Northern Song Dynasty Justice

Chapter 226 Even a Mule or a Horse Needs a Walk

Zhang Fei, who just said goodbye to Zhao Xu, was immediately "caught" by Xu Zun, who had been lying in wait for a long time.

"Why are the officials so eager to find you?"

At this sensitive moment, the emperor suddenly wanted to see Zhang Fei, and Xu Zun was also very worried.

Zhang Fei truthfully told Xu Zun about Han Qi's letter.

After Xu Zun heard this, he couldn't help sighing: "Actually, what they said is right, the freezing three feet is not a day's cold, and a lawsuit will not solve the problem."

Zhang Fei said: "This problem may not be solved, but another problem can be solved."

Xu Zun asked, "What's the problem?"

"imperial power."

Zhang Fei said: "Nowadays there are so many people against it, if the officials still want to fight, if they still win, it will be like the standing tree of Shang Yang to the officials."

Xu Zun still felt worried, "This moment is not that moment. This will make many people wary of officials, and the loss may not be worth the gain!"

Zhang Fei frowned slightly: "But if you don't take this step, no one knows what will happen."

In fact, wealth is hidden in the people. When it comes to the root, it means that the emperor and the scholar-bureaucrats rule the world together.

Since Zhenzong and Renzong, the two emperors have continuously delegated power for different reasons, that is, in disguise, they expressed their willingness to rule the world with the emperor and the scholar-bureaucrats.

In the feudal era, this was really hard-won.

The scholar-bureaucrats are also very defending this hard-won political ecology.

Now that Wang Anshi wants to concentrate wealth in the central government, this is actually a kind of centralization. If Wang Anshi is really allowed to do it, who can restrict the emperor.

One of the key reasons why we can't get open source and reduce expenditure together.

On this point, there is a sharp contradiction between the two.

And Han Qi's letter and Shenzong's own worries all alluded to this point.

Both sides are testing, and neither wants to tear their face apart.

Zhang Fei's charitable organization solved Shenzong's worries well.

Because of this charitable organization, the wealth is still in their hands, not in the hands of the emperor, and they are given a legal status, but in the future, you people can't just talk about it without practicing it. It's a good responsibility.

It can't be said that if you don't turn in the money, if something goes wrong, I, the emperor, will bear it. That's not fair!

In fact, this is still maintaining the idea that the emperor and the scholar-bureaucrats rule the world together.

Of course, this is definitely not what Zhao Xu wants. He doesn't want to be Renzong, he wants to be Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, and Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty. It's just that the time is not ripe yet, and he still needs to be patient.

If this charity can come to fruition, it will already be a big step forward.

After all, the responsibility is still imposed on them.

As for Zhang Fei, he has only one goal, and this has never changed.

Since the Empress Dowager Cao returned the power to Yingzong, she has been reciting Buddha in the harem.

I don't care much about politics.

However, her prestige and status still play a decisive role in the court.

Even a ruthless person like Empress Dowager Gao has to honestly be a mascot in the harem now.

Empress Dowager Gao really came to power after both Empress Dowager Cao and Shenzong passed away.

This case has alarmed Empress Dowager Cao, so it can be seen that they have used all the connections they can.

I am determined to make this lawsuit fail.

But they also underestimated Shenzong's determination.

Pantao Pavilion.

Zhao Xu supported Empress Dowager Cao with both hands, and walked on the path paved with cobblestones.

"The official family has lost a lot of weight recently, and they have to take care of their bodies. This government affairs will never be finished." Empress Dowager Cao looked at Zhao Xu and said very distressed.

Zhao Xu said with an aggrieved face: "The grandson is not afraid of being tired, but he is afraid of being busy for a long time and not getting things done well."

Empress Dowager Cao hehe said: "It seems that the officials have suffered a lot of grievances in the court!"

Zhao Xu said: "Ma'am, to be fair, what did my grandson do wrong?"

Empress Dowager Cao asked, "But because of the tax lawsuit?"

Zhao Xu pretended to be surprised and said: "The eldest lady already knows."

Empress Dowager Cao said with a chuckle: "This case is full of troubles, even if I hide in the Buddhist hall, I can't be quiet!"

Zhao Xu asked: "I don't know what the big lady thinks?"

Empress Dowager Cao smiled slightly and said: "I don't have any opinion, but you are an official, as the emperor, how can you be so humble. The court collects taxes legally, and of course, you have to go to court with them. After hearing this, I am an official." The family feels sad!"

The implication is, don't file this lawsuit, you simply order direct tax collection, or direct tax exemption.

Zhao Xu sighed, "To tell you the truth, my grandson did this because he didn't want to pay taxes to those tenant farmers."

"Officials are benevolent and righteous, and this is the blessing of the world."

After speaking, Empress Dowager Cao changed the subject and asked again: "Then why didn't the officials directly issue an order?"

Zhao Xu said: "Sun'er originally wanted to directly pardon the taxes of those tenant farmers, but if he did so, Sun'er worried that all tenant farmers would use this as an excuse to refuse to pay taxes, and now the country's finances are already beyond their means.

That's why Sun'er adopted Wang Xueshi's suggestion and settled it by going to court.Judging from Lu Zhifu's attitude, he will probably find a way to exempt those tenant farmers from taxes, while avoiding expanding the matter.

After all, someone needs to sue in a lawsuit, which is different from a government order. No matter how Wang Xueshi sues [-] people, no matter how the final verdict is, it only concerns these [-] people and has nothing to do with others. Take this as a deterrent to those landlords and rich people, and don't go too far. "

"I see."

Empress Dowager Cao nodded slightly, and said: "It's really not easy for officials!" She said, "I have to teach those people some lessons."

Zhao Xu couldn't help being elated.

The support of Empress Dowager Cao is very crucial.

It turned out that the Empress Dowager Cao thought that the emperor was going to start a war with the big landlord when she heard the news. She had to hold back, because she also came from Qingli. Now the emperor has just ascended the throne not long ago, and her wings are not yet full. It is not as good as her husband Renzong , which will mess up the country.

She didn't expect that this lawsuit is actually limited. Unlike the government order, one prosecution will be tried, and those who are not prosecuted will be fine.

The emperor wanted to use this case to gain prestige, not to expand the matter, so of course she would not stop it, and her attitude was to support Shenzong.

This Empress Dowager Cao has fought against Han Qi several times, and she also knows the virtues of these literati. If you are weak, they will be strong. She will never say that she respects you more.

After receiving the support of Empress Dowager Cao, Zhao Xu did not immediately order the Kaifeng Mansion to try the case, but chose to remain silent, and quietly let people spread the news about Han Qi's letter to them.

The officials were overjoyed when they heard the news.

Steady, steady!

No suspense!

The empress dowager and the three prime ministers all appeared.

If this case can be tried, it would be a ghost.

Even the Kaifeng government thought that this must be a dead end, so they didn't examine the pleading paper Zhang Fei handed over.

The key point is that Zhang Fei is not the same as before. When he is about to go to court, he retreats at home to practice, and he still goes to work as usual at two o'clock and one line every day.

He even had some free time to discuss with Sima Guang about court assistance.

"Don't you know why Silusi procrastinated?" Sima Guang glared at Zhang Fei angrily.

Zhang Fei said depressedly: "Scholar Sima, I am innocent. If they want to blame, they can blame Wang Keke. Moreover, this is to help the people, and the small shop does not take advantage of it. Free service, even if it is to revenge me, take This is revenge, it’s not justified!”

Sima Guang snorted, "First of all, you are not innocent. Secondly,"

He sighed, "If everyone could reason about everything, there wouldn't be so many things. That's all right, all right, don't worry, I'll ask someone to ask about it later."

Zhang Fei laughed and said, "I don't really care, I can wait a year, I'm just afraid that this matter will hurt the prestige of Sima University, and then I will be guilty."

"Don't try to sow discord here, the old man won't be fooled by you."

Sima Guang glared at him, but he was also a little angry in his heart. One matter is another matter. It is I, Sima, who is in the judicial reform, not Wang Anshi. Who are you showing embarrassment to?

Thinking of Wang Anshi, Sima Guang asked again: "Didn't Wang Jiefu come to see you recently?"

"no!"

Zhang Fei shook his head, "So I don't have much to do now, but I think it doesn't matter to Master Wang."

Sima Guang asked, "How do you say that?"

Zhang Fei sighed: "He made an agreement at the beginning, if it doesn't work out, I have to return the money to him."

Wang Jiefu even thought of a way out, it seems that the case really can't be tried.Sima Guang muttered, but sarcastically said: "This is very similar to Wang Jiefu's style, and he refuses to take any losses."

But as he spoke, he suddenly frowned, "That's right! I heard that Wang Jiefu spent [-] yuan to invite you to file this lawsuit."

Zhang Fei hurriedly said: "I didn't take advantage of this. I sued more than 100 people, all of whom are of status, and [-] guan is not much."

Sima Guang didn't seem to be listening, thinking to himself, where did Wang Jiefu get [-] guan, unless...

He thought for a while, and suddenly said to Zhang Fei: "You still have to be prepared."

Zhang Fei asked: "What preparation?"

Sima Guang said: "Prepare for this lawsuit."

This old man is really smart enough.Zhang Fei asked humbly: "How did the Sima University scholar say this?"

Sima Guang clicked his tongue: "Be prepared for everything. If you really want to fight, you must be careful."

"Oh."

Zhang Fei nodded dully: "I see."

He was very clear in his heart, because Li Bao was still searching for evidence, which proved that the lawsuit must still be fought. The emperor's silence was just buying time for Li Bao and the others to search for the evidence of those people.

as predicted.

Seven days later, Lan Yuanzhen suddenly appeared in Kaifeng Mansion.

Lu Gong was surprised when he wrote, "Why do the nobles have time to come to me?"

Lan Yuanzhen smiled and said: "It's nothing serious, but the officials asked me to ask, how is the trial going?"

Lu Gong said in astonishment: "What case?"

Lan Yuanzhen said in surprise: "It's the case of Xueshi Wang! Didn't Xueshi Wang sue? I haven't heard of it!"

Mr. Lu couldn't help looking at Li Kai who was on the side. Didn't you pat your chest and say that this case will not go to trial? How do you explain it now.

Li Kai looked innocent, and stammered to Lan Yuanzhen: "We saw that the officials didn't make an order, so we thought there would be no trial."

Lan Yuanzhen hurriedly said: "What is Li Tongjuan talking about? The officials said at the time that Kaifeng Mansion should try the case. This matter has already been settled. You guys haven't tried it yet. What should I do when I go back?" Hand over to the official!"

Li Kai hurriedly said: "It's on trial, it's just... it's just that there are too many people, and it's the first time Kaifeng Mansion has encountered this situation. It's too busy for a while, and we have to wait a little longer."

Lan Yuanzhen nodded: "Then you have to hurry up, the officials have been waiting."

"Yes Yes Yes."

After Lan Yuanzhen left, Mr. Lu severely reprimanded Li Kai.

On the same day, the Kaifeng government started the review process, and also transferred people from the left and right halls to help.

As soon as this news came out, all civil and military officials in the Manchu Dynasty turned pale with shock.

Isn't it stable?
What the hell is going on here?

Nothing special happened during the period, this... this is very unpolitical!
However, all the prime ministers did not speak out anymore, the silence was really frightening.

In fact, Han Qi and the others did not write the letter to say that there was something wrong with the lawsuit, but to ask whether Shenzong had a solution, the price and the reward, which you have to consider carefully.

After many days, Shenzong still decided to fight.

This proves that he has thought it through.

Naturally, Han Qi and Fu Bi would not say anything more.

Watch you perform.

And in the political hall.

Needless to say, Wang Anshi was the one who sued. Chen Shengzhi definitely supported him, and Zhao Bian, who opposed the new law, also supported it. Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang were ambiguous, and they were not firm in their opposition.

Both the prime minister and the political adviser were silent, which proved that they supported the emperor, or at least did not oppose it.

In other words, there is no room for maneuver in this matter.

Shen House.

"It seems that the officials are determined to support Wang Jiefu."

Shen Huaixiao frowned.

Tang Ji said anxiously: "Then what to do, it is impossible to win."

Shen Huai said filially: "That's not necessarily the case. Don't forget that all the evidence in this case is in our hands."

Du Xiu was a little apprehensive, "Will this be too risky?"

Cao Han said: "Brother Du, you can rest assured, it is impossible for us to do this matter. After half a day, many people will come to us. Then we will discuss what to do. If everyone participates Well, even if the officials know about it, there’s nothing they can do about it.”

Shen Huaixiao nodded: "Brother Cao is right! We can't blame us for this matter. Almost everyone is against it, but the officials still want to go their own way. Naturally, we can't blame us for not obeying the rules."

(End of this chapter)