The next day.
Zhang Fei got up early. After all, he had not yet set up a sports mode for his night and went to bed early.
When I arrived at the living room, the considerate Gao Wenyin had already arranged for Xiaotao to prepare breakfast.
"Husband."
Halfway through the meal, Gao Wenyin suddenly called out softly.
Zhang Fei asked, "What's the matter?"
Gao Wenyin whispered, "Just now, Xiaotao and Li Si went out to buy groceries and heard many people on the street talking about yesterday's lawsuit. Almost all of them said that the lawsuit was not good for my husband."
"Really?" Zhang Fei was very surprised.
"Um."
Gao Wenyin nodded.
Zhang Fei called Li Si again and questioned him.
It turned out to be true. Many public opinions took his arguments out of context and used them to criticize and distort his words. However, no one spoke out when it was beneficial to Zhang Fei's views.
Zhang Fei was very familiar with this kind of gameplay, it was just that Twitter was replaced by Facebook. He thought to himself, I really underestimated the methods of the ancients.
At this time, Xu Zhiqian came.
Gao Wenyin hurriedly said, "Mrs. Xu is here, Xiaotao, go get the bowls and bring them here quickly."
"Mrs. Zhang, don't bother me. I've already eaten." Xu Zhiqian asked Zhang Fei again, "Do you know about the rumors out there?"
Zhang Fei nodded, "My wife just told me. It seems that Mr. Wang's propaganda ability is not good enough, and he has already lost the initiative."
Xu Zhiqian sighed softly: "In this regard, Grand Secretary Wang is really not as good as them."
With such poor propaganda ability, he still wanted to reform. I really don't know what Wang Anshi was planning. He wouldn't be so naive to think that he would succeed if he worked for the country and the people. Fortunately, I didn't stand on his side at the beginning, otherwise, I'm afraid we would have died together.
Zhang Fei smiled lightly: "The role that public opinion can play in this case is limited. After all, it is the law of our ancestors, and it is up to the government to decide. If it doesn't work, the worst that can happen is that we will have to defend ourselves in court."
Xu Zhiqian nodded and said, "My father said the same thing."
Gao Wenyin, who was standing next to him, breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhang Fei muttered to himself: "But public opinion is always controlled by the other party. For me, it is a hidden danger. How can I fight lawsuits for the rich in the future? Can I only blackmail them?"
"... ... .?"
... ..
In fact, in the first half of last night, public opinion was still in favor of Zhang Fei. Although most people did not know the specific circumstances, at least Zhang Fei left the Dali Temple alive.
In addition, there are big Vs such as Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi who help promote Zhang Fei.
But in the second half of the night, public opinion immediately changed.
This can only prove one thing, that is, the other party was really anxious, so they acted so quickly, hoping to use public opinion to put pressure on the court and avoid their own embarrassment.
Before this lawsuit started, many people had already realized that this lawsuit brought together almost all the current contradictions.
It is of vital importance to both parties and cannot be lost.
Originally, many officials hoped that through this lawsuit, they could get rid of the troublesome Zhang Fei in one fell swoop, and at the same time strike a blow against Wang Anshi's arrogance.
Unexpectedly, so many officials went into battle but were defeated again.
This was embarrassing for them.
Wang Anshi's words "those with money should contribute money, and those with strength should contribute strength" completely detonated the entire officialdom.
This is definitely a nuclear bomb.
Before this, Wang Anshi only pointed out the problems in the court and did not put forward the specific content of the reform. Everyone just guessed the direction of his reform based on their understanding of Wang Anshi and his political ideas.
This time Wang Anshi directly put forward the content of his reform.
Good job!
I knew you had bad intentions.
It seems like you have been messing around for so long just to take advantage of us.
If the imperial court wants to subsidize the poor to serve in the army, it will inevitably have to expand its finances and increase its financial resources. Now the imperial court's finances are in deficit and it cannot come up with any money.
The reason why Shenzong did not like Sima Guang’s reforms was because Sima Guang emphasized not competing with the people for profit, which made it difficult to quickly solve the court’s financial problems.
The main feature of Wang Anshi's reform was to benefit the country, so he used Confucian classics.
According to Wang Anshi, it goes without saying that the extra source of revenue would be to levy taxes on those who were exempted from military service. This way, the national treasury could be enriched and the burden on the poor could be reduced.
Who are the exempt persons
Is this even necessary
This is even more terrifying than the laws of our ancestors.
The entire scholar-official class immediately formed a united front, but at the beginning they chose to pick on the soft side and concentrated all their firepower on Zhang Fei.
This is the root of all evil.
Moreover, although many ministers supported Wang Anshi's reform, they did not want to let a mere scribe determine the tone of the ancestral law.
Scholars don't want that either.
Not only did they create public opinion among the people, but they also accused Zhang Fei in the court of spreading false rumors to confuse the people and of making irresponsible comments on the laws of the ancestors, which was a crime of great disrespect.
But Xu Zun and others immediately stood up to speak for Zhang Fei.
You were asked to argue in the court but you said nothing, and everyone in the court was shouting louder than the other. Is it because your purpose is shameful
Lu Huiqing also began to mobilize the public, but he did not defend Zhang Fei. Instead, he attacked Wei to save Zhao, constantly creating topics about the corvée law, and subtly led public opinion towards reform.
This is something the people are very concerned about, and they also urgently hope to abolish the yamen service.
Lu Huiqing continued to spread rumors that Wang Anshi wanted to abolish the yamen service.
The people's demand was to abolish the yamen service, and Wang Anshi also wanted to abolish it.
Of course I support Wang Anshi.
For a time, Wang Anshi's reputation among the people soared.
When the conservatives saw this, they thought, this won’t work!
Two dogs fight, play off.
They were so busy targeting Zhang Fei's ancestral methods that Wang Anshi ended up taking advantage of the situation.
Faced with internal and external difficulties, they had no choice but to ask the emperor to come out and take charge of the situation.
It's really strange that the emperor didn't speak out about this ancestral law.
The emperor also has the most say.
The reason why Zhao Xu did not stand up at the first time was very simple. He had the advantage and was not in a hurry. It would be better to fight and distinguish who was the enemy and who was the ally.
Chuigong Hall was where the emperors of the Song Dynasty usually discussed current affairs with their ministers.
"I have read the court trial record of this case." Zhao Xu nodded, "I think Zhang Fei's argument about the ancestral law is very reasonable."
Liu Shu immediately said: "Your Majesty, Zhang San is just an ear-pen man, how can he understand the laws of our ancestors?"
Zhao Xu asked, "Why didn't Doctor Liu question Zhang San about this in the hall?"
He was there, and Liu Shu was the one who shouted the loudest, but also the most embarrassed.
Liu Shu was a little embarrassed. "That Zhang San is just showing off his rhetoric skills and picking out sentences. I am just a juror and I don't want to argue with him, so as not to lose my dignity."
Zhao Xu smiled slightly and said nothing.
What does this mean? Liu Shu glanced at the emperor in surprise, and suddenly realized that the emperor was using his words to mock him!
I don't bother to argue with him, so as not to lose my status.
If you can play like this, then I can do it even better. You have no idea how far your status is from mine.
You still disdain
You guys are serious about being funny.
this...
Liu Shu stepped back awkwardly.
Lu Hui stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I think what Zhang Fei said is indeed reasonable. The imperial edict of Emperor Taizong is the core idea of the ancestral law. If this imperial edict is defined as the ancestral law, I think it is inappropriate."
Zhao Xu asked again: "What's wrong?"
Lü Hui replied: "Many of Taizu and Taizong's policies and ideas are not included in this edict."
Zhao Xu said: "Then please draft a law of our ancestors and let me take a good look at it."
Lü Hui said in fear: "I dare not."
Zhao Xu glanced at them and said, "Regarding the laws of our ancestors, you all usually speak very clearly. So today I want to ask you, what exactly is this law of our ancestors?"
Wang Anshi and Sima Guang looked at each other tacitly, and neither of them said anything.
“… … .!”
No one can answer this question.
Because in their hearts, it is the law that restrains the emperor.
There is no way to answer this!
"When you understand the specifics of our ancestors' law, we can discuss this matter again. I am a little tired! Let's end the meeting here today."
After saying that, Zhao Xu stood up and left.
Everyone could see that the emperor was angry.
After all this time, it turns out that you are the ones who have the final say on this ancestral law.
What you say is what it is, and what others say is just lies to mislead the public.
The emperor's meaning was very clear.
You want to veto Zhang Fei? Fine, then use the methods of your ancestors.
But no matter what, the ancestral law must be set this time.
You can't just do it.
... ...
Just take it!
I just don't believe it. People like us are not as good as a sniper.
It has to be said that all the civil officials of the Song Dynasty were talented and knowledgeable. Regardless of whether they were treacherous or wise, in terms of talent, none of them was just seeking fame.
In less than three days, the ancestral laws they formulated came out.
They first showed it to Sima Guang, who was very shrewd and asked them to show it to Han Qi.
The laws passed down by our ancestors are about seniority.
In terms of seniority and seniority, Han Qi, a veteran of three dynasties, must be the first!
He is the most qualified to speak.
So Liu Shu went to find Han Qi with the ancestral method.
"Ancestors... Ancestors' law?"
Han Qi looked stupid holding that book which was as thick as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Liu Shu nodded reluctantly.
It's too much!
Han Qi lost all desire to read, but still gave them some face and flipped through it casually. He felt very disappointed. This was not a law, but a history book. Moreover, there were many repeated points and it was obvious that it was written by multiple people. Suddenly, his face was shocked: "Are you confused? It was clearly said by Fan Gong. How could you write it in?"
Liu Shu said awkwardly: "But Mr. Fan is also citing the methods of our ancestors."
They had no choice. Originally, this net was invisible. Now that the emperor asked them to weave it, they must set up a foolproof method to prevent the emperor from breaking free.
After Han Qi finished listening, he handed the book of ancestral law to the housekeeper beside him and said, "Take it and burn it quickly."
He turned to look at Liu Shu and the others, and said earnestly: "This matter is irreversible. In fact, even if the decree is officially made the law of our ancestors, it will be fine. When the time comes, you can cite the law of our ancestors, and it will be more legitimate."
Liu Shu said: "But it's just an imperial decree..."
Seeing that this man was so incompetent and not as good as the conservatives back then, Han Qi couldn't help but say, "Prevent things from happening and control them from twists and turns. This sentence can be used to quote any policy."
This is professionalism. As long as you know how to play it, this ancestral law can still restrain the emperor, but it is more brain-consuming than before.
Liu Shu said: "But... But Wang Jiefu can also quote this imperial edict."
What he was referring to was reform. Once the tone was set, the ancestral laws would provide great support for Wang Anshi's reform.
Han Qi frowned, "Based on the current situation, even without this incident, it would be difficult to stop it. The key is that the emperor has made up his mind."
At this point, he sighed, "But don't worry, the government knows the big picture and won't rule that Zhang San wins."
Liu Shu asked, "What does Minister Han mean by that the government will sentence Zhang San to lose?"
Han Qi said: "That won't happen."
"Then...what should we do then?"
"The person who tied the bell must be the one who can untie it!"
Han Qi said: "It depends on what that kid wants."
This hurts my self-esteem!
Liu Shu said depressedly: "Mr. Han, this...!"
"What's this?" Han Qi said unhappily, "After the lawsuit was like that, you don't want to take any responsibility at all. That's impossible."
If the lawsuit is won, you can say whatever you want, but the lawsuit has turned out like that, and it is really wishful thinking to think that you can turn defeat into victory just by talking.
The emperor is not a fool.
... ...
The ministers were arguing endlessly, and the people were also extremely anxious. The lawsuit had been going on for several days, but there was no progress at all. What on earth had happened
Only Zhang Fei, who muddied the waters, is now very relaxed.
At this time, he was sitting at home playing Go with Xu Zun.
"Will you get off? You should get off here."
"Whether you go next or I go next, why don't you keep talking!"
"I've never seen anyone as stupid as you."
... ..
Xu Zhiqian, who was watching the game, was furious at Zhang Fei's chess skills. The two of them argued a lot, but he... actually won.
"Won? Hey... I won!"
Zhang Fei was completely confused, he didn't know how he won.
Xu Zhiqian was also dumbfounded, and said to Xu Zun: "Dad, did you let him do it on purpose?"
Xu Zun glared at them fiercely and said, "You guys are making such a fuss here that I am dizzy. How can I get out of this? If you two want to get out of this, I won't get out of this."
Xu Zhiqian and Zhang Fei looked at each other and turned their faces away.
Xu Zun shook his head helplessly, and said to Zhang Fei: "It's almost time. If we continue to argue, I'm afraid something will happen. You should quickly hand Feng Nanxi, Niu Beiqing, and Longshan over to Kaifeng Prefecture!"
"yes."
Zhang Fei shouted outside: "Li Si! Li Si!"
"Third brother, call me!"
"Go and ask Cao Yanei, Ma Xiaoyi and the others to come to my house for dinner tomorrow night."
"Why."
After Li Si left, Zhang Fei called Shi Tingxiu over again, "Go and inform Feng Laoqi and the others, and tell them that we will take action tomorrow night. The code name of the operation is to walk into the trap."
Shi Tingxiu said: "Yes."
Xu Zhiqian said cautiously: "Isn't your arrangement a bit too hasty, and you even let Cao Yanei, Ma Xiaoyi and others participate."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "I just want them to know that this is my condition."
... ...
The next evening.
"Zhang San, why are you so kind today and invite us over for a drink?"
Cao Dongdong looked at Zhang Fei with suspicion.
Zhang Fei said: "I have something to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
"I think this lawsuit has to continue. Next time I want you to be my assistants. Are you willing?"
"Really?"
Ma Xiaoyi jumped onto the chair excitedly, "Third brother, you didn't lie to me, did you?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "How can I lie to you about this? Last time, many officials thought that it was not appropriate for Madam Xu to be a woman, and Li Si was afraid of that occasion. You are the most suitable candidates."
Cao Dongdong rolled his eyes and said, "I heard that there is a big commotion in the court. You should find someone else to handle this matter!"
Ma Xiaoyi said: "Brother, if you don't want to go, then don't go. I want to go."
Cao Dongdong glanced at Ma Xiaoyi and said, "Xiao Ma, I'm doing this for your own good."
"What do you mean by good for me? Since you can't go, you don't want me to go either." Ma Xiaoyi snorted.
Cao Dongdong looked at Ma Xiaoyi with envy and jealousy.
Of course he wanted to go, but his father had already told him not to get involved.
Zhang Fei immediately said, "Just Xiao Ma!"
“Hey hey hey!”
Ma Xiaoyi said: "Third brother, how about I move here and live here, I can go with you anytime."
"Huh? Oh, look!"
Just then, someone outside suddenly shouted, "There's a thief!"
"Thief?"
Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi were greatly encouraged. It was usually very difficult to encounter a thief at home, but they never expected to encounter one tonight. It was really a double happiness. With a whoosh, the two rushed out.
"Where is the thief?"
"Sister-in-law! I, Daniu, am here to save you."
"Thief, I'm here to meet you."
Hey hey hoho!
After Zhang Fei slowly sipped the wine in his glass, he heard no more noise outside and went out. He saw Feng Nanxi, Niu Beiqing and Long Shan being pinned to the ground by Ma Xiaoyi, Taozi and a few other idlers.
Cao Dongdong squatted down and asked, "Who is sister-in-law?"
Zhang Fei wondered, "Yanei, shouldn't you first ask who they are?"
Cao Dongdong stood up and stood aside without asking, as if to say, who are they? It’s none of my business.
Ma Xiaoyi clapped his hands and said listlessly: "These little thieves are too weak. They fell before I could even use my real skills."
Niu Beiqing's face turned red. "I made it so obvious, can't you see it? Are you blind?"
Li Si suddenly asked, "Brother San, how do you plan to deal with these three thieves?"
Zhang Fei said with a smile: "Of course he will be taken to Kaifeng Prefecture!"