The main text of the Chief Justice of the Northern Song Dynasty, Chapter 664: The first case after taking office. After agreeing on the whole plan with Zhao Xu, Zhang Fei immediately wrote a letter and sent someone to deliver it to Hezhong Prefecture and give it to Yuan Jiang.
However, this is all he can do in this matter. After all, he cannot come up with any money. Expanding the border of Xihe River will definitely add a burden to the finances. There is no way around it. He can only see how Wang Anshi and Yuan Jiang make the adjustments.
The role of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs is to set up a guardrail to ensure that the government cannot exploit without bottom line, thus leading to internal and external troubles and further deterioration of the situation.
This is also the reason why Wang Anshi was willing to compromise.
After finishing this matter, Zhang Fei put his focus back on the capital. The reason why Zhao Xu and Fu Bi kept him in the capital was that they hoped to take into account both Jingdong East Road and, at the same time, improve the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems in the capital.
In fact, what Fu Bi said was very right. Bianliang was the core of the Song Dynasty. If you cannot achieve the separation of politics and law in the capital, then it will only be a flash in the pan in the local area.
After all, feudal society is a top-down political system.
Today, Zhang Fei will go to the procuratorate to take up his post.
Early morning.
"Today is your first day at the procuratorate, so you must behave yourself, get along well with your colleagues, consult your father before anything, and don't be impulsive."
...
...
Xu Zhiqian carefully helped Zhang Fei straighten his collar while giving him instructions in a soft voice.
Zhang Fei saw her resentful face, his eyes turned, and he pretended to sigh: "It would be great if you could go with me, I don't need to worry about these at all."
Xu Zhiqian pouted and said, "I want to go too, but unfortunately my father won't allow me to go, so I can't help you."
Zhang Fei laughed and said, "Come on! You just can't stay at home and envy me for being able to go to the procuratorate."
Xu Zhiqian blushed and spat, "Who envies you? I'm just worried about you. You're usually so restless."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "If I stay calm, I'm afraid you will be even more unhappy."
Xu Zhiqian snorted, "That depends on what it is."
Zhang Fei laughed, hugged her gently, and comforted her: "After all, this procuratorate is not Hezhong Prefecture, we have the final say as husband and wife, even if you are not pregnant, I dare not take you there easily.
In this way, you can wait at home with peace of mind until your husband has made a name for himself in the procuratorate and convinced them. I guess you will also have finished your confinement, and then your husband will definitely take you with him."
Xu Zhiqian asked happily: "Really?"
Zhang Fei said: "Of course it's true. We are such a good match. Where else can I find such a good partner?"
Xu Zhiqian immediately smiled and said with a bit of complacency: "It's good that you know."
He started to help Zhang Fei tidy up again.
Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "That's enough! That's enough! Your sister Gao just helped me to fix it, but you wrinkled it again."
Xu Zhiqian took a closer look and saw that it was indeed the case, so she quickly smoothed it out.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "It's almost time. I'll go out first."
Xu Zhiqian was startled and glanced at the sky. "Oh! What time is it now? You are such a procrastinator!"
"Hey, you're not the one pulling me!"
"And said, get out of here quickly."
"Hello!"
Zhang Fei slapped his forehead and went out.
Although the Northern Song Dynasty no longer had the clan system, those who could serve as officials in the capital were basically from official families, such as Wang Anshi, Sima Guang, Fu Bi, Wen Yanbo, etc., their ancestors were all officials, so many officials were old friends, or old enemies, and there were still invisible networks of relationships. With Zhang Fei's background, he could only hang around at the bottom at best and could not get into these circles at all. However, after he married Xu Zhiqian, his identity changed.
This identity is actually very helpful to him.
On the road to success, you must have help from noble people, it just depends on whether you can seize this opportunity.
When Zhang Fei arrived at the procuratorate, the officials there were very polite to him. There was nothing he could do about it because his father-in-law was his immediate superior and his background was quite powerful.
Xu Zun did not avoid suspicion and deliberately kept his distance from Zhang Fei, because Zhang Fei's ability had already been demonstrated, and he was able to come to the procuratorate because the procuratorate benefited from it, and he did not need to rely on connections to get Zhang Fei in. Xu Zun directly called Zhang Fei to the lobby and introduced the other officials of the procuratorate to Zhang Fei one by one.
The current organization of the Procuratorate is more standardized than the original one, but it is still relatively rough. Su Che had always been in charge of these affairs before. Now that Su Che is gone, a man named Chen Yan is in charge, but due to his lack of qualifications, he is a deputy prosecutor.
This was not specifically because he was waiting for Zhang Fei. It's just that this Public Prosecution Court did not exist before. Few people knew how to prosecute unless they went to the corresponding government office. Chen Yan was also brought up by Su Che.
The Inspectorate is responsible for investigating, supervising the police's case filing and trial, and cooperating with the Public Prosecution Office in prosecuting. The Chief Inspector is an official named Qi Ji.
The last department was the Inspectorate of Posts and Telecommunications, which was responsible for archive management and writing lawsuits. It was headed by an official named Wang Gong.
Except for Xu Zun, all the officials in the procuratorate are in their twenties and thirties. There is no other way. No one was willing to come here before. At that time, everyone was not optimistic about the procuratorate. What else can they do here except offend people? They may not be able to stay here for long.
"The addition of Saburo is a real boost to our procuratorate."
Chief Inspector Qi Ji bowed and smiled.
Zhang Fei bowed and said, "No, no! Inspector Qi, you are too kind. If I cause any trouble to you in the future, I hope you will bear with me."
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".!"
It was surprisingly quiet.
Everyone's expression suddenly became a little nervous.
If it were someone else, everyone would think that it was just a polite remark, but coming from Zhang Fei's mouth, it might not just be a polite remark, it might really be a preventive measure!
The madman Zhang San is not just getting his name for nothing!
No one can be held responsible for the trouble you have caused!
Wang Gong was the first to react. He said with a smile, "What trouble is it? Our Procuratorate is just like the Censorate. We are dedicated to causing trouble and are the least popular."
Zhang Fei said: "That's different. The Censorate relies on words to file a complaint, while our procuratorate relies on evidence. We are obviously more professional."
Qi Ji laughed and said, "What you said may be trouble!"
Zhang Fei was stunned.
But Wang Gong and others all burst into laughter.
After some pleasantries, Xu Zun said, "Zhang San, this decree is for you to be the prosecutor, specifically responsible for litigation."
Zhang Fei came back to his senses and said, "Yes, I obey your command."
Qi Ji and Wang Gong looked at each other and broke out in a cold sweat. In the days to come, they would either soar to the sky or be sent to hell.
In the past one or two years, Xu Zun had to take Zhang Fei into consideration. He was afraid that he would become a reason for them to attack Zhang Fei, so he was very low-key. As a result, the current state of the procuratorate is relatively loose.
Zhang Fei’s arrival will definitely make them feel a little nervous.
At this time, a clerk suddenly came into the hall and said, "Chief Prosecutor Xu, there is a man outside who wants to see Judge Zhang."
"Looking for me?"
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, "What's that person's name?"
The clerk said, "That person didn't say anything."
Xu Zun asked: "Did anyone come to congratulate you?"
"I don't think so."
Zhang Fei said: "Even if I want to congratulate you, I won't come here to congratulate you."
Xu Zun nodded slightly and said, "Then go and take a look first."
"yes."
Zhang Fei then said to the clerk, "From now on, don't call me Judge Zhang, just call me Prosecutor Zhang."
"Ah? Oh, yes, Prosecutor Zhang, this way please."
"Thank you for your help."
The clerk took Zhang Fei to a small house in the front yard, where they saw a young man standing inside. He was dressed like a scholar, wearing a shabby gray gown that was patched up.
The man seemed to be looking at Zhang Fei as well.
"Who are you.?"
Zhang Fei took the initiative to ask.
The young man saluted and said, "My name is Liu Qing. May I ask if you are Zhang Dar's penman?"
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, "Yes, but I'm not Erbi now. I'm the prosecutor of this procuratorate. You can just call me Prosecutor Zhang."
After a pause, he asked again: "I wonder what you want from me?"
Liu Qing immediately said, "I hope that Prosecutor Zhang can redress the injustice for my wife."
"Seeking justice?" Zhang Fei blinked, feeling something was not right, and raised his hand and said, "Wait a minute, this is my first day at the procuratorate, and you come to me to seek justice. You must have been targeting me for a long time, right?"
He didn't believe it was a coincidence.
Liu Qing did not deny it either, saying, "Please do not blame me, Prosecutor Zhang. It is mainly because I have appealed to the imperial court of Xiangfu County several times, but all failed. In this vast world, no one can help me. Later, I heard that Prosecutor Zhang returned to Beijing. I also heard that Prosecutor Zhang is willing to help others and often helps people clear their grievances. So at the end of last year, I also went to your house to look for Prosecutor Zhang, but Prosecutor Zhang closed the door at that time and I did not see him. Recently, I heard that Prosecutor Zhang would come to the procuratorate to discuss business, so I came here today to seek Prosecutor Zhang's help."
"I see."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Please take a seat first, let's sit down and talk."
"Thank you!"
Liu Qing bowed and waited until Zhang Fei sat down before he sat down.
Zhang Fei said: "Tell me about your situation first. I dare not say whether I can help you specifically. Since your appeal to the Imperial Court has failed, it must be bad."
He is no longer a judge, but a prosecutor, and there are many restrictions on him. He can no longer say that there is no lawsuit in the world that cannot be fought.
Liu Qing said indignantly: "The reason why I failed to appeal in Xiangfu County is that the chief judge of Xiangfu County does not understand the law at all, or he ignores the law."
"Yeah?"
Zhang Fei was slightly curious and said, "Tell me about your situation first."
He knew the chief judge of Xiangfu County. It was originally Qian Yi. After Qian Yi was transferred, Sima Guang arranged for Qi Hui to be the chief judge of Xiangfu County. It was unlikely that he did not understand the law or disregarded the law.
Liu Qing said, "I am from Xiangfu County. Last April, someone sued my wife for committing adultery with a monk. They brought both my wife and the monk to court. As a result, my wife and the monk were convicted of adultery. My wife was sentenced to two years in prison, and the monk was sentenced to three years in prison."
Zhang Fei asked, "So your wife didn't commit adultery with that monk, and someone deliberately made a false accusation?"
Liu Qing was stunned for a moment, "Didn't Prosecutor Zhang notice the problem?"
Zhang Fei recalled carefully, shook his head and said, "Did I overlook anything?"
Liu Qing couldn't help but look at Zhang Fei, and then said: "The key to this case is not adultery."
"ah?"
Zhang Fei asked in surprise: "What is that about?"
Liu Qing said excitedly: "According to our adultery law, if you are not an official, you must follow the principle of arresting the adulterer from the husband. If the husband does not report, the official will not handle it. I am the husband. If I do not take the initiative to report to the official, they cannot accuse my wife of adultery. This is obviously a wrong judgment."
It seems that there is such a principle. When Zhang Fei helped Cao Dongdong with the lawsuit, he checked the relevant laws and regulations. For example, Ximen Qing and Pan Jinlian were having an affair, and everyone in the neighborhood knew about it, but no one went to the government to file a complaint. The reason was that only Wu Dalang had the right to appeal. He said, "I didn't realize you understand the law, but...did your wife commit adultery with that monk?"
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Liu Qing shook his head and said, "This is not the key."
Zhang Fei saw that he was trying to hide something, so he said, "In an adultery case, no matter what the legal principle is, whether it is adultery is definitely the key, and principles are principles, but how do I know if there are other hidden secrets? You must be honest with me, and then I will decide whether to help you. Otherwise, you can only seek help from others."
Liu Qing struggled for a while before saying, "Maybe there is."
Zhang Fei was slightly stunned, and then said: "You can't say 'maybe' in a lawsuit. Yes is yes, no is no. You have to tell me the truth, whether it is yes or no, or you just don't know at all."
Liu Qing hesitated for a while, then nodded and said, "Yes."
Wow. You really have a broad mind. Zhang Fei was a little curious and said, "So you don't hate your wife at all, and you are still trying to save her and her adulterer."
I was secretly wondering in my heart, could this be his habit?
Liu Qing immediately said: "Of course I don't want to save the monk, but if I want to save my wife, I must save the monk as well."
Zhang Fei asked again: "So you don't mind your wife at all!"
Liu Qing asked cautiously: "What does this have to do with this case?"
Zhang Fei said: "Of course it is related. If you don't explain all this clearly, I might be speechless in court."
"I certainly do."
Liu Qing's voice became deeper and deeper, and tears gradually welled up in the corners of his eyes. "But my wife committed adultery with that monk because of me."
The more Zhang Fei listened, the more confused he became. He asked, "What's going on?"
Liu Qing glanced at Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei said affirmatively: "If you have any grievances, I will definitely help you get justice."
After getting Zhang Fei's affirmative answer, Liu Qing told Zhang Fei the whole story.
It turned out that Liu Qing was born into a wealthy family. He loved reading since he was a child and was determined to pass the imperial examinations. His parents also supported him. Unfortunately, his father was forced to death because of being a yamen servant. All the family's property was taken away by the government. Not long after, his mother also died of illness.
Only his wife never left him and encouraged him to study hard.
But someone had to take care of the daily necessities, so Liu Qing studied and taught others to earn a little living expenses. But this was Tokyo Bianliang, where failed students were everywhere. It would be difficult for him, a scholar who didn't even have the qualifications to take the imperial examination, to be hired.
Just when he was at a loss, his wife suddenly told him that a wealthy family in Ruixiang Township was looking for a tutor for young children and asked Liu Qing to give it a try. As a result, Liu Qing was immediately hired as soon as he arrived, and the wealthy family also provided him and his wife with accommodation and meals.
This made Liu Qing very happy.
During that period, there was a monk who was also a frequent visitor to that wealthy family. It was said that he had done a favor for the wealthy man. Liu Qing had met him several times and they could be considered to be acquaintances.
Until one day, he accidentally overheard the conversation between his wife and the monk, and realized that they were having an affair, and that he was able to teach in this family thanks to the monk's introduction.
The price may be the sacrifice of his wife's body.
Later, several scholars who knew him went to the temple to worship Buddha and discovered that his wife was having a secret meeting with the monk. They rushed into the room, captured the monk and his wife on the spot, and sent them to the imperial court.
Zhang Fei asked: "During the period from the time you knew about this to the time the affair was discovered, you never exposed them?"
Liu Qing shook his head.
Zhang Fei said: "Your wife doesn't know either. You actually already know about their affair."
Liu Qing nodded.
Zhang Fei asked: "Why?"
Liu Qing choked up and said, "Because... Because I... I didn't know what to do at that time. There were several times when I really wanted to kill the adulterous couple and then commit suicide. But every time I thought about how my wife made such a sacrifice for me, I felt very guilty. If I hadn't wanted to pass the imperial examination and find a job, how could I have fallen to this point? I didn't even dare to mention this to my wife. I was afraid that it would hurt her. I... I could only pretend that I didn't know."
At the end he covered his face with his hands and sobbed.
Why are all the cases I handle like this? Aren't there any cases where I can get revenge? Zhang Fei sighed inwardly, but he didn't bother him. Instead, he sat aside and waited quietly. After he saw that his emotions had calmed down a little, he continued to ask, "Actually, what you said before made sense. If the husband doesn't sue, the official won't take action. Then I wonder what reason the imperial court gave to reject your appeal?"
Liu Qing said: "The imperial court believes that if the husband does not sue, the official will not handle the case. This principle is to protect the wife and daughter from being framed by others and framed. However, this case happened in a temple, and the man committed adultery with a monk. This is against the rules and ethics, and is a violation of public morals. There is nothing wrong with others arresting him, and he was caught in bed with his wife, so this no longer conforms to this principle."
Zhang Fei frowned and asked again: "Suppose...Suppose I help you rescue your wife, how will you face her?"
Liu Qing immediately raised his head and said, "I have figured it out these days. Compared to my wife, fame and status are of no importance at all. I will take her to a place where no one knows us and start a new life."
Zhang Fei just nodded slightly. "How about this, I'll go ask first to find out why the Xiangfu County Imperial Court sentenced your wife for adultery. If I have any news, I'll send someone to inform you."
"Thank you, Prosecutor Zhang."
Zhang Fei asked him to leave his personal information and let him go back first.
When I returned to the lobby, I saw Xu Zun, Qi Ji and Wang Gong still sitting there.
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"What's the matter?" Xu Zun asked.
Zhang Fei said: "That person came to ask me to help him get justice."
Wang Gong was surprised and said, "On the first day of Prosecutor Zhang's appointment, someone came to appeal. We really need to reflect on this!"
Qi Ji nodded with a smile.
Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "You two are really flattering me. In fact, this person should have appealed before, but it was rejected."
"Have you come to appeal?" Xu Zun asked curiously, "What case is it?"
Zhang Fei said, "My father-in-law, have you heard about the adultery case at Liuyun Temple in Ruixiang Township, Xiangfu County?"
Xu Zun frowned slightly and stroked his beard, "I haven't heard of it."
Qi Ji suddenly said, "I know about this case. It was actually a big deal at the time. It just so happened that the Attorney General was on sick leave at home during that time, so he might not have heard about it."
At this point, he looked at Zhang Fei again, "Is it the husband of the criminal woman who is here to appeal?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Did he also look for Inspector Qi?"
Qi Ji shook his head and said, "No, he did appeal in Xiangfu County, but the case became more famous because of his appeal. It is said that he was ridiculed, but he still spared no effort to seek justice for his wife."
Zhang Fei said: "I think what he said makes sense. The imperial court should follow the principle of arresting the adulterer's husband. Since he didn't file a complaint, his wife shouldn't be convicted of adultery."
Qi Ji said: "That's true, but this principle is to protect his wife, but his wife was caught in bed, and in a temple. This caused a huge public opinion in Tokyo. It is said that even Empress Dowager Cao was alarmed."
Zhang Fei was surprised and asked, "Is this true?"
Qi Ji said: "It should be true, because at that time many scholars and scholars were criticizing his wife and the monk. If the imperial court did not convict them, it might cause dissatisfaction among scholars all over the world, because it would lead to the decline of etiquette and morality, and it would also be bad for the reputation of our public security and procuratorial organs. What's even more unfortunate is that the court has recently intended to purge illegal activities in temples."
This really hit the nail on the head. Zhang Fei asked, "Is there any other hidden story? Neither of the two suspects filed a complaint?"
Qi Ji shook his head and said, "The woman also said that she was willing to commit adultery with the monk and was not forced. Instead, the monk said that the woman raped her. However, Judge Qi ignored her confession. As a person with pure six senses, she should be severely punished for committing adultery in a temple, regardless of whether she was raped or not."
Zhang Fei nodded slightly.
Miracle said to Zhang Fei again, "Prosecutor Zhang, I advise you not to get involved in this case. Although the monk has some excuses, the adultery between the two is confirmed without a doubt. There is no misunderstanding. If you want to overturn their verdict, it will be difficult to succeed. I don't think any judge would be willing to find them not guilty, because this is a serious violation of etiquette and will cause dissatisfaction among scholars all over the world."
"I'll take that into consideration."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "But we, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, must act in accordance with the law. Since the other party has come to our door and put forward a strong argument for themselves, if we do not investigate, it would be a dereliction of duty. So..."
He looked at Wang Gong and said, "Please ask Wang Duyou to transfer the relevant documents of this case."
Wang Gong nodded and said, "I'll arrange for someone to go there later."
"Thank you for your help!"
Zhang Fei bowed.
Qi Ji was secretly anxious and couldn't help but look at Xu Zun.
Xu Zun said, "This case will never be fully investigated, and there is no need to rush. Prosecutor Zhang, I will have someone take you to familiarize yourself with the procuratorate first."
"yes."
Afterwards, Xu Zun asked his chief clerk to take Zhang Fei around to have a look.
But Zhang Fei's mind was full of this case. He followed the chief clerk and looked at it absent-mindedly. Then he went to his office and took out a copy of "Song Dynasty Criminal Code" and looked it over carefully. Matters like justice cannot rely too much on memory. A difference of one word may make a world of difference. The best way is to look through the book. There is no rule in the royal court that prohibits reading books.
At noon, Xu Zun and Zhang Fei did not go back, but went to a restaurant with Qi Ji and others to eat. After all, it was Zhang Fei's first day here, so they had to celebrate.
When the court was dismissed in the afternoon, Zhang Fei and Xu Zun took a carriage home together.
Inside the carriage.
"Father-in-law should know about this case." Zhang Fei suddenly asked.
Xu Zun nodded, "I was indeed on sick leave at home at the time, but Fengyue Newspaper and Xinwen Newspaper both published the case, so how could I not know about it? It's just that Qi Ji and the others obviously don't want you to help that person appeal, and I don't know whether this case can be appealed. The decision of the Xiangfu County Imperial Court is his reasoning, so I will just pretend that I don't know. You can handle this case on your own."
Zhang Fei nodded, "I understand."
When I got home, Xu Zhiqian, Gao Wenyin and Mu Zhen were all standing at the door waiting for me.
Xu Zhiqian first bowed to Xu Zunxing, then pulled Zhang Fei aside and asked, "Did you encounter anything new on your first day in office?"
Zhang Fei said: "It's very fresh. On the first day of taking office, someone came to appeal."
"Yeah?"
Xu Zhiqian said: "Tell me about it quickly."
"Talk, talk, talk. I will definitely talk to you, but can you please let me sit down and talk?"
The family came to the lobby and sat down. Xu Lingxiao just came back and Zhang Fei told them about the case.
After hearing this, Xu Zhiqian said, "If it is true as this scholar said, then his wife is also a pitiful person."
Xu Lingxiao immediately scolded him, "What do you know? I've heard of this case, too. She's a married woman. No matter what, she can't go to a temple and commit adultery with a monk. If this can be done without guilt, how can there be any etiquette or laws in the world?"
Xu Zhiqian knew that Xu Lingxiao was quite serious about this matter, so she didn't dare to argue with him. She said to Xu Zun, "Dad, what do you think?"
Xu Zunfeng said calmly: "Dad, as the Attorney General, only looks at the evidence. As long as your husband can provide strong evidence, then I will approve it."
Xu Lingxiao said to Zhang Fei again, "Sister-in-law, I advise you not to get involved in this case, otherwise you will get into trouble."
Zhang Fei nodded awkwardly.
Xu Zun frowned and said, "Xiao'er, when did your Imperial College have the power to interfere with the Procuratorate?"
Xu Lingxiao hurriedly said, "Father, please forgive me. I just have good intentions."
Xu Zun said, "Your kindness ends here. This is our procuratorate's business. I shouldn't have told you about it. Also, don't tell anyone about this."
Xu Lingxiao nodded: "I understand, kid."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Father-in-law, my brother actually has good intentions. If I were a judge, I would definitely follow your advice. But I am a prosecutor now, and whether to appeal is not entirely up to me. I have to look at the specific evidence before I can make a judgment."
Xu Lingxiao hurriedly said: "Brother-in-law, I am just saying this, I have no other intentions, just follow the rules."
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