Chapter 726 of the Main Text of the Chief Justice of the Northern Song Dynasty, The Art of Reigning: Xue Xiang went to the procuratorate not only to prove his innocence, but also to accuse the Censorate of slandering him. However, in his final closing statement, Zhang Fei did not make a very affirmative accusation on this point.
He also made the reason very clear, which was that since the Censorate did not participate in the trial, the Procuratorate could not be sure that all this was a conspiracy planned by the Censorate to target Xue Xiang.
Or, after the incident happened, the Censorate framed Xue Xiang in order to cover up its own dereliction of duty.
Or maybe there are other reasons.
Based on this point, the procuratorate was unable to directly convict the Censorate and could only prove that Xue Xiang was innocent.
Having said that, almost every word of Zhang Fei made it clear that our Procuratorate is not like the Censorate, which would convict the other party before confirmation.
This is even more murderous than directly convicting the Censorate!
Of course, this also leaves room for both sides.
Since the Procuratorate behaved so professionally, the Imperial Court would certainly not hold back the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. After Zhang Fei finished his closing statement, Zhao Yan immediately stated that since the Procuratorate had submitted a lot of evidence, the Imperial Court would have to review it all before making a final judgment.
This is actually reasonable, because the evidence provided by the procuratorate is not necessarily true.
...
...
Although the royal court did not make a final judgment, the reformists present were very excited. They knew that the lawsuit was a sure win.
Because if all the evidence provided by the procuratorate is true, it will be difficult for the other party to find evidence to refute it.
Suddenly, they remembered a key person, and that person was Zhao Xu.
At this moment, the emperor's attitude towards this matter is crucial.
However, when they looked in the direction of Zhao Xu, they found that the place was already empty, and they couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.
"I'm so sorry!"
Zhang Fei came in front of Xue Xiang, bowed and said, "It's Zhang San who is incompetent. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble Xue Fayun to stay in the procuratorate for a few days."
Xue Xiang quickly bowed in return, "I have heard of Prosecutor Zhang for a long time. I am fortunate to meet him today. It is true that hearing about him is not as good as meeting him in person. I am really grateful for everything Prosecutor Zhang has done for me."
"That's too much!"
Zhang Fei said modestly: "In fact, this lawsuit is not difficult for our procuratorate. The main reason is that Xue Fayunshi did not commit any illegal acts. What is written in the complaint is all true. Otherwise, our procuratorate would not have filed an appeal for Xue Fayunshi."
"No matter what, Xue is very grateful to Prosecutor Zhang for everything he has done for Xue. After all, this still requires great courage."
Xue Xiang said as if hinting at something.
"No! This is just my job. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave."
"Prosecutor Zhang, please go!"
The two of them bowed to each other again, and Zhang Fei walked straight out. As for the cleaning work, he left it all to Zhou Zheng.
Sima Guang watched Zhang Fei leave, and immediately stood up and bowed to Fu Bi and Han Qi, "My two lords, I suddenly remembered that I have some official business to attend to, so I won't stay here to accompany you."
Han Qi said with a smile: "You go and do your work. Yanguo and I will sit for a while."
"Goodbye."
The reason why Zhang Fei was in a hurry to leave was because his beloved wife was waiting for him. When he got on the carriage, he saw a servant dressed as a man sitting inside.
It was Xu Zhiqian.
Since Xu Zhiqian has not officially entered the procuratorate yet, she can only watch this case from the sidelines, but she is already very satisfied. She even feels like she hasn't been to the imperial court for ten thousand years.
"How about it?"
Zhang Fei gently hugged her and asked, "Is your performance acceptable?"
Xu Zhiqian curled her lips and said, "It's just average."
"generally?"
"certainly."
Xu Zhiqian said: "I thought this lawsuit would be so difficult to win, but I didn't expect it to be so easy. The key is that the Censorate didn't send anyone."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "If they send someone over, this lawsuit will take at least three days. But it's not because it's more difficult, but because I have to humiliate them in every way. Sometimes I really don't know where the sense of glory of those imperial censors comes from? Is this nonsense?"
Xu Zhiqian pursed her lips and smiled, "Alright, stop being so unreasonable. Even if the Royal Court rules in favor of the Procuratorate, can it really be enforced?"
Zhang Fei said: "That depends on what the government wants."
Xu Zhiqian asked: "What do you think the government will decide?"
Zhang Fei thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps for the emperor, how to make a decision is not the most important thing."
After Zhang Fei left, the audience who admired his good looks scattered like birds and beasts, and there was not much ripple in their hearts. In the eyes of fans, this was just another addition to Zhang Fei's achievement book. The officials also left one after another. They had to find an occasion to plan carefully what to do next.
The matter is not over yet. After all, the Censorate has already made harsh remarks. They simply refuse to recognize the judgment of the imperial court.
Soon, the only people left on the playground were two frail old men sitting and two servants standing.
The two old men were Han Qi and Fu Bi.
The court police also came to inquire, but they said they wanted to sit for a while longer and bask in the long-lost warm sunshine.
Although this is the imperial court, these are Han Qi and Fu Bi. They can sit there as long as they like. Not only that, the imperial court also prepared the best tea and snacks for them to enjoy.
"How do you think this will end?"
Fu Bi put down the teacup and looked at Han Qi.
Han Qi laughed and said, "I dare not make a rash decision about what the outcome of this matter will be, but I believe that Kuanfu will never make a mistake. He has always been decisive, but he has long-term plans and rarely makes big mistakes."
Fu Bi stroked his beard and said, "Kuanfu is in charge of the Censorate after all, and the current situation is obviously extremely unfavorable to the Censorate."
"You are asking even though you already know the answer." Han Qi laughed and said, "If you knew that Kuanfu was in danger, you would have stopped him long ago."
Fu Bi was silent for a moment, "Official?"
Han Qi nodded and said, "We should be thinking the same thing. In fact, judging from this game, it is enough to show that Wang Jiefu is not the only one who makes decisions in the court. In the end, it is still the emperor who has the final say, and the emperor is already quite powerful.
Kuanfu must have understood this, so he chose to act decisively. If he could win, that would be the best, but even if he failed, it would have a significant impact on Wang Jiefu, and the emperor would never blame Kuanfu. "
At this point, he leaned on his cane with both hands and sighed, "It's Sima Jun who really didn't perform well in this incident! He is still the same scholarly spirit as before, and hasn't changed at all. Otherwise, things might not have become so complicated."
Everything he said implied that Wen Yanbo should replace Sima Guang and become the leader of the conservative faction.
Fu Bi said thoughtfully, "On this point, I have a different opinion from you."
Han Qi looked at Fu Bi in surprise, "Past facts have proved that whenever we have different opinions, I am usually the winner."
Fu Bi said: "But I have been in the capital this time, and I am in good health."
Han Qi's mouth twitched a few times, and he said, "I knew you were still brooding over it."
During the dispute over the succession, Fu Bi happened to be on a business trip, which allowed Han Qi to succeed. It was because of this incident that a rift arose between the two.
Zhang Fei had just returned home when Sima Guang arrived immediately.
"Just now in court, do you dare to say that you have been fair and just?"
When he saw Zhang Fei, Sima Guang could not wait to question him, "It is obvious that you are biased towards Xue Xiang and others. When the Equalization Law was promulgated, Su Zizhan and Fan Chunren pointed out that such problems would inevitably arise if the Equalization Law was promulgated. I also talked to Wang Jiefu about it, but they ignored it. As a result, problems arose and it became the fault of the Censorate. Your excuse is pure sophistry."
At that time, many people thought that although what Wang Anshi said made a lot of sense, it was too simplistic. Once it was implemented, various problems would inevitably arise, unless everyone was Wang Anshi.
Although he could not find any fault in court, Sima Guang believed that this was a problem with the new law and definitely not a problem with the Censorate.
Moreover, what Xue Xiang said must have been taught by Zhang Fei.
This is just your ability, not the real truth.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Sima Xueshi, please calm down. Our procuratorate only needs to follow the rules and speak with evidence. Now that Xue Xiang has provided solid evidence, we have to fight for him. In court, our procuratorate is definitely biased, because once we go to court, our goal is to win the case. As for fairness and justice, that is what the imperial court should do, not our procuratorate. Now the fact is that Xue Xiang is indeed innocent, especially under the judgment of the Censorate."
Sima Guang said: "But you only praise the advantages of the equalization system, but you are blindly shirking responsibility for the problems. Do you dare to say that this was not instructed by Wang Jiefu?"
“That’s not true.”
Zhang Fei shook his head and said, "To be honest with you, Scholar Sima, during the investigation, we did find problems with the law. However, in this lawsuit, we want to help Xue Xiang clear his name. The judgment of the Censorate is definitely problematic.
As for the problems with the equalization of transport, I have left them for Sima Xueshi. If Sima Xueshi is willing, I am willing to help Sima Xueshi solve the problems with the equalization of transport."
Sima Guang was stunned. "Leave it for me?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I know that Scholar Sima has offended many people for the sake of the public security, procuratorate and courts, but the fact is that the public security, procuratorate and courts are just passive. The other party came to complain and had evidence, so we couldn't ignore it. But I also don't want everyone to think that the public security, procuratorate and courts are biased towards Scholar Wang."
Sima Guang asked in confusion: "What do you mean by this?"
"Master Sima, please take a seat."
Zhang Fei smiled and gestured with his hand.
Sima Guang hesitated for a moment before sitting down.
Zhang Fei poured him a cup of tea and said, "Everyone knows the purpose of the Censorate, but they are only targeting people and only think about how to drive Wang Xueshi and Xue Fayunshi out of the court, but this is actually meaningless."
Sima Guang snorted, "Wang Jiefu has done a lot of meaningless things like this."
This is true. Since the second year of Xining, Wang Anshi has been clearing conservatives from the court and the country, and the reformists have not suffered any losses.
In the end, Wang Anshi was in power.
"I don't agree with that either."
Zhang Fei added: "But if we really want to discuss fairness and justice, since the problem is the equalization law, then we must target the equalization law. In this law, the real victims are the common people. Most of the common people benefit from it. The key is those businessmen, they are the real victims.
The law of the rule of law is to protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals, and the interests of merchants should also be properly protected. According to our investigation, the Shipping Department actually not only sells goods for the capital, but also other commodities, and makes a lot of money from reselling them.
If Sima really wants to take action against the equalization of transport system, he should let the real victims appeal to the imperial court."
Sima Guang frowned and asked, "Do you mean to ask those merchants to sue for the equalization of transportation?"
"It's possible."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "It just so happens that a group of Jiangnan merchants came to the capital to testify. They are the biggest victims."
Sima Guang was troubled again, "But people like Hu Yongwei are not worthy of pity."
“That’s a problem, too.”
Zhang Fei said: "But the law does not prohibit them from doing so, so if we really want to solve these problems, we can only rely on legislation.
If those businessmen file a lawsuit, our procuratorate can take the opportunity to hold a hearing on the equalization law to seriously resolve these issues. "
After hearing this, Sima Guang looked somewhat moved. After a moment, he said, "You can handle this matter. I have planned to submit my resignation to the government after the case is concluded."
"ah?"
Zhang Fei pretended to be surprised, "Why did Scholar Sima hand in his resignation?"
Sima Guang glanced at him and asked, "Why, don't you know?"
Zhang Fei lowered his brows and thought for a while, then said, "I'm so sorry, it was Zhang San who caused trouble for Sima Xueshi."
Sima Guang waved his hand and said, "It's not your fault. This is my own choice."
"Oh, I'll go too."
"Where are you going?"
Sima Guang looked at him in surprise.
Zhang Fei said, "I agreed to become an official because Sima Xueshi promised me. Now Sima Xueshi doesn't care about me and just walks away. So why should I stay? I'll just go back to being a clerk."
Sima Guang was both angry and amused and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? You entered the government just for me? Even my old servants may not be as loyal as you."
The implication is, don't give me that, I don't believe you.
Zhang Fei said, "This has nothing to do with loyalty. Now that the public security, procuratorate and court have offended Duke Wen and his men, how can I handle it without Sima Xueshi taking the helm? In this case, it is better to withdraw as soon as possible to avoid going to Qiongzhou to cut wood in the future."
"If you go back to be a penman, won't you go to Qiongzhou to cut wood?"
Sima Guang glared at him, then frowned and thought for a while, then sighed: "But you are right, I thought too simply."
If he were to withdraw at this time, the public security, procuratorate and courts would face a huge crisis, because they have always been supported by conservatives, and now they are in conflict with the conservatives. If Sima Guang were to withdraw at this time, the public security, procuratorate and courts would have to completely side with the reformists.
Because it is impossible for conservatives to support the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs anymore.
But the problem is that the reformists may not necessarily support them. Even if they do, there will definitely be many additional conditions, and at the very least, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs will be transformed beyond recognition.
Because the reformists are filled with the powerful class.
This is of course what Sima Guang least wants to see.
Zhang Fei immediately said: "Master Sima, you are right, they are wrong, this is the whole truth."
"Don't say these words. We all know who is at fault." Sima Guang sighed, "Tell me, what are you going to do next?"
Zhang Fei said: "Let's get things back on the right track."
Before this lawsuit, the reformists were actually very passive. After all, what the people said was true, not false. They did not even dare to confront the conservatives head-on, but instead demanded that the public security, procuratorate and courts try the case in order to alienate the relationship between them.
But after this lawsuit, the reformists finally found a foothold. Before the verdict was even made, they began to frantically build momentum in the court, accusing Wen Yanbo of forming a clique for personal gain, excluding dissidents, and slandering Xue Xiang.
Facing these accusations, Wen Yanbo remained unmoved and firmly denied Huang Ding's verdict. Seeing how tough their boss was, the Censorate and the Court of Remonstrance also stated that the imperial court's trial was invalid and that the Censorate would never admit it. They also demanded that the procuratorate immediately hand over the wanted criminal Xue Xiang.
The Censorate had no way out.
At this point, there is only one person who can truly solve this problem.
This person is the emperor.
The mature and prudent Zhao Yan, after reviewing the evidence submitted by the procuratorate, would definitely declare Xue Xiang not guilty, but he knew that once the imperial court made a ruling, it would put both parties into a desperate situation.
Since he was found not guilty, Xue Xiang had to be set free, but the Censorate's wanted warrant had not been revoked. What if the Censorate arrested Xue Xiang again?
This is not a big problem at first, but as the conflict escalates, it will become more and more deadly.
So Zhao Yan appealed to the emperor, hoping to convene a secret meeting to resolve the matter thoroughly before the imperial court made its decision.
Zhao Xu adopted Zhao Yan's suggestion and convened an important meeting in Chuigong Hall.
Facing Wen Yanbo, a veteran of three dynasties, Wang Anshi could not directly attack him as he did with Sima Guang. Instead, he said that the trial by the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs was open and very fair, and that Xue Xiang was framed.
Wen Yanbo said slowly, "Your Majesty, in fact, the Censorate has never changed, and has not targeted anyone. What really made this matter complicated was the public security, procuratorate and courts. This subordinate broke the law, so how can the superior not bear responsibility?"
At this point, he looked around at everyone and asked, "Haven't you made similar judgments and accusations?"
Zhao Yan and the others remained silent.
This is indeed the case. In the past, when Bao Zheng came to judge the case, he would also include Xue Xiang in the case.
Wen Yanbo went on to say: "No one has ever put the blame on the Censorate, because the court only has two or three censors assigned to each route, so it is difficult for them to supervise everything."
Wang Anshi knew very well that if he had to bear responsibility, it would only be administrative punishment, or demotion at most. However, the Censorate ruled that it was illegal and he would have to bear criminal responsibility. How could this be the same thing?
But he didn't dare to say so, because he had to ensure that Xue Xiang was appointed as the Third Commissioner. How could he be demoted? This was obviously a trap set by Wen Yanbo, so he said, "But the problem is that we now have the public security court. I was dissatisfied with many of their decisions before, but I still obeyed their decisions, not because I was afraid of them, but because they convinced people with fairness and justice."
This is also a very true statement.
Wen Yanbo immediately avoided the main point and said, "The problem is not this. The judgment of the Censorate is also fair and just. The reason why the Censorate found Xue Xiang guilty is that it has always been judged in this way.
In addition, when Xue Xiang raised objections, the Censorate also asked the Procuratorate to transfer the case to the Censorate. It was the Procuratorate that was unwilling to transfer the case. This is not the fault of the Censorate, but the public security, procuratorate and courts created contradictions in an attempt to weaken the authority of the Censorate. "
The older the better. Even in such a situation, Wen Yanbo still held his ground, which was something Zhao Yan had not expected.
That’s indeed the case.
The Censorate did say at the beginning that if you want to appeal, we will allow you to appeal, but if you refuse to transfer the case, you cannot blame it on us.
On the contrary, it is you, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, who are not abiding by the rules.
Wang Anshi sneered, "You can't blame Xue Xiang for this. Anyone would choose a fairer trial system. I believe that people all over the world would think that the trial system of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs is fairer and more just than that of the Censorate."
Wen Yanbo said: "If we want to be fair and just, we should first abide by the laws of the court. The Censorate and the Dali Temple are on the same level, and the public security, procuratorate and courts are under the Dali Temple. Therefore, the procuratorate has no right to review the cases decided by the Censorate."
Wang Anshi said: "I have already said this a long time ago, and the public security, procuratorate and court have also explained this. These are two different cases."
“That’s enough!”
Zhao Xu suddenly interrupted their argument and said, "You two have your own reasons, but my Chuigong Hall is not used to decide the winner, but to solve the problem.
I have read the judgment of the Censorate and I agree with it. I also went to the Imperial Court to watch the trial, which was also very fair. In my opinion, neither of you is wrong.
There was nothing wrong with the Censorate's verdict, but Xue Xiang also produced evidence to prove his innocence.
As for the Censorate and the Procuratorate, both sides are performing their duties. The Censorate has to take action when it finds that officials are illegally collecting taxes. At the same time, the Procuratorate is also following the rules when it appeals to the imperial court after obtaining solid evidence. There is no fault in either, and there is nothing to argue about. "
Zhao Yan, Zeng Gongliang, Chen Shengzhi, and Sima Guang immediately stood up and said in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."
They don't want this matter to reach a dead end.
Although Wang Anshi and Wen Yanbo were somewhat reluctant, they could only bow and say, "Your Majesty is wise."
Zhao Xu looked at the old minister in front of him, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, "This matter is settled."
After saying this, he got up and left.
However, both sides had mixed feelings about this result.
For the reformists, although Xue Xiang was saved, the Censorate's accusation against the new policy was not overturned, and some officials were still punished as a result.
This is the first time this has happened since the new policy was implemented.
The conservatives felt even more helpless as the victory that was so within their grasp was lost just like that. The key culprit was the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs that they had worked so hard to train.
Moreover, they believed that this was caused by Sima Guang's indecision. The Court of Criminal Justice was the only one that could control the public security, procuratorate and courts, but Sima Guang was unwilling to put pressure on them.
Now that the case has been settled, many of their officials believe that Sima Guang should be held responsible for the failure.
Court of trial.
"Why? In your opinion, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are just a knife made by you, a murder weapon?"
Sima Guang, who had been depressed for many days, suddenly became sharp and glanced over, "I thought you agreed with the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs because they are fair and just?"
"Does Mr. Sima think that the trial by the public security, procuratorate and court is fair and just?"
"Of course it's fair. The fact is that the Censorate didn't really have solid evidence that Xue Xiang had violated the law, which gave Xue Xiang the opportunity to take advantage of it. The public security, procuratorate and courts only prosecuted based on specific evidence, which is no different from before."
At this point, Sima Guang suddenly changed the subject, "Although Xue Xiang is not guilty, it does not mean that there is no problem with the Equalization Law. According to this prosecution, the Equalization Law not only hurts the interests of some people, but also hurts the interests of merchants from all over the country. This is the same as our previous prediction. The purpose of the Equalization Law is to make money for the country, which will definitely compete with the people for profits.
The reason why I support the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs is not only because of their fairer trial system, but also because of the legal system that protects the legitimate rights and interests of individuals. The legitimate rights and interests of businessmen should also be protected. I have learned that many businessmen from Jiangnan are preparing to file a formal lawsuit against the Shipping Department at the Procuratorate. "
This reversal shocked everyone.
In fact, everyone opposed the equalization of transport system to defend the interests of the landlords and the merchant class. They just were more euphemistic and explained it as fighting for the benefit of the people. Now they heard Sima Guang speak out clearly that he wanted to defend the rights and interests of the merchants and landlords. This was a direct showdown!
Damn! What a misunderstanding!
So it turns out you were planning on using your ultimate move!
You. You should have said it earlier!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
