[Infrastructure] After being mistaken for a god

To Inan's surprise, Hammurabi was unusually strict on the issue of slaves.

Before Yinan had a chance to speak, Hammurabi had directly ordered the execution of Vardu who had escaped, and even Aviru who had temporarily sheltered them was also executed.

Yi Nan was shocked: "Waldu who escaped...is he really so evil?"

Hammurabi turned his face away, stared at Yinan viciously, and said coldly: "Women always think they are kind, but they don't know that if these rules are messed up, big trouble will happen immediately."

Seeing that Hammurabi's anger was extraordinary, Yinan couldn't persuade him, so he temporarily put the old man aside, turned to Herod, and wanted to ask what was going on.

When Herod saw her, he spread his hands, "There's no way, you can't save these people."

"The king's order has been issued, and the guards in charge of the execution have already gone to execute the execution. If you want to stop it, you will end up like that Avelu..."

Just when Herod said this, he suddenly thought: With Inan's ability, no one should be able to do anything to her.

He had no choice but to change his words and said: "And those guards who are in charge of execution will be severely punished by the king."

Inan shook his head, and asked Herod sincerely, "I want to ask why?"

She didn't need to explain too much, Herod figured it out immediately, and she really wanted to know why the king was so strict with the slaves.

"Many years ago, when Wang first came to power, he fought everywhere and experienced a slave owner's defection."

As soon as Herod opened his mouth, Inan understood.

Hammurabi was a king supported by the slave-owner class, and in the final analysis he still wanted to safeguard the rights and interests of the slave-owners.He must firmly hold Valdu and Amtu at the bottom of society, otherwise, once there is a loosening, other nobles and slave owners will rise up against the royal power and turn against each other without waiting for Valdu to resist.

"In all the king's past sentences, the slaves were dealt with very directly."

"If a slave escapes, he should be recovered and returned to his original owner."

"If slaves refuse to name their original owners, they should be publicly displayed in the square and wait for their original owners to claim them."

"Slaves who escaped at the border and tried to escape from the country to the enemy country would be directly executed."

"If Avilu dares to help the slaves escape, Avilu will also be executed—"

This is why Hammurabi ruthlessly and directly sentenced to death today.

"So, you all really regard Valdu and Amtu as objects?" Yinan couldn't help complaining.

She thought about Apu who was with her all the time, Boan who was far away in Babylon but always loyal, and the nun who used to treat her "original body" as meticulously as her own child...

Why are these people treated as objects and commodities?Their care, their loyalty... Can their lives be directly labeled as worth only twenty shekels of silver?

Herod stretched out his hand suddenly, grabbed Inan's arm, and turned her to face him.

"Look at me... am I this kind of person?"

Inan saw the pain written in Herod's eyes, and immediately knew that he had said the wrong thing.

Herod was a Mushchenu with no real rights, and he would be humbled and humiliated in front of the princes; he could empathize with the pain of Valdu and Amtu to a certain extent.

But he still sided with Hammurabi.

"This is a fait accompli. Even if you want to change it, you can't mess around!" Herod tightly held Inan's arm with unusual force, as if using all his strength to remind Inan: don't be reckless.

Inan lowered his eyes.She is not blindly reckless.

In order to change the existing system and social class, one must do it step by step, otherwise the entire Kingdom of Babylon will face sudden social turmoil, and foreign enemies may suddenly invade and destroy the country in front of her—this is not what she wants to see.

She nodded, agreeing to Herod.

Only then did Herod let out a sigh of relief, and suddenly found that he was tugging on Inan's arm with great strength.

He was startled, and quickly let go, for fear of leaving his fingerprints on Yi Nan's snow-white arm.When I looked again, I realized that the snow-white arm seemed to be carved out of alabaster, still flawless.

"Don't worry, I won't 'revenge' again this time." Yinan smiled, and gently scratched his cheek with the fingers of his other hand.

Herod pursed his lips tightly, his face was flushed, and he dared not say a word, and he couldn't even utter it.

Since Miss Ishta's "homosexual revenge", he tried to avoid meeting her alone except for business.Frantically throwing himself into work is actually one of the ways he escapes.

But seeing the other party meet him so graciously, and talking about old things without embarrassment—Herod heaved a sigh of relief, but he was vaguely disappointed in his heart.

Does she really... have no feelings for him at all?

So the last time was really just revenge for his rude behavior, was she not tempted at all?

Looking at the beauty in front of him, Herod didn't know what he was thinking.

"Ishtar, Herod—"

The old king was not happy: "What are you two talking about over there again?"

"Coming!" Before Yi Nan left, he looked away at Herod, smiled and walked away.

Herod suddenly felt lost.But he heard Miss Ishtar saying to the old King Hammurabi in the distance: "I'm asking your royal ceremonial officer, can you return to Babylon via Uruk when you inspect the northern region and go south?"

"...Yeah, I'm homesick."

Herod listened from a distance, and suddenly remembered the situation of Ishtar's family farm, and remembered what the serfs of Ishtar's family had said to be loyal to Ishtar when the two sisters were fighting for property.

He knew in his heart that he already knew what Miss Ishta was planning.

When Miss Ishtar left, Hammurabi called Herod away again and asked what Miss Ishtar was asking him just now.

Herod only replied that Miss Ishtar felt that it was too cruel to execute the Valdus directly, and that it would be better to keep them alive.

"It's just a woman's opinion." Hammurabi sighed.On such a major matter, it is absolutely impossible for Hammurabi to make concessions.

Herod added: "But the young minister figured out what she meant, and seemed to want to know whether the Valdus could be used for military service."

Inan did not say this, but Herod said it "in her place."Compared with Inan, who had not been with Hammurabi for a long time, Herod understood Hammurabi's thoughts better, and knew when the timing was more appropriate, so it was convenient for him to say this.

Sure enough, when he heard this sentence, Hammurabi's ears seemed to move, he nodded slightly, and said angrily, "You little girl, if you have such a similar idea, just speak up!"

It seems that Hammurabi does not object to the suggestion of using Valdu for military service - after all, there is a shortage of soldiers now. If Valdu is willing to serve the king, it will indeed be a reliable solution.

With this turning point, Hammurabi had no idea that Miss Ishtar wanted to liberate the serfs.The old king thought wholeheartedly that Miss Ishta was helping him out of his worries and giving him advice, she was a caring "little girl".

In this way, after inspecting the northern border with the Hittites, Hammurabi's king turned southeast, first along the Tigris River to the vicinity of the Persian Gulf, crossed the river, turned southwest, and reached the Euphrates River. Luke, slowly return to Babylon.

Before returning to Uruk, messengers had delivered the news to Inan's glass workshop and her farm.

The people in the workshop and the farm never imagined that the king of Babylon would condescend to stay in the lady's farm.Not only did Wang defeat the eldest lady Eligal's plot to seize the property, but he was even able to visit the lady's farm when he was patrolling around.It can be seen that Wang is very kind to Miss.

Under the leadership of Boan, the steward who rushed back from Babylon, all the people were happily making various preparations to entertain Hammurabi on the farm.

Unexpectedly, without their knowledge, Hammurabi came to their farm in disguise.

When Hammurabi arrived, he was dressed as a businessman who wanted to purchase glass. The local glass middleman Abu was leading the way for him. He was accompanied by a man who took off the black robe of a ceremony official and changed into a businessman’s attire. Herod.

Hammurabi came to the workshop and farm under Inan's name and admired everything in front of him with great interest.

The old king had heard of this place a long time ago. Apart from being the world-renowned origin of glass, Miss Ishtar turned the stone into gold in just one or two years, transforming the dilapidated industry into a rich and fertile farm. , and the shops that make money every day.

The butler Boan was very embarrassed and wanted to remind Abu that King Hammurabi was coming to visit him.

But he also saw that Hammurabi's temperament was different from others, and he was obviously an important big client.So Boan made a decision and used part of the resources originally prepared for the king to entertain Hammurabi and his party.

Hammurabi was curious about everything, so he visited the glass shop with great interest and learned how his favorite glassware was made.

He went around Miss Ishta's farm again with great interest, and saw that the land here was fertile and the crops growing in the field were thriving—but the crops grown in each field in the farm seemed to be different, and the east and west were different. There is everything in the west.

Hammurabi really couldn't figure out what the farm was growing. As a last resort, he asked Herod to find the people who worked in the field and ask them clearly.

Those who worked in the farm were Valdu and Amtu of the Ishtar family.

When they saw the "Master Merchant" in front of them, they naturally did not expect that this was King Hammurabi who passed by on the road outside the farm the year before last.But these serfs were not stage-frightened when they saw strangers, they just answered all the questions one by one.

Only then did Hammurabi know that this planting method is called "crop rotation".Rotating different crops in each field can actually help maintain soil fertility and allow the next crop to grow better.The alfalfa, beans, turnips and other crops planted in the fields can also be used to raise livestock and enrich the dining table of the big guys.

"Miss Ishtar also taught us this method." Valdu said in unison.

"Are you all willing to work for Miss Ishtar?" Hammurabi asked the serf in front of him, stroking his beard.

"Will, would-"

"I am willing to work on this farm for the rest of my life!"

Serfs who are not happy?Doing farm work here for Miss Ishta's village, not only is the food and lodging well paid, which is better than that of Avelu in other families, but also the work is vigorous and ambitious——

A serf gestured and explained to the "grand merchant" in front of him.

"The most important thing is that with Miss Ishtar, we live more like 'human beings'."

Hammurabi bowed his head in thought, thinking of other slave owners he knew: those who were afraid that they would not be able to squeeze the last bit of labor from their slaves.They minimized the treatment of slaves and tried every means to prevent slaves from escaping.Even so, they still couldn't prevent the slaves from rebelling and fleeing again and again, so they begged the king many times, begging the king to issue laws and make the judgment they wanted.

But if every farm in the Kingdom of Babylon was the same as Miss Ishtar's house, where would there be such a need to guard against and oppress the serfs?

Hammurabi was very thoughtful when he was old.

He thought for a moment, then asked the serfs in front of him cautiously: "Miss Ishtar, did you mention in front of you that you will become free citizens?"

The serfs looked at each other and shook their heads honestly: "That must be decided by the great king of Babylon, right? Our lady... never mentioned this."

Hammurabi breathed a sigh of relief and thought to himself: Although that girl is active in her thinking and bold in her actions, she still has a sense of proportion in these matters.

Who would have thought that these serfs would come up with another sentence at the end: "Under Miss Ishtar's protection, we are actually no different from free people?"

Hammurabi was almost wiped out: that’s true, as long as these serfs don’t leave Ishtar’s farm, they will actually live like free people, with absolute security of food and clothing, and they can save a little money by themselves. Married and had children, the small life is very comfortable.

"Master Merchant, most of the people you met today are actually Valdu and Amtu. Do you think there is any difference between us and the free people?"

Hammurabi looked back at Herod, then at Abu.

Abu nodded with a smile: "Indeed, my lord... Among the craftsmen you met in the workshop just now, many of them are Waldu."

Hammurabi was surprised and said, "Aren't Miss Ishtar's artisans all free Averu?"

Abu shook his head and explained: "Because she wants to open a shop and a pottery factory in Babylon, Miss Ishtar has dispatched many Avelu artisans to Babylon, and most of the workers in the workshops here are Waldu."

The free folk craftsmen went to open up the market, and the headquarters was headed by young serfs.

Hammurabi was dumbfounded. Thinking back to what he had seen just now, the skilled glassmakers did not look like slaves at all.

This fully proves that serfs can also do well in the work that freemen can do.

"Also, Boan, the big housekeeper who arranged for you to visit just now, is also Valdu. Did you see it?"

This time Hammurabi was really speechless—the butler he saw just now had a graceful bearing, and his gestures revealed generosity and dignity.Hammurabi really didn't expect that that man was also born as a slave.

Herod sighed from the side: "I can't see it at all."

In fact Herod knew Boan.But he still sighed with emotion: "Miss Ishtar, people of different classes seem to be equally capable."

Hammurabi squinted his eyes at Herod, snorted softly, and said, "This king knows."

"The king has always believed that with your talents, you should not be just a Mushchenu."

Herod also shook his head lightly, and said, "I can't change the origin of my minister, but I still thank the king for his knowledge and good use—"

Herod's meaning is very clear. At present, there are hereditary classes in this society, but how to treat these people, give them reasonable rights, and put them in the most appropriate position-this is the choice that the king needs to make. .

Hammurabi pursed his lips, and suddenly said loudly: "Come out!"

There was a sudden chuckle from a far corner, and a young girl in Sumerian costume ran in like a gust of wind, ran behind Hammurabi, stretched out a pair of powder fists, and lightly beat Hanmurabi. Murabi's shoulder and neck, whispered: "Dear king of Babylon, nothing can be hidden from you!"

Inan specially invited Hammurabi to her farm, just to invite Hammurabi to see such a scene: give slaves dignity, let them live like "human beings", and they can bring about higher production Efficiency, creating greater social value——

Of course, they will definitely be willing to contribute to defend their homeland and protect the fruits of their labor.

Where did Hammurabi fail to understand her painstaking efforts?

Only then did the serfs realize that the old man in front of them was the king of Babylon who passed by their farm back then.Terrified, they all knelt down and saluted Hammurabi.

Even Yinan turned around, came to Hammurabi, bowed down solemnly, and saluted Hammurabi.

Inan was deeply loved by Hammurabi, and she had already been spared all the red tape that she had to face in front of the king every day.It's been a long time since Yi Nan gave such a respectful and upright gift.

"Do you want to intercede for them and let them get rid of the identities of Wardu and Amtu and become free citizens?"

Hammurabi was in a good mood, and thought to himself, if the little girl really wants this kindness, then she can give it to her.

Who knew that Yinan lowered his head and said word by word: "I want to intercede for Waldu and Amtu under my own name—"

"I also want to intercede for all Valdu and Amtu in the world."

Hearing a "snap", Hammurabi slammed a glass that Boan handed him earlier on the ground, and the glass was instantly shattered.This sound startled everyone present, only Herod was unmoved: he knew that the girl would say this.

She is such a person.

After breaking through the "seven gates" with her own strength, she said: I not only want my own justice, but also the justice of the world.

Now, she came to Hammurabi and said: I not only want to free the slaves under my own name, but I also want to free the slaves of the whole world.

Herod gestured calmly, and Abu understood. He had already greeted the serfs lying behind Inan, and told everyone to leave quickly, leaving the place to talk to Hammurabi and Inan.

"Are you really so kind-hearted?" After everyone was gone, Hammurabi stood up, came to Yinan, and scolded unceremoniously, "You are so kind-hearted that the king will use the entire Babylonian kingdom to satisfy your wishes." Is this a little sympathy?"

"What are the consequences of emancipating the serfs rashly? You are so smart, it is impossible for you not to think about it!"

The more Hammurabi thought about it, the more angry he became: He was so smart, but he was so stupid in this matter? !

He was angry for a moment, and suddenly couldn't help coughing loudly.

Inan didn't need Hammurabi to greet him, and he stood up with a "whoosh" talking to himself, helped the old king to the chair, let him sit down, and then gently stroked his back to help him breathe. gas.

"But I didn't say that, would you please turn all Valdu into free citizens right away?"

Yinan explained with a smile that her soft persuasion really made Hammurabi feel a lot better.

"But, boy, why do you have to be obsessed with this matter?"

"Your serfs themselves have said that under your protection, they live as well as free people. With their care and support, your life will be rich and happy, and you will have endless glory Fugui...why do you still insist on changing their status?"

At this moment, Yinan came to Hammurabi. She looked up into the old king's eyes and said, "Because it's not enough for me to live well alone."

"As you can see, forced labor can only destroy production efficiency. A hundred slaves who are oppressed and have to escape are not worth ten happy free people who can work for their own future."

"You are a person who can see the long-term situation. You should know how powerful the Kingdom of Babylon will be if all the people in this country work together."

"Slaves are also human beings, and this class will definitely disappear eventually, and you need their power so much, why don't you start thinking about treating them well and treating them as human beings from now on?"

When Hammurabi heard her words, he was visibly shaken and forgot to cough.

And the person who was more shocked was Herod. He blushed, listened and thought at the same time, and unconsciously stretched his clenched fist to his mouth, and his row of neat teeth gnawed mercilessly. His finger knuckles, and left a row of thin tooth marks on it.

Why is there such a woman in this world, she looks at the world so maturely, as if she has already read the history of the rise and fall of Mesopotamia for thousands of years.

"Dear King of Babylon, since we are near Uruk, please let me tell you how Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, treated the peasants he conscripted from the entire valley thousands of years ago. -"

When Hammurabi and Herod heard the name of the hero king Gilgamesh, they couldn't help but feel excited.

In the stories handed down by the Sumerians thousands of years ago, "folk husband" refers to "slave". slave" story.

"At that time, Gilgamesh, the hero king of Uruk faced the brave and skilled Akkadians. He made up his mind to use the great and strong city wall of Uruk to protect all those who defected to the city, including the peasants, including The nearby villagers. He promised everyone that as long as they are willing to pay for the defense of Uruk, they can also become residents of Uruk, and they can also receive the blessing of King Gilgamesh..."

The past events of thousands of years ago, from Yinan's mouth, are vivid and comprehensive, as if she had experienced it herself.