In an era of centralization, whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, does not depend on the truth of the matter but on the central government's approval.
If we look at history books, it is not difficult to find that some officials did a good job in the local area and were very loved by the people, but they were demoted instead of promoted.
It doesn't mean that he was definitely harmed by a villain.
Sometimes, what you think is good is not the same as what the central government recognizes, or in other words, your achievements are not the tasks assigned to you by the court.
However, the people cannot allow them to be promoted.
Of course, there are also some truly capable officials who are often able to have the best of both worlds.
For example, Wang Anshi. As for him personally, when he was a local official, his political achievements were very impressive. Not only did the people live well, but the key financial situation also improved.
This is also why he is very confident in the new method, because he has tried it himself, but he overlooked one point: not everyone has his ability and ambition.
This is also why the officials of Hezhong Prefecture refused to give up even though they suffered such a great defeat, because they believed that this tax war was just a secondary battlefield and could not play a decisive role. The main battlefield was still the struggle between the old and the new in the court.
After more than a month of bustle, the imperial court gradually returned to its former tranquility, but the commercial atmosphere in front of the door became more and more intense.
...
...
More and more brokers, tea merchants, and ear pens come here to do business.
These people's consumption of the four treasures of the study is huge, which attracts many four treasures of the study shops here, and this in turn attracts many scholars here.
Zhang Fei also left the imperial court today and came to Big Dog's restaurant.
"Judge Zhang, you came just in time. I was just planning to look for you."
When Big Dog saw Zhang Fei, he immediately spoke.
Zhang Fei asked, "What's the matter?"
Da Gou glanced around and said hurriedly, "Judge Zhang, please come in."
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded.
The two came to a private room in the inner hall.
After sitting down, Da Gou whispered, "Does Judge Zhang still remember the task you assigned to me at the end of last year?"
Zhang Fei hesitated for a moment, "Are you referring to the Jingzhao Prefecture?"
"right!"
"Remember!"
Zhang Fei said: "In the second half of this year, the public security, procuratorate and court will go to Jingzhao Prefecture."
The big dog said, "It's done."
Zhang Feixi asked happily: "Really?"
Big Dog said: "Currently, a group of people from Jingzhao Prefecture are almost at Tongguan. It is estimated that they will be able to enter Hezhong Prefecture in the near future. Their purpose is to file a complaint at the imperial court of Hezhong Prefecture."
Zhang Fei asked: "Are there any of our people inside?"
Big Dog nodded and said, "It was with the help of our people that they were able to avoid the eyes and ears of the government. We have already arranged troops to meet them at the ferry. As long as they arrive at the ferry, our people will be able to send them into Hezhong Prefecture immediately."
Zhang Fei asked again: "What is the specific situation of these people?"
Big Dog said, "It's nothing new. Judge Zhang should know that when a family is wiped out, the land will be taken back by the government or occupied by some big landlords or wealthy people. Logically, these lands do not need to be taxed for the time being, but in the land registry, these lands will still be counted as autumn taxes, so the head of the household will distribute these lands to the local self-cultivating farmers."
Zhang Fei nodded and frowned, "Is that why they came here?"
“Yes, but not entirely.”
"What do you mean?"
"Things like this happen every year, and the people have become accustomed to them. Moreover, the increase in tax revenue is far less than the increase in conversion, transfer, and loss. This is just the reason why the people came to Hezhong Prefecture to complain."
At this point, Da Gou suddenly glanced at the sky and said, "In fact, the real reason is that this is a time of famine, and these people can no longer make ends meet. Under the instigation of our people, they decided to come to Hezhong Prefecture to take a gamble."
"I see."
Zhang Fei nodded, and after some calculations in his mind, he muttered to himself: "It's almost time."
"What?"
Big Dog thought Zhang Fei was talking to him.
"Nothing." Zhang Fei suddenly said, "I'll ask Xiao Ma to go to the ferry to pick them up."
The big dog nodded.
Zhang Fei suddenly seemed to remember something, and took out two letters, saying, "One for Scholar Wang, and one for Scholar Sima. But you have to remember that these two letters must be handed to them separately, and must not be known to those close to them."
The big dog took the letter and said, "Yes, I remember it. I will arrange a fast horse right away."
“Not too fast!”
Zhang Fei said, "The government should have sent a letter to Wang Xueshi a few days ago. It would be best if this letter is delivered after them."
Big Dog said, "I promise to deliver it after them."
"yes."
Just then, Li Si suddenly appeared at the door, "Third brother, Magistrate Lu is here."
"What a timely moment!"
Zhang Fei stood up and whispered, "Keep a close eye on Jingzhao Prefecture recently. If there is any news, notify me immediately."
The big dog said, "I understand."
After returning to the imperial court, Zhang Fei quickly stepped into the hall and said to Lu Gongru who was standing inside: "Prefect Lu is honored to be here. I am sorry that Zhang San failed to welcome you. Sorry! Sorry!"
"Why!"
Lu Gongru raised his hand and said, "I am the one who has disturbed you again and again. I hope Judge Zhang will forgive me."
"Where! Where!"
Zhang Fei extended his hand, "Prefect Lu, please take a seat."
"Thank you very much."
After sitting down, Lu Gongru got straight to the point and said, "Judge Zhang, do you still remember our original agreement?"
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Is it that Magistrate Lu said that the public security, procuratorate and courts should go to Jingzhao Prefecture this year?"
Lu Gongru nodded, "That's right."
He looked somewhat uncomfortable.
Zhang Fei couldn't help but look embarrassed. "I told Governor Lu at the beginning that our preparations are not perfect yet. It's really a bit difficult. I was also working hard to prepare, but I never thought that so many things would happen at the beginning of this year. I really want to ask you whether to postpone it."
“I see!”
After struggling for a while, Lu Gongru said, "Okay! I'll just wait a little longer. You can go when you are ready."
"Yes, yes, Governor Lu is really considerate." Zhang Fei nodded repeatedly and said, "I will try my best to send someone over next year."
Lu Gongru nodded and said, "Actually, next year is fine. Anyway, you can handle this matter on your own. After all, the government has entrusted this matter to you. I just came here to ask."
"Yes, yes, yes."
After talking about this, Lu Gongru said goodbye without saying another word.
"What is Magistrate Lu doing here?"
Xu Zhiqian came to Zhang Fei's side and looked at Lu Gongru who got on the carriage.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "He hopes that our police, procuratorate and court will go to Jingzhao Prefecture later."
"for!"
Just after saying one word, Xu Zhiqian suddenly reacted, "Is it because of the tax commissioner?"
Zhang Fei nodded. "He didn't say it, but it's probably true."
Xu Zhiqian asked: "Then what did you say?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "I agree. I'll go when I'm ready."
"ah?"
Xu Zhiqian said, "Didn't you say that our main task this year is external expansion? Moreover, you also called Cai Bian and the others back."
"Yes!" Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I promised him, but that doesn't mean I won't go."
Xu Zhiqian was confused. "What do you mean?"
"that is!"
Zhang Fei suddenly blinked at Xu Zhiqian, "Didn't I tell you before that I like to be passive?"
"When will you!"
Xu Zhiqian's pretty face turned red, and she pinched Zhang Fei's waist fiercely, "You are such a pervert, you really won't change your bad habits."
She stomped her feet, turned and left.
Zhang Fei rubbed the soft flesh on his waist, "Your Nine Yin White Bone Claw is improving day by day, and it is both accurate and fast."
Hezhong Prefecture is separated from Huazhou in the southwest by a river, which is also the boundary between the two places.
At a narrow part of the river, more than ten rafts were seen transporting dozens of ragged civilians to Hezhong Prefecture on the opposite side.
But when I saw these poor people, all of them had their families with them, as soon as they got ashore, I heard bursts of crying.
Suddenly, there was the sound of horse hooves, and someone in the crowd shouted, "The officials are coming."
The people were immediately panicked and wanted to flee, but then they heard someone say, "Don't be afraid, it's the Royal Police."
"Royal Police?"
"Yes! They are the Royal Police of the Public Security Bureau, the Procuratorate and the Court."
"Really?"
"There is no mistake. You see, they are not wearing the uniforms of officers and soldiers. They are the Royal Police."
Hearing that they were the Royal Police, the people stopped and stood there, looking at the team of people rushing towards them in confusion.
After a while, a dark-skinned, heroic young man appeared. He pulled the reins, pulled the horse, raised its front hooves high, and neighed. How majestic.
"I am Ma Xiaoyi, a Royal Police officer. Who are you?"
The person who came was Ma Xiaoyi who was patrolling outside.
"It's the Royal Police."
"It's the Royal Police."
Upon hearing this, the people immediately rushed forward and said, "Royal Police, you have to make the decision for us!"
"Royal Police, if you don't stand up for us, we will starve to death here."
The sound of wailing echoed along the riverside.
Three days later.
This morning was unusually noisy.
"Have you heard that dozens of people from Jingzhao Prefecture have come?"
"What's so strange about this?"
"Do you know what they are here for?"
"What do you do?"
"They came to this imperial court specifically to file a complaint."
"Complain? What kind of big case is this?"
"have no idea."
"With so many people coming together to file a complaint, it must be another corrupt official who is taking human lives lightly."
For a time, all kinds of rumors were flying around.
Although the Song Dynasty allowed people to file complaints to higher authorities, this situation was not very common. Moreover, with so many people coming this time, it was definitely not a private dispute, but must be the work of the government. The people of Hezhong Prefecture could not help but speculate what kind of rebellion this was caused by the government.
After all, this phenomenon is not the first time it has occurred.
Having said that, this was definitely a big deal in the ancient government!
After Su Che learned about this, he immediately went to the imperial court.
"Have you heard that a group of people from Jingzhao Prefecture are preparing to file a complaint in the imperial court?"
"Master Fu has just sent me a letter."
Zhang Fei nodded.
Su Che immediately asked, "What happened?"
Zhang Fei said: "It seems to be about the tax on extinct land again."
Su Zhe was stunned. "Tax on extinct households?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Yes!"
"At once."
Su Zhe asked: "Is it just because of this matter?"
Zhang Fei said: "It was Xiao Ma who found them at that time, so he shouldn't be wrong."
After saying that, he saw Su Zhe frowning and saying nothing, "What do you think, Mr. Su?"
Su Che glanced at him and said, "This actually happens almost every day." At this point, he suddenly said firmly, "But this is illegal after all, we can't just ignore it! The key is that those people who come here may also place all their hopes on our public security, procuratorate and courts. If we don't do anything, they will definitely suffer revenge when they return."
Zhang Fei said: "But there may be a lot of officials involved."
Su Che said: "It is precisely because so many people are involved that we don't have to worry. Just like many previous lawsuits, this is a problem of the government system, not something that can be caused by a certain official.
The imperial court only cares about political performance and tax revenue. To keep their positions, officials naturally have to ensure that tax revenue does not decrease, which gives corrupt officials an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
Zhang Fei nodded slightly.
Just at this moment, Lu Gongru suddenly came.
"I heard that some people from Jingzhao Prefecture came here to file a complaint?"
When he saw Zhang Fei and Su Zhe, Lu Gongru was startled. He didn't care about what was in his mind and hurried forward to ask.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Yes. I heard there are fifty or sixty of them."
Lu Gongru hurriedly asked: "Do you know the reason?"
Zhang Fei said: "The land tax will be eliminated."
Lu Gongru frowned and muttered, "It finally happened."
Su Che immediately asked, "Did Magistrate Lu foresee this?"
Lu Gongru glanced at Su Che but said nothing.
Su Che was so smart that he immediately realized that if the people of Jingzhao Prefecture knew that the people of Hezhong Prefecture only paid such a small amount of tax last year, they would definitely become restless. However, the local dignitaries, officials, and landlords naturally did not want the police, procuratorate, and courts to go there. He thought to himself, no wonder he has been stationed in Hezhong Prefecture recently, this must be the reason.
Before they could talk for a few words, Han Jiang, Cai Yanqing, Yuan Jiang, and Wei Yingfang all came over.
Zhang Fei did not hide anything from them and told them the truth.
Wei Yingfang immediately cursed: "These unruly people really don't know what's good for them."
Su Che glanced at him and asked, "Is Judge Wei Tong making a veiled attack on someone else?"
Wei Yingfang snorted softly, "I didn't mean that. Chief Prosecutor Su is overthinking it."
Now the procuratorate still reserves the right to prosecute those tax evaders. Wei Yingfang feels a little guilty and does not dare to speak as firmly as before.
Han Jiang said: "We will talk about this later. First, tell me what you are going to do?"
Yuan Jiang glanced at Lu Gongru and said, "Prefect Lu, this is your fault. You stayed in Jingzhao Prefecture every day and didn't even know what happened to your family. You are derelict in your duty."
Lu Gongru was now confused and kept nodding his head to admit his mistake.
Wei Yingfang reacted immediately and said, "Prefect Lu is here, why not take those people back?"
"no!"
Su Che said: "Those people came to the imperial court specifically to file a complaint."
Wei Yingfang said, "But Magistrate Lu is here, and the police, procuratorate and courts have not yet arrived at Hezhong Prefecture. Magistrate Lu should be allowed to take the case back. I believe Magistrate Lu will be able to see through everything."
Lu Gongru had a conflicted look on his face. Logically, he should have given him some face and let him take the thing back, but the man who was following him and was so observant really made him uncomfortable. How could he not know about such a thing? If he was so observant, he would have noticed it earlier.
Therefore, he secretly hoped that the royal court would take over the lawsuit.
But the imperial court will have a huge impact on Jingzhao Prefecture next, which makes him very conflicted!
Su Che immediately said, "Judge Zhang is not the judge of Hezhong Prefecture, but the chief judge of the entire Shaanxi Road. It is natural and legal for the people of Jingzhao Prefecture to file a complaint here."
Wei Yingfang said, "Chief Prosecutor Su, there is a saying that goes, 'Don't look at the monk's face, look at the Buddha's face. Prefect Lu is here. If the imperial court is to hear this case publicly, where do you want to put Prefect Lu?"
Su Che glanced at Lu Gongru with a slightly hesitant look.
This is indeed true. The key point is that Su Che also knows that this kind of thing was not caused by Lu Gongru. If the trial was held in the imperial court, it would definitely be the fault of the government, and Lu Gongru would definitely be implicated.
Lu Gongru himself was also extremely conflicted.
One step too late!
It's still a step too late after all!
He had thought of this situation a long time ago, so he was in a hurry to send the police, procuratorate and courts to go, but he never thought that so many things would happen in the meantime.
Moreover, the tax storm a few days ago scared the officials of Jingzhao Prefecture. They were unwilling to send the police, procuratorate and courts there and were trying every means to stop it. Lu Gongru believed that in this situation, if the police, procuratorate and courts went to Jingzhao Prefecture, it would inevitably lead to a struggle. He hoped to wait and see.
At this time, Han Jiang suddenly looked at Zhang Fei and asked, "What do you think, Judge Zhang?"
Zhang Fei pretended to think for a while, and said: "Although I have the power to try this case, there is not even a nearby Jingzhao Prefecture. Even if I make a judgment, I still have to rely on Jingzhao Prefecture for execution. You should all know that this may backfire."
Everyone present nodded, even Su Che was a little hesitant.
Everyone knows what the fundamental reason for the extinct land tax is, and the success of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs lies in their strong enforcement capabilities. You don't even have an auxiliary police officer there. If these people are ruled in favor of the case, the responsibility will be borne by the government and the executor will also be the government. This will definitely backfire!
Zhang Fei continued, "I respect Prefect Lu very much. I also believe that if Prefect Lu were to try this case, he would definitely give justice to the people. So I will let the Royal Police escort those people back to Jingzhao Prefecture."
Wei Yingfang immediately said, "Judge Zhang is indeed a man of great righteousness!"
Lu Gongru suddenly said righteously: "What kind of profound justice is this? If people knew about it, they would definitely accuse us of being in cahoots with each other. Since those people went to the imperial court to file a complaint, and the imperial court has the right to hear any disputes in Shaanxi Road, how can Lu rashly stop them?"
Yuan Jiang said: "If it is an ordinary criminal case, the imperial court can certainly try it, but this case is different. I am afraid that some officials of Jingzhao Prefecture will be involved. If the imperial court really finds the officials of Jingzhao Prefecture guilty, what should we do? We can't send the royal police to Jingzhao Prefecture to arrest people. I agree with Chief Judge Zhang's idea."
Cai Yanqing also heard the hidden meaning and said, "This kind of thing is everywhere. There is no need for a trial. Everyone knows that the people are innocent. But once the imperial court makes such a ruling, it will inevitably attract people from surrounding states to file a lawsuit. This has never happened before. No one knows what consequences it will cause."
Lu Gongru secretly glanced at Zhang Fei and saw that he was silent and a little entangled. Suddenly, he said with a determined heart: "If you ask me, this is all the fault of Judge Zhang and Chief Prosecutor Su."
When these words were spoken, everyone was surprised.
Lu Gongru said: "The government sent Chief Judge Zhang and Chief Prosecutor Su to promote the public security, procuratorial and judicial system, and therefore gave them the power to manage the judicial system of the entire Shaanxi Road. However, two years have passed, and the public security, procuratorial and judicial system has never left Hezhong Prefecture. However, the public security, procuratorial and judicial system is obviously fairer than the previous judicial system, so this is bound to cause similar problems."
Wei Yingfang immediately looked at Lu Gongru with contempt.
Why did Zhang Fei come to Hezhong Prefecture? Wasn't it because the officials of the court regarded him as a thorn in their side and wanted to send him to Qiongzhou to be the president of the court? Although Wei Yingfang had also suffered a beating from the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, he did not want the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to expand further, because they knew that as the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs expanded, their power became more and more stable, and their situation would become worse.
A hint of joy flashed in Su Che's eyes, but he looked at Zhang Fei.
After hesitating for a while, Zhang Fei said, "But we don't have enough manpower in the imperial court, so it's difficult for us to go to Jingzhao Prefecture for the time being."
Yuan Jiang asked: "What should we do now?"
Zhang Fei glanced at Lu Gongru and asked, "If Governor Lu is willing,
.
Bring these people back and give them justice, I can promise."
Lu Gongru said firmly, "According to the court's rules, officials are not allowed to block appeals from higher levels. If I take them back, I might be impeached. I am upright and I am not afraid even if the trial is in the imperial court. Whether Judge Zhang accepts the lawsuits of those people is not my business, but I will never take them back rashly."
"Lu!"
"I have made up my mind. No need to persuade me."
Lu Gongru raised his hand to stop Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei looked at Su Zhe again, and Su Zhe looked at him helplessly.
"Okay!" Zhang Fei sighed helplessly, then nodded and said, "In that case, our imperial court will take over this lawsuit. After all, the court has given me this power."
"Whatever you want."
Yuan Jiang stood up and said, "Then we'll take our leave first."
"Goodbye!"
"Everyone, take care."
After sending them off, Zhang Fei just turned around and saw the three little golden men standing behind him. He was startled and asked, "Why are you guys walking without making any sound?"
"The students were rude and frightened the teachers."
"What's up?"
"teacher."
Shangguan Jun immediately said, "Didn't the teacher arrange for us to go to Jingzhao Prefecture? Why didn't you agree just now?"
Zhang Fei suddenly glanced at Cai Jing, "Cai Jing, what do you think?"
Cai Jing first glanced at Zhang Fei, as if he was examining something. After a moment, he said, "I think this move by the teacher is very brilliant."
"What do you mean?" Zhang Fei asked.
Cai Jing said: "Although this case is common, if we are serious, most officials are to blame. If the case is tried in Hezhong Prefecture, the officials in Jingzhao Prefecture will be in a state of panic because they cannot control Hezhong Prefecture. As the saying goes, choose the lesser of two evils. At that time, they will definitely ask the public security, procuratorate and court to go to Jingzhao Prefecture. After all, that is their territory, so they can discuss with us."
"Absolutely."
Zhang Fei said: "So now you can't show your desire to go to Jingzhao Prefecture."
“Yes, the students know.”
Procuratorate!
"This isn't right! It doesn't make sense. This shouldn't be the case!"
After returning to the procuratorate, Su Che was not in the mood to work. He sat on a chair, holding a book in his hand and muttering to himself.
"Attorney General, Attorney General!"
"ah?"
Su Che looked up and saw that it was Wang Shen. "What did you say?"
Wang Shen was stunned for a moment and asked, "What is the Chief Prosecutor thinking about? Why is he so absorbed in his thoughts?"
"I'm thinking?"
Su Zhe suddenly had an idea in his mind, "I understand."
Wang Shen was surprised and asked, "What do you understand?"
"clear!"
Su Che said, "We will discuss this later. Take a few people with you and go investigate the appeal by the people of Jingzhao Prefecture."
Wang Shen suddenly seemed to remember something, "Oh, right, I just want to tell the Attorney General that the Legal Aid Department has already sent someone there. Should we send someone to ask?"
"Legal Aid Department? I'm afraid their deterrent power is not enough." Su Zhe said: "Whether the Legal Aid Department wants to appeal for those people or not, our procuratorate must intervene. If it is true, we must also hold those officials accountable."
"Attorney General, this kind of thing is very common. If you do this, I'm afraid!"
"Don't be afraid."
Su Che smiled slightly: "Just investigate, investigate hard, and don't let go of any clues. No matter who the other party is, I, Su Che, will take responsibility for anything that happens."
I thought to myself, you are such a jerk, Zhang San, I almost guessed what you meant wrong.
.
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