Chapter 791 The Second Fire

In fact, whether it was Wang Anshi, Fu Bi, or Sima Guang, they all knew very well that Zhang Fei was not quibbling. On the contrary, what he said was the most truthful, even a little too truthful, which made everyone a little uncomfortable and thought he was quibbling.

The tax commissioner and the like are all trying to cover up their crimes.

Basically, they don't want to pay the tax.

No other reason.

But the tax law is set like this, they can only attack the tax commissioner. As long as they defeat the tax commissioner, they can naturally pay less tax or even no tax.

"First of all, this warehouse tax is very unreasonable. Food is the primary need of the people. The people have been saving and storing food since ancient times. There is no reason to force the people to sell food. Secondly, our dynasty is founded on virtue, and the tax commissioner is only interested in profit. If there is no restriction, it won't be long before everyone in the world is selfish and ungrateful."

Jiang Zhiqi still held on to it.

However, his words did win the support of many ministers.

Our Song Dynasty governs the country with virtue, but the tax commissioner only seeks profit, which is not in line with Confucianism.

...

...

Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Why is Censor Jiang looking at me so fiercely? My judgment is only for this case. In this case, the tax commissioner did not abuse his power. As for whether the court decides to reduce taxes or reorganize the tax commissioner, it has nothing to do with the imperial court. You have to go to the Ministry of Revenue and the Three Departments to ask for an explanation.

If the imperial court issues an order to strictly control the tax commissioner and this happens again, our imperial court will definitely convict them, because our imperial court follows the law, not human relationships. "

Jiang Zhiqi asked, "Then why did Judge Zhao think that the more than 30 tax police abused their power and committed manslaughter?"

Zhang Fei said: "I explained this very clearly in the judgment, and Censor Jiang should have read it. He should have pointed out what I said wrong instead of using this clumsy way of sowing discord to sow discord between me and Judge Zhao. This is really boring.

If I, as the chief judge, cannot overturn the ruling of Chief Judge Zhao, then what is the point of establishing the Supreme Court?"

"you."

Jiang Zhiqi was so angry that his eyes widened.

Zhang Fei simply closed his eyes.

I'm too lazy to talk nonsense with you censors.

Arrogant!

So damn arrogant!

Being a court president makes you so arrogant.

The ministers were so angry that their lungs were about to explode.

Perhaps it was because Zhang Fei in the past always considered things very carefully and left room for everything, so they found it difficult to adapt to this slight change.

A minister suddenly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, it is not wrong for the Grand Court President to follow the law and the system, but the tax commissioner must not be given such great power. Those tax police can kill and set fire to people in the name of collecting taxes, and take revenge on private enemies. I beg Your Majesty to order that the tax commissioner be strictly restrained, at least not to allow them to trespass into private houses."

The others also reacted and realized that since you, the chief judge, have voluntarily given up intervening, doesn't it mean we have the final say? As for those who have died, the dead cannot be resurrected, so we have to focus on the future.

Is this right? Why are you pestering me? Just change it yourself. The power is in your hands. Zhang Fei stood aside, resting his eyes.

Fu Bi glanced at him secretly, as if thinking about something.

Zhao Xu nodded slightly, and suddenly looked at Lu Huiqing, "Minister of Revenue."

"I am here."

Lu Huiqing stood up immediately.

Zhao Xu asked, "What suggestions do you have for this?"

Lu Huiqing's heart was filled with anger. You are the one who caused the disaster, but you just pulled up your pants and didn't care about it anymore. I have to take the responsibility. How can you bully others like this? He opened his mouth several times and seemed hesitant.

Zhao Xu asked, "Why doesn't the Minister of Revenue speak?"

Lu Huiqing could only bite the bullet and say, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I am incompetent and don't know how to control them. I suggest that whoever can control the tax commissioner should be in charge of collecting taxes."

When these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.

Everyone, including Deng Wan, was surprised. Are you going to lose your tax power?

This is not like your style!

Wen Yanbo asked with a hint of curiosity: "Isn't Lu Shangshu too modest?"

He disliked Lu Huiqing very much, but he also admitted that Lu Huiqing's methods were still very powerful and he was not helpless!

Lu Huiqing said aggrievedly: "I am not being modest at all, because now taxes are self-declared, rather than being collected by tax collectors from every household. This rule was not set by me, so I really don't know how to constrain the tax commissioner."

If he wasn't afraid of offending people, he would have just started to criticize you. You all are just talking without any hesitation. If you have the ability, come and take it.

Self-declaration? Wen Yanbo was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening. He said to himself, "Oh no! How could I have forgotten this?"

The others also understood why Lu Huiqing said that, because the times now are different from the past. Now with the public security, procuratorate and courts, you cannot exploit the people. If you want to restrain the tax commissioner, the tax will definitely be reduced.

Why does the Commissioner of Taxation have such broad powers? Isn't it to collect taxes from these landlords? If there are any restrictions, then it may not be possible to collect taxes.

Lu Huiqing is not stupid. His power has been checked by the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. He certainly will not sacrifice himself to create benefits for you powerful people.

But he couldn't object, as this would offend people.

If you are capable, do it yourselves.

Zhao Xu suddenly said, "Yes! Now it is a voluntary declaration, and the tax department will conduct random inspections. This should be more lenient than before."

Zhang Fei immediately said, "Your Majesty is wise. When I was trying this case, I also compared the Yangzhou case three years ago with that of last year. I found that the number of conflicts and lawsuits with the people over tax collection was nearly 80% less last year than three years ago. This is also a small reason for the left and right ministers to make the decision."

Zhao Xu was surprised and said, "The Grand Judge is serious about what he said."

Zhang Fei nodded and said, "It is absolutely true. If Your Majesty does not believe it, you can ask someone to bring the relevant case files and compare them to find out."

Zhao Xu asked: "Why do I feel that there are more tax disputes in Yangzhou this year than in previous years?"

Zhang Fei said truthfully: "That's because there is a gap between what Your Majesty knows and what happened."

Many ministers shuddered with fear.

Zhao Xu nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly frowned again: "This is strange. The Tax Commissioner has reduced so much conflict between officials and the public, so why are there still so many people dissatisfied with him? Also, why didn't you mobilize your troops like you did today to ask me to restrain those tax collectors?"

Zhang Fei said: "Your Majesty, in fact, in the past, all the ministers have given you advice like today, but perhaps you have forgotten it."

"Yeah?"

Zhao Xu frowned and said, "The Grand Court President has been in office for less than ten years, so don't talk nonsense here."

Zhang Fei said: "I dare not deceive the emperor. I remember that in the case of Wang Hong, the ministers also mobilized a large number of troops to advise Your Majesty to put the overall situation first and finances first, and not lose the big picture for the sake of small things."

Damn it!

Isn't it none of your business? Can you shut up?

Many ministers looked at Zhang Fei with their teeth clenched.

If you can't speak, then don't speak.

You are really bringing up something that is not related to the topic.

Zhao Xu thought for a moment, "I remember now, I remember everything. This is what happened. At that time, all the ministers were very enthusiastic about discussing it. But it's really strange that no one advised me to put the overall situation first this time."

quiet!

There was a sudden silence in the hall.

The answer is obvious.

In the past, the tax was not collected from them because the overall situation was of course more important. If the tax money could not be collected, who would pay their salaries? But now that the tax has been collected from them, it naturally means that cruel officials are in power and human lives are at stake, so they must be controlled.

This time, their underwear was stripped off.

But Zhao Xu also stopped there. After all, as a ruler, they were all double-standard dogs, and he was not clean either. He just needed to calm them down. Suddenly he looked at Fu Bi, "Mr. Fu."

Fu Bi said, "The old minister is here."

Zhao Xu asked: "How come so many people were prejudiced against the warehouse tax? How come it was passed by the Legislative Council in the first place?"

After hesitating for a moment, Fu Bi said, "This is because the current Chief Justice wrote something in the bill that I, an old minister, find difficult to refute."

Zhao Xu asked, "I wonder which point it is?"

Fu Bi said: "Even if our dynasty does not suppress land annexation, which leads to a large amount of land being hoarded in the hands of landlords, if they are still allowed to hoard grain, it will be very easy for them to rebel.

Moreover, the bill also abolished the profit tax on grain sales, which the old minister also thought was reasonable, so he passed it. "

Zhao Xu nodded, then looked at Feng Jing and asked, "Central Prime Minister Feng?"

"I am here."

"You just thought that the warehouse tax was unreasonable. Do you think what Mr. Fu said makes sense?"

"Your Highness, your Highness, was negligent and did not think of this."

Feng Jing was immediately deflated.

If this big hat had not been put on it in the first place, how could the warehouse tax have been levied?

But there is no doubt that the gentry and country gentlemen were very resistant to this warehouse tax, which weakened their power to a certain extent.

If you can’t control food, how can you control the people to cause trouble?

Zhao Xu then asked Wang Anshi, "Mr. Wang."

"I am here."

Wang Anshi stepped forward immediately.

Zhao Xu said: "Many people think that the new tax is too high. Do you have any opinion on this?

What do you think? "

Wang Anshi said, "Your Majesty, this matter is a matter of opinion, and I dare not make a rash judgment. However, taxes are now transparent. I suggest that anyone who thinks the new taxes are too high should show the tax bill so that everyone can judge for themselves."

After these words were spoken, many people began to dodge.

In fact, officials’ taxes are lower than those of ordinary people. Initially, they only had to pay 3% of their salary. Later, according to the new tax law, it was adjusted to 5%. But now the court is reforming taxes and currency, and some benefits are also counted as currency, so it has been adjusted to 3% again.

Their additional income is subject to normal tax rate.

People like Han Qi, Zeng Gongliang, and the Lu family had to pay a lot of taxes because they had a lot of extra income.

But Sima Guang and Zhao Yan only had to pay very little tax. Although they lived in poverty, it did not mean that they had no money. They had an annual income of two to three thousand strings of cash, but they used the money to help the poor, their relatives and friends, or to buy books.

Zhao Xu did not really ask them to produce their tax bills. Seeing that the time was almost right, he glanced at them and said earnestly, "I don't want to see such tragedies continue to happen. I am also very sad about this, but as the chief judge said in the verdict, if you want to avoid such tragedies from happening again, you can only pay taxes according to the law, trust the public security, procuratorate and courts, and seek help from the public security, procuratorate and courts in a timely manner, instead of clashing with the tax commissioner.

I think that the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs of Yangzhou have done a very good job, because according to the memorials submitted by the Yangzhou Imperial Court, the Tax Commissioner also made some mistakes and mistakenly sealed some people's property, but the Imperial Court helped them get justice one by one, and in the process, no civilians suffered any losses and no one was hurt.

Isn't this good? Why did they have to stop the Commissioner of Taxation from performing his duties? It is said that many scholars and officials are involved in it. This really surprises me. Shouldn't they know how to seek justice through the law?

Taizu did issue an order to favor scholars, but if anyone thinks they can force the court to change the law by threatening death, then that is wishful thinking! "

After that, he stood up and said, "Today's meeting ends here."

The ministers closed their eyes and sighed, then fell here again.

From the initial exemption from military service and tax campaign to the present day, they have always been a step short, and they are now increasingly powerless, mainly because the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems are becoming increasingly perfect.

also!

When many ministers went out, they couldn't help but glare at Zhang Fei.

This guy is the culprit!

If he hadn't calmed the people's grievances, they wouldn't have been so passive.

After they left, Sima Guang came to Zhang Fei and said, "You just became the chief judge, but you've already revealed your true colors. Aren't you a little too impatient?"

Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said, "Sima Xueshi, please forgive me. The fight over this tax has spread from the capital to Hezhong Prefecture, and then to Jingdong East Road. Now it has caused a stir in Jiangnan. They have been defeated over and over again. If we take a step back, chaos will break out all over the country."

Sima Guang said: "You also said that they will fight again and again after repeated defeats. Can you keep suppressing them like this? This is not a long-term solution!"

Zhang Fei said: "There is no long-term solution for collecting taxes. We can only keep fighting. It will never stop, but as long as the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are stable, we can suppress it. The danger this time was caused by the instability within the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. It was precisely because the court presidents and prosecutors in the Jianghuai region hesitated and were unsteady that they gave those people unrealistic fantasies, leading to the tragedy.

If they have any dissatisfaction, they should go through the judicial means, and should not tell them privately that they are also dissatisfied with the warehouse tax and the tax commissioner. As a result, everyone thinks that the public security, procuratorate and courts can make decisions for them, so they are fearless. "

Sima Guang asked, "How do you know?"

Zhang Fei said: "This is not a secret. Many businessmen know what they said. Sima Xueshi can find out by asking around."

Sima Guang nodded slightly and said, "But you have just taken office and you have offended everyone. This will bring trouble to your future career."

Zhang Fei said: "When they get used to respecting the law, they will know how to respect the chief judge. I don't need to teach them."

Sima Guang laughed when he heard this.

After the meeting, Zhang Fei immediately published an article in the newspaper in the name of the Grand Court President, once again emphasizing the tax commissioner's law enforcement rules. Under no circumstances should you conflict with the tax commissioner. If you encounter injustice, you should immediately seek help from the public security, procuratorate and courts.

At the same time, the court presidents, prosecutors, and police chiefs in the Jianghuai region were directly criticized by name. They did not urge the people of Jianghuai to abide by tax laws and appeal through the public security, procuratorate and courts. It was their passivity that led to this tragedy, and they should bear the main responsibility.

Once this article comes out, everyone knows the result.

The Grand Court's decision is unshakable.

The good thing is that the powerful and wealthy who were ready to make some moves were suppressed again.

Everyone can also see that the Chief Justice supports the Commissioner of Taxation.

The emperor also supported it behind the scenes.

In fact, they are not stupid, so how could they not know the emperor's little thoughts? They are actually fighting against the emperor. Originally, they have more numbers and more power, and the emperor generally cannot defeat them, but now there is a third party, that is, the public security, procuratorate and courts, which makes them a little at a loss.

Ministry of Revenue.

"What on earth is Zhang San doing? Why is he blaming the public security, procuratorate and courts for his mistakes?"

When Xue Xiang saw this article, he was a little confused.

Lu Huiqing said with a smile: "With responsibility comes power. He is not blaming the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, but rather upholding their authority."

Wang Anshi also laughed and said, "Those people are so naive. They want to distinguish the public security, procuratorate and courts from the tax commissioner, but they don't know that the real reason is the public security, procuratorate and courts, not the tax commissioner. As long as the public security, procuratorate and courts exist, it is almost impossible for them to return to the previous tax system because no one can do it."

The three were chatting when Deng Wan suddenly walked in, "Mr. Wang, something happened in the northwest."

Wang Anshi was startled. "What's the matter?"

Lu Huiqing and Xue Xiang also looked at Deng Wan anxiously.

Deng Wan said: "Not long ago, Xixia sent envoys to Yanzhou, saying that the Xizhou government had taken in traitors from their country, and hoped that our dynasty could return them to avoid damaging the friendship between the two countries."

Wang Anshi was incredulous and asked, "Is this true or false?"

Deng Wan nodded and said, "This is true, but it was not done by Wang Shao. It was decided by the Xizhou Imperial Court. Now there has been a small-scale conflict on the border between Xizhou and Xixia."

This is really one problem after another.

Xixia had already sent envoys to Yanzhou Prefecture to negotiate, so this must be no small matter, and Zhao Xu immediately convened a meeting of key personnel.

After the ministers learned the truth, they found out that most of the people Xixia wanted were merchants, and they immediately blamed the Xizhou royal court.

Basically, they all ask for the people to be returned.

After all, the current national strategy is to focus on domestic affairs. Going to war with Western Xia just for a few businessmen is obviously a case of losing the big picture for the sake of the small.

Zhao Xu did not make a clear statement, but let the Council of State take charge.

Of course, the Council of State Affairs issued an order for Xizhou to return the person.

As a result, as soon as the order was issued, the newly appointed Grand Chief Justice immediately ruled that the order of the Political Affairs Hall seriously violated the laws of the ancestors, the principles of legislation and the concept of the legal system, and Xizhou could not execute it. At the same time, he suggested that the Political Affairs Hall reconsider the decision.

The prime ministers in the Council of State were dumbfounded.

This has nothing to do with you, the Chief Justice. On what basis do you rule that the decree of our Political Affairs Hall is invalid?

What are you doing?

All the civil and military officials in the court were also confused. Is it possible to play like this?

Little did he know that this was also the reason why Zhao Xu was anxious to appoint Zhang Fei as the Chief Justice. He had already decided to shift the focus from foreign affairs to domestic affairs, so he could not give his support. He also knew that the ministers in the court would definitely oppose a conflict with Western Xia over such a small matter.

This requires the Grand Court President to check and balance these people.

That's why Zhao Xu did not express his opinion and let the Council of State take charge of the matter.

If he expressed his opinion, the Grand President would not be able to say that the imperial edict was invalid.

But Wen Yanbo and Wang Anshi would not give up. They thought, "You are really going too far." They immediately called Zhang Fei to the Council of State Affairs, and also invited Fu Bi and Zhao Yan.

Let's all give our opinions.

They really didn't expect that there would be a day when they would be wronged.

"Since when will the Grand Court President be able to interfere in our political affairs hall?"

Wen Yanbo asked angrily.

Zhang Fei said: "I have no intention of interfering with the Political Affairs Hall, but as the chief judge, I cannot watch the Political Affairs Hall destroy the laws of our ancestors, the principles of legislation, and the concept of the legal system."

"How can this decree violate the laws of our ancestors?"

Wen Yanbo, who had always supported the laws of his ancestors, had a physiological reaction to this statement for the first time.

Wang Anshi also looked at Zhang Fei in confusion.

He actually wanted to support it, but he didn't dare to. After all, he was not like before, when he could make the final decision.

Zhang Fei said: "You have not carefully investigated why the Xizhou Imperial Court gave those people protection. They did this entirely based on Confucianism. The Queen Mother of Xixia played tricks to undermine their king and persecute loyal officials."

Before he could finish, Wen Yanbo said excitedly: "That's Xixia's problem, what's your business?"

Zhang Fei said: "Does Confucianism still depend on people? If Judge Lu and his people stand aside and do nothing, or even support this behavior today, it can only mean that they are all moral hypocrites. We cannot expect them to be fair and selfless if we encounter such a situation in China."

Wen Yanbo angrily shouted, "Who are you insinuating about?"

Zhang Fei said: "I am just discussing the matter at hand. Morality is a matter of personal cultivation, not a matter of individual treatment. Regardless of success or failure, Judge Lu's statement at least proves that he is an official who adheres to Confucianism and has high moral standards. The Queen Mother of Xixia refused to hand over power, and this should be criticized, rather than aiding and abetting the evil.

Our dynasty's legislation is entirely based on Confucianism, and we deeply detest the Queen Mother's behavior. This decree from the Political Affairs Hall is clearly an aid to the tyrant, and it is a violation of the principles of legislation."

Sima Guang stroked his beard and nodded: "That makes sense."

When Wen Yanbo heard this, he was overwhelmed. If you don’t want to help, then fine, but don’t hinder us either!

Sima Guang reacted immediately and said hurriedly: "The Political Affairs Hall did not say that Judge Lu was wrong, but the country has its own considerations."

Zhang Fei added: "From a national perspective, the prosperity of Xizhou lies in trade with its neighbors. In order to maintain power, the Queen Mother of Western Xia did not hesitate to persecute loyal officials and even arbitrarily closed trade with Xizhou. On the contrary, those merchants insisted on trading with Xizhou to strengthen the friendship between the two countries and avoid disputes.

Therefore, by doing this, Judge Lu strictly abided by the concept of the rule of law, which is to defend the rights and interests of the country and the monarch, as well as the rights and interests of the people of Xizhou.

However, the Political Affairs Hall did not fully consider the interests involved and just wanted to avoid war, which might lead to losing the big picture for the small. To be disrespectful, if this situation happened in our dynasty, how could you stand on the basis of Confucianism and give advice?

Everyone says that going to war with Western Xia just for a few merchants is not worth the cost. Then I would like to ask, isn’t it not worth the cost to give up what Confucianism upholds just for a few merchants?

Based on these two points, this decree clearly violates the laws of our ancestors, which are to prevent and control. "

Fu Bi and Zhao Yan both looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.

When did this guy become a staunch supporter of Confucianism?

I've never seen such a thing in my life.

Wen Yanbo asked: "If Xixia goes to war with our dynasty because of this, can you bear the responsibility?"

Zhang Fei said: "In other words, the Political Affairs Hall would rather give up Confucianism than go to war with Xixia?"

Wen Yanbo was confused by Zhang Fei and said, "I didn't say that."

Zhang Fei said: "But our imperial court believes that in order to defend Confucianism, we would rather go to war with Xixia. On this point, the Supreme Imperial Court firmly supports President Lu and his team."