It was only the middle of the fourth watch and it was still pitch black all around, but the lights were already on in the Zhang and Xu families.
"ah...!"
Zhang Fei yawned, rubbed his eyes that couldn't be opened, and complained: "Zhi Qian, do you have to rush like this? Wow... It's not even daybreak yet."
"Do you think everyone is like you, going to Kaifeng Prefecture to beat the drum at any time? Generally, if you want to file a lawsuit, you have to submit the complaint before the fifth watch. Otherwise, you may have to wait for several days. Hurry up and leave!"
As Xu Zhiqian spoke, she urged Zhang Fei to go out the door.
Gao Wenyin, who sent them out, encouraged Xu Zhiqian and said, "Madam Xu, I will help you prepare the celebration banquet at home."
Xu Zhiqian hurriedly said, "Sister Gao, please don't do that. Even if we can win, we may not be able to make a judgment today. Your husband is fighting a different kind of lawsuit, which is different from ours..."
"ah?"
Gao Wenyin looked at her in surprise.
Zhang Fei also opened his eyes and said energetically: "What are you talking about? I am also your husband, okay?"
...
...
Xu Zhiqian blinked and even argued, "I...I wasn't wrong!"
Zhang Fei nodded: "Absolutely correct."
Gao Wenyin blushed and remained silent.
It can be seen that when three people go out together, it is possible that one person may feel excited while the other two may feel embarrassed.
Xu Zhiqian glanced at Gao Wenyin, then glared at Zhang Fei who was still showing off, "Hurry up and leave!"
He pulled Zhang Fei into the carriage.
Although it was still dark, many hardworking vendors were already gathering their courage to rush to their stalls on Bianhe Street.
By the time they arrived at the Silusi, it was already slightly light. As soon as they got off the carriage, they saw a lot of people standing in line in front of the gate of the Silusi, waiting. Some of them had short pens stuck on the brim of their hats.
“There are so many people!”
Zhang Fei said in surprise.
Xu Zhiqian said: "The Records Department and the Left and Right Wings are the busiest."
The Silusi and Zuoyouxianggong were both responsible for handling civil litigation. With so many people in Bianjing, there were many disputes every day.
It took Li Guozhong three days just to file the lawsuit, and it was only scheduled until today, but he had to hurry up because no one knew how long the previous case would take, and the officials would definitely leave work on time, so the case could only be postponed.
Of course, Xu Zhiqian didn't have to go and file the complaint in person, as the law firm had already arranged for someone to help her handle these matters.
But she also has to come early because she will be called upon to take roll call later.
Zhang Fei was ashamed: "I have never experienced this before."
When he went to the left and right halls, he always went through the back door because he went there with Lu Jiawen.
What Xu Zhiqian said was absolutely correct. He was fighting a different kind of lawsuit, which was different from an ordinary ear pen case.
Ordinary ear pens are much more difficult to use.
"Lawyer Xu! Lawyer Xu is here!"
"Lawyer Xu, we are here to support you."
"Lawyer Xu, we must not let this unfilial son succeed."
......
A few middle-aged women suddenly came a few steps away from them to cheer Xu Zhiqian up.
Wow! There is also a cheering group? Zhang Fei asked Xu Zhiqian: "Did you pay for this?"
"Why should I pay to hire them?" Xu Zhiqian looked at Zhang Fei in confusion, and then said, "I don't know them."
But she still nodded to the ladies to express her gratitude.
In fact, there aren't usually so many people in the Silu Division. Today, many people came specially to watch the trial, and ninety-nine percent of them came for Xu Zhiqian's lawsuit.
First of all, there has never been a woman going to court to dispute a case. This is a precedent, and everyone wants to see what it is like for a woman to go to court to dispute a case.
Second, she doesn’t charge money.
This is the most crucial thing. For many people, this is good news. In addition, Xu Zhiqian was already well-known in the capital for his charity.
Citizens all believe that Xu Zhiqian really fights for people for free.
Everyone wants to know how powerful Xu Zhiqian is. If she is, they can seek help from Xu Zhiqian in the future.
Zhang Fei suddenly turned his head to look at the ladies, then walked over with a sullen face.
Xu Zhiqian was stunned for a moment and asked, "Where are you going?"
"Something."
Zhang Fei came up to the ladies and asked seriously, "Do you know me?"
One of the ladies said, "I know you, I know you, you are the big ear pen."
Zhang Fei was very puzzled and asked, "Why do you call her Lawyer Xu and call me Zhang Daerbi?"
The lady next to her said, "You are a man, so of course you are called Ear Pen. Madam Xu is a woman, and there have never been women who were ear pen before. We don't know if we can call her that. Isn't your shop called Law Firm? We...we thought we should call her Lawyer Xu."
"I see." Zhang Fei nodded, feeling very unwilling. My wife took the credit for the name I created. He then asked, "Can you also call me Lawyer Zhang?"
"Ah? Oh, okay...okay, open your ears."
"Thank you. Sorry for bothering me."
Zhang Fei returned to Xu Zhiqian with a depressed look on his face.
Xu Zhiqian shrugged her shoulders and tried hard to hold back her laughter. She knew that Zhang Fei was very resistant to the ear pen, although she didn't know why.
Zhang Fei warned: "Don't laugh, I'm very angry now."
It would have been fine if he didn't say anything, but as soon as he said it, Xu Zhiqian burst out laughing.
"Sister Qian'er!"
"Qian'er!"
Suddenly, I heard some pleasant sounds.
Zhang Fei looked back and saw several young ladies wearing veiled hats getting off the carriage. Although he couldn't see their faces clearly, they all had good figures.
"Ah! Why are you here?"
Xu Zhiqian immediately walked over quickly.
“We are here to support you!”
"You! You found your ideal husband, but you forgot about us sisters."
"You really forget your principles for the sake of beauty."
"What nonsense are you talking about? If I lose later, it will be your fault."
......
"Why don't you introduce your bestie to me? After all, my nickname is the Bestie Killer!"
Compared to those tactless middle-aged ladies, Zhang Fei still prefers to chat with the young lady. He was just about to take the initiative to walk over, say hello, add her on WeChat or something.
Suddenly, someone stopped in front of him, "Zhang Sanlang."
"Hey! Chief Li!"
It was Li Guozhong. Zhang Fei asked casually, "Is Li Xingshou going to the battle personally?"
Li Guozhong replied: "I am a tea shop owner and I am only responsible for writing the petition. This lawsuit is handled by an informant in my shop."
In ancient times, every industry was very strict with rules, and different people were responsible for different tasks.
Li Guozhong asked again: "Since Sanlang is free, why doesn't he fight the case himself?"
Zhang Fei laughed and said, "Master Li, can't you guess that? That lady can't afford me."
Li Guozhong frowned slightly: "I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Master Li, feel free to speak up if you have anything to say."
Li Guozhong said, "I heard that Madam Xu doesn't charge money for helping people fight lawsuits."
"yes!"
"I'm afraid this will break the rules of our industry." Li Guozhong said doubtfully.
Zhang Fei chuckled and said, "Our business is different from other industries. The key is not whether it's free or paid, but whether you can win the case. If you can't win the case, you're losing money and people won't come to you. If you win, you're free and people will still stuff money into your mouth."
When it comes to lawsuits, it either costs money or your life. Ability is the key. It has nothing to do with whether you get paid or not. There is no such thing as malicious competition.
Not to mention now, it was like this in the era before Zhang Fei. Even if you were free, no one would look for you.
Li Guozhong nodded, but his expression was a little unnatural.
Zhang Fei glanced at him and said with a smile, "In fact, Chief Li is not worried about breaking the rules of the industry, but is worried that this will increase the cost of your lawsuit, right?"
Li Guozhong laughed and said, "Nothing can be hidden from Zhang Sanlang!"
It turned out that many common people could not afford Erbi, and the most they could do was to go to Erbi Hutong to buy a petition. The rich people took advantage of this, and their bookstores rarely lost money.
If Xu Zhiqian wasn't here this time, maybe she could scare Aunt Liu a little and give her a little more money, and she would have compromised.
Now Xu Zhiqian helps the poor with lawsuits for free, which will dramatically increase the cost and pressure of their bookstore.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "There is progress only when there is competition. It is reasonable to make money based on your ability."
"That's it! That's it!" Li Guozhong nodded with a smile, but he was thinking in his heart that the couple was here to cause trouble.
Anyone who encounters this kind of thing will feel unhappy. In the past, one could make money by writing a complaint, but now...!
Just then, a young man ran over and panted, "Boss, we are in the first line."
Li Guozhong nodded slightly.
Zhang Fei said depressedly: "It turns out that we are the first to arrive! I said there is no need to rush."
Li Guozhong explained, "It's not that we arrived early, but this lawsuit has attracted a lot of attention because of Madam Xu. If other cases are tried first, it will be affected. Moreover, Liang Silu will be trying the case himself. Now that the weather is hot, the first trial is the most comfortable."
“It turns out there are so many tricks here.”
Zhang Fei nodded and asked, "From what the chief said, isn't every case recorded by Liang Si?"
Li Guozhong said, "Of course not, but many prison officials took turns to interrogate him." Then he became curious, "Sanlang seems to know nothing about this?"
"Well... I was very casual when I was in the county. After coming to the capital, the first time I was beaten was in the Criminal Court. Haha... I'm not too familiar with it." Zhang Fei explained embarrassedly.
Li Guozhong was speechless.
This kid's lawsuits were at least in Kaifeng Prefecture, and the highest level was even brought to the Political Affairs Hall.
Li Guozhong suddenly frowned and thought, could it be... could it be that he thinks the level of this Silusi is too low? If so, it would be great, at least we won't meet him.
After a while, the door opened.
Xu Zhiqian also hurried back. Without introducing Zhang Fei to her best friend, she hurriedly took her maid Qingmei into the courtyard through the small door at the side.
The first thing is to take roll call and register.
Zhang Fei would not go to class with her, because if he were there, Xu Zhiqian would definitely choose to rely on him.
So they rehearsed at home.
Of course, the Silu Division would not allow the couple to go into battle.
After all, Zhang Fei is not even allowed to enter the main gate now.
"Hey...I'm Xu Zhiqian's husband, why can't you let me in?"
Zhang Fei complained to the bailiff at the door.
The bailiff glanced at him and said, "You are just an informant, and not a witness in this case. Why should we let you in?"
Zhang Fei laughed and said, "So the police officer knows my identity. Then don't do anything illegal in the future. If I catch you... humph...!"
The yamen runner immediately became timid and begged for mercy in a low voice: "Don't blame me, Sanlang. This is all ordered by the higher-ups. We have no choice."
After hearing this, Zhang Fei thought to himself, it seems that I have offended the entire officialdom. I can meet enemies everywhere I go. I have to hold on to my enemies in the future, otherwise I will be eaten alive by them.
As he was speaking, a man walked out. It was Fan Chunren.
"Fan Sijian."
Zhang Fei quickly greeted him.
Fan Chunren glanced at the doorman and said, "Let him in."
"Thank you very much!"
Zhang Fei slipped in immediately.
Then he followed Fan Chunren to stand under a big tree on the left side of the hall.
Suddenly, I noticed that there were several women standing on the corridor opposite. They were all Xu Zhiqian's best friends and sisters. They must have come from official families and naturally would not stand outside to watch the trial.
Zhang Fei thought, after all, they are Zhiqian's best friends, I have to go over and explain to them. He glanced at Fan Chunren and said, "Fan Sijian, why are we standing here and not in the corridor?"
Fan Chunren said with a straight face: "Didn't you see that there was a woman over there? How could you stand over there?"
"Oh, yeah. I just noticed there's a woman over there." Zhang Fei quickly changed the subject, "Is Fan Sijian here on official business?"
Fan Chunren shook his head: "I am also a spectator."
Zhang Fei chuckled and said, "Is Fan Sijian here to study?"
Fan Chunren did not deny it, but said: "I went back and thought about the lawsuit and felt that it was unfair to me."
Zhang Fei said, "What do you mean?"
Fan Chunren said, "How many county magistrates like Wang Hong, who have been in office for more than ten years, can keep themselves clean and not get involved in any mud? You can use this to attack him. In addition, he was at fault in that incident, so it is not fair to me."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "You can't say that. If you just convict someone of a crime, even if you do, you win, but the result is..."
"The heavy sentence is not due to you." Fan Chunren shook his head and said, "If you were on Huang Lao Er's side and I was on Aunt Liu's side in this lawsuit, I would not lose."
Zhang Fei chuckled and said, "I don't know whether you will lose or not, but Aunt Liu will definitely suffer a great loss."
Fan Chunren said: "You always help the good guys, so you will naturally always have the advantage."
Zhang Fei said depressedly: "You think I always want to help good people. I originally planned to help Huang Lao Er, but Zhiqian stopped me. Next time if a wealthy businessman offers me a lot of money, can Fan Sijian help me persuade Xu Zhiqian?"
Fan Chunren nodded and said, "It's a deal."
Zhang Fei was surprised and asked, "Is this true?"
Fan Chunren said seriously, "Really."
He was really not convinced. He was not the kind of civil servant who was only good at writing. He had also taken part in the judicial examination and ranked first.
But he was also unwilling to help the bad guys in the lawsuit. He thought that he was bound by morality. At that time, he gave up Wei Yushan directly. To be honest, this was indeed a bit hurtful. He hoped that Zhang Fei would help the bad guys and he would help the good guys.
Zhang Fei was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He bowed and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Fan Sijian."
After chatting for a while, we saw many yamen runners entering the venue and lining up.
The court of the Silusi is a large playground, and the dust will fly up if you run a few steps.
Of course, the masters were sitting under the eaves right in front, with a roof above and stone slabs below, so they were protected from wind and sun.
The yamen runners and spies were all standing outside.
sit?
table?
You're really overthinking it.
After a while, Liang Dong and six officials entered the interrogation platform from the corridor. Liang Dong and three officials took their seats, while the other three stood aside.
Three of them were prison wardens, that is, judges.
One is the recorder, and the other two are responsible for providing professional assistance such as auditing and autopsies.
The Court of Justice has to try many cases every day. Many judges take turns to try the cases, and there are a large number of professionals on site to assist.
This is also the reason why litigation was prevalent in the Northern Song Dynasty.
The most difficult part of the court's internal assessment is the judiciary.
Judicial officials are assessed once a year, each lasting six days.
This results in all courts being run by professionals. Those scholars who excel at writing and painting usually do not appear in such occasions. If they appear occasionally, they just sit there and judge the cases by professionals.
Unfortunately, this entire judicial system established by the Song Dynasty was completely destroyed by the Yuan Dynasty and never appeared again.
Among feudal dynasties, the judicial system of the Song Dynasty was definitely at its peak.
After a while, Xu Zhiqian and a man in his thirties came up to the hall. The espionage writer's name was Li Lei, and he was said to be the best espionage writer in Li Guozhong's bookstore.
They first bowed and then presented the petition.
Liang Dong carefully looked at the petitions of both parties, and then said, "Call Huang Yongli to court."
Zhang Fei frowned after seeing this: "He didn't use our interrogation method."
Fan Chunren said: "Yours is just an exception."
Zhang Fei scratched his head: "This is bad."
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