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墨書 Inktalez
As a prominent representative of Legalism, Shang Yang greatly promoted the doctrine during the reform period in the Qin State. Legalism advocates for governance by law. The saying "Heaven Does Not Change Its Constants, Earth Does Not Alter Its Principles," proposed by Shang Yang, was highly esteemed throughout the Qin State. This led to the well-known severity of Qin Law, which also laid the foundation for a strong Qin.
The Zhou Dynasty had entered an era of turmoil and conflict. Although some still strived to uphold moral principles, their efforts appeared weak compared to the wartime realities of that time. While moral considerations were not entirely disregarded, they were often subject to pragmatic adjustments driven by interests. This was a source of deep concern for many Guardians, who could only helplessly watch as morality declined.
Legalism advocated for strict measures to govern chaotic times. Although its harshness was excessive, it taught people to live in a structured manner. Consequently, morality was preserved to some extent. Opinions on Legalism's governance methods vary in later generations, but none can deny the value this doctrine held at that time. After all, it had already produced a strong Qin, which is the answer history provides to future generations.
Since Wang Jian invited descendants of legendary families back, the weapon manufacturing industry in the Qin State has made significant progress. Legal provisions applicable to manufacturing soon emerged, requiring every craftsman and manager to approach their work with rigor. The goal was solely to ensure that these weapons were of the highest quality and that soldiers on the front lines would not have to test their practicality.
According to relevant legal regulations, all manufactured weapons must bear the names of the Artisans involved. If a weapon fails to meet its intended performance, this allows professional departments to trace back to the supervisor and creator responsible for that weapon.
For example, if a spear is crafted by Artisan Sun Thirteen, it must bear his surname, Sun. This does not end there; if Li Xin is the foreman responsible for overseeing production during this period, he must also inscribe his surname, Li, on the weapon after inspection.
Master Lu Chu cannot remain uninvolved; as the overall head of the weapon manufacturing factory, she must also inscribe her surname, Lu, on this weapon. At this point, the entire production process concludes; what remains is packaging and distribution for various combat units.
Due to strict manufacturing protocols, weapons of the same model can be interchangeably assembled. When Soldiers inevitably damage their weapons during combat, they can disassemble and reassemble broken spears.
The simplicity and convenience of this assembly process allow any Soldier to easily complete this task. The benefit of this is that troops can continue using intact weapons even when logistical support is lost. If a crossbow from the Qin State is damaged, intact components can be assembled into a new crossbow without any issues regarding mismatched slots.
Even though there are such rigorous accountability systems in place at the Qin State weapon manufacturing factory, operational errors cannot be entirely avoided. When a problem occurs—whether one in ten thousand or one in a hundred thousand—a penalty order will be issued against the Artificer responsible for that oversight.
If a batch of weapons has issues exceeding a certain quantity, accountability will extend to the workshop director who will face corresponding penalties. If a large number of weapons have quality problems, then the Artificer must consider whether their own life might be at stake due to such failures. The excessively stringent management system causes all Artisans to tread carefully and avoid any negligence.
Over time, even exceptionally skilled craftsmen faced accountability; thus Lu Chu adapted to this environment. As habit became second nature, her rigorous attitude meant everything had to be done according to law. Therefore, when she heard that Luzi had unilaterally decided to redeploy the craftsman team back to the front lines, she found it impossible to accept such arbitrariness. Moreover, delays in returning would result in penalties for the craftsman team; even the lightest punishment would involve accompanying her to guard the borders!
Since Xiao Yu'er rejoined the team, Sun Thirteen no longer regarded Lu Chu as Sister-in-law. If it weren't for the frontline needing a team, he would have directly taken Chuchu away by now. With so many engineers, how could one person manage everything? If he had known it would come to this, he should have brought a hundred-man Cavalry unit!
Upon learning that Luzi was in danger, Lu Chu felt anxious. Seeing Sun Thirteen silent across from him, he could only say, “Thirteenth Brother! Without a Royal Decree, it would be treason for Lu Chu to unilaterally decide to send the engineering team to the frontline! I know my lord needs the help of the Engineering Corps, but I cannot sacrifice these hundred or so people for my own loyalty!”
Sun Thirteen looked at Chuchu and suddenly felt a sense of distance. “The general has a three-day agreement with the Commander. Regardless of whether he can complete his mission this time, he will return in three days or our Army will cross the river to rescue him. I have already rushed over; a day and a half has passed. If you continue to hesitate, then Luzi’s death will be on your hands! What happened to our past friendship? Did it all go to the dogs?!”
Lu Chu glanced at the craftsmen outside and sighed deeply. “I’m sorry! Thirteenth Brother! Lu Chu still cannot agree to this request! If... if my lord... then I will go with him!”
Hearing this answer, Sun Thirteen stomped his foot in frustration. “You’re not afraid of death, and neither is Luzi. Since you both aren’t afraid, why can’t you go to the frontline to build the bridge!? As long as you complete this mission, you can apply later under Luzi’s name. I believe the old man won’t pursue this matter; everyone will be fine!”
Lu Chu sensed there was more beneath the surface and quickly asked, “My lord’s identity!? What identity does my lord have?”
This question left Sun Thirteen at a loss; how could he dare reveal secrets to Lu Chu! After stammering for a while, he had no choice but to change the subject and ask, “Tell me now, how can I convince you to lead this team of craftsmen to the frontline?”
Lu Chu shook his head with a bitter smile; that answer was clearly impossible. Even if they sent someone back to Capital Xianyang without stopping, by the time King Zhao of Qin issued an order and they returned, it would already be the day after tomorrow. By then, even if he led this team of craftsmen to the frontline at Dan Shui River, it would already be late evening on the fourth day. And Luzi’s three-day agreement would end late that night.
It would all be too late! Everything would be too late! My lord! Why did you have to cross so early!? Couldn’t you wait for King Qin ’s approval first? Why not wait until Chuchu arrives at the frontline before taking action? Without a Royal Decree, how could Chuchu dare disregard the lives of these hundreds of people?
Seeing Lu Chu's pained expression without any response, Sun Thirteen urged him again, “My dear Master Engineer! Can we make a decision quickly? If we delay any longer, it will all be too late!”
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