Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 766: “Beautiful Envoy”

Although there was a lot of key evidence in the Song Dynasty's ultimatum, Zhang Fei did not use it to refute the remarks of the Liao envoy.

Not because of fear, nor because procrastination is more in the interests of both countries. It's because many of the evidence are too general. It is undeniable that the evidence is very critical, but it is impossible to determine a very clear limit. This is not in line with Zhang Fei's habit. He still hopes to get more detailed and systematic evidence.

So, this requires a large number of people to investigate, that is, where the Song Dynasty thinks its territory is, and where the Liao Dynasty wants to draw the boundary.

Of course, this professional matter should still be investigated by professionals.

This will take a long time, so Zhang Fei's mission can be regarded as coming to an end.

"Prosecutor Zhang, look for me."

"Magnificent Lu, please take a seat."

"Thank you."

After Lu Dazhong sat down, Zhang Fei said: "I will return to Beijing soon. The affairs here will be left to Magistrate Lu for the time being."

Lu Dazhong was slightly doubtful, "But I don't know how to take responsibility."

Zhang Fei said: "It is to focus on on-the-spot investigation, and then refuse all discussions with the other party. Simply put, it is to determine the specific boundaries of where we are here, and at the same time determine where the boundaries they want are.

No matter what they say, just listen and don't give any response. We will discuss it in detail after all investigations are completed. ”

Lu Dazhong nodded and said: "I know."

Zhang Fei said: "In addition, another thing is that the public security law is slowly being implemented across the country. Shaanxi and Hebei are already promoting it, and it will definitely be implemented in Hedong in the future.

After I go back, I will ask Your Majesty to pilot it in Jincheng first. I hope that Magistrate Lu can take the lead in this matter. I don’t know if Magistrate Lu is confident. ”

Lu Dazhong hesitated and said: "Although my brother mentioned the Public Security Bureau and explained it to me in detail every time he wrote back, I even went back to Lantian the year before last and saw the Public Security Law, but I I think it’s actually very complicated, with all parties checking and balancing each other, and no one can cross the line, but I’m not very clear, where is the line?”

Zhang Fei nodded with great satisfaction. In fact, the most complicated thing about the public security system and the law is the separation of politics and law. Each official office has clear boundaries of power. This is very different from the previous political system. If we only look at the system of the Song Dynasty That's exactly the opposite.

The Song Dynasty was the most particular about checks and balances, but the checks and balances of the Song Dynasty system were that many people did one thing, while the checks and balances of the public security organs and the law were that I only did this thing, and I didn’t care about the rest. , it violates the system.

One is very vague and casual, the other is very clear and strict.

It can be seen that Lu Dazhong has really studied it.

"At that time, we will send some officials over and also send precedents to Magistrate Lu. Magistrate Lu can then use these precedents to determine where the boundaries between the parties are."

Zhang Fei smiled.

Lu Dazhong nodded and said, "Then I'd rather be respectful than obey my orders."

Zhang Fei said: "It's not about obeying orders, but whether you truly trust the public security organs and the law. This is very important."

Lv Dazhong said with great certainty: "The situation in Shaanxi makes people have to believe in the public prosecutors and law."

Zhang Fei smiled and nodded: "Then it's settled."

After talking to Lu Dazhong, Zhang Fei set off back to Bianjing amidst Cao Dongdong's complaints.

Cao Dongdong was willing to come because he wanted to make great achievements, but the result was loud thunder, light rain, and just a few shivers.

This is completely different from what Cao Dongdong thought.

He has been confused these days.

Never come again next time.

Not fun at all!

It was already the depth of winter, and Zhang Fei wanted to return to the capital before the Chinese New Year, so the group traveled day and night, staring at the cold wind.

This is the advantage of being young.

In just half a month, they entered the capital.

"Bartender! Hurry, hurry up, boil some pots of hot wine, it's really freezing to death."

After entering a foot shop, Cao Dongdong shouted loudly.

His roar immediately attracted the attention of other customers in the store.

Soon, they all found that everyone around them was pointing fingers at them.

"Zhang San, have you noticed that they are all staring at them?"

Cao Dongdong whispered.

Zhang Fei nodded, "Are we going into a black shop?"

"How is that possible? This is Gyeonggi Province." Cao Dongdong winked at Taozi again.

Taozi understood the idea and went to the counter. While chatting with the shopkeeper about the price of vegetables, he eavesdropped on what everyone was talking about.

After a while, he returned to Cao Dongdong and muttered softly.

I saw that Cao Dongdong's face was uncertain whether he glanced at Zhang Fei or not.

This made Zhang Fei panic and asked: "What's the matter?"

Cao Dongdong was startled and said: "It's nothing. I'll go to the hut."

After that, he left in a hurry.

Zhang Fei frowned and said, "Why are you so nervous?"

After a while, the food and wine were served, but there was still no sign of Cao Dongdong. Zhang Fei immediately asked Li Si to take a look.

After a while, Li Si returned to the store again, "Third brother, the people in the yamen said that the yamen has left."

Zhang Fei said in surprise: "Where is he going?"

Li Sidao: "I said I was going to the nearby police station to have a look."

Zhang Fei frowned and said, "Is it necessary to be so anxious?"

After saying that, he glanced at the customers around him, and saw that those customers immediately looked away when they saw him, but their expressions were quite disdainful.

Li Si lowered his head again and whispered in Zhang Fei's ear: "Third Brother, when I went out just now, I heard some people talking about you, Third Brother."

Zhang Fei asked: "What are you talking about me?"

Li Sidao: "To say that Third Brother is as timid as a mouse and a coward is to disgrace our Song Dynasty."

Zhang Fei suddenly realized why Cao Dongdong left without saying goodbye, and couldn't help cursing: "What a good brother!"

At the same time, he immediately ordered people to inquire and find out what was going on.

Only after this inquiry did I find out that the last "Oolong" incident had spread to the capital a few days ago, which immediately caused an uproar. It can be said that countless officials impeached Zhang Fei.

You must know that they recommended Zhang Fei before, but they were just waiting for this moment.

They believed that it was precisely because of Zhang Fei's desertion that he not only disgraced the Song Dynasty, but also led to misunderstandings and almost triggered a war between the two countries. This must be severely punished.

However, what they didn't know was that Zhao Xu actually knew the specific reason, because the people Zhang Fei used were all Zhao Xu's people, and Zhang Fei himself wrote a letter to inform Zhao Xu of the matter, but the problem It's Zhao Xu who can't tell the truth.

But the Liao Kingdom cannot know what is going on.

So, in order to show his determination to support Zhang Fei, Zhao Xu directly demoted the two officials who were most active in impeaching Zhang Fei from the capital and asked them to serve as officials in other places.

This is also the first time that Zhao Xu openly demoted the officials who impeached Zhang Fei in order to save Zhang Fei.

However, this move was immediately questioned by the prime ministers, because on the surface, they were right. You negotiated on behalf of the country, and as a result, their troops invaded the national border. You did not argue based on reason. That's all, he actually ran away and hid in a brothel in Taiyuan. This can't be justified. Your emperor punishes those officials without giving an explanation. This is so unfair!

However, Zhao Xu assured them that when Zhang Fei comes back, he will give Zhengshitang a specific answer.

Although Zhao Xu suppressed it from above, the matter had already spread among the people. Those powerful people and some scholar-officials who opposed Zhang Fei fanned the flames and added fuel to the fire, causing the matter to ferment immediately everywhere.

The Song court has always been relatively weak. There is no dispute about this. However, the Song people's national sentiments are very strong, especially those young scholars. They hate that kind of betrayal. The act of seeking glory.

Why Zhao Xu promotes martial arts is because he grew up in this oppressed environment and felt very humiliated inside.

That's why he had such a strong desire to fight out. In the end, his death was due to the defeat of Xixia.

The same is true for the common people!

I deeply despise Zhang Fei's behavior.

Therefore, being a diplomat in the Song Dynasty was the hardest thing to do, because the ruling class had to be forbearing, but the people were very sensitive to this kind of thing, and if they didn't do it well, their reputation would be affected.

This is also what Xu Zun is most worried about.

Nowadays, people inside and outside the capital are all criticizing Zhang Fei. He is a coward and a rat. He will bully his own people in court and dare not let out a fart when meeting outsiders.

And also gave him a nickname, Brothel Envoy.

Zhang Fei was unable to argue now and could only continue on his way. On the day he returned to the capital, he had just entered the city and was summoned to the palace by Zhao Xu before he returned home.

When I came to Chui Gong Hall, I saw that in addition to Zhao Xu, there were also several important ministers such as Han Qi, Fu Bi, Wang Anshi, Wen Yanbo, and Sima Guang sitting inside.

Judging from this lineup, this is definitely the most senior meeting of the Song Dynasty. Even Xue Xiang and Lu Gongzhu are not qualified to participate.

First of all, of course, it was Zhang Fei who answered Wen Yanbo and the others’ confusion, which was why he ran away at that time.

This is different from the domestic power struggle. If this matter cannot be explained clearly, this hurdle will definitely not be overcome.

Wen Yanbo said: "So, you chose to go to Taiyuan because you wanted to test whether the Northern Dynasty really intended to go to war with our country."

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "Because before I left, I heard some remarks by Mr. Han about the Northern Dynasties, that is, the people in both dynasties were tired of war.

But no one could be sure at that time whether the Liao Kingdom had any intention to go to war with our country.

When they choose to suppress the situation with troops and horses and put pressure on our side, I will use their tricks and choose to use softness to overcome strength, creating panic in the battlefield and testing their intentions. ”

Sima Guang said: "But do you know, this is very dangerous. If you are not careful, you may be self-defeating."

Zhang Fei said: "They were the ones who provoked the trouble first, and I just chose to escape. No matter what, the responsibility should be placed on them, so this is a very safe trial. Unless they are determined to If they start a war with us, they will send troops no matter whether I leave or stay.

The result of the test is that the Northern Dynasty has no intention of starting a war with us at this time, because their dignitaries are unprepared, and they all blame their Southern King. Moreover, the people in the Liao Kingdom, as Han Xianggong said, were very war-weary.

Therefore, they later took the initiative to retreat from Chechanggou to Dahuangping within the ancient Great Wall, and at the same time withdrew their troops and horses, so that I could go back and negotiate with them.

And from this negotiation, we also learned the news that the people of the Northern Dynasties are actually very dissatisfied with their court.

It is precisely because of this news that I used the hidden danger of rebels crossing the border to force them not to worry about the matter for the time being. ”

After that, he carefully informed Wen Yanbo and the others about the negotiation process with Jian Lei.

"That's it."

Han Qi stroked his beard and nodded, praising: "Prosecutor Zhang is really brave and resourceful!"

They had already learned the news about what happened next, but they did not expect that this was all Zhang Fei's plan.

I thought this was just a mistake, because this kind of thing is indeed very likely to happen, and even Lu Dazhong has not reacted yet.

"Excellent."

Zhang Fei smiled modestly.

Wen Yanbo asked again: "Since they have no intention of going to war with us, why do they gather troops north of Hedong Road?"

Zhang Fei replied: "During my negotiations with them, I found that they deliberately delayed and were not so eager to resolve these disputes. They proposed to use watersheds to demarcate the boundary, although they clearly wanted to invade our country. However, when I questioned this demarcation method and needed to investigate it for one to two years, they readily agreed.

Therefore, Magistrate Nalu and I both predicted that they chose to provoke disputes in Hedong instead of Guannan. Their main purpose was because we were operating on the edge of Xihe River, which is where they gathered. The main reason for soldiers and horses. ”

As soon as these words came out, Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang glanced at Wang Anshi in unison.

Wang Anshi's face was calm and he asked calmly: "What is the basis for your speculation?"

Zhang Fei said: "When the Liao envoys went to Beijing, most people predicted that they were here to take advantage of the situation. But everyone ignored one thing. In fact, this was not the best time to take advantage of the situation.

The best time is to wait until our country sends troops to Xixia, fight with Xixia soldiers and horses for a while, and then take advantage of it. In that case, it will not only weaken the national power of our country and Xixia, but also take advantage and dominate everything. . ”

Wang Anshi said: "In that case, why are they provoking a dispute now instead of waiting until our country sends troops to Xixia?"

Zhang Fei said: "Even I, the prosecutor, know that that's the best time to take advantage of the fire. Therefore, if we want to send troops to Xixia, we must defend the northern front first.

Some of Wang Xueshi's fortifications in Hebei aroused their vigilance. They had to interrupt our government's deployment on the border, which made us fearful and even caused panic in our government.

The fact is that after the Liao envoys entered Beijing, our court was indeed talking about building fortifications in Hebei. And regarding this point, they believe they will continue to exert pressure and continue to make some small moves to undermine our defense organization on the northern front.

Secondly, I mentioned just now that the Liao Kingdom has no intention of going to war with my country, because not only does it have no public support, but our currency and trade are also crucial to the Liao Kingdom.

If they took advantage of the situation and violated the alliance between the two countries, it would actually do more harm than good to the Liao Kingdom.

So we speculate that if they retain this part of the dispute and entangle us on this point, then we will give them a legitimate reason to station troops on the border. They can use the dispute to send troops to invade our territory at a critical moment. This It will definitely put pressure on us, but at the same time it cannot be said to be a declaration of war.

Therefore, keeping this dispute is a good way for them to fully control the initiative in their own hands. ”

Wang Anshi said: "According to your wishes, we will always be controlled by the Northern Dynasty. As long as the Northern Dynasty is there, we cannot take any action against Xixia."

Zhang Fei said: "I am just discussing the matter, and I am referring to the current situation. I think that when there is not enough strength to fight on two fronts, any military action against Xixia should be more cautious, because the Liao Kingdom will definitely find a way to intervene. Yes, although the Liao Kingdom does not want to go to war with our country, if we eliminate Xixia, it will be directly related to the security of the Liao Kingdom, and we cannot hope that they will sit aside and ignore it."

Sima Guang immediately said to Zhao Xu: "Your Majesty, I think what Zhang Guangkong said is very reasonable. The current external situation does not allow us to easily send troops to Xixia. For example, if the Xihe River expands its borders, although it captures six states and opens up thousands of miles, but every year We need to pay millions of dollars for this. If we send troops to Xixia when the national strength is still insufficient, it will be tantamount to destroying both the jade and the stone."

Fu Bi nodded and said: "What you said is true. At present, your Majesty should keep a low profile and major in internal affairs."

Zhao Xu nodded slightly.

Wang Anshi frowned secretly and suddenly said: "The current focus is on internal affairs, which is of course the right thing to do, but we still cannot give up our tired strategy against Xixia. We should continue to put pressure on it and use non-military means. All means are used to make it weaker, and when the time is right, it can give a fatal blow."

At this moment, it is definitely not a good time to send troops, but he cannot give up this plan.

Wen Yanbo nodded and said: "I am not opposed to continuing to besiege Xixia, but at the same time I am also prepared to deal with the Northern Dynasty. However, we must not be as blatant as before. The reason why the Northern Dynasty is alert this time is because of me Too arrogant."

Han Qi nodded and said: "The veteran also agrees with Kuanfu's advice that we should train troops secretly and strengthen defense, instead of just showing off our rhetoric."

This is all a mockery of Wang Anshi.

You shouted louder than anyone else, but now that they are here, you don’t have the strength to deal with them.

Isn’t this embarrassing?

Zhao Xu nodded slightly, "Everyone is right. Starting next year, the court should focus on internal affairs."

"Your Majesty is wise."

All the ministers said in unison.

Zhao Xu suddenly said: "But regarding the chaos in the market, I don't want anyone else to know about it, so as not to let the Northern Dynasty know about it."

"I obey."

Sima Guang suddenly said: "But if this happens, prosecutor Zhang's reputation may be harmed?"

Zhang Fei smiled very relaxedly and said: "Thank you, Bachelor Sima, for your concern. I have my own way to solve this problem."

Zhao Xu smiled and said: "Then it's settled."

After leaving the Chuigong Hall, Sima Guang pulled Zhang Fei aside and whispered: "Do you know what everyone is saying about you now?"

Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I heard about it on the way here."

Sima Guang said: "Then how do you plan to respond?"

Zhang Fei said: "Don't worry, Bachelor Sima, I have already thought of a way to do this. They are no match for me."

Seeing that he was full of confidence, Sima Guang felt relieved and said, "Young man, can you be more practical in the future? Don't keep wandering around on the edge of the cliff."

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "Try your best."

As soon as he said goodbye to Sima Guang, he was captured by Wang Anshi again.

"Are you scared by the Liao people?"

"If I was scared, would I still dare to tease the Liao people like this?" Zhang Fei asked.

Wang Anshi frowned and said, "But what you said just now is obviously too conservative."

Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said: "Master Wang, I am really just discussing the matter. Now is not a good time to send troops. Otherwise, the snipe and the clam will fight, and the fisherman will benefit."

Wang Anshi said: "Don't I know this? But you can't say that. Wen Gong and others all thought that it was my usual show of force that aroused the suspicion of the Liao Kingdom.

But if I don't do this, who would dare to say this? The civil servants and generals in the court have long been addicted to wine and sex, and have lost their enterprising spirit.

If you interrupt my plan this time, even if it becomes a piece of cake one day, I am afraid that no one in our court will dare to fight. ”

Zhang Fei said: "I dare!"

Wang Anshi was stunned: "What do you mean?"

Zhang Fei said: "Xueshi Wang, let me emphasize again that I very much support Wang Xueshi's New Deal, and I know that the main purpose of Wang Xueshi's New Deal is to expand territory.

But there is one thing that I am dissatisfied with, that is, Academician Wang pays too much attention to Xixia and ignores the Liao Kingdom. However, it is the Liao Kingdom that really humiliates us. It is the Liao Kingdom that should really be eliminated. The territory that should be recovered most is Yanyun Shi Six states.

Scholar Wang cannot just look at me and say that the time to send troops to Xixia is wrong. He should also see that I am describing the threat of the Liao Kingdom to our country, implying that the Liao Kingdom should be tied into the plan to send troops to Xixia. ”

Wang Anshi blinked, listening to what you said, I am the dove in my feelings! To be honest, what he mainly focuses on is Xixia. The money he earns for the treasury can only conquer Xixia. No one can deny that when facing the Liao Kingdom, everyone in the Song Dynasty was still afraid, including Zhao Xu.

"So, are you preparing to send troops to the Liao Kingdom?" Wang Anshi asked.

Zhang Fei nodded and said: "This is the reason why I emphasize the accumulation of national strength, because I hope to have the strength to send troops to the Liao Kingdom, not that little Xixia."

Small!

It turns out that I am too small!

Wang Anshi was silent for a while, "But if you don't destroy Xixia, how can you compete with the Liao Kingdom?"

Zhang Fei said: "This is not the key. The key is to draw everyone's attention to the Liao Kingdom and the threat the Liao Kingdom poses to our country. If we do not target the Liao Kingdom, it is impossible for us to destroy Xixia."

Wang Anshi stroked his beard.

Zhang Fei added: "The key is now and then. Wang Anshi does not need to tie the New Deal to the extermination of Xia. The emergence of the Public Security Bureau will change many things, and policies will inevitably need to be adjusted. And if they are to be done well, Preparations for the war against the Liao Kingdom will require even more financial support, and the reform will continue."

After bidding farewell to Wang Anshi, Zhang Fei hurried home.

Seeing Zhang Fei return safe and sound, Gao Wenyin almost shed tears of excitement.

"Mrs."

Looking at Gao Wenyin, whose eyes were red, Zhang Fei gently held her hand and said, "I'm just here to negotiate, not to fight. You don't need to worry so much."

Gao Wenyin said: "But I heard that the Liao people are all savages who eat their hair and drink their blood."

Zhang Fei chuckled and said: "This is actually a little biased, but even if it is true, don't worry, because your husband is not a kind person."

Xu Zhiqian on the side said: "But the people in the capital don't see it that way. Now everyone is calling you a coward, and even gave you a nickname, Brothel Envoy."

Zhang Fei said indifferently: "A diplomat who doesn't get scolded is definitely not a good diplomat."

Xu Lingxiao on the side said hurriedly: "Brother-in-law, please don't be careless. This kind of thing can be big or small, and it may affect my brother-in-law's future career."

Even Xu Zundu said: "Xiao'er is right, Zhang San, you must take this matter seriously."

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Don't worry, I have a magic weapon that will quickly reverse these public opinions."

Xu Zhiqian asked curiously: "What magic weapon?"

"My brother, Cao Yanei."