The sudden action of the procuratorate immediately caused a drastic change in the nature of the whole incident.

Sima Guang, Wen Yanbo and others knew before that these big landowners were deliberately making false reports in order to go against the Commissioner of Taxation.

Although they did not say that they supported such behavior, they tacitly allowed senior officials in the court to support them.

Basically, just stay out of it.

This is because the conscription law itself is controversial.

For example, those official households, female households, monks and Taoists did not have to pay this money originally, but now they have to pay so much.

If you put yourself in their shoes, of course they would be unwilling.

Ultimately, this is still a dispute over political policies.

This is inevitable.

But now the situation has changed. Selling private salt and occupying government farmland are not government orders, but purely legal issues.

...

...

If this had happened before, it would have been strictly investigated. Kaifeng Prefecture has punished this kind of behavior many times, involving many high-ranking officials.

The sentence should still be given, but if you have a background, the sentence will be lighter.

But this does not mean that the evidence was turned a blind eye. If this were the case, the judicial system of the Song Dynasty would have collapsed long ago.

Whether it was the Zhongshu Menxia or the Sansi, they all immediately expressed their support for the Procuratorate in the court.

Zhao Xu was also furious and personally issued an order, urging the procuratorate to severely punish the perpetrators.

This is illegal income, and you guys are still unwilling to pay taxes.

This is really too much.

......

Wang Anshi, Han Jiang, Sima Guang and others finally realized that this was Zhang Fei's trump card that had been hidden for a long time.

If it's just this little fine, the other party will fight with you until the end of time.

This is why, even though the Tax Commissioner has won battle after battle, they still see no hope of victory.

But why did Zhang Fei take this detour and use the illegal income to deal with them instead of directly raising the penalty for false reporting of property? Wouldn't that be simpler and more effective?

In fact, this principle is similar to what Wen Yanbo and others did.

The exemption tax was a huge controversy both in the court and among the people.

Not to mention the rich or the poor, this is ultimately asking the people for money, not giving money to the people.

To put it more bluntly, it means increasing taxes.

If tax increases are coupled with severe penalties, it would be like robbing money with a knife.

The key point is that many prime ministers also believed that this conscription law would increase the burden on the people. Not to mention Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang, even Zhao Yan, who was always impartial, was very opposed to it.

Therefore, the regulations revised by Zhang Fei are all very mild. The taxes are calculated based on income. This calculation can determine that the people will not pay money but still be unable to eat.

Moreover, since it is a voluntary declaration, there is no possibility that the government will make random assessments of households.

This is also what Sima Guang and Wen Yanbo are most worried about. Wang Anshi keeps saying that there were problems with the previous household grades, but will there be no problems with the household grades that you, Wang Anshi, have re-counted?

You, Wang Anshi, want to make money for the country. If the number of households is not large enough, where will the money come from?

Self-declaration will dispel their worries.

Even for officials, the main purpose is to pay extra income besides salary. If only the salary is counted, only 3% needs to be paid, and that is only the material fee, that is, cash, not subsidies.

It won the recognition of many officials at that time.

Not only that, even the penalties have been revised.

As for the violence of the Tax Commissioner, it will only be used when there is irrefutable evidence.

All these things left ministers such as Wen Yanbo speechless.

This will indeed not increase the burden on the people, but the question is, can you raise the taxes?

Later, after the Commissioner of Taxation took over, Sima Guang and his colleagues began to worry that they would not be able to collect taxes.

Even though the tax commissioner is so powerful, they are still not optimistic.

The method is powerful, but it cannot solve the problem.

Now they realized that Zhang Fei intended to use the illegal income to deal with them. The Taxation Bureau was just a trigger, and the real killer move was actually the Procuratorate.

The procuratorate did not disappoint. After investigating the official land accounts of Xiangfu County, it found irrefutable evidence and immediately filed a lawsuit with the imperial court.

They also went back and re-investigated the accounts of Qin Biao, Liu Ping and others.

......

Lee's Bookstore.

But what was seen was a man with a square face, a resolute countenance and a strong aura, frowning and tilting his head to look at Li Guozhong who was sitting in the seat of the head of the family.

This man's name was Xu Ji, and he was the judge of the Ministry of Revenue.

"Judge Xu."

Li Guozhong's forehead was sweating. "Where exactly is that income..."

Xu Ji asked: "What if it's true?"

Li Guozhong swallowed and said, "If it is true, and the procuratorate has the evidence, then...then I really can't help."

Xu Ji asked again: "Can't paying money solve the problem?"

Li Guozhong said: "This...I'm really not sure about this. The key is to see what the attitude of the procuratorate is."

In fact, it was a hint to Xu Ji that you should go to the procuratorate to ask for leniency. If they want to sue to death, then I can't do anything.

Xu Ji didn't waste any words, he stood up and said, "I understand, I'll take my leave first."

"Judge Xu, take care."

“No need to send!”

After saying that, Xu Ji turned around and strode away.

Li Lei stepped forward and asked worriedly, "Foster father, will they stop trusting us because of this?"

Li Guozhong stroked his beard and laughed.

Li Lei asked curiously, "Why is godfather laughing?"

Li Guozhong glanced at him and said with a chuckle, "You, you put all your thoughts on the lawsuit and forgot about the way of doing business. Think about it, after this incident, those people will have to come to pay the exemption tax. We want to make more money!

The point is, in this case, we can only blame them for being careless, not us."

......

When I got home, I saw a young man approaching me and asked, "Brother, how are you?"

Xu Ji shook his head and said, "It seems that we can only use our method."

As he said this, he went into the inner room. After a while, he came out with a small bundle and handed it to the young man, "Arrange someone to send this to the procuratorate."

The young man took it and asked, "What...what is this?"

Xu Ji said: "Both jade and stone will be destroyed."

......

Early morning.

Xu Zun was the first one to arrive at the yamen. The reason was that he had been living here recently and had not returned home. He had to keep a distance from Zhang Fei to avoid giving others a chance to criticize him.

I just came into the house and am doing some preparations.

Su Che suddenly walked into the room quickly, without bothering to greet, and directly handed three small books to Xu Zun, "Chief Inspector Xu, what do you think these are?"

Xu Zun took it and flipped it open. He was shocked to see that the booklet contained all the interests of Wang Hongjin and Zhao Wenzheng. He asked, "Where did you find this?"

Su Che said, "When I left home just now, someone entrusted a little kid to me."

Xu Zun said: "We have already found some problems with Wang Hongjin's income, and it may be related to Governor Zhao. Now that we have this evidence, it further proves that our investigation is correct."

Su Che suddenly asked, "Has Chief Prosecutor Xu ever thought about why this person sent us these evidences?"

Xu Zun remained calm and asked, "What do you want to say?"

Su Che said: "Obviously someone wants to bring this disaster to the royal family, forcing the government to show mercy."

"You make sense." Xu Zun nodded and asked, "Then what do you think we should do?"

Su Zhe hesitated for a moment and said, "I think our procuratorate should be prepared for a fierce battle. This matter may get out of control."

Xu Zun smiled and nodded: "In our procuratorate, everything must be based on evidence first. As for what it will lead to, that is not something we consider. But if we deliberately conceal it, then the entire public security, procuratorial and judicial organs may be finished."

......

Compared to the chaos in the Imperial City, where everything seemed like an enemy and undercurrents were surging, the Bian Jing Law Firm was peaceful. Although Zhang Fei was actually the leader, on the surface Zhang Fei was only hired by the Commissioner of Taxation to fight lawsuits for those tax police. Now that those people did not use force against the Commissioner of Taxation, it naturally had nothing to do with Zhang Fei.

But it doesn't mean that Zhang Fei is free now. He has encountered the most difficult problem since he came to Bianjing, which is moving. His moving history in Bianjing has never been smooth.

This time is no exception.

"One hundred and fifty strings of cash a month? Why don't they just rob them?"

Zhang Fei complained to Chen Maoqian very unhappily.

Chen Maoqian said, "Sanlang, you have to be reasonable. It has been postponed for a month, and you want to postpone it for another month. You are the one who broke your promise first, so of course they have to raise the price."

Zhang Fei said: "You know, my new house is already ready. My father-in-law is really busy now and doesn't come home. I have to wait for him to come back before I move to the new house. I don't want to do that!"

Chen Maoqian said: "This is your own problem. Anyway, the other party has made it very clear. You can postpone it for another month. Okay, 150 strings of cash, not a penny less."

Zhang Fei said: "Call him over. I want to talk to him in person."

Chen Maoqian suddenly said excitedly: "Sanlang, I

I've put so much thought and effort into this house of yours, and you don't believe me?"

Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "Don't misunderstand me, that's not what I meant. I just said that it's inconvenient for you to quarrel with him, then I don't care."

"Hey young!"

Fan Li suddenly walked in and said, "Sanlang, it's just over a hundred strings of cash. Are you fussing over it?"

Chen Maoqian said, "That's right, Brother Fan, come and give us your opinion on this matter."

Fan Li sat down and said to Zhang Fei, "Sanlang, you are here fussing over a hundred strings of cash, while the Li family is making a fortune every day."

Chen Maoqian asked hurriedly, "Did anyone go to pay the back taxes?"

Fan Li nodded and whispered, "There's almost no room left."

Chen Maoqian said: "They have been involved in smuggling salt and occupying government farmland. How can they not feel guilty?"

Zhang Fei sighed, "If they want to find the Li family, there is nothing we can do. Let's first clarify the matter of this house. A hundred or so guan is a small matter, but I have never had a smooth move. Old Chen, you are responsible."

Chen Maoqian was also drunk. "If you don't want to, then just move out. This is a business deal between us. What is there to fight about?"

"I don't!"

"......?"

Chen Maoqian was completely speechless and was about to get up and leave, but coincidentally, Fan Zheng and his son Fan Yong arrived.

"Third brother, many people want to donate land to our charity foundation today."

Fan Zheng had just finished speaking, and Zhang Fei hadn't reacted yet, when Fan Yong quickly said, "Sanlang, you can't take this land. There's a high probability that there's something wrong with it."

Chen Maoqian immediately reacted, "Could it be that they want to donate some of the occupied official land to our charity foundation?"

Fan Yong nodded.

"That's not possible."

Chen Maoqian was so scared that he shook his head repeatedly.

Several people looked at Zhang Fei very nervously again. They knew that this guy was very skilled and daring and would dare to make money by doing anything.

"Why are you looking at me?" Zhang Fei complained to Fan Zheng, "Master Fan, the charity foundation has been handed over to you to manage, and you come to me for such trivial matters. Don't you think I'm annoying enough?"

Fan Zheng was completely confused by the scolding, "Third brother, what happened?"

Chen Maoqian said: "That is really a trivial matter."

Afterwards, he informed Fan Yong and his son about the rent.

"......?"

After hearing this, the father and son were both speechless.

Fan Yong was at a loss whether to laugh or cry: "Sanlang, it's already this late, and you're still fussing over such a trivial matter."

Zhang Fei exclaimed: "You just don't understand. I've never had a smooth move, how can I not be upset? As for those things, they have nothing to do with us, why do you worry about them."

Chen Maoqian wondered, "You were the one who was interfering all along."

Zhang Fei said: "I did that to make money."

Fan Zheng whispered, "It's better for Third Brother not to get involved. Now this matter seems to be getting more and more serious."

Zhang Fei asked: "What do you mean?"

Fan Zheng said: "There are rumors outside now that the procuratorate is investigating Zhao Zhishi of Zongzheng Temple."

No way! It was leaked so quickly, the prosecutor's office's confidentiality skills are really terrible. Zhang Fei asked: "Is it true?"

Fan Zheng nodded and said, "It should be true. I heard that someone sent evidence of Governor Zhao's illegal activities to the procuratorate."

Zhang Fei couldn't help but frowned, thinking, Damn it! If I had known they were so cruel, I wouldn't have destroyed this god.

......

Zhao Mansion.

"Master, the rumors outside are not groundless. According to the information we got back, someone did send a piece of evidence to the procuratorate."

"But it was done by the tax commissioner?"

Zhao Wen Zheng asked with a frown.

Wang Qing said: "There is no evidence to prove who did it, but it doesn't look like the tax commissioner. The evidence the tax commissioner provided to the procuratorate already had some problems. Why don't they do more?"

Bang!

As soon as Wang Qing finished speaking, Zhao Wenzheng swept all the tea sets on the table to the ground. "These ungrateful villains, I have worked hard for their interests, and they just sold me out. The worst that can happen is that we will perish together."

Wang Qing hurriedly said: "Master, don't be impulsive!"

Of course, Zhao Wenzheng was just talking nonsense and asked, "What do you think?"

Wang Qing asked, "Master, we must prepare early. Now that the news has been released, the procuratorate will have to investigate."

Zhao Wenzheng also began to panic. He came to Wang Qing, paced back and forth, and suddenly asked, "By the way, is Hong Jin reliable?"

Wang Qing's eyes flashed with pain, and he nodded and said, "Master, don't worry, Hong Jin will never betray you, but...but now the procuratorate may not only have evidence of the income, but also the interests between you and Hong Jin."

......

Meng Mansion.

"But you did it?"

Meng Gansheng looked at everyone present. This kind of act of informing was truly horrible.

Everyone present shook their heads.

Pei Wen suddenly said: "But...but this is not a bad thing for us."

Meng Gansheng asked, "What do you mean?"

Pei Wen said: "Let him negotiate with the tax commissioner now. If he pays the arrears, can these responsibilities be waived? But if the royal family can be dragged into this, they may not be so scared, and the government will consider it accordingly."

No one said a word, and at this moment silence is better than words.

......

Inside the palace.

"Prosecutor Xu, I recently heard that someone reported on Governor Zhao?"

Zhao Xu glanced at Xu Zun standing beside him.

Xu Zun hesitated for a while before nodding.

Zhao Xu asked, "Who reported it?"

Xu Zun said: "In reply to your majesty, we don't know yet."

Zhao Xu asked again: "Are those evidences true?"

Xu Zun glanced at Zhao Xu, thought for a while, and said, "Your Majesty, I have not been home for many days because of investigating this case. I even asked my son to deliver my clothes to the procuratorate."

Zhao Xu was slightly stunned, and hurriedly said: "Chief Inspector Xu, there is no need to work so hard, but you should take care of yourself."

Xu Zun said: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, but because my son-in-law Zhang San is employed by the tax commissioner, I cannot go home to avoid suspicion."

Zhao Xu awkwardly picked up the teacup and took a sip, then said, "I understand. Please leave."

"I'll take my leave."

Just as he left the palace, a man suddenly jumped out from the side of the road and grabbed Xu Zun's hand, "Zhongtu, why is the emperor looking for you?"

Xu Zun turned his head and saw that it was Zhao Yan. He broke free without making a sound and then bowed and said, "Sorry, Mr. Zhao, I have nothing to say about this."

Zhao Yan stroked his beard and said, "Recently, many people in our Jianyuan have been complaining that your Procuratorate has seized the power of the Jianyuan. If your Procuratorate dares to bend the law for personal gain, I will investigate it thoroughly even if I have to sacrifice my official uniform."

Xu Zun bowed and said, "Goodbye."

......

Lu Mansion.

"Grandson greets grandpa."

Lu Jiawen bowed respectfully to Lu Gong, but there was a hint of displeasure in his eyes.

Lu Gong asked, "Wen'er, I heard that the procuratorate has already filed a lawsuit against Xu Yu?"

Lu Jiawen nodded: "Yes."

Lu Gongzhu asked again: "Do you think it is possible to sue?"

Lü Jiawen has been getting more and more unhappy lately. This Lü Gong treats him like a baby in swaddling clothes and has to tell him everything. He said, "Grandpa, you are now the prime minister, and Xu Yu's brother Xu Ji is also an official in the Three Departments. Is it inappropriate for Grandpa to ask this?"

"Asshole!"

Lu Gong slammed the table and scolded, "How can you talk to me like that?"

Lu Jia asked, "I dare not, but if I tell grandfather, it would be a violation of the law for personal gain. Grandpa always teaches me to enforce the law impartially."

Lu Gong snorted and said, "If the emperor asked you, would you not answer?"

Lu Jiawen was stunned for a moment, then his eyes turned and he said, "Grandpa, I didn't tell you because Sansi has a relationship with the Xu family. If I tell you, wouldn't it ruin your reputation?"

Lu Gong asked, "What if the emperor is not asking about Xu Yu's case, but about the case involving Governor Zhao?"

Lu Jia hesitated for a while and said awkwardly, "If the emperor wants to ask, of course I will tell the truth."

Lu Gong nodded and said, "You go out first."

"Yes, grandson, take your leave."

As soon as Lu Jiawen left, a man came out from the inner room. It was Sima Guang.

Lu Gong said, "You heard it too. Wen'er is too young. He may not be able to handle it. He is likely to make mistakes."

Sima Guang nodded and said, "Then who do you think should be in charge of the case if it goes to court?"

Lu Gong thought for a while and said, "Zeng Zi Gu."

Sima Guang thought for a while, nodded and said: "If it involves the royal family, it should indeed be tried by Kaifeng Prefecture."

......

It's late at night.

Xu Zhiqian was not in the mood to sleep. She sat alone in front of the window, looking at the bright moon outside with a heavy heart. Suddenly, she felt a warmth on her shoulder and couldn't help but look back, "Why are you awake?"

[Please do not transcode the reading (similar to Baidu) or the content will be lost]

.

"Urgent!"

“Puff!”

Xu Zhiqian immediately rolled her eyes at Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei sat down and said, "Are you still worried about my father-in-law?"

Xu Zhiqian nodded gently and said, "Now that this case involves the royal family, it is very tricky. There have been several disturbances in the past, but they were all very dangerous. And with Dad's character, he will definitely not back down just because of the royal family."

Zhang Fei asked curiously: "Then why don't you ask me?"

Xu Zhiqian glanced at him and said, "You are working for the government now, and this matter involves the royal family. If we ask you, it will make everyone very embarrassed."

For example, the Xu family father and daughter seldom asked about the affairs between Zhang Fei and the emperor. After their marriage, Xu Zhiqian also seldom asked about it.

Zhang Fei really couldn't say anything, after all, it involved the emperor's family affairs, so he just comforted him: "Don't worry, everything is under my control at the moment."

[Please do not transcode the reading (similar to Baidu) or the content will be lost]

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