Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 690: Smoke filled the air

Hearing?

What the **** is this?

Previously, ministers believed that the Procuratorate had only two options, either to prosecute or not to prosecute. However, they all believed that the Procuratorate was more likely to prosecute because the conservatives were also dissatisfied with their dismissal of the prosecution.

The Procuratorate has almost no way out.

I never thought that a hearing would be created in this gap.

Whether to prosecute or not will have to be decided at a meeting.

I can only say.

You, Zhang San, must be the one who knows how to play!

It’s numb!

The ministers are all numb!

This judicial system is almost out of control by Zhang Fei.

The ministers despised this very much.

Hypocritical!

I have never seen such a pretentious official office.

It's up to you to decide whether to sue or not. What are you doing with so many things? You have so much time to do.

Many ministers expressed great dissatisfaction with this and believed that the procuratorate was making a fuss.

It makes no sense!

However, before they could speak, the Procuratorate published the explanation of the hearing and the reasons for the hearing in the news.

Rules!

Still emphasize the rules.

The reason for holding the hearing is that the procuratorate adheres to its own rules and the evidence does not meet the standards. Although many people are dissatisfied, it does not have the right to initiate prosecution.

However, because many people raised questions and the court also believed that the matter was of great importance, in order to seek a fair result, the Procuratorate decided to hold a hearing to listen to suggestions from all parties and improve the evidence before deciding whether to prosecute.

After this report was published, it immediately won the support of many people and scholars.

Although they could not clearly understand what the hearing was about based on this report alone, under such extreme pressure, the procuratorate still did not initiate prosecution and adhered to its principles.

Isn’t this what justice pursues?

Not afraid of power, fair and selfless.

At the same time, the procuratorate can also take into account everyone's opinions and resolve this issue in a very fair way.

This is very rare.

Soon, public opinion reversed.

The majority of people changed from questioning the Procuratorate to supporting holding a hearing.

The trial court.

"Meng Zhiyuan, did you receive an invitation to the hearing yesterday?"

Pei Wen, who came to the trial court today for duty, asked.

"No."

Meng Qiansheng shook his head and asked: "Did you receive it?"

"No."

Pei Wen shook his head and said: "But I heard that many ministers in the court were affected, including Wang Xueshi, Sima Xueshi, Wen Gong, and Ji Xiang, a total of more than fifty people. Not only that, the Procuratorate also sent some officials from Daming Prefecture to The invitation letter even includes Mr. Han."

Meng Qiansheng was immediately surprised and said: "Even Mr. Han was invited?"

"It can't be wrong."

Pei Wen nodded, "But I don't know if the Han Prime Minister Association will come."

Meng Qiansheng took a breath and said: "What on earth does that kid want to do? Didn't it mean that this hearing is just to decide whether to prosecute? For this reason, Mr. Han was invited from Daming Mansion."

Pei Wen shook his head and said: "I don't know very well. Nowadays, people inside and outside the imperial city are discussing this matter. Some people say that it is because Mr. Han is in charge of Hebei Road, and many people previously questioned Mr. Han for harboring Cheng Fang, so they invited Mr. Han. Come here to testify in order to prove Mr. Han’s innocence.”

Meng Qiansheng nodded and said: "This is possible. If it is true, it is probably the official intention. It can be seen that this hearing is not ordinary, and we have to prepare well."

Pei Wendao: "I thought so too, but... the procuratorate didn't seem to take it to heart."

Meng Qiansheng asked: "How do you say this?"

Pei Wendao: "I heard that after the matter was settled, Zhang San took a vacation and even went to the charity foundation to be busy making donations."

"???"

Outer city, Hexi.

"I didn't expect you to be in the mood to help prepare for the business law."

Lu Huiqing asked Zhang Fei with a smile.

Zhang Fei shook his head and smiled bitterly: "To be honest with Director Lu, I have to go to the Ordnance Inspector later. This was supposed to be my vacation, but it turned out to be even busier than fighting a lawsuit."

Lu Huiqing asked: "Why are you going to the weapons inspection?"

Zhang Fei said: "Don't charitable foundations make donations every year? But now some people question whether they have spent so much money without seeing any results. I was the one who contributed to the donation to the weapons inspection, so I have to go and take a look."

Lu Huiqing nodded and asked: "What about the hearing?"

Zhang Fei said: "It's still early! Because we still have to hire a group of officials from Daming Mansion, and we may have to wait a month."

Lu Huiqing asked: "I heard that you also invited Mr. Han?"

Zhang Fei nodded.

Lu Huiqing asked: "Did the official ask you to invite me?"

Zhang Fei said: "No, it was requested by our procuratorate. I believe Lu Xiaokan also heard about it. Many people thought that Mr. Han was conniving with Cheng Fang. At the same time, some people asked the procuratorate to prosecute Cheng Fang, so we invited Mr. Han. However, my father-in-law still asked the officials, and they agreed."

Lu Huiqing frowned upon hearing this.

Zhang Fei noticed something strange on his face and asked, "Why is Lv Xiaokan silent?"

Lu Huiqing glanced at Zhang Fei with a slightly troubled expression.

Zhang Fei said hurriedly: "Colleague Lu, I am definitely leaning towards the New Deal. The more I know, I won't ask questions that are not conducive to the New Deal at the hearing."

Lu Huiqing weighed it for a moment and said, "Xiangong Han will never condone Cheng Fang."

Zhang Fei said: "But based on the facts, Mr. Han did not stop Cheng Fang at all from what he did. Given Mr. Han's status, he shouldn't be afraid of Cheng Fang."

Lu Huiqing said: "Of course Xianggong Han is not afraid of Cheng Fang, but afraid!"

Zhang Fei said uncertainly: "Scholar Wang?"

"There are also officials."

"What's going on?" Zhang Fei asked.

Lu Huiqing hesitated for a while and then said: "During the first flood control meeting, my mentor supported Cheng Fang and started dredging the Dongliu River, but Han Xianggong strongly supported the Beiliu River. In the end, the officials adopted the mentor's advice and chose Start dredging the eastward stream."

Zhang Fei said: "I know this."

Lu Huiqing said: "Then don't you think it's strange? If that's the case, why did Mr. Han leave Cheng Fang alone?"

Zhang Fei thought: "Praise and kill?"

"What is flattery and killing?"

"It is to indulge him and make him proud and complacent, and even make mistakes."

"I'm not sure about this, but that's not the main reason."

Lu Huiqing suddenly whispered: "At that time, the officials had just ascended the throne and were preparing to reuse their mentor. However, Xianggong Han's authority in the court could be said to be less than one person and more than ten thousand people."

Zhang Fei nodded immediately and said: "I understand."

Although Han Qi also contributed a lot to Zhao Xu's accession to the throne, Han Qi was already a very popular minister at that time. If Han Qi was in the court, Zhao Xu would not be able to suppress him, and Zhao Xu would also have to build his own political power. Team.

If Han Qi continues to serve as prime minister, it will be difficult for Wang Anshi to make a difference.

Because everyone will definitely follow Han Qi’s lead.

As for the issue of Dongliu and Beiliu, Zhao Xu actually wanted to use this to send a signal, telling everyone that times have changed, and Wang Anshi is the answer to the future.

Lu Huiqing said to Zhang Fei again: "I mentioned this to you not to prevent you from inviting Mr. Han to attend the hearing, but to hope that you understand this. Cheng Fang and Dongliu's plan and their mentor's new policy are They are closely related and cannot be lost.”

Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I know that."

Lu Huiqing said: "But I heard from my mentor that you have no guarantee that Cheng Fang will be fine?"

Zhang Fei said slightly helplessly: "If I were an Erbi, I could give guarantees based on the situation, but now I am just a small prosecutor with a group of people standing above me. I can't make the decision. Originally I planned to retreat and leave the case to you to resolve, but unfortunately it didn’t work out in the end. A hearing was the best way I could fight for it. After all, this is administrative, not judicial, and you can all intervene."

Lu Huiqing smiled quickly and said, "I'm just asking, don't worry about it."

In this matter, they really can’t blame Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei has tried his best and kept a respectful distance. If the procuratorate can get away, the situation will actually be good for them, because the emperor is definitely biased towards them, but it is a pity that many of their reformists It is aimed at the Public Security Bureau, which can only bring down the Public Security Bureau.

After walking around Hexi, Zhang Fei stopped by Xifang, which is under the weapons supervision.

“The grand visit of Prosecutor Zhang has made the small shop flourish.”

Liang Shaodong walked out quickly to welcome him, cupping his hands repeatedly.

Zhang Fei returned the favor and said: "But I am not here today as prosecutor Zhang, I am here on behalf of the charity foundation."

"Save it! Save it!" Liang Shaodong said with a smile: "If Sanlang is acting as a prosecutor, then we can't even hide, and we dare to go out to meet him."

Zhang Fei laughed, "Is it so scary again?"

"It's just a joke, don't mind, Saburo, please come to the house, please come to the house."

Liang Shaodong invited Zhang Fei into the room again and enthusiastically poured a cup of tea for Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei took a sip, put down the teacup, and said, "I'm so happy to hear that Young Inspector Liang is now the second-in-command of the Ordnance Supervisor!"

Liang Shaodong said hurriedly: "It's really thanks to Sanlang's advice at the beginning, otherwise, this second in command would never have been able to take my turn!"

When Zhang Fei donated money to their affairs at first, there was no military weapons supervisor yet. Liang Shaodong was a small prime minister under the Third Si Zhou case. During Zhang Fei's stay in Hezhong Mansion, Wang Anshi abolished the military weapons case and changed the military weapons supervision. Liang Shaodong immediately Get promoted.

The reason is that Liang Shaodong asks for money. In Wang Anshi's view, if you can get money to develop weapons, then you are awesome!

Zhang Fei said: "Where! Where! I only gave a few words of advice, but Liang Shaojian gave full play to it, which has made many people in the charity foundation dissatisfied."

"Really?"

Liang Shaodong suddenly became nervous. Without funding, he wouldn't be able to survive for long.

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "I am teaching you to develop some more complex weapons, such as firearms, so that you can get more money, but you have to do research and development. You have to come up with some results, so I can Speak for you!"

Liang Shaodong said hurriedly: "Misunderstanding! What a huge misunderstanding! It's not that I can't produce results, but that those results cannot be known to those businessmen."

Zhang Fei said: "That means there are results."

"Yes, yes! Just wait a moment, I will make arrangements immediately."

This big benefactor is here, Liang Shaodong must be attentive!

After half an hour, Liang Shaodong invited Zhang Fei to the yard behind. He saw five soldiers standing on the playground, each holding a two-and-a-half-foot large bamboo tube.

"Sanlang, please look, this is the rifle we specially prepared for the Royal Police."

"Surprise gun?"

Zhang Fei took care of it, but thought to himself, I spend several thousand guan every year, 20,000 to 30,000 guan before and after, and you just give me this?

Liang Shaodong explained: "Sanlang, please don't ask for small money for this musket. I'll let them demonstrate it to you."

As he said that, he asked the five soldiers to operate it again.

But I saw them raising bamboo tubes and pointing them at a few wooden figures wrapped in rags fifty steps away. An assistant beside them was responsible for lighting the fire.

Thud, tug, tug!

With several flashes of fire, they had completed a round of volley fire.

Zhang Fei didn't see any mystery, he just felt that they were setting off fireworks.

On the other hand, Liang Shaodong excitedly pulled Zhang Fei to the puppet in front, but saw that the cloth wrapping the puppet had been riddled with bullets.

After Zhang Fei looked at it, he thought to himself, could this be the prototype of a gun?

Liang Shaodong said: "Sanlang, this is the biggest research and development of our weapons supervisor in recent years. You can shoot small stones and iron filings through this bamboo tube to kill the enemy."

When he spoke, he looked very nervous. He was not so nervous when giving a report to his boss.

The money from the charitable foundation is only used to give bonuses to these people and craftsmen, and the money allocated by the court is generally not available to them.

"It's interesting."

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "But is this suitable for the Royal Police? If this musket is used in a busy city, innocent people must not be hurt!"

Liang Shaodong looked at Zhang Fei with a strange expression.

Zhang Fei said: "Is there a question I asked?"

Liang Shaodong said hurriedly: "If you just catch a few small bandits, you won't need it, and the Royal Police won't need it either! But it will be useful to deal with mountain bandits. For example, in places like Qizhou and Qingzhou, it is said that Don’t the Royal Police lack archers? This musket doesn’t need to be practiced for several years, and it can be used quickly.”

"That's true."

Zhang Fei nodded, thinking that this firearm cannot only be developed, but must also be used. However, it currently does not have the scale, and there is probably no supporting tactics. If it is used in the Western Army, if the effect is not good, If it leads to the defeat of the army, I can't bear the responsibility. It would be good to let the Royal Police use it first.

After some calculations, Zhang Fei nodded and said: "Very good, you can discuss it with the superiors then and see if it is possible to equip the Royal Police with this type of rifle."

Liang Shaodong was excited when he saw Zhang Fei was willing to accept it.

"But!"

Zhang Fei looked around and whispered: "But don't blow it. You have to say that this is just a basic musket. The weapons supervisor can also develop more sophisticated ones. For example, replace this bamboo tube with Iron pipe."

Liang Shaodong was startled, "Iron pipe?"

Zhang Fei said: "Yes! This bamboo tube looks easier to break, but if it is an iron pipe, it looks stronger. The key is, this can also cost more money!"

Liang Shaodong nodded, "I understand! I understand! Thank you Sanlang for your advice."

I thought, if I could replace the iron pipe, the cost would keep rising!

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "The key is that you come up with results that satisfy me very much. I am happy with the money I gave you, and you can feel at ease with it. If the Royal Police equips this kind of assault rifle on a large scale, the charity foundation will I will donate another bonus to you, so that people know that the charity foundation also contributes to this."

"Thank you! Thank you very much!"

Liang Shaodong suddenly laughed so hard that he couldn't even close his mouth.

As long as the weapons supervisor is serious about research and development, Zhang Fei is still willing to invest in it. After all, he is not living in the Zhenguan period and does not have to worry about foreign enemies. The Northern Song Dynasty is surrounded by powerful enemies. Investing in weapons research and development is Very cost effective.

Taking advantage of the two-day holiday, after finishing his work on the charity foundation, Zhang Fei returned to the Procuratorate and was busy with the reform of the Procuratorate.

In fact, compared with the Public Security Bureau of Hezhong Prefecture, the Public Security Bureau of Beijing is still a mess and does not appear to be that professional.

Under Zhang Fei's suggestion, three more courts were added to the Procuratorate, namely the Litigation Court. This court is divided into two front and back courts. The front court is specially designed for the common people. It can even be said to be a service department. Complaints can be filed. Come up here.

The backyard is dedicated to litigating cases in court.

Then there is the establishment of an Inquisition Office to strengthen the investigation capabilities of the Procuratorate. The targets are mainly ordinary people, while the existing Metropolitan Procuratorate is specifically targeted at public officials.

At the same time, there is also a department under the procuratorate, that is, the verification department, which specializes in verifying evidence. The procuratorate relies on evidence to litigate cases, and it is not enough to rely solely on the police department.

The third court is the Supervisory Office. This department does not target people, but police stations, prisons, and other departments related to the responsibilities of the procuratorate.

Supervise whether their behavior is standardized.

The filming of these three courts is tantamount to a further expansion of the procuratorate’s authority, making it clear that it will supervise everything, whether it is government offices or officials.

This has indeed aroused everyone's attention, but what everyone is paying attention to is not the three courts, but us outside who are talking about the hearing. Your Procuratorate seems to have no such thing at all, making us embarrassed to talk about it anymore.

Is this a big deal?

Many officials came to Xu Zun to ask whether your procuratorate was confident or if it was really not taken seriously.

Xu Zun still said that our procuratorate just thinks that the current evidence is not enough to prosecute, so you want to prosecute. You can only wait and see when the time comes. No one has arrived yet, so we can't just wait.

Anyway, just don’t take it seriously.

But you said they didn't take it seriously, and they even sent an invitation letter to Han Qi.

This smoke bomb is really used, and everyone is like seeing flowers in the fog.

Is this a big deal or a small matter?

Over there, Cheng Fang and Cheng Yi were stationed in Chanzhou, and they traveled day and night because they also hoped to resolve the matter as soon as possible. They have now arrived in Bianliang, Tokyo.

When Cheng Fang entered the capital, the first thing he did was of course meet the emperor.

"Your Majesty, I am really unjust!"

Cheng Fang was filled with snot and tears, "I have already tolerated everything, and when I saw Cheng Yi later, I even talked down to him. But I never thought that they would treat me like this."

Zhao Xu asked: "Why did someone inform you that you threatened to sue Cheng Yi?"

Cheng Fang said: "I'm just talking to vent my frustration, but I definitely don't want to be at odds with Cheng Yi. Your Majesty can go ask Cheng Yi."

"This is a small matter."

Zhao Xu asked again: "Why do sailors have insufficient food and clothing?"

Cheng Fang immediately said: "Your Majesty, this is all the fault of the Transportation Department. I did not get any money from it. It was the Transportation Department that did not allocate food and clothing to me because of lack of preparation. I am also eager to complete the tasks assigned by Your Majesty. , that’s why this happened.”

Zhao Xu frowned and saw that Cheng Fang was dusty, his hair was pale, dark and thin. He must have suffered a lot, and he felt a little unbearable, so he said: "You go down and rest first, wait for tomorrow. Let’s talk about it after Bachelor Wang enters the palace.”

"I resign."

Sima Mansion.

"So that's what happened."

Cheng Yi nodded and said with a smile: "I just said, it can't be Cheng Fang's complaint against me."

Sima Guang asked: "Why did you say that?"

Cheng Yi said: "Because this matter was obviously caused by Cheng Fang's improper law enforcement, how could he dare to make it public? Since then, he has opposed me and respected me more. He should be afraid that I would impeach him. It turns out that they wanted to use this matter to target Public Security Bureau."

Having said this, he smiled slightly: "But this is good, I can finally meet Zhang Sanlang, the founder of the legal system."

Sima Guang quickly said: "Don't say that, you will definitely regret it when you go to court."

Cheng Yi asked: "Why do you regret it?"

Sima Guang smiled and said: "Because as long as you sit in the court and are questioned by Zhang San, you will feel guilty."

Cheng Yi shook his head and said: "I don't believe it. Is Mr. Junshi the same?"

Sima Guang nodded.

Cheng Yi's expression froze, then he smiled and said: "Then I want to see it more. I don't know when the hearing will start?"

Sima Guang said: "I guess we have to wait until Mr. Han comes back to start."

Cheng Yi nodded slightly.

A few days passed, and Han Qi finally arrived belatedly. He was also the last one to arrive in the invitation letter.

Zhao Xu also respected him very much. He waited for him to rest at home for three days before sending someone to invite him to the palace.

Zhao Xu felt sad when he saw Han Qi in his dying years. His mental outlook was not as good as it was a few years ago. "There is really no sensible person in this procuratorate. They even sent people to disturb Mr. Han. Damn it!"

Han Qi hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, don't blame them. In fact, Inspector Qi told me that they are just inviting as usual. I can decide whether to come or not. The reason why I came back this time is because I have been ill for a long time. I am already beyond my capabilities and can no longer share the worries of Your Majesty. I still hope that Your Majesty will allow me to serve as an official."

Zhao Xu immediately said: "Mr. Han may have heard those rumors. Don't worry, Mr. Han, I won't believe them."

Han Qi shook his head and said: "How can I take those rumors to heart, it's just..."

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Xu said: "No, that's fine. I think Mr. Han must also know about the war in Xihe. I really need Mr. Han to guard Hebei for me at this time."

Han Qi opened his mouth, but Zhao Xu's hot gaze stopped him from speaking.

Zhao Xu added: "It doesn't matter if Mr. Han comes back this time, he must stay in the capital for a while. I still have many questions that I want to ask Mr. Han."

"Old minister, I obey."

Han Qi nodded helplessly.

Afternoon time.

On the way to the political hall, Fu Bi suddenly saw a certain sedan approaching. He was stunned for a moment. Who is this? Such a big crowd, sitting in a sedan in the imperial city.

But soon, he thought of who it was, so he stood by the roadside. After a while, the sedan stopped, and Han Qi bowed and walked from it.

Fu Bi was shocked, "Why have you become so old?"

Han Qi smiled and said: "You run around here and there every day, how can you not be old? Now I envy you. You are in the middle of the court, but you can stay out of it. Why didn't I get such a good job in the first place?" Just do something thankless."

Fu Bi smiled and said: "You are not sick because of overwork, I think you are just too drunk."

Han Qi's eyes flashed with guilt, he pointed at Fu Bi and said: "You are disrespectful for an old man."

Fu Bi chuckled a few times and asked again: "But the procuratorate has great authority, and even Prime Minister Han can be invited."

Han Qi said: "I came here on my own."

Fu Bi asked: "Why?"

Han Qi said: "Can I hide it from you?"

Fu Bi's expression changed, and he stroked his beard and said, "I also see that this official seems to have some regrets."

Han Qi sighed: "You don't know that dredging the river will really harm the people of Hebei. I see it in my eyes and am anxious in my heart!"

Fu Bi asked: "Then why don't you care about Guan Cheng Fang?"

Han Qi said: "I objected in the beginning. Since the officials did not adopt it, if they were to take control again, firstly, they would not be able to control it. If Cheng Fang was afraid of me, he would not be so radical. Secondly, I'm afraid that It will also make Wang Jiefu unhappy, so why bother."

Fu Bi nodded, understanding Han Qi in his heart.

Between him and Wang Anshi, Zhao Xu must choose Wang Anshi, because Han Qi is already old. If he and Wang Anshi fall out directly, wouldn't it be difficult for Zhao Xu?

Fu Bi did the same thing. They all disagreed with the new law, but they stopped short of it. I only expressed my concerns. It’s up to you whether you listen or not, and we won’t force it.

However, Han Qi's return undoubtedly ignited another fire in the court. They all knew that the Procuratorate invited Han Qi, but they were not sure whether Han Qi would come. In the end, Han Qi did come back.

Then this hearing is by no means a trivial matter whether to prosecute or not.

However, the recent actions of the procuratorate are very puzzling. They are not paying attention at all, and are busy with their own affairs and dealing with some previously backlogged cases.

Everyone’s scalp is about to be scratched. What on earth are you doing?

It was not until the fifth day after Han Qi returned that news came out that the hearing would be held at Xiangguo Temple three days later.

They were then formally notified by the Procuratorate.