It was the time for the office to be dismissed. Civil and military officials were walking out of the imperial city one after another. Compared with the usual yawning, the officials today were still excited during the time for the office to be dismissed. They did not forget to gather together and talk in private while walking.
"This time it's really going to be a good show."
"Not really. I guess it was the eunuch who abused the sailors again, causing them to flee because they could not bear the punishment. Cheng Yi only allowed the sailors to enter the city out of sympathy. By the way, this has happened more than once since Cheng Fang became the Minister of River Defense. There were also censors who impeached Cheng Fang before, but they were suppressed by the government and Wang Xueshi."
"But this is a different time. In the past, the public security, procuratorate and courts had not yet taken control of judicial power. Such matters were handed over to court debate and they could obey orders from the higher-ups. But don't the public security, procuratorate and courts always pride themselves on enforcing the law impartially? If they turn a blind eye to this matter, they will surely attract attacks from the ministers."
"From what you said, this secret situation may be Xiang Zhuang's sword dance, aiming at Pei Gong?"
"That must be the case."
"They brought this upon themselves. In fact, the few officials among us who were willing to do this illegal thing were all considering the overall situation and fulfilling the tasks assigned by the monarch. Such loyal and good officials, however, became treacherous people under the public security, procuratorate and court. This time, we have to see if they can still enforce the law impartially."
"I think it's difficult! Cheng Fang has always been supported by the government and Wang Jiefu, while Cheng Yi was strongly recommended by Sima Junshi and Lu Huishu. According to the information we know so far, one of them will be punished. But no matter who is punished, Wang Anshi and Sima Junshi cannot accept it."
"That's why I said, there will be no bad show to watch that time."
......
...
...
Fu Bi was completely confused.
Cheng Fang almost cried, "I haven't even said it so clearly, does he still understand?"
The speed at which things fermented left Shen Cheng and Zhang Feidao dumbfounded!
Fu Bi was startled and said, "Perhaps the emperor cannot take advantage of the situation."
“......!”
Cheng Fang nodded, with a hint of regret in his eyes.
For the procuratorate, the question is limited to whether the facts currently determined are sufficient to initiate a lawsuit. In order to prove its innocence, the procuratorate can only hold a hearing to listen to evidence from all parties and determine whether the standard for prosecution is met.
Zhang Fei suddenly thought of something, "Did he tell me that?"
Cheng Fang smiled maliciously, pointed at Fu Bi, and immediately decided, "Let's do it."
And you support the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, do you also hope that they can handle such incidents?"
Just then, Niu Beiqing's rough voice came from the door again, "Mr. Wang is here."
Cheng Fang laughed and said, "Whether you win, Mr. Zhang Fei also won. The credit goes to the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs."
Together with the suppressed Northern Clique in the court, we all stood up and impeached Xu Zun for abusing the people's power and brutalizing the soldiers, and demanded that the court punish Xu Zun.
As I was talking, I saw that Shen Cheng was silent, so I asked again: "Why is he talking?"
Chen Cheng said: "Based on what you know now, we need to look at two points. First, whether Cheng Yi let the sailors into the city in compliance with the law; second, why did the sailors flee outside the city? We need to make sure Xu Zun did not go too far, or abused private punishment. This is where the procuratorate intervenes."
Is it just to support Xu Zun?
Chen Chengzhi: "Even if Zhang Ba wants to hide, the other party will make it easy for me to succeed. The public security, procuratorate and courts seem solid, but as long as the public security, procuratorate and courts dare to protect anyone, no one can use this as an excuse to attack the public security, procuratorate and courts in the future. This case is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us!"
Xu Zundao nodded and said, "This is very bad."
"But it's the same."
Sima Guang: "Did he see it all? We were targeting Han Zhigui, not the government. It was the government that chose to support Wang Anshi against all odds, and it was the government that ordered the Yellow River sailors to help Xu Zun build the river."
Wen Yanbo said: "That's all based on the emperor's wisdom and bravery."
Wen Yanbo said, "I think it is the turn of the procuratorate to handle this matter, because whether it was Cheng Yi or Xu Zun, they are both illegal. When Qi Ji and I come back, your procuratorate will agree to prosecute on the grounds that there is sufficient evidence."
Chen Cheng asked, "Do you know how Master Wang plans to deal with this?"
Xu Zun said: "Controlling the Yellow River is a top priority for the country. He told me that if I put the responsibility on you again, but give you advice, you and I are on the same page, how can they hide it from you?"
Shen Cheng asked: "Does he have no solution?"
Fu Bi just rolled his eyes.
But when the government ordered you to inspect Hebei, you thought that the construction of Dongliu would require a lot of manpower. At that time, the livelihood of the people in Hebei was still difficult. It would be difficult to complete the project if only a small number of people were mobilized. However, it would be feared that people's hearts would be at ease if a large number of troops were mobilized. Therefore, you suggested that people's livelihood should be given priority, and the construction of Dongliu should be carried out slowly and gradually.
Cheng Fang blinked. His eldest son was right. He wanted to withdraw! He said with a little dissatisfaction: "I asked him for a solution, but he wanted to stay out of it."
Zhang Feidao was startled, frowned and said: "In fact, we are also targeting the government, but the public security, procuratorate and courts."
Cheng Yi was just the opposite. He was very popular in the court. Even Xu Zundao admired my talent very much.
Xu Zun said: "You are the one who will never let Cheng Yi commit treason. If you really didn't protect the fugitive, then this is definitely unforgivable. However, if no one wants to use this to attack Xu Zun, then you must agree to this."
Cheng Fang seemed to be not ashamed to speak up, and said: "According to the investigation, it was mainly because it was freezing cold at the time, and it was a temporary call-up, so the soldiers had enough food and clothing, which led to the soldiers being exhausted and finally unable to bear it, so they fled into the city."
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It’s even more exciting later!
We are the most lovable people. When managing the river, we say that it is a waste of money and effort to mobilize troops. But if there is no flood, we will say that it is the emperor's benevolent governance that leads to heaven's punishment. We have the final say."
Fu Bi smiled awkwardly and said, "I am sorry to have embarrassed you, father-in-law."
"Absolutely."
Fu Bi asked again: "Can you confirm whether Xu Zun has committed any acts of corruption or abuse of power?"
This matter seems to be a small matter, because everyone knows that Cheng Yi is likely to commit a rebellion, but too few forces are involved, and I dare not say whether the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs can handle it well.
Cheng Fang asked in confusion: "Let the public security, procuratorate and court bear all that?"
No one questioned the imperial order immediately. According to the law, sailors must serve except in times of emergency. On what grounds did the emperor issue that order?
Shen Cheng said again: "Did he really intend to manage it this time?"
"Why did he tell you about this important matter first?"
Looking at the officials who were talking to each other, Zhang Fei, who was walking in front, was worried and sighed, "The tree wants to be still and the wind stops. This flood control involves the government and the whole court. If it can be calmed down, I'm afraid it will set off a bloody storm!"
Sima was frowning when he heard this. Anything involving party disputes will only become simpler. The key is to be able to control it.
"I think so."
Shen Cheng nodded slightly, “But will that matter cause any trouble?”
"That's possible."
You will fully abide by the system of the procuratorate. If you are sure that there is no clear violation of the law in this case, you will of course file a lawsuit, because that would be tantamount to breaking the principle of separation of politics and law.
"That's all Shen Chengzhi's fault." Zhang Fei blurted out a sentence.
If the procuratorate intervenes in such matters, will officials dare to carry out government affairs again in the future? "
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, "So he is also planning to intervene?"
Is the Privy Council aware of this?
Fu Bi asked again: "Did Xu Zun go too far?"
However, Wang Anshi hoped to accomplish the goal in one go, so he appointed Shen Chenghou to control the floods and Xu Zunxing to mobilize a million people. Although there were initial results, the people of Hebei also wailed and lived in misery.
"It seems that in our eyes, he is a habitual offender."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "In fact, whether it is Master Shen Cheng or Master Wang, they all know that no one is trying to stir up trouble, but we still come to you to discuss it, which means that we all have a choice."
Rich mansion.
......
Zhang Fei asked hurriedly: "Why did they hide this?"
Zhang Fei sighed hurriedly, "When you first took office, there was a flood in Hebei, which triggered a dispute in the court over water control. One faction believed that the Yellow River should be allowed to flow north, while the other believed that the river should be dredged to divert the water eastward. On that point, you and Wang Anshi have the same opinion, both of you believe that the water should be diverted eastward.
Xu Zundao entered the courtyard and waited for Fu Bi to pay his respects, then asked, "It seems that they haven't told Zhang Feijun about this either."
Zhang Feidao said happily: "But when the court was arguing about whether to flow north or east, Han Zhigui submitted a memorial expressing his doubts about the east flow. It was Wang Anshi who pushed for the east flow. How can it be said that Han Zhigui failed in his duty now? This is really unreasonable."
Fu Bi looked bewildered and said, "You really do know."
Chen Cheng said very confidently: "According to the news, Xu Zun just wanted to make achievements as soon as possible. He failed to live up to my expectations. I heard that I have been running around to inspect the water conditions for the past two or eight years. I slept under the river day and night, but my hair has not turned gray."
Fu Bi's ears were callused from listening to this, and he asked, "What does that have to do with Master Wang?"
“Actually…actually, it’s better to advance in order to retreat.” Shen Cheng said with a little embarrassment.
......
Before seeing Xu Zundao off, Sima Shimian laughed.
Fu Bi said: "Looking at the matter at hand, what the seven people did was illegal, and it is difficult for the public security, procuratorate and court to handle this matter. It all depends on what the government thinks."
Zhang Fei hurriedly sighed, "Does he really know, or is he just pretending to be a relative?"
Shen Cheng watched and asked, "What does he think?"
"You doubt him, but I doubt him."
Shen Cheng frowned.
Chen Cheng had a headache and said, "It is precisely because of this that I personally issued an order to mobilize 400 sailors to assist Chen Cheng at the end of last year, hoping that I could manage the bad river as soon as possible. Later, Cheng Yi agreed to Xu Zun's call for sailors through the law. Now many of my ministers are also using this as an excuse to think that I am protecting Xu Zun."
What I mean is that you have secured that person.
Cheng Fang could only tell the truth: "The people of Hebei are indeed complaining about the river defense. I also want to take advantage of the situation, but... but if there is a slope to take advantage of, it will involve you, and I am willing to give up, because once I withdraw Chen Cheng, my position will also be affected. Here, we are also trying to use my hand to deal with the public security, procuratorate and courts."
Xu Zun said: “He is waiting to see if something bad happens. We know it is a trap but we will still go out and then impeach Xu Zun and finally put the blame on you.
Zhang Fei said, "You heard Junshi say that Zhang Ba said that this case is unlikely to be appealed to the Censorate, because it involves political decrees that are more important than legal decrees, and political decrees should be the main focus."
Fu Bi said: "It depends on what the government plans to do."
Cheng Fang's eyes lit up. With that, the matter immediately became very complicated. The problem was whether to let the public security, procuratorate and court intervene. Then the decision-making power would be in my hands again. I asked again: "Surely I let the procuratorate intervene, he will have no way to deal with it?"
According to the laws of your dynasty, when there is a flood, the people cannot be mobilized to build rivers. This is more a matter of government decree than a lack of specific legal provisions.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
"Then you should say something fair for Han Zhigui."
Sima quickly came up with this explanation again. That was a secret, who knew whether it was true or not? He had to check it out to find out!
"It seems to be difficult."
But as I was talking, I suddenly looked at Chen Cheng, "Is his eldest son going to retreat again?"
Shen Cheng hurriedly asked, "How do we turn the tables on them?"
But that made Xu Zun even more arrogant and domineering. According to national laws, the Yellow River sailors were allowed to leave their posts to guard the natural barrier, but I pulled them to repair the river, which shows how much manpower was wasted. "
Fu Bi nodded quickly.
Shen Chengzhi questioned Shen Cheng.
"You asked me to say it." Sima entered the hall.
Shen Chengzhi waved his hand and sat on it.
Seeing that the other side was really going to convict Cheng Yi, the conservatives became even more united in their hatred of the enemy.
"???"
Sima looked at me puzzledly.
Fu Bi said: "So, Xu Zun often imposes small-scale labor and abuses the laborers?"
Zhang Fei was busy but balanced, and said, "You'll leave first."
Chen Chengzhi glanced at Sima, "Zhongtu, he is guilty of defending the eldest son. I am not a habitual offender. I hide everything, but this is a big deal. If I still insist on my own way, I am afraid I will get into trouble. Then he will save me."
Shen Chengzhi: "It is precisely because you know that this matter involves very few parties, so you are afraid that it will be exposed and cause chaos, so you decided to send someone to investigate first, and then discuss it with Scholar Zhang Fei before knowing the truth."
"Really?" Fu Bi asked curiously, "Do you know what's going on?"
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "That's right. The more deeply the government is involved, the more difficult it will be for the public security, procuratorate and courts to do nothing."
Xu Zundao saw that Fu Bi seemed to be joking, so he asked, "Based on the current situation, does he think the procuratorate cannot intervene?"
Cheng Fang glanced at Chen Cheng, slapped his palm under the table again, and sighed: "To hide it from him, I don't regret it now. I was indeed too slow at that time, but now it has consumed a huge amount of manpower and material resources. If it doesn't produce any results, I... How can I explain to the people in heaven?"
Chen Cheng said: "After that, you only considered the government's attitude towards this matter, but ignored the sharp contradiction between our two factions. In fact, that kind of fight would also cause the government a headache. I'm sure that our two factions are very peaceful, and the government is unlikely to hand this matter over to the public security, procuratorate and courts for handling.
"......"
The fact is just as Fu Bi expected. Shen Chengzhi has long been happy with Shen Chengzhi, because Xu Zun mobilized a large number of troops in Hebei, which was a waste of money and manpower, which is what we conservatives hate the most. Now even the sailors are suffering, let alone the local people.
Officials who share similar ideas to mine are few and far between, because Xu Zun has long-standing grudges with many officials.
Shen Cheng breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhao Xu frowned and stroked his beard as he spoke.
Sima was choked and started coughing.
"So, Cheng Yi just pitied the soldiers and asked us to retreat to the city for eight days to recuperate, but he urged us to continue to build the river before?"
Before Xu Zundao confirmed that point, he left.
"I...."
Zhang Fei said hurriedly, "It must be that Xu Zun was forcing the laborers in Xiaoxing again and was abusing them. These sailors could not bear it, so they fled outside the city. Cheng Yi has always been kind and righteous, and he took us in because he felt sorry for us. That must be the case."
During the hearing, I will force us to base our decision on facts, but it will also involve punishment. To put it in a complicated way, the hearing will raise all the issues and put them on the table, but it will determine who the criminal is. In this way, the government will be able to make decisions based on facts.
Fu Bi nodded and said, "Chief Chen Cheng was devoted to flood control. Even if he did not act too slowly, he was doing it for the benefit of the country. The judiciary can judge his fault. That is an administrative issue. The advice you gave to Scholar Zhang Fei just now confirmed that there was no obvious illegal behavior in this case, so it should be handed over to the Censorate for handling."
Xu Zundao nodded and added: "You are very relieved that he still remembers the principle of separation of politics and law! That's right, and having a grudge in this matter will do more good than harm."
Fu Bi said: "Jiefu's prediction is somewhat different from Junshi's."
Fu Bi's eyes flashed with joy, and he asked again: "What is Scholar Zhang Fei worried about?"
At that time, many censors impeached Xu Zun, but with the protection of Wang Anshi, the case was eventually left unsolved.
"That's an investigation. You know what's going on."
Fu Bi said awkwardly: "I know what the emperor wants."
"They were right to tell me, but they should have told you beforehand."
"Puff! Cough cough cough!"
That pair of enemies, alas...!
As a result, the emperor and Han Qi were all implicated and retreated.
Shen Cheng scratched his head awkwardly and said with a wry smile: “Master Wang, you really know why they look at you like that, but you really have a guilty conscience.
Chen Cheng asked: "I understand the way to control water, can I achieve results?"
Xu Zundao glanced at Chen Cheng suspiciously, and then asked: "Did Zhang Feijun also ask that question just now?"
But first you must agree, because it involves eunuchs, but the emperor will come in person and hand the case over to you for trial, which is still the blessing of the imperial power, and you will personally try the case with some reservations. "
Zhang family.
However, no one impeached Han Qi, believing that Xu Zun was behaving recklessly in Hebei. As the governor of Hebei, Han Qi actually ignored the matter and allowed it to become worse, which was actually a dereliction of duty.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Cheng Fang thought for a while and said, "What should the procuratorate do about this?"
It can be seen that I am not afraid of the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems. Looking back, there is a power vacuum under the imperial court. The public security, procuratorial and judicial systems make us feel at a loss and we don’t know how to intervene.
Fu Bi said: "Your procuratorate has not agreed in advance because even though the evidence is sufficient, the other party will definitely provide various reasons to ask the procuratorate to prosecute and question the fairness of the procuratorate.
Fu Bi said very depressedly: "In fact, you have always abided by the principles, but Master Wang and Master Zhang Fei are suspicious of you."
......
However, the reformists were also very concerned because we had just experienced a struggle over the integration of judicial powers. Lu Huiqing, Deng Wan and others also impeached Cheng Yi. No matter what, Xu Zun was executing the emperor's orders. How could Cheng Yi hinder a small official in charge of river defense from executing the emperor's orders?
Shen Chengzhi sighed: “But that’s not difficult at all!”
He immediately walked inside angrily, just as Xu Zundao entered the yard. The seven of them looked at each other, snorted angrily at the same time, and passed by each other with a word.
Chen Chengzhi said: "Has he ever thought about why this person filed a complaint? He must have wanted to stir up trouble. The responsibility must be on Xu Zun, but the emperor and Wang Anshi are willing to see Xu Zun punished, which will put the procuratorate in a dilemma."
Therefore, when few officials learned about this case, the scene of eunuchs murdering loyal officials emerged in their minds, and they were angry about it.
Fu Bi's expression changed, and he said seriously: "Originally you really knew how to deal with this matter, but now, you have no idea."
Does anyone think that it was Bachelor Wang who won or Bachelor Zhang Fei who won, because that process was dedicated to clarifying the ambiguity and solving the problem. "
Fu Bi pondered for a while and said, "It is certain that Cheng Yi did not commit treason. This case should be handed over to the Censorate for review. After all, it mainly involves the issue of official authority."
Fu Bi said, "I am vague, are you also vague? This secret petition was filed directly to the procuratorate, not sent to me specifically."
Meanwhile, the people from the Imperial City Bureau also sent the news back to Cheng Fang on slow horses, and Cheng Fang summoned Chen Cheng into the palace immediately.
Chen Chengzhi said: "This is 40% true, but it is not Xu Zun's fault, nor is it Cheng Yi's fault. It's just that no one wants to use this incident to stir up trouble."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "Since the other party has no intention of undermining the government's trust in the public security, procuratorate and courts, once your procuratorate agrees to prosecute, the other party will definitely stop. We will definitely think that your procuratorate has no intention of shielding Xu Zun. At that time, all the spearheads will be directed at your procuratorate, and the government will be able to stay out of it."
Chen Chengzhi on the side said: "It's a matter of time, and that's just the end. There will be more such things happening in the future."
Fu Bi said: "Let the public security, procuratorate and court bear all the consequences, and at the same time, let the emperor and Mr. Wang get away with it."
Fu Bi shook his head.
Chen Chengzhi said: "The official has misunderstood, and I am trying to avoid causing more worries for the official. Things are not that chaotic right now, and if the public security, procuratorate, and courts are implicated, it will only become more chaotic."
Fu Bi said: "It depends on the situation. The procuratorate is also responsible for everything. If both parties have not clearly violated the law and there is a conflict of authority, the procuratorate will transfer it to the Censorate or the Xiaoli Temple."
Zhang Fei nodded hurriedly, and suddenly looked at Fu Bi suspiciously, "Are you going to retreat again?"
Fu Bi shook his head, "Of course, you said it before, your principles have never changed. If you don't strictly abide by the rules of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, it must involve breaking the law. It is more appropriate to hand it over to the Censorate."
This matter is of great importance and we all want to keep it under our control.
Shen Cheng asked: "What do you mean?"
Fu Bi shook his head.
Zhang Feidao asked: "Can the public security, procuratorate and court respond?"
Chen Cheng shook his head and said, "You also said it was accurate, but in the face of such things, the court often had no idea what to do. Either the officials favored one side, or they gave each party 70 small sticks to settle the matter and fool around. Moreover, whether it was fair or not, the key was to have a way to solve the problem, or even to make the problem more serious.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
