Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 662: Advance as retreat

When it comes to solving financial problems, Zhang Fei still prefers to cooperate with these businessmen.

First of all, of course, because the bureaucratic system of the Song Dynasty was too complicated, and Zhang Fei thought that his IQ could not control it.

Secondly, he doesn't have many people under his command. To be honest, Cai Jing is the only one. Like Shangguan Jun and Cai Bian, it's just a teacher-student relationship. If you order them to do things, you have to be moved with emotion and understand them with reason.

On the contrary, if he cooperates with Fan Zheng and Ma Tianhao, the relationship is relatively simple, even if he is chasing profit, he can also command it.

After talking with Ma Tianhao, Zhang Fei went to find Li Bao again and asked him to pay close attention to the situation in the northwest, especially Hezhong Mansion.

The core of Northwest finance lies in the Hezhong Prefecture, because the annual salt profits of the Hezhong Prefecture can pay millions of military expenditures.

Not only that, but the Hezhong Mansion is Zhang Fei's base.

When their chief judge left, the people of Hezhong Mansion fell into panic for a while, fearing that they would go back to the past. They really enjoyed the benefits brought by the public security law, but the current people, they believe people, they don’t believe But soon, everyone found that nothing had changed, and life went on as usual.

But it didn't take long before news of the great victory of Xihe Tuobian, which undoubtedly cast a shadow over the finances of Hezhong Mansion.

There is a saying that misfortunes never come singly, but at this time, another thing that made things worse happened.

Hezhong Mansion, South Street, in front of a salt shop.

"Three catties of salt. I want three catties."

"Five catties! I will buy five catties."

"What do you squeeze, I come first, give me first, give me first."

But I saw more than a hundred people crowded in front of a small salt store, waving salt bills, buying salt frantically, and the workers in the salt store were so busy that they were in a hurry.

Not far away, the two old men looked at this scene with sad faces.

These two old men are really old partners Yuan Jiang and Cai Yanqing.

The two of them have made great contributions to the success of the Hezhong Mansion.

"This timing is really unlucky!"

Yuan Jiang sighed heavily, "There is a rush to ask for military expenses, but this year happens to be the first batch of salt debt due, those salt merchants, salt merchants, etc. have been waiting for this day for a long time, they will not let this easily go Opportunity."

Cai Yanqing said: "Do we have enough salt to exchange these salt debts?"

Yuan Jiang whispered: "Yes, but if the salt debt is exchanged, it will be difficult for many salt merchants to get salt this year, and many state capitals will inevitably be short of salt next year."

Cai Yanqing asked: "Didn't you consider this at the beginning?"

Yuan Jiang said: "Why not, but Zhang San said he has a solution."

"How?"

"Hey, that's the problem. He didn't say it at the time. When he left, I... I forgot to ask him."

"That's good. Now everyone is exchanging salt notes for salt. At this time, if we issue more salt notes, not only will no one be willing to accept them, but it may also cause more people to exchange salt. The first batch Before the salt debt expires, the government cannot issue the salt debt, so what will happen to Xihe's military expenditure?"

"It's not just that simple. Yanzhou, Suizhou, and Fuzhou on the northern line have all sent people to negotiate with our transshipment department. They are worried that we will transfer the salt profit to Xihe. This is really troublesome."

This is really no coincidence. Originally, the salt power of the Hezhong Mansion was mainly used to deal with the Northwest War. The opening of the Xihe River will undoubtedly add another battlefield to the Northwest Region. The loss will definitely increase a lot, but it is just right. This Xihe River The great victory met the maturity of the salt debt.

The salt merchants and banknote merchants have been looking forward to this year for a long time, and they have started to act as monsters in this year. As long as the salt production cannot keep up, the price of salt bonds will inevitably rise.

They hope to use the salt debt to lock up and release the salt, which will lead to the rise of the salt debt, forcing salt merchants everywhere to take orders at a high price.

This is a businessman who only seeks profit, and they don't care that the final burden will be transferred to the people. Since you dared to buy salt debt before, your government must bear the consequences.

This led to a series of chain reactions. In the original financial operation, the government issued salt bills in Bianzhou, and salt merchants went to Bianzhou to buy salt bills, and then took the salt bills to Jiezhou to exchange salt, and then sold them in various places.

But this year's situation has led to anyone who dares to go to Bianzhou to buy salt banknotes. They all know that the salt debt will lock up at least one-third of the salt production. The value of banknotes can only be overdrawn and sold to them.

This further makes the salt shortage, and it is even more difficult to issue salt banknotes this year. No one dares to buy them, but the price of salt bonds seems to be rising.

The salt money corresponds to the military rations, and it just so happens that the military rations are doubled directly.

This put the Hezhong government's finances into crisis.

There is nothing Yuan Jiang can do about this. When he got the salt debt, he thought of this.

But Zhang Fei said at the time not to worry, he will take care of everything.

As a result, before the three-year period came, Zhang Fei slapped his **** and got out of the way. At the same time, he encountered the Xihe war, and all the pressure was concentrated on Yuan Jiang.

It can be seen from this that the great victory of Xihe came so suddenly that no one expected it, including Wang Shao himself. Although he proposed the plan, he did not dare to think of it. In the First World War, Wuzhou was recovered, more than 2,000 miles were expanded, and the Xihe channel was opened.

Because Wang Shao used both soft and hard tactics to induce many Qiang and Tubo leaders to surrender, if your army withdraws, they may immediately rebel.

Causes very high administrative costs.

It has been forced to divert part of the military expenditure on the northern front to the Xihe area. Because of the disarmament in the past two years, there is some room for maneuver.

But this also caused dissatisfaction in Yansui and Fuzhou.

Key generals from all walks of life are ready to move, we can win the battle, you give us our military expenses.

Because the last military trial was actually subtly changing the military system of the Northern Song Dynasty. Military generals will not be so afraid of civilian officials or supervising the army. As long as I do my job well, I can impeach you at will. Let's see who's innocent.

Due to the existence of the public security law, many situations are changing. The government dare not easily ask the people for money to supplement military expenses. As long as there is a problem, it will be able to respond immediately.

The censors from all walks of life also saw the financial crisis of Hezhong Mansion. Out of various interests, they immediately wrote memorials to impeach Wang Shao.

This is a traditional program of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Whether you win or lose, you can fight internally.

The imperial court was discussing how to govern the Xihe River, but as soon as these memorials came, Zhao Xu immediately stood on Zhang Fei's strategy. He still had to find ways to unite the internal forces first, otherwise, there would be endless troubles.

Wang Anshi also felt a little anxious, and he didn't know the situation there.

We need to discuss this matter quickly, so as not to get out of hand.

There must be a compromise between the two parties.

Tokyo Bianliang.

Early morning hours.

"Boom boom boom!"

Early in the morning, Xu Zhiqian came to Gao Wenyin's door, "Sister Gao, are you up yet?"

"Zhiqian, come in quickly."

"You are all up."

Seeing that Zhang Fei was already sitting in front of the bronze mirror, Xu Zhiqian couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and then said to Gao Wenyin, "Sister Gao, do you want me to help?"

Gao Wenyin hurriedly said: "No need, it will be done soon."

Xu Zhiqian sat on the side obediently.

Zhang Fei felt a little weird, "Zhiqian, what's the matter?"

Xu Zhiqian said: "It's all right!"

"Are you so quiet?"

Zhang Fei wondered: "In the past when we went to a lawsuit, you always urged me to burn my head."

Xu Zhiqian hurriedly said: "You are going to the Chui Gong Hall to discuss matters today, so you have to prepare meticulously, so don't make a joke."

She was still very worried about Zhang Fei's behavior. The Chui Gong Hall was the highest conference room in the Song Dynasty.

Zhang Fei rolled his eyes, "Wang Xueshi can go for all his virtues, but you are still worried about this."

Xu Zhiqian felt a little flustered when she heard this, and said, "Why do you compare yourself to Xueshi Wang?"

Zhang Fei said: "Why can't we compare, I am the protagonist today, okay."

Xu Zhiqian was too lazy to argue with him, so she told Gao Wenyin with her lips that she must be more careful today.

Today, Zhao Xu is going to hold a special meeting in the Chuigong Hall to discuss the expansion of the Xihe River. Because of Wang Shao's memorial, Zhang Fei is called by name, and Zhang Fei must attend this meeting.

This is Zhang Fei's first time participating in such a high-level meeting.

Of course Xu Zhiqian was very nervous. After all, Zhang Fei was usually too casual, but on that occasion, he couldn't talk nonsense.

After finishing dressing with difficulty, Zhang Fei flirtatiously twisted his waist a few times in front of the bronze mirror, "Why are you so handsome, I'm not going to a brothel."

Xu Zhiqian was stunned, "You're right, it's not good to be too glamorous, many prime ministers are advocating simplicity, or else, Sister Gao, give him a change, anyway, there is enough time."

"Just save yourself."

Zhang Fei glared at her immediately, "This man is handsome, and his clothes look eye-catching, useless."

After finishing speaking, he hurried out the door, fearing that Xu Zhiqian and Gao Wenyin would grab him again and make a fuss.

But when he got into the carriage, seeing Li Bao sitting in it, he immediately felt weak, "My God! I'm already busy enough now, don't give me any more trouble."

Li Bao said with a sympathetic face: "I don't want to either, but there is an urgent letter from Hezhong Mansion."

Zhang Fei asked: "What's the matter?"

Li Bao said: "It's about the salt debt. The first batch of salt debt will expire this year."

Zhang Fei blinked, "But it's due at the end of the year, and there's still half a year left, why are you in such a hurry?"

Li Bao said: "But those salt merchants and banknote merchants have already started to act. They are encouraging the people to exchange salt banknotes for salt, implying that everyone will be locked in the salt debt this year, causing the people to rush to use salt. Money is exchanged for salt, and the price of salt bonds is rising all the way.”

Zhang Fei said: "But we have a countermeasure for this matter, and you know it."

Li Bao nodded and said: "Yes, we do have enough private salt in our hands, but the problem is that we just met Xihe Tuobian, and the burden on Hezhong Prefecture has become heavier, and the military expenditure has exceeded before the disarmament. Not only In this way, the Zhe family and Zhong family on the northern line are also very dissatisfied with the transfer of military expenditures on the northern line to Xihe, and the situation there is very complicated now."

"Wait!"

Zhang Fei suddenly said: "That is to say, in the past, the salt money was mainly used for the northern line?"

Li Bao nodded and said: "Of course, the most elite troops in the northwest were concentrated on the northern front, such as the Zhejia Army, Zhongjia Army, and Yaojia Army."

Zhang Fei blinked, "There is no rush, I have to think about it carefully, you sort out the financial situation in Northwest China, and we will discuss it with you after this meeting is over."

"Yes."

After talking with Li Bao, the carriage also came to the imperial city, Zhang Fei got off the carriage directly, and Li Bao left in the carriage.

Just entering the imperial city, Lan Yuanzhen greeted him personally.

When they came to the Chui Gong Hall, Lan Yuanzhen turned to Zhang Fei, "Scholar Sima and the others are in the room to the east, and Scholar Wang and the others are in the room to the west. Which one are you going to go to?"

This shit?

Zhang Fei was in a dilemma when he was eating three meals. He looked left and right for a while, but he was still uncertain.

The **** Lan Yuanzhen, seeing Zhang Fei's dilemma, couldn't stop laughing.

After half a sound.

Zhang Fei finally choked out a sentence, "I want to go to the latrine."

"President Zhang please."

Lan Yuanzhen said with a smile.

It dragged on for a long time, but it could be regarded as the beginning of the meeting. Zhang Fei followed the ministers into the hall very low-key, and Lan Yuanzhen told him, just stand at the back.

Although he has a lot of power, his rank is very low, and he still wears green robes.

After Zhao Xu came, there was no need to kneel down and kowtow. After all, this was not a court meeting, but a key meeting, and the ministers saluted very casually.

Lv Huiqing and Deng Wan took the lead to stand up and praised Wang Shao's achievements in the Xihe area, and then praised Zhao Xu's brilliance and martial arts. This is the largest territorial recovery since Taizu Taizong. With this great achievement, it is comparable to Taizu Taizong.

Anyway, what they are talking about is hype.

After all, this is the first time Zhao Xu has held a meeting since the news of the Xihe victory. This must be bragged about, and the key point is that it is worth bragging about. The credit is too great.

Conservatives are silent and cold-eyed.

A little sour!

Of course Zhao Xu was also very happy, and immediately ordered Wang Shao to be granted the title of Doctor Zuo Jianyi, a Bachelor of Duanming Palace, a knowledge of Xizhou, and in charge of the military and administration of Xihe Road. False, celebrate celebrating.

The atmosphere needs to be raised, and this achievement must be confirmed.

Liu Shu stood up suddenly and said: "Your Majesty, although the envoy Wang Xuanfu achieved a great victory in Xihe, because he was greedy for meritorious service, he did not consider the logistics supply, and the loss of the people's strength in the Northwest during the war." Not small, the roads in Shaanxi have been unable to afford the supply of the entire front.”

Zhao Xu's expression changed, and he frowned and said: "For a long time, the people of Bianzhou have been harassed by the Tubo and Qiang people in Xihe. I think it is worthwhile for the people to be harassed again.”

Zhao Yan said: "Your Majesty's words are very true, but how to solve the supply of the front line is a top priority. The people in the northwest have been eroded by war all year round and can no longer afford it."

Wang Anshi stood up and said: "Regarding this matter, the envoy Wang Xuanfu has stated in the memorial that the countermeasures are to send Chief Judge Zhang to the local area to establish a public security law, use the public security law to maintain local stability, and at the same time use the location of the Xihe River traffic hub to open up trade. , get military expenses from it, and reduce the burden on the roads in the northwest. I also agree with this very much.”

A large group of people immediately stood up and expressed their approval.

All reformers.

On the contrary, none of the conservatives stood up, and they were all dumbfounded.

Whose political idea is judicial reform?

But anyone who understands understands.

They just don't want Zhang Fei to stay in the capital. Once Zhang Fei enters the procuratorate, no one will sleep soundly. Moreover, they suspect that if Zhang Fei stays in the capital, he will carry out reforms targeting the Tokyo area.

That place is so dangerous, there are people rebelling every day, it is very suitable for Zhang Fei to go there.

At this time, Sima Guang suddenly stood up, "Your Majesty, the public security law is by no means omnipotent. It is impossible to go there and solve the problem. Moreover, the problem of Xihe is mainly due to the fact that our country's finances cannot make ends meet, and it is difficult to maintain foreign military expansion. It is not something that can be solved by the public prosecutor’s law.”

Wang Anshi immediately said: "Since the first battle of Qingli, our court has been sticking to the defensive strategy, but the result is that the people on the border are often harassed and in fear all day long. If we don't show our army's momentum, Xixia, Tubo, The Qiang people will be confident."

Sima Guang said: "About this point, I agree. This is the battle of Xihe. The biggest gain is that it can deter the surrounding area.

But if we go one step further, whether it is Xixia or Tubo, they have to consider their own survival, and they will definitely fight back. However, it is impossible for our government to afford large-scale foreign military use for the time being.

Chairman Zhang worked hard in Hezhong Mansion to build the Public Prosecution Law and the Taxation Department, which restored the local people's livelihood. Start to question the public security law, so how can the public security law be established in the Xihe area? "

The implication is that I agree with the results of this battle, but it cannot continue, and the finances simply cannot afford it.

Wen Yanbo also stood up immediately and said, "Your Majesty, what Bachelor Sima said is very reasonable. The country is currently undergoing reforms and has made some achievements. Reducing the burden on the people is the key to the success of reforms. Raising troops will inevitably increase the burden on the people, and it will also make the reform face failure. I beg your Majesty to focus on the domestic people's livelihood, and make plans after the national strength is restored."

Lu Huiqing immediately said: "The morale of our army is high now. If we stop, I'm afraid it will affect the morale of our army."

Lu Gong said: "Morale depends on whether you can reward your meritorious deeds. Once you resort to military action, you will only end in failure. Just as soon as the front line wins, you will immediately be in a hurry. It can be seen that our country is currently not ready for a large-scale war. .”

Chen Shengzhi said: "Although it is said that a warlike man will die, but if he forgets the war, he will be in danger. The safety of the border is directly related to the survival of the country. How can money be measured?"

Fu Bidao: "The privy envoy's words are reasonable and right. Although the old country is big, it will perish if it is warlike. What's more, our national power has not yet recovered, so we should be more cautious."

If the national power is strong, even if it is warlike, it will surely perish. With the current national strength of my Great Song Dynasty, let alone warlike, it is difficult to start a war.

Zeng Gongliang stood up and said: "However, the Xihe victory has enabled our army to gain absolute initiative on the western front. This must not be handed over to others. Although it is not appropriate to go further at this time, we can first consolidate the Xihe area , and then gradually recover the old places of the Central Plains.”

He is one of the few prime ministers who supports Xihe's strategy of expanding borders. He thinks that it is necessary to fight, and he always shrinks.

Speaking of which, these prime ministers have actually made some compromises, and they are just acting out for others to see.

Zhao Xu nodded and said: "Zhuqing's words are very reasonable. We must immediately reward the generals of Xihe for their meritorious deeds to maintain the morale of our army. We should also not show weakness to the outside, so as not to harbor unruly people. Sneak in.

At the same time, the country should quickly get rid of the ills, restore national strength, restore people's livelihood, and avoid such situations from happening again. "

"Your Majesty is wise."

All the prime ministers said in unison.

These words show that the country's focus should still be placed on the country, and foreign expansion should be stopped for a while, but the homeland that has been won must be defended well, and at the same time, local military deterrence must be maintained.

Anyway, let's take a step back.

We will not continue to raise troops abroad, but everyone must work together to consolidate the control over the Xihe area.

Zhao Xu swept his eyes and said, "Chairman Zhang is here."

"The minister is here."

Zhang Fei raised his hand subconsciously at first, but when he found something wrong, he quickly put down his hand, stood up, and bowed his hand.

Zhao Xu didn't care about these things, and said: "Wang Xuanfu envoy highly respected Judge Zhang's achievements in the Hezhong Mansion. Would Judge Zhang be willing to go to the northwest for me to build a public security law on Xihe Road?"

Zhang Fei was full of confidence and said: "It is my honor to be able to share your majesty's worries. Of course I am willing to go."

Zhao Xu said happily: "Then you have the confidence to manage Xihe Road well?"

"The minister is very sure."

Zhang Fei said confidently.

Everyone looked sideways at him, very sure, is this kid really so powerful?

Or are you going to do something crooked again?

Zhao Xu hurriedly asked, "What's your plan?"

Zhang Fei said: "In fact, the key to governing Xihe Road is how to remove the military power of the local chiefs. As long as their military power is removed, the local situation can be stabilized."

As soon as these words came out, many ministers turned blue in fright.

"You are pure nonsense."

Chen Shengzhi immediately said: "Those chiefs have hundreds of thousands of soldiers in their hands. How could they be willing to be relieved of military power? If you do this, it will only make the local area more chaotic."

Zhang Fei said very forcefully: "It should be broken, and it will be disrupted. It knows that the root cause is here. If it is not cured, how can it be governed well.

When they rebel, the price we will pay will be even greater. drop them. "

Meng Gansheng and the others were dumbfounded by these words.

They want Zhang Fei to die, but if you do this, the entire Xihe achievements may be wiped out. This is not sending us to death, but taking us all into the ditch.

"Severely punished?"

Zeng Gongliang, who didn't know it yet, couldn't help but said: "You said it lightly, but how could they just sit and wait for death?"

Zhang Fei said: "When the Hezhong Mansion disarmed, many people expressed their concerns, but how is it now? Nothing happened. The Public Security Bureau can quickly win the hearts of the local people. As long as the people's hearts are in their favor, even if they rebel, they cannot survive How long."

Lu Huiqing stood up and said: "Mr. Zhang, this matter should be done step by step. Don't rush it."

Zhang Fei said: "My suggestion is based on the fact that they broke the law. If they break the law and don't punish them, it will be difficult to establish the public security law. This is killing chickens and monkeys, killing two birds with one stone."

The atmosphere was very awkward for a while.

This judge is too fierce.

Can it be done?

It's too risky!

Zhao Xu is also pretending to be entangled.

Of course he also wants to remove the military power of those great chiefs, but the problem is that it is impossible at present.

Sima Guang saw that Zhang Fei's performance was about the same, so he stood up and said, "Your Majesty, although Chief Judge Zhang is very talented and his attainment in law is beyond compare, but Chief Judge Zhang is inexperienced and has never been in a war. It's been a lot of experience."

Zhang Fei said depressedly: "Scholar Sima, I'm actually very sure."

Sima Guang frowned and said, "Shut up."

Zhang Fei scratched his head depressedly.

Zhao Xu hurriedly borrowed the **** to get off the donkey, and asked, "What suggestion does Bachelor Sima have?"

Sima Guang immediately said: "I think you can send Lu Dajun from Lantian County and Fan Zhen from the Legal Aid Department of Hezhong Prefecture."

Lv Huiqing's expression changed, and he immediately stood up and said, "These two are not suitable, Lu Dajun is just a squire, and he has made no achievements in governing the country, so it is difficult to convince the public.

As for Fan Zhen's words, hmph, he wantonly spread rumors and slandered the New Deal last time, so how could he use them again. "

Sima Guang stroked Xu with a smile and said, "Although Lu Dajun is a squire, he is familiar with the public security law, and he proposed the "Lantian Township Treaty", which resolved the contradiction between the township law and the public security law, which shows his practice in jurisprudence.

As for Xihe Road, Tibetans, Qiang people, and Han people live together, so his talent is very suitable for Xihe's situation.

As for Fan Zhen, he is the censor, and he can hear the wind playing, so there is nothing wrong with it. Now he is working hard in the Legal Aid Department, seeking justice for many people. At the same time, he has been an official for decades, has rich experience, and is good at dealing with various crises faced by the people. This is what President Zhang does not have. "

Liu Shu immediately said: "Your Majesty, Wang Xuanfu's suggestion was not achieved in a day, but the current situation is that the local people are facing a survival crisis and need comfort and relief. Amazing.

The government must first help the local people out of the crisis and restore a stable environment for the local people before conducting business. Otherwise, bandits and bandits will be everywhere, and even if the policy is right, it will be impossible to conduct business. "

Many of Fan Zhen's old friends stood up and expressed their support.

Zhao Xu nodded slightly.

Lu Huiqing was a little anxious, so she couldn't help but look at Wang Anshi.

Wang Anshi stood up and said, "Your Majesty, what President Zhang just said is justified. The local chiefs are used to enjoying autonomy. If the public security law goes away, I'm afraid it will arouse their dissatisfaction. I suggest planning a major trade town in the local area first. Then try the public security law in this important town to avoid contradictions.”

The Minister of the Revolutionary School relaxed a little from his tense expression.

This is tantamount to drawing a circle to restrain Fan Zhen and the others.

But in other words, he promised to let Fan Zhen and the others go.

The conservative side is not sure about this, and they are also willing to accept you to draw a circle.

The two sides finally reached an agreement on this issue.

"I will leave this matter to Bachelor Sima to take full responsibility." Zhao Xu decided.

Sima Guang immediately stood up and said: "I obey."

Zhao Xu suddenly said again: "As for Chief Judge Zhang, Mr. Fu once suggested that Chief Judge Zhang be allowed to serve in the Beijing Procuratorate temporarily, because Qingzhou is undergoing debt restructuring, and this law was proposed by Chief Judge Zhang, and the Legislative Council also needs his assistance. .I also think what Fu Gong said is quite right, Judge Zhang, you can temporarily serve in the Procuratorate."

Zhang Fei cupped his hands unwillingly and said, "I obey."

"This is the end of today's meeting."