Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 693: Hearing (3)

In Sima Guang's view, Zhang Fei was just playing hooligan.

Although Sima Guang absolutely agreed with Cheng Yi's approach of arguing with reason and defending the law, he also understood the concerns of those officials.

If they refuse to cooperate with Cheng Fang, there is only a very small possibility that they will get good consequences, and most of them will get bad consequences.

Because Wang Anshi set up the River Water Conservancy Department with the purpose of taking over the power. If the local government does not cooperate, can he give you good results?

Who dares to easily offend these powerful eunuchs?

After all, it was not easy for everyone to get to where they are today, and everyone cherishes it very much.

But on the surface, Cheng Yi's approach is worthy of praise. Zhang Fei wants to lift the pole like this, completely disregarding the worldly feelings, and you really can't defeat him.

But this Song Dynasty is really funny. When fighting on the front line, troops were arranged in the rear. No matter how big or small, the troops and horses were directly deployed into the river, but things like this were vague.

Zhang Fei saw that Sima Guang was so angry that his eyes were closed, and he couldn't help but smile and said: "Thank you very much, Bachelor Sima, for being able to attend and testify."

Sima Guang's eyes widened, "Is this the end of the question?"

He only felt that his buttocks were not yet hot.

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "But I think Bachelor Sima doesn't seem to have much to say."

"Who said no."

Sima Guang said excitedly.

Zhang Fei immediately said: "Sima, please speak."

Wang Anshi said angrily: "As expected of your immediate boss, you can ignore the rules."

After hearing this, Sima Guang couldn't help but glare at Wang Anshi, I'm sitting here and you interrupt me, who is not following the rules?

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "What Wang Xuesi said is wrong. This is not a court trial, but a hearing. Our Procuratorate still hopes to listen to more suggestions. If Wang Xuesi has anything to add, we can ask for it later. Bachelor Wang attended and testified."

Wang Anshi fell silent.

Zhang Fei turned to Sima Guang again and said, "Master Sima, please speak."

Sima Guang said: "The sage said that the people are the foundation of the country, and the foundation of the country is to consolidate the country's peace. Even if the dam is re-reinforced, no matter how beautiful the project is, if it loses the support of the people, it will be vulnerable. If it harms the people because of water control, Isn’t this putting the cart before the horse?

Emperor Sui Yang built the canal for future generations to use, but who would praise Emperor Sui Yang? Although what Cheng Dujian did was not as good as Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, it was only because the Ming Lord was above him that he did not dare to act recklessly, but now it is not much different.

Go and check. Since Cheng Dujian built the river channel, the number of thieves and bandits in Hebei has not increased. If this continues, the scene at the end of the Sui Dynasty will surely reappear.

Is it impossible to punish someone for harming the people and harming the country? ”

His words were so impassioned that many officials nodded frequently.

Even Empress Dowager Cao felt that it made sense and nodded lightly.

Floods can harm one party, but if the people's support is gone, the country will be gone as well.

Zhang Fei still looked puzzled and said: "What Bachelor Sima said is very reasonable. I am also very curious. This history book often talks about the abuse of people's power, large-scale construction, etc., but why is there no standard to judge it?"

Sima Guang said excitedly: "Why do you have to worry about this."

Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said: "Because this is a hearing held by the procuratorate. The procuratorate wants evidence and follows the law."

Sima Guang was completely defeated, "I have nothing to say."

Zhang Fei said hurriedly: "Then let's ask Bachelor Sima to go down and rest for now. If necessary later, we can ask Bachelor Sima to come up and testify."

Sima Guangli ignored him, got up and left.

Etiquette?

A gift!

I don’t want to wait any longer.

Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing were secretly proud. It sounded like Cheng Fang was wrong, but when asked, they couldn't convict Cheng Fang.

Cheng Yi on the side felt a strong wind blowing by. He turned his head and glanced at Sima Guang. He couldn't help but glance at Zhang Fei again and thought to himself, it seems that it's not Mr. Jun Shi and the others who are making a fuss out of a molehill, but I, Cheng Yi, am too arrogant. Arrogance, this public prosecutor's law is really extraordinary!

Zhang Fei nodded towards Wang Gong again, and Wang Gong reported that Hebei Deputy Transport Envoy Zhou Ge was present to testify.

Over there, Sima Guang returned to his chair, sat down, and sulked alone.

Lv Gong next to him tried to persuade him: "Jun Shi, this is not the first time you have dealt with Zhang San. Why are you so uncontrollable and angry with that kid?"

Sima Guang was very dissatisfied and said: "There are so many issues involved in this case, but he just singled out this one point to ask, what kind of skill is this, and what kind of hearing is this?"

In the end, it was clear to all bystanders, Lu Gong said: "But then again, no matter how he asks, he will eventually get stuck on this issue, so this is a problem!"

Sima Guang frowned slightly and looked at Zhang Fei with a scrutinizing gaze, thinking, what on earth does this kid want to do?

For example, Fu Bi and Han Qi became more and more interested and watched with great immersion.

At this time, Zhou Ge, the deputy transport envoy of Hebei Province, had already arrived at the table.

Zhang Fei, who took advantage of this opportunity to review the copy more intensively, raised his head and asked Zhou Ge: "Deputy Ambassador Zhou, are you here to attend this hearing on behalf of the Hebei Transportation Department today, or are you just representing yourself? ?"

Zhou Ge immediately said: "I represent the Hebei Transportation Department."

Zhang Fei nodded and continued to ask: "As for the Hebei region, is the expenditure for building rivers mainly responsible for the transportation department?"

"Yes."

Zhou Ge nodded and said: "Because the Transshipment Department is in charge of the finance of the first line, and building river channels is very expensive and the local finance cannot afford it, so the Transshipment Department is usually directly responsible."

Zhang Fei nodded and asked: "Can Deputy Envoy Zhou briefly describe the relationship between the Hebei Transportation Department and the River Water Conservancy Department?"

Zhou Ge said: "The Transshipment Department and the River Water Conservancy Department are not in the same government office. There is not much relationship between them. They are not in charge of each other. It's just that before the River Water Conservancy Department was established, the Transshipment Department was always in charge. Regarding the construction of river channels, the imperial court later established the River Water Conservancy Department, but at the same time it did not deprive the Transshipment Department of the power to manage rivers. Therefore, in terms of water control, the Transshipment Department inevitably had to cooperate with the River Water Conservancy Department, and in this matter, it should be The main purpose is to establish a river water conservancy department."

Because the Transshipment Department is a road-level official office and has the authority to regulate rivers. In the past, when the court had to issue orders for river improvement, it was usually given to the Transshipment Department.

"That's it"

Zhang Fei nodded with a smile and asked: "Did Deputy Ambassador Zhou hear what Bachelor Wang said just now?"

Zhou Ge nodded.

Zhang Fei asked: "Xueshi Wang thinks that in the past, various government agencies always fought with each other, so that fortifications were often delayed. Is it true?"

After Zhou Ge hesitated for a moment, he nodded and said: "This is the case."

Zhang Fei said: "Then after the emergence of the River Water Resources Department, has the situation improved?"

Zhou Ge nodded and said, "Yes."

Zhang Fei lowered his head and glanced at the copy, and then asked: "But regarding the escape of the Chanzhou sailors, it seems that this situation has happened again. The Transportation Department did not provide enough food and clothing in time to support the River Water Conservancy Department. ."

Zhou Ge suddenly said with grievance: "It's not that we don't support the river defense, but because the Hebei Transportation Department was at the end of its rope at that time and couldn't give much support at all."

Zhang Fei asked: "How can we say this when the mountains and rivers are exhausted?"

Zhou Ge said: "Because it was the time when the autumn tax was collected, the collected tax money was only in the local warehouse and had not yet been sent to the warehouse of the transportation department. At this time, the transportation department was the most empty. time.

In addition, when we first learned about this, it was in September, and at that time we thought there was no need to prepare clothes. Who knew that the construction would not start until November.

Compared with September, the expenditure required to start construction in November is greater, and our transportation department has also become more strapped. Because the autumn tax has not yet been calculated, it is impossible to allocate enough food in time. ”

Zhang Fei asked: "Can't you even provide food and clothing for eight hundred sailors?"

"Yes." Zhou Ge nodded and said: "Because the Minister of River Defense has been building water conservancy projects everywhere in the past few years, and basically managed all the rivers in Hebei. At the same time, tens of thousands of people were labored and hundreds of thousands were spent. The county treasury has already bottomed out, and at the same time, our transportation department still has to meet the needs of the Hebei Forbidden Army.

Not only that, too much labor is used to control floods, which has also seriously affected local people's farming. This has led to a continuous decrease in Hebei's tax revenue in recent years. Therefore, it is difficult for us to transfer so much clothing from prefectures and counties in a short period of time. The grain is given to the River Water Conservancy Department. ”

Zhao Xu in the Buddhist hall unconsciously slapped his hand on the handle of the chair, looking extremely annoyed.

Empress Dowager Cao glanced at Zhao Xu and breathed a sigh of relief, but didn't say anything.

If she said anything about this matter, it might be an interference in politics, but in her heart she also hoped that the emperor would think deeply and think twice before acting.

Zhang Fei looked down at the copy again, then raised his head and said to Zhou Ge: "About three years ago, the fifth dam of the name burst, and the disaster was particularly serious. The river flooded Guantao, Yongji, Qingyang and other counties. A large area to the north. Is this possible?"

Zhou Ge nodded and said: "It is true."

Zhang Fei asked: "How did the court respond at that time?"

Zhou Gedao: "At that time, the imperial court first ordered our transportation department to try to plug the gap, and Cheng Dujian was also involved. After we inspected the disaster, Cheng Dujian proposed a plan to divert water from the pond to irrigate Shenzhou farmland, and on the other hand, On the one hand, the management plan to deepen and widen the Ergu River has been approved by His Majesty."

Zhang Fei asked: "What was the result?"

Zhou Gedao: "The result is relatively successful."

Cheng Fang suddenly held his head high and his chest high. This was his greatest achievement. He also relied on this to become famous in one battle and then drifted away.

Zhang Fei asked: "Can Deputy Envoy Zhou explain in detail the process and the responsibilities of the Hebei Transshipment Department?"

Zhou Ge said in an excited tone: "Actually, our Hebei Transportation Department and the local government are doing everything. They mobilize millions of laborers and raise the food and clothing needed by millions of people. Anyway, it is what Cheng Dujian asked. That's how we cooperated. The difficulty was even greater than fighting against Liao, and the officials of the Transportation Department almost couldn't sleep for days and nights."

"Really?"

Zhang Fei said: "But according to our procuratorate's investigation, after the completion of this fortification, the imperial court's reward did not mention the Transportation Department."

Zhou Ge suddenly smiled strangely.

Zhang Fei also smiled and asked: "Is there anything funny about this?"

Zhou Ge said with a smile: "Because all the credit goes to one person, Cheng Dujian. As for why this happened, I think Prosecutor Zhang should ask Cheng Dujian."

"Okay."

Zhang Fei nodded, then immediately turned to look at Cheng Fang, "Cheng Dujian, what do you think of this?"

Cheng Fang seemed to be thinking about something when he suddenly heard Zhang Fei's question. He couldn't help being startled, but then he sneered and said: "The credit is not all credited to one person in our family, but the blame is all borne by our family. Their transportation department secretly reported the matter to Yushitai, but don’t think that our family doesn’t know anything. But he also said that they were the ones doing this, so why did it become our family’s fault to kill the husband?”

Hearing this, Zhou Ge immediately said angrily: "Cheng Dujian really has the nerve to say that it wasn't you who was behind the rush. As for us recruiting so many laborers and urging them to work day and night, we were exhausted in that month. Tired work, exhausting the inventory, and as a result, you took all the credit for yourself. You rose through the ranks in the court, serving as Minister of River Defense, and then sentenced to Dazhou, while our transshipment department didn't even get a promotion.

People around here didn't know it, and thought that Cheng Dujian would use magic to complete such a large fortification by himself. ”

The more I spoke, the more I felt aggrieved. Later, my tone became choked with sobs.

Cheng Fang said: "Why does our family have no shame to say that the imperial court originally asked your transportation department to try to block the breach, but you were incompetent and couldn't think of a way. In the end, our family tried every means to block the breach and irrigate the farmland at the same time. Could it be that we Shouldn’t family take the first place?"

Zhou Ge snorted: "We really can't think of a way, because we don't dare to ignore the people's livelihood and start a million-dollar war."

"Okay!"

Xu Zun suddenly said: "This is a hearing, not a market. Prosecutor Zhang should try not to speak before asking, otherwise, this hearing will never get a result."

The two of them gave up.

But the officials sitting there were as clear as a mirror, and Sima Guang glared at Wang Anshi viciously.

Wang Anshi did not hesitate to give in and glared at Sima Guang angrily.

In Sima Guang's view, this was all caused by Wang Anshi's connivance with Cheng Fang, but in Wang Anshi's view, Cheng Fang was greedy for merit on the one hand, but on the other hand, it was because Liu Zhi held onto Cheng Fang and wouldn't let him go. He must give Cheng Fang greater support.

Zhang Fei followed the argument between Zhou Ge and Cheng Fang and continued to ask Zhou Ge: "Deputy Envoy Zhou just mentioned that he did not dare to disregard the people's livelihood and prosper millions of people, so what does Deputy Envoy Zhou think about labor service?" How do you see it?"

Zhou Ge said: "Generally speaking, the Xiang soldiers bear the vast majority of the labor, so that it will not delay the people's livelihood, and will not cause public resentment. In addition, if the Xiang soldiers bear the labor, the government can actually make the most reasonable decision. There are too many variables in the arrangement, including the collection and distribution of labor, and it is difficult for the government to control it.

However, Superintendent Cheng was too eager for quick success and instant gain, completely ignoring the people's livelihood and the difficulties of the Transportation Department and local counties. When he saw the problem, he demanded immediate rectification and demanded that it be completed within a short period of time, which resulted in the recruitment of a large number of laborers. , spending huge amounts of money and food. The key point is that he has not thought it through carefully, which often leads to a waste of manpower and material resources.

For example, in Zhending Mansion two years ago, he was in a rush for construction and decided to build a bridge hastily. In less than a month, he immediately recruited thousands of laborers, but found that it was not feasible at all, so he immediately demolished it and used a boat ferry .

Situations like this are common on rivers in Hebei. ”

Cheng Fang was furious. If Xu Zun wasn't on top, he would have to retort.

Zhang Fei nodded and continued to ask: "Deputy Envoy Zhou, after the breach of the fifth dam, is your Transportation Department still willing to cooperate with the establishment of the River Water Conservancy Department?"

When Sima Guang heard this, his heart skipped a beat. What a good boy, he is still so sinister.

Zhou Ge was stunned for a moment, pondered for a while, and replied cautiously: "To be honest with Zhang Prosecutor, we were reluctant, but we did not dare to disobey, because since then, all the officials in Hebei were very afraid of Cheng Du Two years ago, Cheng Dujian started repairing the Zhang River again and mobilized another hundred thousand laborers. However, just like this time, it was carried out without preparation by our transportation department, resulting in several times more losses. Come."

Zhang Fei asked: "How to determine the hundreds of extra losses?"

Zhou Gedao: "If the arrangements are made one year in advance, our transshipment department will be able to stock up on the construction of the river section first in terms of transferring goods and manpower arrangements.

At that time, Cheng Dujian kept urging, that is, wherever there is food, transport it from there, and transfer it to where there are people. This can only be done without any rules, and the losses along the way are incalculable. ”

Zhang Fei said: "How much loss can be reduced if we plan it in advance?"

Zhou Gedao: "We have calculated statistics afterwards, and the loss can be reduced by at least two-thirds. The key is to open the Zhanghe River. It is not an emergency need, and there is no need to be so anxious.

But whenever someone tried to persuade him, he threatened to delay the fortifications, so no one dared to say anything wrong.

After this battle, the people of Hebei were forced to flee in all directions. The disaster they caused was far greater than the flood. Now the people of Hebei say that they would rather be washed away by the flood than be used by Chengdu Supervisor again. .

When Hebei Xiang soldiers and laborers were exhausted, the imperial court could only mobilize urgent men from other states and counties to build rivers. And this is why Cheng Dujian wants to mobilize sailors, because Hebei has no one to serve and no money to use. ”

Many officials shook their heads and sighed after hearing this.

Boos also sounded from the outside.

This is also the first time.

Because the people did not understand the previous questions and answers very well and did not know who was right or wrong. But when it comes to this, the people understand in their hearts that if you treat water and treat water without caring about people's livelihood, it is better not to treat it at all.

Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing both had dark faces when they heard the boos.

Empress Dowager Cao was sitting in front of the Buddha statue. After hearing these remarks, the hand that moved the beads gradually became more and more messy. She opened her lips several times, but finally said nothing.

Zhao Xu saw this and was very angry. In fact, he was very hesitant about whether to dig the Zhanghe River. It was indeed too expensive and he was reluctant to part with it.

However, Cheng Fang did this strongly and even threatened to resign. In addition, Wang Anshi was also extremely supportive.

But now he has made up his mind that he can't go on like this. No amount of money or people will be enough.

After Zhou Ge went down, Wang Gong also sent word to Mingzhou general magistrate Liu En to attend.

Zhang Fei first asked as usual whether he was representing himself or the state. Liu En said that he was here to testify on behalf of Mingzhou.

"According to our procuratorate's investigation, officials in Mingzhou once said that the local people were happy to do corvee work. I wonder if that is true?"

Zhang Fei asked.

Before he finished speaking, there were boos from the outside.

Enjoy doing corvee work?

How shameless to say such a thing.

"Quiet!"

Xu Zun banged the gavel and scolded.

The court police also immediately raised the wooden sign of silence.

After the boos subsided, Liu En nodded and said: "Yes, open the Zhang River, and Mingzhou will dispatch 10,000 corvees to help."

Zhang Fei said: "Did Judge Liu Tong hear those boos just now?"

"Yes."

Liu En said immediately: "But they don't know the truth."

Zhang Fei smiled and asked: "I don't know if Liu Tongpuan can elaborate on it."

Liu En immediately said: "Before the river course was changed, the people of Mingzhou were suffering from floods. After the supervision of Chengdu, the people of Mingzhou were not only free from floods, but the dry rivers were also restored under the supervision of Chengdu. , draining silt and irrigating silt, these rivers have turned into tens of thousands of hectares of fertile farmland for the people to cultivate, and the people are naturally happy to do corvee work."

Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing, who were still very depressed just now, couldn't help but feel refreshed.

Han Qi whispered: "This boy is really not biased. If you hit him with a stick here, he will quickly send you a big date over there."

Fu Bi said: "Let alone hitting him with a stick, so what if he kills him? If the problem is not solved, it will be meaningless."

Han Qi nodded, fully agreeing with this.

At their age, they are extremely disgusted with party struggle. Historically, although they opposed the new law, they expressed it by keeping a respectful distance, rather than recalling the earth-shaking fight with Wang Anshi when they were young.

Because they found that fighting is meaningless and will never solve the problem.

Zhang Fei asked: "Should you have heard what Vice Envoy Zhou and the others said just now?"

Liu En nodded.

Zhang Fei said: "What does Liu Tongpian think of this?"

Liu Endao: "I can't say this, but for Mingzhou, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, because the people of Mingzhou have been suffering from floods all year round. They are very eager to get treatment, but they can hardly do it with Mingzhou's own efforts. , it requires the concerted efforts of all states and counties in Hebei, but in the past everyone was cleaning up the trouble on their own. It was not until the establishment of the River Water Conservancy Department that the situation was improved. Most of our Mingzhou officials are very supportive of Cheng Dujian."

Suddenly, many officials scoffed. Isn’t what you said just sweeping away the snow?

However, many officials nodded in agreement, saying that you cannot just look at one side of the story.

Zhang Fei said: "So the situation where husbands were raped to death as mentioned by Vice Envoy Zhou did not happen in Mingzhou?"

Liu En hesitated for a while, "Similar things will happen to some extent. Of course, there are people in Mingzhou who are deserting, but most of the people are very active in this, so the fortifications are built very quickly."

Zhang Fei nodded, then looked down at the copy, "Just now Liu Tongjian said that there are tens of thousands more fertile fields in Mingzhou, but this does not seem to be reflected in the tax revenue."

Liu En was stunned and said warily: "I don't know much about this, and what does this have to do with this matter?"

Zhang Fei said: "I just want to confirm whether tens of thousands of fertile fields are really coming."

Liu Endao: "This matter is absolutely true. The imperial court can send people to investigate."

Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, "The imperial court will send people to investigate. Thank you very much Liu Tongxuan for appearing in court to testify."

"I don't dare, this is a matter of responsibility." Liu En smiled, with a trace of fear in his eyes.

But in fact, the officials present have a clear mind. With so many fields, how much of it can fall on the people, of course, cannot be reflected in taxes.

Fu Bi whispered to Han Qi: "You don't have a share, do you?"

Han Qi hummed: "Do I need it?"

Happy National Day, I hope everyone can get off the expressway as soon as possible!