Facing these two young men, Wu Tian only had endless hatred in his eyes. Even if he knew that even if Luo Erchun didn't stand up, he would be dead.
But Zhang Fei still had a calm face and continued to ask in an orderly manner: "If I say that Wu Tianluocao is a bandit, it is to seek peace from the imperial court, do you agree?"
Luo Erchun shook his head and said: "It's absolutely impossible, because he only has hatred for the government in his heart. He has humiliated so many officials and done so many unjust things. Once he is ordered to peace, he will definitely die."
"Thank you!"
Zhang Fei nodded with a smile and said to Zhao Bian: "I have no other questions for the time being."
After saying that, he sat down.
However, all the officials sitting here were livid, including Wang Anshi and Sima Guang.
When Li Lei and others proposed the idea of Zhao'an before, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were worried about Zhang Fei. If the end point of the grass bandits is Zhao'an and this argument is true, it will be too difficult to fight.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Fei would find a breakthrough, that is, what happened to Wu Tian and his parents.
Not only did he refute this view, but he also fought back. If you hate the government to such an extent, what if you are not treason?
very beautiful!
But neither Sima Guang nor Wang Anshi were happy, let alone other officials.
Because they suddenly discovered that after questioning here for a long time, the officials were the biggest victims. They were completely manipulated by a bandit and even gave away their concubines. The key was to say it in front of so many people. It was really So shameful.
The majesty is gone!
It turns out that the clown is himself!
Zhao Xu's expression has gradually become numb, and he is still practicing martial arts and martial arts.
Li Guozhong sighed and thought to himself, it seems that he really does not intend to survive this time. Then he said to Li Lei: "Just do your best and obey fate."
Li Lei nodded, stood up, and asked Luo Erchun, "Luo Erchun, when did you meet Wu Tian?"
Luo Erchun said: "It was probably seven or eight years ago."
Li Lei asked again: "How did you get to know Wu Tian?"
Luo Erchun hesitated for a moment and then said: "I was originally the second in charge of Yunling Village. Later, after the village was occupied by Wu Tian and others, I was also surrendered by Wu Tian."
Li Lei smiled and said: "It turns out this is not the first time you have been surrendered."
"I object."
Zhang Fei stood up.
"I take that back."
Li Lei responded immediately. He had already mastered this little trick, and asked Luo Erchun: "Then can you tell me the specific process at that time?"
Luo Erchun said: "Back then, my eldest brother Du Yi and I had been entrenched in Yunling Peak, maintaining the surrounding business roads."
Li Lei said: "Protect business ethics? What do you mean by this?"
Luo Erchun glanced at Zhao Bian guiltily and said: "Because the government will send people to collect taxes on the main channels, many businessmen prefer to take the trails near Yunling Peak to avoid business taxes. We will also The trail over there is called the Commercial Road.”
Li Lei asked: "Don't the government know about this?"
Luo Erchun said: "Of course the government knows about it, so we in Yunling Village will send people to protect this trade road and will not allow the government to set up checkpoints on this trail. The passing merchants only need to pay us a small amount of money."
Wang Anshi had a headache when he heard this and scratched his forehead.
Businessmen would rather trust bandits than the government.
this.!
It’s so difficult!
Zhao Xu was so aggrieved that he almost cried. It was actually difficult for him to know these details. After all, the words that reached his ears were polished and not said in a very unpleasant way.
Li Lei said again: "You continue."
Luo Erchun then continued: "Later we heard that a group of strongmen came on the trail to rob passing merchants. My eldest brother Du Yi didn't want to conflict with them, so he sent someone to negotiate with Wu Tian and made an agreement. I decided on a time and place for negotiation, but I didn’t know that it was all Wu Tian’s trick. When my eldest brother led his troops to go to the appointment, he was ambushed by them on the way. My eldest brother was also killed by Wu Tian on the spot. So we took advantage of the situation and captured Yunling Village."
Li Lei asked: "How is your friendship with your eldest brother Du Yi?"
Luo Erchun said: "Very good!"
Li Lei said again: "Then Wu Tian killed your eldest brother, don't you hate him?"
Luo Erchun nodded and said, "Of course I hate it."
Li Lei said: "So the reason why you stay with Wu Tian is actually to wait for an opportunity to retaliate."
Luo Erchun hesitated for a moment, nodded and said, "Yes."
Li Lei smiled and said: "So now you finally have the opportunity. Not only do you surrender to the Taxation Department and help the Taxation Department capture Wu Tian, but you also want to put Wu Tian to death in court, because not only can you avenge your elder brother, but you can also permanently No future troubles.”
"Although I have this plan...!"
"I'm done asking."
Li Lei sat down, which showed that Luo Erchun was in a very calm mood, knowing that the other party had expected that he would hit him.
They all knew very well about Luo Erchun's rebellion, and the investigation was very detailed, because Luo Erchun's confession was very fatal, and they must find a way to target Luo Erchun.
It is reasonable for Zhang Fei to think of this.
Zhang Fei stood up and said, "Luo Erchun, does Wu Tian know about your friendship with Du Yi?"
Luo Erchun nodded and said, "I know."
Zhang Fei said: "Then why didn't Wu Tian kill you all together?"
Luo Erchun said: "Because Wu Tian is worried that he will not be able to control other people in the village, and we have been in Yunling Village for a long time and know many people. Wu Tian is new here, so he hopes to rely on my relationship to continue to maintain Yunling Village." The business of the village.”
Zhang Fei asked: "But is he guarding against you?"
Luo Erchun nodded and said: "He has always been on guard against me. I am also worried that sooner or later, he will kill me. Therefore, when the tax department found me, I decided to strike first and collect the information secretly. Evidence of his guilt.”
Zhang Fei asked: "What evidence have you collected?"
Luo Erchun said: "I have a letter written by Wu Tian to Dengzhou Hai Sanlang, intending to unite them to deal with the tax department. I tried to get his letter out of the bag. In this letter, Wu Tian not only He mentioned that he wanted to attack the Taxation Department, and also mentioned that the current Holy Emperor was called an unsightly person. From this, we can see how much Wu Tian hates the imperial court."
"You traitor!"
Wu Tian suddenly jumped up, intending to pounce on Luo Erchun, but was severely pressed to the table by two court policemen, but he still kept struggling this time, "You shameless traitor, I should have shaved you with a knife." Just wait for this birdie, I won’t let you go even if I’m a ghost from now on.”
Li Guozhong sighed and said to the young man on the side: "Sorry! We have tried our best."
If you directly scorn the emperor, then even if the imperial court does not hold them accountable, they would not dare to make a fuss about it. That would really make them tired of living.
The young man said: "The key is whether other people will be implicated?"
Wu Tian's life and death has nothing to do with anyone, they only have to do with the wealthy gentry.
Li Guozhong glanced at Zhang Fei and wanted to tell the young man that the key was whether Zhang Fei would kill those people. But of course he didn't say that, he just said: "There are opportunities, but the current situation is very unfavorable to us."
After pressing there for a long time, Wu Tianshi finally ran out of energy and lay on the table panting.
Zhao Pian didn't even bother to scold you.
Zhang Feicai took out the letter and said, "This is the evidence that the Taxation Department handed over to our Procuratorate, which is the letter that Luo Erchun just mentioned."
"Submit."
Zhao Pian said.
"hehe!"
Wu Tian suddenly laughed.
Zhao Pian was stunned and couldn't help asking: "Why is the prisoner laughing?"
Wu Tian's expression changed and he sneered: "Winner or loser, I fell into your hands today. I only blame myself for mistrusting the villain. But what I want to say is that the only difference between me and the government is that the government Robbery is not illegal, but I am."
As soon as these words came out, the officials looked horrified.
Zhao Xu was so anxious that he stood up.
Li Lei was also shocked and immediately stood up and said: "President, my client is extremely emotionally unstable. Please adjourn the court temporarily."
Zhao Peng glanced at Li Lei and seemed a little hesitant. If it ended here, it would be a bit cover-up.
At this time, Sima Guang and Wang Anshi were also trying to think of countermeasures.
But Wu Tian's words actually stumped these two smart people.
The key reason is that there are many people outside watching. No matter which angle they refute, the people will definitely give examples to refute them.
Zhao Pian didn't think of a way to deal with it, so he looked at Zhang Fei.
Of course Zhang Fei understood what Zhao Bian meant. He sighed secretly, MD, he still has to work overtime. He hesitated for a moment, then looked back at the prosecutor and said, "Copyright No. 2."
The prosecutor immediately handed Document No. 2 to Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei looked for the label and opened it, looked at it for a moment, then stood up and said: "President, I think Wu Tian has no strength to struggle anymore."
Zhao Pian waved his hand, and the two court policemen immediately let go of Wu Tianlai.
Wu Tian sat up straight and looked at Zhang Fei provocatively, as if the iron chain was wrapped around Zhang Fei's feet.
Zhang Fei just smiled slightly and said: "You are only half right. It is not that the difference between the two is that robbery by the imperial court is not illegal, but that you are an unlimited robbery, while the imperial court is a limited robbery. .”
As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.
Even Wu Tiandu looked at Zhang Fei in shock.
Brother!
You are too fierce!
My brother died in your hands, it was truly unfair!
Regardless of whether there are restrictions on robbery, you can't directly say that the court is robbing!
are you crazy?
Zhang Fei was not surprised by Wu Tian's reaction, but smiled and said: "Why are you looking at me in such surprise? This is not a profound truth, but something that everyone knows.
I dare say that no one in the world is willing to pay taxes, whether they are poor or rich, whether they are people from Song Dynasty or Liao Dynasty.
People are also forced to pay taxes, not voluntarily. This is indeed the same evil as robbery. But what’s interesting is that when people learn that they don’t have to pay taxes, they look forward to paying taxes every day. "
Suddenly there was a burst of boos outside the hospital!
Everyone in the audience looked at Zhang Fei with disdain. If you are so shameless, how can you say it so openly?
Wu Tianshi laughed and said: "Listen to the boos outside, they may hate you more than me, a grass bandit!"
People who are about to die naturally have no scruples.
The people outside the hospital nodded frequently, Zhang San, what nonsense are you talking about here? You want me to try without paying taxes, who will give whom a grandson?
Can your Erbi represent the people of the world?
When Meng Qiansheng saw that Zhang Fei had dug a hole for himself, he couldn't help but said: "Prosecutor Zhang, this is the imperial court, and you have to speak responsibly. You'd better think twice before speaking!"
Zhao Pian slightly despised Meng Qiansheng.
This seems to be reminding Zhang Fei, but in fact it is reminding him that this kid is talking nonsense and you have to punish him!
Sima Guang and Wang Anshi also became a little nervous.
Obedient!
This was beyond their understanding, and they didn't know how to help Zhang Fei.
But if you don't say it well and cause chaos, you will be responsible for it!
Zhang Fei smiled slightly and said: "Thank you Meng Zhiyuan for the reminder, but I may know this better than Meng Zhiyuan. I am not talking nonsense. I have evidence to prove this."
Zhao Pian was curious: "What evidence?"
Zhang Fei suddenly looked at Wu Tian, "The evidence is on Wu Tian."
Wu Tian was dumbfounded, pointed at himself and said, "On me?"
"good."
Zhang Fei lowered his head and glanced at the copy, "Do you know how many families lived around Yunling Village before you captured Yunling Village?"
Wu Tian frowned slightly, shook his head and said: "About a few hundred households, I don't know the details."
He is now calmer than before, because he already knows what will happen, and now he just wants to vent his anger.
Zhang Fei said: "According to the government's tax revenue survey, before you occupied Yunling Village, there were more than 700 households living near Yunling Village. This number should be correct, right?"
Wu Tian nodded and said, "Absolutely."
Zhang Fei asked again: "Since you occupied Yunling Village, you began to bring the surrounding lakes and mountain roads into your sphere of influence, and used force to force the government to collect taxes there. Am I right? "
Wu Tian nodded and said, "Yes."
"In other words, local people no longer have to pay taxes. Isn't this what everyone expects? But."
Zhang Fei suddenly changed the subject: "According to this year's survey by the Taxation Department, there are only about a hundred households living near Yunling Village, and nearly 80% of the people have chosen to leave Yunling Village and live in places where the government collects taxes. Do you know why this is?"
Little trick! Wu Tian chuckled and said: "I admit it, I am more hateful than the government, so I am a bad person, but don't say that you are a good person."
Zhang Fei shook his head and smiled: "This actually has nothing to do with good or bad, because facts have already proved that if you don't pay taxes, there will be no peace in the world, and the people will be like grass and be slaughtered by others.
During the chaos in the late Tang Dynasty, officials were busy running away and had no time to collect taxes. But ask the people who just booed me if they would like to go back to that time? "
A man outside the hospital said loudly: "Comparing yourself with the late Tang Dynasty is nothing. If you have the ability, compare it with the heyday of Zhenguan."
The corners of Zhao Xu's mouth twitched, but in the end he remained silent.
In the eyes of Confucians, the prosperous age of Zhenguan is a model of the prosperous age of Confucianism. Not to mention Sima Guang and others, even Zhao Xu did not think that this time was better than that time.
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said: "I'm not competing with anyone, I'm just explaining a truth, a fact. Have you ever thought about why even the two sages Confucius and Mencius only said that they should be light on corvee and light on gifts? It’s not that there is no tax in the world. Isn’t it more benevolent to have no tax in the world than to do light corvee and low taxes? Or is Confucius and Mencius just showing up?”
The scholar immediately did not dare to scream.
After all, Zhang Fei sacrificed the current nuclear weapons, Confucius and Mencius.
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Because the two sages Confucius and Mencius knew very well that the result of no tax in the world would definitely be the loss of life, and this is the only result."
Having said this, he looked around the audience and said, "If anyone can give an example that in the absence of taxes, in addition to the loss of life, there can be a second result, then I will die for Wu Tian today."
Many officials suddenly became energetic. There is such a good thing, it is really hard to find anywhere after wearing iron shoes, and it takes no effort to get it!
I quickly searched my mind to see if there were any examples to prove it, but after thinking about it, it seems that when there is no tax in the world, there will be chaos in the world.
Deng Wan suddenly questioned: "What you said is wrong. Generally, there will be no taxation in the world after the world is already in chaos. It is not that there will be no taxation in the world first, which will lead to the world in chaos. Therefore, no taxation and chaos cannot be discussed together. .”
Zhang Fei said: "In other words, when the world goes from chaos to great order, does it go from no tax to tax, or from tax to no tax? In other words, can no tax bring great order to the world?"
Deng Wan fell silent.
Fu Bi stroked his beard and said, "This is really brave of a skilled man!"
Wen Yanbo also nodded slightly.
If you want to refute Wu Tian's point of view, it is definitely impossible to refute it. Whoever conquers the world will get the tax. There is no essential difference between him and a robber. This is a real problem. To solve it, we can only admit it. Only by admitting it first can you put forward your own point of view, which is actually a means of debate.
But it takes courage to admit this point of view.
This talk was so serious that even the prime ministers felt scared.
Zhang Fei continued: "I am a judicial official. I cannot explain general principles. I can only explain it from a judicial perspective. Have you ever thought about what the law has been used for since ancient times?"
"Punish evil!"
Someone outside responded.
"good."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "It is used to punish evil. It can also be said to restrict evil deeds. But many people today only understand tax laws to punish tax evasion and tax evasion."
"Isn't it?" Wang Anshi asked very curiously.
"of course not."
Zhang Fei said: "This is actually a very superficial understanding, and I don't understand tax law at all."
"???"
If Wang Anshi hadn't thought of him as a great master, he would have stood up and started shouting. He held back his anger and said, "I would like to hear your advice."
Zhang Fei said: "The real definition of tax law is to restrict taxes. As for restricting tax evasion and tax evasion, it is just incidental. Just imagine, if we don't use laws to restrict taxes, it will become Yunling Village under Wu Tian's management. , just go and rob, you can rob food, women, children, anything. In comparison, what does tax evasion mean?"
Wang Anshi was stunned for a moment, and then said angrily: "What a good boy, you actually turned the tables on me."
Wen Yanbo nodded and said: "He is indeed a great master, with truly unique insights."
Zhang Fei said: "Based on what I said above, in my opinion, national taxation is an indispensable evil. But an indispensable evil is still an evil after all, so it needs restrictions. This means the need for laws. In fact, the rise and fall of a country, The key lies in whether this evil can be restrained. Because once this evil breaks through the restrictions and spreads around, it will cause endless disasters and even destroy the country and the family."
"A necessary evil?"
Fu Bi stroked his beard and laughed: "Wonderful! Wonderful!"
Wen Yanbo said: "He is trying to kill three birds with one stone, not only to refute Wu Tian, but also to uphold justice and provide evidence for the tax department's violent taxation. A good method."
Wang Anshi over there was not only not annoyed, but actually a little excited, hehe said: "This lawsuit has actually gone beyond the lawsuit itself. It's somewhat interesting. Haha."
I heard Zhang Fei continue to say: "The current Holy Father is well aware of this principle, so he supports judicial reform, builds a tax department, and vigorously advocates independent tax declaration. All these policies are actually hoped to better restrain this. evil.
And this can also be reflected in Wu Tian. Why he wanted to deal with the Tax Department was because he once broke out of the restrictions on this evil and began to grow wildly.
So what is the result? The people of Qizhou have to share the burden for them, thus increasing the burden on the people.
Therefore, the Taxation Department is trying to rein in Wu Tian and those who are unwilling to pay taxes at all costs to ensure that this evil will not spread again. I can guarantee that after this case is over, the area around Yunling Peak will become lively again, and people will live and work in peace and contentment, even if they start paying taxes again. "
"good!"
"well said!"
For a time, there was thunderous applause and cheers outside the hospital.
You must know that before half a stick of incense, they were still booing Zhang Fei.
They understand this truth, which is to be fair. If the big landowners pay taxes legally, then the burden on the people will naturally be lighter.
Many people really suffer from this. They just want to help those big landowners share the tax, but those big landowners are so rich that they let us poor people share the tax.
And they also very much agree with Zhang Fei's point of view. If one day there is no need to pay taxes for an indispensable evil, then the world will definitely be in chaos.
Since paying taxes is unavoidable, why not everyone pay it together.
In fact, the tax department is more positive than negative in the eyes of ordinary people in the capital. They are still expecting the capital to be like Hezhong Prefecture.
As the saying goes, we should not worry about scarcity but inequality; we should not worry about poverty but insecurity.
Zhao Xu, who was sitting on the corridor, also looked excited and said excitedly: "I have Zhang San, just like the emperor of the Han Dynasty had Xiao He!"
His confidant and mentor Wang Anshi was also very excited, but he didn't show it, his eyes just shone.
This actually solved a big problem for their monarchs and ministers. After all, tax collection and benevolent governance are not related. Now it is directly defined as an indispensable evil, which provides a strong support for their reforms.
On the other hand, the landowners and officials remained silent.
You have said so much, and you have half a dime to do with Wu Tian, and it is all aimed at us.
Wu Tian had already been dumbfounded. He was just saying hello, so he didn't know Zhang Fei was serious.
Zhang Fei looked at Wu Tian with contempt and said: "You don't need to rack your brains to refute me, let alone feel ashamed, because I didn't say this to you, no matter whether I said it or not, You will all be punished by the law and there is no way you can escape."
When Wu Tian came back to his senses, he suddenly became angry again and looked at Zhang Fei full of resentment.
Zhang Fei smiled slightly, sat down, and said with a self-deprecating smile: "We are still unprofessional and talked a lot of nonsense."
Wang Gong cupped his hands and said, "Prosecutor Zhang is humble. These words are truly shocking and will surely leave his name in history."
Zhang Fei said: "Real or false?"
Qi Ji joked: "At the worst, it will be infamy for thousands of years."
"Ha ha.!"
