This seemingly impending storm ended with "300,000 strings of cash".
This is the final result.
When the storm first started, no one had ever thought that this would be the outcome.
Because it seems that all problems have been put on the table, but it seems that no problem has received a definite result.
During the entire meeting, no one mentioned Dongliu and Beiliu, Cheng Fang was not prosecuted, and so on.
But this can be said to be both unexpected and reasonable.
Because once Cheng Fang was prosecuted and found guilty, it would not only undermine Zhao Xu's authority, but would also shake the foundation of the new policy.
However, considering the current situation, this is not very realistic because Zhao Xu has no intention of abandoning the new policy, and the new policy is being implemented very well.
But if Cheng Fang is found not guilty, it will seriously damage the interests of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
Today's result just avoids these two extremes.
...
...
The reason lies in the introduction of the hearing system.
The hearing is simply an introduction of the trial process to debate the system and legislation. The focus of the discussion is on the system and the law, and whether an individual has violated the law is secondary.
Therefore, the ultimate result will be that the system and laws are not perfect.
The trial is based on the existing system and laws to determine whether an individual has violated the law, not whether the laws and systems are perfect.
Many people are confused on this point.
As a result, after the meeting, they all walked out of the Chuigong Hall in confusion.
What on earth is this opening?
It seems like everything has been decided, and yet it seems like nothing has been decided.
Jiang Zhiqi quietly came to Wen Yanbo's side and complained: "Mr. Wen, the eunuchs are so reckless and yet they are not punished. As an imperial censor, I am really ashamed!"
He simply used the eunuchs, a special group, to express his dissatisfaction.
In fact, before this meeting, the censors did not think they would lose and that the matter was definitely worth debating. However, due to the silence of the prime ministers, they were powerless!
He also realized that Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were cooperating with each other, you took part and I took part.
Both parties are dividing the cake, not fighting for it.
Sima Guang did not oppose Wang Anshi, and Wang Anshi did not oppose Sima Guang. Both sides used each other's suggestions and then put forward their own suggestions.
In the eyes of the censor, this is truly shameless.
It was tantamount to betraying the Censorate and the Court of Remonstrance.
Wen Yanbo said calmly, "Is a mere eunuch worth three hundred thousand strings of cash?"
Zhao Xu's taking out 300,000 strings of cash was actually a disguised way of admitting his mistake and using the money to shut up the ministers.
Because he couldn't do as Song Renzong did and directly issue an edict of repentance. If he did that, he might lose everything. Besides, the current situation had not reached that point yet.
Therefore, taking out such a large sum of money at this time actually shows full sincerity.
Jiang Zhiqi insisted, "How can this matter be measured with money?"
Facing his entanglement, Wen Yanbo was a little impatient, and frowned and said: "In this court, Jiang Zhiqi is the only one who is upright and unyielding, and we are all flatterers."
Jiang Zhiqi hurriedly said, "I have absolutely no such intention."
Wen Yanbo said, "Then go back and reflect on why you are the only one who is so different. Goodbye."
Jiang Zhiqi nodded awkwardly, but he was still unconvinced in his heart. He cursed inwardly, "You are not flatterers, you are just a group of hypocritical hypocrites."
Just now, not only the conservatives did not stand up to oppose, but the reformists also did not stand up to oppose. The reason was very simple, that is, Han Qi was sitting there watching with eager eyes.
The Beiliu plan is not in the interests of either faction. If the two factions attack each other over this issue and devalue Dongliu, the emperor will choose Beiliu instead. This is a sufficient reason to appoint Han Qi.
When Emperor Shenzong ascended the throne, both the reformists and conservatives impeached Han Qi for his autocratic and domineering behavior. He had occupied the position of prime minister for more than ten years. The emperor was weak and the ministers were strong, so they forced Han Qi to leave the court, and only then did they gradually come to power.
After these few years, Zhao Xu had already gained control of the power and he could re-employ Han Qi.
Han Qi is coming back, and no matter what his ideas are, life will be difficult for everyone.
The result is that although Wang Anshi did not fail in this matter and changed his tactics to continue to hold on to this part of power, the conservatives can also improve the system, formulate laws and regulations, and limit this power.
Both the spear and the shield are strengthened.
Everyone gets what he deserves.
Everyone can accept it.
If you censors and advisers want to make trouble, we can't stop you. After all, you have your own plans, but we won't jump into action just because you hear the cock crow.
Han Mansion.
"Father, the government has not decided at the meeting whether to change the East Flow Plan."
Han Zhongyan supported Han Qi and slowly walked into the hall.
But in the very spacious hall, there were more than twenty maids and servants waiting, some bringing hot water, some bringing cakes. Among the prime ministers of the time, the Han family should be the richest.
Han Qi waved his hand and dismissed all the people. He sat down, glanced at his son, and said with a smile, "You want to ask why I didn't mention this matter?"
Han Zhongyan nodded.
Han Qi said, "If I had mentioned this, I would have made the same mistake as Wang Jiefu. Floods are unpredictable. We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate. If I had suggested that the government divert water to the north today, and something had happened to the north, then whether it was God's will or a man-made disaster, it would have been my fault."
This is a two-sided statement. If he were ten years younger, he would not play it this way. He would definitely find a way to return to the court by borrowing Beiliu. But now he is very old, and doing so will only bring disaster to future generations!
Han Zhongyan asked again: "Does the government want to change the river to flow north, or continue to flow east?"
Many ministers were curious about this.
Han Qi said: "If I am not mistaken, the government may not have made up its mind yet. It is just that the current situation is not right and it is worried that if it continues like this, once the return to the river fails, there will be no room for maneuver and it will also affect the new policy. Therefore, this hearing is held to implement benevolent policies and avoid a complete loss. However..."
Han Zhongyan asked: "Just what?"
Han Qi stroked his beard and said, "But Wang Jiefu will not give up, because his reform idea is to create wealth out of thin air. If he does not develop water conservancy, he will not be able to achieve his reform goals. Maybe it is really as Junshi said, he is just collecting money for the country. Building water conservancy is something Wang Anshi cannot give up. From what I know about him, he should still find ways to protect the East Flow."
Han Zhongyan said: "It's all in vain."
"That's not it either."
Han Qi waved his hand and said, "Since the government does not want to waste money and labor, it cannot impose large-scale labor. At the same time, Fu Yanguo and his men will surely improve the system as soon as possible, so as to use the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to stop Wang Jiefu from developing water conservancy projects.
There will definitely be more bargaining between the two sides.
Also, if you seek truth from facts to control the water, if you cannot remove the silt downstream, the river water will not flow as you wish even if you don’t want to, and the river has never been successfully returned to the river. Those who really understand water control should tell Wang Jiefu this.”
At this point, he sighed, "But this is all I can do."
There was a hint of loss in his tone. The emergence of public security, procuratorate and courts changed many things and made the court more vibrant.
This would have been a very exciting competition, but unfortunately he was already in his twilight years.
He defeated all his opponents in his life, but could not avoid the result of losing to time.
The future always belongs to the young.
After returning to the Regulations Office of the Two Prefectures, Wang Anshi sighed without even a cup of tea: "We really shouldn't have used eunuchs to control the floods. These eunuchs will inevitably implicate the government, and we will also be trapped by this."
After hearing this, Lu Huiqing felt overwhelmed and thought that the problem was not with the eunuchs, but with the uncontrollable flood.
Wang Anshi suddenly looked at Lu Huiqing and said, "Cheng Fang will not leave the Water Conservancy Department for the time being, but the government will certainly deprive him of his power. I plan to find an official who is familiar with water conservancy to build a water conservancy school and take over the river defense of Hebei. Unfortunately, Shen Cunzhong has been sent to Qingzhou to promote the business law. Who do you think is more suitable to recommend?"
Zhao Xu's taking out 300,000 strings of cash meant that he would not admit his mistake, and Cheng Fang naturally would not leave immediately. He would have to wait until the storm was over before finding a reason to transfer him away.
Lu Huiqing advised cautiously: "Master, I still suggest that this power be returned to the local governments, so that they can manage the rivers under their jurisdiction. After all, the power of the river defense minister is too concentrated, and the responsibility is too great. However, this matter requires the blessing of heaven, which is really not conducive to control."
Wang Anshi snorted, "If you say so, wouldn't it be easier if we just do nothing? Building water conservancy projects requires the efforts of 10,000 people to eliminate the harm of 100,000 people. We must do it. People like Sima Lao, although they have talent, are short-sighted and not real men. I, Wang Anshi, am not afraid of heaven or earth."
Lu Huiqing said earnestly: "But dear teacher, building water conservancy projects requires a lot of manpower and material resources. The government's arrangement is obviously intended to recuperate. Even if we are willing, we are powerless!"
He is calculating the political cost. The Yellow River is too difficult to manage at this stage, and the input and output are completely disproportionate.
It’s not that we don’t care, but we can’t care in this way.
So scary!
Wang Anshi nodded and said, "I can see what the government is thinking. Cheng Fang's fault is that he is incompetent and overly pursues the suppression of floods. He is too ambitious and ignores the benefits of water conservancy to benefit the people. He is not appreciated by the people.
I intend to adjust the plan this time, first to benefit the people by developing water conservancy projects, win their hearts, and then use this to build river channels to improve flooding."
Still full of confidence.
Lu Huiqing said: "But developing water conservancy to benefit the people also requires money."
Wang Anshi said: "When the new policy and the tax commissioner arrive in Hebei, the finances will improve. Besides, didn't the government allocate 300,000 strings of cash?"
Lu Huiqing hurriedly asked: "Isn't that money used to compensate and help the people?"
Wang Anshi said: "We cannot give less compensation, but there are many ways to provide relief. Simply sending food to help the people is not a long-term solution. We can hire people to divert the Yellow River to irrigate the silt, so that the barren land can be turned into fertile fields, and then we can leave it to the government or give it to the helpless people. In this way, we can remove the silt from the Yellow River and benefit the people, killing two birds with one stone."
This irrigation and silt diversion from the Yellow River was a very important water conservancy measure in the Northern Song Dynasty. The reason was simple, because the silt in the Yellow River came from the Loess Plateau, which contained a large amount of organic matter, which could improve barren land into fertile farmland.
The ancients discovered this a long time ago, but due to insufficient technology, they could only let the river water flow and form natural fertile soil. But now the Northern Song Dynasty has mastered very sophisticated technology and can use engineering to irrigate a certain area, artificially create large areas of fertile land, and at the same time reduce the silt in the Yellow River.
This was also strongly recommended by Song Shenzong and Wang Anshi. Cheng Fang actually made great contributions in this regard, but compared with the manpower and material resources he consumed, these were not enough. Wang Anshi wanted to learn from this lesson.
Seeing that Wang Anshi was determined to continue, Lu Huiqing thought for a moment and said, "When it comes to irrigation, Hou Shuxian is naturally the best candidate. When he managed the Bian River, he irrigated 20,000 hectares of silted fields."
Wang Anshi's eyes lit up and he nodded, "Yes, Hou Shuxian is indeed the best candidate. When he was managing the Bian River, people like Lu Hui and Liu Shu falsely accused him of destroying the capital's feng shui. In the end, Hou Shuxian used his rich experience in managing water to make those people lose face, and he was also rewarded by the government. Now that we have appointed him to build a water conservancy school, it is enough to prove that we have not given up the plan to develop water conservancy, and at the same time, we attach great importance to technology."
Lu Huiqing asked: "Master, do you plan to continue to protect the East Flow, or choose the North Flow?"
Wang Anshi frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Now that the two rivers have been dredged, if they flow back to the north, wouldn't that tell the people that the court is wasting manpower and resources? This matter cannot be easily changed."
Lu Huiqing said worriedly: "But we have to be careful about this matter. After all, the emperor listens to what Han Xianggong and the river patrol soldiers say. If we don't make improvements and something goes wrong, we will be blamed!"
Wang Anshi shook his head and said, "What they said may not be right, and it is very one-sided. When it comes to flood control, I am no worse than Prime Minister Ouyang and Prime Minister Han. I have also personally inspected it. There is too much uncertainty as to whether Beiliu is the new river course. Moreover, we need to give up countless fertile fields to make way for the new river course. If Beiliu is flooded, we will bear greater responsibility.
Hebei is a key area for preventing Khitan invasion. We are currently making every effort to expand our borders to the northwest. Hebei cannot afford to lose anything. Finance is even more important. This time we will send a few more experienced water conservancy officers to conduct a comprehensive survey of river defense works to see how to prevent floods. As for whether it will flow east or north, let's not discuss it for now. Everything depends on the facts. If we can maintain the east flow, then it is better to maintain the east flow."
Zhang Fei just created an opportunity to quietly change the route, but considering the situation, it is better not to change it if possible.
The reason why the Dongliu Plan has always been popular, no matter how many times it has failed, must be for a reason. First, it can defend against Liao, and second, it will not disrupt stability.
Because the new river course will definitely occupy a lot of good farmland, and those good farmland originally belonged to the people. How can the people feel happy? They will definitely cause trouble. If we take the old route, there will be no such problem.
This result was a great success for the public security, procuratorial and judicial departments, but at this time there was no atmosphere of joy in the procuratorate. Instead, there was a feeling of having escaped death.
"It's finally over."
Qi Ji let out a long sigh of relief and collapsed on his chair. "Every time I investigate a case, it's like going through a tribulation!"
Zhang Fei laughed and said, "Inspector Qi, is there something you forgot to say?"
Qi Ji was surprised and asked, "What?"
Zhang Fei laughed and said, "Since I came here."
Qi Ji was stunned for a moment, then he chuckled a few times, then felt something was wrong, and waved his hand, saying, "I have absolutely no such intention, absolutely no such intention."
"That's right. Our procuratorate must deal with the matter on its own merits."
Zhang Fei said with a smile.
He could actually understand their thoughts very well, because in this feudal society, promoting public security, procuratorial and judicial systems was a very difficult thing, and the complaints would never stop.
Qi Ji really didn't know how to respond to this.
Because this is the truth!
Zhang Fei added: "Although this was caused by me, I have no way to solve this problem. The only thing I can tell you is to stick to justice and the law. We will not end up with our heads and bodies separated. At most, we will be asked to leave. If we choose to bend the law for personal gain and abuse our power out of fear, then we will definitely end up dead."
"Prosecutor Zhang has a point. As long as we have a clear conscience and act in accordance with the law, the worst that can happen is that we will be banished from the court."
Wang Gong nodded and said, "Although it is a little difficult, if we succeed, we will be rewarded with high positions and generous salaries. This is actually fair. There are so many people who want to enter the government and realize their ambitions, but have no way to do so."
Qi Ji nodded slightly, "That's true. Now the court has decided to implement the public security, procuratorial and judicial system in Hebei. Maybe they will let us go to the provincial capital to serve as the chief prosecutor."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "It's not a possibility, it will definitely happen. Currently, there is no one available in our procuratorate!"
Just then, an inspector came into the room and said, "Prosecutor Zhang, Mr. Fu and Scholar Sima are here."
Qi Ji said: "Is there anything going on again?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Aftermath."
It is no wonder that Fu Bi and Sima Guang rushed to find Zhang Fei in such a hurry, because they also knew that Wang Anshi would definitely not stop building water conservancy projects, so they had to quickly improve the relevant systems and laws to prevent such incidents from happening again.
"I really don't know where you learned so many tricks. Just a hearing has made those who have bad intentions return in vain."
When he saw Zhang Fei, Sima Guang laughed.
The cause of this incident was not Cheng Fang or Cheng Yi, but some people in the court who wanted to undermine the emperor's trust in the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. From this point of view, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs have won a great victory!
Zhang Fei was flattered and said, "I thought Scholar Sima would blame me again. Could it be because Lord Fu is here?"
Fu Bi stroked his beard and smiled slightly.
Sima Guang's eyes widened immediately. "What nonsense are you talking about? My goal has always been to protect the public security, procuratorate and courts. However, things had already gotten to that point, so of course it would be best to punish Cheng Fang. He has been doing evil things in Hebei and has left many people homeless. Shouldn't he be punished?"
At this point, he paused for a moment, "But I can accept this result."
Initially, he was mainly concerned about protecting Cheng Yi, but was also afraid that this would affect the public security, because Cheng Fang was the emperor's man. Now that Cheng Yi was safe and sound, and that the emperor had to pay compensation, and Cheng Fang's arrogance had been curbed, he was of course quite satisfied.
Fu Bi suddenly said, "But in fact, many problems have not been solved. How to legislate and improve the system is the most urgent task! We want to hear your suggestions."
The purpose of the hearing is to test the system and legislation. Zhang Fei must have been well prepared and had a ready-made reference, so Fu Bi had little time to think about it.
Zhang Fei's expression changed, and he said seriously: "As for how to legislate, in my opinion, the most important point is that no matter what regulations the Legislative Council promulgates, it must ensure effective law enforcement."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "That's the difficulty. What do you think about this?"
Zhang Fei said: "The answer is the exemption law."
Sima Guang immediately asked, "What do you mean?"
There was some anger in his voice. He said, "Let me say what I want to say. Why are you arguing with him?"
Zhang Fei patiently explained: "Because as long as the imperial court retains the corvée system, no matter how it is regulated, it will be difficult for the judiciary to intervene. If the government hires me to sue, no matter how the other party sues, I am sure to win.
The reason is simple. If they can get something for free, they will definitely not spend money. They will definitely try every possible way to circumvent the constraints of the system and laws to recruit corvée labor. However, there is no perfect law in the world, and there must be loopholes. Only by converting corvée labor into taxes and hiring people when they need manpower, can the accounts be clear and the judiciary be able to intervene better. "
Sima Guang asked: "What about special circumstances, such as war and natural disasters?"
Zhang Fei said: "They should pay, but they can pay later. Let's talk about the matter. The state should bear the main responsibility for flood control and defense against enemies. The people provide the manpower and the state pays. This is a matter of course."
Sima Guang then asked: "What if the court has no money?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "It's impossible that the court is out of money. It just depends on where it is spent. If it is spent on officials' eating and drinking, or on extravagance and waste, then they should enjoy the flood. This is not an excuse."
Fu Bi laughed when he heard this.
Sima Guang nodded and said, "That's true!"
Both of them are extremely opposed to extravagance and waste.
Zhang Fei added: "Of course, this is an administrative issue and it is not under the jurisdiction of our judiciary. I am not very clear about it. I just want to use this to make a point. It is not the fault of the judiciary that there is no money. This is what the judiciary should do.
If you are not ruthless, you will always be short of money and will always be using free things, and the problem of labor will never be solved.
From a judicial point of view, it is better to add a tax exemption in Hebei than to conscript labor for free. The reason is that the law of exemption will make the relationship very simple. No matter how it changes, it is an employment relationship. If there is a dispute, the judiciary will be able to make an accurate judgment. "
Fu Bi nodded and asked, "Then how should we legislate on the expropriation of houses and fields of the people?"
Zhang Fei said: "This is actually an administrative issue. As far as the law of the legal system is concerned, it is impossible to have laws and regulations in this regard, because the law emphasizes fairness and justice.
It can only be administrative regulations, under what circumstances the government can forcibly seize the people's land and houses, and the judiciary is only to ensure that the interests of the country and the people will not be harmed. "
Sima Guang asked in confusion: "So, this is all an administrative issue?"
"Yes and no."
"What's the meaning?"
"What needs to be improved is the administrative system, but once the system is improved, the judiciary will intervene and the problems it needs to face are employment relationships and debt relationships."
At this point, Zhang Fei said to Fu Bi, "Mr. Fu, the Legislative Council should speed up the passage of my contract principles and some commercial bills in Hezhong Prefecture. In this way, the court's compensation and employment will have a legal basis."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "Regarding your precedent in Hezhong Prefecture, the Legislative Council has actually already discussed it and is currently drafting a written regulation that will be promulgated by summer at the latest. I'll go and see if it can be promulgated earlier."
After that, he added: "However, according to Prime Minister Han, the situation in some areas of Hebei is already very serious, the people are full of resentment, and the number of bandits is increasing day by day. We must quickly send people to Hebei to build public security, procuratorial and judicial organs and appease the people."
Sima Guang sighed, "It's easy to say, but... there's no one available. All the people I arranged before have gone to Jingdong East Road."
Fu Bi asked, "Didn't you arrange for Cheng Yi to come?"
Sima Guang said: "There is only one, and Cheng Yi has never worked in the public security, procuratorial or judicial system, so he may not be qualified for the job."
Zhang Fei suddenly said, "On this point, I fully support Sima Xueshi. When it comes to selecting people, we must follow the principle of preferring to have no one rather than someone with bad moral character. No one should be accepted."
Fu Bi was surprised and asked, "Do you care about morality?"
"Well!"
Zhang Fei couldn't help but look embarrassed.
Sima Guang immediately said, "Mr. Fu, you don't know that your mouth is just like Wang Jiefu's face, both are dirty, but your moral character is still fine."
Zhang Fei almost vomited and said, "Master Sima, if this is a way of returning a favor, thank you. Don't do it next time."
Fu Bi laughed and asked, "What should we do now? We have to send someone, otherwise there might be a civil uprising."
Zhang Fei looked at Sima Guang.
Sima Guang thought about it and said, "At present, the most chaotic places in Hebei are Damingfu, Chanzhou and other places. Why don't we send people to these places to promote public security, procuratorial and judicial work first, and then slowly promote it in other places."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "That's good too."
"What's good about that? I just had no choice." Sima Guang said with emotion: "Take this case for example. If there hadn't been your hearing, the result might have been out of control. In the previous adultery case, Judge Qi was also a little at a loss. In fact, our public security, procuratorate and courts are more likely to make mistakes than the two government regulations department."
Fu Bi nodded slightly and suddenly understood Sima Guang's concerns.
If it weren't for Zhang Fei, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs might have failed long ago.
Zhang Fei comforted him calmly, "As long as they don't abuse their power for personal gain and bend the law, it won't be a big deal if there is a wrong judgment. The public security, procuratorate and courts in the capital will be able to back them up. This is why I support Sima Xueshi in strictly selecting talents."
Sima Guang felt as if he had found a confidant. Regarding personnel arrangements, Zhang Fei was the only one in the world who supported him. Wen Yanbo and Lu Gongzhe thought he was being pretentious, so they just nodded and said, "Don't worry, the person I choose will definitely not be wrong."
There was a glimmer of doubt in Fu Bi's eyes, and he thought to himself, if he really cared about this, then why didn't he listen to me when I suggested not to use Cai Jing? Moreover, he also helped Cao Yanei and others to gain a foothold in the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. This shows that he pays more attention to ability and relationships, and does not care much about morality.
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