Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 668: Destined tragedy

Qi Hui's words immediately cheered up the scholar-bureaucrats who had almost collapsed.

Yes!

From the beginning to the end, this kid avoided talking about etiquette and talked about other things. This is obviously avoiding the important and taking the easy!

He didn't even mention the legal method. In the past, whenever he wanted to fight for anything, the legal method would never leave his mouth.

The concept of legal system is first of all the interests of the country and the monarch, and the fact is that Confucian etiquette and law are closely related to the interests of the country and the monarch.

This is absolutely beyond doubt, because Confucian etiquette can be understood as the values ​​​​of the world. If the values ​​​​collapse, then the country will be gone.

The emperor will be a loser then!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with defending etiquette and law under the legal concept.

So this guy is very cunning.

Fortunately, Qi Hui is also an official in the court who has a high level of knowledge in law, so he will not be fooled by him.

Faced with Qi Hui's doubts, Zhang Fei just smiled calmly and said: "President Qi's words make sense. The legal system first protects the interests of the country and the monarch. Etiquette and law definitely belong to the interests of both, but Qi The president is not defending etiquette, but defending public opinion."

Qi Hui frowned and said, "Defend public opinion?"

Zhang Fei asked: "I dare to ask President Qi, treat each other as guests, share joys and sorrows, is this what the etiquette of husband and wife pursues?"

Qi Hui hesitated for a moment and said: "Of course."

Zhang Fei said: "Liu Qin is lagging behind in her husband's family, but she never leaves her husband, takes good care of her, and fully supports her husband's academic achievements. Is this not a husband-wife ritual?"

Qi Hui remained silent as he did not understand this in advance.

Zhang Fei added: "And Liu Qing never left his wife when she was in the most difficult time. He would rather be alone and appeal for his wife. Is this not a courtesy for husband and wife?"

Qi Hui said: "But the Liu Qin family and the monks committed adultery in the temple and violated morals. If they are not severely punished, where will the etiquette and law be?"

"That's the problem."

Zhang Fei said: "Both belong to the etiquette and law. The former is respected by etiquette and law, while the latter is despised by etiquette and law. If President Qi is defending etiquette and law, then why does President Qi regard the virtues of Mrs. Liu Qing and others? You didn’t mention it at all, but instead guided public opinion to wantonly slander the couple?”

Qi Huidao: "I admit that I was a little negligent about this, but these have nothing to do with this case."

Zhang Fei immediately said: "It has nothing to do with this case. This refers to justice. If we only talk about justice, President Qi must abide by the principle of arresting an adulterer after his husband. But President Qi just said that he would defend etiquette and law. Since If you want to defend etiquette and law, you cannot ignore these virtues. You should at least delve into the internal causes and explain clearly the rights and wrongs of etiquette and law, instead of just saying what the public opinion wants to hear."

Qi Hui immediately retorted: "Don't talk nonsense, I don't just say what public opinion wants to hear."

Zhang Fei said: "However, in President Qi's judgment, it was retried repeatedly. The impact of this case was extremely bad, so we chose to make an exception. But I don't know what this 'impact' refers to?"

Qi Hui blinked.

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Actually, I can also understand what President Qi was thinking at that time, because he was caught in public and in a temple, which attracted a lot of attention and caused a huge public outcry. President Qi wanted to calm down the public's anger. , so we complied with public opinion and gave this judgment. But this is obviously a judicial taboo. As judicial officials, we must not be swayed by public opinion."

As he said that, he picked up the newspapers again, "These are the articles published at that time. They all used those rumors to tell how lewd Liu Qin was. It was simply impossible for anyone to do anything, and then told How evil or incompetent Liu Qing is, using this to uphold etiquette. But judging from the facts of today's investigation, it is all nonsense. What they are doing is not etiquette, but condescending."

Many scholar-bureaucrats blushed. They wrote articles at that time to praise etiquette and law on this case.

Who would have thought that these articles would become one of the supporting evidence for this case.

Zhang Fei continued: "Justice is the pursuit of the truth, the pursuit of the full picture of the incident, so that it can be fair and just. There is a big phenomenon in public opinion, that is, it is very easy to catch a glimpse of a leopard. This is A very classic combination, and also a very fatal combination. When the two meet, there will be grievances. If the judiciary is influenced by public opinion, there will be an unjust case in all likelihood."

Speaking of this, he raised his head and said loudly: "When I wanted to appeal the case, countless people warned me not to do this, as it would affect etiquette. And I responded as if they were farting. , laugh it off, I am a professional judicial official, but the chief judge of Shaanxi Road, how can I be swayed by their little ideas? As long as the evidence is found, our procuratorate will file an appeal."

The whole place was silent.

Both Sima Guang and Wang Anshi, the corners of their mouths were twitching.

Who the **** are you scolding?

Even Wang Gong and Qi Ji looked at Zhang Fei with question marks on their faces.

Brother! Do you want to experience the feeling of being stabbed in the back?

Zhao Pian coughed and said: "As a professional judicial official, should he be full of foul language?"

"Sorry! I was a little emotional just now. I take back the swear words I just said. I hope the president of the court will forgive me." Zhang Fei apologized quickly.

Zhao Peng also followed his words and said: "Then you should say something professional."

"Yes."

Zhang Fei added: "Let me talk about something professional now, that is, the legal system that President Qi mentioned just now. If you start from the legal concept of legal system, President Qi's judgment will only become more ridiculous.

I also emphasized one point in class, that is, the "Song Xingtong" of our dynasty was inherited from the "Tang Laws and Comments", and the "Tang Laws and Comments" was compiled based on Confucianism, that is, virtue governs and law assists , the law defends the lowest moral standard, while etiquette is a very high standard.

Based on this, President Qi’s decision is to abolish the lowest moral standards and then defend the highest moral standards. This may sound strange, but this is the fact.

And the results also tell us that doing this will directly cause most people to become bitter and lie without conscience, and some people who want to tell the truth are forced to fabricate facts and spread lies.

If it happens a few more times, the etiquette will collapse and the music will collapse. It can be seen that if you want to defend etiquette and law, you must first defend justice. To abolish judicial principles and defend etiquette and law is actually putting the cart before the horse, which is neither stupid nor bad. ”

As soon as he finished speaking, Qi Hui slumped down on the chair.

Sima Guang also had a headache when he saw this. Why are you talking so much? It's not like you don't know this brat's personality. If you don't mess with him, he will take care of your face. If you mess with him, he will definitely show no mercy.

Zhao Pian thought for a while and suddenly said: "Prosecutor Zhang, you have also been the president of the court. If you encountered this case, how would you judge?"

Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, and then replied: "Actually, this case is not complicated. If it were me, I would immediately find Liu Qing, inform him of what happened, and tell him that according to judicial principles, It’s up to him to decide whether to report this matter or not.”

Zhao Bian said: "But if the other party chooses not to complain, will this affect etiquette?"

Zhang Fei asked back: "Have you ever thought about whether your question will affect the administration of justice?"

Zhao Pian was startled by this hat, and said hurriedly: "I'm just asking, but I have no other intention."

Zhang Fei said seriously: "But the words of the chief judge are implying that observing the law may violate etiquette. I don't know what the chief judge's idea is based on when asking this question, but our prosecutor is based on the law." Litigation is not based on etiquette, so I don’t know how to answer the question of the chief judge."

Wang Gong was dumbfounded and couldn't help but whisper: "You are trying to offend everyone!"

Zhang Fei said: "Our procuratorate doesn't look at the president's face. Let's just discuss the matter. There is nothing to be afraid of. When we were in Hezhong Mansion, Su Ziyou would come to teach me a few words even if he had nothing to do. This is all for me. Learn from him."

Zhao Pian looked slightly embarrassed, pondered for a moment, nodded and said: "I'm sorry, the president made a mistake. I take it back."

I felt very aggrieved. When he said this, he actually wanted to silence the scholar-bureaucrats, but Zhang Fei turned him around.

It’s true that good intentions are not rewarded.

Zhang Fei continued: "When talking about the legal system, I once mentioned that etiquette can be used as a reference for crimes. If a person breaks the law, it also has extremely bad moral consequences. The impact can be severely punished.

But as far as this case is concerned, if Liu Qing does not file a lawsuit, Liu Qin cannot be convicted according to the law. If there is no conviction, then the conviction cannot be based on etiquette and law.

If etiquette and law can transcend judicial conviction, then I also want to know, who in the court can represent etiquette and law? Who can give me a standard for etiquette and punishment? If anyone can give me these answers, our procuratorate is actually willing to comply. ”

He said these words with force and force.

Wang Anshi smiled and said to himself, you brat, you really know how to exploit every opportunity.

He knew that the purpose of Zhang Fei's lawsuit was to suppress etiquette and law. Judiciary must also be independent of etiquette and law.

At this time, a scholar-official said angrily: "Does it mean that if you care about justice, you can ignore the public opinion?"

It’s finally here. I thought you had forgotten this trick. There is justice in numbers. Zhang Fei replied: "Of course not. Those who have gained the right will get more help, while those who have lost the right will get less help. Naturally, we cannot ignore the people's wishes, but this is not a fish-and-bear's paw problem. This can be solved.

The people of the world can request the imperial court to directly abolish this principle. The Legislative Council has this power. As long as it is abolished, our procuratorate will not file an appeal if such a case occurs again. It is as simple as that. ”

The scholar-bureaucrat was already irritated by Zhang Fei, and was about to say that I would go to the government to abolish this principle, but the people around him pulled him down, and he reacted and immediately sat down.

If you demand the abolition of this principle, then you may not be in the majority.

Zhang Fei smiled slightly, "You might as well think about it, why does such a principle appear? What is the reason?"

Zhao Piao stroked his beard.

No one responded.

Zhang Fei looked around, "Those who ask the government to severely punish the Liu Qin family, the answer has been given to you. As long as everyone demands the abolition of this principle, then you can punish people like Liu Qin family to your heart's content."

The whole place was completely silent.

After waiting for a while, Zhang Fei said: "As I said before, this lawsuit is not about avenging anyone, but about defending laws and regulations. It is about defending the legitimate rights and interests of everyone. As judicial officials, You can break the rules at will, and you will all suffer."

Meng Qiansheng suddenly shouted: "Is Prosecutor Zhang appealing or attending class?"

Some officials quickly echoed.

If you continue talking, this person’s mind has changed!

Zhao Bian also came to his senses and said quickly: "Prosecutor Zhang, you can make your closing statement."

Zhang Fei was stunned and said hurriedly: "Actually, what I said above is the closing statement I prepared. The verdict of the Xiangfu County Imperial Court will have irreversible consequences on the clear law of arresting an adulterous wife. Therefore, we sincerely request the Chief Justice to invalidate this judgment and hand over the final decision to Liu Qing.

There is also the matter about Miaokong. Miaokong is one of the key witnesses in this case and a relevant stakeholder in the case, and his confession will directly affect the judgment of the president.

According to the confessions of relevant witnesses, it is sufficient to prove that Miao Kong deliberately made false confessions in court, committing the crime of testifying without romance, and the circumstances were egregious. ”

Zhao Pian nodded. At this point in the interrogation, he gradually understood why Zhang Fei wanted to add this accusation and leave someone to sit here. In this way, the other party would have nothing to say and nothing to say. Pretending to check the confession again, he announced directly: "According to the lawsuit filed by the Procuratorate, the president of this court declares that the verdict of the Xiangfu County Imperial Court on the Liuyun Temple adultery case is invalid. Liu Qin's husband Liu Qing will decide whether to appeal. ."

"Roar!"

Before he finished speaking, there was a burst of thunderous cheers outside the hospital.

When the people heard this, they all understood that if they did not defend this principle, the next victim might be themselves.

Of course that's not possible.

This is the power of the people.

It can only be said that Zhang Fei could not help but win the lawsuit and reverse public opinion.

Many scholar-bureaucrats were so angry that they walked away.

The cheers made them feel a certain threat.

Wang Gong bowed his hands and said, "Prosecutor Zhang is indeed worthy of his reputation. We have learned a lesson."

Qi Ji also bowed his hand.

The lawsuit has been over. How could they not understand Zhang Fei’s intention, which is to warn them that focusing on justice means defending etiquette and law. They should not be coerced by public opinion, but they should explain it clearly. In this way , which will naturally gain everyone’s understanding.

This is actually very important, because before this, etiquette and justice had always been confused. In many cases, justice was hijacked by etiquette.

This case is the most classic example.

Qi Hui was concerned that the impact would be too great and was afraid that if he did not impose such a sentence, it would lead to a crusade from Shilin, so he did not care about Liu Qing's rights and interests, and the trial was actually relatively rough.

He only wanted to confirm one thing, that is, whether the adultery was a fact.

He believes that as long as this is true, there will be no problem with this verdict even if it is said to be unreasonable.

I can only say, sir, times have changed.

In fact, Qi Ji and Wang Gong thought the same way, but after this lawsuit, they also understood that this was not the spirit that the procuratorate should have.

Zhang Fei cupped his hands and said: "Where! Where! You all have contributed a lot to winning this lawsuit. So, I'll treat you. Let's go to a restaurant and have a good meal."

After saying that, he seemed to have thought of something, "You shouldn't be afraid to go out with me today, right?"

"Ashamed! Ashamed!"

A few people immediately packed up the copywriting.

Suddenly I heard a hoarse voice, "I won't sue! I won't sue! Please let my wife go."

A few people turned their heads to look, only to see Liu Qing being stopped outside by two court policemen, shouting at the top of his lungs. In fact, he had been shouting for a while, but it was covered up by everyone's cheers.

Wang Gong and Qi Ji smiled knowingly, and a sense of satisfaction suddenly welled up in their hearts.

But there was a flash of worry in Zhang Fei's eyes.

Lu Huiqing, who was about to leave with Wang Anshi, also heard Liu Qing’s shouts. He glanced at Liu Qing and immediately said to Wang Anshi: “Teacher, I think the reason why Zhang San went all out to fight this The lawsuit is Xiang Zhuang's sword dance, aimed at Pei Gong, and his main purpose may be to suppress etiquette. Just like when he was in class, he claimed to defend etiquette, but in fact he was upholding justice."

Wang Anshi said: "This is a hundred benefits and no harm to us!"

Lu Huiqing smiled and nodded.

The reformists also want to break some old traditions. At this point, they have a common enemy with Zhang Fei, but Sima Guang may feel uncomfortable.

"Xiye, don't take it too seriously. No one is a sage, and no one can make mistakes. I was also humiliated by that kid in Ayun's case."

Sima Guang couldn't help comforting him.

Liu Shu sighed: "Actually, you really shouldn't have stood up at that time. Zhang San didn't point the finger at you, so why should you."

Qi Hui raised his head and looked at them blankly, "So, do you all think I made a mistake?"

".!"

A few people were speechless for a while.

Zhao Bian has already sentenced him like this, then...!

Sima Guang said: "It's not that you are wrong. After all, this judgment has been carefully reviewed. Including Mr. Fu and I, none of us thought there was anything wrong with this judgment before."

Fu Bi and Wen Yanbo also nodded.

At this moment, I heard a commotion.

A few people looked up and faintly heard crying coming from over there.

Sima Guang couldn't help asking: "What happened?"

Fu Bi seemed to feel something was wrong, so he immediately asked his servants to ask.

Soon, the servant returned and said, "Sir, I heard that the convict woman Liu Qin just hit her head against the corner of the wall when the guards were not paying attention and died immediately."

"Huh?"

Everyone was shocked when they heard this.

Over there, Zhang Fei and Qi Ji finished the formalities and were about to get on the carriage and leave when they suddenly heard a shout from behind.

"Prosecutor Zhang! Prosecutor Zhang!"

Zhang Fei looked back and saw a court policeman running over. He couldn't help but frown slightly and asked, "What's the matter?"

The court policeman came to them and gasped slightly: "Just now. Just now, Liu Qin committed suicide by hitting the wall."

"Hoo!"

Everyone was shocked.

Qi Ji said excitedly: "Why? She has already been exonerated."

The court police officer shook his head and said: "We don't know either."

Only Zhang Fei was relatively calm and asked: "Did she commit suicide after knowing that Liu Qing won the lawsuit?"

The court policeman nodded and said: "We are ordered by the chief court president to take Liu Qin to the Yamen to go through the relevant procedures. And because we have told her that she may be free soon, there is no Thinking that she would suddenly commit suicide."

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "I understand."

The court police officer said: "Won't Prosecutor Zhang go over and take a look?"

Zhang Fei shook his head and said: "I have some things to deal with here."

Wang Gong and Qi Ji looked at each other and said to Zhang Fei: "Prosecutor Zhang, why don't we go back and take a look. Anyway, we are not in the mood to go to a restaurant to celebrate."

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "Okay, let's go next time."

"Farewell."

"Everyone, walk slowly."

Liu Qin's sudden suicide undoubtedly left a haze on this great victory.

In the evening, the Zhang family.

Xu Lingxiao picked up the chopsticks and suddenly saw several women sitting there motionless, "Why don't you eat?"

Zhang Fei also said: "I just heard from Qingmei that my father-in-law has an appointment with Liu Sheren tonight and will not come back for dinner."

"It has nothing to do with dad, I'm just not in the mood."

Xu Zhiqian was upset and said: "I don't understand, you have already helped them win the lawsuit, why. Why did Mrs. Liu Qin commit suicide?"

Gao Wenyin also sighed quietly.

Xu Lingxiao suddenly felt a little embarrassed. After all, he had stopped Zhang Fei from filing a lawsuit before, but he didn't know that after the lawsuit was settled, public opinion would be reversed.

Zhang Fei put down his chopsticks again, "Actually, I have already thought that this may be a destined tragedy, no matter what the outcome of this lawsuit is."

"Have you guessed that Liu Qin might commit suicide?" Xu Zhiqian asked in surprise.

Xu Lingxiao, Mu Zhen, and Gao Wenyin also looked at Zhang Fei in shock.

"Yeah."

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "You all know that last time I went to Xiangfu County to meet the Liu Qin family, she acted very calmly from beginning to end, and she also said it herself, she She had originally planned to wait until Liu Qing had obtained the title, and then ended it on her own, but her plan was still unknown to anyone, not to mention that it was causing a commotion all over the city, and no one knew about it. In other words, When she dedicated herself to Miao Kong, she had already decided her own ending."

Mu Zhen couldn't help but sigh: "Why is this happening!"

Zhang Fei said: "Sister-in-law, what you said is wrong. Although from the process of the case, it seems that Miao Kong seduced Liu Qin, but I think Liu Qin is actually a very smart woman, and she was not influenced by Miao Kong. Temptation, so when Miaokong put the responsibility on her head, she did not refute.

Because she thought very clearly that if she wanted to help Liu Qing concentrate on studying and gain fame, she, a woman, actually had no choice. Even if she doesn't deal with Miao Kong, she might choose to go to a brothel. ”

When Mu Zhen heard this, she shook her head and sighed.

Gao Wenyin even wiped the corners of her eyes quietly. She was the most touched by Liu Qin's experience.

Xu Lingxiao suddenly said: "Since my sister-in-law has guessed that she may commit suicide, why not persuade her."

Zhang Fei said: "My winning this lawsuit is the best advice to her. For this reason, I didn't even let her testify in court. Otherwise, my victory would be easier."

Xu Lingxiao nodded.

Zhang Fei shook his head and sighed: "She only cares about Liu Qing, so she can't let herself become a stumbling block in Liu Qing's career and become a stain on Liu Qing. And she didn't seek death before, I guess it's because of her Liu Qing’s safety is at heart, and now that she has won the lawsuit, she no longer has to worry about it.”

Speaking of this, he added: "Although Mrs. Liu Qin is gone, she also left us a lesson. Husbands and wives should still be honest with each other, support each other, and respect each other as guests, instead of thinking about one person. Go and carry everything, so that we can reach the end of life together."

Xu Lingxiao nodded and said: "My sister-in-law is right. I'd like to toast my brother-in-law. Don't take it to heart about what I said for my brother before."

Zhang Fei hurriedly raised his glass and said: "Brother is too ignorant. I have to say it next time. If I am wrong next time and brother doesn't remind me, then I will be doomed."

When he said this, Xu Lingxiao was completely relieved, "Okay, okay! Let's do it!"

"Do it!"

Putting down the wine glass, Zhang Fei said to Xu Zhiqian and Gao Wenyin: "Eat! Eat! You two pregnant women, don't let anyone worry about you."

Xu Lingxiao said: "There are three."

"Three?"

Zhang Fei was stunned.

Xu Zhiqian was the first to react, "Sister-in-law is also pregnant."

Mu Zhen nodded shyly.

"Ouch! Sister-in-law, congratulations, congratulations, I'll give you a toast."

"Sister-in-law, congratulations, we husband and wife toast you."

"Your sister-in-law can't drink right now, so I'll drink for your sister-in-law."