It was already winter, and although there was no official holiday yet, in the past, the officials in the court would basically work for three days and rest for two days, without taking care of their official duties.
All the minor officials and clerks were busy collecting taxes.
But this year's cold winter is different. No one in the government or the opposition is late or leaves early. Everyone is very active at work, even working harder than usual.
Because Jingdong East Road is right next to Jingdong Road, whatever happens there can be quickly transmitted to the capital.
The current situation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the opposition in North Korea, and it must not be missed.
Since most of the opposition are hiding on the side of the new policy, they are frantically attacking the actions of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs in Qingzhou.
Sima Guang's people had no choice but to fight back and frantically attack the Qingmiao Law in Jingdong East Road.
The fire had spread to this extent, and no one had any way out. The quarrel was so intense that Zhao Xu could no longer pretend to be deaf and dumb, so he held a meeting to inquire about what was going on.
"Your Majesty, the problems in Qingzhou have always existed. The police, procuratorate and courts are here to correct those problems. Some difficulties are inevitable. But the other counties in Jingdong East Road are different. The chaos is caused by man-made disasters."
Sima Guang was the first to step forward and report.
...
...
Wang Anshi immediately stood up and said, "Your Majesty, please do not listen to this man's distortion of right and wrong. Qingzhou was originally at peace, and this year's tax revenue was at least the same as last year. But as soon as the police, procuratorate and courts arrived, chaos immediately broke out. And there was no natural disaster. If this is not a problem of the police, procuratorate and courts, then whose problem could it be?
As for the incident in Jingdong East Road, it was indeed caused by man-made disasters, but not by the Qingmiao Law. It is natural to repay debts. In the past, when there was a shortage of food, the burden suffered by the people was greater than it is now, but there was no one to cause unrest. It can be seen that this unrest was caused by someone’s mischief.
Lu Huiqing immediately chimed in, "Your Majesty, the chaos in Jingdong East Road is behind Qingzhou. The reason is very simple, because the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs have caused Qingzhou's finances to be unable to make ends meet, and it is possible that the autumn tax will not be collected this year. However, as everyone knows, the other prefectures are thriving and their finances are increasing day by day, so some people want to mess up Jingdong East Road and divert everyone's attention."
"What nonsense!"
Wen Yanbo angrily said, "The crisis in Jingdong East Road is caused by the Qingmiao Law. You forced the rich to borrow money, and deceived the people who didn't need to borrow money to borrow money, taking the opportunity to exploit the people, so the people are living in poverty and complaining. How dare you shirk your responsibility?"
Then he said to the emperor: "If Your Majesty does not believe it, you can send someone to investigate and you will know the answer after asking."
Deng Wan said, "Your Majesty, according to the news from the censor, there are indeed some wealthy families who share the Qingmiao money, but it is not forced. Instead, they feel guilty and voluntarily help the government. The wealthy families borrowed Qingmiao money from the government and then gave it to the people in need in the village. Duke Wen could not have been unaware of this."
Wen Yanbo was in charge of the Censorate, so of course he knew this, but he also knew that all these censors supported the new policy.
The two sides each held their own reasons and started arguing again in front of Zhao Xu.
“That’s enough!”
Zhao Xu was so angry that he slammed the table and said, "It has come to this, and you still have time to argue here. I don't want to pursue responsibility now. You must find a way to resolve the problem of Jingdong East Road quickly. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."
"I obey your command."
The emperor was furious, and they could only obey his orders.
Before they could stand up, Zhao Xu had already left angrily.
Wang Anshi and Sima Guang stood up straight, looked at each other tacitly, then glared at each other fiercely, and rushed out of the hall.
Ministers such as Xu Zun, Chen Shengzhi, and Lu Gongzhu were deeply worried.
calm?
How to calm down.
Their worries were also seen by Meng Gansheng and his friends, and there was a flicker of joy in their eyes.
It is very simple to calm this matter down. Just abolish all the new regulations and then replace them with a new group of people to restore order and quell the public anger.
This is how it has been done in the past.
There is no doubt about Wang Anshi's ability. Sima Guang is not as good as Wang Anshi in personal execution ability, but his team is far better than Wang Anshi. It is actually not difficult for them to solve their respective problems.
The difficulty lies in the fact that we are all facing each other.
They have equal strength and power, and have grasped each other's weaknesses and are beating them to death.
When you don't have enough power over the other party, you can't solve these problems.
Before, they were a little afraid of Zhang Fei, but now both sides seem to have forgotten Zhang Fei's existence.
After Zhang Fei returned to Beijing, he basically closed the door and refused to see anyone.
At this time, the Zhang family was still immersed in the joy of double happiness. They saw a burly man leading several craftsmen hammering and banging at the intersection of the corridor.
"Brother Leopard! Long time no see."
At this time, Zhang Fei came over. It turned out that the burly man was Li Bao, who had led the renovation of the Zhang family's house.
"Oh! It's Judge Zhang. I've seen him before!"
"We are old acquaintances, so there is no need to be polite."
Zhang Fei raised his hand to interrupt him and said, "I'm really sorry to ask Brother Bao to come over to work in this cold winter!"
Li Bao hurriedly said, "Judge Zhang, you are too kind. I have to thank you for letting us brothers have a good New Year."
The craftsmen on the side also expressed their gratitude to Zhang Fei.
With two pregnant women at home, they had to be careful about everything. Following Mu Zhen's suggestion, Zhang Fei called Li Bao and others to temporarily flatten or lower the steps and thresholds.
By the way, also ask about the situation outside.
After chatting with the craftsmen for a few words, Zhang Fei and Li Bao came to the corridor.
"What's the situation outside?"
"We just made a little move, and the situation got out of control." Li Bao said, "The reason is that the big landlords are also fanning the flames. They are using this to shift the blame to the people and the government, and are preparing to further expand their power. In this chaotic situation, they can often take advantage of the situation and annex more land."
"They will never disappoint us. They will eat people without spitting out bones." Zhang Fei nodded and said, "So we have to be careful too. Don't let it get out of hand."
Li Bao nodded and said, "If we have the cooperation of the government, we can still control the situation, because we have a lot of debts, and they are all very critical."
At this time, Niu Beiqing suddenly came over and said, "Sanlang, Lu Xiaokan is here. I told him I wouldn't see guests, but he insisted that you must see him."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "He is right."
study.
"Did Lord Fu call you back just for the Legislative Council, or did he want you to handle Qingzhou's problems?"
Lu Huiqing asked with a smile.
Zhang Fei said: "It's mainly to deal with the problems in Qingzhou."
Lu Huiqing said: "You can handle Qingzhou's problems just by sitting at home all day long."
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said, “First of all, I have said before that if the problems of the other prefectures and counties in Jingdong East Road are not handled well, and the Qingzhou problem is solved at the same time, it will be fatal to Master Wang.
Secondly, I have been sending people to inquire about the situation in Qingzhou. It is not so easy to deal with it. It is not because the problem is too complicated, but because the resistance is too great. To be honest with Lu Xiaokan, even if I am the presiding judge now, it will be difficult for me to solve it. After all, the local officials will not cooperate with me like Master Yuan did. "
Lu Huiqing agreed with this. He also believed that the key to the success of Hezhong Prefecture did not lie in Zhang Fei's personal ability. They had made an indispensable contribution. After all, they had been cooperating with Zhang Fei. He asked again, "So what are you going to do now?"
Zhang Fei couldn't help but smile bitterly and said, "If I had a solution, I wouldn't close the door to visitors. If the two of you continue to fight like this, no one can solve the problem."
Lu Huiqing said: "But at this time, no one can give in."
Zhang Fei frowned and looked at Lu Huiqing again, "What does Lu's proofreading mean?"
Lu Huiqing said: "I also think that everyone does not want to see both the good and the bad destroyed."
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said, "This is a bit difficult."
Lu Huiqing smiled and said, "It may be so for others, but I believe it is not that difficult for you."
As soon as he saw Lu Huiqing off, Xu Zun returned home.
"Has Lu Huiqing been here?"
"Um."
Zhang Fei nodded.
"They really brought this upon themselves!" Xu Zun couldn't help but sigh, and then said, "The situation in both places is getting worse. When do you plan to take action?"
Of course he knew that Zhang Fei came back to solve this problem, no matter which side he helped, but at least he had to take action. But Zhang Fei is now at home taking care of pregnant women every day, but... but who needs his care? At most he can just chat and relieve boredom.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "My father-in-law may have some misunderstandings. I have no intention of taking action."
Xu Zun was stunned, "You...you don't plan to take action?"
Zhang Fei nodded, "Because one of the current criticisms against the public security, procuratorate and courts is whether the success of Hezhong Prefecture is due to the public security, procuratorate and courts, or to me, Zhang San. If I take action to solve this problem again, let alone whether it can be solved, even if it can be solved, it will be a confession, which will be of no benefit to the public security, procuratorate and courts."
Xu Zun said: "If that's the case, then why did Lord Fu call you back?"
Zhang Fei said: "Go to the Legislative Council to explain!"
".?"
Xu Zun looked at him with a frown.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Really, the date has been set. I will have to go to the Legislative Council in two days to explain myself."
According to the original construction of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council was only a temporary department, not a permanent department. It was composed of judicial officials from various places who were transferred back to Beijing, as well as students from various places who went to Beijing to take the imperial examinations.
This arrangement is made because situations in different places are different. We cannot make laws for the entire country based on the situation in Bian Jing. If we do that, there is a high probability that something will go wrong.
It is no exaggeration to say that Bian Jing is a country within a country, and the situation here is different from that in any other provincial capital.
Therefore, the Legislative Council did not even have a formal office. Fu Bi worked at home all year round and occasionally went to the Council Hall to discuss national affairs.
Therefore, the venue for this meeting was arranged at Xiangguo Temple.
First of all, of course, Xiangguo Temple is big enough to accommodate so many people.
Secondly, because Xiangguo Temple is not a simple Buddhist temple, it is backed by the royal family and the powerful and has both commercial and political functions.
At present, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are the new elites, and the Legislative Assembly is definitely not a trivial matter. Xiangguo Temple is well aware of the interests involved, so it took the initiative to fight for it and guaranteed that it is completely free of charge.
Of course, the wool still comes from the sheep.
Those who come to the Legislative Council for meetings are either emperors or officials, as well as future pillars of the country. These are all potential customers of Xiangguo Temple, and this is an excellent opportunity for publicity. When the time comes, these people who come to attend the meeting can just burn a wave of incense and get everything back.
Not only that, this legislative session became more interesting because of Zhang Fei’s report.
In name, Zhang Fei came back for this purpose, but everyone thought that Zhang Fei came back for the Qingzhou public security, procuratorate and courts. In addition, the dispute is so fierce now that no one is paying attention to this legislative meeting.
Xu Zun didn’t even know that the Legislative Council would begin two days later.
However, during this period, Zhang Fei did not go out at all, but prepared his homework at home, and he really did what he said, as if he really came for the Legislative Council.
Therefore, the news initially fermented among the people. Because of Zhang Fei, the Erbi and businessmen were very concerned about it, but few people in the court paid attention to it.
However, as public opinion fermented, ministers in the court also began to pay attention to this legislative meeting.
Zhang Fei had been in seclusion for such a long time, and his first appearance was in the Legislative Council.
But is there something fishy going on here?
Since Zhang Fei did not clearly take side, all parties felt a little nervous.
It is not difficult to see from the preparations of Xiangguo Temple that the scale of this time is unprecedented. Xiangguo Temple directly closed the entire backyard to prepare for this legislative session.
Today is the day of the Legislative Assembly. Shortly after dawn, the backyard of Xiangguo Temple is already bustling with people. It seems even more lively than the New Year's Day court meeting. Remember, it is winter now.
Of course, the Legislative Council usually meets at this time because most of the transferred judicial officials return to Beijing at this time.
But the weather was good today, with a little sunshine, and it was still clear.
Sima Guang would definitely not take a carriage if he could avoid it. He felt bored, and today was no exception. He walked leisurely with his hands in his sleeves and a little follower following him.
Coincidentally, Wang Anshi didn't like riding in a carriage either.
Because of their similar personalities, the two enemies met again in front of Xiangguo Temple.
"unlucky!"
Wang Anshi muttered immediately, but teased: "I didn't expect Junshi to be in the mood to attend the Legislative Council."
Sima Guang had the same idea as him. He stroked his beard and laughed, "If you are in the mood to come, why can't I come? After all, I only have the troubles of one state, while you have the troubles of the whole journey."
Wang Anshi sighed: "Zhang San said it well! With great ability comes great responsibility."
Sima Guang responded calmly: "That's true, but judging from the current situation, you are trying to shake a tree with an ant. You are overestimating your own abilities."
Wang Anshi laughed and said, "It's not that I don't know my own abilities, but I'm destined to be cursed by villains this year. There's nothing I can do."
Sima Guang said: "Same here! Same here!"
The two men entered the temple while mocking each other.
In an instant!
It was as if the whole world had quieted down.
The officials who were chatting inside turned their heads to look at the two of them at the same time.
Is this the reunion of the century?
Soon, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang gave the answer. They walked to the left and the right cleanly, as if telling everyone that it was because the door was too narrow.
Many people breathed a sigh of relief, because the two of them couldn't possibly reconcile!
Sima Guang and Wang Anshi had just entered when a simple-minded man poked his head out of an alley. After looking for a long time, he turned back to the alley and came to a carriage. "Third brother, Sima and Wang have already gone in."
Zhang Fei came out of the carriage. "That was close! That was close! Now I'm stuck between them. I'm asking for trouble!"
Then he said to Long Wu, "Long Wu, go park the car first. Li Si and I will go in first."
Long Wu said: "Li Si can't protect you."
Zhang Fei said: "If I get beaten in Xiangguo Temple today, I will not live anymore."
He walked out with his head held high and his chest puffed out, not at all afraid. Today, Xiangguo Temple must be on top defense.
As soon as I walked out of the alley, I heard someone shouting, "Zhang Erbi!"
Zhang Fei tilted his head and looked at him, he was surprised and delighted, "Mr. Su."
The person who came was Su Shi.
Zhang Fei immediately walked over quickly and bowed, "When did Mr. Su come back?"
Su Shi was slightly stunned, and said: "I remember that when I visited your house a few days ago, I was turned away, but I also introduced myself to you!"
".!"
Zhang Fei blinked and said, "It's true. Mr. Su, please rest assured. I will get rid of that servant when I get back."
Su Shi immediately said, "That servant has a big beard, don't make a mistake."
"Well!"
Is politeness not popular now? Zhang Fei laughed and immediately changed the subject: "Mr. Su, how have you been in Yangzhou these three years?"
Su Shi sighed and said, "I have benefited a lot from this trip. I finally understand Sima Xianggong's good intentions."
"Really?" Zhang Fei asked in surprise.
He heard that Su Shi had been idle in Yangzhou for three years.
Su Shi nodded and said: "This trip will make me understand where the root of the disease of our Song Dynasty comes from."
Zhang Fei asked: "Where did it come from?"
Su Shi said: "It comes from our generation."
"Um?"
Zhang Fei was confused and said, "Zhang Fei is stupid. I don't know what Mr. Su means by this."
Su Shi said: "I have been traveling around Yangzhou all day, visiting friends everywhere, but they still give me a generous salary. Isn't this the disaster of redundant officials?"
Damn it, why did I ask that question? Zhang Fei wanted to slap himself in the face, and nodded with a dry laugh.
Su Shi asked again: "Do you have any experience in Hezhong Prefecture?"
I don't believe your brother didn't write you a letter, and you still ask me. Zhang Fei nodded, "Yes, he did."
"Yeah?"
"yes."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "The salt profits from Hezhong Prefecture are several million guan, but the expenses of the imperial court still have to be earned by ourselves. Where do you think the money is spent?"
Su Shi sighed, "So this legislative assembly is a waste of money and manpower, and it is meaningless. When I can do something serious, it will eliminate the disaster of redundant officials."
Zhang Fei asked: "Then why did Mr. Su come?"
Su Shi said: "You think I want to come, but I have been playing for three years. The court finally found me a job. If I don't come, I will not be able to accept the salary!"
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, "It was also Master Fu who called you back?"
Su Shi nodded and said, "Mr. Sima seems to be avoiding me recently."
also?
Zhang Fei understood what he heard. This was not the Su Dongpo who wrote "I, an old man, am still as wild as young men". This was clearly a resentful woman in the boudoir. He could not afford to offend her. He secretly winked at Li Si.
Although Li Si was a little dazed, he had been with Zhang Fei for so long after all, so he immediately reacted and said hurriedly: "Third brother, this is about to begin."
"Ouch!"
Zhang Fei seemed to have just woken up from a dream. "Mr. Su, I have something else to do. I'll excuse myself first."
"Please do as you please."
Su Shi still maintained his composure and made a "please" gesture, then said: "You, the servant, have better eyesight than that bearded man!"
Zhang Fei laughed awkwardly and hurried towards the gate.
Fortunately he left, otherwise he would have been late. Zhang Fei forgot that he liked to be the last one, and he came late in the first place. As soon as he entered the door, he was pulled away by Fu Bi's servants.
"Why did you come just now?"
When Fu Bi saw Zhang Fei, he couldn't help but frown and said, "The official has been here for a while."
Fu Bi really didn't like Zhang Fei's habit. You used to be a judge, so you could do whatever you wanted. But now you are a court president and you are still so unreliable.
Zhang Fei hurriedly explained: "Mr. Fu, this is really not my fault. There was a woman holding me outside the door, and I couldn't do anything about it."
Fu Bi was surprised and asked, "A resentful woman is holding you back? Is there any grievance?"
"have!"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "This resentful woman's name is Su Shi."
Fu Bi was stunned for a moment, then laughed and scolded: "How dare you tease me, kid? Go away, go and get ready."
"yes."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I'm ready. There's nothing to prepare."
"Then let's go."
The two men came to the backyard, but saw that the largest courtyard in Xiangguo Temple was full of people. It was no exaggeration to say that there were more people than the New Year's Day court meeting.
But surprisingly, there was total silence inside.
If you look closely, you can easily find that the left side is full of reformists and the right side is full of conservatives. The camps are very clear. Even Fu Bi's seat is arranged on the right.
Although Zhao Xu was there too, he also looked helpless and bored.
Fu Bi and Zhang Fei first came in front of Zhao Xu and bowed. In this depressing atmosphere, Zhao Xu was too lazy to speak. He just hinted to Fu Bi with his eyes, "Start quickly, start quickly, the atmosphere is too depressing."
Fu Bi understood what he meant and told Zhang Fei to start right away, without even having to make a speech before the meeting. There was nothing much to say about the atmosphere. The key point was that he knew that this conference was held for Zhang Fei.
However, what Fu Bi prepared for Zhang Fei was quite considerate. He provided Zhang Fei with a long table, charcoal pencils, and a screen.
Zhang Fei came to the podium, bowed to the people present, and then began to sort out the documents. While sorting, he said, "In fact, I have always been looking forward to coming to the Legislative Council to explain to you, because I don't think my judgment is perfect.
However, I was somewhat caught off guard by the controversy. I thought there would be a heated debate on the case of Wu Zhang's matricide, because this case gave me a lot of trouble at the time, and I eventually set up an assistant trial team for this case.
I never thought that there didn't seem to be much controversy about this case. Instead, there were many controversies about cases like the imperial court ordering the government to pay compensation. But in my opinion, this is exactly the least controversial. "
As soon as he finished speaking, someone said, "Aren't the problems Qingzhou is facing now enough to show that such a judgment is controversial?"
Zhang Fei looked up and saw it was the resentful woman Su Shi. He thought to himself, he is here to mess things up!
However, Su Shi's words did ease the atmosphere.
He sat in the conservative camp, but when he asked this question, the reformists nodded frequently.
Wen Yanbo whispered, "Didn't you explain to Zizhan?"
Sima Guang sighed, "What's there to explain? He mocked me for an entire hour when we met."
Wen Yanbo asked curiously, "What are you mocking?"
Sima Guang remained silent.
Zhang Fei said: "I have heard a little about the Qingzhou incident, but I don't know the specific details, so it is inconvenient to make any comments. This is not the purpose of my visit today."
Many officials were stunned. Could it be that he really just came to explain to the Legislative Council?
Then Zhang Fei said, "Take the case of Hezhong Prefecture's default on pensions, for example. The evidence is solid, and the Legislative Council has acknowledged that there is no problem with the evidence, but there are many controversies over the Royal Court's request for compensation from the government.
The controversy lies in the fact that the legal system clearly puts the interests of the monarch and the country first, followed by the legitimate rights and interests of individuals. What should be done if the local finances are unable to pay this compensation?
This sounds reasonable, and the rule of law does put the interests of the monarch and the country first, but this does not stand up to scrutiny at all.”
"I'd like to hear more about it."
"I'm here, why are you so anxious? I'll explain it."
Zhang Fei smiled, turned back, and wrote "compensation" and "no compensation" on the screen, saying, "In fact, as long as we analyze these two situations in detail, we can clearly know whether this judgment is based on the interests of the monarch and the country."
Then I heard a sour voice, "It's just paper talk."
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