Fan Zhen and Lu Xiaosheng had just left when Xu Zhiqian came in. She turned her head to look at the door and asked Zhang Fei, "Zhang San, what are Mr. Fan and the others doing here?"
“Because of this.”
Zhang Fei handed the copy of "Lantian Township Agreement" to Xu Zhiqian.
"Lantian Township Agreement?"
After seeing this, Xu Zhiqian immediately realized, "Are they here for the village law?"
Zhang Fei seemed to be thinking about something and just nodded slightly.
Xu Zhiqian read it carefully again, and her eyes lit up. "This village agreement looks pretty good."
But after she finished speaking, she saw that Zhang Fei did not respond, so she secretly looked at Zhang Fei, and saw that he was frowning and thinking about something, so she asked in a low voice: "Why? Don't you agree?"
Zhang Fei glanced at her and sighed, "It's good, but the treaty must be based on Confucian ethics. If we can do what the ethics stipulate, it will not be illegal. But if it continues like this, it will be extremely detrimental to the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs."
Xu Zhiqian said: "Wouldn't it be good if everyone didn't break the law?"
...
...
Zhang Fei said: "The problem is that this is impossible, but once the people think that etiquette is the most correct, then the law will inevitably be affected by etiquette. For example, if a wife sues her husband, the legal system currently allows the wife to sue her husband, at least she will not be punished, but etiquette is to avoid such things as much as possible. If all the people think that a wife cannot sue her husband, then the public security, procuratorate and courts will be under this pressure and revise such regulations. In the final analysis, this is actually a kind of competition."
Xu Zhiqian frowned and thought for a while, "I understand." Then she asked, "What are you going to do?"
Zhang Fei sighed: "This village is really full of hidden talents. They came up with a solution so quickly. But I also have confidence in the public security, procuratorate and courts. After all, the people still have to see whether the rice in their bowls has increased or decreased. Let's see how many people are willing to accept this village agreement."
He was actually very conflicted. He supported rural autonomy. After all, the imperial court could not take care of so many things nowadays, so he wanted to set up a township committee to supplement the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
However, Zhang Fei did not support the promotion of rites and ethics, because rites and ethics were objectively in conflict with the law of the legal system. But in the current situation, rites and ethics are far superior to the law, which is also an objective fact. Zhang Fei did not dare to openly oppose rites and ethics.
Zhang Fei can only hope that the economy will change everything. People use their butts to decide their heads. The advantage of the rule of law is that it can promote business development, while the advantage of ethics is social stability.
"By the way! What did you do just now?" Zhang Fei suddenly asked Xu Zhiqian.
Xu Zhiqian suddenly seemed to remember something and said quickly, "It's a letter from my father."
After that, he handed a letter to Zhang Fei, and then said: "As you wish, Wang Xueshi attributed all the credit to the new policy, and believed that the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs would not be able to function without the new policy, so the court decided to implement the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs in Qingzhou."
This was no small matter, so Xu Zun immediately wrote a letter to Zhang Fei, informing him in detail of everything that had happened in the capital.
Zhang Fei looked up at her and said, "Don't talk nonsense. This is not what I want. I am just following the trend. In fact, Master Yuan had already thought of this at the beginning. Even if I didn't say it, they would definitely do it."
Xu Zhiqian asked: "So what do you think?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "First force them into a desperate situation. Only in this way will they help each other. Otherwise, even if I have a silver tongue, I will not be able to break the situation. This is a party struggle."
Within two days, the officials of Hezhong Prefecture also learned the final result. Although the public security, procuratorate and courts were not directly eliminated, they could not say they were disappointed. They could still accept this result. After all, after this fight, the contradiction between the two sides became more acute. The most important point was that the reformists had launched a fatal attack on the public security, procuratorate and courts.
That is to strengthen the old judicial system in other places.
This is actually a very crucial point. Previously, it seemed that the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems were the general trend and had won the strong support of the emperor and the prime minister, and they had obvious institutional advantages. However, people did not realize at that time that the advantages of the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems were actually based on fiscal expenditures.
You have to know that most of the yamen runners before were just serving and did not receive any wages. They worked for three days and rested for two days, which was considered to be conscientious and responsible. But now the royal police can earn forty or fifty strings of cash a year. The amount of salary directly determines their work attitude, so naturally we can ask them to do better and abide by the law enforcement manual.
Fortunately, it is not too late now that we have realized it, because this has effectively hindered the expansion of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
If the old system is revived in other places, it means that it is unlikely to promote the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems.
Wei Yingfang and his companions could only consider themselves unlucky as they were in Hezhong Prefecture. However, they were still full of hope for the future.
The current trend is still more favorable to them.
It can be seen that the theme of this year is still competition, but it has become more pure. If you are not careful, it may collapse completely.
Because the two sides have completely torn their relations apart, and both have directly stated that the other side's reforms are not feasible, rather than simply saying that they cannot do without me.
Both sides sent out their strongest teams. Wang Anshi asked Zeng Gong to preside over the old judicial system, while Sima Guang immediately dispatched Fan Chunren and Qian Yi to Qingzhou to build public security, procuratorial and judicial systems.
Of course, Zhao Xu was also very cooperative and immediately appointed a young man named Yan Yi to serve as the Qingzhou Police Chief.
Yan Yi's father was named Yan Da, who used to be a royal guard beside Zhao Xu and was deeply appreciated and trusted by Zhao Xu. He is currently stationed in Yanzhou. It can be seen that Zhao Xu did not want to always use relatives by marriage. But he did not say that if he used people from the Cao family before, he would have to use people from the Gao family this time. He gradually used his own confidants to hold these important positions.
Of course, Empress Dowager Gao is still being suppressed by Empress Dowager Cao, and she has not argued with the Emperor to reuse anyone from the Gao family.
Fan Chunren was really excited. He was in Dengzhou and saw how the local government implemented the Qingmiao Law. He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, but unfortunately he was powerless to stop it. Now he finally found a place to use his talents, so he immediately rushed to Qingzhou.
Qian Yi did the same. After receiving the order, he took two servants and rushed to Qingzhou without waiting for his family.
The two arrived in Qingzhou almost on the same day. As old friends reunited, they did not bother to exchange pleasantries and went to visit Ouyang Xiu together.
At this time, Ouyang Xiu was already in his twilight years and very old.
When Fan Chunren and Qian Yi saw Ouyang Xiu, they were both shocked. Ouyang Xiu was now white-haired and skinny, and his back, which had been straight all his life, was now slightly hunched. However, he still had that amiable smile on his face, and his demeanor was as good as ever.
"No need to salute."
Ouyang Xiu waved his hand, "Sit down."
"Thank you, Magistrate Ouyang (Uncle Ouyang)."
Fan and Qian bowed and then sat upright.
Ouyang Xiu first looked at the son of his old friend, then looked at Qian Yi, but he frowned, "Why are you two the only ones here?"
Fan Chunren said hurriedly, "In reply to Uncle Ouyang, since the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems are new and not many people know about them, for the sake of safety, Sima Xueshi sent the two of us here first to establish the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems. Sima Xueshi will then appoint some young officials here."
“Cough cough cough!”
Ouyang Xiu suddenly coughed twice, then waved his hand, "That's not what I'm asking."
Fan Chunren asked in surprise: "What is Uncle Ouyang asking?"
Ouyang Xiu asked curiously, "Why didn't Wang Jiefu send anyone?"
"ah?"
Fan Chunren was stunned immediately.
Qian Yi was also very curious: "Prefect Ouyang had previously submitted a memorial not to support the Qingmiao Law, so why did he take the initiative to mention Wang Jiefu today?"
"These are two different things and cannot be confused."
Ouyang Xiu waved his hands and continued, "When I first submitted a memorial to the emperor, I asked for the public security, procuratorate and courts to come first, and the new policy to come later, not just the public security, procuratorate and courts. The public security, procuratorate and courts were born out of the new policy and were established by the new policy. If they were separated from the new policy, it would be difficult for them to succeed."
After hearing this, Fan Chunren felt a little unhappy. "I really don't agree with what Uncle Ouyang said. Whether in Bianliang or Hezhong Prefecture, it was the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs that escorted the new policy, and the new policy was therefore a great success.
There are no public security, procuratorate or courts in Jingdong East Road now. You can see that those officials are only concerned with making money and ignore the people. There will definitely be problems in the future. How can the public security, procuratorate or courts be inseparable from the new policy?"
Qian Yi also nodded slightly.
Ouyang Xiu glanced at Fan Chunren and said, "Chunren! Let me ask you, if there were no new policies, would there be public security, procuratorate and courts?"
Fan Chunren paused for a moment, "It is undeniable that everyone wanted to use the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to restrict the new policy at first, but the situation has changed. Now more and more people support the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, and they are not just trying to use the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to restrict the new policy."
“It’s not more and more, but less and less.”
Ouyang Xiu shook his head and sighed: "Why did your father's reform fail? It was because your father wanted to do too much and was too anxious, which led to too many opponents and ultimately failed. But are all the opponents at that time corrupt officials? That's not necessarily the case. Perhaps they just opposed it because the new law would hurt their interests.
Similarly, not many people support the new policy, nor do many people support the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, because most people are making choices among their own interests, and only a few people agree with the new policy or the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
If both exist at the same time, most people will be undecided. They will not blindly oppose the new policy, nor will they blindly oppose the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, because they will worry that if one side falls, the other side will dominate. They hope that both sides will suffer losses.
On the contrary, the resistance encountered by both parties is much smaller, so there is hope for success. If only one party is there, it will be difficult to succeed. "
Qian Yi said: "What Prefect Ouyang said is wrong. There is no public security, procuratorate or court in Jingdong East Road, but the Qingmiao Law is also implemented very well."
Ouyang Xiu said angrily: "If there were no public security, procuratorate and court, would those officials be able to implement the Qingmiao Law so diligently? Besides, didn't Chunren just say that those people are really implementing the new law? No, they want to defeat Hezhong Prefecture, so they are collecting money regardless of the consequences."
Fan Chunren shook his head and said, "If it was at the beginning of the birth of the public security, procuratorial and judicial system, I would have believed Uncle Ouyang's words, but now the public security, procuratorial and judicial system has been perfected, and its advantages are unparalleled. As long as it is built, it will surely win the hearts of the people. Even if some officials are unwilling, they dare not risk the disapproval of the world. This is the case in Hezhong Prefecture."
After he finished speaking, he suddenly noticed Ouyang Xiu was silent, so he called out softly, "Uncle Ouyang." Then he saw that Ouyang Xiu's eyes were closed, and he couldn't help but be shocked.
"Don't worry, my two lords."
The old servant at the side came forward quickly and said, "My master just hasn't been in good spirits recently and is prone to drowsiness."
Is this a sign of easy sleepiness? Fan Chunren couldn't help but mutter to himself, and observed with concern. But when he saw that Ouyang Xiu seemed to be really fine, he was relieved and immediately got up and said goodbye to Qian Yi.
As soon as the two left, Ouyang Xiu opened his eyes, "This Chunren is exactly like my brother Fan! No, I have to write a letter to Yan Guo quickly, go and prepare paper and ink."
"yes."
Among the Four Gentlemen of the Qingli Period, Ouyang Xiu's ability may not be as good as the other three, but he is the most far-sighted. He can often see through the essence of things. Of course, he is also limited by the times and certainly not as thorough as Zhang Fei, but he is also remarkable.
Although he has been serving as an official outside the country for many years recently, and can actually be said to be idle and semi-retired, basically not being in charge of things unless it is a big deal, but he can see through the reasons for the success of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
Over there, Qian Yi and Fan Chunren came out of Ouyang Mansion, feeling a little low. They originally thought that they could get the support of Ouyang Xiu, but they never expected that Ouyang Xiu would pour cold water on them. You know, Fan Chunren came here with resentment suppressed for two years, and he had previously believed that the failure in Dengzhou was because Sima Guang did not give him enough support. Now that Sima Guang was going all out, he naturally had no excuses anymore.
"Chunren, what do you think about what Prefect Ouyang is worried about?" Qian Yi suddenly asked.
Fan Chunren nodded and said, "It is undeniable that Uncle Ouyang's worries are reasonable. I have actually realized this problem a long time ago, but Uncle Ouyang also overlooked one point. I was just about to tell him this, but he fell asleep."
Qian Yi asked: "What point was overlooked?"
"It's Zhang San."
Fan Chunren said, "Uncle Ouyang overlooked that Zhang San has a very good relationship with Sima Junshi and Wang Jiefu. Therefore, Zhang San can use this relationship to maintain the balance and get help from both parties at the same time. That will naturally be twice the result with half the effort. But why should we do this? How can Wang Jiefu support us? Of course, I don't need his support."
Qian Yi nodded: "That's true. It's hard to say about Hezhong Prefecture, but when he was in the capital, Wang Jiefu and Sima Junshi both gave Zhang San a lot of help."
Fan Chunren added: "Although we are not as good as Zhang San in this regard, we also have advantages. Zhang San has laid the foundation for the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, and is deeply loved by the people. The people of Qingzhou have heard of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, and have the knowledge of the legal system to support them. We only need to follow the rules and regulations. I don't believe that those officials dare to openly oppose the judiciary. After all, the court has already agreed with Zhang San's judgment and it is impossible for them not to support us."
Tokyo Bianliang.
Kaifeng Prefecture.
"Jiefu, Jiefu, you are teasing me."
Zeng Gong was upset when he saw Wang Anshi: "When you recommended me to be the prefect of Kaifeng Prefecture, I was busy transferring the judicial power to the public security, procuratorate and courts as soon as I took office. But less than a year later, you asked me to revive the old judicial system. You are so mean."
I have nothing to do, so I toss and turn.
Is it fun?
"Sorry! Sorry!"
Wang Anshi knew that he was in the wrong, so he bowed his hands repeatedly and said, "This person is in the court and has no choice. I was also forced to do it. But this little thing is not difficult for Brother Zigu."
Zeng Gong glared at him.
"Brother Zigu, calm down, calm down." Wang Anshi said with a shy smile.
This required coaxing, which really made it difficult for Zeng Gong.
Zeng Gong shook his head helplessly and said, "In fact, the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems are indeed better than the current judicial system, but their shortcomings are also obvious. They require more financial support and are too complicated. If you have not learned from Zhang San, even if you are as familiar with the law as Jiefu, it is difficult to be competent!"
After hearing this, Wang Anshi was a little dissatisfied and said, "Not necessarily. I also understand the law of the legal system, but it requires more importance of evidence."
Zeng Gong glanced at him and knew that he had a strong personality, so he quickly changed the subject and said, "Since you want to revive the old system, I'm afraid you also need to make changes, otherwise it will be difficult to convince the public."
Wang Anshi was immediately delighted, "I knew you had a way, Zigu. Tell me how to change it."
Zeng Gong said: "First, we must also separate politics and law. This is the greatest advantage of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. We cannot abandon it. We can carry out the reform of separating politics and law around the Judicial Bureau, return the judicial power to the Judicial Bureau, and at the same time, we should increase the number of personnel to them and expand the Judicial Bureau."
Wang Anshi frowned and said, "The separation of politics and law is indeed a great innovation, but this is also the reason why many officials oppose the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. It is precisely because of the separation of politics and law that they are bound by the judiciary."
"What Jiefu said is true." Zeng Gong nodded and said, "But we don't have to do it openly. According to what I know, local governments have accumulated a large number of old cases that have not been dealt with. We can arrange many judicial talents to empty the prisons. Since ancient times, this policy has been very common and will not arouse suspicion. But in this way, we can revive the old system and quietly concentrate judicial power in the Criminal Justice Department. It's killing two birds with one stone."
"Wonderful! Wonderful!"
Wang Anshi's face lit up with joy, and he could not help but nod his head repeatedly, and then asked: "In this case, can the old system be better than the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems?"
Zeng Gong seemed a little hesitant.
Wang Anshi hurriedly said, "It's just you and me here, so you can say whatever you want."
Zeng Gong said: "The separation of politics and law can only make those officials feel fearful, but it cannot rectify the administration of officials and clean up the bureaucracy like the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
The reason is that the royal court, the procuratorate and the police station are not subordinate to each other and they check and balance each other. If the procuratorate fails to perform its duties, the royal court can hold it accountable, and vice versa.
Moreover, they are only responsible for part of the entire trial process. Investigation and arrest are done by the police, prosecution and investigation are done by the procuratorate, and judgment is done by the imperial court. This makes people wonder who to blame and increases the cost of bribery.
After all, the Judicial Bureau was just an office, and was only supervised by the Censor. Its chief was also a court official. It was inevitable that human relationships would arise. If they were asked to arrest officials, it would inevitably lead to hatred and revenge. No one wanted to be the bad guy. The public security, procuratorate and courts could invisibly rectify the administration of officials, but the Judicial Bureau could not do that.
Even if there is separation of politics and law, it cannot be as thorough as the separation of public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.”
Wang Anshi was filled with worry after hearing this. "That is to say, the old system is always inferior to the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs."
Zeng Gong nodded: "The public security, procuratorial and judicial systems really need to be more perfect and reasonable."
Wang Anshi nodded, and suddenly glanced at Zeng Gong, saying, "Have you ever told anyone else what Zi Gu just said?"
Zeng Gong was startled and shook his head: "It's too late!"
Wang Anshi nodded and said, "Then just pretend you never said it."
Zeng Gong looked at Wang Anshi in confusion.
Wang Anshi glanced at Zeng Gong with a guilty conscience, then pretended to be serious and said: "I am carrying out reforms to enrich the people and strengthen the country. Since the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are also beneficial to this, why should I destroy it? It's just that there are some things that I can't help myself!"
Zeng Gong was confused after hearing this, thinking that all I had said was in vain, so he asked, "What do you mean?"
Wang Anshi said: "Let's not talk about the separation of politics and law for now, so as to avoid unnecessary complications. You can arrange the personnel and see if they can handle it properly."
Zeng Gong looked at Wang Anshi without saying a word.
You are obviously hiding something from me!
Wang Anshi explained: "This matter is very complicated. I can't explain it clearly at the moment. Once I have sorted it out, I will come to apologize."
"You!" Zeng Gong sighed helplessly, nodded and said, "Okay!"
Rich mansion.
"I didn't expect that even though Uncle Hui is in Qingzhou, he can still understand the current situation."
After reading Ouyang Xiu's letter, Fu Bi couldn't help but smile and nodded.
Wen Yanbo glanced at Fu Bi and said, "No wonder Mr. Fu insisted on fighting with the other party before. This must be his intention, right?"
Fu Bi nodded and sighed, "In fact, whether it is the new policy or judicial reform, most people don't want it. Although the two sides are fighting to the death, if one side loses, all the opposing forces will immediately unite together, and the remaining side will have no choice but to die."
At this point, he paused for a moment, "Of course, the most important thing is that the Regulations Department of the Two Governments is in charge of administration, while the Public Security Procuratorate is in charge of justice. The dispute at this time is different from the one during the Qingli period. There is no sharp conflict between the two parties in terms of interests. This is all caused by human factors. Therefore, at the critical moment, both sides still have room for maneuver."
You have to know that these conservatives are actually reformists in their hearts. They believe that the problems of the Northern Song Dynasty must be reformed, otherwise they will not be able to resolve them. It's just that they think the time is not yet ripe. At the same time, they oppose some of the propositions in Wang Anshi's new laws. If the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs can make up for the shortcomings of the new policy, then of course they will support it. The success of Hezhong Prefecture also gives them hope.
Wen Yanbo said: "But if it is really as Uncle Hui said, Chunren and his men may not succeed in Qingzhou."
"It doesn't matter. Even if it fails, it won't affect the governance of Qingzhou."
Fu Bi laughed and said, "But Jingdong East Road is different. Problems will definitely arise there sooner. What the local government is doing is not a long-term solution. They are also betting that the public security, procuratorate and courts will not be able to hold on first."
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said, "Then we have to inform Junshi about this."
"Need not!"
Fu Bi waved his hand and said, "I'm afraid he knows better than us."
Wen Yanbo hurriedly asked, "Really?"
Fu Bi said: "Do you remember that there is one thing he has never mentioned before?"
Wen Yanbo was stunned. "What's the matter?"
Fu Bi said, "It was Zhang San's letter. For such a big matter, it is impossible for Zhang San not to write to him and report the situation in Hezhong Prefecture. However, Junshi never mentioned it. Obviously, he is hiding something."
Wen Yanbo woke up as if from a dream, and could not help but be furious, "How could you, Sima Junshi, hide such a big thing from us?"
Fu Bi laughed and said, "You don't know him yet, the letter must contain some secrets. If he tells us, he will think that he has betrayed Zhang San."
"This guy is really..."
Wen Yanbo just shook his head helplessly. It was not the first day that they knew Sima Guang. There was no way they could do anything about this kind of person.
Fu Bi was too lazy to even ask.
(End of this chapter)
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