upcoming assembly. Yulong's seat was at Baifeng's lower left; usually, he would learn to handle Government Affairs Department matters here, but when facing such major events, he would remain silent, watching his father operate, and observe as if he did not exist for the entire duration.

Now, he still had many areas of confusion he wanted to ask about. He did not speak, only looking at his father. Baifeng also said nothing, only casting a glance toward the direction of home. This meant that they would talk slowly after returning home.

Yulong received the hint, so he lowered his head and continued to look at the documents on his desk.