(The ending of the previous article has been modified. It is about the Xihe Tubo issue, not the Xixia incident...)
This is really what you fear!
Moreover, the specific situation was more serious and complicated than Wang Anshi had imagined.
The one who fought against the Song Dynasty this time was the Tibetan leader Dong Zhen, also known as Gu.
However, they were willing to submit to the Song Dynasty not out of loyalty, but to ensure the stability of the Zuosilo regime.
But they didn't know that the Song Dynasty suddenly wanted to expand its border in Xihe, which directly endangered their Zuosilo regime. So Dong Jian immediately turned to form an alliance with Western Xia, and the Queen Mother Liang of Western Xia even married her beloved daughter to him.
This time, not only Zuosilo sent troops, but Western Xia also stationed troops on the border, preparing to launch an attack.
The Song army's entry into Xihe forced the two sides to form an alliance.
At the same time, letters were sent one after another from Suizhou, Yanzhou, Fuzhou and other places, requesting to send troops to Western Xia, mainly from the Zhe family, the Zhong family and the Gao family.
In fact, there was also a hidden internal struggle among the military generals. Wang Shao's faction was in charge of the management of Xihe, while Zhong Yan, Zhe Jishi and their faction advocated the management of Hengshan and attacking Western Xia from Hengshan.
...
...
After Wang Shao achieved a great victory, most of the resources in the northwest were invested in the Xihe area, especially the bounty this time, which made the Hengshan faction so envious that their eyes were bleeding.
Because this is after the reform
He was really born at the wrong time. We were the ones who won the battle, but the court just happened to be short of money. That was between the fourth year of Zhiping and the first year of Xining, when Wang Shao was a rookie and was doing things blindly, and that happened to be the time when the court had money.
The key is that after the last military trial, the morale of the Western Army is high, and the general is no longer so afraid of the civil officials supervising the army. I will let you supervise, but you don't interfere blindly. If you are not satisfied, we will go to the imperial court to sue.
They really want to fight!
Now that they saw that something had happened in Xihe, they quickly wrote to the court, asking us to come and send troops to Xixia to resolve Xihe's predicament.
Originally, the court was mostly doves. Sima Guang and others did not advocate expanding the border to Xihe. They also warned Zhao Xu that the various Tibetan tribes had good relations and should unite to suppress Western Xia. However, expanding the border to Xihe would inevitably anger Tibet and cause it to side with Western Xia.
At that time, the entire Xihe border expansion plan was mainly promoted by Zhao Xu and Wang Anshi relying on power.
But times have changed.
Now the emperor and the powerful are fighting fiercely.
Internal fighting is endless fun.
The situation in the DPRK became very delicate.
When the powerful people heard the news, they were overjoyed.
This is truly a godsend!
beat!
Beat him!
Many ministers suggested sending troops to Western Xia.
If Zhao Xu wanted to send troops to attack Western Xia, he would inevitably have to change his domestic strategy, that is, to abandon the high-pressure policy at home in exchange for the support of local landlords and gentry for the court. Although they are being suppressed now, their strength has not been weakened. War mobilization must rely on them. The key is that the court cannot provide so much food for disaster relief and has to prepare for war.
At this time, the powerful and wealthy began to show their power. They bribed the eunuchs and whispered in Zhao Xu's ears, saying that everyone was very willing to support the emperor in disaster relief and that they could release grain so that the emperor could concentrate on dealing with the war in the northwest, but they should not impose warehouse tax, which was too unjust.
At the same time, they also went to discuss with Wang Anshi, saying that we support the three-official tax and currency policy, but the warehouse tax must be abolished.
That was proposed by the Procuratorate and it belongs to Sima Guang. How can you, Wang Anshi, associate with Sima Guang? If the Xihe area fails, then you, Wang Anshi, will be the sinner!
Interestingly, conservatives such as Sima Guang and Wen Yanbo also thought so, so they immediately became firm supporters of the warehouse tax, and used this as an excuse to firmly oppose going to war. The internal troubles have not been resolved yet, and you still want to go to war. Are you trying to commit suicide?
Some people even asked the emperor to withdraw from the Xihe area if he could not hold it.
First improve domestic affairs, then defend against foreign enemies.
But this time, the conservatives were clearly in decline, and the pro-war faction became more powerful. This was because of the existence of the warehouse tax, which caused many scholars and officials who originally supported Sima Guang and others to temporarily choose to support sending troops.
Zhang family.
“Do we have to withdraw?”
Zhang Fei looked at Wang Anshi very depressed.
“It’s not that we have to withdraw.”
Wang Anshi said, "I came to you today because I am concerned about you, because the current situation in the court is very unfavorable to your bill. The government may change its mind. But if you are forced to compromise, it will be a big blow to the procuratorate. So you have to think of a compromise quickly. If the situation is unfavorable, take action first so that the government can get out of trouble and you don't have to bear the responsibility."
Zhang Fei questioned: "But we are not ready yet. Isn't it a bit risky to start a war with Xixia rashly?"
Wang Anshi frowned and said, "In fact, I also know that now is not the time to start a war. The emperor has only ordered Wang Shao to focus on defense. But now the Western Xia is ready to make a move. Once the battle in Xihe goes against us, Yanzhou and Suizhou will definitely send troops. Although it is not certain at the moment, in any case, we should not continue fighting in the country. We must reserve food."
For him, Xihe must be preserved at all costs, and the warehouse tax is not that important to him.
He will make a decision quickly.
Now that he has come to inform Zhang Fei, it means that he truly regards Zhang Fei as his own.
Zhang Fei nodded, "I see. Thank you, Master Wang, for reminding me. I will find a way to solve this problem."
Wang Anshi sighed: "Man's calculations are not as good as God's calculations."
Zhang Fei was surprised and asked, "Isn't it that the change in the weather is nothing to be afraid of?"
Wang Anshi's expression froze, and then he glared at Zhang Fei.
As soon as Wang Anshi left, Xu Zhiqian, who had been eavesdropping nearby, quickly stepped into the house and asked, "Are you really going to withdraw the warehouse tax?"
She is absolutely in favor of the warehouse tax.
"Of course not."
Zhang Fei shook his head and said, "But Wang Xueshi will definitely focus on Xihe, and the warehouse tax will not have much impact on him. I can't convince him to continue to implement the warehouse tax. In this case, why waste my breath?"
This matter involves the core interests of both parties, so each party will make a choice that is beneficial to itself.
Seeing that he was calm and not panicked at all, Xu Zhiqian asked, "What are you going to do next?"
Zhang Fei thought for a moment and said, "Establish a new mountain."
If there is a war on this border, it will have a huge impact on domestic affairs.
Officials in the court also generally estimated that the emperor would definitely take it back, so they began to use tax coins frantically. This made the merchants who supported the procuratorate panic. You officials are selling off the tax coins like this, this is not good!
More and more merchants began to boycott tax currency.
Those wealthy businessmen who did not want to offend the public security, procuratorate and courts also used tax money to frantically buy salt and grain, trying to minimize their losses, but mainly salt, because as for grain, these wealthy businessmen still had grain in stock.
It can be said that if there were no salt, the tax currency would probably collapse.
Seeing this situation, some conservative scholars began to put pressure on Wen Yanbo, Fu Bi, Sima Guang and others, hoping that the Legislative Council would review the warehouse tax, and stated that as long as the Legislative Council was willing to review it, they would continue to support the suggestions of Sima Guang and others and persuade more people to support them.
This has indeed shaken the thinking within the conservative faction.
Is it worth it for a warehouse tax?
The key point is that this warehouse tax may not be successful!
Legislative Council.
"Your humble servant Zhang Fei greets Lord Fu."
Zhang Fei bowed and saluted. Seeing Zhao Yan was also there, he quickly bowed again, "The Grand Court President is here too!"
Zhao Yan nodded and said, "I came here today to discuss something with Mr. Fu."
"Prosecutor Zhang, please take a seat."
Fu Bi raised his hand and pointed at the chair next to him.
"Thank you!"
Zhang Fei bowed again and then sat down.
Fu Bi asked, "I wonder why Prosecutor Zhang suddenly came to visit?"
Zhang Fei said, "It's like this. A few days ago, Master Wang came to me and hoped that I would provide a compromise bill to abolish the warehouse tax. He said it very vaguely, but in fact he hoped that we could take the initiative to abolish the warehouse tax and put the overall situation first."
Fu Bi asked, "So Prosecutor Zhang came here today in the hope that the Legislative Council would repeal the warehouse tax."
"No."
Zhang Fei shook his head. "On the contrary, I have rejected Mr. Wang because I don't think the two things are related. Now that politics and law are separated, there is no need for us to serve them, and our procuratorate should not be interfered with by anyone. If they want to revoke the bill, they must provide sufficient reasons, not euphemistic threats."
Fu Bi and Zhao Yan exchanged a glance, then hesitated for a moment and said, "To be honest, many people have come to the Legislative Council, but have you ever thought that if you reject them, the Legislative Council will become the target of public criticism?"
Zhang Fei said: "But if they succeed, the Legislative Council will also gain enough authority, and the entire public security, procuratorial and judicial system will become more stable. If they can use various means to coerce the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council will only become their plaything in the future, and it will be impossible to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the country, the monarch and the people. From the facts, it is us who are truly concerned about the overall situation, not them. They just want to fish in troubled waters."
Fu Bi asked, "Do you think I will listen to you?"
Zhang Fei said: "I am not here to lobby Mr. Fu, I am just here to express my attitude."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "I know Prosecutor Zhang's attitude."
Zhang Fei waited for a moment, and seeing that Fu Bi seemed to be about to speak, he said, "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave first."
"Um."
Fu Bi did not try to keep him.
After Zhang Fei left, Zhao Yan immediately said, "It seems that this kid and Mr. Fu have the same idea."
Fu Bi shook his head and said, "It's not that he and I think the same, but we have always been in his plan."
The next day.
The Imperial Palace.
"Your Majesty, I and the Grand Court President are preparing to publish an article to reiterate the support of the Legislative Council and the Royal Court for the warehouse tax."
"oh?"
Zhao Xu was surprised and asked, "Why is this?"
Fu Bi said: "Because recently many people have suggested that the Legislative Council review this law, which has caused panic among the people. The Legislative Council has the responsibility to calm the people on this issue."
Zhao Xu lowered his brows and pondered for a moment, then asked, "Does Mr. Fu think that what they said is wrong?"
Fu Bi said: "They did not provide sufficient reasons. It seems more like they are threatening the Legislative Council. If the Legislative Council can be coerced by them, how can we protect the legitimate rights and interests of the country, the monarch and the people?"
Zhao Xu asked again: "But there is indeed a war outside now."
Fu Bi said: "Your Majesty, the Legislative Council passed this bill after multiple reviews and hearings, and finally determined that this bill can ensure the rights and interests of the country, the monarch and the people.
However, whether it is expanding territory or defending the country, it is also about defending the rights and interests of the country, the monarch and the people. The demands of the two are completely consistent.
But why at this moment, the two seem to be so contradictory that one must be given up.
Obviously, there are treacherous people at work here. These people are extremely selfish. They want to take advantage of the country's difficulties to exchange for their own interests. If they succeed, no matter what decision Your Majesty makes, the result will be that they will benefit, but it will also hurt the country and Your Majesty.
Therefore, we must not compromise with them on this matter, because their purpose is completely different from your majesty's idea."
Zhao Xu narrowed his eyes, pondered for a while, and suddenly laughed: "I have heard that Lord Fu hates evil, and today I finally saw it!"
Fu Bi smiled awkwardly.
Isn’t Zhao Xu hinting that you are hiding it well enough?
Zhao Xu immediately added: "Since you have appointed Lord Fu as the Chairman of the Legislative Council, you should naturally trust his judgment."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Fu Bi bowed.
Although Zhao Xu did not make a clear statement, Fu Bi was already satisfied.
soon!
Fu Bi and Zhao Yan published two articles in succession in the News, re-examining their support for the two bills and stating that the Legislative Council would never overturn the bills without legitimate reasons. They also angrily denounced those officials who tried to interfere with the Legislative Council.
The words were quite sharp, as if returning to the style of his youth.
Zhao Yan also reviewed the case and said that the imperial court would make a judgment according to the law. He warned everyone not to harbor any luck. At the same time, he urged the procuratorate and the police station to perform their duties at all times and not be disturbed by anything.
These two articles suddenly appeared and immediately scared everyone into breaking out in a cold sweat.
In fact, there was nothing special about Zhao Yan's article. As the iron-faced censor, he was always very annoying. No one thought about persuading Zhao Yan on this matter, because everyone knew that telling Zhao Yan about this matter would be like sending a sheep into the tiger's mouth.
The key is Fu Bi.
This time when Fu Bi returned to the court, he has been very low-key and kind to others. Apart from occasionally criticizing Wang Anshi's new policies, he basically did not participate in any struggles. After going to the Legislative Council, he stayed indoors.
In everyone's opinion, Fu Bi was just helping Zhao Xu to gain popularity and waiting to retire. He was just doing his job and his era was completely over.
However, in this article, the objects of Fu Bi's anger included his former "comrades-in-arms", that is, some scholars and officials within the conservative faction.
This is also
However, almost all prime ministers participated in this game.
Fu Bi doesn't give face to anyone, which means that we are on an equal footing. You, the prime minister, cannot command our Legislative Council. We are not the same kind of people, so just stop trying to get close to me.
Han family.
"well!"
Han Qi looked at Fu Bi's article and sighed, "I, Han Qi, have won over him all my life, but now at this age, I have to lose to him. How hateful!"
Han Zhongyan was confused. "Father, why do you say that? This has nothing to do with you, Father."
"This old man lost because it has nothing to do with anything."
Han Qi said excitedly: "If I were healthy, I would not stand idly by and let Fu Yanguo lead the country alone. Now I can only watch him show off his power in the court."
"Showing off your power?"
Han Zhongyan was confused.
Han Qi said, "You still don't understand. Fu Yanguo is planning to set up his own faction. In fact, I have long seen through his little tricks. Compared with Sima Junshi, he is the one who truly supports the procuratorial and judicial system. It's just that the time was not ripe before. He has been compromising and pretending. In fact, he intends to use the public security, procuratorial and judicial system to fulfill our wish back then."
"Really?" Han Zhongyan said, "I haven't really noticed this. Before, everyone thought that Mr. Fu went to the Legislative Council just to retire."
"He, Fu Yanguo, hates evil and hates evil. I just offended him a little, but he has been holding a grudge against me for decades. If he wants to retire, he will definitely return to his hometown and will never stay in the capital to suffer this humiliation. He must have a purpose. It's a pity that I am already half buried in the ground."
Having said that, Han Qi sighed again with regret.
Han Zhongyan asked: "If father is still in the court, what will he do?"
Han Qi said: "Is there any need to ask? Of course I am the same as him, but I will be faster, more courageous, and more successful than him. It is not his turn to raise this banner yet."
indeed.
When Fu Bi published this article, he was actually indicating that he wanted to take up the banner of public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
And unlike Sima Guang, while raising this banner, he also formally announced his complete separation from the conservatives. In other words, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs would have to rely on themselves and would no longer be interfered with by factions.
The key point is that Fu Bi is famous all over the world.
When he stepped forward, the morale of the public security, procuratorial and judicial departments was greatly boosted.
Immediately, many officials stood up and expressed their support for the Legislative Council.
In fact, there has always been a small number of officials in the court who believe in the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems. However, because the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems were previously closely tied to the conservatives, they were often ignored or directly classified as conservatives.
Zhang family.
When Zhang Fei saw this article, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.
Xu Zun, who was standing by, put down the newspaper and said with a smile, "Zhang San, I am really impressed by your eloquence. I never thought you could convince Mr. Fu to make such a big decision. This is incredible!"
Xu Zhiqian also nodded, with a look of admiration and confusion.
He never expected that Zhang Fei would go to persuade Fu Bi, which was much more difficult than persuading Wang Anshi or Sima Guang.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "My father-in-law thinks highly of me. I don't have the ability to do that. I guess even if I don't go, Mr. Fu will stand up for me."
"Yeah?"
Xu Zun said in surprise.
Because whenever something happened in the past, it was Sima Guang and Zhang Fei who took the lead, and Fu Bi basically played it safe, not offending anyone and being a good guy.
Who could have thought that Fu Bi was planning a big move.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Father-in-law, think about it. Who has been secretly supporting the public security, procuratorial and judicial system instead of supporting me, Zhang San? It's not Sima Xue Shi. In fact, Sima Xue Shi is more concerned about Wang Xue Shi's new policy.
Only Mr. Fu has always supported the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems and the concept of the rule of law. It was Mr. Fu who gave me the power to make precedents and it was Mr. Fu who assisted me in passing those precedents. Even the warehouse tax and tax currency bills were advocated by Mr. Fu, and Mr. Fu has been formulating new regulations based on the rule of law.
Many people just see Mr. Fu staying indoors, as if he has entered retirement. If he is going to retire, why does he still spend so much energy in the public security, procuratorial and judicial departments?
It can be seen that Mr. Fu is the one who firmly supports the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. When I went there, the chief judge was also there, and I guess Mr. Fu was discussing this matter with the chief judge at that time. "
Xu Zun thought for a while and said, "Looking back, it is true."
Xu Zhiqian suddenly asked, "Why did Mr. Fu come forward again this time?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Because the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs have already taken shape, they no longer need to look at other people's faces. However, at this time, they need a flag bearer to unite the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to counter the Political Affairs Hall. Now most people in the court are opposed to the warehouse tax. If the Legislative Council can still keep the warehouse tax under this circumstance, it is enough to prove that the Legislative Council is not inferior to the Political Affairs Hall. The key point is that keeping the warehouse tax will not affect the war on the western front. It's just that someone wants to take the opportunity to tie these two things together."
Xu Zun nodded, "Then the police, procuratorate and courts will have to walk the rest of the way on their own."
"Um."
Zhang Fei nodded, "This is how we can truly achieve the separation of politics and law."
Xu Zhiqian asked, "What is your relationship with Scholar Wang and Scholar Sima?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "I am not a flag bearer, and I have not offended them. In this way, Master Wang will only need me more."
Xu Zhiqian's eyes lit up, "You are really cunning."
"What's so cunning about that? Can you talk? It's separation of politics and law, not separation of politics and law. Sometimes we have to cooperate, and I am the only middleman."
After that, Zhang Fei said to Xu Zun: "Father-in-law, would you like to write an article as well?"
Xu Zun was stunned for a moment and said, "It's okay to write, but what should I write?"
Zhang Fei shrugged and said, "Just write something. It's just to boost morale."
Police station.
"Yanei, are you looking for me?"
Cai Jing arrived at the police station, breathing slightly.
He is now busy with both the external and internal affairs. The changing situation has also forced their grain agency to be more cautious and not release too much grain to prevent the court from changing its plan.
While he was busy, a royal policeman suddenly came and said that Yanei asked him to go to the police station.
"The Yuanchang is here."
Cao Dongdong immediately jumped up and put a hand on Cai Jing's shoulder, "Yuan Chang, how do you think I will treat you?"
Cai Jing smiled and said, "The official has taken good care of Cai Jing in Hezhong Prefecture, and Cai Jing has always been grateful."
"Haha, I really didn't make a mistake." Cao Dongdong laughed a few times and said, "Now I have a small matter, I wonder if Yuan Chang is willing to lend a hand to me."
Cai Jing asked cautiously, "What is it?"
Cao Dongdong said, "I want to write an article to be published in the newspaper, but Xiaochun is not here, and your teacher's article is not as good as mine, so I can only ask you for help."
Cai Jing said: "This is a small matter, but what does the lord want to write?"
Cao Dongdong said: "Now that the Legislative Council and the Royal Court have published articles, our police station cannot lag behind. Others don't know and think that our Royal Police are illiterate. We must also write an article to boost morale."
Cai Jing nodded and said, "Okay."
Cao Dongdong winked again and said, "Can you please sign it with my name, Cao Dongdong?"
Cai Jing quickly said, "It must be signed by Yanei."
If Cao Dongdong asked him to sign his name, he would not do it. He is now the head of the Food Agency and does not want to get into trouble.
The procuratorate and the police station also published articles one after another.
This is also an official declaration to the outside world that the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are completely independent.
The effect is immediate.
The tax currency, which was originally on the verge of death, immediately became strong again.
At the same time, many businessmen also began to take sides and accepted all tax coins.
Many businessmen who made their fortunes relying on the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, like those officials, absolutely support them in their hearts. However, they are always restrained by conservatives, and everyone is a little afraid of them.
Both conservatives and reformists were completely dumbfounded.
Confused.
Whether they supported Wang Anshi or Wen Yanbo before, it was all for the purpose of abolishing the warehouse tax.
Now Fu Bi directly told them that it was useless to look for them and they should stop making trouble because the Legislative Council would not be able to repeal the bill.
The Royal Court even stated that violations of the law will be punished.
The key police station also stated that the Royal Police will fully uphold the law.
No, isn’t your police station under the Ministry of War?
how?
What now?
Wang Anshi, Sima Guang and others could only stare blankly.
It seemed as if overnight, everyone lost control of the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems.
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