Zhang Fei has been trying his best to promote the construction of public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
The most difficult part is the separation of politics and law.
Building a few procuratorates and royal courts, and popularizing the litigation system, these are actually not the most difficult things. Litigation existed before, but it was just completely liberalized.
The key lies in whether the separation of politics and law can be achieved.
If there is no distinction between politics and law, given the feudal class system, it actually has little meaning.
The reason why I have been pursuing it is because I have not done it before.
The previous fair trials in the imperial court seemed to be a separation of politics and law, but in fact, Zhang Fei was just using the struggle between the two factions to create an arena with balanced power. In addition, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were both honest gentlemen, and they all sincerely believed that they were right.
Then a fair trial becomes crucial.
But the so-called justice is only the product of political struggle, not the independent operation of the judiciary.
In fact, the senior officials in the court were also trying their best to interfere with the operation of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
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Many judgments and legislations will trigger discussions and bargaining in the court, but the winning party is often the one that supports the judgments of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
When Zhang Fei was in Hezhong Prefecture, he would always discuss with Yuan Jiang before making any judgment.
Last year's reform finally confirmed the complete separation of politics and law in terms of system. The most iconic policy was the abolition of the Court of Criminal Justice and the Dali Temple and the establishment of the Supreme Imperial Court and the Supreme Procuratorate.
In the past, the public security, procuratorial and judicial departments were included in the Court of Criminal Justice and the Dali Temple.
It cannot be said to be separation of politics and law.
Fortunately, Sima Guang was a rather stubborn person and didn't like to interfere. If someone else had come to power, the result would definitely have been different.
However, institutional adjustments alone cannot be considered a true separation of politics and law.
This person must also be identified.
Sima Guang obviously did not do this. He was more concerned about the interests of the conservatives, so he would never do something like Fu Bi.
He intends to resign if his decision affects the interests of the Conservatives.
Fu Bi directly cut ties with the conservatives and angrily denounced some scholars within the conservative faction, saying, "Stop interfering in the work of our Legislative Council."
This will enable us to achieve separation of politics and law among officials and move towards true independence.
Of course, this made many people within the conservative faction feel like they were stabbed in the back.
We raised the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, and this is the result?
This immediately angered a lot of people!
Rich mansion.
"Mr. Fu is no longer as powerful as he used to be. If he takes a step forward, the court will be shaken!"
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and smiled.
Fu Bi waved his hands and said, "You are exaggerating. Am I, Fu, so scary?"
Wen Yanbo said, "Mr. Fu, don't disbelieve it. Some people have already started to dig up the past and talk about the Qingli clique. They even dragged Mr. Han and me into it, saying that the Qingli clique has revived. Some people have also spread the word that Mr. Fu is colluding with Xixia and intends to use the warehouse tax to destroy the unity of the court and stop our dynasty from attacking Xia."
Fu Bi frowned slightly and sighed, "Over the years, they really haven't made any progress at all. They still use the same tricks."
Wen Yanbo added: "But most people are shocked. In fact, most people didn't expect it and couldn't understand why Mr. Fu did this."
Fu Bi smiled and said, "They don't understand me, and I can't understand them even more. They actually tried to use the war on the front line to make a deal, and even threatened. Especially some people, who are obviously against the use of troops, but for their own interests, they don't hesitate to ask the court to send troops.
If the court is controlled by such people, the country will be destroyed. You know, I was originally planning to wait and see, but their behavior makes me feel that my idea is absolutely correct, and this is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said, "But the key still lies with the government."
Fu Bi laughed and said, "Isn't this what the government wants?"
Three offices.
"Mr. Wang, I think there is nothing wrong with what the Legislative Council did. If there is no warehouse tax, the tax currency bill may also face failure. I think the decision of the Legislative Council is beneficial to us."
Xue Xiang was very puzzled.
"The three officials only know one side of the story, not the other!"
Deng Wan immediately said: "Why did Lord Fu suddenly stand up? Is it just for a warehouse tax? This is impossible. As everyone knows, in recent years, Lord Fu has been firmly opposed to using foreign troops, whether against Xixia or Liao. Forcing the government to withdraw troops from Xihe is what Lord Fu really intends.
If we really withdraw our troops from Xihe, what a huge blow this will be to Lord Wang."
Xue Xiang said: "But now that politics and law are separated, the Legislative Council has no right to interfere in the use of foreign forces."
Deng Wan shook his head and said, "San Si Shi, don't be too naive. War requires people and money. The Legislative Council can enforce the warehouse tax today, and it can also prevent the tax increase in the future. Without taxes, where will the money come from for war?"
Then he said to Wang Anshi: "Prime Minister Wang, Mr. Fu's move is unusual. It seems that he has offended both sides, but it may be a trap. His purpose is to target our Xining border expansion."
Xue Xiang shook his head and said, "I don't think so. The warehouse tax cannot be stopped. Some people are trying to stop it."
“That’s enough!”
Wang Anshi suddenly said, "Stop arguing, I have my own plans."
Zhao Mansion.
"You said we...how could we have forgotten this old fox Fu Yanguo?"
Zhao Wen Zheng was so angry that he hung his head and stamped his feet.
Meng Gansheng said frustratedly: "This is not anyone's fault. We can only say that Fu Yanguo hid it too deeply. Not to mention us, it is said that even Sima Junshi and others did not expect it. They are even more angry than us now."
Xie Yun was so anxious that he spread his hands and asked, "What should we do now?"
This group of people are the most anxious because they were the biggest victims of the last reform.
Although they are still serving as ministers in various ministries, they all know that once the power transfer is completed, they will have to leave the capital.
But their original higher positions were Deputy Envoys of the Three Departments and Deputy Prime Ministers.
So, this time they also went all out.
Zhao Wenzheng, Meng Gansheng and others looked at each other and uttered the same word at the same time, "Officials."
yes!
Now the only one who can change everything is the emperor.
But this was exactly what Zhao Xu wanted to see. Before Fu Bi stepped forward, the powerful class, the bureaucratic class, including eunuchs and relatives, surrounded the emperor and spread all kinds of rumors, which actually put a lot of pressure on Zhao Xu.
Now that Fu Bi has stepped forward, Zhao Xu has taken the initiative again.
He had enough time to think about what to do.
Zhang family.
"Brother Bao, you're not really going to transfer everyone to Jiangnan, are you?"
Seeing Li Bao, Zhang Fei couldn't help but complain: "This time the news is really slow."
Li Bao said hurriedly: "How is this possible? There are still enough people over there. Yes, our news came a little late this time, but that's because Xizhou used expedited war reports and only reported news from the battlefield. Our people had to investigate the specific reasons, so they came a little slower."
Speed is relative. Battle reports are all sent by expedited horses, which makes them appear to be slow.
Zhang Fei asked: "What's going on?"
Li Bao said: "According to our investigation, this battle is inevitable. Zuo Silu has long been allied with Xixia and hopes to drive our army out of Xihe.
But your two arrangements have made them more determined and accelerated their deployment of troops to Xihe."
Zhang Fei asked: "What arrangements?"
Li Bao said: "First, we traded in Xizhou. We have achieved great success within this year. This is because Tubo is now divided into many small tribes. They all want to make money, so many Tubo tribes go to Xizhou to do business. If Zuo Silu does not use troops again, the tribes that originally depended on them will also depend on our Song Dynasty.
The second is private salt. Last time, after we released a large amount of private salt, didn’t you arrange to attack the nobles on the side of Queen Mother Liang, in order to divide them and give an explanation to the court? This was also very successful, but the nobles on the side of Queen Mother Liang could not make money and were more determined to send troops.
Of course, for the entire Western Xia, they don’t want us to control the Xihe area either.”
Zhang Fei asked, "Have you found out whether Xixia intends to go to war with our country?"
Li Bao said: "There is no sign of this at present. Xixia has only sent some troops to roam the border to assist Zuo Silu. But if we can't defeat Zuo Silu, then it's not certain."
Zhang Fei asked again: "What about Hengshan?"
Li Bao immediately said: "The Western Army is indeed dissatisfied with the court allocating too much money to Xihe, and they are also eager to make meritorious deeds."
Zhang Fei nodded.
In the conversation between Li Bao and Zhang Fei
Zhao Xu would definitely have to discuss this matter with Zhang Fei before making a final decision. In fact, he was just waiting for information from Li Bao, because Zhang Fei's plan had always been carried out in secret.
The Imperial Palace.
When Zhao Xu saw Zhang Fei, he first asked with a smile: "Did you convince Lord Fu?"
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty really flatters me. How could I possibly convince Lord Fu? However, I did express my attitude to Lord Fu, and I believe that the Legislative Council should not be interfered with by those people."
Zhao Xu asked, "What do you think is the purpose of Fu Gong's action?"
Zhang Fei hesitated for a moment, "I think Lord Fu hopes to avoid repeating the mistakes of the Qingli New Deal. In my opinion, the reason why the Qingli New Deal failed is that many officials used their own gains and losses to manipulate the court's policies.
The situation is the same now. They just want to make a deal with Your Majesty, using their support for the military campaign against Xixia in exchange for warehouse taxes."
"How could I not know?"
Zhao Xu nodded, and then said: "But the country is currently facing internal and external troubles, and I feel a little overwhelmed."
Now, as long as he gives in, the country will be able to stabilize immediately, whether it is disaster relief or preparing food for war, and what he pays is a warehouse tax that did not exist in the first place.
Wang Anshi was very tempted, and Zhao Xu was of course somewhat tempted as well.
This is human nature.
It’s hard to be the head of the family.
However, Zhao Xu also considered the disadvantages of this and he had not made up his mind yet.
Zhang Fei immediately said: "If Your Majesty compromises with them today, but they can change their minds tomorrow for their own interests, Your Majesty will still have to compromise with them. By that time, Your Majesty will have no choice."
After a pause, he continued, "Moreover, according to the news brought by Li Bao, the war in Xixia was mainly caused by our policy being too successful. Whether it was sowing discord within Xixia or pacifying the various Tibetan tribes, we were extremely successful. This led to the other side being eager to go to war with us. This indirectly proves that if this continues, the situation will be very unfavorable to them.
It can be seen that time is on our side. Now we need to be patient and strive to eliminate Xixia at the lowest cost in the future. Only in this way will we have enough strength to prevent the hungry wolf in the north.
This is the only solution at the moment. If we put all our efforts into attacking Xixia, what will we do if the North moves south? "
Zhao Xu said: "But now that their army is approaching, we must also be prepared to deal with it. If Xixia wants to go to war, then we must go all out."
Zhang Fei said: "Western Xia is currently under attack from both sides. It is facing the main force of our Western Army on the northern front. It is impossible to mobilize the main force to the southern front. Moreover, with Xihe's current military and financial resources, as well as the support of the people, it is enough to defend against Zuo Si Luo. Your Majesty has not received Xihe's letter of request for help so far. The situation may not be as bad as your Majesty imagines."
After saying that, he saw that Zhao Xu was still a little hesitant, so he continued: "Even if Your Majesty really wants to fight, at least you have to collect the money and grain first, but now they don't even agree to a warehouse tax. You know, this warehouse tax only requires them to sell grain, not their money. How much money can they give to Your Majesty for the war?
At that time, you can only ask the people for it. If this causes public resentment, and the grain is controlled by them, then Your Majesty will be even more controlled by them. "
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "But the soldiers on the western front are restless at the moment. If we can't appease them, some of them may take the initiative to provoke a war."
"This is a hidden danger, but blindly suppressing them will also cause them to lose morale."
Zhang Fei nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, "Your Majesty, please write them an IOU."
"IOU?"
Zhao Xu said in surprise.
Zhang Fei said: "Write the future military expenses for the attack on Xixia on an IOU for three years. Tell them that we will definitely fight, but they need to be patient. When they understand your majesty's determination, they will obey your orders and will not respond passively."
"Your method is quite novel."
Zhao Xu was delighted to hear this and asked again, "Are you sure you can destroy Xixia within three years?"
Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "Fighting is the responsibility of the generals. How can I guarantee this? The only thing I can guarantee is that I can raise enough money for your majesty to fight this war, and at the same time have enough strength to defend against the Liao Kingdom."
Speaking of Liao, Zhao Xu was indeed a little uneasy. He did not have the strength to fight on two fronts. Every time he went to war with Xixia, Liao would take advantage of the situation. That was how the annual tribute to Liao went up. He nodded and said, "Okay, I believe in you. After all, you have never let me down."
Legislative Council.
"Mr. Fu, although the government has tacitly approved our publication of the article, it seems that the government has not yet made a decision, which has given those people a sense of luck. They are still trying their best to persuade the government."
Zhao Yan said with a serious expression.
Fu Bi hurriedly asked, "What does Mr. Zhao think?"
Zhao Yan said: "I have recently carefully studied the bill regarding Zhang San, and found that based on this bill, the government's demands on vendors in other aspects are also unreasonable. I plan to use this bill as an excuse to ask the government to rectify the situation when I meet with the emperor tomorrow, so as to urge the emperor to make up his mind."
Fu Bi's eyes lit up, "This is a great strategy. It's time for the public security, procuratorate and courts to take the initiative, so that they don't always think that the public security, procuratorate and courts dare not touch their wallets."
The next day.
Zhao Yan took this issue to discuss with Zhao Xu. They all said that a general tax was collected, but in the business aspect, there were still many miscellaneous taxes, and these miscellaneous taxes were originally classified as commercial taxes. This was the same as the grain bill. It was not tenable from a legal point of view and must be rectified.
At the same time, he said that there was no other way to collect taxes in the past, but now that the Tax Commissioner is so powerful, there is no need to do this, which wastes manpower and resources.
When Zhao Xu heard this, he knew what Zhao Yan was planning. He was just testing him to find out what he really thought. After talking with Zhang Fei, Zhao Xu had already made a decision and quickly agreed to Zhao Yan's request.
Royal Court.
Wang Anshi and Wen Yanbo looked at Zhao Yan above them and felt a little unhappy. Since when, besides the emperor, someone else could become the prime minister?
Zhao Yan smiled slightly and said, "I invited you two gentlemen here today mainly because I have an urgent matter to discuss with you."
Wen Yanbo asked cautiously, "What's the matter?"
"Here's what happened."
Zhao Yan said: "Recently, some merchants have complained that in addition to the wine yeast, the government has also imposed many miscellaneous taxes on them, such as travel fees and veto fees, and some officials have extorted their money in the name of shortage of goods.
I also looked through the relevant accounts and found that these miscellaneous taxes were previously included in the commercial taxes, but in the recently passed Grain and Wine Act, it is clearly stated that the tax department now calculates the total tax. These additional miscellaneous taxes should be cancelled. Otherwise, it would be double collection, which is illegal. "
Both prime ministers were very unhappy.
This has nothing to do with whether you agree or not, but rather, what gives you the right to command us.
Wang Anshi had a bad relationship with Zhao Yan to begin with, and he said angrily: "This is a matter for our Political Affairs Hall, and the imperial court has no right to interfere."
It was rare for Wen Yanbo to stand on the same front with Wang Anshi. "Jiefu is right. The chief judge is too involved."
Zhao Yan said, "You two have misunderstood. I am not ordering you. I am just worried that if the problem is not solved in time, the merchants will sue the emperor in the future, and the emperor will have no choice but to punish the government according to the law. At that time, it may make everyone unhappy. If the government can take the initiative to solve it, it would be the best."
Wang Anshi shouted, "Is the Grand Court President threatening us?"
Zhao Yan said, "If Mr. Wang thinks there is something wrong with what I did, you can just point it out. There is no need to say such things. I, Zhao Yan, will not buy into it."
The title of Iron-faced Censor is not just for nothing.
"If you have the ability, just give the order directly. There's no need to pretend to be a good person here."
After saying this, Wang Anshi got up and left.
However, Zhao Yan was not angry and looked at Wen Yanbo again.
Wen Yanbo stood up slowly and said, "Goodbye."
After they left, Fu Bi limped out from behind.
The two old men looked at each other, both smiled and shook their heads.
This was all within their expectations.
It was impossible for Wang Anshi and Wen Yanbo to agree, even if they agreed with it in their hearts.
First of all, it’s embarrassing.
Secondly, this is a job that offends people.
Since you in the imperial court are so arrogant, why don’t you do it yourself?
Just do it yourself!
The royal court immediately issued an edict, citing the new tax law as an excuse, to deem many commercial taxes as illegal.
Those dignitaries and scholars were completely dumbfounded.
Holy shit! Is this still possible?
You, the royal court, are getting too arrogant.
These are national systems, and they have not been newly promulgated, they have always existed. How can they become illegal?
Outrageous!
I don't believe you dare to do this.
Chen's dental shop.
"Old Chen, what's going on?"
When Fan Yong arrived at Chen's house, he saw a lot of people gathered near the gate, while Chen Maoqian was standing aside, sighing. He couldn't help but hurried forward.
Chen Maoqian said: "Just now a group of court police came and told us that our official yamen had violated the law in collecting taxes, so they would temporarily suspend our official yamen's authority."
"???"
Fan Yong was confused. "What do you mean?"
Chen Maoqian said: "In the future, customers can sign contracts on their own without going through the official yamen. They say that this yamen fee was originally considered a commercial tax, but now that commercial taxes and commerce are combined, the official yamen fee should be abolished."
Fan Yong nodded and said, "That's a good thing."
"Um?"
"No."
Fan Yong asked hypocritically: "Aren't you going to close the shop?"
Chen Maoqian said: "That's not the case. Private dental care is still legal, but it is not mandatory."
Fan Yong asked anxiously, "Have the house tax and land tax been abolished?"
Chen Maoqian said: "That's not the case. I have specifically asked about this because the current regulations on land and property taxes require the buyer to pay the tax. This is to curb land mergers, and the income earned by the seller is subject to taxation."
"That's true." Fan Yong nodded and said, "Old Chen, don't sigh. You are now cooperating with the Ma family to build a workshop and a football field. You don't lack this little money."
"Is this a matter of money?" Chen Maoqian whispered, "This is a matter of power. Who will respect me in the future?"
Fan Yong asked: "Then am I more worried than you?"
Chen Maoqian asked, "What do you mean?"
Fan Yong said, "Just now, a group of court police came to my Baifan Building and said that the transactions between the official store and the foot store were illegally collecting taxes, and they also need to be temporarily cancelled."
Chen Maoqian wondered, "How is this illegal?"
Fan Yong said: "According to the previous regulations, the foot shop must buy wine from the main store, but because of the liquor tax law, the main store should not pay extra taxes to Quyuan, so the foot shop should not pay extra money to the main store."
Chen Maoqian nodded and said, "That's fair."
"Um?"
"That's right."
Chen Maoqian said: "I heard that the money transfer has also been cancelled."
Fan Yong said, "I have also heard about this, so I came to you. Originally, all industries had to pay corresponding goods to the government for its use. In the future, the court will use money to purchase goods from all industries. This is a great thing."
Chen Maoqian nodded and said, "In the past, this tax really hurt our merchants, especially those small workshops. For every ten pairs of shoes they made, the government might take five pairs. As a result, many vendors dared not open shops in the city and could only sell them secretly in the suburbs. Now that this tax has been abolished, the prices of shops will have to increase a lot."
Fan Yong said: "It seems that our bet was right this time."
Horse Street.
Lü Gong and Sima Guang came to a grain store with a sign saying "Grain Office" and saw that there was no customer in front of the store.
This is a time of natural disasters!
The two of them stepped forward immediately.
"My two guests, would you like to buy some food?"
The guy who was dozing off at the counter quickly perked up.
Lu Gong immediately asked, "Do you have any food in your store?"
The waiter said, "Yes! Please look, my two guests, this is all top-quality wheat."
Sima Guang asked curiously, "Why didn't anyone buy it?"
The guy sighed and said, "It's too expensive."
Sima Guang asked, "How much?"
"Forty cents a dou," said the clerk.
Sima Guang said: "This price is not expensive!"
The clerk said, "It's not expensive, but everyone knows that in a few days, there will be cheaper food to buy, so those who still have surplus food in this family don't come to buy."
Lu Gong asked, "Cheaper food."
The clerk said, "Yes! It won't be long before the big landlords sell the grain. They won't be willing to pay the warehouse tax."
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