Chapter 9: Superior Law and Inferior Law

I dare not ask you for help. Although Liyang is prosperous, the western region has suffered from years of warfare and can no longer bear the burden, leading to the starvation of the people. Bai Chong cannot bear to see this. If the sovereign wishes to take my life, then let him do so!

But it doesn't matter; I am also starving. There are some things that must be done. I walked up to the grain cart and selected a bag of grain. I inserted the grain probe, and golden millet flour flowed out from the back of the probe. Bai Dong raised his head and shouted, "I am the one taking the grain now; if there are any military laws to be broken, it is I who will bear the consequences. My lord, what do you say?"

Hehe, Your Excellency, this is truly a case of loving the people as one loves his own children. You wish to have the historian record this for you, do you not

As Bai Chong had anticipated, the starving Bai Dong finally took this step. He squinted his eyes in delight and mustered his strength to respond: "To tamper with military provisions is punishable by death! However, all nations have laws that exempt nobles from capital punishment and do not execute men of rank. Mr. Bai has presented me with a dilemma... If I do not execute you, I would be violating military law; if I order your execution, I would be violating national law. This truly puts me in a difficult position"

Bai Dong smiled and said: "Since that is the case, let it be. Originally, I might have had a way to save you, but it seems now that it would be inappropriate to hinder your noble act of generosity in fulfilling your duty... and the books"

Bai Chong bowed in reverence, not only for the three thousand hungry soldiers but also for the hundred thousand troops in the Hexi camp. Moreover, it was an apology to Bai Dong for the stratagem he had set for himself. Therefore, Bai Dong did not refuse and accepted his bow with composure, winking at him: "Aren't you going to hurry and make the pancakes? I'm hungry..."

Bai Dong was very disappointed because he did not get to see the renowned Wei Wu Army. This ironclad force from the early Warring States period has been mythologized by later military history enthusiasts, with claims of being armed to the teeth, being the first semi-professional army in ancient China, and that their phalanx could take on ten opponents at once. However, what Bai Dong actually witnessed was merely a group of lightly clad individuals, wielding bronze swords and charging desperately, with the largest contingent numbering only four to five hundred. Faced with the well-fed and spirited Qin army, the outcome was naturally without suspense.

Bai Chong killed as many as five enemies, hanging their heads beneath his horse's neck, proudly flaunting them in front of Bai Dong; this is a flaw of martial artists, who deeply admire and feel close to cultured individuals like Bai Dong, yet will not miss any opportunity to showcase their martial prowess in front of them

The grain transport team is not only responsible for ensuring that the grain is not lost, but also for maintaining the quality of military rations. The grain insertion tool is designed to penetrate the bamboo tube, allowing for the insertion of a bag. By extracting grain from the tail end, one can check for any quality changes or spoilage. This tool makes grain retrieval very convenient

Bai Chong laughed heartily, with no trace of fear in his expression; instead, he appeared quite pleased with himself

The eyes of the Qin soldiers widened; to them, the cornmeal spilling from the grain storage was fragrant dry cakes, steaming noodle porridge, and the lives of fresh, vibrant individuals! Some Qin soldiers had already picked up clay pots and rushed to Bai Dong's side to collect the grain.

The soldiers of the Qin army took a bite of the cake and exclaimed, "Thank you, Mr. Bai!" The trembling mountains and forests shivered, and startled birds took flight. Few were foolish; everyone knew that their lives had been saved by Mr. Bai, so they did not act like starving ghosts.

Bai Chongqi rode over, having once again repelled an attack from the Wei army with the grain transport troops. With the enemy's blood still on his face, he came strutting in, his head held high, much like an old hen named Huahua.

In this era, not even a pot has been invented, let alone the griddle used for making pancakes. The dough is simply stuck to the inner wall of a large clay pot, with charcoal ignited at the center for baking. It resembles the modern method of making baked pancakes, eaten hot and accompanied by illustrations, both crispy and fragrant. Just a bowl of dough water constitutes the utmost delicacy

If this continues, everyone will be doomed. Is there still a need to wait for the Wei army to attack? Therefore, when he saw the earthen pot boiling with noodle water during breakfast, Bai Dong no longer hesitated. He rushed in front of the Qin army responsible for inspecting the military supplies and shouted, "Give me the grain!"

Now Bai Dong has developed a conditioned reflex; whenever it's mealtime, his stomach churns, and he salivates, perceiving everything as food. Many soldiers of the Qin army exhibit similar issues, and their condition is even more severe. Just yesterday, a soldier took a bite out of his comrade's head, and Bai Dong is certain that he does not have any homosexual inclinations, as he has experienced similar hallucinations himself, once mistaking the coachman's head for a spiced braised pig's head. Many soldiers of the Qin army exhibit similar issues, and their condition is even more severe. Just yesterday, a soldier took a bite out of his comrade's head, and Bai Dong is certain that he does not have any homosexual inclinations, as he has experienced similar hallucinations himself, once mistaking the coachman's head for a spiced braised pig's head

I have heard that His Majesty has ordered you to collect 8,000 shi of grain, yet you have only managed to gather 4,000 shi. According to military law, this would warrant a death sentence, would it not? Do not expect my assistance this time; you are a schemer

Bai Dong was about to create another grain insertion. After making a round in the grain depot and puncturing over a hundred grain bags, he watched as the Qin army rushed in a flurry to collect the grain. Only then did he nod slightly and walk back to Bai Chong, smiling as he glanced at this strategist: "My lord, according to your statement, does that mean military law and national law are in conflict? Will you follow military law or national law? This concerns my life, so you must think it through carefully"

Sir, we are only thirty miles away from Hexi Camp; we will arrive before sunset

After glancing at this individual, who is coarse on the outside yet refined on the inside and adept at using overt strategies, Bai Dong secretly nodded, considering him a promising student. Although this era has yet to clearly define the relationship between higher and lower laws and has not established methods and theories for legal application, Bai Chong should still understand the simple principle that national law supersedes military law, or rather, this is precisely one of the elements that aligns with his own plans

In historical novels, there are often scenes of grain robbery. In reality, the transportation of grain and supplies takes place in the rear, making it difficult for opponents to successfully raid. What is more commonly enjoyed is the sight of the enemy, who has penetrated deep into our territory, frequently encountering food shortages. They lack supplies, are unable to carry heavy weapons such as chariots, and even the arrows they carry are limited in number, forcing them to launch futile suicide attacks time and again. What is more commonly enjoyed is the sight of the enemy, who has penetrated deep into our territory, frequently encountering food shortages. They lack supplies, are unable to carry heavy weapons such as chariots, and even the arrows they carry are limited in number, forcing them to launch futile suicide attacks time and again.

Bai Chong had long since made up his mind; it would be strange if the large army could sustain itself solely on drinking water from the noodles until reaching Hexi. The only one who could break this deadlock was Bai Dong. By taking away Bai Dong's dry cakes and grilled fish, they aimed to force this scholar to take action. These little schemes naturally did not escape Bai Dong's notice, and this time, he willingly fell into the trap.

I have already opened the bag of grain, and it is a pity to waste it. Everyone, please help me eat some; it will also slightly reduce my guilt.

The Qin soldier handed over the grain without the slightest hesitation, surprisingly straightforward. Catching a glimpse of a faint smile at the corner of Bai Chong's mouth, Bai Dong suddenly understood something; he had underestimated the ancients. How could someone who achieved the position of Liyang Ling merely be a reckless brute shouting for battle?

The principle of not executing scholars is not unique to the State of Qin; it is also observed by the six states of Shandong, including Wei, Song, Lu, and Yue. This is a fundamental law of the nation and a universal principle of propriety. Therefore, although military law is strict, it does not extend to you, esteemed scholar. Your willingness to violate military law has indeed saved three thousand soldiers in our army. Please accept my bow of gratitude.

In the face of strict military discipline, everyone is engaged in a mental struggle, enduring the onslaught of hunger; no one dares to violate military regulations, and Bai Chong is no exception. However, when Bai Dong becomes the first to take the plunge, the iron dam of military discipline will immediately show signs of cracking, ultimately collapsing with a resounding crash

Glancing at the several Wei heads tied around the horse's neck, Bai Dong felt a wave of nausea