In Sima Guang's view, Zhang Fei was just being a hooligan.
Although Sima Guang absolutely agreed with Cheng Yi's approach of arguing based on reason and defending the law, he also understood the concerns of those officials.
If they refuse to cooperate with Cheng Fang, there is only a very small possibility that they will get good results, and most of the time they will get bad results.
Because Wang Anshi set up the River Flood Control Bureau in order to take control of all power. If the local governments don't cooperate, how can he let you off easily?
Who would dare to easily offend these eunuchs who hold great power?
After all, it’s not easy for everyone to get to where they are today, and everyone cherishes it very much.
But on the surface, Cheng Yi's approach is worthy of praise. Zhang Fei is trying to raise the bar in this way, completely disregarding human relationships and worldly wisdom, and you really can't argue with him.
But the Song Dynasty was really funny. From the fighting on the front line to the deployment of troops in the rear, no matter how big or small the matter was, they would directly deploy troops in the river. But things like this were so vague.
Seeing Sima Guang close his eyes in anger, Zhang Fei couldn't help but smile and said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Sima, for coming to testify."
Sima Guang's eyes widened. "Is that all the questions?"
...
...
He just felt that his butt was not yet warm enough.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "But I think Scholar Sima doesn't have much to say."
"Who said no?"
Sima Guang said excitedly.
Zhang Fei immediately said, "Scholar Sima, please speak."
Wang Anshi said sarcastically, "As expected of a superior, you can ignore the rules."
After hearing this, Sima Guang couldn't help but glare at Wang Anshi. I'm sitting here and you're interrupting me. Who is breaking the rules?
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Mr. Wang is wrong. This is not a trial, but a hearing. Our procuratorate still hopes to hear more suggestions. If Mr. Wang has anything to add, we can invite him to testify later."
Wang Anshi remained silent.
Zhang Fei then said to Sima Guang, "Sir Sima, please speak."
Sima Guang said: "The sage said that the people are the foundation of the country. If the foundation is solid, the country will be stable. Even if the dam is reinforced, no matter how beautiful the project is, it will be vulnerable if the people lose their support. If the people are harmed in order to control the flood, isn't this putting the cart before the horse?
Emperor Yang of Sui built a canal for future generations to use, but who would praise Emperor Yang of Sui? Although Cheng Dujian's actions were not as good as Emperor Yang of Sui, he did not dare to act recklessly because of the wise ruler above him, but now he is not much different.
You can check. Since Cheng Dujian built the river channel, the number of bandits in Hebei Province has not increased. If this continues, I am afraid that the situation at the end of the Sui Dynasty will resurface.
If they harm the people and the country, is there no way to punish them?"
His words were so passionate that many officials nodded frequently.
Even Empress Dowager Cao thought it made sense and nodded slightly.
Floods can bring disaster to a region, but if the people’s hearts are lost, the country will be gone.
Zhang Fei was still puzzled and said, "What Sima Xueshi said makes a lot of sense. I am also very curious. The history books often mention the abuse of people's power, large-scale construction, etc., but why is there no standard to judge?"
Sima Guang asked excitedly: "Why do you have to dwell on this?"
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said, "Because this is a hearing held by the procuratorate. The procuratorate wants evidence and follows the law."
Sima Guang was completely depressed, "I have nothing to say."
Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "Then please ask Scholar Sima to go down and rest for the time being. If necessary, please ask Scholar Sima to come up and testify later."
Sima Guang ignored him and just got up and left.
etiquette?
What a gift!
I don't want to stay any longer.
Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing were secretly pleased with themselves, thinking that Cheng Fang was not in the right. However, after questioning, they found that they could not convict Cheng Fang.
Cheng Yi on the side felt a gust of wind blowing past, turned his head to look at Sima Guang, and couldn't help but look at Zhang Fei, thinking, it seems that it is not Lord Junshi and the others who are making a fuss, but I, Cheng Yi, am too arrogant. The public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are really unusual!
Zhang Fei nodded to Wang Gong again, and Wang Gong summoned Zhou Ge, the deputy envoy of Hebei Transportation, to attend as a witness.
Sima Guang returned to his chair, sat down, and sulked alone.
Lu Gong, who was standing by, advised, "Jun Shi, this isn't the first time you've dealt with Zhang San. Why are you still so impatient and angry with that guy?"
Sima Guang was very dissatisfied and said: "There are so many issues involved in this case, but he only picked this one to ask. What kind of ability is this? What kind of hearing is this?"
After all, a bystander can see things more clearly. Lu Gong said, "But then again, no matter how he asks, he will get stuck on this question in the end. That's a problem!"
Sima Guang frowned slightly, and looked at Zhang Fei with a scrutinizing gaze, wondering, what on earth does this kid want to do?
However, people like Fu Bi and Han Qi became more and more interested and watched with great concentration.
At this time, Zhou Ge, the deputy envoy of Hebei Transportation, had already arrived at the table.
Taking advantage of this gap, Zhang Fei, who was examining the documents more closely, raised his head and asked Zhou Ge, "Deputy Envoy Zhou, are you here today to attend this hearing on behalf of the Hebei Transportation Bureau, or are you here just to represent yourself?"
Zhou Ge immediately said: "I represent the Hebei Transportation Bureau."
Zhang Fei nodded and continued to ask: "Regarding the expenditure on river construction in Hebei Province, is it mainly borne by the Transportation Department?"
"Yes."
Zhou Ge nodded and said, "Because the Transportation Department is in charge of the finances of a route, and the cost of building a river is very high, and the local finances can hardly afford it, so it is usually directly managed by the Transportation Department."
Zhang Fei nodded and asked, "Could Deputy Envoy Zhou briefly describe the relationship between the Hebei Transportation Department and the River Defense and Water Conservancy Department?"
Zhou Ge said: "The Transportation Department and the River Water Conservancy Department are not under the same government office. There is not much relationship between them, and they are not in charge of each other. However, before the River Water Conservancy Department was established, the Transportation Department had always been in charge of coordinating the river construction. After that, the court established the River Water Conservancy Department, but at the same time did not deprive the Transportation Department of the power to manage the river. Therefore, in terms of water management, the Transportation Department will inevitably have to cooperate with the River Water Conservancy Department, and in this matter, the River Water Conservancy Department should take the lead."
Because the Transportation Bureau was a road-level government agency and had authority over rivers, in the past, when the imperial court wanted to issue orders for river management, they usually gave them to the Transportation Bureau.
"I see"
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, then asked, "Did Deputy Envoy Zhou hear what Scholar Wang said just now?"
Zhou Ge nodded.
Zhang Fei asked, "Master Wang believes that in the past, the various government offices were always arguing with each other, which often delayed the construction work. Is that true?"
Zhou Ge hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying, "That is the case."
Zhang Fei asked: "So, has the situation improved since the establishment of the River Defense Bureau?"
Zhou Ge nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhang Fei looked down at the document and asked, "But in the case of the Chanzhou sailors' escape, it seems that this situation has occurred again. The Transportation Department did not provide enough food and clothing in time to support the River Defense Department."
Zhou Ge immediately said with grievance: "It's not that we didn't support the river defense, but because the Hebei Transportation Bureau was already at the end of its rope and couldn't provide much support at all."
Zhang Fei asked, "I've reached the end of my rope. How can you say that?"
Zhou Ge said: "Because it was the time to collect autumn taxes, the collected taxes were only in the local warehouses and had not yet been sent to the warehouse of the Transportation Department. And every time at this time, the Transportation Department is the most empty.
In addition, we first learned about this in September, and at that time we thought there was no need to prepare clothes. Who could have known that the construction would not start until November.
Compared to September, the cost of starting construction in November is higher, and our Transportation Department is even more constrained because the autumn tax has not yet been calculated, so we are unable to allocate enough grain in time. "
Zhang Fei asked, "Can't you even provide food and clothing for 800 sailors?"
"Yes." Zhou Ge nodded and said, "Because the Minister of River Defense has been building water conservancy projects everywhere in the past few years, basically all the rivers in Hebei have been managed, and tens of thousands of laborers have been employed and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent. The treasuries of various counties and cities in Hebei have already been depleted, and at the same time, our Transportation Department has to meet the needs of the Hebei Imperial Army.
Moreover, the excessive use of labor for flood control has seriously affected the local people's farming, which has led to a continuous decline in Hebei's tax revenue in recent years. Therefore, it is difficult for us to transfer so much clothing and food from the prefectures and counties to the River Protection and Water Conservancy Bureau in a short period of time."
Zhao Xu in the Buddhist hall unconsciously slapped his hand on the armrest of the chair, looking extremely annoyed.
Queen Dowager Cao glanced at Zhao Xu and breathed a sigh of relief, but didn't say anything.
If she said any more on this matter, it might be considered as meddling in government affairs, but deep down she also hoped that the emperor would think carefully and act after careful consideration.
Zhang Fei looked down at the document again, then looked up and said to Zhou Ge, "About three years ago, the Fifth Dam in Daming burst, causing serious damage. The river flooded a large area north of Guantao, Yongji, Qingyang and other counties. Is this true?"
Zhou Ge nodded and said, "That's true."
Zhang Fei asked: "How did the court respond at that time?"
Zhou Ge said: "At that time, the court first ordered our Transportation Department to try to plug the gap, and Cheng Dujian also participated in it. After we inspected the disaster, Cheng Dujian proposed a management plan to divert the water from the silted pond to irrigate the farmland in Shenzhou, and on the other hand to deepen and widen the Ergu River. Your Majesty also agreed to it."
Zhang Fei asked: "What was the result?"
Zhou Ge said: "The result is relatively successful."
Cheng Fang immediately held his head high and chest out. This was his greatest achievement. It was also because of this that he became famous in one battle and then became proud.
Zhang Fei asked: "Could Deputy Envoy Zhou explain the process in detail and the responsibilities of the Hebei Transportation Bureau?"
Zhou Ge said excitedly: "In fact, it is our Hebei Transportation Bureau and local government that are doing all the work. We are urging millions of laborers to raise the food and clothing needed by millions of people. Anyway, we cooperate with what Cheng Dujian asks. The difficulty is even greater than fighting against Liao. The officials of the Transportation Bureau have hardly slept for days and nights."
"Yeah?"
Zhang Fei said: "But according to our investigation, after the completion of this construction, the imperial court's rewards did not mention the Transportation Department at all."
Zhou Ge suddenly smiled strangely.
Zhang Fei also asked with a smile: "What's so funny about this?"
Zhou Ge smiled and said, "Because all the credit is attributed to Cheng Dujian alone. As for why this is the case, I think Prosecutor Zhang should ask Cheng Dujian."
"good."
Zhang Fei nodded, then immediately turned to look at Cheng Fang, "Cheng Dujian, what do you think about this?"
Cheng Fang seemed to be thinking about something, and was startled when he heard Zhang Fei's question. But he sneered and said, "The credit is not all attributed to me, but the blame is all borne by me. Their Transportation Bureau reported to the Censorate in private, don't think I don't know anything. But he also said that they were the ones who did it, so why did the death of a husband become my fault?"
Zhou Ge was furious when he heard this and said, "How dare you, Cheng Dujian, say that? If it weren't for you pushing us, we wouldn't have to recruit so many laborers and urge them to work day and night. We worked so hard that we used up all our inventory that month, but you took all the credit for yourself. You rose to prominence in the court, became the Minister of River Defense, and was also the Judge of Dazhou, while no one in our Transportation Department was promoted.
Others didn’t know this and thought that Supervisor Cheng could use magic to complete such a large project by himself.”
The more he spoke, the more aggrieved he felt, and at the end, his tone was choked with sobs.
Cheng Fang said: "Why are we embarrassed to say that the court originally asked your Transportation Department to try to block the breach, but you were incompetent and couldn't come up with a solution. In the end, it was our family who found ways to block the breach and irrigate the farmland at the same time. Shouldn't our family be credited with the greatest achievement?"
Zhou Ge snorted, "We really can't think of a solution, because we dare not ignore the people's livelihood and start a war involving millions of people."
"alright!"
Xu Zun suddenly said, "This is a hearing, not a market. If Prosecutor Zhang doesn't ask, try not to speak. Otherwise, this hearing will never produce any results."
The two of them then gave up.
But the officials present had clear minds, and Sima Guang glared at Wang Anshi fiercely again.
Wang Anshi was no less angry and also glared at Sima Guang.
In Sima Guang's view, this was all due to Wang Anshi's indulgence of Cheng Fang, but in Wang Anshi's view, Cheng Fang's greed for merit was one aspect, but on the other hand, because Liu Zhi was holding on to Cheng Fang, he had to give Cheng Fang greater support.
Zhang Fei followed the argument between Zhou Ge and Cheng Fang and continued to ask Zhou Ge: "Deputy Envoy Zhou just mentioned that he dared not ignore the people's livelihood and raise a million people. So what does Deputy Envoy Zhou think about the labor service?"
Zhou Ge said: "Generally speaking, it is the soldiers who bear the vast majority of labor, so that it will not delay the livelihood of the people and will not cause public resentment. In addition, the government can actually make the most reasonable arrangements for the soldiers to bear the labor. There are too many variables in the conscription of labor, and it is difficult for the government to control it.
However, Cheng Dujian was too eager for quick success and instant benefits, totally ignoring the people's livelihood and the difficulties of the Transportation Department and local prefectures and counties. He demanded immediate rectification when he saw a problem and required it to be completed in a short period of time, which led to the conscription of a large number of laborers and the expenditure of huge amounts of money and grain. The key point was that he did not think things through, which often led to a waste of manpower and material resources.
For example, two years ago in Zhending Prefecture, he hastily decided to build a bridge in order to speed up construction. In less than a month, he immediately conscripted thousands of laborers. However, he found that it was completely impractical, so he immediately dismantled the bridge and used boats to cross the river instead.
Such situations are common in the Hebei River. "
Cheng Fang was so angry that if Xu Zun had not been there, he would have retorted.
Zhang Fei nodded and continued to ask: "Deputy Envoy Zhou, after the Fifth Dam in Daming burst, are you still willing to cooperate with the River Water Conservancy Bureau?"
When Sima Guang heard this, his heart skipped a beat. Good boy, you are still so sinister.
Zhou Ge was stunned for a moment, then hesitantly replied, "To be honest with Prosecutor Zhang, we were reluctant, but we didn't dare to disobey, because since then, all officials in Hebei have been very afraid of Cheng Dujian. Two years ago, Cheng Dujian started repairing the Zhang River again and mobilized another 100,000 laborers, but just like this time, it was carried out without any preparation from our Transportation Department, resulting in several times more losses."
Zhang Fei asked: "How is it determined that there are hundreds of extra losses?"
Zhou Ge said: "If we make arrangements one year in advance, our Transportation Department can stockpile goods and manpower at the river section to be repaired.
At that time, Cheng Dujian kept urging us to transport food from wherever there was food and to send people to wherever there were people. There was no clear plan and the loss on the road was incalculable.
Zhang Fei asked: "If we coordinate well in advance, how much loss can be reduced?"
Zhou Ge said: "We have done statistics afterwards, and the losses can be reduced by at least two-thirds. The key is that opening the Zhang River is not an emergency need, so there is no need to be so anxious.
But whenever someone tried to persuade him, he would threaten to delay the construction work, so no one dared to say they were wrong.
After this battle, the people of Hebei and the soldiers were forced to flee everywhere. The disaster it caused was far worse than the flood. Now the people of Hebei say that they would rather be washed away by the flood than be enslaved by Cheng Dujian again.
When the soldiers and laborers in Hebei were used up, the court could only mobilize urgent laborers from other prefectures and counties to build the river. This is why Cheng Dujian wanted to mobilize the navy, because there were no more people in Hebei to serve, and there was no money to spend. "
Many officials shook their heads and sighed when they heard this.
There were also boos from the outside.
This is also the first time.
Because the people didn't quite understand the previous questions and answers, they didn't know who was right or wrong, but at this point, the people understood that if you are only trying to control the flood without caring about people's livelihood, it would be better not to do it.
Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing both looked gloomy when they heard the booing.
Empress Dowager Cao was sitting in front of the Buddha statue. When she heard these remarks, her hands that were fiddling with the Buddhist beads gradually became more and more disorderly. She opened her mouth several times but ultimately remained silent.
Zhao Xu saw this and was very angry. In fact, he was very hesitant about whether to dig the Zhang River. It was indeed too costly and he was reluctant to do so.
However, Cheng Fang was so strong in doing so, even threatening to resign, and Wang Anshi was also extremely supportive. He had no opinion of his own. After all, the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems were still in their infancy at that time, and he was under pressure and could not stop easily.
But now he has made up his mind that he can't go on like this. If he continues like this, no matter how much money or people he has, it will not be enough.
After Zhou Ge left, Wang Gong summoned Liu En, the Tongpan of Mingzhou, to attend.
Zhang Fei first asked as usual whether he was representing himself or the provincial government. Liu En said that he came to testify on behalf of Mingzhou.
"According to our investigation, officials in Mingzhou once said that the local people were happy to do corvee labor. I wonder if that is true?"
Zhang Fei asked.
Before he finished speaking, boos were heard from the outside.
Happy with corvée?
How shameless does one have to be to say such a thing.
"quiet!"
Xu Zun banged the gavel and scolded.
The court guard immediately raised a wooden sign for silence.
When the boos died down, Liu En nodded and said, "Yes, if the Zhang River is opened, Mingzhou will dispatch 10,000 corvées to help."
Zhang Fei asked, "Did Judge Liu hear those boos just now?"
"have."
Liu En immediately said: "But they don't know the truth."
Zhang Fei smiled and asked, "I don't know either. Can Judge Liu tell me in detail?"
Liu En immediately said, "Before the river course was changed, the people of Mingzhou suffered from floods. After being governed by Cheng Dujian, the people of Mingzhou are not only free from floods, but also the dry river courses have been silted and irrigated under the supervision of Cheng Dujian. These river courses have become tens of thousands of hectares of fertile fields for the people to cultivate. Naturally, the people are happy to do corvée."
Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing, who had been very depressed just now, could not help but cheer up.
Han Qi whispered, "This guy really doesn't take sides. When one side hits someone with a stick, the other side immediately offers him a big date."
Fu Bi said: "Let alone hitting him with a stick, what if he is killed? It will be meaningless if the problem is not solved."
Han Qi nodded, expressing his deep agreement with this.
At their age, they are extremely disgusted with party struggles. Although they opposed the new laws in history, they expressed their opposition by keeping a distance, rather than fighting with Wang Anshi to the death like they did when they were young.
Because they found that it was meaningless to continue fighting and the problem would never be solved.
Zhang Fei asked, "You should have heard what Deputy Envoy Zhou said just now?"
Liu En nodded.
Zhang Fei asked, "What does Judge Liu think about this?"
Liu En said: "It's hard for me to say, but for Mingzhou, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, because the people of Mingzhou have suffered from floods all year round, and they are very eager to be governed, but Mingzhou alone can hardly do it. It requires the concerted efforts of all the prefectures and counties in Hebei, but before everyone was cleaning up the snow in front of their own door, until the establishment of the River Defense and Water Conservancy Bureau, the situation has been improved. Most of our Mingzhou officials are very supportive of Cheng Dujian."
Immediately, many officials sneered and said, isn't this just minding your own business?
But many officials nodded and expressed their agreement that we should not only look at one side of things.
Zhang Fei asked, "So the situation of male laborers being forced to die that Deputy Envoy Zhou mentioned did not happen in Mingzhou?"
Liu En hesitated for a moment, "Similar things will happen to some extent. Of course, there are people in Mingzhou who evade military service, but most people are very positive about it, so the fortifications are built very quickly."
Zhang Fei nodded, then looked down at the document, "Just now, Judge Liu said that there are tens of thousands of additional fertile fields in Mingzhou, but this does not seem to be reflected in the tax revenue."
Liu En was stunned for a moment, and said cautiously: "I'm not sure about this, and what does this have to do with this matter?"
Zhang Fei said: "I just want to confirm whether there are really tens of thousands of good farmlands."
Liu En said: "This is absolutely true. The court can send someone to investigate."
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, "The court will send someone to investigate. Thank you, Judge Liu, for testifying in court."
"I dare not. This is my job." Liu En smiled awkwardly, with a hint of fear in his eyes.
But in fact, the officials present were all clear-headed. With so much land, how much of it could be used by the people? Of course, it could not be reflected in taxes.
Fu Bi whispered to Han Qi, "You don't have a share, do you?"
Han Qi snorted, "Do I need it?"
Happy National Day, I wish you all can get off the highway as soon as possible!
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