Northern Song Dynasty Justice

Chapter 594 The Controversy of the Three Laws ([-])

"Huh, the trial of this case is really exciting!"

Ye Zuqia muttered softly while tidying up the paperwork.

But Shangguan Jun seemed very worried: "Will there be no problems if the trial goes on like this?"

At present, both sides have no bottom line, and they are showing the ugliest side of the ruling class, which is frightening to hear!
Cai Bian said: "There is no other way. They said it themselves. We didn't force them to say it. It has nothing to do with us."

Cai Jing asked: "Who do you think will win?"

Shangguan glanced at him and said, "Two rotten fruits, which one would you choose to eat?"

Cai Jing was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said, "I still choose to go back to the lounge to eat pastries."

The four of them left one after another with the papers in their hands.

But their departure attracted complaints from the people outside the courtyard.

Adjourn?

isn't it?
We're having a good time watching it, and it's not even time for lunch yet!

The people listened with great enthusiasm, because no matter where they were hurt by the other party, they felt very refreshed.

On the contrary, the officials in the courtyard let out a sigh of relief. Some of them wiped the cold sweat on their foreheads with trembling hands and held silk handkerchiefs, while some of them slumped on their chairs with dull eyes.

Such a scene was extremely rare in a feudal society.

I have never experienced it!

Can you not be afraid?They were almost suffocated just now.

After a while, they stood up, but soon gathered together in twos and threes, whispering, everyone's face was full of worry.

Is it really okay for officials and squires to pull out their underpants in public?

If this continues, will it affect the rule of the monarch and scholar-bureaucrats?

At the same time, there was even more public opinion outside the hospital.

The supporters on both sides are also arguing, who is more reasonable, but after arguing, they are both persuaded by the other side, and they think the other side is very reasonable, but this is not a good thing, this is simply double Hurt, scrambling and scrambling, the people gradually feel a little desperate.

None of these are good birds.

Then we are all dead anyway.

This.
Tragedy!
The fact is that the prosecution and the defense are originally a team, both belong to the ruling class, and they are doing the same thing.

Yes, many people were ruined by the landlords, but more people were ruined by the government.

It can only become more and more desperate.

Suddenly, they seemed to feel a bright light coming, and they all looked up, but saw two huge characters hanging in front of the gate—Imperial Court.

Not bad!

And the imperial court.

The common people suddenly realized that only the imperial court had never done this. The imperial court has been defending our interests, so they involuntarily pinned their hopes on the imperial court.

Over there, Zhang Fei and Xu Zhiqian had just returned to the office, before they had time to take a breath, Wang Shao and Guo Kui came.

"You two are in a hurry to see me, what's the hurry?"

Zhang Fei pretended to be confused and said with understanding.

Wang Shao cut to the chase and said, "Mr. Zhang, we feel that this trial cannot continue, because it will affect the rule of the court."

This is too much to play, which makes them, the pragmatics, tremble with fear.

Once the turmoil is caused, their work will not be able to be done.

They have worked hard and have been trying to find a way to deal with the Xixia war, but they can't let everything go to waste because of a lawsuit.

This is unacceptable to them.

Zhang Fei was taken aback for a moment, and then smiled wryly: "You two, I am just enforcing the law impartially. If they choose to reconcile, then I will agree. But if there is no special reason, I will terminate this trial, which is my dereliction of duty." , which would put me at risk."

Wang Shao and Guo Kui looked at each other.

Guo Kui retreated and asked the next best thing: "Could it be tried behind closed doors instead? It's like the Suizhou case last time."

If it's all from your own family, then you can say whatever you want.

They are very clear about the twists and turns inside.

Zhang Fei shook his head and sighed: "Actually, I have thought about it, but this is different from a military trial. This matter concerns all the people in Hezhong Mansion. If the trial is closed behind closed doors, our imperial court will bear a great risk, because the final verdict Not necessarily to everyone's satisfaction.

At that time, many officials, gentry, and common people may blame me.But both of you know that this matter has nothing to do with me, and I don't need to take any risks for it. Open trial is the safest way. "

After the two listened, it was really difficult to say anything, because the final judgment was in the hands of the imperial court, and it was suddenly changed to a closed-door trial. No matter how the sentence was decided, it would arouse many doubts.

The problem is coming.

Why should the imperial court take any risk for this?This matter has nothing to do with the imperial court.

In the end, the two could only leave angrily.

As soon as they left, Zhang Fei chuckled, "They even came to lobby me. See if they haven't reacted yet, who is the biggest winner in this case."

Xu Zhiqian who was on the side suddenly said: "But both of them are already jealous, if they continue to fight like this, will it really cause turmoil?"

"will not."

Zhang Fei said very firmly.

Xu Zhiqian asked curiously, "Why are you so confident?"

"Because the final decision is in my hands, and I also represent the imperial court."

The corner of Zhang Fei's mouth raised, and he said lightly: "Yes, maybe the people will have some doubts about the squires and the government, but at the same time, they will transfer Zeng Jin's trust in the squires and the government to our imperial court, so that they can trust Judiciary controlled by the imperial court."

At this time, the outside of the imperial court was very lively. Now the commercial area outside the gate has almost been built. There are many large and small shops. Not only are there specially prepared attics, private rooms, and elegant seats for the rich, but there are also tea sheds and taverns for the poor, and the prices are also high. They are all very friendly.

"Hey! Attorney General Su is here, everyone, please come inside, please come inside."

When Big Dog saw Su Zhe and other inspectors walking towards his restaurant, he immediately went up to him.

Chen Qi saw that the corridor outside the store was already full, so she couldn't help asking: "Are there any seats?"

"You got it! You got it!"

The big dog nodded straightly, "Chairman Zhang has already reserved a seat near the lake for everyone to rest."

Chen Qi suddenly felt flattered.

A group of inspectors came to sit down under the big tree by the river, but they did not look at the beautiful scenery by the river, but looked at the figures flashing by the window sill of the restaurant, and saw many squires fighting with the government. officials to negotiate.

"It seems that they have realized that if this lawsuit continues, it will only hurt both sides." Wang Shen whispered.

Chen Qi said: "Perhaps there will be no trial in the afternoon."

"impossible."

Su Zhe said: "If this matter can be negotiated, it won't cause trouble in the imperial court. Let's finish eating early and go to rest early. There may be a lot of things to do in the afternoon."

Chen Qi and Wang Shen looked at Su Zhe at the same time, seeming suspicious.

Because it seems that they have all realized that this is a lawsuit that hurts both sides.

So, should we continue to hurt each other?
But any smart person would not do such a stupid thing.

But the fact is, as Su Zhe said, the trial in the afternoon came as scheduled.

This also shows that the joint vertical and horizontal alliances of those officials and squires at noon have completely failed.

The reason is also very simple, that is, the green seedling method.

Yuan Jiang definitely supports the Qingmiao Law, which cannot be backed down, and Fan Zhen is definitely against it. In order to prevent the Qingmiao Law, he is a scholar of the Imperial Academy, and he is no longer a servant of the household department. How could he compromise on this? He came here It is to stop the young crop method.

However, if Fan Zhen and the others did not choose to appeal in the imperial court, then they had no other choice, because the reformists were also gaining power in the DPRK.

This is currently the most effective method.

The fundamental contradictions in the middle can't be resolved, and they are still combined vertically and horizontally.

The key point is that a considerable number of officials are secretly fighting.

How can this be negotiated, so I can only endure the pain and continue fighting.

"Good afternoon, everyone."

Zhang Fei came to the court, and looked at the common people on the judging bench, "How are you doing at noon, judging assistants?"

“Very good! Very good!”

"Thank you, President Zhang, for your hospitality."

"Ouch! We are actually a little embarrassed."

These twenty people laughed so hard that they couldn't close their mouths. They arranged to eat in the imperial court and rest by the lake. This was definitely the most delicious meal in their lives. Auditors have so many privileges.

Of course, they didn't expect that the imperial court's arrangement was also because they were worried that someone would secretly communicate with them and influence their judgment.

"This is what we should do. After all, I asked you to help."

After talking with the assistant jury for a while, Zhang Fei said to Fan Zhen, Li Min and others: "If both the prosecution and the defense are ready, then we can continue the trial."

Both sides said they were ready.

"Then let's get started."

Zhang Fei tapped the gavel lightly.

Next, Fan Zhen summoned a witness, an old man with white hair and childlike face, kind eyebrows and kind eyes.

Xu Zhiqian immediately handed over the person's information quietly to Zhang Fei.

His name was Lu Xiaosheng, who was also a Jinshi. He once held an official position in the Ministry of Rites, but he had no interest in being an official. He retired at the age of 40 and returned to his hometown. He is very upright and has no stains.

Fan Zhen asked: "Mr. Lu, I heard that among the interest agreed on by the patriarchal clan this time, the five-cent interest was set by you, Mr. Lu."

"Yes, it was suggested by the old clumsy."

Lu Xiaosheng nodded.

Fan Zhen continued to ask, "Why is it set at [-]/[-]?"

Lu Xiaosheng said: "First of all, it's because the old clumsy village has always stipulated a five-point interest rate."

Fan Zhen asked, "May I ask Mr. Lu where your hometown is?"

Lu Xiaosheng said: "Yinquan Township, Hedong County."

Fan Zhen nodded, and asked again: "Why is there such a regulation in your town?"

Lu Xiaosheng said: "Because the patriarchal system of our village advocates loving fathers, filial piety, brotherhood and brotherhood, which benefits the villagers. At the same time, the elders of the village saw that many villagers fled due to usurious loans. In order to keep the population prosperous , and at the same time implement the patriarchal law well, so it is stipulated that the loan to the villagers can only be paid one cent five interest."

"I see."

Fan Zhen nodded, picked up another copy, and said to Zhang Fei: "Mr. Zhang, this is concrete evidence about the low-interest lending in Yinquan Township, which is enough to prove that the five-cent interest actually existed a long time ago, and it is not Everyone specifically wanted to target the young crop law."

"Submit."

After Zhang Fei looked at it, he nodded slightly, and said, "Mr. Fan can continue to ask."

"Yes."

Fan Zhen said again: "Aside from this, is there any other reason?"

Lu Xiaosheng nodded and said: "Although the current villages are flooded with usury loans, most of them are concentrated in times of insolvency and natural disasters. Usually, the villages lend money, which is actually one cent to five to two cents. I think the interest rate is agreed upon. Everyone can still accept it.”

Fan Zhen asked, "Usually, the loans in the village are only one cent five and two cents?"

Lu Xiaosheng nodded and said, "You can get a lot of money by five cents or two cents. If you don't borrow money, someone else will. And in times of natural disasters, when there are more people borrowing money, some big landlords will sit on the ground." Raise the price and take advantage of the fire."

In fact, non-governmental transactions, whether it is borrowing money or trading, will still follow a market rule. Usually, people are short of money, but it is not the kind of life-saving money. This five-point interest is everywhere.

Impossible to say, I'll take a quick loan and borrow at [-]% interest.

And the rich are also looking for money, so he also knows that ordinary people will not come to borrow because the interest rate is too high.

There is still a game between the common people and the landlords. It is just that if there is a natural disaster, the ordinary people will not be able to cope at all, which gives the landlords an opportunity to take advantage of it.

The root cause of the proliferation of usury is not that the landlords are extremely vicious, but that the people's ability to resist risks is too weak, and the country does not have many rescue policies, which creates a huge demand market for usury.

Fan Zhen asked: "So Mr. Lu did not set this interest rate to destroy the young crop law."

Lu Xiaosheng shook his head and said, "No. I want to reduce usury."

"I'm done asking."

Fan Zhen sat down.

This time it was not Li Min who stood up, but Qiu Zhengwen. After all, they were different from Fan Zhen. They were very familiar with the imperial system and the rural system, so they could only study part of the content.

Qiu Zhengwen said: "Mr. Lu, I have also heard about the interest regulations of Yinquan Township. It is said that loans are made through the Yizhuang in the township."

Lu Xiaosheng nodded: "Yes."

Qiu Zhengwen said: "And the Yizhuang in Yinquan Township was originally established by your Lu family organization, I don't know if it is?"

Lu Xiaosheng nodded: "Yes."

Qiu Zhengwen asked with a smile: "Such a great act of kindness will bring Mr. Lu the respect and love of the villagers, right?"

Lu Xiaosheng was embarrassed and said, "You can also say that."

Qiu Zhengwen continued to ask: "In addition, I heard that the government also allocated food to your Yizhuang, I wonder if it is?"

Lu Xiaosheng nodded and said: "Yes, in case of a famine, the government will usually allocate food to the Yizhuang first, and then the Yizhuang will distribute it to the villagers."

Qiu Zhengwen said: "Then if I say that the money and grain borrowed by Yizhuang also includes the grain allocated to Yizhuang by the government, does Mr. Lu agree?"

Lu Xiaosheng hesitated for a while, then said: "The government allocates food mainly during times of famine, and usually does not often allocate food to Yizhuang, but I dare not say that there is no government assistance for borrowing money and grain, but all that Yizhuang owns The money is all used to help the villagers and must not be misappropriated for private use, and the government will also send people to supervise the accounts."

Qiu Zhengwen nodded, and asked again: "Mr. Lu, can you support the Green Crop Law?"

Lu Xiaosheng was stunned for a while, thinking for a while, "To tell you the truth, I don't support it."

Qiu Zhengwen said: "But Mr. Lu didn't realize that, in fact, Yizhuang's loan method is somewhat similar to the green crop method?"

Lu Xiaosheng hesitated for a moment, then said, "It's somewhat similar."

Qiu Zhengwen pretended to be surprised and said: "This is strange. When the government allocated money to Yizhuang for lending, Mr. Lu not only did not object, but was very supportive and even proud of it, thinking that it could help the villagers.

However, when the government wants to lend money by itself, the purpose is also to relieve the villagers, and the interest rate is only half a cent higher, but Mr. Lu clearly expresses his disapproval. "

Lu Xiaosheng said: "Is this different?"

"What's the difference?" Qiu Zhengwen asked immediately.

"This."

Lu Xiaosheng was struggling.

He is suffering.

He can't say that our Yizhuang is really thinking about the villagers, and your young crop law is to make money for the country. The key point is that the young crop law has not yet been implemented. He said so without any evidence.

Qiu Zhengwen said with a smile: "The difference between the two is that the Yizhuang is controlled by the gentry, while the Green Crop Law is controlled by the government. This is why Mr. Lu opposes the Green Crop Law."

"Old clumsy."

Lu Xiaosheng showed embarrassment on his face, he is not good at lying, this is really the main reason.

If it wasn't for the government to lend money, who would object to it if it were someone else.

Their faction is against the official end in person.

Qiu Zhengwen waited for a while before saying: "It can be seen from this that the real reason is that Mr. Lu is afraid that the squires will lose control of the village, not high or low interest rates. In fact, as long as you are under the control of your squires, high interest rates can make Villagers become your tenant farmers, or it may be convenient for you to annex land, and low interest rates can also gain fame for yourself.

You are afraid that the emergence of the Green Crop Law will make the villagers out of your control and rely more on the government, so you use this clumsy monopoly technique to destroy the Green Crop Law. "

After these words, many squires couldn't help trembling, looking at Qiu Zhengwen with gritted teeth and hideous faces.

You kid is trying to dig our roots!

Lu Xiaosheng was a slow person, and he was not good at arguing with others. He looked at Qiu Zhengwen aggrievedly, spread his hands and said, "I never mean that."

A squire outside the courtyard couldn't bear it anymore, and shouted directly: "Mr. Lu has been clean and respected all his life, how can he allow you, a little Erbi, to spread rumors and slander here, it is really unreasonable."

Zhang Fei glanced at the gavel and asked, "Who is making noise outside the courtyard?"

The man immediately looked up to the sky.

After all, Liang Youyi had already done a demonstration. If they were angry again, they would not dare to openly challenge Zhang Fei. They would really be arrested. This kid doesn't respect the old and love the young at all.

"I'm done asking."

Qiu Zhengwen also sat down.

Yuan Jiang on the side was so excited that he almost couldn't hold back. He stood up and shouted for Qiu Zhengwen. He was full of anger in the morning.

The government's morale is also boosted.

Seeing this, Xu Zhiqian whispered, "Zhang San, are you good at teaching?"

Zhang Fei turned back and frowned at her, "I will teach such clumsy tricks?"

Xu Zhiqian was stunned for a moment, "What? Did he not ask well?"

Zhang Fei said: "It's still a bit lacking! On the contrary, Fan Xueshi's performance exceeded my expectations. It seems that he has learned a lot in the procuratorate."

(End of this chapter)