It has to be said that Zhang Fei's acting skills are quite superb. Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing were not sure for a while whether he was involved or not.
After all, the head of the tax department is not Zhang Fei, and Zhang Fei may not dare to cause such a big disturbance.
If you don't understand the specific situation, it's really hard to make a judgment.
You have to find out first.
And when Lu Huiqing received the news, it meant that all ministers had received news from Jingdong East Road.
This is really one wave after another.
Previously, everyone's attention was diverted to the Liuyun Temple adultery case, forgetting that the main battleground this year is actually Jingdong East Road, where there is a lot of shit that has not been wiped clean.
Therefore, once the news came, it is no exaggeration to say that it really shocked the government and the public.
rebellion.
This is a capital crime, and it's the kind that kills everyone.
But it doesn't really matter if it's just a rebellion, because this happens often over there. As long as it's not a large-scale rebellion, the ministers in the DPRK will not panic, and it won't be a big deal for Zhao'an.
But the problem is that many local gentry are involved.
So they quickly sent people to inquire about the news, but there was no need to inquire. One after another, waves of news came to the capital.
The wealthy gentry were also panicked. They also wanted to ask for support from the capital and quickly sent a message to the officials in the capital.
It turns out that this is the fault of the Tax Department again.
This can cost your life!
Jingdong East Road resisted the Taxation Department, and the powerful people in the capital also secretly supported it. For the powerful people, it was everyone's responsibility to resist the Taxation Department!
Judging from the past behavior of the Taxation Department, it relies on violence. Qizhou is a very suitable place to attack the Taxation Department, and there are many ruthless people there.
But who would have thought that the Taxation Department would directly open the door and slap such a fatal label on it.
Moreover, they also included some meritorious deeds. Although they were only marginal and not major descendants, this was rarely seen in the Northern Song Dynasty.
At that time, Zhao Kuangyin said that a cup of wine would release his military power, but in fact, it was wealth and wealth that would release his military power, and he promised to give them wealth from generation to generation.
It’s really exciting for this group of people to encounter this situation.
Trial Court.
"Conspiracy! This is definitely a conspiracy of the Department of Taxation!"
Meng Qiansheng said angrily: "What kind of rebellion? Those people just resisted the tax department's violent tax collection."
Zhao Wenzheng was very anxious and said: "I didn't expect that the Taxation Department would use this method to imprison unjust people in the name of rebellion. We must not let the Taxation Department succeed this time, otherwise, we will be the next ones to suffer. .”
Even Xie Yun, who has a gentle personality, nodded and said: "Yes, we must stop it this time. They actually do this. This is really terrible."
The crime of rebellion was the most terrifying crime in ancient times. Even if you were a scholar-official, if you dared to rebel, the emperor would definitely let you die.
This is not a question of money, but a question of your whole family dying.
It is absolutely impossible to set such a precedent.
Pei Wendao: "We have to be the first to impeach the Taxation Department for wasting lives on Jingdong East Road and causing unjust imprisonment."
Meng Qiansheng nodded and said, "That's right! We have to strike first."
"Haven't you learned your lesson yet?" Deng Wan said suddenly from the side.
Several people immediately looked at Deng Wan.
Deng Wan said: "The people in charge of the judiciary in Qizhou are the public prosecutors and the procuratorate. If the tax department dares to make such a big fuss, it must have some evidence in hand. If you rush to report again, you will only repeat the same mistakes and the gains will not be worth the losses."
Meng Qiansheng hurriedly asked: "According to Deng Yushi's words, how should we respond?"
Deng Wan said: "In my opinion, apart from the Public Security Bureau, if the case is really determined to be treason, it will be detrimental to all the ministers. So as long as the Public Security Law can be avoided, the matter can at least be reduced to a minor matter. It won’t hurt too many people.”
Zhao Wenzheng wondered: "How to avoid the public prosecutor?"
Deng Wan said: "Rebellion is not a small crime. Who would judge it in the past?"
Meng Qiansheng stroked his beard and said: "For such a big case, most cases will be tried by the Criminal Court, Dali Temple, Yushitai, and the Ministry of Punishment, or even these several government offices will be tried together."
Deng Wan added: "Nowadays, the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate are subordinate to the Criminal Tribunal, Dali Temple, and the Ministry of Punishment. As long as we put the case in these offices for trial, we can influence the trial, and whether it is Wen Gong , or Sima Bachelor, they will also take into account those meritorious deeds, and the most they can do is to kill a few bandit leaders to scare the monkeys."
Meng Qiansheng and others were convinced by these words.
indeed!
In the past, they always wanted to be tough, but in the end they were always slapped in the face. The reason why the public prosecutor and the procuratorate could win repeatedly was because the public prosecutor, procuratorate and law always relied on evidence. In the face of irrefutable evidence, they could not quibble.
Conspiracy is not an ordinary charge. You can directly file a petition to clear your name. Once the evidence is found, they may also be implicated.
The best way is not to discuss right or wrong, nor to choose a side, but to find a way to avoid the nasty public prosecutors, and then affect the trial.
Political Hall.
"Isn't Jun really here?"
Wen Yanbo came to the political hall, looked around, and found that Fu Bi was the only one sitting there, checking official documents.
Fu Bi put down his copy and said, "Guess where he is?"
"Zhang San."
Wen Yanbo sat down and said, "According to the information we have learned so far, the Taxation Department was ambushed in Qizhou before and suffered considerable losses. This case is most likely the revenge of the Taxation Department."
Fu Bi was also worried about this and asked: "What is the situation outside now?"
Wen Yanbo said: "With the rumbling wind and cranes, who wouldn't be afraid of something like this?"
Fu Bi frowned slightly.
Wen Yanbo sighed: "I also think that the Taxation Department has gone too far this time. Even if they want to retaliate, they should not retaliate with the crime of rebellion, and implicating so many people, including some who have made great contributions to the founding of the country, this is not the case. It forces them to jump over the wall. If it is not handled properly, Qizhou will no longer have stability."
Fu Bi nodded and said, "I believe that the official documents from the local government will be sent to the capital soon. Let's wait and see. Don't make a hasty decision yet."
Procuratorate.
"This really has nothing to do with me."
Zhang Fei said to Sima Guang with an aggrieved look on his face: "I have been busy with the Liuyun Temple adultery case recently. I haven't been paying attention to the matters over there at all."
Sima Guang frowned and said: "It's best if it has nothing to do with you, otherwise, your life may be in danger. This is just playing with fire."
Playing with fire? I never play with fire, I only set fire. Zhang Fei nodded and said: "I will bear in mind the advice of Bachelor Sima."
Sima Guang nodded and asked, "Can you handle this case well?"
"Me? Ahem!"
Zhang Fei said anxiously: "Will this case be handed over to us for trial?"
Sima Guang said: "A case of rebellion like this will definitely be appealed to the court. It is impossible for the Qizhou and Qingzhou Public Security Bureau to try it."
Zhang Fei immediately said: "But regarding this matter, I asked my father-in-law just now. Even if a case like this is appealed to the court, it should not be tried by our public prosecutors, but should be handed over to Dali Temple, Yushitai or the trial court." Trial before the Criminal Court.”
Sima Guang said: "That was before, but it is different now. Now the public prosecutor and the procuratorate are in charge of justice."
Zhang Fei said: "Even according to the current system, the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate are under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Court and Dali Temple. Cases like this should be tried by the Criminal Court and Dali Temple."
Sima Guang frowned and asked, "Can't you interrogate me?"
Zhang Fei said sarcastically: "This is not a question of whether or not it can be tried, but there are many issues involved, and I am not sure.
For example, if a businessman provides wine, meat, and food to the rebels, but only for the purpose of making money, the public prosecutor may not convict him of rebellion, but it may cause dissatisfaction among officials or some ministers. On the contrary, the people Maybe they will be dissatisfied with the public prosecutor and the law.
Simply put, even the most fair and just outcome may leave many people dissatisfied. Because there are too many political issues involved, it cannot be discussed solely in terms of justice. "
Is it really not his fault? Sima Guang murmured in his heart that the question he just asked was actually a test of Zhang Fei. After all, he had been fooled several times before, and he couldn't always be fooled. He then said: "Then what if the official will definitely let you come for trial?"
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said: "If the officials give an order, I can only obey it. But if Bachelor Sima really cares about the Public Security Bureau, he should try not to let the Public Security Bureau hear such cases. After all, the Public Security Law has only been established for a few years, and there is no way to do it." Hou, it’s really difficult for us to try this kind of case because we don’t have any experience.”
Sima Guang sighed: "Let's take a look at the situation. I don't think the officials will let the case be handed over to the public prosecutors and the judiciary for trial."
After a pause, he asked again: "What do you think of this behavior of the Taxation Department?"
Zhang Fei said sarcastically: "Sister Sima, the specific process is not clear yet, and it is difficult for me to judge."
Sima Guang said: "Just think this is a conspiracy of the Taxation Department."
Zhang Fei said: "It also depends on whether it is illegal. If it is illegal, then it is illegal. If it is not illegal, then I don't know what to say. After all, the duty of the tax department is to collect taxes legally, and our public prosecutors must also make judgments according to the law."
Sima Guang looked at Zhang Fei and hummed: "You kid, you are so impeccable in what you say!"
Zhang Fei cheered: "All those who work in the judiciary have this kind of virtue."
After Sima Guang left, Wang Gong and Qi Ji immediately entered the house.
"Prosecutor Zhang, Bachelor Sima is here to discuss the Qizhou rebellion case with you?" Qi Ji asked slightly uneasily.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Senior Sima believes that this case may be transferred to the capital."
Wang Gong said: "Will you hand it over to us for trial?"
Zhang Fei said: "It is possible, but I advise Bachelor Sima not to hand it over to our public prosecutors as much as possible."
The two of them were stunned.
Qi Ji looked suspicious and asked: "Why?"
Zhang Fei took a deep breath and said: "To tell you the truth, I also want to try it, but this case is not easy to judge. It is related to rebellion. If it is even remotely related, it is really hard to say whether it is considered rebellion. Cases in the past have been different, and there is no specific standard. It is better to leave it to Dali Temple for trial, as they are more skilled."
"Really? Did you really tell Scholar Sima that?" Qi Ji asked.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Yes!"
After hearing this, the two of them breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhang Fei asked: "What are you doing?"
Qi Ji didn't have much dealings with Zhang Fei, but he trusted him, so he couldn't help but express his feelings: "We are afraid that you will take over the case."
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Don't worry, I am very self-aware. When it comes to ordinary cases, no matter how many people are offended, it is actually just like that. Everyone is just fighting for a temporary victory.
But this case is different. If this is not done well, the person may have to be beheaded. It is also difficult to enforce the law impartially in this critical case because it is difficult to measure the scale of rebellion. If the case is tried, it may also affect our public security system. "
The two nodded frequently.
Today they finally understood why Zhang Fei was able to thrive. He was really courageous and strategic, and he had a measured approach and retreat, but he just looked like a reckless man.
Political Hall.
"So, this matter really has nothing to do with Zhang San." Wen Yanbo said while stroking his beard.
Sima Guang said: "It should have nothing to do with him, otherwise, they would not investigate the adultery case in Liuyun Temple at this juncture."
As he spoke, he added: "On my way back, I met many people, and they all hinted that the case would be heard by the Court of Justice or the Yushitai."
Wen Yanbo said: "The trial system of the public prosecutor, procuratorate, and court is really not suitable for hearing this kind of case."
Sima Guang said: "Why don't you come to the trial in person?"
Wen Yanbo said: "I can't interrogate anyone, and you can't run away either!"
The palace.
"They have learned wisely this time. Instead of rashly impeaching the tax department, they plan to support transferring the case to the Yushitai, the Criminal Court, or the Dali Temple for trial."
"Um."
Wang Anshi understood immediately, "If the case is not tried by the Public Security Bureau, then they can use the court defense to intervene. If it is left to the Public Security Bureau, they can only act in a hurry. This method is feasible."
Lu Huiqing said: "Deng Yushi believes that this is a good opportunity to attack the Public Procuratorate and the Procuratorate. Whether it is the Criminal Court or the Yushitai taking over the case, it is enough to prove that the Public Prosecutor's Office still has to succumb to the Yushitai and the Criminal Court. of."
Wang Anshi sighed secretly. He felt a little tired after doing this all day long. He nodded and said: "Let Deng Yushi and others take care of this matter. We are still busy promoting the business method. I am here." We plan to use the Business Law to promote education reform and scientific examination reform.”
Lu Huiqing nodded and said, "Student understands."
There is a saying that one learns from every experience. In the past few times, they have chosen to strike preemptively and try to impeach someone to death. But often, the harsher the impeachment is, the more severe the slap in the face will be in court.
As far as the trial system of the public prosecutor and the judiciary is concerned, what is true cannot be false, and what is false cannot be true.
Although this time it shocked the government and the public, it did not cause any turmoil. Only a few censors and admonishers impeached the tax department for violent law enforcement, because their duty was to let the emperor know these things.
Whether there is violent law enforcement, of course there is.
But most officials are still silent. They are still waiting for official documents from the Qizhou government and the local public security bureau, because what they know now does not come from official channels.
Within a few days, officials from Qizhou and Qingzhou, as well as local public prosecutors and law officials, came to the capital one after another.
Whether it was Qizhou or Qingzhou, they both said that for such a big case, there were not enough manpower here, so either the imperial court would send people there to provide support, or the case would be transferred to the capital.
In short, in short, you, the emperor, give the instructions first, and we will review them later.
The ministers then began to report one after another, saying that the matter was of great importance and involved the founding of the country, so they should not be careless. They suggested that the court, Yushitai, and Dali Temple should jointly review the matter.
Everyone was smarter this time. They didn’t say whether the case was right or wrong. They just pushed the case forward. Anyway, the higher the case was pushed, the less likely it would be for the public prosecutor and the procuratorate to try it.
For such a big matter, Zhao Xu immediately held a meeting to discuss how to deal with it.
Chui Gong Hall.
Zhao Xu immediately got angry when he came up: "It's really unreasonable. I have already arranged for the transportation department and the Public Procuratorate to review those debts, but this kind of thing still happens."
Pei Wen immediately said: "Your Majesty, this case has nothing to do with the Transportation Department and the Public Security Bureau. It was caused by the Taxation Department."
Zhao Xu asked: "How does Pei Yushi think we should deal with it?"
Pei Wendao: "I don't know the reason yet, and I can't make any judgments. However, I believe that this case must be tried as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may affect other prefectures and counties on Jingdong East Road. Therefore, I suggest that the case be handled by the Criminal Court and Dali Temple." , Yushitai will review the case."
Zhao Xu nodded and asked, "Then who should be the chief judge?"
Pei Wen first looked forward and saw that Fu Bi had not come yet, so he said, "I suggest that the censor Zhongcheng be the judge."
Under Fu Bi is Wen Yanbo.
Zhao Xu looked over and saw Wen Yanbo frowning in thought, and couldn't help but said: "Mr. Wen!"
Wen Yanbo was startled, struggled for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, this case was transferred to the capital by the Public Security Bureau, and the Public Security Bureau should hear the case."
As soon as these words came out, everyone was shocked.
Not only the reformists, but also Sima Guang, Lu Gongzhu, Liu Shu and others looked at Wen Yanbo with confusion.
Isn't that what you said?
Why did you change your mind?
Deng Wan immediately stood up and said: "What Mr. Wen said is wrong. Although the case was handed over by the Public Procuratorate and the Procuratorate, it is precisely because the case is of great importance that the Public Procuratorate and Procuratorate are powerless. Presumably the same is true for the Public Procuratorate and Procuratorate in the capital. It must be handed over by the Trial Court, Yushitai, and The three parties from Dali Temple will review the case together, or one of them may do the trial."
Xu Zun immediately said: "Deng Yushi's words are reasonable."
Wen Yanbo ignored Xu Zun and Deng Wan and said directly to Zhao Xu: "Your Majesty, the veteran is old and has more ambition than strength. I hope your Majesty will choose another person. The veteran recommends Bachelor Wang."
Wang Anshi, who seemed to be still sleepwalking, looked at Wen Yanbo in surprise.
Zhao Xu asked: "Wang Xueshi is willing to serve as the chief judge of this case?"
Wang Anshi was suddenly startled, and suddenly said: "Your Majesty, I have been busy promoting business law recently, and I really have no skills. In my opinion, Bachelor Sima is more suitable. After all, Bachelor Sima is in charge of the Court of Justice."
Zhao Xu nodded and looked at Sima Guang again.
Sima Guang first looked at Wang Anshi, then at Wen Yanbo, and said: "Your Majesty, I have to take care of the judicial reform of Jingdong East Road, and I am too busy to do all the work. Why not hand it over to Lu Xiaokan for trial?"
Lu Huiqing was stunned. He hadn't figured it out yet, but when he saw that everyone was refusing to do anything, he hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, I am still a junior minister. I may not be able to convince the public when trying this case."
Sima Guang said again: "Why don't we let the Privy Council come to judge?"
Chen Shengzhi said excitedly: "Does Bachelor Sima think that our Privy Council is very idle? The disarmament matter has not been finished yet, and the war in Xihe over there has not yet ended. How can our Privy Council have time to hear this case? This kind of thing is not supposed to be done. It is the duty of your trial court.”
what happened?
Deng Wan and Pei Wen were all dumbfounded. Could there be some mystery in this case that these prime ministers could not avoid?
It shouldn’t be!
They had already investigated clearly that it was a trap set by the Department of Taxation, and then charged the bandit with rebellion to deal with the wealthy gentry in Qizhou.
It's that simple.
Zhao Xu was extremely unhappy and said: "What? There is no civil and military minister in the entire dynasty who can hear this case?"
Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang both lowered their heads and remained silent.
As if silently reciting, you can’t see me! Can't see me!
Zhao Xu suddenly looked at Pei Wen and said: "Censor Pei, since this suggestion comes from you, then you should lead the censor's desk to hear the case!"
"I agree."
Wen Yanbo said immediately.
Sima Guang, Liu Shu and others seconded the proposal.
What happened? Pei Wen was so anxious that he broke into sweat, "Your Majesty, how can I, I, have the qualifications to hear this case?"
He didn't understand, but he knew that it was definitely not a good thing that all the prime ministers refused!
Zhao Xu frowned and said, "Is it because of the appearance of the Public Security Bureau? You are all used to idle work, but no one dares to take it? The chief judge is here."
Zhao Pian stood up and said, "I'm here."
Zhao Xu said: "This case should be tried by your imperial court."
Zhao Pian was a little hesitant.
Meng Qiansheng was shocked and stood up quickly, "Your Majesty...!"
Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Xu immediately pointed at him and said, "Then you will be the judge."
Meng Qiansheng trembled with fright, quickly stepped back, cupped his hands and said, "I am in charge of judging the court. This is not my duty."
"Then it goes without saying."
Zhao Xu waved his hand and Long Yan was furious, "That's it."
After that, he got up and left.
quick!
It's so fast!
Meng Qiansheng and the others never expected that it would be such a result. You must know that before the meeting, they were full of confidence!
It is reasonable for such a big case to be tried by Yushitai and Dali Temple.
what is going on?
After Zhao Xu left, Meng Qiansheng immediately rushed to Wen Yanbo and asked, "Why did Wen Gong refuse?"
Wen Yanbo asked in return: "Why did you refuse? Meng Zhiyuan has been in the Criminal Court and the Yushitai, let alone say that he can't try this case."
"I!"
Meng Qiansheng opened his mouth, he was willing to take it, but if you are so afraid to avoid it, who would dare to take it!
"If Meng Zhiyuan is willing to hear the case, I can recommend Meng Zhiyuan."
After leaving these words lightly, Wen Yanbo left.
Lu Gongzhu followed quietly and asked, "Why did Duke Wen refuse?"
Wen Yanbo sighed, "I have already seen this case, and the Taxation Department has a lot of evidence."
Lu Gongzhu asked: "But with Wen Gong's ability, it shouldn't be a problem to handle it properly."
Wen Yanbo shook his head and sighed: "To tell you the truth, I was still struggling with this point just now, whether to accept it or not. Yes, it is not difficult to deal with it properly, but it is inevitable that some people have to be lenient. And it will be affected by many people, but if the tax department sues me from the procuratorate, I don’t want to lose my insurance at the end of the year!”
Only then did Mr. Lu suddenly realize.
Even if the matter is not handed over to the Public Procuratorate and Procuratorate, the Public Procuratorate and Procuratorate can still supervise the matter, and the relationship between the tax department and the Public Procuratorate and Procuratorate has always been very close, and it is very likely that prosecutions will be initiated from the Procuratorate.
Once the procuratorate investigates, who can guarantee that they will make peace with you?
Wen Yanbo is also a veteran. If the case is handed over to him for trial, he will definitely take the overall situation into consideration. But the problem is that there is an additional public prosecutor here, and taking into account the overall situation is not as simple as before.
Even if the public prosecutor's office is brought in for a trial, it won't work, because they can go to the procuratorate to prosecute.
God knows how much evidence the Department of Revenue has.
This is too easy to fall into.
Suddenly, he felt a strong wind blowing from the side. Mr. Lu blinked his eyes and looked up, only to see Sima Guang rushing outside.
"Where are you going in a hurry?" Lu Gong asked curiously.
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said: "Where else can we go? I must ask that brat to find out."
"Zhang San?"
"Um."
"Did Zhang San plan this?"
"Hard to say."
Wen Yanbo shook his head, "Will there be no problems if he appeals? The Yushitai can also impeach them."
"Teacher, have you known this for a long time?"
Lu Huiqing asked softly.
Wang Anshi shook his head and said: "I haven't been paying attention to this matter recently. I just realized it. How could Duke Wen easily recommend me for trial? There must be a reason. It is not difficult to think that this problem lies in the public prosecutor's office. You don’t have to let the public prosecutors and courts try them, but the people involved in the case can appeal from the public prosecutors and courts. Isn’t that putting yourself on the grill?”
Lu Huiqing nodded and said, "So, this can only be left to the public prosecutor?"
Wang Anshi sighed: "Unless the officials personally guarantee that the public prosecutor and the law will not be allowed to intervene and prevent anyone from appealing the case, anyone who takes this case will definitely die."
Lu Huiqing immediately broke out in a cold sweat and thought to herself, you old man Sima, you just wanted to push me into the fire pit. Fortunately, I am not stupid. If you really want to go on, it will be a dead end!
(End of chapter)
