But he was highly praised by the latter, and this minister corrected the deviation of Emperor Wen of Sui hundreds of times. Zhao Chuo | Office | Emperor Wen of Sui
Zhao Chuo, a native of Hedong County in Sui Dynasty, was promoted to Dali Zheng, also known as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Organ. He is upright, resolute, shrewd and capable, and is known for his dedication to law enforcement. He is known for his adherence to the law rather than being superior.
In the feudal society where "I am the country, I am the law", contradicting the ruler is a crime of disobedience and will be punished. Therefore, "abandoning the law and prioritizing the superior" can be said to be the choice of most officials. However, Zhao Chuo acted in the opposite direction, preferring to be beheaded to uphold the dignity of the law and discipline.
After Yang Jian, Emperor Wen of Sui, ascended the throne and unified the north and south, ending nearly 300 years of division. He immediately issued an order to issue new coins and abolish old ones. But at the beginning, some people continued to use old coins for trading, and two people were arrested on the spot in the capital city of Chang'an. Emperor Wen of Sui ordered the Dali Temple to execute these two people. Zhao Chuo believed it was inappropriate and pointed out that "law enforcement should be lenient with boundaries and strict with limits. Any leniency will inevitably undermine the dignity of the law.".
Yang Jian's Long Yan was displeased and said, "I am the world.". Just do as I say. This matter has nothing to do with you! Zhao Chuo argued logically that if you let me preside over the Dali Temple, I must act in accordance with the law. How can you say that this matter has nothing to do with me?
One morning in court, the Minister of Justice Xin Dan wore a pair of red pants, which were bright and eye-catching. Yang Jian was very angry when he saw it, thinking that Xin Dan was engaging in a detestable behavior that would damage the atmosphere of the court. He even ordered Zhao Chuo to kill Xin Dan. Zhao Chuo believes that Xin Dan's crime is not enough to be sentenced to death according to law.
Yang Jian said angrily, "If you want to save Xin Dan, I will kill you and him together.". Zhao Chuo fearlessly said in the face of danger: the law is the foundation of governing a country, formulated by the imperial court and approved by His Majesty. Replacing the law with emotions undermines the dignity of the law and His Majesty. If various regions follow suit, wouldn't the whole country be in chaos. I am willing to sacrifice my life in order to enforce the law wholeheartedly. You want to kill me, I have no complaints. Your Majesty should not have killed Xindan.
This speech left Yang Jian speechless and forced him to accept it. The next day, Yang Jian also apologized to Zhao Chuo, becoming a "generation wise ruler".
Zhao Chuo takes the law as the criterion, disregards personal grudges, and does not mix personal emotions. His subordinate Kuang was determined to overthrow Zhao Chuo, so he wrote a letter saying that Zhao Chuo's law enforcement was lenient. Yang firmly believed in it and promoted Lai Kuang. Lai Kuang thought he was in power, took advantage of every inch, accused Zhao Chuo of accepting bribes, and even released prisoners privately.
After investigation, Yang Jian found that it was purely a false accusation, so he ordered Kuang to be sentenced to death. Surprisingly, Zhao Chuo not only did not fall into trouble, but also stood up to plead with Lai Kuang, saying that he was guilty of death. Firstly, Lai Kuang violated the law, and I bear the responsibility for not managing my subordinates well; Secondly, Lai Kuang did not commit a crime until death, but I was unable to fight for his life. After hearing this, Yang Jian laughed heartily and decided to change his sentence to exile in Guangzhou.
In terms of governance, having good laws also relies on law enforcement officials like Zhao Chuo. Law enforcement officers must be loyal, law-abiding, and protect the law, and cannot be half hearted, otherwise society will lose justice, fairness, and stability.
The sound of "only the law, not the top" reflects a ideological realm and law enforcement concept that cleanses the Xuanjian. It is precisely with this ideological realm that Zhao Chuo's heart is as clear as water and as clear as a mirror. He is not troubled or influenced by personal grievances, emotions, fame and fortune, status, or even life. Based on facts and laws, he sentencing and sentencing effectively maintains the fairness, justice, and dignity of the law and discipline.
According to historical records, Zhao Chuo corrected hundreds of deviations in law enforcement and sentencing by Emperor Wen of Sui, and was highly valued and praised by the latter. On the other hand, Zhao Chuo was also fortunate enough to have met an enlightened and tolerant monarch.