Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 727: Dead end?

Chapter 727 Dead End?

In fact, conservative officials did not really want to force Sima Guang to resign. In fact, Sima Guang's conservative base is still very stable. After all, he is the one who sent out all the people outside, such as Su Shi, Su Che, Fan Chunren and others.

They just hope that Sima Guang will put pressure on the public prosecutor and the law. At least you have to stand up. As the leader, you don't even say a word. How can we support you?

It was Sima Guang who felt that he was ashamed of everyone. He also wanted to expel Xue Xiang from the court, but at the same time he did not want to put pressure on the public security organs, so he could only resign. Being caught in the middle, he felt uncomfortable.

Now Sima Guang not only stood up, but even directly stated that he would defend the rights and interests of businessmen and landlords. This is really exciting.

And having said that, this is actually the correct way to use the public prosecutor's law.

Initially, conservatives supported Sima Guang's judicial reform in order to compete with the New Deal.

How to compete?

It's defense, not offense.

Because the conservatives originally judged that the New Deal would definitely compete with the people. If the people's interests could be protected, there would be no need to be afraid of the New Deal. This is a kind of check and balance.

On the contrary, Yushitai is aggressive.

So, although both are aimed at the equal loss method. But the entry point is completely different. Yushitai directly accuses the officials of the Shipping Department and wants to convict them.

What Sima Guang said is to protect the rights and interests of businessmen, and this is what the public prosecutor and the law are good at.

As far as this lawsuit is concerned, the main purpose of the public prosecution and prosecution is to protect Xue Xiang's interests, rather than to kill Yushitai. At most, it will be humiliating.

So, whether to choose the Yushitai or the Public Security Bureau is actually an offensive and defensive decision.

Now that the offense is unfavorable, it is natural to switch to defense.

After the emperor made the decision, Yushitai first withdrew the arrest warrant against Xue Xiang, but it only withdrew the charges against Xue Xiang, not that the entire judgment of Yushitai was overturned, and then the imperial court issued a The final verdict declared Xue Xiang not guilty.

The tacit understanding is unspoken.

On the day the verdict was announced, Xue Xiang was released.

Procuratorate.

"Xue Xiang is so virtuous and capable, how dare he trouble Mr. Wang to greet him personally."

Xue Xiang, who had just arrived in the front yard, saw Wang Anshi chatting with Xu Zun, and immediately stepped forward and bowed.

Wang Anshi smiled and said: "You have returned in triumph this time. I also feel guilty after encountering such twists and turns. In addition, I stopped by to thank Prosecutor Xu for seeking justice for you."

Xue Xiang also hurriedly thanked Xu Zun.

Xu Zun said hurriedly: "You two are serious, this is our responsibility."

Xue Xiang asked Xu Zundao again: "Why don't you see Zhang Prosecutor?"

Before Xu Zun could speak, Wang Anshi hummed: "That kid went home to take his son."

"Huh?"

Xue Xiang was stunned.

Xu Zun was embarrassed and silent.

Actually, when Wang Anshi came over today, he originally wanted to talk to Zhang Fei, but he didn’t know that that guy was on vacation again. He really wasn’t going to court or go to work!

After the three chatted for a few words, Xue Xiang and Wang Anshi left.

After getting on the carriage, Xue Xiang suddenly said to Wang Anshi: "Ms. Wang, I heard that Prosecutor Zhang just welcomed his second son. Do you think I should go to his house to congratulate him and thank him for clearing my name?"

"After so many years, you really haven't changed at all!"

Wang Anshi smiled bitterly and said: "That boy is not short of money. His ability to make money is something you can't match even if you take bribes."

"Really?"

Xue Xiang said in surprise.

Wang Anshi added: "Those people in the court always accuse you of following the trend and often giving gifts to others. Wouldn't you change your mind?"

Why do so many people impeach Xue Xiang, including Sima Guang and Fan Chunren, who don't like Xue Xiang? There must be some problems.

Xue Xiangzhen never fails to give gifts and flattery, which gives people a very low-level feeling.

When Wang Anshi recommended Xue Xiang to be the shipping envoy, Xue Xiang gave Wang Anshi a very precious purple ginseng, but of course Wang Anshi did not accept it.

Xue Xiang smiled bitterly, "My husband has been talented since he was a child, and his writing skills are beyond the reach of people in the world. He has won the favor of many prime ministers. The lower officials are not as talented as my husband. If you don't know this worldly thing, just I’m afraid that nothing will be accomplished now.”

For example, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were already well-known when they were young. Later they followed Bao Zheng and Han Qi, and everyone had to give them three points of noodles. They had the capital not to bow down.

Although Xue Xiang is also from the N generation of officials, his family background is relatively ordinary, and because his grandfather has a good relationship with Ding Wei, he is not very popular. At the same time, he does not have Wang Anshi's talent, so he would either flatter him or give him gifts. , can he rise step by step?

Obviously it's impossible.

Wang Anshi waved his hand, "That's all, that's all, I'm too lazy to talk to you, but when you serve as the third envoy in the future, don't do what you did before."

He and Sima Guang are almost impeccable in terms of personal ethics, but the difference is that Sima Guang will never associate with someone like Xue Xiang. No matter how much Xue Xiang agrees with his governing philosophy, Wang Anshi is different , Wang Anshi cares more about whether you agree with my governing philosophy.

Xue Xiang looked happy and hurriedly clasped his fists and said, "Thank you so much, sir!"

"Okay!"

Wang Anshi raised his hand and said: "As long as you remember one thing, you will live up to my support of you."

Xue Xiang immediately said: "Please give me some advice."

Wang Anshi said: "Don't be greedy for this power, and don't be intimidated by them. Do it boldly. If you succeed, you will leave your name in history. If you fail, you will just go home and retire." ”

Xue Xiang frowned, nodded and said, "Yes, I understand."

In fact, in this case, Wang Anshi realized for the first time that the emperor had grown up and no longer obeyed him. He seemed to be interested in going to the front desk, but his character was that if you use me, I will do it boldly. , it is impossible for me to be like Sima Guang and become hesitant. At worst, I will go home and farm.

Therefore, the emperor's attitude could not affect his determination.

However, he was worried that this would affect Xue Xiang and the others, so he was vaccinated against Xue Xiang.

At this moment, Zhang Fei is really taking care of his children at home. As long as the lawsuit is over, he must take a vacation. He doesn't want to touch ordinary official duties, which are too cumbersome.

"Xiao Xing'er! Xiao Xiao Xing'er.!"

"Gegegege!"

"Haha!"

I saw Zhang Fei lying beside the bed, making the baby giggle, making him laugh too.

As a mother, Xu Zhiqian sat aside and read the official documents, "Oh, this is really unfair. It is clear that Yushitai has many problems in this case, but the court did not even blame him. Could it be that For the sake of Duke Wen."

This workaholic. Zhang Fei quietly rolled his eyes, then gently held his son in his arms, and turned around, "I think there are some factors in this aspect. But it is by no means the main reason. Think about it, in various government agencies , which official office the emperor hates the most, isn’t it the Yushitai, but no emperor has ever said that he wants to abolish the Yushitai.”

Xu Zhiqian said: "I didn't say that I would abolish the Censorship Station, but at least we should hold them accountable. There were many Censors who were punished in the past."

Zhang Fei kissed his son's little face and said casually: "In this case, if the officials want to hold the Yushitai accountable, the impact will be of great significance. It may give the ministers a misunderstanding, that is, they think that the Public Security Bureau is Above the Yushitai.

However, the fact is that the officials may not think that the Yushitai is at fault, because the duty of the Yushitai is to rather kill the wrong person than let it go. so.. ”

He looked up at Xu Zhiqian and said with a smile: "Stop complaining, maybe Yushitai is more depressed than you."

Xu Zhiqian asked: "What are they depressed about?"

Zhang Fei said: "In any case, this case has set a precedent, that is, the procuratorate can intervene in Yushitai's case. This is enough. If we go one step further, our public prosecutors will lose more than the gain."

Xu Zhiqian asked curiously: "Why is this?"

Zhang Fei explained: "Based on the fact that our procuratorate can intervene, the Yushitai's report is not that terrible. This will win the support of many ministers for the public prosecutor's office, because it also leaves them with a way out.

But if the power of the Yushitai is greatly weakened, then the Public Security Bureau is the existence of a great evil person, and the Public Security Bureau is not the Yushitai, and we will soon be in a desperate situation. ”

Even if Yushitai came to the door and stretched his head in front of Zhang Fei, Zhang Fei would not move. Instead, he would send them back safely. From beginning to end, he was pursuing a balanced relationship, not a family. Dominate.

Because he knows very clearly that a dominant public prosecutor's office will be very scary. In comparison, the Yushitai is a scumbag, so he has been suppressing the checks and balances of the public prosecutor's office on power. Maintain a state of balance with other government agencies, and only fight for right and wrong, rather than competing for power and gain.

Fufu.

"What's the current situation at Yushitai?"

Fu Bi asked Wen Yanbo with a smile.

Wen Yanbo smiled and said: "What else can I do? Of course I am very frustrated, and threatened to send someone to keep an eye on everyone in the public security bureau, procuratorate, and law."

Fu Bi asked again: "Didn't I blame you?"

Wen Yanbo said: "Why are you blaming me? I have tried my best. Who would have thought that that kid could beat him and find so much evidence."

At this point, he sighed deeply, and suddenly looked at Fu Bi, "Although I didn't succeed, the rich man's wishes have come true. The official family is smarter than the rich man imagined. He even There wasn’t even a word of blame, let alone letting the public prosecutor and the procuratorate put themselves above the Yushitai.”

Fu Bi said: "This matter is not that easy, and I don't expect it to be solved overnight, but after all, the public prosecutor and the procuratorate can review Yushitai's case, which is already very good."

Wen Yanbo shook his head and said: "But I still don't agree that the public prosecutor's law can replace the ancestral law. From this case, it is not difficult to see that if the officials can bring the public prosecutor's law back to its original form at any time, the public prosecutor's law can only stop here. And the ancestors The method must be more justifiable."

Fu Bi frowned and thought: "But the ancestral method has been destroyed by Wang Jiefu and Zhang San, we must choose another method."

Wen Yanbo said: "But the public prosecutor and the procuratorate do not see any hope. Judging from what Zhang San did, he was more helping the officials to limit the power of the prime minister. This approach has nothing to do with what Wang Jiefu did. Both."

Fu Bi said: "Having said that, the current situation is still developing for the better. Since the establishment of the Public Security Bureau, everyone has restrained themselves a lot, including those relatives of the emperor."

Wen Yanbo said: "That's just because the officials still need the public prosecutor and the law, so they are willing to compromise. But in my opinion, this is just a mirage, and it is impossible to go any further."

Fu Bi sighed: "I'm not going to hide it from you, I haven't thought of how to break this deadlock yet."

Wen Yanbo said: "Maybe it can't be broken at all."

He is a conservative among conservatives, advocating the laws of his ancestors, but that does not mean that he thinks the system set by his ancestors is perfect, but that when everyone respects the laws of their ancestors, they can limit the imperial power. , thus laying the foundation for the emperor and the scholar-bureaucrats to rule the world together.

If there is no ancestral law, this sentence will not be true.

Why did Qingli reformists such as Fu Bi, Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu, and Wen Yanbo oppose Wang Anshi's reform at all costs?

Although as they get older, their thoughts will inevitably tend to be conservative. This is human nature, and there must be reasons for this, but will it make them become so conservative?

Not necessarily.

In fact, there are many reasons. First, Wang Anshi advocated the supremacy of interests. His New Deal was entirely focused on finance, which destroyed the Confucian tradition of governing the country.

Second, and most importantly, Wang Anshi wanted to strengthen the emperor's centralization of power, which undermined the foundation of the emperor and the scholar-bureaucrats co-ruling the world.

And they are all veterans, born in the Renzong era. In that era, the emperor and the scholar-bureaucrats jointly ruled the world and reached its peak. Of course, they all hope to continue along this path. The emperor must admit that he alone is the leader. Those who cannot govern the country well.

But unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse since Shenzong came to the throne.

It may seem like a dispute over the ideals of governing the country, but hidden underneath is a struggle for power, mainly between imperial power and prime ministerial power.

In history, although Wang Anshi's reform failed, it was actually a complete failure conservatively, because through the efforts of Shenzong, the emperor's centralization of power was finally completed by the time of Song Huizong.

Maybe it's God's will.

Shenzong wanted to centralize power mainly to enrich the country, strengthen its army, and expand its territory, but in the end the power fell on an artist. It is really disturbing.

This also shows the pros and cons of this concentration of power.

Ruling the world with scholar-bureaucrats, you can get involved in all the big things for a long time, and end up in vain. If the emperor can keep his word, this problem will not exist, but you must ensure that every generation is a wise king, otherwise, if you encounter An artist can do it all.

The purpose of Wen Yanbo and Fu Bi was completely the same, which was to restrict imperial power. However, the difference was that Wen Yanbo still respected the destiny and the law of ancestors, which was the entire Confucian system.

But Fu Bi believed that since Wang Anshi proposed the "three deficiencies" and formally wrote the ancestral laws into the Song Dynasty's Xingtong, the ancestral laws have gradually drifted away. He believed that scholar-bureaucrats should unite around the public prosecutors and law.

Wen Yanbo had tried before, and he agreed to Sima Guang to serve as Yushi Zhongcheng. But gradually, he found that the public prosecutor's office was a dead end, and it was still completely controlled by the emperor, and it was impossible to break the situation.

From Cheng Fang to the Imperial City Division, and then to the Yushitai, it is not difficult to see that the public prosecutors and the judiciary do not dare to take this step. They just say that Zhang Fei's eloquence is better and his legal attainments are relatively high. Cover up the past.

But in terms of fairness and justice, shouldn’t they really be punished?

What Cheng Fang did was even worse than that of Wang Hong. Wang Hong did not engage in corruption or bribery. He also did his best to help the treasury collect taxes.

Wen Yanbo’s patience with the police, prosecutors and law has been exhausted, and he is increasingly dissatisfied.

This case is actually a vent for many conservatives’ dissatisfaction with the public prosecutors and the law.

But the laws of the ancestors are different. Even if you shout about the laws of the ancestors in front of the emperor, the emperor will not dare to say that you are wrong. After all, Confucianism is deeply rooted.

In fact, Fu Bi cannot see the possibility of breaking the situation for the time being, but he believes that at least the public security law is still developing and he should not draw conclusions too early.

Sima Guang was not as profound as they thought. He still focused on the current problems facing the country, and Sima Guang was also very dissatisfied with the result.

Judging from the final judgment, it neither solved the problem of Yushitai nor the problem of equal loss.

It must not end here.

Although this plan was proposed by Zhang Fei, he actually agreed with it very much, so he agreed to it.

On the third day after the verdict was announced, under the control of the conservatives, a group of wealthy businessmen from Jiangnan suddenly came to the procuratorate and wanted to sue the Shipping Department of Southeast Sixth Road for using their power to infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of their businessmen. As a result, the people in the southeast are living in dire straits and complaining, seriously endangering the country and the country. They hope that the procuratorate can safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

This situation is truly shocking.

The businessmen in the capital were all frightened. Are these businessmen crazy?

Although merchants had a relatively high status in the Song Dynasty, that was only relatively speaking. Otherwise, Wang Anshi would not have chosen wealthy merchants like them to deal with the problem.

What is even more outrageous is that the procuratorate actually accepted their complaint and stated that it would investigate the matter.

Wang Anshi was furious when he heard the news. This is really a good person being bullied. You guys are not done yet. This matter is over. You come to complain again. I don’t want to do anything. , I will accompany you to litigate every day.

You don’t need to think about it to know that there must be someone behind it.

Otherwise, how could those Jiangnan businessmen dare to report the Secretary of Transportation's complaint in the capital.

Zhang family!

Wang Anshi glared at Zhang Fei angrily, "Don't say, this has nothing to do with you? I know better than you what kind of character Mr. Sima is. He is determined not to come up with such a method. Only you can think of it. Out, and it’s not the first time you’ve done this.”

In Hezhong Mansion, Zhang Fei had played this trick before, in which he encouraged the salt merchants to sue the government.

A repeat offender.

Zhang Fei still looked innocent and said: "Isn't this what Wang Xueshi asked me to do?"

"Nonsense."

Wang Anshi stood up in such a hurry, "When did I ask you to do this?"

Zhang Fei said: "It was Bachelor Wang who asked me to find a way to retain Bachelor Sima."

Wang Anshi was stunned for a moment and said: "What does this have to do with this matter?"

Zhang Fei said: "Xueshi Wang should be very clear as to why Bachelor Sima wanted to leave. However, the previous case had a great impact on his authority. If he wants to regain everyone's support, he must use you, Bachelor Wang. Let’s do some surgery!”

".!"

Listen!

Is this really human language?

Wang Anshi was so angry that he almost fainted, and the corners of his eyebrows twitched.

Zhang Fei didn't dare to play with it anymore, and he chuckled, "Scholar Wang, please calm down, I am actually doing this for the sake of Bachelor Wang."

Wang Anshi laughed angrily, "Maybe one day, even if you stab me, you can shamelessly say that you are thinking of me."

That's a must. Zhang Fei secretly thought, but said: "How dare I do this, but I don't think Wang Xueshi wants what happened to Xue Fa Yun to happen again, right?"

Wang Anshi remained silent.

Zhang Fei said: "But judging from the current situation, it will definitely happen. Not only the equal loss method, but also the young crop method, the exemption method, etc. No one can do it perfectly, and there will definitely be something wrong among them. Problem."

Wang Anshi was confused and said: "But what does this have to do with this matter?"

Zhang Fei said: "The charges against those businessmen are actually not enough for the procuratorate to file a lawsuit with the imperial court."

The more Wang Anshi listened, the more confused he became, "Then why did you do this?"

Zhang Fei said: "Hearing."

Wang Anshi frowned.

Zhang Fei said: "I believe Wang Xueshi also knows that almost everyone is unconvinced by the verdict of this case, including Xue Fayunshi, including you Wang Xueshi. Everyone thinks that they have been wronged.

And many people believe that there are indeed some problems with the uniform transportation method. If these things are not explained clearly and solutions are not found, such things will continue to happen, which will even make various shipping companies unable to If you dare to act rashly, it will also affect the efficiency of the shipping department. ”

These words hit Wang Anshi’s weakness.

Since the emperor no longer fully supported the New Deal, Wang Anshi was worried that this would shake the confidence of the reformist officials and make them timid. Therefore, he told Xue Xiang to let go. Dry.

Zhang Fei added: "The hearing does not involve any illegal issues, it just focuses on raising and solving problems. This will not destroy the Junsu method, but will make the Junsu method stronger and ensure that There will no longer be a situation like Xue Fayun's."

Wang Anshi asked: "So you also think that there is indeed a problem with the equal loss method?"

Zhang Fei said: "Judging from the evidence provided by those businessmen, there are indeed some major problems in the uniform transmission method, which must be corrected in time."

Wang Anshi asked: "For example?"

"Money shortage!"

Zhang Fei said: "According to the evidence provided so far, the Shipping Department has collected a large amount of coins from many areas, but there is no system for the return of coins, which has led to serious money shortages in many areas, which has seriously affected the economy. The development of these areas. At the same time, the local people are unable to produce coins, which further makes it difficult for the uniform loss method to maintain in the local area."

Wang Anshi said: "How is this possible? The principle of equal loss is that when you move to the rich, you will be cheap, and to use the people is easy. Unless those areas have poor harvests every year, there may be a money shortage."

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "It is true that some areas have had no harvest for three years in a row, and there is another point that is even more fatal. That is, some places are very far from the capital, and the roads are rugged and relatively closed. For cost considerations, the shipping department Generally, they will only collect coins from the local area, and will not easily spend money to buy food in those areas. Even if it is sold to a relatively nearby place, the transportation cost is very high."

Sorry, I'm late. I woke up with a stiff neck today, my eyes were swollen, and I wrote a little slowly. . . .