Volume

Translator: Silavin

 

Su Bai set down his brush and lifted his cup of tea, allowing himself a brief rest.

 

He relaxed the posture he had been holding rigidly and said, “Laws are something used to govern everyone.”

 

“Govern everyone? But… but Shaman, the people here have always lived freely. If rules are suddenly imposed, many of them are going to be resentful.”

 

Yu Ying tilted her head and studied the papers, finding that most of the characters on them were still beyond her.

 

She also knew the character of the people well. They had never had much managing them. As long as they worked, there was food, and life was free. If something came along to constrain them, those who loved their freedom would certainly not be pleased.

 

“That is precisely what needs to change. The absence of rules before does not mean it was ever right.” Su Bai finished the last of his tea.

 

He knew there would be grumbling when the laws were announced. But it had to be done.

 

“Shaman, what would happen without these laws?” Yu Ying asked curiously.

 

She did not fully understand why the Shaman felt this was necessary. She only wondered what the laws actually contained. She was curious about what he meant when he said the absence of rules did not mean things were right.

 

“Without laws to govern things, everything would descend into chaos very quickly. It is impossible for just the Chieftain and me to manage it all.” Su Bai straightened in his seat and continued, “Once the Flame Dragon Tribe becomes a city, the need for law becomes even more important.”

 

He began explaining patiently. The full extent of what was at stake was not something Yu Ying would have considered on her own.

 

So Yu Ying listened carefully now, even if she did not follow all of it.

 

“Are you keeping up?” Su Bai asked with a smile.

 

He could see from her expression that she was thoroughly lost. Understandable enough.

 

“Shaman, I am having a little trouble. It sounds very involved and my head is going round.” Yu Ying scratched her head, embarrassed.

 

“Ha. I thought as much. Let me put it simply. You should understand it then.” Su Bai considered for a moment, then asked directly, “Say someone killed another person. How would you go about dealing with it?”

 

Rather than go on explaining, it was better to break it down in a way she could follow. That was the most effective approach with someone from this Primitive Era. There was nothing wrong with that. Without exposure to modern ways of thinking, not understanding was perfectly normal.

 

“That… that does not seem to have happened before. If someone killed another person they ought to be punished, but as for what the punishment should be, I truly do not know. The Shaman decides.” Yu Ying lowered her head, a little awkward. “Our Tribe has never had anything like that happen, so I have never given it any thought.”

 

“Our Tribe’s people may love one another. But if we become a city, we will be joined by people from many other Tribes, and things will become far more complicated and disorderly.” Su Bai spread his hands. “By the time that happens, it will be too late to start thinking about what to do. That is why laws matter.”

 

“Right. If people from many other Tribes join us, the situation will naturally become very complicated. So, the Shaman’s laws are to govern all of that?” Yu Ying asked, tilting her head.

 

“More or less. Everything will be established in advance. Whoever commits an offence bears the corresponding punishment. That is the law. Everyone must follow it without exception.” Su Bai nodded.

 

“I understand, Shaman. Establishing it in advance is setting out our Tribe’s, no, our city’s rules. To live in our city, you must follow our rules.” Yu Ying nodded slowly, thinking it through, and continued, “Anyone who refuses to abide by the laws cannot live in Yong’an City. Am I right, Shaman?”

 

That was the best understanding she could arrive at, and she felt it was a fair one.

 

“More or less. These are the laws of Yong’an City. Anyone who does not obey them will face the consequences those laws prescribe.” Su Bai said quietly.

 

“Can you tell me what the laws say, Shaman? I don’t know most of the characters.” Yu Ying scratched her head again.

 

She had tried her best to read the pages, but could only make out bits and pieces. Strung together, they did not form anything she could properly follow.

 

“These are some of the more everyday laws. There are more important ones I have not yet begun to write.”

 

Su Bai picked up a sheet and glanced at it. “This one covers the penalties for robbery, fighting, theft, and so on.”

 

He had only reached these so far. The more serious matters would need careful thought before he could set them down properly.

 

“Fighting was always such an ordinary thing before. That requires punishment as well?” Yu Ying asked, tilting her head.

 

“Of course. Once the Flame Dragon Tribe becomes a city, we must be civilised. Things cannot continue as they were before. This is a step I intend to take.” Su Bai said seriously.

 

Whatever had been the custom of the Flame Dragon Tribe before, however open and honest and free in spirit, he had not minded it. He had even joined in and found some parts enjoyable.

 

But once the city was successfully established, there could be no more living without rules. No rules meant no order. Su Bai had always understood that.

 

And for a Primitive Tribe, rules were even more essential. It bore directly on whether the Tribe could develop well.

 

“That is true. If it is a city like the Shaman describes, being civilised is certainly important. Things must follow proper rules.” Yu Ying’s expression cleared all at once.

 

“There is a lot to compile into a proper set of laws. When it is done, it will be a thick volume.” Su Bai stretched, rolling his shoulders.

 

It was a substantial undertaking. Everything, from minor theft to killing and arson, had to be written in.

 

“Is there anything we can do to help, Shaman? I would like to be useful.” Yu Ying flicked her pink fox tail back and forth as she asked.

 

“I am afraid you cannot help with this. But if you were to make me some meat buns, maybe I wouldn’t feel so tired.” Su Bai said with a smile.

 

“Really? Shaman, you want to eat meat buns? Then I will go and make them right now.” Yu Ying broke into a bright smile.

 

Yu Ying had never once heard the Shaman say outright that he wanted to eat something. She was genuinely moved. She felt, for a moment, that she was finally needed.

 

“Yes, go.” Su Bai nodded.

 

“Okay.” Yu Ying smiled happily and hurried off to the kitchen.