After several days of selection by Cai Jing, it was finally decided that 200 officials would be allowed to attend the trial.
Judging from the number of people, it can be seen that the Royal Court is eager to raise the profile while giving more people the opportunity to watch the trial, because this lawsuit is a very important publicity for the Royal Court.
However, this kind of publicity must find the right target, and it must be those officials who have a direct interest in the case. If an official like He Chunlin comes to observe the trial, he is just taking up a spot and it is of little significance.
He is not within this scope, so he won't care how you judge.
During this period, Zhang Fei was not idle either. He was preparing materials with Xu Zhiqian, Cai Bian and others. From this incident, the imperial court was divided into internal and external affairs. Cai Jing was specifically responsible for foreign affairs and no longer studied the law with them every day.
But then again, for Zhang Fei and for the civil and military officials, this lawsuit really went through many twists and turns.
It's different from what everyone expected.
Zhang Fei had not originally planned this. In his plan, the trial should have been conducted long ago, but he was forced to this point.
This is really the case. Man proposes, God disposes.
finally.
...
...
The trial finally opened today.
But not in eager anticipation, but in anxiety.
In fact, the worries of Su Che, Cai Bian and others were groundless. The imperial court did pay a political cost in this struggle.
Both civil and military officials were full of distrust towards the imperial court.
If possible, they would rather continue arguing than to decide who is right or wrong in the imperial court.
But there is no way, this is the order from the emperor and the Council of State.
Although some officials have sent the impeachment memorial to the capital by express horse, the court has not given any response so far.
Both parties had no choice but to go to trial.
The door leading directly to the imperial court opened again at four o'clock in the morning.
Those who were going to the trial today were all bigwigs in Hezhong Prefecture, and they were all nobody to be trifled with. Wei Yingfang thought that since they were already scared, he might as well keep on being scared to the end.
The key is that if you close the door, those who should go will still go, and they will not blame Zhang Fei, but them.
It's a thankless job.
The court session today is scheduled for the morning hour. This is because there are many elderly guests attending the trial today. If the session starts too early, they may not get enough rest.
But judging from the results, this was completely unnecessary.
Soon after dawn, the courtyard of the imperial palace was already crowded with people, including generals, envoys, prefects, county magistrates, imperial governors, commanders, and so on.
It's like a feast.
At first glance, there are no two major camps of civil and military as imagined, and everyone seems to be having a good time.
You have to know that these officials are almost all veterans. Although this case involves a dispute between civil and military officials, they are also competing secretly, but on the surface, everyone still has a good conversation when they meet.
There was absolutely no trace of hostility.
"Wang Jinglüe."
Cai Yanqing came up behind a middle-aged man in his forties and shouted suddenly.
The man turned around and said with a hearty laugh, "I was wondering who it was, it turns out to be Brother Zhongyuan. How polite, how polite."
This man's name is Wang Shao. He is currently serving as the governor of Qinfeng Road, but his power is not limited to Qinfeng Road. He can be regarded as the chief of staff of the Northwest War, because in the first year of Xining, he proposed the "Plan to Pacify the Rong" to Emperor Shenzong. He is a staunch pro-war faction in the court and is naturally highly regarded by Zhao Xu.
At present, he is in charge of the battle situation in the Hehuang area, which is the front line.
Cai Yanqing laughed and said, "I didn't expect you to come too."
"It is inevitable that I will have to deal with this imperial court in the future. Can I see it for myself?"
Wang Shao smiled lightly, but then he said: "But this time I am really lucky to have Brother Zhongyuan, otherwise I might not be able to make it in time."
Cai Yanqing smiled and said, "You are mocking me!"
Wang Shao whispered, "I'm actually very curious about what method that kid used to anger Brother Zhong Yuan, who usually keeps his emotions to such an extent."
Cai Yanqing sighed: "This person is in the officialdom and has no choice!"
Wang Shao immediately glanced at Wei Yingfang and said with a smile, "So that's how it is."
Cai Yanqing suddenly asked in a low voice: "By the way, what do you think of this imperial court?"
Wang Shao looked around and whispered, "Brother Zhongyuan should think about why the government wants the imperial court to try this case."
Cai Yanqing narrowed his eyes and asked uncertainly, "For General Zhong?"
Wang Shao smiled strangely, "I thought so at first, but when I learned about what happened during this period, I realized that it might be more than that. Whether it's for General Zhong or Prefect Lu, the government should send an official who agrees with them to conduct the trial. The situation will definitely be better than it is now. Why go to so much trouble and cause so much complaints?"
Cai Yanqing asked: "So the government wants to change the current civil and military system?"
Wang Shao nodded.
Cai Yanqing couldn't help but wonder, "But will this work?"
Wang Shao smiled and said, "Then I'll have to ask Brother Zhongyuan. I just came here and haven't met Judge Zhang yet."
Cai Yanqing sighed, "It's hard to say! Although the previous lawsuit was unique and exciting, Judge Zhang's personality is really strange. His style of doing things is different from that of all other officials. It's hard to figure it out. The relationship between the civil and military officials is also very complicated. It's not that easy to judge."
Wang Shao nodded and said, "Since the government has sent him here, he must be an extraordinary person. But whether he can really handle the complex relationship between civil and military officials, I believe no one in the world can guarantee it."
"President Wei, you have been an official for so many years, why are you still fighting with a kid?"
An old man in his fifties, with a mixture of black and white hair and beard, said to Wei Yingfang with a smile.
Wei Yingfang said awkwardly, "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Governor Lu. Actually, I didn't want to do that either. It was really because of Judge Zhang!"
"That's too much?" the old man chuckled.
Wei Yingfang was surprised and asked, "Does Magistrate Lu already know about this?"
The old man smiled and said, "Don't complain. The judge of Kaifeng Prefecture, Li Kai, was forced by that kid to burn incense and pray for blessings."
Wei Yingfang was shocked and asked, "Really?"
The old man chuckled and said, "My third brother almost went to burn incense."
".!"
Wei Yingfang was stunned at once.
The old man's name is Lu Gongru, and he is currently serving as the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture (Jingzhao Prefecture is Chang'an, and the Northern Song Dynasty continued the name used in the Tang Dynasty). His third brother is the current Prime Minister Lu Gongzhe.
At that time, Lu Gongzhe was also very worried about Zhang Fei. When he was writing to his brother, he had to share such a funny thing with him.
At this time, Yuan Jiang came over and called out, "Lü Zhiqing."
"Brother Houzhi."
Lu Gongru quickly bowed.
Yuan Jiang smiled and said, "I didn't expect that even you would come all the way to watch the trial."
Lu Gongru chuckled and said, "There is no other way. Maybe it won't be long before the police, procuratorate and court will go to Jingzhao Prefecture. I am here to ask for advice."
Yuan Jiang laughed and said, "Experience is just too painful to describe!"
Lu Gongru said: "But it is not difficult for Brother Houzhi. The salt debt method is really wonderful."
Yuan Jiang blushed slightly, "Where! Where!"
And standing in the corridor were five or six burly middle-aged men, they were Zhong Gu, Yao Si, Zhe Jizu, Qin Zhongshou and others.
At this time, they were complaining around an old man.
"Mr. Guo, it's been so long since this case was resolved, but they are still unwilling to give up. If this continues, the army's morale will be unstable, and how can we win the battle?"
Zhong Gu sighed.
The old man stroked his beard and smiled, "Why don't you think so? It is precisely because this continues that it will be detrimental to the morale of the army, so the government decided to set up this military court to specifically handle this case."
The old man's name is Guo Kui. He is a famous commander in the Northern Song Dynasty, and is as famous as Di Qing. He is currently serving as the Shaanxi Xuanfu Envoy. He has a very high reputation in this generation and is known as Mr. Guo.
Zhe Jizu said: "It doesn't look like that. Judge Zhang's actions are outrageous. How can such an official try this case fairly? I'm afraid it will only get worse!"
Guo Kui smiled and nodded, "I have heard about the struggle between the imperial court and the government, but the previous two cases were said to have been judged well, so don't think too much about it, just wait and see."
Yao Si suddenly said, "We have been standing here for half an hour, but we haven't seen the shadow of the owner. He is really arrogant!"
Guo Kui frowned slightly and said nothing.
This seems a bit excessive.
At this moment, the owner Zhang Fei was sitting leisurely by the lake, enjoying a delicious breakfast with his two wives.
Of course, he was the only one who was leisurely.
Xu Zhiqian was really fidgeting and said, "Zhang San, I heard that Mr. Lu, Mr. Guo, and Wang Jinglie are all here. Don't you need to go out and entertain them?"
Zhang Fei said with a smile: "Zhiqian, you have only been the chief clerk for a few days, how come you have already become a bad person? You are so good at socializing in the officialdom!"
Xu Zhiqian said unhappily: "Isn't this basic etiquette?"
Zhang Fei snorted, "This is a lawsuit, not a banquet. The key point is that I didn't invite them here, they applied to observe the trial themselves."
Xu Zhiqian said, "You forgot that when we were arguing in Kaifeng Prefecture, Magistrate Lu also had to come out to entertain us."
In fact, she didn't quite understand all this. To put it bluntly, Xu Zun had never encountered such a grand occasion. A lawsuit attracted all the officials from Shaanxi Road.
She had no experience, but official etiquette was very important. In her memory, Lu Gongzhe was also the chief judge at the time and he also came out to greet the guests.
There are a bunch of men outside and you are sitting here eating breakfast.
It's a good thing you can eat it.
Yes! Old Lu also came out to entertain them. Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, but shook his head and smiled: "That's different. Prefect Lu has a good relationship with them. I don't know them. So many things happened in the middle. If I go out, it will be embarrassing, embarrassing, and it may be worse."
Xu Zhiqian nodded immediately. Zhang Fei's mouth was too scary. She said, "You're right. It's better not to go."
After leisurely finishing his breakfast, Zhang Fei saw that it was almost time, so he told Li Si to tell Cai Jing to invite the guests to the military court.
Xu Zhiqian was preparing the copy that Zhang Fei needed.
He continued to sit here and chat with Gao Wenyin, but Gao Wenyin was also affected by Xu Zhiqian and became absent-minded.
Over there, Cai Jing invited all these civil servants and military generals to a valley northwest of the imperial court. They could still hear the sound of springs hitting rocks. It was a beautiful place with clear water and green mountains, and the scenery was pleasant.
But I saw a long platform set up at the entrance of the valley, with rows of benches and long tables on both sides.
"Oh, this is the Military Imperial Court?"
Wang Shao said in shock.
Although the environment is good, it is not as solemn as imagined.
Cai Jing replied, "To answer Wang Jinglue's question, it is because the weather has been hot recently. If we hold the trial in the house, it will be too hot and stuffy, and there will not be enough space for so many people, so we choose to hold the trial here."
"I see."
Wang Shao nodded and asked, "Where is your president now?"
Cai Jing certainly wouldn't say that Zhang Fei was having breakfast by the lake, and said, "Our president is preparing the relevant documents."
Lu Gongru chuckled and said, "I heard that your court president is always the last one to arrive, whether he is handling a case or hearing a case."
Cai Jing remained silent.
The teacher's reputation is so great that it cannot be concealed.
Wang Shao chuckled twice, "You're not that old, but you're putting on quite a show!"
But I have to say that it is really comfortable to sit here. There is no sun at all, and there is a breeze blowing from time to time, making it very cool. Many old people fell asleep comfortably as soon as they sat down.
After a while, a group of people came over. The guests who had their eyes closed immediately opened their eyes and asked each other, "Who is Zhang San?"
Neither.
The people who came were Su Che, Cai Bian and others.
Zhang Fei must be the last one to arrive.
After they were ready, Zhang Fei, Xu Zhiqian and Li Si arrived late. Actually, they were not late, as the court was scheduled to open at noon, and they arrived early.
As soon as Zhang Fei appeared, discussions immediately broke out on both sides.
So young?
Why is there a woman beside him?
It's true that hearing about someone is worse than meeting him in person.
At a glance, all those wearing official uniforms are young people.
This is outrageous.
Guo Kui and Wang Shao both found it hard to accept that such a big case was being tried by such a group of young boys. How could anyone be convinced?
How could the court make such a decision?
Incomprehensible!
Whether they were civil officials or military generals, they were all devastated.
Su Che, Cai Bian and others stood up immediately.
Cai Yanqing subconsciously prepared to stand up, but when he saw that everyone was still sitting, he gave up.
Zhang Fei was also a serious person. He looked around and explained loudly, "Standing up at this moment is just to show respect for the imperial court and the law."
The sound effect of this valley mouth is also very good, it is very comfortable to listen to, but it is very dazzling to look at.
You, a kid, are standing here, and you didn't even come out to say hello just now, how can you show respect to me?
Everybody looked at each other.
Zhang Fei didn't say anything more and just stood there.
Hey! You're still trying to fight with us.
His expression made many people uncomfortable.
Then let's just wait and see.
A quarter of an hour passed.
Zhang Fei was still standing.
More than two hundred people sat here, and the only sound they could hear was the dripping sound of the spring water.
The atmosphere has frozen.
Xu Zhiqian's heart was beating in her throat. The person sitting here was no ordinary person. She whispered, "Judge!"
Zhang Fei said: "Don't worry, we are all young and can stand. We will get off work when the time comes."
Su Zhe was also helpless. Having dealt with Zhang Fei several times, he knew that if he didn't show this courtesy today, there would be no trial, and he would really have to stand there until the end of his shift.
Cai Bian and the others were used to it and had nothing to be afraid of. At first, in class,...
Haha, this person is exactly like what my third brother said. Lu Gongru muttered to himself and stood up first.
When they saw this, they all stood up one after another.
In fact, they are also uncomfortable.
If I had known this kid would be so serious, I should have just stood up. Now I'm the one who's embarrassed by what has happened.
Zhang Fei waited until they all stood up before he said, "Everyone, please take a seat."
But this time he didn't say anything. He sat down directly after he finished speaking. He waited until they all sat down before he sat down.
Su Che, Cai Bian and other talented people sat down one after another.
Zhang Fei did not knock the gavel directly, but said loudly: "Before the court opens, this judge will first explain the Military Imperial Court. The Military Imperial Court, as the name suggests, is a special office for trying military crimes. But it is not a permanent office. It will only be temporarily established when encountering relevant cases."
Zhong Gu, Qin Zhongshou and other generals looked at each other tacitly and breathed a sigh of relief.
The military has its own rules. If it is a permanent institution, all illegal matters in the military must be handed over to the royal court for trial.
If not, then it must be selective.
Zhang Fei said, "Today's trial of the Suizhou case in the fourth year of Zhiping is being presided over by the Grand Court Chief of the Hezhong Prefecture, that is, myself, Zhang Fei. The assistant is the Chief Clerk Xu Zhiqian. The four assistant judges are Cai Jing, Cai Bian, Shangguan Jun, and Ye Zuqia. The Chief Prosecutor of the Procuratorate, Su Zhe, and two prosecutors, Chen Qi and Wang Shen, are responsible for supervising the trial."
At this point, he pointed his hand at the dark-skinned boy next to him and said, "The one who maintains law and order in the court is Ma Xiaoyi, the chief of the Hezhong Prefecture Police Station.
If both parties have no objection to the candidate, we will formally open the trial."
"I have a problem with that."
I heard someone say on the right.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was the Chengdu prefect Lu Shen.
(End of this chapter)
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