Although there were many key pieces of evidence in the Song Dynasty documents, Zhang Fei did not use them to refute the statements of the Liao envoys.
It was not because of fear, nor because dragging it out would be in the interests of both countries. It was because much of the evidence was too general. It was undeniable that the evidence was very critical, but it was impossible to determine a very clear boundary. This was not in line with Zhang Fei's habits. He still hoped to obtain more detailed and systematic evidence.
This would require a large number of personnel to conduct a survey to determine where the Song Dynasty believed its territory was and where the Liao Dynasty wanted to draw its boundary.
Of course, this is a professional matter and should be investigated by professionals.
This will take a long time, so Zhang Fei's mission here has come to an end.
"Prosecutor Zhang, you came to me."
"Please take a seat, Magistrate Lu."
"Thank you very much."
After Lu Dazhong sat down, Zhang Fei said, "I will be returning to Beijing soon. I will temporarily hand over the affairs here to Magistrate Lu."
Lu Dazhong was a little doubtful, "But I don't know how to take responsibility."
...
...
Zhang Fei said: "It is mainly based on on-site investigation, and then refuses all discussions with the other party. In simple terms, it is to determine where the specific boundaries of our dynasty are here, and at the same time determine where the boundaries they want are.
No matter what they say, just listen and don't respond. We will discuss it in detail after we have completed the investigation."
Lu Dazhong nodded and said, "I know."
Zhang Fei said: "In addition, there is one more thing, that is, the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems are being gradually promoted all over the country. Shaanxi and Hebei are already promoting it, and it will definitely be implemented in the Hedong area in the future.
After I return, I will ask His Majesty to conduct a pilot project in Jincheng first. I hope Magistrate Lu can lead this matter. I wonder if Magistrate Lu has the confidence. "
Lu Dazhong hesitated and said, "Although my brother mentioned the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs in every letter he sent me, and explained them to me in detail, and even went back to Lantian at the end of the year two years ago, and saw the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, I think it is actually very complicated. All parties check and balance each other, and none of them can cross the line. But I am not very clear, where is the line?"
Zhang Fei nodded with great satisfaction. In fact, the most complicated part about the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems is the separation of politics and law. Each government office has a clear boundary of power, which is very different from the previous political system. If we only talk about the system of the Song Dynasty, it is exactly the opposite.
The Song Dynasty was the most particular about checks and balances, but the checks and balances of the Song Dynasty system were based on many people doing one thing, while the checks and balances of the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems were based on the fact that I only do this one thing, and it is not that I don’t care about the rest, but if I do, it will be a violation of the system.
One is very vague and arbitrary, the other is very clear and strict.
It can be seen that Lu Dazhong has really done research on this.
"We will send some officials over and give Magistrate Lu some precedents. Magistrate Lu can then use these precedents to determine where the boundaries of the parties are."
Zhang Fei smiled.
Lu Dazhong nodded and said, "Then I will respectfully obey your command."
Zhang Fei said: "It's not about obeying orders, but whether you really trust the public security, procuratorate and courts. This is very important."
Lu Dazhong said with certainty: "The situation in Shaanxi makes us have to trust the public security, procuratorate and courts."
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, "Then it's settled."
After talking with Lu Dazhong, Zhang Fei set off back to Bianliang amid Cao Dongdong's complaints.
Cao Dongdong was willing to come here in the first place because he wanted to make great contributions, but the result was all a lot of noise but little rain, just a few shivers.
This is completely different from what Cao Dongdong thought.
He has been in a daze these days.
I won’t come again next time.
Not fun at all!
It was already deep winter, and Zhang Fei wanted to return to the capital before the New Year, so the group traveled day and night, facing the cold wind as they hurried on.
That's the advantage of being young.
In just half a month, they entered the capital area.
"Bartender! Come on, get me some hot wine. I'm freezing."
As soon as they entered a shoe store, Cao Dongdong started shouting loudly.
His roar immediately attracted the attention of other customers in the store.
Soon, they all found that everyone around them was pointing at them.
"Zhang San, did you notice that they are all staring at them?"
Cao Dongdong whispered.
Zhang Fei nodded, "Are we in a shady shop?"
"How is that possible? This is the capital." Cao Dongdong winked at Taozi again.
Taozi understood what he meant and went to the counter, chatting with the shopkeeper about the prices of vegetables while eavesdropping on what everyone was talking about.
After a while, he returned to Cao Dongdong and muttered something to himself.
Cao Dongdong's face was uncertain, and he glanced at Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei was so flustered that he asked, "What's the matter?"
Cao Dongdong was startled and said, "Nothing. I'm going to the toilet."
After saying that, he left happily.
Zhang Fei frowned and said, "Why are you so nervous?"
After a while, the food and wine were served, but there was still no sign of Cao Dongdong. Zhang Fei immediately asked Li Si to go and check.
After a while, Li Si returned to the store and said, "Third brother, the people from Yanei said that Yanei has left."
Zhang Fei asked in surprise: "Where is he going?"
Li Si said, "He said he was going to the nearby police station to check."
Zhang Fei frowned and said, "Is it necessary to be so anxious?"
After saying that, he glanced at the customers around him, only to see that when they saw him looking at them, they immediately looked away with a look of disdain.
Li Si lowered his head again and whispered in Zhang Fei's ear: "Third brother, when I went out just now, I heard some people talking about you, Third brother."
Zhang Fei asked: "What are you talking about me?"
Li Si said: "You said that Third Brother is as timid as a mouse and a coward. He has brought shame to our Song Dynasty."
Zhang Fei suddenly realized why Cao Dongdong left without saying goodbye, and couldn't help but curse: "This is such a good brother!"
At the same time, he immediately ordered someone to find out what was going on.
After some inquiries, I found out that the previous "misunderstanding" incident had already reached the capital a few days ago, which immediately caused an uproar, and countless officials impeached Zhang Fei.
You know, they had recommended Zhang Fei before, but they were waiting for this moment.
They believed that it was Zhang Fei's desertion that not only brought shame to the Song Dynasty, but also led to misunderstandings and almost triggered a war between the two countries. He must be severely punished.
However, what they did not know was that Zhao Xu actually knew the specific reason, because the people Zhang Fei used were all Zhao Xu's people, and Zhang Fei himself also wrote a letter to inform Zhao Xu of the matter, but the problem was that Zhao Xu could not tell the truth.
But the Liao Kingdom must not know what is going on.
Therefore, in order to demonstrate his determination to support Zhang Fei, Zhao Xu directly demoted the two officials who were most active in impeaching Zhang Fei out of the capital and sent them to serve as officials in other places.
This was also the first time that Zhao Xu openly demoted the officials who impeached him in order to protect Zhang Fei.
However, this move was immediately questioned by the prime ministers, because on the surface, what they said was not wrong. You went to negotiate on behalf of the country, but the other side invaded the border. It would have been fine if you did not argue with them, but you actually ran away and hid in a brothel in Taiyuan. How could this be justified? It is too unfair for you, the emperor, to punish those officials without giving an explanation!
However, Zhao Xu assured them that he would give the Council of State a specific reply when Zhang Fei returned.
Although Zhao Xu suppressed the matter, it had already spread among the people. The powerful and some scholars who opposed Zhang Fei fanned the flames and added fuel to the fire, causing the matter to ferment immediately in various places.
The Song Dynasty court had always been relatively weak, which was indisputable. However, the national and ethnic sentiments of the Song people were very strong, especially among the young scholars, who hated the act of selling out the country for personal gain.
The reason why Zhao Xu promoted military exploits was because he grew up in this oppressive environment and felt very humiliated in his heart.
That's why he had such a strong desire to fight back, and his ultimate death was also due to his defeat at the hands of Western Xia.
The same is true for the people!
I deeply despise Zhang Fei's behavior.
Therefore, being a diplomat in the Song Dynasty was the most difficult job, because the ruling class had to be tolerant, but the people were very sensitive about such matters. If they did not do their job well, it would inevitably affect their reputation.
This is also the situation that Xu Zun is most worried about.
Now, people inside and outside the capital are all cursing Zhang Fei, calling him a coward and a rat who only bullies his own people in court and dares not say a word when meeting outsiders.
He was also given a nickname, the brothel envoy.
Zhang Fei was now unable to defend himself and could only continue on his journey. On the day he returned to the capital, he had just entered the city and had not yet returned home when he was summoned into the palace by Zhao Xu.
When we arrived at the Chuigong Hall, we saw that in addition to Zhao Xu, there were also several important ministers sitting there, including Han Qi, Fu Bi, Wang Anshi, Wen Yanbo, and Sima Guang.
Judging from this lineup, this is definitely the highest-level meeting in the Song Dynasty. Even Xue Xiang and Lu Gongzhe are not qualified to participate.
First of all, of course, Zhang Fei answered the confusion in Wen Yanbo and others' minds, that is, why he ran away at that time.
This is different from the power struggle in China. If this matter cannot be explained clearly, this hurdle is
It's definitely not possible.
Wen Yanbo said, "So, you chose to go to Taiyuan to test whether the Northern Dynasty really intended to go to war with our country."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Before I left, I heard some remarks made by Han Xianggong about the Northern Dynasty, which said that the people of both dynasties were tired of war.
However, no one could be sure at that time whether the Liao Kingdom had the intention to go to war with my country.
When they chose to use their troops to pressurize us, I would use their tactics to overcome their strength with softness, create panic in the market, and test their intentions."
Sima Guang said: "But do you know that this is very dangerous? If you are not careful, you may end up making things worse."
Zhang Fei said: "They were the ones who started the trouble, and I just chose to escape. No matter what, the responsibility should be put on them, so this is a very safe test. Unless they are determined to go to war with us, they will send troops regardless of whether I leave or stay.
The result of the test was that the Northern Dynasty had no intention of going to war with us at this time, because their dignitaries were unprepared and blamed their King of the Southern Court. And the people in the Liao Kingdom, as Han Xianggong said, were very tired of war.
Therefore, they later took the initiative to retreat from Chechanggou to Dahuangping within the ancient Great Wall and withdrew their troops in the hope that I could go back and negotiate with them.
And from this negotiation, we also learned a piece of news, that is, the people of the Northern Dynasty are actually very dissatisfied with their court.
It is precisely because of this news that I used the hidden danger of the rebels crossing the border to force them to temporarily not care about this matter in the matter of Xiongzhou Arrow Fortress. "
After that, he carefully told Wen Yanbo and the others about the negotiation process at Jianlei.
"I see."
Han Qi stroked his beard and nodded, praising: "Prosecutor Zhang is indeed brave and resourceful!"
They had already learned about what happened later, but they did not expect that this was all Zhang Fei's plan.
I thought it was just a coincidence, because this kind of thing is very likely to happen, but Lu Dazhong still hasn't reacted.
"Thank you."
Zhang Fei smiled modestly.
Wen Yanbo asked again: "Since they have no intention of fighting with us, why do they gather troops north of Hedong Road?"
Zhang Fei replied: "During my negotiations with them, I found that they were deliberately delaying and were not so eager to resolve these disputes. They proposed to use the watershed as the boundary, although it was clear that they wanted to occupy more of our territory and occupy more advantageous terrain. However, when I questioned this demarcation method and needed to observe it for one to two years, they agreed very readily.
Therefore, Magistrate Lu and I both predicted that the main reason they chose to provoke the dispute in Hedong instead of Guannan was because of our border expansion in Xihe, which was also the main reason why they gathered troops there. "
As soon as these words were spoken, Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang and others glanced at Wang Anshi at the same time.
Wang Anshi's face was calm as he asked calmly, "What is the basis for your speculation?"
Zhang Fei said: "When the Liao envoys came to Beijing, most people predicted that they were here to take advantage of the situation. But everyone overlooked one point, in fact, this is not the best time to take advantage of the situation.
The best time is to wait until our dynasty sends troops to Xixia, fight with them for a while, and then take advantage of the situation to rob them. In that case, not only can we weaken the national strength of our dynasty and Xixia, but we can also take advantage and dominate everything. "
Wang Anshi said: "If that's the case, why are they provoking a dispute now, instead of waiting until our dynasty sends troops to Xixia?"
Zhang Fei said: "Even I, the prosecutor, know that that is the best time to take advantage of the situation. Therefore, if our dynasty wants to send troops to Xixia, we must first defend the northern line.
Some of Mr. Wang’s defensive fortifications in Hebei have aroused their vigilance. They must interrupt our deployment on the border, make us feel fearful, and even cause panic in our dynasty.
The fact is that after the Liao envoys entered Beijing, our court did discuss the construction of fortifications in Hebei. And regarding this point, they believe that they will continue to exert pressure and constantly make small moves to disrupt our defense on the northern line.
Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, the Liao Kingdom had no intention of going to war with our country, because not only did it lack the popular support, but our annual tribute and trade were also of vital importance to the Liao Kingdom.
If they took advantage of the situation to destroy the alliance between the two countries, it would actually do more harm than good to the Liao Kingdom.
Therefore, we speculate that if they retain this part of the dispute and pester us on this point, it will give them a legitimate reason to station troops on the border. At a critical moment, they can use the dispute to send troops and invade our territory. This will inevitably put pressure on us, but at the same time it cannot be considered a declaration of war.
Therefore, keeping this dispute is a good way for them to keep the initiative in their own hands.”
Wang Anshi said: "According to your opinion, we will always be controlled by the Northern Dynasty. As long as the Northern Dynasty exists, we cannot do anything to Xixia."
Zhang Fei said: "I am only discussing the matter at hand, and I am referring to the present. I think that when we do not have enough strength to fight on two fronts, any military action against Xixia should be more cautious, because Liao will definitely find a way to intervene. Although Liao does not want to go to war with our country, if we eliminate Xixia, it will directly affect Liao's security. We cannot expect them to sit on the sidelines and do nothing."
Sima Guang immediately said to Zhao Xu: "Your Majesty, I think what Prosecutor Zhang said is very reasonable. The current external situation does not allow us to easily send troops to Xixia. For example, if we expand the border to Xihe, although we will seize six states and open up thousands of miles, we will need to pay millions of guan of fiscal revenue every year. If we send troops to Xixia when our national strength is still insufficient, it will be tantamount to destroying both the jade and the stone."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "Junshi is right. Your Majesty should keep a low profile and focus on domestic affairs."
Zhao Xu nodded slightly.
Wang Anshi frowned secretly and suddenly said: "For now, we should focus on domestic affairs, which is of course the right thing to do, but we still cannot give up the strategy of exhausting Xixia. We should continue to put pressure on them and use all non-military means to make them weaker. When the time is right, we can give them a fatal blow."
This is definitely not a good time to send troops, but he cannot give up this plan.
Wen Yanbo nodded and said, "I am not opposed to continuing to besiege Xixia, but at the same time, we must also be prepared to deal with the Northern Dynasty. However, we must not be as blatant as before. The reason why the Northern Dynasty was alert this time was that we were too ostentatious."
Han Qi nodded and said, "I agree with Kuanfu's words. We should secretly train our troops and strengthen our defenses instead of talking nonsense."
All of this is a satire on Wang Anshi.
You shouted louder than anyone else, but now that they have come, you don't have the strength to deal with them.
Isn't this embarrassing?
Zhao Xu nodded slightly, "You all have a point. Starting next year, the court should focus on domestic affairs."
"Your Majesty is wise."
All the ministers said in unison.
Zhao Xu suddenly said, "But regarding the chaos in the market, I don't want anyone else to know about it, so as to avoid letting the Northern Dynasty know about it."
"I obey your command."
Sima Guang suddenly asked, "But if this happens, Prosecutor Zhang's reputation might be damaged?"
Zhang Fei smiled very easily and said, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Sima. I have my own way to solve this problem."
Zhao Xu smiled and said, "That's settled then."
After leaving Chuigong Hall, Sima Guang pulled Zhang Fei aside and whispered, "Do you know what everyone is saying about you now?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I heard about it on the way here."
Sima Guang asked: "Then how do you plan to deal with it?"
Zhang Fei said: "Master Sima, rest assured, I have already thought of a way. They are no match for me if they use this kind of trick."
Seeing that he was full of confidence, Sima Guang was relieved and said, "Can you be more down-to-earth in the future and stop jumping around on the edge of the cliff all the time?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Try your best."
Just after saying goodbye to Sima Guang, he was captured by Wang Anshi.
"Are you frightened by the Liao people?"
"If I were scared, would I still dare to tease the Liao people like this?" Zhang Fei asked back.
Wang Anshi frowned and said, "But what you just said is obviously too conservative."
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said, "Master Wang, I am really just speaking from the facts. Now is not a good time to send troops. Otherwise, the fisherman will benefit from the quarrel between the snipe and the clam."
Wang Anshi said: "Don't I know this? But you can't say that. Duke Wen and the others think that it is because I am aggressive and arouse the suspicion of the Liao Kingdom.
But if I don't do this, who would dare to speak up? The civil servants and military officers in the court have long been addicted to wine and sex and have lost their enterprising spirit.
You have interrupted my plan this time. Even if one day, Guan Xiu Su Chen will be defeated, I am afraid that no one in my dynasty will dare to talk about fighting. "
Zhang Fei said: "I dare!"
Wang Anshi was stunned: "What do you mean?"
Zhang Fei said: "Master Wang, let me emphasize again that I strongly support Master Wang's new policy, and I know that the main purpose of Master Wang's new policy is to expand the territory.
But there is one thing that I am not satisfied with, that is, Mr. Wang paid too much attention to Western Xia and ignored the Liao Kingdom. However, it was the Liao Kingdom that really humiliated us, and it was the Liao Kingdom that should be eliminated. The territory that should be recovered most is the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun.
Wang Xueshi should not just focus on me saying that the timing of sending troops to Xixia is wrong, he should also see that I am talking about the threat of Liao to my country, implying that Liao should also be included.
Tied to the plan of sending troops to Xixia."
Wang Anshi blinked his eyes. Hearing what you said, it seems that I am the dove! To be honest, he was mainly targeting Xixia. The money he earned for the national treasury could only be used to fight Xixia. No one can deny that when facing the Liao Kingdom, the Song Dynasty was still quite afraid, including Zhao Xu.
"So, you are laying the groundwork for sending troops against the Liao Kingdom?" Wang Anshi asked.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "This is why I emphasize the accumulation of national strength, because I hope to be able to send troops to the Liao Kingdom, rather than that small Xixia."
Too small!
It turns out that I have a small vision!
Wang Anshi was silent for a while, "But if you don't destroy Xixia, how can you compete with Liao?"
Zhang Fei said: "This is not the key. The key is to draw everyone's attention to the Liao Kingdom and the threat it poses to our dynasty. If we don't target the Liao Kingdom, we will never be able to eliminate Xixia."
Wang Anshi stroked his beard.
Zhang Fei added: "The key is that the current situation is different. Wang Anshi does not need to tie the new policy to the destruction of the Xia Dynasty. The emergence of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs will change many things. Policies must also be adjusted. Moreover, if we want to prepare for the war against the Liao Kingdom, we will need more financial support. The reform will continue."
After saying goodbye to Wang Anshi, Zhang Fei hurried home.
Seeing Zhang Fei return safely, Gao Wenyin almost shed tears of excitement.
"lady."
Looking at Gao Wenyin with red eyes, Zhang Fei gently held her hand and said, "I'm only going there to negotiate, not to fight. You don't need to worry so much."
Gao Wenyin said: "But I heard that the Liao people are all savages who eat raw meat and drink blood."
Zhang Fei laughed and said, "This is actually a little bit biased, but even if it is true, don't worry, because your husband is not a good person either."
Xu Zhiqian on the side said: "But the people of the capital don't think so. Now everyone is calling you a coward and even gave you a nickname, the Brothel Envoy."
Zhang Fei said unconcernedly: "A diplomat who is not scolded is definitely not a good diplomat."
Xu Lingxiao on the side hurriedly said: "Brother-in-law, don't be careless. This matter can be big or small, and it may affect your future career."
Even Xu Zun said, "Xiao'er is right, Zhang San, you must take this matter seriously."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Don't worry, I have a magic weapon that will soon be able to reverse these public opinions."
Xu Zhiqian asked curiously: "What magic weapon?"
"My brother, Cao Yanei."
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