In fact, whether it is Wang Anshi, Fu Bi or Sima Guang, they all know very well that Zhang Fei is not quibbling, on the contrary, what he said is the most true, even a little too true, which makes everyone uncomfortable. Think he is quibbling.
The tax department and others are all trying to cover up.
Essentially, I don’t want to pay this tax.
No other reason.
But this is how the tax law is set. They can only attack the tax department. As long as they defeat the tax department, they will naturally be able to pay less or no tax.
"First of all, this warehouse tax is very unreasonable. Food is the most important thing for the people. People save food and store food. This has been passed down from ancient times. There is no reason to force people to sell food. Secondly, our country is founded on morality. The tax department’s approach is purely profit-seeking. If it is not restrained, it won’t be long before the world is filled with selfish, ungrateful people.”
Jiang Zhiqi refused to let go.
However, his words won the support of many ministers.
Our Song Dynasty governed the country by virtue, but the tax department only sought profit. This is not in line with Confucianism.
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Why is Jiang Yushi looking at me so fiercely? My judgment is only for this case. In this case, the Taxation Department did not abuse its power. As for whether the imperial court decided to reduce taxes, The decision to reorganize the Taxation Department has nothing to do with the Imperial Court. You have to go to the Ministry of Revenue and the Third Department to get an explanation.
If the imperial court orders strict restraint on the tax department, and then something like this happens again, our imperial court will definitely find them guilty, because our imperial court follows the law, not the world. "
Jiang Zhiqi said: "Then why did Judge Zhao think that the thirty or so tax police officers abused their powers and committed manslaughter?"
Zhang Fei said: "About this point, I explained it very clearly in the judgment. Jiang Yushi should also have read it, or Jiang Yushi would point out what I said wrong, instead of using such clumsy alienation techniques to sow discord. My relationship with President Zhao is really uninteresting.
If, as the president of the Grand Court, I cannot overturn President Zhao’s judgment, then what is the point of setting up a Supreme Court? "
"you."
Jiang Zhiqi was so angry that his eyes widened.
Zhang Fei simply closed his eyes.
I'm too lazy to fool around with you censors.
Arrogant!
So damn arrogant!
Being a chief court officer is like this.
All the ministers were so angry that their lungs were about to burst.
Perhaps it was because Zhang Fei had always considered things carefully and left room for everything in the past, but this slight change made them unable to adapt.
A minister suddenly stood up and said: "Your Majesty, the Chief Justice is certainly not wrong in following the laws and systems, but the Taxation Department must not be given such great powers again. Those tax policemen can use the name of tax collection to kill people and set fires to avenge public and private revenge." , I sincerely request your Majesty to issue an order to strictly restrain the Taxation Department, at least not to allow them to break into private houses."
The rest of the people also reacted. You, the chief judge, voluntarily gave up intervention. Isn't it just us who have the final say? As for those who died, this person cannot be resurrected. We have to pay attention to the future.
Is this right? Why are you pestering me? You can change it yourself. This power is in your hands. Zhang Fei stood aside, closing his eyes and relaxing.
Fu Bi glanced at him secretly, thoughtfully.
Zhao Xu nodded slightly and suddenly looked at Lu Huiqing, "Minister of the Ministry of Finance."
"I'm here."
Lu Huiqing stood up immediately.
Zhao Xu asked: "What suggestions do you have for this?"
Lu Huiqing's heart was full of horses galloping, and you were the one who caused the trouble. But in the end, you pulled up your pants and ignored me, and I was still responsible. How can you be such a bully? He opened his mouth several times, looking hesitant.
Zhao Xu asked: "Why doesn't the Minister of Hubu say anything?"
Lu Huiqing could only bite the bullet and said: "Your Majesty, I forgive you. I am incompetent and don't know how to restrain the tax department. I suggest that whoever has the means to restrain the tax department should be in charge of tax collection."
As soon as these words came out, everyone was stunned.
Everyone, including Deng Wan, was surprised. Are you going to lose your tax power?
This doesn't seem like your style!
Wen Yanbo asked with a hint of curiosity: "Is Lu Shangshu too modest?"
He dislikes Lu Huiqing very much, but he also admits that Lu Huiqing's methods are still very powerful, so he is not helpless!
Lu Huiqing said aggrievedly: "The official is not at all humble, because now the tax is declared independently, instead of letting the tax collectors collect it from each household. This rule was not set by the official, so the official really doesn't know how to go about it. Bind the Revenue Division.”
If he wasn't afraid of offending others, he would just start snarling. It doesn't hurt your backs to stand and talk. If you have the ability, come and stop him.
Self-declaration? Wen Yanbo was startled immediately, suddenly realized, and secretly thought, "Oh no, how could I have forgotten this."
The rest of the people also understood why Lu Huiqing said this, because today is different from the past. Now that the public security organs are here, you can't exploit the people. If you want to restrain the tax department, the tax will definitely be reduced.
Why does the Taxation Department have such great power? Isn't it just to collect taxes from these landowners? If it is restricted, it may not be collected.
Lu Huiqing is not stupid. His power has been checked and balanced by the public prosecutor and the law. Of course he will not dedicate himself to create benefits for you powerful people.
But it’s not easy for him to object, and it will also offend people.
If you are able, do it yourself.
Zhao Xu suddenly said: "That's right! This is now a self-declaration, and then the tax department will conduct random inspections. This should be more tolerant than before."
Zhang Fei immediately said: "Your Majesty is wise, when I was hearing this case, I also compared the cases in Yangzhou three years ago with last year, and found that the conflicts and lawsuits that occurred with the people due to tax collection were nearly less last year than three years ago. Eighty percent, this is also a small reason for the judgment of the left and right ministers."
Zhao Xu was surprised and said: "What the Chief Court Master said is true."
Zhang Fei nodded and said: "It's absolutely true. If your Majesty doesn't believe it, you can ask someone to bring the relevant case files and compare them and you will know."
Zhao Xu asked: "Then why do I think there will be more tax disputes in Yangzhou this year than in previous years?"
Zhang Fei said truthfully: "That's because there is a gap between what your Majesty knows and what happened."
Many ministers were trembling with fear.
Zhao Xu nodded thoughtfully, and suddenly frowned: "This is strange. The Taxation Department has reduced the conflicts between the government and the people so much. How come there are still so many people dissatisfied with the Taxation Department? Also, why didn't you guys act like this before? Are you asking me to restrain those tax collectors by raising troops and mobilizing people like this today?"
Zhang Fei said: "Your Majesty, in fact, all the ministers have done the same thing as today. I suggest to your Majesty that maybe you have forgotten."
"Yeah?"
Zhao Xu frowned and said: "The chief court official has not been in office for more than ten years, so don't talk nonsense here."
Zhang Fei said: "I dare not deceive the emperor. I remember that in Wang Hong's case, the ministers also mobilized troops and mobilized the masses. They advised your majesty to put the overall situation first, put finance first, and not to lose big because of small things."
Damn it!
Isn't it none of your business? Could you please shut up?
Many ministers gritted their teeth and looked at Zhang Fei.
If you can’t speak, then don’t speak.
It’s really a matter of which pot should not be opened.
Zhao Xu thought for a moment and said, "I remembered it. I remembered it all. There was such a thing. At that time, all the ministers were very enthusiastic about it. But it's really strange. Why didn't anyone advise me to put the overall situation first? .”
quiet!
There was sudden silence in the hall.
The answer is ready to come out.
If the taxes were not collected from them before, of course it was because of the overall situation. If the tax money could not be collected, who would pay them salaries? But now that it is collected from them, it means that cruel officials are in power. Human lives are at stake and must be controlled. .
At this moment, their underwear was taken off.
But Zhao Xu also stopped at the point. After all, as a ruler, he is a double-standard dog, and his butt is not clean, so he just needs to calm down. He suddenly looked at Fu Bi and said, "Fu Gong."
Fu Bi said: "The old minister is here."
Zhao Xu asked: "So many people have prejudices against the warehouse tax. Why was it able to be passed in the Legislative Council in the first place?"
After Fu Bi hesitated for a moment, he said: "This is because the current president of the court originally wrote something in the bill, and it is difficult for the veteran to refute it."
Zhao Xu asked: "I wonder which point it is?"
Fu Bi said: "Our government has not suppressed land annexation, which has resulted in a large amount of land being hoarded in the hands of big landlords. If they are allowed to hoard food, it will be easy for them to rebel.
Moreover, the bill also abolished the tax on profits from the sale of grain. The veteran also thought it was reasonable, so he passed it. "
Zhao Xu nodded, looked at Feng Jing and said, "Feng Zhongcheng?"
"I'm here."
"You just thought the warehouse tax was unreasonable. Do you think what Mr. Fu said is reasonable?"
"My lord, my lord. I was negligent and did not think of this."
Feng Jing was immediately discouraged.
How could this warehouse tax have been paid without this big hat attached to it in the first place?
But there is no doubt that the gentry and country gentry were very resistant to this warehouse tax, which weakened their power to a certain extent.
If you can't control the food, how can you control the people to cause trouble?
Zhao Xu asked Wang Anshi again: "Ms. Wang."
"I'm here."
Wang Anshi stood up immediately.
Zhao Xu said: "Many people think the new taxes are too high. What do you think about this?"
Wang Anshi said: "Reporting to your majesty, this kind of thing is a matter of opinion, and I dare not make a judgment rashly. However, all taxes now are transparent. I suggest that anyone who thinks the new tax is too high should let him show the tax bill to everyone." Let’s comment.”
As soon as these words came out, many people began to dodge.
In fact, the taxes for officials are lower than those for ordinary people. Initially, they only had to pay 3% of their salary. Later, according to the new tax law, it was increased to 5%. However, now the court's tax currency reform includes some benefits as currency. , so it was adjusted to 3%.
Their extra income is calculated at the normal tax rate.
For example, Han Qi, Zeng Gongliang, and the Lu family had to pay a lot of taxes because they had so much extra income.
But Sima Guang and Zhao Peng only need to pay very little tax. Although they live in poverty, it does not mean that they have no money. They earn two to three thousand guan every year, but they use all the money to help the poor, or Relatives and friends, or buying a collection of books.
Zhao Xu didn't really ask them to come up with their tax bills. Seeing that the heat was almost over, he glanced at it and said seriously: "I don't want to see such tragedies continue to happen. I also feel very sad about this." It’s sad, but as the chief judge said in the judgment, the only way to avoid such tragedies from happening again is to pay taxes in accordance with the law, trust the public prosecutor and the law, and seek help from the public prosecutor and law in a timely manner instead of conflicting with the tax department.
I think Yangzhou’s Public Security Bureau did a very good job, because according to the memorial submitted by the Yangzhou Imperial Court, the Taxation Department also made some mistakes during the period and mistakenly sealed some people’s property, but the Imperial Court helped them get justice one by one, and here. In the process, no one suffered any losses, and no one was harmed.
Isn't this great? Why do they have to stop the tax department from carrying out their duties? It is said that many scholar-bureaucrats are involved. This really surprises me. Shouldn't they know how to seek justice through the law?
Taizu had ordered preferential treatment for literati, but if anyone thinks that they can force the court to change the laws by death, they are also wishful thinking! "
After that, he stood up and said, "Today's meeting ends here."
The ministers closed their eyes and sighed, falling here again.
From the initial tax-free fight to the present, they have always been short of breath, and they have become more and more helpless now, mainly because the public security and judicial system has become more and more perfect.
also!
Many ministers couldn't help but glare at Zhang Fei when they went out.
This kid is the culprit!
If he hadn't calmed down the people's grievances, how could they be so passive.
After they left, Sima Guang wandered over to Zhang Fei and said, "You are too impatient to show your true colors just after becoming the president of the court."
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said: "Forgive me, Bachelor Sima. Regarding this tax, we fought from the capital to Hezhong Mansion, and then to Jingdong East Road. Now they are causing trouble in the south of the Yangtze River. They have been defeated and defeated repeatedly. If we If you take half a step back, chaos will break out all over the country.”
Sima Guang said: "You also said that they will fight again and again, can you keep suppressing them like this? This is not a long-term solution!"
Zhang Fei said: "There is no long-term solution for tax collection. We can only keep fighting. This will not stop, but as long as the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate are stable, it can be suppressed. The danger this time is due to the internal instability of the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate. What happened was precisely because of the hesitation and lack of firmness of the judges and prosecutors in the Jianghuai region that gave those people unrealistic illusions, which led to the tragedy.
If they have any dissatisfaction, they should go through judicial means instead of telling them privately that they are also dissatisfied with the warehouse tax and the tax department. As a result, everyone thinks that the public prosecutor and the law can make the decision for them, so they feel emboldened. "
Sima Guang said: "How do you know?"
Zhang Fei said: "This is not a secret. Many businessmen know what they said. Bachelor Sima can find out with a little inquiry."
Sima Guang nodded slightly and added: "But you have offended everyone as soon as you took office, which will bring trouble to your future career."
Zhang Fei said: "When they get used to respecting the law in the future, they will know how to respect the chief judge. I don't need to teach them this."
Sima Guang laughed when he heard this.
After this meeting, Zhang Fei immediately published an article in the newspaper in the name of the Chief Justice, emphasizing again the law enforcement rules of the Taxation Department. Under no circumstances should you conflict with the Taxation Department. If you encounter injustice, you should Seek help from the Public Security Bureau immediately.
At the same time, they directly criticized the president, prosecutor, and police chief of the Jianghuai region by name. They did not urge the people of Jianghuai to abide by the tax laws and appeal through the Public Security Bureau. It is precisely because of their passivity that this tragedy occurred. They are primarily responsible.
As soon as this article came out, everyone knew the result.
The judgment of the Chief Justice is unshakable.
The good thing is that the powerful people who were ready to make a move were suppressed again.
Everyone can also see the support of the Chief Justice for the Taxation Division.
Behind the scenes was the emperor's support.
In fact, they are not stupid. How could they not know the emperor's little thoughts? They are actually fighting against the emperor. Originally, they had a large number of people, and the emperor generally couldn't fight them. But now that there is a third party, that is, the public prosecutor, this It makes them a little confused.
Household Department.
"What on earth is Zhang San doing? How can he blame the public prosecutor and law for his fault?"
When Xue Xiang saw this article, he was a little confused.
Lu Huiqing smiled and said: "With responsibility comes power. He is not blaming the Public Security Bureau, but he is asserting the authority of the Public Security Bureau."
Wang Anshi also smiled and said: "Those people are really naive and want to distinguish the Public Security Bureau and the Taxation Department, but they don't know that the real reason is actually the Public Security Law, not the Taxation Department. As long as the Public Security Law exists, they want to go back to the past tax system, that’s almost impossible because no one can do it.”
The three of them were chatting when Deng Wan suddenly walked in and said, "Ms. Wang, something happened in the northwest."
Wang Anshi was shocked, "What's going on?"
Lu Huiqing and Xue Xiang also looked at Deng Wan uneasily.
Deng Wan said: "Not long ago, Xixia sent envoys to Yanzhou to express that the Xizhou government would take in the traitors in their country and hope that our government can return them to avoid damaging the friendship between the two countries."
Wang Anshi said in disbelief: "Is this true or false?"
Deng Wan nodded and said: "This is true, but this was not done by Wang Shao, but decided by the Xizhou Imperial Court. Now there has been a small-scale conflict on the border between Xizhou and Xixia."
This is really a wave of ups and downs.
The Xixia capital has sent envoys to Yanzhou Mansion to negotiate. It must be no small matter. Zhao Xu also immediately convened a council meeting.
After the ministers understood it clearly, they learned that most of the people Xixia wanted were businessmen, and they immediately blamed the Xizhou Imperial Court.
Basically they are asking for the person to be returned.
After all, the current national strategy is to major in internal affairs, and go to war with Xixia for a few businessmen. This is obviously a small gain.
Zhao Xu did not make a clear statement, but let the Political Affairs Hall take matters into his own hands.
Of course, the Zhengshitang ordered Xizhou to return the people.
As a result, the order had just been issued, and the newly appointed president of the Grand Court immediately ruled that Zhengshitang's order seriously violated the ancestral law, legislative principles and the concept of legality. Xizhou could not implement it, and suggested that Zhengshitang reconsider it.
The prime ministers in the political hall were dumbfounded.
This has nothing to do with your Chief Justice. Why do you rule that the decree of our political hall is invalid?
What are you doing?
The civil and military officials of the entire court were also at a loss, could they still play like this?
As everyone knows, this is also the reason why Zhao Xu is eager to let Zhang Fei serve as the president of the court. He has already decided that the focus is to shift from foreign affairs to domestic affairs, so he cannot provide support, and he also knows that the ministers of the DPRK and the Central Government must be opposed to negotiating with Xixia over such a trivial matter. A conflict occurs.
This requires the Chief Justice to check and balance these people.
Therefore, Zhao Xucai did not express his position and let the Political Affairs Hall take matters into his own hands.
If he expresses his position, it is impossible for the Chief Justice to say that the imperial edict is invalid.
But Wen Yanbo and Wang Anshi would not give up. You are really bullying others. They immediately called Zhang Fei to the political hall, and also invited Fu Bi and Zhao Pian.
Let's all talk and reason.
They really didn't expect that they would also be wronged one day.
"When will the Chief Justice be able to interfere with our political affairs hall?"
Wen Yanbo asked angrily.
Zhang Fei said: "I have no intention of interfering with the Zhengshitang, but as the president of the court, I cannot watch the Zhengshitang destroy the ancestral law, legislative principles and the concept of legality."
"How can this decree destroy the laws of our ancestors?"
Wen Yanbo, who had always supported the methods of his ancestors, had a physical reaction to this statement for the first time.
Wang Anshi also looked at Zhang Fei very puzzled.
He actually wanted to support it, but he didn't dare. After all, unlike before, he was able to be arbitrary in the world.
Zhang Fei said: "You have not carefully found out why the Xizhou Imperial Court gave those people protection. They did this entirely based on Confucianism. The Queen Mother of Xixia used power to evade their king and persecuted Zhongliang."
Before he could finish speaking, Wen Yanbo said excitedly: "That's Xixia's problem, can you care about it?"
Zhang Fei said: "Does Confucianism still depend on people? If President Lu and others stand by and do nothing, or even support this kind of behavior today, it only shows that they are moral hypocrites. We cannot expect that if In situations like this at home, they can be impartial and impartial.”
Wen Yanbo angrily shouted: "Who are you insinuating?"
Zhang Fei said: "I am just discussing the matter. Morality is a personal accomplishment, not a judgment of people. Regardless of success or failure, President Lu's statement at least proves that he is an official who adheres to Confucianism and has high moral standards. The Queen Mother of Xixia refused to hand over power. , this should be criticized and should not be used to help others.
The legislation of our dynasty is completely based on Confucianism. I deeply hate the behavior of the Queen Mother of Xixia. This decree of the Political Affairs Hall is obviously suspected of assisting the evil, and it is nothing if it does not undermine the legislative principles. "
Sima Guang stroked his beard and nodded: "That makes sense."
When Wen Yanbo heard this, he was confused. Even if you don't help, don't hold back!
Sima Guang reacted immediately and said hurriedly: "The Political Affairs Hall did not say that President Lu was at fault, but the country has national considerations."
Zhang Fei added: "From a national level, the prosperity of Xizhou lies in the trade with surrounding areas. In order to control the power, the Queen Mother of Xixia did not hesitate to persecute Zhongliang and shut down the trade with Xizhou without authorization. On the contrary, those Merchants insist on trading with Xizhou to strengthen the friendship between the two countries and avoid disputes.
Therefore, when President Lu did this, he strictly abided by the concept of legal system, which was to safeguard the rights and interests of the country and the monarch, as well as the rights and interests of the people of Xizhou.
However, the Zhengshitang did not fully consider the stakes, and just wanted to avoid the war. This may be a small loss, and to be disrespectful, if this happens in our dynasty, how can you stand on the Confucianist side? Above, to persuade?
Everyone says that going to war with Xixia for the sake of a few businessmen is not worth the losses. Then I have to ask a question, isn't it not worth the losses for giving up what Confucianism insists on for the sake of a few businessmen?
Based on these two points, this decree obviously violates the laws of the ancestors. "
Fu Bi and Zhao Peng both looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.
When did this kid become a consistent supporter of Confucianism?
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other.
Wen Yanbo said: "If Xixia goes to war with our country because of this matter, can you bear the responsibility?"
Zhang Fei said: "In other words, Zhengshitang would rather give up Confucianism than go to war with Xixia?"
Wen Yanbo was stunned by Zhang Fei and said, "I didn't say that."
Zhang Fei said: "But our Imperial Court believes that in order to defend Confucianism, we would rather go to war with Xixia. Regarding this, the Supreme Imperial Court firmly supports President Lu and the others."
(End of chapter)
