Northern Song Dynasty Justice

Chapter 236 The raccoon dog on a hill

"Silence! Silence!"

Lu Gong wrote several shots of the gavel.

There is no way, the discussion outside the court is too loud.

Why not ask clearly?
For such a weird thing, if you don't give an answer, let people sleep.

In fact, it was Zhang Fei who asked to continue the trial, not Lu Gong, otherwise, the discussion would probably lift the roof of Kaifeng Mansion.

The discussion outside the door continued.

Lu Gong's work became popular, and he slapped the gavel again, "If you don't keep quiet, I will try the case behind closed doors."

Immediately there was silence outside the courtyard.

"Hoo hoo..."

Sitting in the shade, Shen Huaixiao was panting heavily while wiping off his sweat.

At that moment just now, it was really dangerous for them.

If the fight continues, Mr. Lu will take advantage of the situation to investigate the matter, and with Zhang San's assistance, who can guarantee that Zhou Cai will be able to persevere, and that he will not leak anything and not expose them all.

Although this matter is definitely not over yet, but at present, at least there is room for maneuver, and there is still room for manipulation, after all, it has not been tried in court.

Wen Yanbo saw all of their embarrassment, and whispered to Fu Bi and Han Qi: "I never thought they would lose so badly this time."

I also have some lingering fears about this little emperor in my heart.

Fu Bi stroked his beard and said: "Their tricks are not easy to use in court!"

Han Qi nodded and said: "During the Qingli period, they also used similar tricks. They always caught us off guard and were impossible to guard against. But in the courtroom, it is a confrontation between two parties. Everyone knows what is the key, so we must be more careful." Easy to prevent."

Wen Yanbo nodded thoughtfully.

In political struggles, you have no way of knowing what tricks the other party will use. A small person, a painting, or a rain may change everything.

Everyone is doing everything they can.

The defensive side is very passive, and the reform side is usually the defensive side, and they are inherently at a disadvantage.

But it can't be done in the courtroom. Both sides know what is the key evidence. Everyone is relying on strength. On this point, the emperor has a natural advantage.

Of course, they thought despicableness was exclusive to them, but they didn't expect the emperor to play like this.

"Brother Li, what should we do? Or forget it."

Fei Ming is in a panic now, if he is involved in this, it may fall into his head, it is not a matter of winning or losing the lawsuit.

Li Guozhong said calmly, "Why are you panicking? We are hired to file a lawsuit. The evidence they provide has nothing to do with us."

As he said that, he patted Li Lei who was sweating profusely again, "Cheer up, the more you are like this, the more people will think that we are guilty. Now we have only one way, try our best to protect them, maybe it will be a blessing in disguise. Let it go, if the two sides don't touch the shore, the death will be even worse."

Fei Ming and the others nodded one after another.

Li Lei turned his head to look at Li Guozhong, "But this is impossible."

Li Guozhong said: "We will do our best."

Li Lei took two deep breaths, then nodded, and several people immediately started discussing again.

This variable is something they did not expect, so they have to re-discuss the countermeasures.

While whispering, Du Shaojing walked up to the hall with his uncontrollable legs, not as arrogant and domineering as yesterday, he couldn't speak clearly.

"See you little one. See you!"

"never mind!"

Lu Gong waved his hand, then pointed to the dock.

With just these few steps, Du Shaojing felt as if he had stepped out and rushed to the execution ground.

I came to the tree with difficulty and sat down, but it was like sitting on pins and needles.

Zhang Fei stood up, looked at Du Shaojing, and said with a smile: "Don't panic outside the staff, and answer every question calmly to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings."

Du Shaojing nodded dully.

"I object."

Li Lei stood up suddenly, and said, "The other party's words implied a threat."

Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "I take back what I just said."

Du Shaojing looked at Li Lei suddenly, and suddenly remembered, yes, I also have Erbi to escort me.

Can't help but feel relieved a little.

Zhang Fei looked at the document he had prepared long ago, and then asked Du Shaojing: "Mr. Du, yesterday we mentioned that among the 120 hectares of land under your name, 67 hectares are Baiqi land, and the remaining [-] hectares Among the fields, only [-] hectares of land have been taxed, and the remaining [-] hectares have no tax payment records.

Du Shaojing glanced at Zhang Fei with a guilty conscience, and then at Li Guozhong and the others, only to see that Li Guozhong and others all lowered their heads.

Don't look at us about this matter, you can figure it out yourself.

Du Shaojing shook his head like a rattle, "I won't explain."

"No explanation?"

Zhang Fei asked.

Du Shaojing said: "I admit that I have not paid taxes."

Mr. Lu quietly flipped through the accounts five years ago, which contained Du Shaojing's tax payment records.

But Du Shaojing is not stupid. No matter how serious the crime of tax evasion is, it is no more serious than the crime of stealing and changing the government's account books.

He can only admit it.

And if he didn't bring out the tax bills, he couldn't sue him with the account books. After all, the account books were written by officials, not them.

Zhang Fei asked: "According to my investigation, most of these lands are red deed lands, which are recorded by the government. I don't know what means the members used to escape the government's call for payment."

Du Shaojing said: "Just like everyone else, hide the land, or use female households or monks to avoid taxation."

Like everyone, the law does not blame the public.

Zhang Fei glanced at the other side and saw that the other side was making some movements, so he said, "I'm done asking."

Then sat down.

Qiu Zhengwen, who was sitting in the back, was taken aback for a moment, and said in a low voice: "Third brother, why don't you take advantage of the victory and pursue it?"

Zhang Fei said solemnly: "This is teaching. I deliberately showed you the wrong demonstration. You must remember that you must take advantage of his illness and kill him. You must not be soft-hearted."

Qiu Zhengwen snorted.

Xu Zhiqian pursed her lips and smiled, squinting her eyes and turning her eyes to Zhang Fei, as if the nonsense was true.

Li Lei stood up and asked Du Shaojing, "Mr. Du, how many tenants do you have?"

Du Shaojing looked at Li Lei, as if he was asking, do you want me to tell the truth, or make it up.

Li Guozhong on the side nodded anxiously, you still make up, I am afraid you are tired of work.

Du Shaojing said: "There are more than four or four hundred households."

"So much?" Li Lei asked again: "Did Member Wai Du give them a very low rent?"

high or low?

Du Shaojing looked at Li Lei, looking for an answer.

Li Guozhong hid Lu Gong's work above, and told Du Shaojing with his mouth, to tell the truth.

Lu Gong couldn't see it, but Sima Guang, Su Shi and others on the opposite side could see it clearly, and they couldn't help laughing.

So hard!

Zhang Fei also covered his mouth and laughed, and then turned around, "They are also setting a wrong example. In the future, you should be more accurate in litigation, and don't go all the way to death. Once this road is blocked, it will be their current situation." Virtue."

Qiu Zhenghua and the others kept their mouths tightly shut and nodded vigorously.

Du Shaojing shook his head and said, "Not low."

Li Lei asked again: "Since the rent is not low, why are there so many people who are willing to become tenants other than members, will they be like Li Dacai and the others?"

Zhang Fei immediately turned back to Qiu Zhengwen and said: "At this time, I must object, his question is suggestive and tempting."

Qiu Zhengwen was stunned and said, "Why don't you object, third brother?"

Zhang Fei glared at him angrily, "You are stupid, I'm going to object, how can I teach you guys."

".?"

Qiu Zhenghua couldn't figure it out. If you objected, I would remember it. If you tell me, I might not remember it. Is this another demonstration of wrong teaching?
This side was still whispering, but Du Shaojing suddenly came to his senses and nodded again and again: "Yes, yes, many people are only willing to cultivate the fields that don't pay taxes. If you want them to pay taxes, they would rather not come."

"Why?"

Li Lei asked.

Du Shaojing said: "Because the imperial court has miscellaneous taxes, such as transfer, change, and loss. These three taxes are not fixed. Many people hide their household registration because of this, sell their land and escape. If I don't want to find a way to evade taxes , I will not be able to recruit tenants to help me cultivate the land.”

Many honest and honest officials were angry when they heard this. What is the reason for this?
However, many people outside the door nodded frequently.

Branch transfer means that the imperial court asks the people to send their taxes to a designated place in order to fight the war, often hundreds of miles away, and what's even more outrageous is that they have to pay taxes in the middle.

But Tokyo is too far away from the front line, you don't have to go, discount it.

Folding is to fold grain into silk, and fold silk into grain. This change requires a lot of money.

Loss, that is, being eaten by rats, the loss of grain, etc., are also counted.

The key is that there is no fixed number of these three items. If you are lucky, you will pay less points. What if you are not lucky?
Three times is actually considered a small number. This set of tricks is often five or six times.

The common people are of course willing to pay high rents, but they are also unwilling to pay taxes.

Indeed, tax-free land is intended to be more attractive to tenants.

Li Lei said again: "I heard that Yuanwai often donates money, distributes food to the refugees, and donates to the government to build water conservancy projects."

Du Shaojing's mind began to clear up, and he returned to yesterday's rhythm, and immediately replied: "In order to attract tenants, I did evade taxes, but I feel guilty, so I often donate some money and food to the people and the government."

Li Lei wrote to Lu Gong again: "I'm done asking."

Zhang Fei stood up and said, "I would like to report to the magistrate, I have a very important witness here, I hope the magistrate can send this witness to testify in court."

Lu Gong said: "Biography."

After a while, a man in his twenties came into the hall.

"Dog eggs."

Du Shaojing suddenly stood up, "Why are you here?"

Lu Gong warned with deep eyebrows: "Du Shaojing, don't be presumptuous."

Du Shaojing hurriedly said: "The magistrate doesn't know something, he is my servant, he...he can't sue me casually."

Mr. Lu frowned slightly.

Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Mr. Du, that happened a few days ago. I have already spent money to help him redeem himself."

Du Shaojing immediately said: "Impossible, why don't I know."

Zhang Fei said with a smile, "Mr. Du has raised so many servants, such a trivial matter, how can you need him to come forward in person? Mr. Zhuang in your family can be the master. Du Yuanwai should be clearer than me about this."

Xu Zhiqian handed over a contract at the right time, Zhang Fei took it and said, "This is Goudan's redemption contract, please have a look at it."

"Submit."

After Lu Gong read it, he ignored Du Shaojing and asked Goudan to sit in the witness stand.

Du Shaojing sat down, he was sweating profusely after relaxing for a while.

The man named Goudan saluted Lu Gong, and then went to the witness stand.

Zhang Fei stood up and asked, "Goudan, is this your real name?"

The man shook his head and said: "My original name is Zhu Erjiu, and the name Goudan was given by Du Shaojing for me."

Zhang Fei said: "How did you meet Du Shaojing?"

Zhu Erjiu said: "I was originally a third-class household in Dudian Village, Kaifeng County. I owed a lot of money to the government because of my service in the imperial court. In the end, I had to sell the land to pay off the debt."

Han Qi, Fu Bi and others all sighed and fell silent when they heard that they were bankrupt.

He also heard Zhu Erjiu say: "Afterwards, our brothers and sisters had nowhere to go, so we had to rent [-] mu of land from Du Shaojing to cultivate."

Zhang Fei asked, "How much is the rent?"

Zhu Erjiu said: "The field produces half of it for each person, but I have to bear all the taxes."

Zhang Fei nodded and asked, "What about after that?"

Zhu Erjiu suddenly glared at Du Shaojing fiercely, "I never thought that Du Shaojing would include all the government's changes, transfers, losses, and other taxes, and only more or less. If you can't pay taxes, you can only borrow money from him, this one! "

He wiped away tears, "But it will never be repaid. The interest is increasing and the taxes are increasing. Even if I plant the land for several lifetimes, I still can't repay it. In the end, my sister was taken away by him to pay off the debt. And I can only become his tenant slave."

I don't know if I heard too much yesterday, which made the people watching the trial numb, and there was not much commotion outside the door.

"You spout blood."

Du Shaojing stood up and pointed at Zhu Erjiu angrily.

As soon as he shouted, the people watching the trial immediately gave him countless angry looks.

If looks could kill...

Zhang Fei smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Du, don't forget that your family is not limited to this one family of tenant slaves, but has hundreds of households. Do you want to call them all to testify?"

Du Shaojing was trembling, but he didn't dare to speak out.

Zhang Fei also wrote to Lu Gong: "According to my investigation, Du Yuanwai's family has at least 120 tenant slaves. They were all Du Yuanwai's tenants before, or because of illness or natural disasters, they were forced to borrow ten yuan from Du Yuanwai. A usury loan with about double the interest rate."

Having said that, Xu Zhiqian handed Zhang Fei a stack of loans.

Zhang Fei took it over and raised his hand, "I have more than ten high-interest loan contracts signed by Du Yuanwai."

Immediately, a civil servant came over and took away all these loans.

Zhang Fei said: "It's impossible to pay such high interest, plus rent and taxes. The interest rate makes them owe Du Yuanwai countless money, let alone a lifetime, even ten lifetimes." Even if they didn't go up, they could only plow the fields for Du Yuanwai like cattle and horses. However, none of these fields had paid taxes to the court.

It can be seen that Du Yuanwai's tax evasion has nothing to do with the tenants, it is purely his personal behavior.As for the accusations made by Li Dacai and other tenants against the imperial court yesterday, it was purely rumors and slanders, nonsense. What they have now is all given by the imperial court, and what they suffer is all given by Du Yuanwai and the others. "

Before he finished speaking, there was a deafening hiss at the door, which directly interrupted Zhang Fei's spellcasting.

Even the gavels written by Lu Gong could not hold back.

You say that Du Shaojing is a big villain, then we all agree.

well said.

But because he is evil, it does not mean that the court is good.

They are like dogs.

This is really shameless.

Man and God are indignant.

Of course, it was not Zhang Fei who was embarrassed, but the officials sitting inside.

Wen Yanbo and the others looked at Zhang Fei very depressedly, stop shooting you flattery, the more you shoot, the more embarrassing you will be.

Isn't it embarrassing enough for the court?

The key point is that Sima Guang and Han Qi all know that the court is so embarrassing, isn't it because you, Zhang Fei, did it on purpose?The lawsuit yesterday was completely unnecessary.

Now looking back here again, it's like playing us like monkeys!

Zhang Fei, who was interrupted from casting spells, couldn't continue talking. After all, there is no Mai now. He turned his head to look at Xu Zhiqian, and saw the woman covering her face with her hands, buried in the copywriting, and said angrily: "Hey! Beauty! Let's But Er Bi, the representative of the imperial court, can you be more professional, what can I say about you like this."

Xu Zhiqian leaned back on the back of the chair, and said depressedly: "But what you said is really disgusting, I can't stand it anymore."

Zhang Fei said: "Give me a quarter of an hour, and you won't feel that way anymore."

Xu Zhiqian rolled her eyes, "This is impossible."

(End of this chapter)