Panic!
Sima Guang was a little panicked.
In this competition, it was originally a competition to see who had the better system. Who would have thought that as soon as Zhang Fei came back, his style changed 180 degrees, and he started to compete directly to see who could make a thunderstorm first.
This ups and downs are really hard to accept!
This also goes against his political philosophy!
It’s not a gentleman’s fight either.
But the situation is stronger than the people. The separation of politics and law prevents the judiciary from intervening in administration. However, the problem itself lies in the deficiencies in the administrative system. Fan Chunren and others can easily make very fair and just judgments, but how to implement them? judgment?
Although arrears of military pay and usury are not allowed by law, they are precisely what the system acquiesces to.
Assuming that Yuan Jiang does not adjust his policies in Hezhong Mansion, how will Zhang Fei's judgments be implemented?
Should we just send bailiffs to the warehouse to rob it?
The best way, of course, is for the public prosecutor to make the decision, and then the government will make adjustments. But the problem now is that the Qingzhou government just lays it down. You fine it, you can fine it whatever you want. I will pay you whatever amount you fine, and you are responsible for any problems. .
Their reason is also very simple. I am just an executor and I have no right to change any system.
Sima Guang has now figured out that he and Wang Anshi can be incompatible with each other. This is a relationship between people, but the judiciary and administration must cooperate and perform their respective duties. If the two are incompatible with each other, then this The country will definitely be doomed, which is impossible.
"well."
Sima Guang sighed, "I thought too simplistically. I originally thought that by reforming the judiciary and purging officials, the ills would be eradicated."
Zhang Fei said: "Actually, there is nothing wrong with what Bachelor Sima thinks. It's just that Bachelor Sima ignored one point, that is, the corruption of officialdom lies in the imperfection of the system, not the loopholes in the judiciary. Those officials have power but no money. This is Forcing them to engage in corruption and bribery.”
Sima Guang nodded and asked: "Does that mean we always have to cooperate with Wang Jiefu?"
Zhang Fei shook his head and said: "The mistake in this step is not that we did not pursue cooperation with the other party. The judiciary emphasizes independence rather than cooperation. Our mistake is that we want to use the judiciary to directly intervene in the administration, but this is not good for the public security organs, prosecutors and law. It’s different from digging your own grave.”
Sima Guang nodded slightly, then suddenly turned his head to look at Zhang Fei, and said with a smile: "I have taken so many classes with you, but I still can't understand the legal system and the legalist method!"
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Thinking habits and behavioral habits are both very difficult to change."
To be honest, this competition was actually started by the conservatives because they were so naive that they believed that judicial reform could replace the New Deal. This undoubtedly angered Wang Anshi.
If it is Legalist law, they are right to think so, because Legalist law is a set of political concepts based on law, and Confucian law is a set of political concepts based on virtue, which includes administrative and As for the judiciary, Wang Anshi's New Deal actually belongs to Legalism.
However, the law of the legal system is only judicial and does not involve administration. It can be understood as a procedure that separates justice from Legalist law or Confucian law and then assigns it to the public prosecutor's law.
This concept sounds very simple, which is the separation of politics and law and the independence of the judiciary. However, it is actually very, very difficult to implement this concept. It also takes a long time to achieve judicial independence.
"By the way, what are your plans when you come back this time?" Sima Guang asked again.
Zhang Fei immediately said: "My arrangement is to wait for the arrangement."
"Waiting for arrangements?" Sima Guang chuckled and said, "You have made great achievements in Hezhong Mansion, so you have never thought about promotion?"
Zhang Fei shook his head and said: "Now that the situation in the DPRK and China is so complicated, who has the time to think about promotion, as long as he can stay alive."
"Ha ha!"
Sima Guang laughed a few times and said, "Well, since you have to wait and see, then I will tell you my plan. This time, Mr. Fu suggested that you come back and asked you to go to the Legislative Council to explain. He did not remove you as the president of the Shaanxi Road Court. Therefore, I will not grant you an appointment for the time being, and then I will arrange for you to join the police, procuratorate, and law."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "That's fine."
He knew very well that if he was arranged to join the public prosecutor's office as soon as he came back, then everyone would be sure that he came back to solve the problem in Qingzhou.
Although this is what happened, the appearance was still done and not too explicit. After all, Sima Guang made the promise in front of the emperor.
At this moment, a servant came over, saluted Sima Guang, and said a few words in his ear.
Sima Guang nodded and said, "Ask the carriage to wait for me at the intersection ahead."
"yes."
"What's up?"
After the servant left, Zhang Fei asked curiously.
Sima Guang smiled and said: "There is someone waiting for you in front, so I won't disturb you."
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment and said: "To be honest, I haven't seen Bachelor Sima and Bachelor Wang quarreling for a long time. This is really nostalgic."
Sima Guang immediately glared at him, "You kid really hasn't changed at all, I'm afraid the world will not be in chaos."
Zhang Fei chuckled and thought to himself, you are really right about this.
When he reached the next intersection, Sima Guang took a carriage and left on the side road.
Long Wu also drove up immediately.
"Forget it, I still have to entertain an important guest."
"who?"
Xu Zhiqian opened the car curtain and asked.
"you guess!"
"Scholar Wang."
"clever!"
Sure enough, after walking a hundred steps further, I saw a master and a servant sitting under a tea shed on the roadside.
It was Wang Anshi.
Zhang Fei calmed down, immediately put on an extremely hypocritical expression, and walked over quickly.
"Forget it!"
Wang Anshi waved his hand, stood up and said, "You don't like this, and I don't like it either, so there's no need to be polite."
".!"
Zhang Fei laughed a few times and turned Wang Anshi's head to look at the carriage behind him. He looked back and said, "Scholar Wang, what are you looking at?"
Wang Anshi asked in a low voice: "Is Sima Jun really hiding in the car?"
Zhang Fei said angrily: "My two wives were the only ones in the car. Bachelor Sima left at the last intersection."
"He has a guilty conscience."
Wang Anshi chuckled, implying that Sima Guang still asked Zhang Fei to come back to help, and asked: "I didn't disturb you, did I?"
Zhang Fei said: "We almost finished talking."
Wang Anshi raised his hand and walked forward, and Zhang Fei quickly followed.
"It seems that the problem in Qingzhou is very serious. Otherwise, Sima Junshi would not have rushed here to wait for you." Wang Anshi said as he walked.
Zhang Fei nodded solemnly and said, "It's true that I'm not too optimistic."
Wang Anshi suddenly turned his head and looked at Zhang Fei, "I asked you what you are pretending to be here. Didn't you come up with this idea? You know better than anyone whether you are optimistic or not."
Zhang Fei's expression froze, and the corners of his mouth twitched, "Isn't this what you asked first, Scholar Wang?"
Wang Anshi snorted: "I just want to praise you. Your move is really vicious and cruel, but I never thought that you are still pretending in front of me."
".?"
You ask such a serious question, I am too frivolous, and you call me a villain. Zhang Fei chuckled, "I didn't come up with such a vicious idea. Aren't these all thanks to Scholar Wang?"
This time it was Wang Anshi's turn to be embarrassed. He coughed a few times and said, "Actually, you can't blame me completely. I have carefully studied everything you did in Hezhong Mansion. It's your fault. If it were Fan Chunren and Su Zi, If they are in charge of the judiciary, can my new law still be enforced? I have to consider these issues.
Besides, they were the ones who started this fight in the first place. They thought the New Deal was unnecessary. So what could I do? You can't just let me sit there and wait for death. "
Zhang Fei remained silent, thinking to himself, are you explaining to me or yourself.
Wang Anshi glanced at him secretly and softened his tone: "Yes, I should have listened to your advice at the beginning. I shouldn't have been so reckless and almost caused a catastrophe!"
Anyway, it wasn't the first time I apologized to Zhang San, so he didn't care.
Zhang Fei then asked: "The situation on Jingdong East Road is also very bad?"
Wang Anshi nodded and said: "What you said in your letter is correct. But if it is just improper execution, I can make adjustments and make up for it. But if this is all the other party's conspiracy, it will be very troublesome."
At this point, he boasted: "Fortunately, you have this trick to surround Wei and save Zhao, and set a trap in Qingzhou so that they can't take care of themselves."
It turned out that it was Zhang Fei who gave Wang Anshi the idea to let the judicial reform go to Qingzhou alone. He told Wang Anshi that someone on Jingdong East Road was secretly adding fuel to the fire. It might be too late to save him, but it was impossible to admit defeat. As long as Wang Anshi If you admit defeat, then the new law is doomed, and the only way is to ensure mutual destruction, which means dragging down judicial reform.
In this way, both parties have a basis for negotiation.
Wang Anshi still didn't believe it at first. It couldn't be so serious. Although he transferred Lu Huiqing back, he also arranged for Zhang Dun and others to stay there to take charge of the overall situation.
So, he arranged for Wang Anguo to go. This Wang Anguo was his younger brother, but his political philosophy was biased towards Sima Guang and the others, and he couldn't get along with him. Therefore, Wang Anguo will not secretly communicate with the reformists, that is, Lu Huiqing and others, and at the same time, he will not betray him or hide him. After all, they are brothers.
As a result, Wang Anguo's letter was exactly the same as what Zhang Fei's letter said.
This is why Wang Anshi doesn't believe it.
Although Zhang Dun has outstanding abilities, after all, he is just one person, and the other officials are all pursuing political achievements and hoping to kill the public prosecutor and law in one go.
In fact, many people don't care about the success or failure of the new law.
Zhang Fei hurriedly explained: "Actually, Qingzhou's plan is also the experience I gained in Hezhong Mansion. Without Bachelor Yuan's cooperation, I would not have been able to judge so easily."
Wang Anshi's expression changed and he said seriously: "But the Youth Law must also be adjusted in conjunction with the Public Security Law."
At this point, he, like Sima Guang, wants to prove that his own ideas are correct, not that he can't do it without the other party.
Zhang Fei said: "Actually, the Young Crops Law has not been changed, and the Public Security Bureau has no right to interfere with the new law."
Wang Anshi said: "Although it has not been changed, it is of no great use."
Today, Qingmiao Law is in Hezhong Mansion. Although it still maintains the functions given by Wang Anshi, it has essentially changed beyond recognition. The focus is entirely on salt debts, salt banknotes, and commercial loans.
"There will still be some great ones."
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Without the Qingmiao Law granting loans to promote Chang Pingsi, the finances would not have become so good. However, this is somewhat inconsistent with the original intention of Academician Wang."
Wang Anshi frowned.
In fact, at first he also believed that the financial growth of Hezhong Mansion had little to do with him. The young crops' money was there and it did not play the role he imagined.
What he most wanted to prove was that his idea could also be successful, but he overlooked one thing, that is, those officials wanted to prove that the Youth Law was better than the Public Security Law, rather than that the Youth Law could be successful.
It seems similar, but in the process of execution, it is a world of difference.
Zhang Fei knew what he was thinking, so he said: "Xueshi Wang, according to my research with Xueshi Yuan, first of all, Qingmiao money is not suitable for Hezhong Mansion. The farmers there can't even earn two cents, let alone two installments a year." .
Secondly, the finance of Hezhong Prefecture is the salt policy. Instead of spending energy on borrowing, it is better to start with the salt policy. Even if the Green Seed Law is very successful, in the end, the salt banknotes will not be enough. "
Wang Anshi said: "Don't I know the reason? It is Hezhong Prefecture that is a special case. That is why I hope to leave the Public Security Bureau. Just like the current problem in Qingzhou, how should this be solved? The Taxation Department is beyond the reach, and the Taxation Department can do it in Hezhong Prefecture. Success also depends on salt money. Although Qingzhou also has a salt policy, it is less than 10% of Jiezhou’s and does not solve the urgent need."
If Hezhong Prefecture did not have salt debts and salt banknotes to cover it, and it would scatter a wave of money before collecting taxes, many people might not be able to pay taxes, especially those who live in hiding. In this way, the landowners could mobilize the people against the tax department.
Zhang Fei did not answer but asked: "If it is Bachelor Wang, how do you think it should be solved?"
Wang Anshi said: "Even if the New Deal passes, it is impossible to improve finances in a short period of time. This will not solve Qingzhou's current problems. The only solution for now is to reduce expenditures, but this is difficult to do, otherwise If so, maybe it is Sima Junshi who is reforming now."
Reducing expenditures is not just about reducing expenditures. The method of reducing expenditures in the Song Dynasty was very simple, which was to target the three redundants.
Wang Anshi also knew it, but the resistance was too great and he couldn't do it at all.
Zhang Fei said nothing, just looked at him with a smile.
Wang Anshi narrowed his eyes and frowned: "Aren't you planning to take this opportunity to reduce the number of officials?"
"Of course not, and I have no right to do this." Zhang Fei shook his head and said, "But you, Bachelor Wang, have the right to do this."
When Wang Anshi heard the second half of the sentence, he almost slapped Zhang Fei in the face and said with bulging eyes: "Aren't you trying to make me an enemy of the world's officials?"
That brat is still as hateful as ever, and all he wants to do is push me into the fire pit!
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "What if Bachelor Wang is forced by us?"
Wang Anshi blinked, looked sideways at Zhang Fei, and suddenly laughed sinisterly, "I knew you had no good intentions. This matter is of great importance, and we have to plan it carefully."
"certainly."
Long Wu, who was originally driving, calculated that he could go back to catch dinner, but due to Sima Guang and Wang Anshi's enthusiasm, they had no choice but to go back to catch midnight snack.
Fortunately, Bianjing is a city that never sleeps. It is very convenient to enter the city at night.
Just like when Zhang Fei returned to Bianjing for the first time, it felt like two different worlds.
After entering the city, Gao Wenyin suddenly became ill with social phobia and sat pitifully in the carriage, shivering. However, Xiao Tao, Qingmei, and Li Si were extremely excited. In fact, they did not like the tranquil life in Hezhong Mansion.
It's so boring.
At this time, Bianjing was more lively than before. The lights were bright and the traffic was busy, but the carriages could still move forward slowly, and this was all brought about by the Public Security Bureau.
Because they feel more secure and are not afraid of being blackmailed by officials or being arrested as government servants if they make some money, everyone is free to make money. At the same time, the traffic law strictly stipulated that carriages and people should go their own way. At first, everyone was not used to it, but after being fined more than a dozen times, everyone gradually adapted to it.
When they got home, it was already the second watch. Xu Zun and his son, who should have rested long ago, learned that Zhang Fei and the others were back today. Not only did they not sleep, they were even waiting for dinner. Fortunately, Zhang Fei sent someone to inform them early. He might arrive late, otherwise, he would have to worry to death, after all, Zhang Fei was assassinated as soon as he left the house.
Seeing that they finally came back, Xu Zun and the others breathed a sigh of relief. It was a joy to have this family reunited.
Gao Wenyin, who had been reluctant to leave Hezhong Mansion before, felt relaxed and felt at home this time when she saw Mu Zhen and the others.
There were three women at the table, plus Qingmei and Xiaotao, chattering without listening.
Here Xu Lingxiao also grabbed Zhang Fei and asked questions. In the past two years, although Zhang Fei was not in Bianjing, his legend was spread everywhere.
Xu Lingxiao, who got the first-hand news, will have bragging rights with his friends tomorrow.
However, Xu Zun didn't say much, silently listening to the chat between his son and son-in-law. After eating, Zhang Fei and Xu Zun went to the study room to make a pot of fine tea.
"When you went there, I was very worried, but now that you are back, I am even more worried."
Xu Zun put down the tea cup and shook his head with a wry smile.
Zhang Fei said: "Master Sima and Master Wang have already told me about the situation in the court. Father-in-law, please rest assured. My son-in-law has already made plans."
Xu Zun smiled and said, "You can be so calm because the officials trust you."
Zhang Fei smiled, acquiescing.
really! He would not dare to do this without the emperor's support.
Xu Zun said again: "But when you come back this time, I plan to retreat."
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, "Why is this? Is it because we are worried that our husband-in-law is in the public prosecutor's office, attracting criticism, and trying to avoid suspicion? But isn't this normal in our country, the Song Dynasty?"
Xu Zun did not answer and asked: "Do you know how many people have impeached you in the past two or three years?"
Zhang Fei said sarcastically: "It is said that there are several large boxes."
Xu Zun asked again: "Do you know how many people have impeached me?"
Zhang Fei blinked, quickly stood up, cupped his hands and said: "My son-in-law has brought trouble to my father-in-law, which is really unfilial!"
"Okay, okay."
Xu Zundao: "When did you become so polite?"
"Well."
"sit down!"
"yes."
After Zhang Fei sat down, Xu Zun said again: "Since I became an official, I have been impeached frequently. I am not worried about myself. I have a clear conscience in everything, but I am worried that it will harm you!"
"Father-in-law is great!"
"Hear me out."
Xu Zun raised his hand to stop Zhang Fei, and said: "Today's fight is not about the ambitions and ideas in the heart, but for the pursuit of interests. They want to kill you now, and their usual tactics are to constantly spread rumors and Framed, attacked you, attacked everyone around you, even Mr. Fan was not immune back then. If I continue to stay in the procuratorate, I will only become a burden to you."
Zhang Fei said hurriedly: "My father-in-law is in the procuratorate and can give me a lot of help."
Xu Zun waved his hand and said: "The prosecutor general is not an ordinary position. The possibility of making mistakes is very high. If you are a little negligent, they will seize the opportunity, which will definitely affect you. In the past year, I have taken a lot of sick leave. Half a year."
The prosecutor general is not an ordinary sinecure, that is, he is in the center of the whirlpool. The key is that he is not the kind of person who is calm when it comes to the law. He often makes excuses for himself and feels uncomfortable in front of himself. No matter what he wants to do, Always consider Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei thinks that it would not be good if Xu Zun retreats because of him. The key is that Xu Lingxiao is still there. Should he also let Xu Lingxiao make way for him? This is so selfish. After thinking for a while, he said: "Father-in-law, if not, you go to the Legislative Council."
"Legislative Council?"
Xu Zun was stunned for a moment.
Zhang Fei nodded and said: "Today's Legislative Council is purely for research purposes, and at the same time, there are wealthy men here. It will be difficult for them to get hold of my father-in-law."
Xu Zun asked: "Can I help you in the Legislative Council?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "My father-in-law can help my son-in-law everywhere, but my son-in-law believes that my father-in-law should not let down his talents and ambitions."
Xu Zun was stunned for a moment, then suddenly pointed at Zhang Fei and said: "You kid." After thinking for a while, he nodded and said: "Okay, it's up to you."
Sima Mansion.
Lu Gongzu, Wen Yanbo, and Fu Bi have been waiting for Sima Guang's return today.
If they don't get the answer today, they won't be able to sleep!
"It makes sense! It makes sense!"
Lu Gong wrote thoughtfully: "The legal system, the legalist method, I understood it as soon as I heard it, but when I really think about it, I am still confused."
Wen Yanbo frowned and said: "But Zhang San also ignored one point, that is, Wang Jiefu believed that his New Deal was a Legalist method and that he could decide everything. This would inevitably conflict with us. If Lu Huiqing was in Qingzhou, he would To be able to cooperate with Chunren’s judgment is simply fantastic!”
Sima Guang smiled and said: "It seems that Wen Gong still failed to understand the truth!"
Wen Yanbo asked: "How do you say this?"
Sima Guang said: "The legal system only follows the law and does not involve any other decisions. Take the situation in Hezhong Mansion as an example. Zhang San did not stop the Qingmiao Law, but Yuan Jiang would not be stupid enough to force others to borrow money. , Lu Huiqing will not cooperate with Chunren’s judgment, and that is right. We do not need his cooperation, but if he forces others to borrow money, the public prosecutor and the law can arrest him. Therefore, we only ask that he can perform his duties and do not need to cooperate. and cooperation.”
Wen Yanbo said: "How should we explain the problem in Qingzhou? On this issue, we still need to cooperate with the other party."
Sima Guang sighed: "In fact, it's not cooperation. It's just that we made a mistake in the first place and tried to use the judiciary to interfere with the administration. That's why we are in this predicament. Now we are just taking advantage of the bad government of the Qingmiao Law to return things to the original way."
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard, as if he hadn't turned this corner yet.
It is indeed difficult to jump from the legalist method to the legal method.
Lu Gongzhu suddenly said: "In other words, let Fan Chunren decide how they should judge. Don't worry too much."
Sima Guang nodded, "But we still have to take the overall situation into consideration and don't be too hasty, lest Wang Jiefu won't be able to handle it when the time comes."
Fu Bi thoughtfully said: "If it is stipulated in this way, then the Legislative Council will become very important. Although the Public Security Bureau does not need to obey the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council can decide the regulations that the Public Security Bureau needs to comply with."
Wen Yanbo glanced at Fu Bi and nodded slightly.
According to the rules governing the formation of the Legislative Council, neither Wang Anshi nor Fu Bi can control the Legislative Council. Only one person has this power.
Over there, Lu Huiqing had been waiting for Wang Anshi. He was also wondering why Wang Anshi didn't let him go and ran away without informing them.
Waiting until midnight, he finally saw Wang Anshi coming, and he got up immediately.
"Teacher.!"
"Are you really sure that there is no problem with the implementation of the Young Crops Law on Jingdong East Road?"
Faced with Wang Anshi's question, Lu Huiqing was stunned, "There is no big problem." After saying that, he immediately asked: "What did Zhang San say?"
Wang Anshi whispered: "Before me, Sima Junshi had met Zhang San and asked him to just handle Qingzhou affairs. As long as he can handle Qingzhou's problems, we will definitely lose."
Lu Huiqing said in shock: "Why?"
Wang Anshi said: "Sima Junshi has not told Zhang San the details, but Sima Junshi firmly believes that there will be a problem on Jingdong East Road. You should send someone to investigate immediately."
Lu Huiqing couldn't help but turn pale with shock, and said hurriedly: "Yes, the student will send someone to investigate immediately."
(End of chapter)
