English Original
River Lishui, located in the south of the state of Chu, abounded in alluvial gold.
To monopolize the mineral resources, the government issued a law stating that anyone caught panning secretly in the river would be torn asunder by five carts.
The bodies of those executed were thrown into the river, blocking the water flow and raising the water level. Although many had been killed for panning stealthily, many others continued to defy the law and pan for gold.
This was because they believed not every panner would be caught. Thus, despite the harsh punishment, many still counted on their luck.
中文翻译
楚国南部的丽水河中盛产沙金。
为了垄断矿产资源，官府下令，凡是偷偷进入河中采金的人，一旦被抓住，立即处以车裂的极刑。
被处决者的尸首被扔进河中，堵塞了水流，抬高了水位。尽管已有许多人因偷采金子被杀，但仍有不少人以身试法，继续在河中淘金。
这是因为他们坚信并非每个偷采者都会被抓住。因此，虽有严刑峻法，但许多淘金客仍心存侥幸。