In fact, before the fight started, everyone knew that the key to this lawsuit lay in the ancestral laws.
Especially for the imperial court.
If you can't even keep the laws of your ancestors, then there is no point in violating them.
After the ancestral laws failed, the imperial court was actually at a disadvantage.
Before Sima Guang shouted to adjourn the court, Fu Bi, Han Qi and Wen Yanbo had already quietly left the hall from the corner.
"This boy is more eloquent than the rumors say, and he has real talent and knowledge, not just boasting."
After walking out of the door, Han Qi smiled with an unsatisfied look on his face.
Fu Bi glanced at him and said, "Compared to Mr. Han, you are still a little inferior."
Han Qi laughed and asked, "Is Mr. Fu praising me or disparaging me?"
Fu Bi said, "When did you care about these things? Whether it's praise or criticism, Han Xianggong is proud of it."
Han Qi burst into laughter.
Han Qi became famous in the capital for "successfully replacing four prime ministers with a piece of paper".
But then again, Zhang Fei sued the court using ancestral laws and was able to get away with it, so he was no less wrong!
At this time, a bamboo sedan came in front of him.
Fu Bi said, "Okay, I'll go back first."
Han Qi hurriedly said, "We haven't seen each other for a long time, why don't you come to my house and have a few drinks."
Fu Bi shook his head and said, "Thank you very much for your kindness, Mr. Han. I am suffering from a foot disease and cannot enjoy myself fully. Goodbye."
That is getting on the sedan chair.
This is the imperial city, and ordinary people are not allowed to ride in sedan chairs. However, Song Shenzong took into consideration that Fu Bi suffered from a foot disease, so he allowed him to ride in a sedan chair.
Wen Yanbo bowed slightly to Han Qi and left with the sedan chair.
Han Qi sighed, shook his sleeves, put his hands behind his back, and said to himself: "Since ancient times, all the wise ministers who have governed the country have been flawless."
He and Fu Bi had been colleagues for many years and had once shared hardships, but due to the subsequent competition for the crown prince, their relationship gradually faded and they had little contact. It was only by chance that they met today.
... ...
"Mr. Fu is back after all."
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said.
Fu Bi smiled bitterly and said, "There is no other way. His Majesty has sent people to offer gifts three times. I have no choice but to come back. But I don't think I can stay for long."
He was originally recuperating in Ruzhou and had just returned to Bian Jing recently.
Wen Yanbo asked, "Mr. Fu is also not optimistic about Wang Jiefu's reforms?"
Fu Bi asked with a smile: "It seems that you are against it too."
Wen Yanbo said: "Wang Jiefu only returned to the capital last year, and he is going to start the reform this year. Even if he is talented, he cannot succeed alone. To govern the country, we must first govern the officials!"
Fu Bi sighed and said, "Even if he does as you said, I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to succeed."
Wen Yanbo asked, "Why?"
Fu Bi sighed, "In fact, Ouyang Yongshu had already pointed out the problem back then. Gentlemen are partisans, villains are partisans. But, you are afraid of the party."
During the Qingli New Deal, conservatives accused the Qingli gentlemen of forming cliques for personal gain. However, Ouyang Xiu, in his article "On Factions", directly told Renzong that he was forming a clique, so what do you want to do
And then... and then nothing happened.
Ouyang Xiu was also scolded as the worst teammate of all time.
But history tells us that Ouyang Xiu was the one who truly saw through the essence of the matter. If Renzong had agreed with "On Factions", the Song Dynasty would have become a country ruled by parties.
The formation of parties is inevitable. No matter if they are gentlemen or villains, they will inevitably come together if they share the same ideals and interests. Reform will only accelerate the occurrence of this phenomenon, and it is inevitable.
Conservatives will definitely come together for the sake of interests and dangers, and when they become powerful, the reformists will naturally also have to unite their strength.
But the problem is that the emperor was afraid of his ministers forming a clique. If Ouyang Xiu didn't say anything, could Renzong not see it
Conservatism and innovation will inevitably become stronger as party struggles occur.
This is not man-made, but human nature.
Renzong would never let this happen.
... ...
"What nonsense did you just say?"
After all the ministers left, Xu Zhiqian rolled his eyes at Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "I just want to say that the chief judge is also asking us, although they don't mean it that way, but dignity, we can only rely on ourselves to fight for it."
Speaking of this, Xu Zhiqian was immediately furious: "They can attack when they advance and defend when they retreat. They are really scoundrels!"
I have nothing to say. You guys won't judge
So what is the difference between this and bending the law for personal gain
I can't stand her straightforward nature.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "We had expected this result."
If this lawsuit were judged today, there would only be one result, and that would be Zhang Fei's loss.
If there is no verdict, Zhang Fei will win.
If Zhang Fei was declared the winner on the spot, the consequences would be very serious and the political impact would be too great.
This is a feudal society.
Xu Zhiqian said: "That being said, you performed so well and spoke so brilliantly just now, but they didn't judge you. It really makes me feel aggrieved."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "In court, this kind of frustration will always exist. You must not dwell on this dead end."
"Why?" Xu Zhiqian asked.
Zhang Fei said: "Because justice will last forever."
Xu Zhiqian said: "Since you firmly believe that justice will last forever, then... then this frustration will not last forever."
Zhang Fei said: "If there is no injustice, where will justice come from? Justice will always exist, which means that there will always be injustice in the world. Let's go!"
The two men came out of the hall, each holding a thick stack of documents.
Zhang Fei asked, "I almost forgot to ask you how you felt about the class?"
Xu Zhiqian pursed her lips and smiled, saying shyly: "It's quite... quite exciting."
Zhang Fei said: "You should have said a few words just now, accusing the court and satisfying yourself."
Xu Zhiqian said hurriedly: "Then... I may not be able to do it, and my father is in charge of the Dali Temple. Wouldn't it be asking me to sue my father, which is against filial piety."
"That's true."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Next time then!"
"Next...next time?"
Xu Zhiqian looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.
Zhang Fei smiled.
Arrived at the gate of the imperial city.
I could only hear a lot of noise outside.
"Have those people not left yet?"
Zhang Fei asked.
Xu Zhiqian shook her head and said, "I don't know either."
The two hid by the door and looked outside, only to see that the street opposite was crowded with people.
There are even many soldiers and officers there to maintain law and order.
Zhang Fei carefully asked the guard at the door: "Brother, have they been here all this time?"
The guard glared at him fiercely.
"Sorry to trouble you!"
Zhang Fei smiled awkwardly and walked out of the door with Xu Zhiqian.
"Out!"
"Zhang San is out!"
"Look, it's Zhang Erbi and Madam Xu."
... ...
After the two appeared, they immediately attracted a lot of shouting.
Li Si also hurriedly drove the carriage over.
Zhang Fei and Xu Zhiqian got on the carriage under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
I have to say that the two of them standing together are really a perfect match. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are the golden boy and jade girl.
Zhang Fei raised his hand.
There was a burst of cheers from the other side.
"Won!"
“We won!”
“We won!”
... ...
"Zhang San, don't leave!"
Just as Zhang Fei and Xu Zhiqian were about to duck into the car, they heard a shout.
I saw Cao Dongdong, Ma Xiaoyi and others running over thanks to their connections.
"Third brother, did you win?" Ma Xiaoyi asked excitedly.
Zhang Fei shook his head, "It has not been judged yet."
Cao Dongdong said depressedly: "I didn't sentence you to make a move, do you really like to show off so much?"
There is a hint of sourness in his words.
Zhang Fei rolled his eyes and said, "I just want to tell everyone that I'm still alive. This is not a stand-in."
“… … .!”
... ... .
Dali Temple, back hall.
With the case going like this, the presiding judge and the jury naturally have to review themselves, no, they have to discuss it.
"Listen! All of you, listen!"
Wang Anshi raised his hand and pointed outside the door. "That's not cheering, but cursing. It's cursing our incompetence! Zhang San is absolutely right. Such bad policies have caused the people to suffer and their families to be broken up, but the court is indifferent. In my opinion, this not only violates the laws of our ancestors, but we have also read the books of sages in vain!"
When Lu Hui saw Wang Anshi, he became angry: "If you just talk, everyone can do it. Don't we know that this is a bad policy? But the problem is that the court needs to recruit officials, transport food and grass, and build water conservancy projects. These cannot be delayed. It's easy for you to say it, but you should give us a solution."
As soon as he said this, he regretted it. Wouldn't this give Wang Anshi an opportunity to perform
As expected, Wang Anshi immediately said: "If you all truly care about the people of the world, it won't be difficult. Those merchants also need to transport goods, how do they do it? The court can also spend money to recruit people, so there won't be so many complaints."
Lu Hui's expression eased a little, and he said, "If I really had the money, I would be willing to do that, but the court's finances are now in deficit, so where can we find the money to hire people?"
Wang Anshi said: "If everyone serves, it will be feasible."
Lu Hui was slightly stunned: "Isn't it that everyone is serving in the army now?"
After saying this, he realized that the room was completely silent and suddenly reacted.
There are many people today who do not need to serve in the military.
Wang Anshi glanced at the soldiers and said firmly, "If everyone is required to serve, then those with money can contribute money and those with strength can contribute strength. If the rich do not want to serve, they can pay to be exempted. The court can use the money to recruit poor people to serve, killing two birds with one stone."
“… … !”
here we go!
here we go!
I knew this guy would take advantage of the situation.
This must be exploited.
The lawsuit just now created a moral high ground for Wang Anshi, which he would definitely not let go of, so he shouted out his slogan first.
He also knew that the conscription law would definitely attract a lot of opposition.
Xu Zun nodded and said, "This method is wonderful!"
"What's so wonderful about that?"
Lu Hui suddenly became excited. "Why has the corvée law become like this? Isn't it also forcing the rich to serve? Will it change if we collect money from the rich?"
Wang Anshi snorted, "Chancellor Lu, please don't take my words out of context. It's not just about collecting money from the rich, but also about subsidizing the poor. It's not as simple as you say."
"That's really beautiful!"
Lu Hui sneered: "Since ancient times, the imperial court has never reduced taxes by a penny, but if it comes to helping the people, it would be considered good if it can get one tenth of the money. Will the money really be spent on the people?"
Wang Anshi retorted: "That is a human problem, not a legal problem. As long as the court strictly enforces the law, there will be no mistakes or omissions."
Lu Hui said: "You are so naive. Governing a country is no joke."
Wang Anshi said: "You are too cowardly, no wonder you have accomplished nothing."
"Wang Jiefu!"
"Lü Xianke!"
As the argument went on, the two began to engage in personal attacks.
Sima Guang quickly stood up, stood between the two men, and said to Wang Anshi: "Jiefu, please be patient, some things are not as simple as you think."
Wang Anshi raised his hand and said, "If we don't solve it, it will become more complicated. Zhang San is right. Every day, many people lose their families because of this law. We are holding high positions and enjoying a good salary, but we are drinking tea here leisurely. Do you have a clear conscience? As the saying goes, if you don't make a decision when you should, you will suffer the consequences. This kind of bad policy must be eliminated. Otherwise, how can we face Taizu and Taizong?"
Sima Guang picked up a cup of tea, sipped it slowly, and said no more.
Liu Shu said, "Master Wang, we are talking about a lawsuit now, why are you bringing up that?"
Wang Anshi glanced at him and said, "Just now in the court, I gave you enough opportunities, why didn't you say more? Oh, when we left the court, you seemed to be the one who walked the fastest?"
“… … !”
Liu Shu glared at Wang Anshi fiercely.
Don't break up when things are tough!
Chen Shengzhi suddenly stood up and said, "Everyone, please be patient. What Jiefu said is also related to the outcome of this lawsuit. However, we still have to solve it step by step, especially since this lawsuit involves the laws of our ancestors, so we must not be careless."
Qi Hui quickly agreed, "That's right! How can the laws of our ancestors be determined by a person who only knows how to write."
When Wang Anshi saw Chen Shengzhi come forward, he calmed down and sat down next to Sima Guang, saying, "Whatever the law of our ancestors is, what does it have to do with the person who wrote the earpiece?"
Qi Hui almost bit his tongue.
... ...
"What do you think?"
After coming out of the Dali Temple, Zhao Xu suddenly asked Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao asked, "I wonder what your majesty is asking?"
Zhao Xu asked, "The law of our ancestors."
Liu Zhao pondered.
Zhao Xu smiled and said, "What are you hesitating about?"
Liu Zhao said awkwardly: "Your Majesty, I think Zhang San is right. But...!"
Zhao Xu said: "Don't worry, I will wait until this case is over before announcing the law of our ancestors."