Zhang Fei has been trying his best to promote the construction of public security organs and law.
The most difficult one is the separation of politics and law.
Building several procuratorates, imperial courts, and popularizing the litigation system are actually not the most difficult tasks. Litigation has existed before, but it has been completely liberalized.
The key lies in whether politics and law can be separated.
If there is no distinction between politics and law, and given the feudal class system, it actually doesn't mean much.
The reason why I say that I have been pursuing it is because it has not been achieved before.
The previous fair trials in the imperial court seemed to separate politics and law, but in fact it was Zhang Fei who used the struggle between the two factions to create a balanced arena. In addition, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were both magnanimous gentlemen. They all sincerely think they are right.
Then a fair trial becomes crucial.
But the so-called justice is only the product of political struggle and does not mean that the judiciary operates independently.
In fact, the high officials in the DPRK are also trying their best to interfere in the operation of the public security organs.
Many judgments and legislation will trigger discussions and games in the court, but the winning party often supports the judgments of the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate.
When Zhang Fei was in Hezhong Mansion, he always discussed it with Yuan Jiang before passing judgment.
Last year's restructuring finally confirmed the complete separation of politics and law from the system. The most iconic policy was to abolish the Criminal Court and Dali Temple and establish the Supreme Court and the Supreme Procuratorate.
In the past, the Public Security Bureau was subordinate to the Criminal Court and Dali Temple. However, the chiefs of the Criminal Court and Dali Temple were basically involved in political affairs in the Political Affairs Hall.
It cannot be said that there is a separation of politics and law.
Fortunately, Sima Guang is relatively independent and doesn't like to interfere. If someone else comes up, it will definitely be a different result.
However, institutional adjustments alone cannot be regarded as the separation of politics and law in the true sense.
This person has to be identified.
Sima Guang obviously did not do this. He was more concerned about the interests of the conservatives, so he would never make such an action as Fu Bi.
If his decisions affect the interests of conservatives, he plans to resign.
But Fu Bi directly cut off from the conservatives and angrily scolded some scholar-officials within the conservatives: Stop interfering in the work of our Legislative Council.
In this way, officials can also achieve the separation of politics and law and move towards true independence.
Of course, this made many conservatives feel like they had been stabbed in the back.
We raised the public security tribunal and the law single-handedly, and this is the result?
It immediately angered many people!
Rich Mansion.
"The rich man is so majestic and powerful. If you stand a little further, above the court, the earth will shake!"
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and smiled.
Fu Bi waved his hand and said, "You are exaggerating. Is my rich person so terrible?"
Wen Yanbo said: "Don't believe it, Mr. Fu. Some people have already begun to open up old scores and talk about the Qingli crony. They even brought Mr. Han and me in, saying that the old Qingli party was resurrected. Some people even let it slip, saying that Mr. Fu was related to the Qingli crony." Xixia colluded to use the warehouse tax to undermine the unity of the court and prevent our court from conquering Xia."
Fu Bi frowned slightly and sighed: "They have really made no progress at all over the years, they are still using these tricks."
Wen Yanbo added: "But it's more of a shock. In fact, most people didn't expect it, and they can't understand why the rich man did this."
Fu Bi smiled and said: "They don't understand me, and I can't understand them. They actually try to use the frontline war to make deals, and even threaten them. Especially some people, who are clearly opposed to the use of troops, but because of their own interests, And he did not hesitate to ask the court to send troops.
If the imperial court is in the hands of such people, the country will be ruined and the family will be destroyed. You know, I originally planned to take another look, but their behavior made me feel that my idea was extremely correct, and this was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said, "But the key lies in the official family."
Fu Bi chuckled: "Isn't this what the officials want?"
Three divisions.
"Ms. Wang, I think there is nothing wrong with what the Legislative Council has done. If there is a lack of warehouse tax, the tax currency bill may also face failure. I think the Legislative Council's decision is beneficial to us."
Xue Xiang said very puzzled.
"The three envoys only know one thing, but not the other!"
Deng Wan immediately said: "Why did Mr. Fu suddenly stand up? Is it just for a warehouse tax? This is impossible. As we all know, in recent years, Mr. Fu has firmly opposed the use of foreign troops, whether it is against Xixia or Liao." , forcing the officials to withdraw their troops from Xihe, this is Fu Gong's real plan.
If we really withdraw our troops from Xihe, what a big blow it will have to Wang Xianggong. "
Xue Xiangdao: "But now that politics and law are separated, the Legislative Council has no power to interfere with the use of foreign troops."
Deng Wan shook his head and said: "Third Secretary, please don't think too naively. To fight a war, you need people and money. The Legislative Council can enforce the warehouse tax today, and it can also prevent tax increases in the future. Without taxes, where will it come from?" money to fight.”
With that said, he said to Wang Anshi: "Ms. Wang, Mr. Fu's move is unusual. It seems to offend both parties, but it may be a trap, and its purpose is still to target our Xining Tuobian."
Xue Xiang shook his head and said: "I don't think so. The warehouse tax can't stop it. Some people are stopping it."
"okay!"
Wang Anshi suddenly said: "Stop arguing now, I have my own plan."
Zhao Mansion.
"You are talking about us. How could we forget this old fox Fu Yanguo?"
Zhao Wenzheng was so angry that he lowered his head and stamped his feet.
Meng Qiansheng said frustratedly: "I can't blame anyone for this. I can only say that the Fuyan Kingdom is too hidden. Let alone us, it is said that even Sima Junshi and the others did not expect that they are even more angry than us now."
Xie Yun was so anxious that he spread his hands and said, "What should we do now?"
This wave of people is the most anxious because they were the biggest victims during the last restructuring.
Although they are still serving as ministers in various ministries, they all know that once the transfer of power is completed, they will have to leave the capital.
But they were originally the deputy envoys and deputy prime ministers of the third department.
Therefore, they went all out this time.
Zhao Wenzheng, Meng Qiansheng and others looked at each other and uttered one word at the same time, "official family."
yes!
Now the only one who can turn everything around is the emperor.
But this is exactly what Zhao Xu wanted to see. Before Fu Bi came forward, the powerful and bureaucratic class, including eunuchs and relatives, surrounded the emperor and made various blows, which actually put a lot of pressure on Zhao Xu. .
Now that Fu Bi has stepped forward, Zhao Xu has taken the initiative again.
He had enough time to think about what to do.
Zhang family.
"Brother Bao, you won't really transfer everyone to Jiangnan, will you?"
Seeing Li Bao, Zhang Fei couldn't help but complain: "The news is coming really slowly this time."
Li Bao said hurriedly: "How is this possible? There are still enough manpower over there. Yes, our news came a little late this time, but that is because Xizhou uses expedited battle reporting and only reports battlefield news. We People have to investigate the specific reasons, so they come slower."
Speed is relative, and the battle reports are all about speeding up the horses, which makes them appear to be slow.
Zhang Fei said: "What is going on?"
Li Bao said: "According to our investigation, this battle is actually inevitable. Xisiluo has already formed an alliance with Xixia, hoping to drive our army out of Xihe.
But your two arrangements made them more determined and accelerated their use of troops against Xihe. "
Zhang Fei asked: "What are the arrangements?"
Li Bao said: "One is to conduct trade in Xizhou. Within this year, it achieved great success. This is because Tubo is now divided, and there are some small tribes in the area. They all want to make money. Therefore, many Tubo tribes went to Xizhou to do business. If Xisiluo no longer needed soldiers, the tribes that originally relied on them would also rely on us, the Song Dynasty.
The second is private salt. After we released a large amount of private salt last time, didn't you arrange to attack the nobles on the Empress Dowager Liang's side, in order to divide them and give an explanation to the court. This was also very successful, but the nobles on the Empress Dowager Liang's side could not make any money. money, but also more determined to send troops.
Of course, for the entire Xixia, they don't want us to control the Xihe area. "
Zhang Fei said: "Have you ever found out whether Xixia plans to go into full-scale war with our country?"
Li Bao said: "There is no sign of this at the moment. Xixia has only sent some troops to wander around the border to assist Xunsiluo. But if we can't defeat Xunsiluo, then that's not necessarily the case."
Zhang Fei asked again: "What about Hengshan?"
Li Bao immediately said: "The Western Army is indeed dissatisfied with the imperial court allocating too much money to Xihe, and they are also eager to make meritorious deeds."
Zhang Fei nodded.
On the second day after Li Bao talked with Zhang Fei, Zhao Xu secretly ordered Zhang Fei to enter the palace.
Zhao Xu must have discussed this matter with Zhang Fei before making the final decision. In fact, he was waiting for information from Li Bao, because Zhang Fei's plan had always been carried out secretly.
royal palace.
Seeing Zhang Fei, Zhao Xu first smiled and asked, "Did you convince the rich man?"
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "Your Majesty really praises me too much. How could I possibly convince Mr. Fu? However, I did express my attitude to Mr. Fu and believed that the Legislative Council should not be interfered with by those people."
Zhao Xu asked: "Then what do you think the rich man intended by doing this?"
Zhang Fei pondered for a while, "I think Fu Gong hopes to avoid repeating the mistakes of the Qingli New Deal. In my opinion, the reason why the Qingli New Deal failed is because many officials used their own interests to control the court's policies.
The situation is the same today. They just want to make a deal with His Majesty and support the use of troops against Xixia in exchange for warehouse taxes. "
"How could I not know?"
Zhao Xu nodded, and then said: "But at present, the country is suffering from internal and external troubles, and I also feel that I am somewhat powerless."
Now as long as he lets go, the country will be able to stabilize immediately, whether it is disaster relief or preparing food for war, and what he pays is a warehouse tax that does not exist in the first place.
Wang Anshi was very moved, and of course Zhao Xu was also a little tempted.
This is human nature.
It’s hard to be the boss.
But Zhao Xu also considered the disadvantages, and he had not yet made up his mind.
Zhang Fei immediately said: "If your Majesty compromises with them today, but tomorrow they can change their minds for their own interests, your Majesty will still have to compromise with them. By then, your Majesty will have no choice."
After a pause, he continued: "Furthermore, according to the news brought by Li Bao, the war in Xixia is mainly because our policies have been too successful. Whether it is alienating Xixia internally or appeasing the various Tubo tribes, we have achieved great results." The success made the other side eager to start a war with us. This proved from the side that if this continues, the situation will be very unfavorable to them.
It can be seen that time is on our side. At this time, we need to be patient and strive to eliminate Xixia at the minimum cost in the future, so that we have enough strength to prevent the hungry wolf in the north.
This is the only solution at present. If we use all our strength to attack Xixia, what will we do once the north moves south? "
Zhao Xu said: "But now that their army is approaching, we have to be prepared to deal with it. If Xixia is going to go into full-scale war, then we have to go all out."
Zhang Fei said: "Xixia is currently being attacked from both sides. Facing the main force of our Western Army on the northern front, it is impossible to mobilize the main force to go to the southern front. Moreover, with Xihe's current military and financial resources, as well as the will of the people, it is enough to defend Xisiluo. So far. Your Majesty has not received a letter asking for help from Xihe, so the situation may not be as bad as your Majesty imagined."
Having said that, he saw that Zhao Xu was still a little hesitant, so he added: "Even if your Majesty really wants to fight, you must at least collect the money and food first, but now they don't even agree to a warehouse tax. You must know that this warehouse tax Or just asking them to sell grain, not asking for their money. How much money can they use to fight His Majesty's war?
At that time, we can only ask the people for it. If this causes resentment among the people and the food is in their hands, your Majesty will be even more controlled by them. "
Zhao Xu nodded and added: "But the soldiers on the western front are currently ready to make a move. If they cannot be calmed down, some of them may take the initiative to provoke a war."
"This is a hidden danger, but blindly suppressing them will also cause them to lose morale."
Zhang Fei nodded, pondered for a while, and said, "Your Majesty, you can write an IOU to them."
"IOU?"
Zhao Xu said in surprise.
Zhang Fei said: "Write all the military expenses for the future attack on Xixia on the IOU for a period of three years. Tell them that they will definitely attack, but they still need to wait patiently. When they understand His Majesty's determination, they will obey the order and at the same time will not Will respond negatively.”
"Your method is quite novel."
Zhao Xu was amused and asked again: "Are you sure you can destroy Xixia within three years?"
Zhang Fei hurriedly said: "Fighting is the responsibility of military generals. How can I guarantee this? The only thing I can guarantee is that I can raise enough money for your majesty to fight this battle, and at the same time, I will have enough power to defend the Liao Kingdom."
When it comes to the Liao Kingdom, Zhao Xu is indeed a little uneasy. He still doesn't have the strength to fight on two fronts. Every time he goes to war with Xixia, the Liao Kingdom will take advantage of it. This is how the annual coins given to the Liao Kingdom have risen. He nodded and said: " Well, I believe in you, after all, you have never disappointed me."
Legislative Council.
"Fu Gong, although the officials have tacitly agreed to our publishing the article, at present, the officials have not yet decided. This also makes those people take chances. They are still trying their best to persuade the officials."
Zhao Pian said with a solemn expression.
Fu Bi asked hurriedly: "What does Mr. Zhao think?"
Zhao Bian said: "I have recently carefully studied the bill about Zhang San, and found that based on this bill, the government's demands on vendors in other aspects are also unreasonable. I plan to use this when I meet with the Holy Father tomorrow. On the grounds of the bill, the government is required to rectify the situation, in order to urge the government to make up its mind.”
Fu Bi's eyes lit up, "This is a great strategy. It's time for the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate to take the initiative, lest they always think that the Public Security Bureau, the Procuratorate and the Procuratorate don't dare to touch their money bags."
The next day.
Zhao Pian took this issue and went to Zhao Xu to discuss it. They all said that it was a general tax, but in terms of business, there were still many miscellaneous taxes, and these miscellaneous taxes were originally classified as commercial taxes. This was the same as the food bill. It makes no sense in legal terms and must be corrected.
At the same time, he said that there was no way to collect taxes like this in the past. Now that the Taxation Department is so powerful, there is no need to do this and it is a waste of manpower and material resources.
As soon as Zhao Xu heard this, he knew what Zhao Pian had planned. It was just to test him, what do you think? After talking to Zhang Fei, Zhao Xu had already made a decision, so he quickly agreed to Zhao抃.
Imperial Court.
Wang Anshi and Wen Yanbo looked at Zhao Bian above, feeling slightly unhappy. When would anyone besides the emperor be able to become prime minister?
Zhao Pian smiled slightly and said: "I invite you two husbands to come here today, mainly because I have an urgent matter that I want to discuss with you."
Wen Yanbo asked cautiously: "What's the matter?"
"Here's the thing."
Zhao Bian said: "Recently, some businessmen have complained that in addition to distiller's yeast, the government also imposes many miscellaneous taxes on their traders, such as business money, tooth money, and some officials extort money from them in the name of running out of goods.
I also looked through the relevant accounts and found that these miscellaneous taxes used to be included in the commercial tax. However, in the just-passed Food and Wine Act, it is clearly stated that the tax department now calculates the total tax. These additional miscellaneous taxes should be Cancellation, otherwise, it will be repeated taxation, which is inconsistent with the law. "
Both prime ministers were very unhappy.
This has nothing to do with approval or disapproval, but rather, why are you commanding us?
Wang Anshi had a bad relationship with Zhao Pian, so he said angrily: "This is a matter of our political affairs hall, and the imperial court has no right to interfere."
It was rare for Wen Yanbo to stand on the same front as Wang Anshi, "Jiefu is right, the chief judge is too lenient."
Zhao Pian said: "You two have misunderstood. I am not ordering you. I am just worried that if it is not resolved in time, the businessmen will sue the imperial court in the future, and the imperial court can only punish the government in accordance with the law. Then there may be consequences." It makes everyone unhappy, and it would be great if the government could take the initiative to solve it."
Wang Anshi shouted: "Is the Chief Justice threatening us?"
Zhao Pian said: "If Mr. Wang thinks there is anything wrong with what I did, you can raise it. There is no need to say such things. I, Zhao Pian, will not fall into this trap."
The name of the iron-faced censor is by no means in vain.
"If you are able, just give the order directly. There is no need to pretend to be a good person here."
After that, Wang Anshi stood up and left.
Zhao Pian was not angry and looked at Wen Yanbo again.
Wen Yanbo stood up slowly and said, "Goodbye."
After they left, Fu Bi limped out from behind.
The two old men looked at each other, both smiling and shaking their heads.
This was all within their expectations.
It is impossible for Wang Anshi and Wen Yanbo to agree, even if they agree in their hearts.
First of all, there is no face.
Secondly, this is a job that offends people.
Since your imperial court is so arrogant, why not do it for you.
Just do it yourself!
The imperial court immediately issued a decree directly citing the new tax law, treating many miscellaneous taxes on business as illegal taxes.
The dignitaries and scholar-bureaucrats were completely dumbfounded.
Holy shit! Can this still be done?
Your imperial court must be floating.
This is a national system, and it has not just been promulgated. It has always existed. How can it become illegal?
Ridiculous!
I still don’t believe you dare to do this.
Chenjia Dental Shop.
"Old Chen, what's going on?"
Fan Yong came to Chen's house and saw many people surrounding the gate, while Chen Maoqian stood aside, sighing, and couldn't help but hurried forward.
Chen Maoqian said: "A group of court police have just arrived and informed us that our official body has illegally collected taxes, so our official power must be temporarily suspended."
"???"
Fan Yong was confused, "What do you mean?"
Chen Maoqian said: "In the future, customers can sign contracts by themselves without having to go through the official teeth. It is said that the tooth money is originally counted as commercial tax. Now that the commercial tax is unified, the official teeth fees should be cancelled."
Fan Yong nodded and said: "This is a good thing."
"Um?"
"No."
Fan Yong asked hypocritically: "Aren't you going to close the door?"
Chen Maoqian said: "That's not true. Private teeth are still legal, but they are not mandatory."
Fan Yong asked anxiously: "Have the house tax and land tax been abolished?"
Chen Maoqian said: "That's not true. I asked about this specifically, because the land tax and house tax are now stipulated to be paid by the buyer. This is to curb land annexation, and the seller's income is already subject to tax."
"That's true." Fan Yong nodded and said, "Don't sigh, Old Chen. You are now cooperating with the Ma family to build a workshop and a football field. You are not short of money."
"Is this a question of money?" Chen Maoqian whispered: "This is a question of power. Who will respect me in the future?"
Fan Yong said: "Then I am more worried than you?"
Chen Maoqian asked: "How do you say this?"
Fan Yong said: "Just now, a group of court police came to our Baifan Building, saying that there are illegal tax collections in the transactions between the main store and the foot store, and they must be temporarily cancelled."
Chen Maoqian wondered: "How is this illegal?"
Fan Yong said: "According to previous regulations, foot shops must buy liquor from the main store, but due to the liquor tax bill, the main store should not pay extra tax to Quyuan, and the foot shop should not pay extra money to the main store. "
Chen Maoqian nodded and said, "That's fair."
"Um?"
"correct."
Chen Maoqian said: "I heard that travel money has also been cancelled."
Fan Yong said: "I also heard about this, so I came to see you. Originally, all walks of life were required to pay corresponding goods to the government for the government's use. From now on, the court would spend money to purchase goods from all walks of life. , this is a great good thing.”
Chen Maoqian nodded and said: "In the past, the money in this business really hurt us merchants, especially those small workshops. If they made ten pairs of shoes, the government might ask for five pairs, which made many traders afraid to open in the city. We can only take out food secretly in the suburbs. Now that we cancel this business, the prices of shops will rise a lot."
Fan Yong said: "It seems that we made the right bet this time."
Horse Street.
Lu Gongzhu and Sima Guang came to a grain shop with a food department on it, and saw that there was not a single customer in front of the shop.
This is a time of natural disaster!
The two immediately stepped forward.
"My dear guests, would you like to buy some food?"
The guy who was dozing off at the counter quickly cheered up.
Lu Gongzhu immediately asked: "Do you have food in your store?"
The waiter said: "Yes! You two gentlemen, please take a look, this is all the best wheat."
Sima Guang asked curiously: "Then why no one buys it?"
The waiter sighed: "It's too expensive."
Sima Guang asked: "How much?"
"Forty dollars a bucket," said the man.
Sima Guang said: "The price is not expensive!"
The boy said: "It's not expensive, but everyone knows that in a few days, there will be cheaper food to buy. Anyone in this family who still has food left will not come to buy it."
Lu Gongzhu asked: "Cheaper food."
The guy said: "That's right! It won't take long for those big landowners to sell the grain, and they won't be willing to pay the warehouse tax."
