"Let's go to the backyard for a cup of tea?"
Fu Bi, who stood up with difficulty, supported himself with his hands on his knees, and spoke to Han Qi, who was supported by an old servant.
Han Qi waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I'm going home to rest first. I'm a little tired."
Fu Bi didn't force it and nodded with a smile.
The hearing was over, which also meant that they had new work to do. The issues raised at the hearing all needed to be resolved by policies. Fu Bi invited Han Qi simply to hear his advice.
But the current leader is Sima Guang, and the one who makes the decision is not Han Qi. How could Han Qi be willing to follow Sima Guang?
Although Han Qi was more conservative in terms of ideology, he kept a certain distance from both the conservatives and the reformists. Unless he met them by chance, he would never get involved.
The main reason is that he is old and has no such need, so why bother himself with trouble?
In fact, Fu Bi had thought the same as him before, but the emergence of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs aroused a trace of impulse in Fu Bi's heart.
"Lord Wen, I suspect Xue Xiang is not telling the truth. How could the one million guan of surplus be in Xihe?"
...
...
Jiang Zhiqi and some other censors still refused to give up. They had set such a trap, but there was not even a ripple. Seeing that it was just a breeze, they found it hard to accept.
The young emperor was notoriously stingy, so how could he secretly transfer his money to the Xihe area?
If he wanted to allocate funds, he could have said so clearly, because Wang Anshi would definitely support it, and the money was in the inner treasury and no one could stop it.
Wen Yanbo simply said: "For such a big matter, they shouldn't dare to lie. If you don't believe it, just go and investigate it yourself."
You didn't report to me before, but now you come to me to make the decision. Go and have fun by yourselves.
Jiang Zhiqi and others looked at each other, their eyes full of dissatisfaction.
In fact, they came to Wen Yanbo to see whether he would stop them, rather than to ask him to support them, because they would definitely investigate the matter.
Sima Guang and his colleagues were very clear about the purpose of this hearing, but most businessmen were not very clear about it, and they seemed to be immersed in the answers just now.
After Zhang Fei and the others had packed up and left, many people were still standing there in a daze.
They all have a feeling, which is, "What is the purpose of holding this hearing?"
Including those merchants from Jiangnan, they themselves were confused and didn't know why they were here.
After the entire hearing, they only understood one thing.
The answer is “public security, procuratorial and judicial organs”.
The wealthy Xiangguo Temple would naturally not be as stingy as the imperial court. After the trial, it drove away the distinguished guests to go back and eat.
Xiangguo Temple provided vegetarian meals to entertain these distinguished guests.
You should know that many high-ranking officials in the Song Dynasty believed in Buddhism.
Even Wang Anshi, who later retired to the mountains and studied Buddhism, was not in the mood at this moment. When he passed by the Buddha statue, he did not even have time to take a look at it, but went straight to Zhang Fei's room.
Zhang Fei first asked Xu Zhiqian to sort out the documents. After Xu Zhiqian left, he said to Wang Anshi, "Mr. Wang, please take a seat."
After Wang Anshi sat down, he asked in confusion: "You clearly invited me to testify, why did you change your mind at the last minute?"
Under the atmosphere at that time, he had a lot to say and was ready to go on stage to show off his singing voice, no, to show off his eloquence, but it ended suddenly, which made him a little unhappy.
Zhang Fei was surprised and asked, "I remember that Master Wang didn't like to testify in court?"
"This is one thing at a time."
Wang Anshi waved his hand.
Whether it is a civil lawsuit or a criminal case, he really doesn't like to testify in court, mainly because it is too small-scale and meaningless.
But this hearing is really different from a trial. A trial is more aggressive, while a hearing is relatively matter-of-fact. Especially when he saw Xue Xiang being able to speak so eloquently at the hearing, he actually felt a little itchy.
Zhang Fei explained: "The reason is very simple. It is because the answer given by Envoy Xue Fayun was perfect and exceeded my expectations. It was enough for the procuratorate to dismiss the accusations of those merchants. Therefore, there is no need for Master Wang to testify."
Wang Anshi laughed and said, "Is it because Xue Xiang praised the public security, procuratorate and courts?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "This is indeed the turning point of this case."
Wang Anshi looked at Zhang Fei curiously, "Why didn't I realize before that you like to hear these words?"
Zhang Fei explained with a smile: "Everyone likes to hear nice words, but it really has nothing to do with this. It's mainly because Xue Fayun's words almost completely ignored the problems that were not conducive to the equalization of transportation."
At this point, his expression changed and he said seriously: "Because the key to this case is whether there are problems with the equalization law, which infringes on the rights and interests of merchants, and from the facts, it seems that there are some problems.
However, Xue Fayun cleverly sorted out the relationship and gave a specific conclusion, that is, there was actually no problem with the design concept of the Equalization of Transport System, and the problems were caused by the court's lack of laws.
Judging from the specific facts, this is also true. The Equalized Transport System is just the court's own supply allocation system. It is to protect its own rights and interests, not to infringe on the rights and interests of merchants. This is understandable.
However, due to the merchants' own lack of security and distrust of the government, they kept their distance, which caused a series of problems.
I think many people would not be able to refute this point.
This will also be conducive to the implementation of the new policy because it will completely separate policy design and policy implementation.
If there are problems in implementation, it may not be a policy problem, but may be due to other factors. This will also make the new policy more stable, which is what I promised Mr. Wang. "
Wang Anshi was of course aware of this and said, "Even so, if I go up and add a few words, will I be a hindrance?"
"meeting."
"Um?"
"Master Wang, please be patient."
Zhang Fei explained with a smile: "Suppose that Wang Xueshi was sitting on it just now and said the same thing as Xue Fayunshi, do you think it would have such an effect?"
Wang Anshi said, "I wouldn't say that."
Zhang Fei said: "What I mean is that this occasion is actually more suitable for Xue Fayunshi, not for Wang Xueshi."
Wang Anshi asked, "What do you mean?"
Zhang Fei said: "If this is a discussion on whether the equalization law should be promulgated, then we must ask Wang Xueshi to explain it. However, this is a discussion on the problems encountered during the implementation process. Obviously, Xue Fayunsi is more suitable, after all, Xue Fayunshi is the executor.
And Master Wang, you are one of the decision makers, and you have to consider so many things. The same sentence, coming from the mouth of Xue Fayunshi and the mouth of Master Wang, may have completely different results.
If Wang Xueshi agrees with the public security, procuratorate and courts, it may cause dissatisfaction among many people. Judging from this hearing, Wang Xueshi will let the executors handle such occasions in the future, and he will be in charge of the overall situation and guard the last hurdle. "
Wang Anshi nodded slightly. Indeed, he still had to consider the opinions of his subordinates, but Xue Xiang had no such concerns at all. Even if Xue Xiang made a mistake, he could make adjustments based on subsequent reactions. The key point was that whether it was a trial or a hearing, there were rules, and objectivity was stronger than subjectivity. Anyone could be left speechless by a question.
After a while, Wang Anshi suddenly asked, "So, you plan to take this opportunity to promote public security, procuratorial and judicial systems in the six southeastern routes?"
Zhang Fei said truthfully: "I am not sure about this, because this was decided by Sima Xueshi and others, but the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs can indeed solve some of the problems of the equal transportation law. Envoy Xue Fayun has already explained this in court."
Wang Anshi snorted, "But it will also bring some trouble to the equalization of transportation."
Don't fool me, we all know what's going on.
If the public security, procuratorate and courts were to go, the shipping company might end up losing money!
There are gains and losses in buying and selling. Only with the support of power can you ensure profits without losses.
"I don't see it that way."
Zhang Fei shook his head. "The public security, procuratorial and judicial organs will not bring any trouble to the equalization law. It is the equalization law that has design flaws that are causing trouble for us."
Wang Anshi frowned when he heard this. "What defect?"
“Too simplistic and crude.”
Zhang Fei said.
Wang Anshi immediately said, "I have already been very tactful."
He tried every possible means to make his new policies justifiable.
Zhang Fei said: "I mean in name only."
"Nominally?"
"It means the government is directly involved in the business."
Zhang Fei said: "As long as this point does not change, everyone can always use this as an excuse to attack the equalization of transportation. Everything can be attributed to one sentence: who can do better than the government in business.
Moreover, this is not conducive to the implementation of the equalization law. Officials who are too upright will be cautious and timid, fearing that they will be criticized. Officials who are too treacherous will deceive their superiors and subordinates, embezzle and accept bribes, and bend the law for personal gain.
Because of this limitation, it is difficult for the equalization method to reach its full potential.”
In fact, Su Shi had also pointed this out, but Zhang Fei made the same words sound much more appealing because Zhang Fei was always speaking from Wang Anshi's perspective.
Su Shi said that you can’t do this, something bad will definitely happen.
Wang Anshi’s answer was very straightforward: Get out of here.
But Zhang Fei said that doing so would not be enough to unleash the potential of the Equalization of Transport System. In other words, it would not fully demonstrate your talent, Wang Anshi.
Wang Anshi also humbly asked: "In your opinion, what should we do?"
"In fact, there was no good solution before, but now with the business law, things are different."
"Business Law?"
Wang Anshi was surprised and asked, "What does this have to do with the business law?"
Zhang Fei said: "This business office is between the government and the people. I wonder if Mr. Wang has discovered that the Shipping Department is engaged in business, and many people question it. But the business office is actually doing business, and everyone thinks it is reasonable. In this case, why not combine the equalization of transportation and the business office together."
Wang Anshi thought about it and realized that the Business Office was more profit-oriented than the Shipping Department. He asked, "Are you saying that we should set up a business office specifically to do this business?"
Zhang Fei said: "You can't say this directly, you have to be more tactful."
"How's that for euphemism?" Wang Anshi asked puzzledly.
Zhang Fei said: "It is to mix together the disadvantages of redundant officials, the disadvantages of mergers, the Changping Warehouse Law, the Enterprise Law, the Equalized Transport Law, and national security. Then, based on this, a super enterprise agency was established."
Super again?
The last time a super promotion came, Changpingsi.
Wang Anshi was a little excited and asked, "What do you mean?"
This sounds a bit too complicated, mixing all these factors together.
Zhang Fei said: "First, in the name of eliminating the problem of redundant officials, the two government regulations department funded the establishment of a business office, but if all kinds of business were allowed, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction among many people.
We have to find a reason that they can't object to, and that reason is the Changping Warehouse Law. It's just that this Changping Warehouse Law is mixed with the Junshu Law.
In the past, the Changping Warehouse System was a self-circulation system in a state. When the price of grain was high, grain was sold; when the price of grain was low, grain was bought, in order to stabilize prices.
In fact, the equalization and transport system is similar to it, except that the equalization and transport system is to sell grain from abundant areas to poor areas. The effect is similar, except that it can cross state capitals.
But the Changping Warehouse Law is a recognized good law, and Sima Xueshi and others highly praised it. So if we combine the system of Junshufa with the concept of Changping Warehouse Law, it will be more just. "
Wang Anshi nodded repeatedly after hearing this.
Zhang Fei continued, "In addition, the equal transportation method also takes into account the supply of grain to the capital, which involves national security. For this reason, the business office can also bear the responsibility of grain reserves. This can correct another drawback of the equal transportation method, which is that the cycle is too short. The current requirement for the equal transportation method is to make a profit every year, which obviously puts too much pressure on the Shipping Department. However, if it shoulders the responsibility of grain reserves, it will become a long-term investment and can make long-term layouts. Wang Xueshi can also do it with ease.
Once this business agency completes its grain reserves and becomes the country's largest grain merchant, covering the entire country, it can, to a certain extent, invisibly weaken the status of landlords and gentry, combat land annexation, and achieve true state-led development, while leaving Sima Xueshi and his men speechless. "
Wang Anshi's eyes flashed as he heard this, as if his Ren and Du meridians were opened. All the fragmented plans in his mind were connected together, making his new policy more three-dimensional. He said happily, "Super Business Agency, this is a good idea."
After that, he asked again: "In other words, this business agency only deals in grain trading?"
"Yes."
Zhang Fei nodded, "But this is enough, because controlling food is equivalent to controlling everything, which can subtly affect other transactions without being blamed. Nowadays, the transactions involved in the equalization method are too many and too complicated, which makes it easier for people to defeat them one by one.
I dare say that as long as merchants are allowed to compete fairly, shipping companies will face losing all their money in many transactions because they will not be able to handle them all.
However, once the Shipping Department suffers losses, it will not be able to report to its superiors, and some officials may take risks, which will cause a series of problems.
Of course, in order to be more just and legitimate, this government office could allocate money to establish an agricultural college to specialize in agricultural research, recruit more young students, and make the foundation more solid. Just like the water conservancy college in Hebei."
Wang Anshi nodded and said, "Yes, as long as we control the food, we can control everything. If I had known this, I should not have transferred Xue Xiang back to the capital. If we want to set up this business office, we need a smart and capable official to preside over it."
Zhang Fei immediately said: "If Master Wang can't find a suitable candidate for the time being, I have a substitute candidate here."
Wang Anshi hurriedly asked, "Who?"
Zhang Fei said: "Cai Jing."
"Cai Jing?"
Wang Anshi thought for a moment before he said, "Oh, is it Cai Jing, the student who went to Hezhong Prefecture with you?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "That's the person."
Wang Anshi said: "I admire his younger brother Cai Bian more."
Zhang Fei said: "In fact, the two brothers each have their own strengths, but in this matter alone, Cai Bian is not as good as Cai Jing."
Wang Anshi asked, "Why?"
Zhang Fei said: "First, Cai Jing's financial ability is better than Cai Bian's;
Secondly, Cai Jing was more ambitious and his methods were more vicious;
Finally, Cai Jing is not bound by Confucian ethics and is selfish. As long as the benefits are great enough, he will definitely betray me without mercy. "
Was this a recommendation of talent? Wang Anshi was surprised and asked, "You would also use such a villain?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "If we let Scholar Sima take charge of this office, will it be successful?"
Wang Anshi didn't even think about it, "Of course not."
Deny it first.
“That’s exactly what’s going on.”
Zhang Fei said: "Because Cai Jing is very ambitious, he will take this matter very seriously, because he knows that once he does this well, he will definitely enter the Political Affairs Hall, but if he messes up, he will be completely finished. In other words, there is no benefit that can convince him to betray Wang Xueshi, this is a great opportunity to become a prime minister.
In addition, those landlords are not good people. Unless you find a ruthless one, you can't beat them at all. Xue Fayun is actually a little afraid, but Cai Jing is a newborn calf that is not afraid of a tiger. He will definitely not show mercy to those landlords.
But blindly acting recklessly will not work. Fortunately, Cai Jing is very familiar with the operating system of the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems, and he knows how to avoid being entangled by them.
After the situation stabilizes, Wang Xueshi can transfer him back and send a more stable person to take over, which can also prevent him from controlling too much power. Cai Jing is just a sharp blade with a broken mouth, which can be put away after use, so as to avoid the negative impact it brings. "
Wang Anshi nodded. "Hearing what you said, Cai Jing is indeed a good candidate. But I still need to think about this matter seriously."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Of course, I am just recommending a backup candidate."
Wang Anshi suddenly asked, "Oh, right! Since you have such a good idea, why do you keep it secret until now?"
Zhang Fei immediately explained: "I also found specific countermeasures based on the specific situation. When the Equalization of Transportation Law was promulgated, there was no business bureau, and I didn't know that the Equalization of Transportation Law would encounter these problems."
"That's true."
Wang Anshi smiled again, "Okay, I will seriously consider this matter."
This plan was really a timely help, because the new policy was currently facing difficulties, mainly because Zhao Xu no longer supported him unreservedly, so he had to find another way.
This super business agency can connect his entire plan together, and the new policy will inevitably become more stable.
In a room not far away, a heated discussion was also taking place.
"This Xue Xiang is really cunning."
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said, "What you said is that you are blaming the problem on the imperfection of the law, which is equivalent to putting the responsibility on the public security, procuratorate and courts. It's really hard for people to refute this."
Wang Anshi's new policy was somewhat ahead of its time, and he attributed it to the imperfection of the law, which was actually reasonable.
But if we say that there is no advanced system, this reason is actually untenable. The question is, since we already have public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, why not use them?
Fu Bi said: "Since the other party has raised this question, we must accept it. Otherwise, even if these problems become more serious, we will not be able to blame them."
When the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs were first established, it was to check and balance the new policies. Now they welcome you to come and check and balance them. If you don’t come, then you are just a troublemaker!
Liu Shu asked, "Could this be a conspiracy?"
Sima Guang asked: "What conspiracy?"
Liu Shu said: "Many people have been suspecting that Zhang San and Wang Jiefu are in cahoots. After all their efforts, they are planning to promote the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs in Southeast Sixth Road. Maybe they want the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to escort Wang Jiefu's new law."
Sima Guang waved his hand and said, "I don't even want to talk about this, but you guys are still pestering me. Let me ask you, is Fan Yaofu trustworthy?"
Liu Shu nodded immediately and said, "Of course you are trustworthy?"
Sima Guang then asked: "Su Zizhan, are Su Ziyu trustworthy?"
Liu Shu nodded again.
Sima Guang clapped his hands on his chest, "Then am I trustworthy?"
Liu Shu was about to cry out of grievance. I was just talking, why are you so excited? He nodded and said aggrievedly, "I have never doubted you, Jun Shi, my lord!"
Sima Guang asked with tears in his eyes: "Then why don't you trust the public security, procuratorate and courts?"
".?"
Liu Shu was stunned.
yes!
All over the country, the public security, procuratorate and courts are our people!
Zhang San is not even a prosecutor. The only power he has in the court is his father-in-law. What does he count for?
This is why Sima Guang never doubted it. He just wanted to bring down Xue Xiang at that time, so he understood what Liu Shu and others did very well. However, he was unwilling to use his power to put pressure on the public security, procuratorate and courts, so he thought about resigning.
It wasn't that he had any doubts about the public security, procuratorate, courts or Zhang Fei.
Seeing Liu Shu's frustration, Wen Yanbo couldn't help but ask curiously, "Junshi! Liu Xiaoshu was just asking, why are you so excited?"
Sima Guang was stunned for a moment, and then realized that he was a little excited. He quickly bowed to Liu Shu and said, "I was a little excited just now. I hope Uncle Xiao will forgive me."
"How dare I? How dare I? Lord Junshi is right. I am just being too stubborn." Liu Shu also quickly bowed in return.
He only now realized that his suspicion was groundless.
Fu Bi said with a smile: "Don't bother Junshi. He is so worried about the staffing problem that he may not even be able to eat."
Wen Yanbo suddenly understood and started laughing.
It's the same old problem again.
Sima Guang said in embarrassment: "Please don't laugh at me, Lord Wen. This is really a difficult problem. Where can we find people? We haven't even started in Hebei, let alone the six routes in the southeast."
Wen Yanbo said, "Can't you lower your standards a little? Just good moral character is enough. You don't have to be familiar with the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems. You can slowly understand it after you go there."
Fu Bi said: "You can't say that. As for the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, it doesn't matter if one's moral conduct is slightly flawed, but one must be familiar with the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, because the essence of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs lies in their system."
Sima Guang was very stubborn and said, "What you two said is biased. We must consider both of them when choosing a candidate. Otherwise, we will make the same mistake as Wang Jiefu."
Wen Yanbo said, "Don't even think about it for two or three years."
Sima Guang said: "At least three years. Zhang San and Su Ziyou stayed in Hezhong Prefecture for three years before they slowly extended the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems to the surrounding areas, not to mention the six southeastern routes."
“It’s not that there is no way.”
Fu Bi suddenly said.
Sima Guang hurriedly asked, "What good plan does Mr. Fu have?"
Fu Bi said, "There are two ways. The first is to emulate the success of Hezhong Prefecture. Aren't there one or two groups of students graduating from the Law School? Let Zhang San take them to the Southeast Sixth Road."
Sima Guang glanced at Liu Shu and said, "I'm afraid this won't work under the current circumstances."
Sima Guang trusted the talents of the Law School very much, but the gap between Zhang San and the conservatives was getting bigger and bigger. The six southeastern routes were the base camp of the conservatives. If Zhang San was allowed to take people there, both the reformists and the conservatives might attack him.
Fu Bi said: "Then we can only do the opposite. All the backbones in the capital area will be transferred to the southeast area, and Zhang San will stay in the capital area with his students."
Sima Guang couldn't help but think about it when he heard this.
Even though it's just a replacement of a group of people, there is a world of difference. If Zhang Fei were to take his men to the southeast six routes, everyone would be worried, as both factions wouldn't quite trust him. But if Zhang Fei were to stay in the capital, there would be nothing to worry about, because they would all be watching and could even intervene directly.
At the same time, the public security, procuratorial and judicial officials in the capital area can be said to be the earliest batch of public security, procuratorial and judicial officials. They are very familiar with the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems. At the same time, most of them are well-known officials. There will definitely be obstacles when they go to Jiangnan, but they will definitely not be as great as Zhang Fei's.
(End of this chapter)
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