The laws Cao Mao had summoned his ministers to compile this time took shape under his deliberate guidance.
And the direction of Cao Mao's guidance was, naturally, the Northern Qi Code.
One of the few legacies that bestial dynasty had left to posterity.
Looking at Han law through the eyes of later generations, one always felt that its sermons outweighed its practical content. Disorganized and haphazard, it resembled admonitions more than laws... and right up until Northern Qi, legal codes had continued to inherit Han law, adding provisions or cutting them away.
Only with the birth of the Northern Qi Code had a new chapter opened.
And that was what Cao Mao wanted now. Although Northern Qi itself had hardly abided by this code, it was indeed far more advanced.
A simpler, more rigorous, more systematic legal code would have an immense effect.
The first draft Wei Shu had brought this time already bore something of the later Northern Qi Code's outline.
It had a general chapter, followed by separate categories of law covering different fields. It also established standards for punishments, preventing judgments from being handed down on a whim.
Cao Mao read it several times in succession and was thoroughly satisfied with the draft.
Wei Shu's expression remained calm as he stood to one side, seemingly unconcerned with Cao Mao's reaction.
This was a man who could accomplish great things...
So far, Cao Mao had never seen Wei Shu flustered. Whatever the circumstances, he was always so steady and reliable.
Cao Mao felt reasonably reassured about having this man keep an eye on Zhong Hui.
Cao Mao slowly put away the documents in his hands.
"Good. This is indeed as I said at the time. However, although the General Principles Chapter is complete, the other chapters under it