It has to be said that Zhang Fei's acting skills are quite superb. Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing were unsure whether he was involved or not.
After all, the chief of the Taxation Commissioner is not Zhang Fei, and Zhang Fei may not dare to stir up such a big storm.
It would be hard to make a judgment without clarifying the specific situation.
We have to find out first.
When Lu Huiqing received this news, it meant that all the ministers had received the news from Jingdong East Road.
This is really a case of one crisis after another.
Previously, everyone's attention was diverted to the adultery case in Liuyun Temple, and they forgot that the main battlefield this year was actually Jingdong East Road, where there was really a lot of shit that had not been cleaned up.
Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that once this news came, it really shocked the government and the public.
rebellion.
This is a capital crime, and the entire family will be executed.
...
...
But if it was just treason, it wouldn't be a big deal, because this kind of thing happens frequently there, and as long as it wasn't a large-scale rebellion, the ministers in the court wouldn't panic, and at most they would issue an imperial decree of amnesty.
But the problem is that many local gentry are involved in this.
So they hurriedly sent people to inquire about the news, but there was no need to inquire, as waves of news came to the capital one after another.
The wealthy gentry were also in a panic. They also wanted to ask for support from the capital, so they quickly sent people to deliver messages to the officials in the capital.
It turns out that this was another trick played by the Tax Commissioner.
This could be life-threatening!
The Jingdong East Road rebelled against the Commissioner of Taxation, and the powerful people in the capital were secretly supporting them. For the powerful people, resisting the Commissioner of Taxation was everyone's responsibility!
Judging from the past behavior of the Commissioner of Taxation, he relies on violence. Qizhou is a very suitable place to snipe the Commissioner of Taxation, and there are many ruthless people there.
But who could have thought that the Tax Commissioner would go so far as to put such a deadly accusation on someone.
Moreover, they also included some descendants of meritorious service, although they were only related and not the main descendants, but this was extremely rare in the Northern Song Dynasty.
At that time, Zhao Kuangyin said that he would give up the military power with a cup of wine, but in fact he was giving up the military power with wealth and honor, and he promised to give them wealth and honor for generations.
It's so fucking exciting for this group of people to encounter this group of things.
Trial Court.
"Conspiracy! This is definitely a conspiracy by the Tax Commissioner!"
Meng Gansheng was very angry and said: "What kind of rebellion? Those people were just resisting the violent taxation by the tax commissioner."
Zhao Wenzheng said anxiously, "I never thought that the tax commissioner would resort to such means to frame someone in the name of treason. We must not let him succeed this time, otherwise, we will be the next to suffer."
Even the mild-mannered Xie Yun nodded and said, "Yes, we must stop them this time. They actually did this. This is really terrible."
The crime of treason was the most terrible crime in ancient times. Even if you were a scholar-official, if you dared to rebel, the emperor would kill you.
This is not a question of money, but a question of the death of your entire family.
It is absolutely impossible to set such a precedent.
Pei Wen said: "We have to take the lead and impeach the tax commissioner for treating people's lives in Jingdong East Road as nothing and fabricating unjust cases."
Meng Gansheng nodded and said, "That's right! We have to take the initiative."
"Haven't you learned your lesson yet?" Deng Wan on the side suddenly spoke up.
Several people immediately looked at Deng Wan.
Deng Wan said, "The people in charge of justice in Qizhou are the public security, procuratorate and courts. The tax commissioner dared to make such a big fuss, so he must have some evidence in his hands. If you rashly report it again, you will only repeat the same mistake and lose more than you gain."
Meng Gansheng asked hurriedly: "Then according to what Censor Deng said, how should we respond?"
Deng Wan said: "In my opinion, if this case is really judged as treason, it will be disadvantageous to all ministers, except for the public security, procuratorate and court. So as long as we can avoid the public security, procuratorate and court, this matter can at least be reduced to a small matter, and it won't hurt too many people."
Zhao Wenzheng wondered, "How can we avoid the public security, procuratorate and court?"
Deng Wan asked, "Treason is not a minor crime. Who has tried it in the past?"
Meng Gansheng stroked his beard and said, "For a major case like this, most of the cases will be tried by the Court of Justice, the Dali Temple, the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, or even all of these agencies together."
Deng Wan added: "Nowadays, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are subordinate to the Court of Justice, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice. As long as we put this case in these offices for trial, we will be able to influence the trial. Besides, whether it is Duke Wen or Sima Xueshi, they will also take into account those who have made great contributions. At most, they will arrest a few bandit leaders to make an example of them."
After hearing these words, Meng Gansheng and others deeply agreed with them.
indeed!
In the past, they always wanted to confront tough opponents, but they were always slapped in the face. Why can the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs win time and time again? It is because they speak with evidence. In the face of irrefutable evidence, they cannot make excuses.
Treason is not an ordinary crime. If you directly report it to clear your name, once evidence is found, they may also be implicated.
The best way is not to discuss right or wrong, or take sides, but to find ways to avoid those annoying public security, procuratorate and courts, and then influence the trial.
Government Affairs Hall.
"Is Junshi not here?"
Wen Yanbo came to the government hall, looked around, and found that only Fu Bi was sitting there reviewing official documents.
Fu Bi put down the copybook and said, "Guess where he is going?"
"Zhang San."
Wen Yanbo sat down and said, "According to the information we have so far, the tax commissioner was ambushed in Qizhou and suffered heavy losses. This case is most likely a revenge by the tax commissioner."
Fu Bi was also very worried about this and asked, "What's the situation outside now?"
Wen Yanbo said: "It's a very dangerous situation. Who wouldn't be scared?"
Fu Bi frowned slightly.
Wen Yanbo sighed, "I also think the tax commissioner has gone too far this time. Even if they want to retaliate, they shouldn't retaliate with the charge of treason. Moreover, they have implicated so many people, including some of the founding heroes. This will force them to do something desperate. If this is not handled properly, I'm afraid Qizhou will never be stable again."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "I believe the official documents from the local government will be sent to the capital soon. Let's wait and see and don't make any rash decisions yet."
Procuratorate.
“It’s really none of my business.”
Zhang Fei said to Sima Guang with a wronged look on his face: "Recently I have been busy with the Liuyun Temple adultery case, and I have not paid attention to the things over there at all."
Sima Guang frowned and said, "It's best if it has nothing to do with you. Otherwise, be careful that your life will be in danger. This is playing with fire."
Playing with fire? I never play with fire, I only set fires. Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I will keep Sima Xueshi's advice in mind."
Sima Guang nodded and asked, "Can you handle this case?"
"Me? Ahem!"
Zhang Fei asked anxiously, "Will this case be handed over to us for trial?"
Sima Guang said: "A case of treason like this will definitely be appealed to the imperial court. The public security and judicial organs of Qizhou and Qingzhou will not be able to try it."
Zhang Fei immediately said, "But I have just asked my father-in-law about this matter. For cases like this, even if we appeal to the court, it should not be tried by our public security, procuratorate or courts, but should be handed over to the Dali Temple, the Censorate or the Court of Justice for trial."
Sima Guang said: "That was in the past. It is different now. Now the public security, procuratorate and courts are in charge of the judiciary."
Zhang Fei said: "Even according to the current system, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are under the Criminal Court and the Dali Temple. Cases like this should also be tried by the Criminal Court and the Dali Temple."
Sima Guang frowned and asked, "Can't you interrogate him?"
Zhang Fei said awkwardly: "This is not a question of whether to conduct an audit or not, but it involves many issues and I am not sure.
For example, if a businessman provides wine, meat, and food to a rebel just for the sake of making money, the public security, procuratorate, and courts may not convict him of treason when they try him, but this may cause dissatisfaction among the government or some ministers. Conversely, the people may be dissatisfied with the public security, procuratorate, and courts.
Simply put, even the most fair and just result may make many people dissatisfied. This is because there are too many political issues involved, and it cannot be judged solely from the perspective of the judiciary.”
Could it really not be his doing? Sima Guang muttered to himself that the question he asked just now was actually a test for Zhang Fei. After all, he had been fooled several times before, and he couldn't be fooled all the time. He asked again: "What if the emperor insists on letting you come to the trial?"
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said, "If the emperor gives the order, I can only obey. But if Sima Xueshi really cares about the public security, the procuratorate should try not to let the public security to try this case. After all, the public security has only been established for a few years and has a weak foundation. It is indeed a bit beyond our ability to try this kind of case because we have no experience."
Sima Guang sighed and said, "Let's see what the situation is. I also think that the government will not let the case be handed over to the public security, procuratorate or court for trial."
After a pause, he asked again: "What do you think of the tax commissioner's behavior?"
Zhang Fei said awkwardly: "Master Sima, the specific process is not yet clear, so it is difficult for me to judge."
Sima Guang said: "Just think of this as a conspiracy by the tax commissioner."
Zhang Fei said: "It depends on whether it is illegal. If it is illegal, then it will be considered illegal. If it is not illegal, then I don't know what to say. After all, the duty of the tax commissioner is to collect taxes legally, and our public security, procuratorate and courts must also make judgments in accordance with the law."
Sima Guang looked at Zhang Fei and snorted, "You are so perfect in what you say!"
Zhang Fei exclaimed: "All judicial professionals are like this."
After Sima Guang left, Wang Gong and Qi Ji immediately entered the house.
"Prosecutor Zhang, Scholar Sima came here to discuss the case of treason in Qizhou with you?" Qi Ji asked a little nervously.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Sima Xueshi believes that this case may be transferred to the capital."
Wang Gong asked, "Will it be handed over to us for trial?"
Zhang Fei said: "It is possible, but I advise Scholar Sima not to hand it over to our public security and judicial organs."
The two were stunned.
Qi Ji looked suspicious and asked, "Why?"
Zhang Fei took a deep breath and said, "To be honest, I also want to try this case, but this case is not easy to judge. This is about treason. If there is any connection, it is really hard to say whether it is treason or not. Previous cases are different and there is no specific standard. It is better to let the Dali Temple try it. They are more experienced."
"Really? Did you really say that to Scholar Sima?" Qi Ji asked.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Yes!"
After hearing this, the two of them breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhang Fei asked: "What are you doing?"
Qi Ji had not dealt with Zhang Fei much, but he trusted him, so he couldn't help but say in his heart: "We are afraid that you will take over this case as well."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Don't worry, I am very self-aware. When it comes to ordinary cases, no matter how much I offend people, it's just like that. We are just fighting for a temporary victory or defeat.
But this case is different. If it goes wrong, the person could be beheaded. The key is that it is difficult to enforce the law impartially because it is difficult to determine the standard of treason. If it goes to trial, it may also affect our public security, procuratorial and judicial systems."
The two of them nodded repeatedly after hearing this.
Today they finally understood why Zhang Fei was able to be so successful. He was really brave and resourceful, and knew when to advance and retreat. He just looked like a reckless man.
Government Affairs Hall.
"In that case, this matter really has nothing to do with Zhang San." Wen Yanbo said, stroking his beard.
Sima Guang said: "It should have nothing to do with him, otherwise, they would not investigate the case of adultery in Liuyun Temple at this critical moment."
Then he added: "On my way back, I met many people, and they all suggested that the Court of Justice or the Censorate should try this case."
Wen Yanbo said: "The public security, procuratorial and judicial systems are really not suitable for hearing cases like this."
Sima Guang said, "Why not let Duke Wen come and try the case himself?"
Wen Yanbo said: "I can't interrogate all of them, and you can't escape either!"
Palace.
"They have learned their lesson this time. Instead of rashly submitting a petition to impeach the tax commissioner, they plan to support the case being transferred to the Censorate, the Court of Criminal Justice, or the Dali Temple for trial."
"Um."
Wang Anshi understood immediately, "If the case is not tried by the public security, procuratorate or court, then they can use the court debate to interfere. If it is handed over to the public security, procuratorate or court, they can only worry about it. This trick is feasible."
Lu Huiqing said: "Censor Deng believes that this is a good opportunity to strike at the public security, procuratorate and courts. Whether it is the Court of Criminal Justice or the Censorate taking over this case, it is enough to prove that the public security, procuratorate and courts are still inferior to the Censorate and the Court of Criminal Justice."
Wang Anshi sighed secretly. He felt a little tired of doing this kind of thing all day long. He nodded and said, "Let Censor Deng and the others handle this matter. We are still busy promoting the Enterprise Law. I am planning to use the Enterprise Law to promote education reform and imperial examination reform."
Lu Huiqing nodded and said, "Student understands."
As the saying goes, every failure makes you wiser. In the previous few times, they chose to take the initiative and impeach the enemy to the death, but the harsher the impeachment, the more severe the slap in the face in court.
As for the trial system of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, what is true cannot be false, and what is false cannot be true.
Although this incident shocked the court and the public, it did not cause any waves. Only a few censors and advisers impeached the tax commissioner for violent law enforcement, because their duty was to let the emperor know about these things.
Does violent law enforcement exist? Of course it does.
But most officials remained silent. They were still waiting for official documents from the Qizhou government and local public security, procuratorate and courts, because the information they knew now did not come from official channels.
Within a few days, news from Qizhou, Qingzhou government officials and local public security, procuratorial and judicial officials came to the capital one after another.
Whether it was Qizhou or Qingzhou, they both expressed that they did not have enough manpower to handle such a large case, and that the court should either send people over to provide support or transfer the case to the capital.
In short, in short, you, the emperor, should give your instructions first, and we will review it later.
The ministers then began to submit memorials one after another, saying that the matter was of great importance and involved a founding hero, so it should not be taken lightly, and suggested that the Court of Criminal Justice, the Censorate, and the Dali Temple jointly try the case.
This time everyone has learned their lesson. No one cares about whether the case is right or wrong. They just push the case up. Anyway, the higher it is pushed, the less likely it is that the public security, procuratorate or court will try the case.
For such a big event, Zhao Xu immediately convened a meeting to discuss countermeasures.
Chuigong Hall.
Zhao Xu went berserk as soon as he came up: "This is outrageous. I have already arranged for the Transportation Bureau and the Public Security Bureau to review those debts, but this kind of thing still happened."
Pei Wen immediately said, "Your Majesty, this case has nothing to do with the Transportation Department and the Public Security Bureau, but was caused by the Taxation Department."
Zhao Xu asked, "What does Censor Pei think we should do?"
Pei Wen said: "I don't know the reason yet, and it's hard to make a judgment, but I think this case must be tried as soon as possible, otherwise it may affect other counties in Jingdong East Road, so I suggest that the Criminal Court, Dali Temple, and Censorate jointly try this case."
Zhao Xu nodded and asked, "Who should be the presiding judge?"
Pei Wen first looked forward and saw that Fu Bi had not come today, so he said, "I suggest that the Chief Censor be in charge of the trial."
Below Fu Bi was Wen Yanbo.
Zhao Xu looked over and saw Wen Yanbo frowning in thought. He couldn't help but say, "Duke Wen!"
Wen Yanbo was startled, and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "Your Majesty, this case was transferred to the capital by the public security, procuratorate and courts, and it should be tried by the public security, procuratorate and courts."
When these words were spoken, everyone was shocked.
Not only the reformists, but also Sima Guang, Lu Gongzhu, Liu Shu and others looked at Wen Yanbo in confusion.
Wasn’t it agreed upon?
Why did you change your mind at the last minute?
Deng Wan immediately stood up and said, "Mr. Wen is wrong. Although the case was transferred by the public security, procuratorate and court, it is precisely because this case is of great importance that the public security, procuratorate and court are powerless. I believe that the public security, procuratorate and court in the capital are also like this. It must be tried by the Court of Justice, the Censorate, and the Dali Temple together, or by one of them."
Xu Zun immediately said, "Imperial Censor Deng is right."
Wen Yanbo ignored Xu Zun and Deng Wan and said directly to Zhao Xu: "Your Majesty, I am old and I am willing but unable to do so. I hope Your Majesty will choose someone else. I recommend Mr. Wang."
Wang Anshi, who seemed to be still sleepwalking, looked at Wen Yanbo in surprise.
Zhao Xu asked, "Would Scholar Wang be willing to serve as the chief judge of this case?"
Wang Anshi was startled and suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I have been busy promoting the business law recently and I am too busy to do anything else. In my opinion, Sima Xueshi is more suitable, after all, Sima Xueshi is in charge of the Court of Judicial Review."
Zhao Xu nodded and looked at Sima Guang again.
Sima Guang first glanced at Wang Anshi, then at Wen Yanbo, and said, "Your Majesty, I have to take care of the judicial reform in Jingdong East Road, and I am too busy to do it. Why don't we hand it over to Lu Jiaokan for review?"
Lu Huiqing was stunned for a moment. He hadn't figured it out yet, but seeing that no one was doing it, he quickly said, "Your Majesty, I am still a young minister with little experience. I am afraid that I will not be able to convince everyone if I try this case."
Sima Guang asked again: "Why not let the Privy Councilor come to investigate?"
Chen Shengzhi said excitedly: "Does Scholar Sima think that our Privy Council has nothing to do? The matter of disarmament has not been completed yet, and the war in Xihe has not ended yet. How can our Privy Council have the time to hear this case? This kind of matter is the responsibility of your Court of Justice."
What's going on?
Deng Wan, Pei Wen and others were all dumbfounded. Could there be some mystery in this case that made these prime ministers avoid it?
It shouldn't be like this!
They had already investigated clearly and found out that it was a trap set by the Tax Commissioner, who then charged the bandit with treason in order to use it to deal with the local gentry in Qizhou.
It's that simple.
Zhao Xu was extremely upset and asked, "Why? Is there no minister in the whole court who can try this case?"
Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang and others all bowed their heads and remained silent.
As if silently saying, Can't see me! Can't see me!
Zhao Xu suddenly looked at Pei Wen and said, "Prince Pei, since you are the one who made this suggestion, then you should lead the Censorate to try this case!"
"I agree."
Wen Yanbo said immediately.
Sima Guang, Liu Shu and others all seconded the proposal.
What happened? Pei Wen was so anxious that he was sweating. "Your Majesty, I am not qualified to judge this case."
He didn't understand, but he knew that it was definitely not a good thing if all the prime ministers refused!
Zhao Xu frowned and said, "Is it because of the appearance of the public security, procuratorate and court that you are all used to being idle and no one dares to take the job? The chief judge is here."
Zhao Yan stood up and said, "I am here."
Zhao Xu said: "This case should be tried by your imperial court."
Zhao Yan was a little hesitant.
Meng Gansheng was horrified and quickly stepped forward, "Your Majesty!"
Before he could finish, Zhao Xu pointed at him and said, "Then you will judge him."
Meng Gansheng was so frightened that he quickly retreated and said with a folded hand: "Your Highness is in charge of the Judicial Office. This is not my responsibility."
"That goes without saying."
Zhao Xu waved his hand, and the emperor was furious. "It's settled now."
After saying that, he got up and left.
quick!
It’s really too fast!
Meng Gansheng and his team never expected this would be the result. You know, before the meeting, they were full of confidence!
It is reasonable to let the Censorate and the Dali Temple try such a big case.
what is going on?
After Zhao Xu left, Meng Gansheng immediately rushed to Wen Yanbo and asked, "Why did Lord Wen refuse?"
Wen Yanbo asked back, "Why are you refusing? Meng Zhiyuan has worked in both the Criminal Court and the Censorate. Don't say you can't try this case."
"I!"
Meng Gansheng opened his mouth. He was willing to accept it, but since you all were so eager to avoid it, who would dare to accept it?
"If Magistrate Meng is willing to hear this case, I can recommend him to the emperor."
After saying this lightly, Wen Yanbo left.
Lu Gong followed quietly and asked, "Why did Duke Wen refuse?"
Wen Yanbo sighed, "I have already looked into this case, and the tax commissioner has a lot of evidence."
Lu Gongzhu asked, "But with Duke Wen's ability, it shouldn't be a problem to handle it properly."
Wen Yanbo shook his head and sighed, "To be honest, I was still struggling with this until just now, whether to accept it or not. Yes, it is not difficult to handle it properly, but it is inevitable that I will be lenient to some people, and it will also be affected by many people. But what if the tax commissioner sues me from the procuratorate? What should I do? I don't want to lose my reputation in my later years!"
Only then did Lu Gong suddenly realize.
Even if it is not handed over to the public security, procuratorate and courts, they can still conduct supervision. Moreover, the relationship between the Taxation Bureau and the public security, procuratorate and courts has always been very close, and it is very likely that prosecution will be initiated by the procuratorate.
Once the procuratorate starts investigating, who can guarantee that they will work with you to smooth things over?
Wen Yanbo is also an experienced person. If this case is handed over to him for trial, he will definitely take the overall situation into consideration. But the problem is that there is an additional public security, procuratorate and court on the side, and taking the overall situation into consideration is not as simple as before.
Even if the public security, procuratorate and courts are brought in to try the case together, it won’t work because people can go to the procuratorate to file a lawsuit.
God knows how much evidence the tax commissioner has.
It's too easy to fall into this trap.
Suddenly, he felt a strong wind blowing by. Lu Gong blinked and looked up, only to see Sima Guang walking out angrily.
"Where is Junshi in such a hurry to go?" Lu Gong asked curiously.
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said, "Where else can I go? I must go find that brat and ask him for clarification."
"Zhang San?"
"Um."
"Did Zhang San plan this?"
“It’s hard to say.”
Wen Yanbo shook his head. "If he appeals, there won't be any problems? The Censorate can also impeach them."
"Master, have you known this a long time ago?"
Lu Huiqing asked in a low voice.
Wang Anshi shook his head and said, "I haven't paid attention to this matter recently. I just realized it. How could Lord Wen easily recommend me to judge the case? There must be a reason. It's not hard to imagine that the problem lies with the public security, procuratorate and courts. You can prevent the public security, procuratorate and courts from judging the case, but the people involved can appeal to the public security, procuratorate and courts. Isn't that putting yourself on the fire?"
Lu Huiqing nodded and said, "So, this can only be handed over to the public security, procuratorate and courts?"
Wang Anshi sighed: "Unless the government personally guarantees that the public security, procuratorate and courts are not allowed to intervene and that no one is allowed to appeal this case, otherwise, whoever takes over this case will surely die."
Lu Huiqing was immediately frightened and broke out in a cold sweat, thinking to himself, you old Sima, you actually wanted to push me into the fire pit just now. Fortunately, I am not stupid. If I really did that, I would be dead!
(End of this chapter)
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