At this time, it was the time for the official office to be released, and all the civil and military officials were heading out to the imperial city one after another. Compared with the usual yawning, the officials were still in high spirits today when they were released from the government office, and they still did not forget while walking Gather and whisper.
"It's really a good show this time."
"That's not the case. It is estimated that the minister was violent to the sailors again, making the sailors unable to bear the punishment, so they fled. Cheng Yi only allowed the sailors to enter the city out of sympathy. Having said that, since Cheng Fang became the minister of river defense, it was not Once this happened, there was also a censor who impeached Cheng Fang before, but wasn't it suppressed by the officials and Master Wang?"
"But at this time, at that time, the public prosecutors and the judiciary had not yet controlled the judicial power. Such matters were left to the court for debate, and they could obey the orders of the superiors. But the public prosecutors and the judiciary often pride themselves on enforcing the law impartially. If they turn a blind eye to this matter, If you close one eye, you will definitely attract attacks from ministers."
"Listening to what you said, this secret message may be Xiangzhuang's sword dance, intended for Pei Gong?"
"It must be so."
"They all asked for it. In fact, the few of us officials who are willing to do such illegal things are not all concerned about the overall situation and the completion of the tasks assigned by the monarch. Such loyal ministers have become traitors under the law. This time we have to see if they can still enforce the law impartially."
"I think it's very difficult! Cheng Fang has always been supported by officials and Wang Jiefu, and Cheng Yi was highly recommended by Sima Junshi and Uncle Lu Hui. According to the information currently known, one of the two will be punished, no matter who. , neither Wang Anshi nor Sima Junshi can accept it."
"That's why I said, there is something good to watch this time."
Looking at these officials talking to each other, Wen Yanbo, who was walking behind, couldn't help but feel worried. He sighed: "The tree wants to be quiet but the wind doesn't stop. This water control involves the officials and the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty. If it can't be calmed down, I'm afraid it will... Start a bloody storm!"
Fu Bi on the side said: "This will happen sooner or later, and this is just the beginning. More such things will happen in the future."
Wen Yanbo asked: “Can the public security organs, prosecutors and law respond?”
Fu Bi shook his head and said: "I can't say for sure, but in the past, when faced with such things, the court was often helpless. Either the officials took sides, or they just played fifty-fifty boards, settled the matter, and fooled the past, let alone talking about it. Whether it is fair or not, the key is that it cannot solve the problem and may even make the problem more serious.
And when we support the Public Security Bureau, don’t we also hope that the Public Security Bureau can handle such incidents? "
Wen Yanbo sighed: "But this is not easy!"
Fu Bi frowned, stroking his beard and saying nothing.
This matter seemed minor, because everyone knew that it was impossible for Cheng Yi to commit rebellion, but there were too many forces involved, and he did not dare to say whether the public prosecutor, procuratorate, or law could handle it well.
Zhang family.
"Why didn't you tell me such an important thing first?"
Sima Guang asked Zhang Fei.
"I didn't let him say it." Xu Zunde entered the hall.
Sima Guang glanced at Xu Zun and said, "Zhong Tu, you don't have to defend this kid. He is already a habitual criminal and hides everything. But this is not a trivial matter. If he persists in going his own way, I'm afraid he will get into trouble. What a disaster, even I won’t be able to save him then.”
Xu Zundao: "He doesn't know, so I don't know either. This confidential complaint was filed directly with the procuratorate, not specially sent to him."
Sima Guang asked: "Then why did you hide it?"
Xu Zundao: "It is precisely because I know that this matter involves many aspects, so I am afraid that it will be exposed and cause chaos, so I decided to send people to investigate first. After learning the truth, I will discuss it with Bachelor Sima."
"There's no need to investigate, I know what's going on."
Sima Guang waved his hand and sat down.
"Really?" Zhang Fei asked curiously: "I wonder what's going on?"
Sima Guang said: "It must be that Cheng Fang was working hard in Daxing again and brutalizing the men, so that the sailors couldn't bear it, so they fled to the city. Cheng Yi has always been kind and righteous, and saw that they were pitiful, so he took them in. It must be in this way."
Zhang Fei said: "So, Cheng Fang often engages in hard labor and brutalizes his slave laborers?"
"It's all Wang Jiefu's fault." A sentence popped out of Sima Guang's mouth.
Zhang Fei's ears tingled when he heard this, and he asked, "What does this have to do with Bachelor Wang?"
Sima Guang sighed: "When the official came to power, he encountered floods in Hebei, which triggered a dispute over water control in the court. One faction believed that the water of the Yellow River should be allowed to flow north, but the other faction believed that dredging should be started to divert the water to the east. At this point, we Wang Jiefu and Wang Jiefu have the same view, and they both believe that the water should be diverted eastwards.
But later the officials ordered me to go to Hebei for inspection. I thought that the Dongliu fortifications were very labor-intensive. At that time, the livelihood of the victims in Hebei was still difficult. If we didn't use a lot of labor, it would be difficult to complete. But if we mobilized troops and mobilized people, I'm afraid people would be uneasy. Therefore, I suggest that people's livelihood should be put first, and fortifications should be carried out slowly and gradually, and not in a hurry.
However, Wang Jiefu hoped to complete his work in one battle, so he asked Cheng Fang to control the flood. Cheng Fang raised millions of people. Although it was initially effective, it also made the people of Hebei wail all over the fields and made their lives miserable.
At that time, many censors impeached Cheng Fang, but with Wang Jiefu's blessing, the matter was finally settled.
However, this made Cheng Fang even more domineering. Originally, according to national regulations, the Yellow River sailors were guarding natural dangers and could not leave their posts without permission, but they were also dragged by him to repair the river, which shows how much people's energy was consumed. "
Xu Zun looked sad when he heard this. Everything involving party disputes will only become more complicated. The key is that it is uncontrollable.
Zhang Fei's eyes flashed with joy, and he asked again: "What is Academician Sima worried about?"
Sima Guang clicked his tongue, "Are you really ignorant, or are you just pretending to be confused?"
Zhang Fei said with a confused look: "I really don't know."
Sima Guang said: "Have you never thought about why that person wanted to report the complaint? Most likely, he wanted to stir up trouble. The responsibility must lie with Cheng Fang, but the officials and Wang Jiefu may not be willing to see Cheng Fang punished. This will sometimes put the procuratorate in a dilemma.”
Zhang Fei pondered for a while and said: "If Cheng Yi did not commit rebellion, it would be more appropriate for the case to be reviewed by the Yushitai. After all, it mainly involves the official's authority."
Sima Guang was stunned, "So you don't plan to intervene?"
Zhang Fei said: "It depends on the situation. The Procuratorate does not have to take care of everything. If there is no clear violation of the law by both parties and there is a conflict of authority, the Procuratorate will hand it over to Yushitai or Dali Temple."
"That's doable."
Sima Guang nodded, and suddenly looked at Zhang Fei suspiciously, "Are you going to retreat in order to advance again?"
Zhang Fei shook his head, "Of course not. I have said before that my principles have never changed, which is to strictly abide by the rules of the Public Security Bureau. If it does not involve breaking the law, then of course it is more appropriate to hand it over to the Yushitai."
At this moment, Niu Beiqing's rough voice came from the door again, "Ms. Wang is here."
Sima Guang suddenly thought of something, "You didn't tell him either?"
Zhang Fei shook his head.
Sima Guang was more balanced and said: "I'll take my leave first."
He immediately walked out angrily, just as Wang Anshi entered the courtyard. The two looked at each other, snorted angrily at the same time, and passed each other without saying a word.
Alas, these enemies!
Zhang Fei couldn't help but rolled his eyes.
Wang Anshi entered the courtyard and without waiting for Zhang Fei to salute, he asked: "It seems that you did not inform Sima Junshi about this matter."
Zhang Fei nodded quickly.
"You were right not to tell him, but you should have told me beforehand."
"???"
Zhang Fei was completely confused.
Wang Anshi said: "Controlling the Yellow River is the top priority of the country. If you tell him, he will definitely put the responsibility on me again, but he can't give any suggestions. I am different from him, how can you hide it from me."
Xu Zun quickly came up with the explanation again. This is a secret document. Who knows if it is true or false? You have to investigate to find out!
Wang Anshi said: "This matter is probably true, but it is not Cheng Fang's fault or Cheng Yi's fault. It is someone who wants to use this matter to sow trouble."
Xu Zundao said: "What Jiefu expected is almost the same as what you expected."
"It's different."
Wang Anshi said: "Just wait and see, they know this is a trap, but they will still get into it, and then they will impeach Cheng Fang, and finally pass the responsibility to me.
They are the most abominable people. To manage the rivers, they say that the troops are mobilized and the people are wasted and the money is wasted. But if there is a flood, they will say that the Holy God's unkind governance has led to heaven's punishment. Let them say everything. "
Zhang Fei asked: "I wonder how Bachelor Wang plans to respond?"
Wang Anshi said: "I never believe that Cheng Yi would commit rebellion. If he really protected the deserters, it would be excusable. However, if someone wants to use this to attack Cheng Fang, then I will never agree."
The implication is that I have secured this person's fate.
Zhang Fei nodded and said: "If Cheng Fang is dedicated to controlling the floods, even if he acts too hastily, it is also in the interests of the country. Judicially speaking, his fault cannot be judged. This is an administrative issue. The advice I just gave to Bachelor Sima, if There is no obvious illegal behavior in this case, so it will be handed over to Yushitai."
Wang Anshi nodded and said, "That's very good."
But as he said that, he suddenly looked at Zhang Fei and said, "Are you going to retreat in order to advance again?"
"Pfft! Cough cough cough!"
Xu Zun was immediately choked and coughed repeatedly.
Wang Anshi glanced at Xu Zun suspiciously and said, "Sima Junshi also asked this question just now?"
Zhang Fei scratched his head in embarrassment and said with a wry smile: "Scholar Wang, I really don't know why you look at me like this, but I really have a clear conscience.
I will fully adhere to the system of the Procuratorate. If there is no clear violation of the law in this case, I will certainly not file a lawsuit, because this is tantamount to undermining the principle of separation of politics and law.
According to the laws of our dynasty, when there is a flood, people can be mobilized to build rivers. This is more or less based on government orders rather than specific legal provisions.
If the procuratorate wants to intervene in this kind of thing, will officials dare to carry out government affairs easily in the future? "
Seeing that Zhang Fei didn't seem to be joking, Wang Anshi asked: "Based on the current situation, do you think the procuratorate can not intervene?"
Zhang Fei said: "Based on what we know so far, we mainly need to look at two points. One is whether it is legal for Cheng Yi to let the sailors into the city; the second is why the sailors fled the city. If Cheng Fang did not go too far or abuse lynching , then it is inconvenient for the procuratorate to intervene."
Wang Anshi nodded and said: "I'm very happy that you can still remember the principle of separation of politics and law! This is right, and in this matter, if you can strictly abide by this principle, you can make many officials pay more attention to the public security and the law." Putting aside the grudge will do more good than harm."
Zhang Fei was very depressed and said: "Actually, I have always abided by my principles, but Bachelor Wang and Bachelor Sima don't believe me."
"I believe you, but he doesn't believe you."
".!"
After Wang Anshi confirmed this, he left.
It can be seen that he is also a little afraid of the public prosecutor and the law. At present, there is a vacuum zone of power above the imperial court. The system of the public prosecutor and the law makes them somewhat at a loss and do not know how to intervene.
This matter is of great importance, and they all want to control it in their own hands.
"It seems that in their eyes, you are already a habitual offender."
After seeing Wang Anshi off, Xu Zun couldn't help but chuckle.
Zhang Fei said with a smile: "I made my father-in-law laugh."
Xu Zun said again: "Then do you really intend to ignore it this time?"
Zhang Fei's expression changed and he said seriously: "Originally, I really didn't know how to handle this matter, but now, I have some ideas."
Xu Zun asked: "How do you say this?"
"Actually, it's better to retreat in order to advance." Zhang Fei said slightly embarrassed.
Xu Zun looked at him doubtfully.
Zhang Fei said: "Before, I only considered the official's attitude towards this matter, but ignored the sharp conflicts between the two factions. In fact, this kind of fight will also cause the official a lot of headaches. If the two factions quarrel very fiercely, the official will It is very likely that the family will still hand over the matter to the public prosecutor and the law.
But first we have to refuse, because it involves eunuchs, but if the officials later hand over the case to us for trial, it will still be the blessing of the imperial power, and we can try the case without any scruples. "
Xu Zun nodded slightly, "But will this matter cause a fuss?"
"should be."
Zhang Fei nodded and said: "Actually, both Bachelor Sima and Bachelor Wang know that someone is stirring up trouble, but they still come to me to discuss it, which means they have no choice."
The fact is just as Zhang Fei expected. Sima Guang has long been unhappy with Cheng Fang because Cheng Fang mobilized troops in Hebei and wasted people and money. This is what their conservatives hate the most. Now even the sailors can't bear it, let alone the local people. common people.
There are also countless officials who have similar ideas to him, because Cheng Fang has long-standing grievances with many officials.
Cheng Yi was just the opposite. He was very popular in the court, and even Wang Anshi admired his talent and learning.
Therefore, when many officials learned about the case, the image of the eunuch murdering Zhongliang appeared in their minds, and they were very angry about this.
Coupled with the suppressed Northern faction in the DPRK, they all came forward one after another to impeach Cheng Fang for abusing people's power and abusing soldiers, and demanded that the court interrogate Cheng Fang.
However, the reformists are also very united because they have just experienced a struggle over the integration of judicial powers. Lu Huiqing, Deng Wan and others also impeached Cheng Yi. No matter what, Cheng Fang was carrying out the emperor's order. How could Cheng Yi obstruct it? The Minister of River Defense carried out the emperor's orders.
Seeing that the other party really wanted to convict Cheng Yi, the conservatives became even more hostile.
Someone immediately questioned this imperial order. According to the law, sailors do not have to serve unless it is in an emergency. For what reason did your emperor issue this order?
Is it just to support Cheng Fang?
Did the Privy Council know?
Not only that, some people also impeached Han Qi, thinking that Cheng Fang was doing something wrong in Hebei. As the general manager of Hebei, you, Han Qi, ignored this and allowed him to get worse. This is really a crime of dereliction of duty.
The speed at which things unfolded made Fu Bi and Wen Yanbo stunned!
This time, the emperor and Han Qi were all implicated.
Rich Mansion.
"I would like to say something fair for Han Zhigui."
Wen Yanbo said angrily: "But when the court was debating between the Northern and Eastern flows, Han Zhigui wrote a memorial to express his doubts about the Eastern Liu. It was Wang Jiefu who forcibly promoted the Eastern Liu. How come it is now Han Zhigui who has neglected his duty? This is really unreasonable. "
Fu Bi said: "Can't you see this? They are not targeting Han Zhigui, but the officials. It was the officials who supported Wang Jiefu against all opinions, and it was also the officials who ordered the Yellow River sailors to be used by Cheng Fang to build the river channel. .”
Wen Yanbo was startled, frowned and said: "Actually, they are not targeting the officials, but the public prosecutor and the law."
Fu Bi nodded and said: "That's right. As long as the officials are involved more deeply, it will be harder for the public prosecutor and law to make a difference."
Wen Yanbo said: "But I heard from Jun Shi that Zhang San said that this case is most likely to be appealed to the Yushitai, because it involves government orders that are more important than laws, and government orders should take priority."
Fu Bi said: "Even if Zhang San wants to hide, the other party will not let him succeed easily. The Public Security Bureau seems to be strong, but as long as the Public Security Bureau dares to protect anyone, in the future everyone can use this as an excuse to attack the Public Security Bureau. This case, for For them, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
Over there, the people from the Imperial City Department also quickly passed the news back to Zhao Xu, who summoned Zhang Fei into the palace as soon as possible.
"So, Cheng Yi just took pity on the soldiers, so he let them go to the city to recuperate for three days, and then urged them to continue building rivers?"
Zhang Fei frowned.
Zhao Xu nodded, with a trace of regret in his eyes.
Zhang Fei asked again: "Did Cheng Fang go too far?"
Zhao Xu seemed a little shy and said: "According to the investigation, it was mainly due to the cold weather and the temporary recruitment. The lack of food and clothing caused the soldiers to suffer a lot. In the end, it was unbearable, so they fled into the city."
Zhang Fei asked again: "Can you confirm that Cheng Fang did not commit corruption or bend the law?"
"Absolutely not."
Zhao Xu was very sure: "According to the news, Cheng Fang just wants to make political achievements as soon as possible and live up to my expectations. I heard that he has been running around inspecting water conditions day and night in the past two or three years. He was sleeping on the river, and his hair has turned pale."
Zhang Fei breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhao Xu saw this and asked, "What do you think?"
Zhang Fei hurriedly said: "I think it is not the Procuratorate's turn to handle this, because neither what Cheng Yi did nor what Cheng Fang did is illegal. When Qi Ji and the others come back, our Procuratorate will argue that there is insufficient evidence." Decline to prosecute."
Zhao Xu blinked, something is wrong with you, you want to get away! He said slightly unhappy: "I asked you for a solution, but you want to stay out of it."
Zhang Fei said hurriedly: "The officials have a misunderstanding. I want to avoid causing any more worries to the officials. Things are already so chaotic now. If the public security organs are involved again, it will only become more chaotic."
Zhao Xu asked: "Do you have any solution?"
Zhang Fei said: "Looking at the matter, what the two of them did was not illegal, and it is difficult for the public prosecutor and the law to handle the matter. It all depends on what the officials think."
"I."
Zhao Xu glanced at Zhang Fei, slapped his palm on the table again, and sighed: "To tell you the truth, I regret it now. I was really too impatient at the time, but now I have spent a lot of people and material resources. If I can't get it out, When the results come, I, I will explain to the people of the world."
Zhang Fei asked: "I don't understand this method of water control, can I achieve results?"
"It's difficult depending on the situation."
Zhao Xu had a headache and said: "It is precisely because of this that I personally ordered the mobilization of 800 sailors at the end of last year to assist Cheng Fang, hoping that he could manage the river as soon as possible. But before, Cheng Yi refused Cheng Fang to mobilize the sailors with legal orders. . Now many ministers also use this as an excuse to think that I am protecting Cheng Fang."
As he said this, he saw Zhang Fei was silent and asked, "Why don't you speak?"
Zhang Fei said sarcastically: "I don't know what the officials want?"
Zhao Xu was almost crying and said: "I have made it so obvious, don't you understand?"
Zhang Fei shook his head.
"."
Zhao Xu could only say truthfully: "The people in Hebei are indeed complaining about the river defense. Now I want to borrow the donkey from the slope, but there is no slope to borrow. This also involves my husband. He will definitely not be willing to let it go, because Once Cheng Fang is removed, his status will also be greatly affected. In addition, they also want to use my hand to deal with the Public Security Bureau."
Zhang Fei was suddenly startled and said, "Maybe the officials can use this to their advantage."
Zhao Xu hurriedly asked: "How to use the plan?"
Zhang Fei said: "Let the public prosecutor and the procuratorate bear all this, and at the same time let the officials and Xueshi Wang escape."
Zhao Xu was confused and said: "Let the public prosecutor and the law bear all this?"
Zhang Fei nodded and said: "Since the other party intends to provoke the public's trust in the public prosecutor's office, once our procuratorate refuses to prosecute, the other party will definitely not give up. They will definitely think that our procuratorate intends to protect Cheng Fang. Then all the targets will be pointed at it. Our procuratorate and officials can stay out of the matter."
Zhao Xu thought for a while and said, "What about your procuratorate?"
Zhang Fei said: "Then let's see what the official's plan is?"
Zhao Xu's eyes lit up. After such a detour, the matter immediately became very simple. The question was whether to let the public prosecutor's office intervene. The decision-making power was once again in his hands. He asked again: "If I let the procuratorate intervene, what will you do?" Is there any way to deal with it?"
Zhang Fei said: “Our procuratorate has refused beforehand because of insufficient evidence, but the other party will definitely provide various reasons to ask the procuratorate to prosecute and question the impartiality of the procuratorate.
For the procuratorate, this issue is limited to whether the facts currently identified are sufficient to initiate prosecution. In order to prove their innocence, the procuratorate can only hold a hearing to listen to the evidence of all parties to determine whether the standards for prosecution have been met.
During the hearing process, the minister will force them to base on the facts, but it will not involve punishment. To put it simply, the hearing will raise all the issues and put them on the table, but it will not determine who is the criminal. In this way, officials will be able to make decisions based on factual evidence.
No one will think that it was Bachelor Wang or Master Sima who won, because this process is dedicated to clarifying and solving problems. "
Zhao Xu chuckled and said, "Sir, you didn't win, and Bachelor Sima didn't win either. All the credit goes to the public prosecutor."
Zhang Fei said hurriedly: "All this is based on the officials' wisdom and martial arts."
Zhao Xu smiled sheepishly, pointed at Zhang Fei, and immediately said, "That's it."
(End of chapter)
