Chapter 727 of the Main Text of the Northern Song Dynasty Chief Justice: Dead End? In fact, the conservative officials did not really want to force Sima Guang to resign. In fact, Sima Guang's base in the conservative faction was still very stable. After all, the people outside were all sent by him, such as Su Shi, Su Zhe, Fan Chunren and others.
They just hope Sima Guang will put pressure on the public security, procuratorate and courts. At least you have to stand up. As the leader, how can we support you if you don't say a word?
Sima Guang himself felt that he had let everyone down, and he really wanted to expel Xue Xiang from the court, but at the same time he was unwilling to put pressure on the public security, procuratorate and courts, so he could only resign. He was caught in the middle and felt uncomfortable.
Now Sima Guang not only stood up, but even directly expressed his willingness to defend the rights and interests of merchants and landlords. This is truly encouraging.
And having said that, this is actually the correct way to use the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
Initially, the conservatives supported Sima Guang's judicial reform in order to counter the new policy.
How to fight back?
It's defense, not offense.
Because the conservatives initially judged that the new policies would inevitably compete with the people's interests. If the people's interests could be protected, there would be no need to fear the new policies. This is a kind of check and balance.
On the contrary, the Censorate was aggressive.
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...
Therefore, although both targeted the equalization of transportation, their entry points were completely different. The Censorate directly accused the officials of the Shipping Department and wanted to convict them.
What Sima Guang was talking about was protecting the rights and interests of businessmen, which is what the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are good at.
Take this lawsuit for example. The main purpose of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs is to protect Xue Xiang's interests, not to kill the Censorate. The most they want to do is to humiliate him.
Therefore, whether to choose the Censorate or the public security, procuratorate or courts is actually a decision between offense and defense.
Now that the offense is not going well, it is only natural to switch to defense.
After the emperor made the decision, the Censorate first withdrew the arrest warrant against Xue Xiang, but it only withdrew the charges against Xue Xiang, not that the entire judgment of the Censorate was overturned. Only then did the imperial court give the final judgment and declare Xue Xiang not guilty.
The tacit understanding is beyond words.
On the day of the verdict, Xue Xiang was released.
Procuratorate.
"How could Xue Xiang dare to trouble Lord Wang to come and meet him in person?"
Xue Xiang, who had just arrived at the front yard, saw Wang Anshi chatting with Xu Zun, and immediately stepped forward and bowed.
Wang Anshi smiled and said, "You have returned triumphantly this time. I feel guilty for having encountered such setbacks. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Prosecutor Xu for seeking justice for you."
Xue Xiang also hurriedly thanked Xu Zun.
Xu Zun said hurriedly: "You two are too polite. This is all our responsibility."
Xue Xiang then asked Xu Zun, "Why isn't Prosecutor Zhang here?"
Before Xu Zun could speak, Wang Anshi snorted, "That kid has gone home to take care of his son."
"ah?"
Xue Xiang was stunned.
Xu Zun was embarrassed and remained silent.
Actually, Wang Anshi came here today originally to talk to Zhang Fei, but he didn't know that the guy was on vacation again. He really doesn't want to go to work unless he is fighting a lawsuit!
The three chatted for a while, and then Xue Xiang and Wang Anshi left.
After getting on the carriage, Xue Xiang suddenly said to Wang Anshi: "Mr. Wang, I heard that Prosecutor Zhang just welcomed his second son. Do you think I should go to his house to congratulate him and thank him for clearing my name?"
"After all these years, you really haven't changed at all!"
Wang Anshi smiled bitterly and said, "That guy is not short of money. His ability to make money is beyond your reach even if you take bribes."
"Is that so?"
Xue Xiang was surprised.
Wang Anshi added: "Those people in the court have always accused you of currying favor with the powerful and giving gifts to others. Can't you change your ways?"
Why did so many people impeach Xue Xiang? Including Sima Guang and Fan Chunren, they all disliked Xue Xiang. There must be some problems.
Xue Xiangzhen did everything from giving gifts to flattering others, which gave people a very low-class feeling.
When Wang Anshi recommended Xue Xiang to be the shipping envoy, Xue Xiang gave Wang Anshi a very precious purple ginseng, but Wang Anshi of course did not accept it.
Xue Xiang smiled bitterly, "My husband has been talented since he was young, and his writing skills are beyond the reach of the world. He has won the favor of many prime ministers. I don't have your talent. If I don't know the ways of the world, I'm afraid I will achieve nothing now."
For example, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were already famous when they were young, and later they followed Bao Zheng and Han Qi. Everyone had to give them some face, so they had the capital to not bow their heads.
Although Xue Xiang was also an official for generations, his family background was relatively ordinary. Moreover, since his grandfather had a good relationship with Ding Wei, he was not well-received. At the same time, he did not have the talent of Wang Anshi. If he did not flatter and give gifts, how could he have been promoted step by step?
Obviously this is impossible.
Wang Anshi waved his hands and said, "Forget it, forget it. I am too lazy to say anything to you, but when you take up the post of the Three Officials in the future, don't act like before."
He and Sima Guang were almost impeccable in terms of personal morality, but the difference was that Sima Guang would never associate with people like Xue Xiang, no matter how much Xue Xiang agreed with his governing philosophy. But Wang Anshi was different. Wang Anshi cared more about whether you agreed with my governing philosophy.
Xue Xiang's face lit up with joy, and he quickly clasped his fists and said, "Thank you, sir!"
“That’s enough!”
Wang Anshi raised his hand and said, "As long as you remember one thing, you will not let me down for supporting you."
Xue Xiang immediately said, "Please give me some advice, sir."
Wang Anshi said: "Don't be greedy for power, and don't be scared by them. Be bold and do it. If you succeed, you will be remembered in history. If you fail, you can just go home and retire."
Xue Xiang frowned, nodded and said, "Yes, I understand."
In fact, in this case, it was the first time that Wang Anshi realized that the emperor had grown up and no longer obeyed him. He seemed to be interested in stepping to the front. However, his character was that if you use me, I will do it drastically. It was impossible for him to be like Sima Guang, who was hesitant and thought that at worst he would go home and farm.
Therefore, the emperor's attitude could not affect his determination.
However, he was worried that this would affect Xue Xiang and others, so he was giving Xue Xiang a shot of prevention.
At this moment, Zhang Fei is really at home taking care of the children. As long as the lawsuit is over, he will take a vacation. He doesn't even want to touch ordinary official duties because they are too tedious.
"Xiao Xing'er! Xiao Xiao Xing'er!"
"Gee, gee!"
"Ha ha!"
Zhang Fei was seen lying on the edge of the bed, teasing the baby and making him laugh, which made him laugh too.
Xu Zhiqian, as a mother, sat aside and read the official documents. "Ah, this is so unfair. Obviously, there are many problems with the Censorate in this case, but the court did not even say a word of blame. Maybe it's just for the sake of Duke Wen's face."
This workaholic. Zhang Fei quietly rolled his eyes, then gently held his son in his arms and turned around, "I think this factor is a factor to some extent. But it is definitely not the main reason. Think about it, among all the government offices, which one does the emperor hate the most? Isn't it the Censorate? But no emperor has ever said that he wants to abolish the Censorate."
Xu Zhiqian said: "I didn't say that the Censorate should be abolished, but at least there should be accountability. Many censors have been punished in the past."
Zhang Fei kissed his son's little face and said nonchalantly: "In this case, if the emperor wants to hold the Censorate accountable, the impact will be significant. It may give ministers a misunderstanding that the public security, procuratorate and courts are above the Censorate.
However, the fact is that the government may not think that the Censorate is wrong, because the duty of the Censorate is to kill the wrong person rather than let him go. So..."
He looked up at Xu Zhiqian and said with a smile, "Don't complain. Maybe the Censorate is more depressed than you."
Xu Zhiqian asked, "Why are they depressed?"
Zhang Fei said: "In any case, this case has set a precedent that the procuratorate can intervene in the cases of the Censorate. This is enough. If we take one more step forward, it will be more harm than good for our public security, procuratorate and courts."
Xu Zhiqian asked curiously: "Why is this?"
Zhang Fei explained: "Since our procuratorate can intervene, the Censorate's report on the matter is not that scary. This will win the support of many ministers for the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, because it can be regarded as leaving them a way out.
But if we greatly weaken the power of the Censorate, then the public security, procuratorate and courts will be the big villains, and the public security, procuratorate and courts are not the Censorate, and we will immediately fall into a desperate situation. "
Even if the Censorate came to his door and stuck its head in front of Zhang Fei, Zhang Fei would not move. Instead, he would send them back safely. From the beginning to the end, he was pursuing a balanced relationship rather than a monopoly.
Because he knew very well that a monopoly of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs would be a very terrifying existence. In comparison, the Censorate was a piece of dregs. Therefore, he had been suppressing the checks and balances of power by the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, maintaining a balance with other government offices, and only arguing about right and wrong, rather than fighting for power and profit.
Rich mansion.
"What is the current situation of the Imperial Censorate?"
Fu Bi asked Wen Yanbo with a smile.
Wen Yanbo smiled and said, "What else can we do? Of course, he is very frustrated and threatened to send someone to keep an eye on everyone in the public security, procuratorial and judicial departments."
Fu Bi asked again: "Is there no one to blame you?"
Wen Yanbo said: "Why do you want to blame me? I have already tried my best. Who would have thought that the boy could turn the tables and find so much evidence."
At this point, he sighed deeply and suddenly looked at Fu Bi again, "Although I didn't succeed, Mr. Fu's wish was also in vain. The emperor is smarter than Mr. Fu imagined. He didn't even say a word of blame, let alone let the public security, procuratorate and courts override the Censorate."
Fu Bi said: "This matter is not so easy, and I don't expect to accomplish it overnight, but after all, the public security, procuratorate and court can review the case of the Censorate, which is already very good."
Wen Yanbo shook his head and said, "But I still don't agree that the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs can replace the laws of our ancestors. It is not difficult to see from this case that the government can return the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to their original form at any time, and the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs can only stop here. The laws of our ancestors are more legitimate."
Fu Bi frowned and thought, "But the ancestral law has been destroyed by Wang Jiefu and Zhang San. We must choose another way."
Wen Yanbo said: "But the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs do not give us any hope. Judging from what Zhang San did, he is more likely to help the government and limit the power of the prime minister. This approach is no different from what Wang Jiefu did."
Fu Bi said: "That being said, the current situation is still developing in a positive direction. Since the establishment of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, everyone has restrained themselves a lot, including the royal relatives."
Wen Yanbo said: "That's only because the government still needs the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, so they are willing to compromise. But in my opinion, this is just a mirage, and it is impossible to move forward."
Fu Bi sighed, "To be honest, I still haven't figured out how to break this deadlock."
Wen Yanbo said: "Maybe it can't be broken at all."
He was a conservative among conservatives and upheld the laws of his ancestors. However, that did not mean that he thought the system established by his ancestors was perfect. Rather, when everyone upheld the laws of their ancestors, they would be able to limit the imperial power, thus laying the foundation for the emperor and the literati to rule the world together.
If there were no ancestral laws, this statement would not be true.
Why did Fu Bi, Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu, Wen Yanbo and other Qingli reformists oppose Wang Anshi's reforms at all costs?
Although as people get older, their thoughts tend to be conservative, which is human nature and this is definitely a factor, does it make them so conservative?
Not necessarily.
In fact, there are many reasons. First, Wang Anshi advocated profit above all else, and his new policies were entirely centered around finance, which undermined the Confucian tradition of governing the country.
The second, and most important, point is that Wang Anshi wanted to strengthen the emperor's centralization of power, which undermined the foundation for the emperor and the literati to rule the world together.
They were all old ministers, all born in the Renzong era, an era when the emperor and the literati ruled the world together and reached their peak. Of course, they all hoped to continue along this path, and the emperor had to admit that he could not govern the country well alone.
But unfortunately, things took a sharp turn for the worse since Emperor Shenzong ascended the throne.
It seems to be a dispute over the concept of governing the country, but hidden in this
In history, although Wang Anshi's reform failed, it was also a complete failure in conservative terms, because after the efforts of Emperor Shenzong, the centralization of power by the emperor was finally completed during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song.
Maybe it's fate.
Shenzong wanted to centralize power mainly to enrich the country, strengthen the military, and expand the territory, but in the end, all the power fell into the head of an artist, which is really frustrating.
From this we can also see the pros and cons of centralization.
Governing the world together with the literati, even the smallest matters can take a long time and eventually come to nothing. If the emperor's words were law, this problem would not exist. But you must ensure that there are wise rulers from generation to generation. Otherwise, if you encounter an artist, everything will be over.
The goals of Wen Yanbo and Fu Bi were exactly the same, which was to limit the imperial power, but the difference was that Wen Yanbo still advocated the Mandate of Heaven, the laws of ancestors, and the entire Confucian system.
But Fu Bi believed that since the "three deficiencies" raised by Wang Anshi and the formal inclusion of the ancestral laws into the Song Dynasty Criminal Code, the ancestral laws had been gradually drifting away. He believed that the literati should unite around the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
Wen Yanbo had tried before before he agreed to let Sima Guang serve as the Chief Censor, but gradually, he found that the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems were a dead end and were still completely controlled by the emperor, and there was no way to break the deadlock.
From Cheng Fang to the Imperial City Bureau, and then to the Censorate, it is not difficult to see that the public security, procuratorate and courts did not dare to take this step. It was just that Zhang Fei had better eloquence and higher legal attainments, which covered this up.
But just from the perspective of fairness and justice, shouldn't they be punished?
What Cheng Fang did was even worse than what Wang Hong did. Wang Hong did not engage in corruption or bribery, and he was also doing his best to help the national treasury collect taxes.
Wen Yanbo has run out of patience with the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs and is becoming increasingly dissatisfied.
This case is actually an expression of dissatisfaction of many conservatives towards the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
But it is different with the laws of our ancestors. Even if you shout the laws of our ancestors in front of the emperor, the emperor would not dare to say you are wrong. After all, Confucianism is deeply rooted.
In fact, Fu Bi does not see the possibility of breaking the deadlock for the time being, but he believes that at least the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems are still developing and we should not draw conclusions too early.
Sima Guang did not think as deeply as they did. He still focused on the country.
Judging from the final judgment, neither the problem of the Censorate nor the problem of the Equalization of Transport Law was resolved.
It must not end here.
Although this plan was proposed by Zhang Fei, he actually agreed with it very much, so he agreed to Zhang Fei.
On the third day after the verdict was announced, under the manipulation of the conservatives, a group of wealthy businessmen from Jiangnan suddenly came to the procuratorate and wanted to sue the Southeast Six Routes Shipping Bureau, accusing it of using its power to usurp their legitimate rights and interests, causing the people in the southeast to live in poverty and complain, seriously endangering the country, and hoped that the procuratorate could protect their legitimate rights and interests.
This case is truly earth-shattering.
The merchants in the capital were all shocked. Are these merchants crazy?
Although merchants had a relatively high status in the Song Dynasty, that was only relative. Otherwise, Wang Anshi would not have chosen these wealthy businessmen to target.
But what is even more outrageous is that the procuratorate actually accepted their complaint and said it would investigate the matter.
When Wang Anshi heard the news, he was furious. This is really the case of good people being bullied. Are you guys done yet? This matter has already ended, but you come to complain again. I have nothing to do but accompany you in the lawsuit every day.
It goes without saying that there must be someone supporting this.
Otherwise, how would those Jiangnan merchants dare to report the Transport Bureau in the capital?
Zhang family!
Wang Anshi glared at Zhang Fei, "Don't tell me, this has nothing to do with you. I know Sima Lao's character better than you do. He would never think of such a solution. Only you could think of it, and this is not the first time you have done this."
Zhang Fei had used this trick in Hezhong Prefecture, where he instigated the salt merchants to file a complaint with the government.
A habitual offender.
Zhang Fei still looked aggrieved and said, "Didn't you, Master Wang, tell me to do this?"
“Nonsense.”
Wang Anshi was so anxious that he stood up and said, "When did I ask you to do this?"
Zhang Fei said, "It was you, Scholar Wang, who asked me to find a way to keep Scholar Sima."
Wang Anshi was stunned for a moment and asked, "What does this have to do with this matter?"
Zhang Fei said: "Why did Scholar Sima decide to leave? Scholar Wang should know very well. The previous case has caused a great impact on his authority. If he wants to regain everyone's support, he must use you, Scholar Wang, as a scapegoat!"
".!"
Listen!
Is this even human language?
Wang Anshi was so angry that he almost fainted, and his eyebrows kept twitching.
Zhang Fei didn't dare to play anymore, and laughed, "Master Wang, please calm down. I'm actually thinking about Master Wang."
Wang Anshi was so angry that he laughed, "Maybe one day, even if you stab me, you can shamelessly say that you are doing it for my own good."
That's a must. Zhang Fei said secretly, but said: "How dare I do that, but I think Wang Xueshi doesn't want the incident with Xue Fayun to happen again, right?"
Wang Anshi said nothing.
Zhang Fei said: "But judging from the current situation, it is bound to happen. It's not just the equalization law, but also the green seedling law, the exemption law, and so on. No one can do it perfectly, and there will definitely be problems."
Wang Anshi was puzzled and asked, "But what does this have to do with this matter?"
Zhang Fei said: "The charges brought by those businessmen are not enough for the procuratorate to file a lawsuit with the imperial court."
The more Wang Anshi listened, the more confused he became. "Then why did you do this?"
Zhang Fei said: "Hearing."
Wang Anshi frowned.
Zhang Fei said: "I believe that Master Wang also knows that almost everyone is dissatisfied with the verdict of this case, including Xue Fayunshi and you, Master Wang. Everyone thinks that they have been wronged.
Many people also believe that there are indeed some problems with the equalization method. If these issues are not made clear and solutions are not found, such issues will continue to occur, which may even make the shipping companies afraid to act rashly, and will also affect the efficiency of the shipping companies. "
These words hit Wang Anshi's soft spot.
Since the emperor was no longer completely in favor of the new policy, Wang Anshi was worried that this would shake the confidence of the reformist officials and make them timid. That was why he told Xue Xiang to go ahead and do it.
Zhang Fei added: "The hearing does not involve any illegal issues, but only focuses on raising and solving problems. This will not undermine the Equalization Law, but will make it stronger and ensure that situations like Xue Fayun will not occur again."
Wang Anshi asked: "So you also think that the equalization method does have problems?"
Zhang Fei said: "From the evidence provided by those merchants, the equalization system does have some major problems and must be corrected in a timely manner."
Wang Anshi asked, “For example?”
"Money shortage!"
Zhang Fei said: "According to the evidence provided so far, the Shipping Department took a large amount of coins from many regions, but there was no system to return the coins, which led to a serious shortage of coins in many regions, which seriously affected the development of these regions. At the same time, local people could not produce coins, which further made it difficult for the equal transportation system to be maintained in the local area."
Wang Anshi said: "How is this possible? The principle of the equalization system is to move the rich to the poor and use the nearby to replace the distant. Unless those areas have poor harvests every year, there will be a shortage of money."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "There are indeed some areas that have had poor harvests for three consecutive years. What's more fatal is that some places are very far away from the capital, and the roads are rugged and relatively closed. For cost considerations, the Shipping Department will generally only collect money from the local area, and will not easily spend money to buy food in those areas. Even if it is sold to a relatively close place, the transportation cost is very high."
Sorry for posting late. I had a stiff neck today and my eye sockets are swollen from pulling. So I write a little slowly...
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