Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 699: Political Spear and Legal Shield

This seemingly stormy storm ended with "three hundred thousand gold".

This is the end result.

At the beginning of this crisis, no one thought it would be such a result.

Because it seems that all issues have been put on the table, but it seems that no exact result has been obtained for any issue.

During the entire meeting, no one mentioned Dongliu or Beiliu, Cheng Fang was not prosecuted, etc.

But this can be said to be unexpected and reasonable.

Because once Cheng Fang is prosecuted and found guilty, it will not only attack Zhao Xu's authority, but also shake the foundation of the New Deal.

Judging from the current situation, this is not realistic. The reason is that Zhao Xu does not intend to give up the New Deal, and the New Deal is also implemented very well.

But if Cheng Fang is found not guilty, it will seriously damage the interests of the public prosecutor and the judiciary.

Now this result just avoids these two extremes.

The reason lies in the introduction of the hearing system.

The hearing only introduces the trial process to debate the system and legislation. The focus of the discussion is the system and the law. Whether the individual violates the law or not is only secondary.

Therefore, the final result will be that the system and laws are not perfect enough.

The court trial is based on the existing system and laws and is based on whether an individual has violated the law. It does not depend on whether the laws and systems are perfect.

Many people are confused by this.

After the meeting ended, they all walked out of Chui Gong Hall hesitantly.

What the **** is going on here?

It seems like everything has been decided, and yet it seems like nothing has been decided.

Jiang Zhiqi quietly came to Wen Yanbo and complained: "Mr. Wen, the ministers are not punished for their misbehavior. As a censor, Jiang is really ashamed!"

He just used the special group of eunuchs to express his dissatisfaction.

In fact, before this meeting, their censor did not think that they would definitely lose. This matter was definitely worthy of debate. However, due to the silence of the prime ministers, they were also powerless!

And he also saw that just now Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were cooperating. You take part and I take part.

The two sides are dividing the cake, not grabbing it.

Sima Guang did not oppose Wang Anshi, and Wang Anshi did not oppose Sima Guang. Both sides relied on each other's suggestions and then put forward their own suggestions.

In the opinion of the censor, this is really shameless.

It is tantamount to betraying their Yushitai and Jianyuan.

Wen Yanbo said calmly: "Is a mere minister worth 300,000 gold?"

Zhao Xu took out 300,000 yuan, which was actually a disguised admission of his mistake and used money to silence the ministers.

Because he cannot directly issue an edict to sin like Song Renzong. In that case, everything may be lost, and the current situation has not reached that point.

So, taking out such a large amount of money at this time is actually full of sincerity.

Jiang Zhiqi said reluctantly: "How can this matter be measured in terms of money?"

Faced with his entanglement, Wen Yanbo was a little impatient and said with a deep eyebrow: "In this ruling and opposition parties, you, Jiang Zhiqi, are the only one who is strong-willed. We are all sycophants."

Jiang Zhiqi hurriedly said: "This official has no such intention."

Wen Yanbo said: "Then you go back and reflect on why you are the only one doing this. Farewell."

Jiang Zhiqi nodded coquettishly, but was still unconvinced in his heart, cursing secretly that you are not sycophants, but just a group of sanctimonious hypocrites.

Not only did the conservatives not stand up to oppose, but the reformists also did not stand up to oppose. The reason is very simple: Han Qi was sitting there and watching.

The Beiliu plan is not in the interests of both factions. If the two factions attack each other on this issue and reduce Dongliu to worthlessness, then the emperor will choose Beiliu instead. This is a reason enough to use Han Qi. .

When Shenzong came to the throne, both the reformists and the conservatives were trying to impeach Han Qi for being autocratic and domineering. He had occupied the position for more than ten years. The emperor was weak and his ministers were strong, forcing Han Qi to leave the court, and they slowly came to power. of.

After these few years, Zhao Xu has gained control and he can use Han Qi again.

Han Qi is coming back. No matter what his ideas are, life will be difficult for everyone.

Although Wang Anshi did not fall into this situation and changed his tactics to continue to seize this part of power, conservatives can also improve the system and draft laws to limit this power.

Spears and shields have been strengthened.

Everyone gets what he deserves.

Everyone can accept it.

If you censors and admonishers want to make trouble, we can't stop you. After all, you have your own plans, but we won't dance after hearing the chicken.

Han Mansion.

"Father, the officials did not decide whether to change the Dongliu plan at the meeting."

Han Zhongyan supported Han Qi and slowly came to the hall.

In the very spacious hall, more than twenty maids and servants were standing waiting, either carrying hot water or cakes. Among the prime ministers of the current dynasty, the Han family should be the richest.

Han Qi waved his hand and dismissed everyone. He sat down, glanced at his son, and said with a smile: "You want to ask why I didn't mention this matter?"

Han Zhongyan nodded.

Han Qi said: "If I mention this matter, I will make the same mistake as Wang Jiefu. Floods are unpredictable. We can only do our best and obey fate. If I suggest that the officials beiliu today, once If anything happens to Beiliu, whether it's God's will or a man-made disaster, it's all my fault."

This has to be said twice. If he were ten years younger, this would not be the way to play. He would definitely find a way to use Beiliu to return to the court, but now that he is old, doing so will only bring trouble to the court. What a disaster for future generations!

Han Zhongyan asked again: "Do the officials want to change the north flow, or continue to maintain the east flow?"

Many ministers are curious about this.

Han Qi said: "If I am not wrong, the officials may not have made up their mind. They just see that the current situation is not right and are worried that if this continues, once the return to the river fails, there will be no room for maneuver, and it will also affect the New Deal. , that’s why we have this hearing, to implement benevolent policies and avoid losing everything, just...!"

Han Zhongyan asked: "Just what?"

Han Qi stroked his beard and said: "But Wang Jiefu will not give up here, because his reform idea is to create wealth out of thin air. If he does not develop water conservancy, he will not be able to achieve his reform goals. Maybe he will be like you." To be honest, he is just making money for the country, and building water conservancy is something Wang Anshi cannot give up. Based on my understanding of him, he should still find ways to maintain Dongliu."

Han Zhongyan said: "Isn't it a waste of time?"

"That's not the case either."

Han Qi waved his hand and said: "Since the official does not want to waste the people and money, he can no longer collect labor on a large scale. At the same time, Fu Yanguo and others will definitely improve the system quickly and use the public prosecutor's law to stop Wang Jiefu's water conservancy project.

The two sides will definitely have another game.

Also, if you seek to control the water realistically, if you cannot clear the silt downstream, even if you don't want to, the river water will not turn out as you want, and you will never succeed in returning to the river. Those who really know how to control water should tell Wang Jiefu this. ”

At this point, he sighed, "But there's only so much I can do."

There was a hint of disappointment in the tone. The emergence of the public prosecutor and the judiciary had changed many things and made the court more vibrant.

This was supposed to be a passionate competition, but unfortunately he was already in his twilight years.

He has defeated all opponents in his life, but he cannot avoid losing to time.

The future always belongs to young people.

Back at the Ordinance Department of the Second Government, without even drinking a cup of tea, Wang Anshi sighed: "We really shouldn't have used eunuchs to control water in the first place. Such eunuchs would inevitably implicate the government, and we would also suffer. Trapped here."

After Lu Huiqing heard this, his head was filled with confusion. He thought to himself that the problem was not with the eunuchs, but with the uncontrollable flood.

Wang Anshi suddenly looked at Lu Huiqing and said: "Cheng Fang will not leave the Water Conservancy Department for the time being, but the officials will definitely deprive him of his power. I plan to find an official who is familiar with water conservancy to build a water conservancy school. By the way, we took over Hebei River Defense. Unfortunately, Shen Cunzhong was sent to Qingzhou to implement the Business Law. Who do you think is more suitable to recommend?"

Zhao Xu's offering of 300,000 yuan means that he will not admit his mistake. Naturally, Cheng Fang will not go down immediately. He will have to wait for the storm to pass before finding a reason to transfer him away.

Lu Huiqing cautiously persuaded: "Teacher, the student still suggests that this power should be returned to the local governments and let them manage the rivers under their own jurisdiction. After all, the power of the Minister of River Defense is too concentrated and the responsibility is too great, but This matter has to beg for God’s blessing, which is really not conducive to control.”

Wang Anshi snorted: "According to what you said, wouldn't it be easier if we didn't do anything? To build water conservancy, it takes the effort of ten thousand people to eliminate the harm of one hundred thousand people. It must be done. And People like Sima Lao'er, although talented, are short-sighted and are not men. I, Wang Anshi, am not afraid of heaven and earth."

Lu Huiqing said sincerely: "But my mentor, building water conservancy requires a lot of manpower and material resources. The government's arrangement is obviously to recuperate. Even if we have the intention, we are powerless!"

He is calculating the political cost. At this stage, the Yellow River is too difficult to manage, and there is a complete imbalance between effort and reward.

It’s not that we don’t care, but that we can’t care about it.

How terrible!

Wang Anshi nodded and said: "I can see what the officials are thinking, and Cheng Fang's fault lies in his lack of ability, and excessive pursuit of controlling floods, so as to achieve great success, while neglecting to benefit the people with water benefits. Not appreciated by the people.

I plan to adjust the plan this time. First, we will use water resources to benefit the people and win their support. Then we will use this to build rivers to improve flood problems. ”

Wu Zi is full of confidence.

Lu Huiqing said: "But to develop water resources and benefit the people, money is also needed."

Wang Anshi said: "When the New Deal and Taxation Department go to Hebei, the finances will be improved. Besides, didn't the officials allocate 300,000 yuan?"

Lu Huiqing hurriedly said: "Isn't that money used to compensate and relieve the people?"

Wang Anshi said: "We can't pay less for compensation, but there are many types of relief. Simply sending food to relieve the people is not a long-term solution. We can work for relief and spend money to hire people to divert the Yellow River. Irrigating silt can turn barren land into fertile land, which can be left to the government or distributed to the helpless people. In this way, it can not only remove the silt from the Yellow River, but also benefit the people. It kills two birds with one stone."

Diversion of the Yellow River for silt irrigation was a very important water conservancy measure in the Northern Song Dynasty. The reason is very simple, because the sediment in the Yellow River comes from the loess high slopes, which contains a large amount of organic matter, which can improve the barren land. For fertile land.

The ancients discovered this a long time ago, but due to insufficient technology, they could only allow the river to roam and generate natural fertile soil. Now, the Northern Song Dynasty has mastered very skilled technology and can use engineering to target a certain area. Silt irrigation artificially creates large areas of fertile farmland and at the same time reduces the silt in the Yellow River.

This is also highly recommended by Song Shenzong and Wang Anshi. Cheng Fang actually made great achievements in this area, but compared with the manpower and material resources he spent, these are not enough. Wang Anshi wants to learn this lesson .

Seeing that Wang Anshi was a bastard, Lu Huiqing was determined to continue working. After thinking for a moment, he said: "When it comes to silt irrigation, Hou Shuxian is naturally the best candidate. When he first managed Bianshui River, he irrigated two Tens of thousands of silt fields."

Wang Anshi's eyes lit up and he nodded: "Yes, Hou Shuxian is indeed the best candidate. When he was managing Bianshui River, people like Lu Jie, Liu Shu and others falsely accused him of destroying the feng shui of the capital. In the end, Hou Shuxian used his rich experience in water control. , which made those people lose face, and also received rewards from the officials. Now that we use him to build a water conservancy school, it is enough to prove that we have not given up the plan to build water conservancy, and at the same time, we focus on technology."

Lu Huiqing asked: "Teacher, do you plan to continue to defend Dongliu, or will you choose Beiliu instead?"

Wang Anshi frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "Now that the Ergu River has been dredged, if we go back to Beiliu, wouldn't it tell the people that the court is wasting manpower and material resources, and this matter cannot be changed easily."

Lu Huiqing said worriedly: "But we need to be cautious about this matter. After all, the officials will listen to what Xianggong Han and the river patrol soldiers say. If we don't make improvements, if something goes wrong, we will be blamed." !"

Wang Anshi shook his head and said: "What they said is not necessarily right, and it is very one-sided. When it comes to water control, I am not as tolerant as Mr. Ouyang and Mr. Han. I have also personally inspected whether Beiliu is a new river. , the uncertainty is too great, and countless fertile fields need to be abandoned to make way for new rivers. If flooding occurs in the north stream, we will bear greater responsibilities.

And Hebei is a key area to prevent the Khitan. We are currently working hard to expand the northwest border. Hebei cannot afford to lose anything, and finance is even more crucial. This time we will send a few more experienced water conservancy officers to conduct a comprehensive survey of the river defense works to see how to prevent floods. As for eastward flow or northward flow, let’s not discuss it for now. Everything will be based on the facts. If the eastward flow can be maintained, flow, naturally it is better to maintain the eastward flow. ”

Zhang Fei just created an opportunity to quietly change course, but if we talk about the matter, if we can't change it, it is naturally better not to change it.

The reason why the Dongliu Plan has always had a market, no matter how many times it fails, there must be a reason. Firstly, it can control the Liao Dynasty, and secondly, it will not destroy the stability.

Because the new river channel will definitely occupy a lot of fertile land, and those fertile lands belong to the people. Will the people feel happy? There will definitely be trouble. If we follow the old path, there won't be this problem.

This result can be said to be a great success for the public prosecutor's office. However, at this time, the prosecutor's office did not have an atmosphere of joy at all, but had a feeling of escaping from death.

"It's over."

Qi Ji breathed a sigh of relief and slumped down on his chair, "Every time I investigate a case, it's like going through a catastrophe!"

Zhang Fei chuckled and said, "Is there anything else Inspector Qi forgot to say?"

Qi Ji said in astonishment: "What are you talking about?"

Zhang Fei chuckled and said, "It's been since I came."

Qi Ji was stunned for a moment, then laughed a few times, then felt it was inappropriate, waved his hands and said: "No such intention, no such intention."

"Originally, our procuratorate has to discuss the matter on its own merits."

Zhang Fei chuckled.

He actually understands their thoughts very well, because in this feudal society, implementing the public prosecutor's law is a very difficult task, and complaints will never stop.

Qi Ji really didn’t know how to answer this.

Because this is the truth!

Zhang Fei added: "Although this is caused by me, I have no way to solve this problem. The only thing I can tell you is to stick to justice and the law, and we will not end up in a different place. The outcome, at most, is for us to get out. If we choose to bend the law for personal gain and abuse our power out of fear, it will definitely be a dead end."

"Prosecutor Zhang is right. As long as we have a clear conscience and act in accordance with the law, the worst we can do is to be kicked out of the court."

Wang Gong nodded and said: "Although it is a bit difficult, if we can succeed, we will also get high-ranking officials and generous salaries. This is actually very fair. How many people want to become officials and show their ambitions? The door is accessible."

Qi Ji nodded slightly, "That's true. Now that the imperial court has decided to implement the public prosecutor's law in Hebei, we may be asked to serve as prosecutors in the state capital."

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "It's not maybe, but it will definitely happen. At present, our procuratorate has no one available!"

At this moment, a prosecutor came to the house, "Prosecutor Zhang, Fu Xiang Company and Bachelor Sima are here."

Qi Ji said: "Will something happen again?"

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "The aftermath."

It’s no wonder that Fu Bi and Sima Guang rushed to see Zhang Fei in such a hurry, because they also knew that Wang Anshi would definitely not stop building water conservancy projects, so they had to quickly improve the relevant systems and laws to prevent this kind of thing from happening again.

"I really don't know where you learned so many clever ideas. A mere hearing can make those with evil intentions return in vain."

Seeing Zhang Fei, Sima Guang chuckled.

The cause of this incident was not Cheng Fang or Cheng Yi, but some people in the court who wanted to provoke the emperor's trust in the Public Security Bureau. From this point of view, the Public Security Bureau had a great victory!

Zhang Fei was flattered and said: "I thought Bachelor Sima would blame me again. Could it be because the rich man is here?"

Fu Bi stroked his beard and smiled.

Sima Guang immediately stared, "What are you talking about? My goal has always been to protect the public security system, but things have reached that point. Of course, it is best to convict Cheng Fang. He has committed atrocities in Hebei." , making so many people homeless, shouldn’t they be punished?"

At this point, he paused for a moment and said, "But I can accept this result."

At first, he mainly wanted to protect Cheng Yi, but he was also afraid that this would affect the public security organs. The reason was that Cheng Fang was the emperor's man. But now that Cheng Yi was fine, and it also prompted the emperor to pay money, and suppressed Cheng Fang's arrogance, he was certainly quite satisfied.

Fu Bi suddenly said: "But in fact, many problems have not been solved yet. How to legislate and improve the system is the top priority! We want to listen to your suggestions."

The purpose of the hearing is to test the system and legislation. Zhang Fei must have been prepared in advance and had a ready reference. Fu Bi rarely used his brain.

Zhang Fei's expression changed and he said seriously: "As for how to legislate, in my opinion, the most important point is that no matter what regulations are promulgated by the Legislative Council, effective law enforcement must be ensured."

Fu Bi nodded and said, "The difficulty lies here. What do you think about this?"

Zhang Fei said: "The answer is the exemption from military service."

Sima Guang immediately asked: "How do you say this?"

The voice was full of anger, I said I have to, why are you pulling him.

Zhang Fei explained patiently: "Because as long as the court retains the corvee system, no matter how it is stipulated, it will be difficult for the judiciary to intervene. If the government hires me to litigate, no matter how the other party sues, I will win. Grasp.

The reason is very simple. Since there is something free, they will never spend money. They will definitely try every means to avoid the constraints of the system and laws and recruit corvees. There is no perfect law in the world. There must be a loophole. Only by converting corvee into taxes and spending money to hire manpower when it is needed, and the accounts are clear, can the judiciary be better able to intervene. ”

Sima Guang asked: "What if there are special circumstances, such as war and natural disasters."

Zhang Fei said: "You should also pay, but you can pay it afterwards. Discuss the matter on a case-by-case basis. The state has to bear the main responsibility for controlling floods and defending against enemies. The people provide people and the state pays. This is a matter of course."

Sima Guang asked again: "What if the court has no money?"

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "It is impossible for the imperial court to have no money. It just depends on where it is used. How to use it to eat and drink for officials, and if it is used for extravagance and waste, then it should be used to enjoy floods. This is not an excuse."

Fu Bi chuckled upon hearing this.

Sima Guang nodded and said: "That's true!"

Both of them are extremely opposed to extravagance and waste.

Zhang Fei added: "Of course, this is an administrative issue and it is not under the jurisdiction of our judiciary. I don't know much about it. I just want to make it clear that lack of money is not the fault of the judiciary. The judiciary should Do this.

If we don’t be more ruthless, we will always have no money and will always use free services. This problem of labor will never be solved.

From a legal perspective, it is better to increase the tax exemption in Hebei than to call for free labor. The reason is that the immunity law will make the relationship very simple. No matter how it changes, it is still an employment relationship. If there is a dispute, the judiciary can make an accurate judgment. ”

Fu Bi nodded and asked: "Then how to legislate on the expropriation of private houses and land?"

Zhang Fei said: "This is actually an administrative issue. As far as the legal system is concerned, it is impossible to have laws and regulations in this area, because the law emphasizes fairness and justice.

It can only be administrative regulations. Under what circumstances, the government can forcibly expropriate people's land and houses, and the judiciary only ensures that the interests of the country and people will not be harmed. ”

Sima Guang asked doubtfully: "So, this is all an administrative issue?"

"Yes and no."

"What do you mean?"

“What needs to be improved is the administrative system, but once the system is improved and the judiciary needs to intervene, the problems that need to be faced are the employment relationship and the debt relationship.”

Having said this, Zhang Fei turned to Fu Bi again and said: "Fu Gong, the Legislative Council should speed up the adoption of my contract principles and some business bills in Hezhong Mansion. In this way, the court's compensation and employment will be affected. The law can be followed."

Fu Bi nodded and said: "As for your precedent in Hezhong Prefecture, the Legislative Council has actually discussed it and is currently drafting written regulations. It will be promulgated in the summer at the latest. I will go and see if it can be done sooner. Promulgated."

After that, he added: "However, according to Prime Minister Han, the situation in some areas of Hebei is already very serious. People's resentment is boiling and bandits are increasing day by day. We must quickly send people to Hebei to build public prosecutors and law enforcement to appease the people."

Sima Guang sighed: "It's easy to say, but...but no one is available. All the people I arranged before went to Jingdong East Road."

Fu Bi said: "Didn't you arrange it for Cheng Yi?"

Sima Guang said: "There is only one, and Cheng Yi has never worked in the public security, procuratorate, and law, so he may not be qualified."

Zhang Fei suddenly said: "On this point, I fully support Bachelor Sima. When it comes to selection, we must follow the principle of erring on the side of erroneousness. Those whose moral character is not up to standard will not be hired."

Fu Bi was surprised: "Do you care about morality?"

"Ugh!"

Zhang Fei couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

Sima Guang immediately said: "The rich man doesn't know. Your mouth is just like Wang Jiefu's face. It's not clean, but your moral character is still fine."

Zhang Fei almost vomited out and said: "Sister Sima, if you are reciprocating a favor, I thank you and don't do it next time."

Fu Bi chuckled and asked: "What should we do now? We have to send someone, otherwise, a civil uprising may occur."

Zhang Fei looked at Sima Guang.

Sima Guang thought about it, "At present, the relatively chaotic places in Hebei are Damingfu, Chanzhou and other places. We might as well send people into these places to implement the public security law first, and then slowly implement it in other places."

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "That's good too."

"It's good, it's just helpless." Sima Guang said with emotion: "Take this case as an example, without your hearing, the result may be out of control. In the previous adultery case, Qi The president of the court is also a little at a loss. In fact, our public prosecutors and law are more likely to make mistakes than the establishment of the Ordinance Department of the second government."

Fu Bi nodded slightly, suddenly able to understand Sima Guang's worries.

Without Zhang Fei, the public security bureaucracy might have failed long ago.

Zhang Fei comforted him easily: "As long as they don't bend the law for personal gain, it's no big deal if there is a wrongful conviction. The public prosecutor's office in the capital can protect him. This is why I support Bachelor Sima's strict selection of talents."

Sima Guang was like a confidant. Regarding personnel arrangements, only Zhang Fei in the world gave him support. Wen Yanbo and Lu Gongzhu both thought he was pretentious, so they nodded and said: "Don't worry, I have chosen the right person." , it will definitely not go wrong."

Fu Bi's eyes flashed with doubts, and he thought, if he really cares about this, then why didn't he listen to me when I suggested not to use Cai Jing? Moreover, he also helped Cao Yanei and the others gain a foothold in the public prosecutor's office. It can be seen that he pays more attention to abilities and relationships than to morality.

Readers have been reporting that they want to change the update time. We might as well set it at 5 p.m. every day from now on