"Phew... This case is really exciting!"
Ye Zuqia muttered to himself as he was packing up his documents.
Shangguan Jun seemed very worried: "Won't there be problems if we continue the trial like this?"
At present, both sides have no bottom line and show the ugliest side of the ruling class, which is terrifying to hear!
Cai Bian said: "There is nothing we can do about it. They said it themselves. We did not force them to say it. This has nothing to do with us."
Cai Jing asked, "Who do you think will win?"
Shangguan Jun glanced at him and said, "Two rotten fruits, which one would you choose to eat?"
Cai Jing was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said, "I still choose to go back to the lounge to eat some cakes."
The four of them left one after another holding the documents.
But their departure caused complaints from people outside the courtyard.
Adjournment
No way
We are enjoying the show, and it’s not even time for lunch yet!
The people were very excited to hear this, because no matter which side was hurt by the other side, they all felt very refreshed.
On the contrary, the officials in the courtyard breathed a sigh of relief. Some of them wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads with handkerchiefs using trembling hands, while some of them slumped in their chairs with dull eyes.
This kind of scene was extremely rare in feudal society.
I have never experienced this!
How could they not be afraid? They were almost suffocating just now.
After a while, they stood up, but soon gathered in twos and threes, whispering, and everyone had a worried look on their faces.
In public, officials and local gentry are pulling out each other's underwear. Is this... really okay
If this continues, will it affect the rule of the monarch and the literati
At the same time, there was a lot of public opinion outside the hospital.
Supporters on both sides were also arguing about who was more right, but after all the arguing, each side was convinced by the other side and felt that the other side was right. But this was not a good thing. It was simply double the harm. As the argument went on, the people gradually felt a little desperate.
These are not good birds.
Then we're all going to die anyway.
this... ...
What a tragedy!
This is the fact. The prosecution and the defense are from the same group. They both belong to the ruling class and are doing the same thing.
Yes, many people had their families destroyed by the landlords, but even more people had their families destroyed by the government.
The more you fight, the more desperate you become.
Suddenly, they seemed to feel a ray of bright light and looked up, only to see two huge characters hanging in front of the gate - Imperial Court.
good!
And the Royal Court.
The people suddenly realized that only the imperial court had never done this. The imperial court has always been defending our interests, so they couldn't help but place their hopes on the imperial court.
... ...
Meanwhile, Zhang Fei and Xu Zhiqian had just returned to the office and had not had time to catch their breath when Wang Shao and Guo Kui arrived.
"What's the matter that makes you two so anxious to see me?"
Zhang Fei knew the truth but pretended to be ignorant.
Wang Shao got straight to the point and said, "Judge Zhang, we feel that we cannot continue this trial because it will affect the court's rule."
This is a big deal, and it makes even these pragmatists tremble with fear.
If unrest occurs, they will not be able to do their job.
They have worked hard to find a way to deal with the war with Western Xia, and they cannot let everything go to waste because of a lawsuit.
This was something none of them could accept.
Zhang Fei was stunned at first, then smiled bitterly and said, "You two, I am only enforcing the law impartially. If they choose to reconcile, I will agree. But if I terminate this trial without special reasons, it would be my dereliction of duty, which would bring me risks."
Wang Shao and Guo Kui looked at each other.
Guo Kui made a second choice and said, "Can we have a closed-door trial? Just like the last trial of the Suizhou case."
If they are all family members, then you can say whatever you want.
They are very clear about the twists and turns here.
Zhang Fei shook his head and sighed: "In fact, I have thought about it, but this is different from a military trial. This concerns all the people in Hezhong Prefecture. If we hold a closed-door trial, our imperial court will have to bear great risks, because the final verdict may not satisfy everyone.
Many officials, gentry, and common people may blame me. But you two know that this matter has nothing to do with me, and there is no need for me to take any risks. A public trial is the safest way. "
After hearing this, the two of them didn't know what to say, because the final judgment was in the hands of the imperial court. The sudden change to a closed-door trial would cause a lot of doubts no matter what the verdict was.
Here comes the problem.
Why should the Royal Court take any risks for this? This matter has nothing to do with the Royal Court.
In the end, the two could only leave in disappointment.
As soon as they left, Zhang Fei laughed, "They actually came to lobby me. Look, they haven't reacted yet. Who is the biggest winner in this case?"
Xu Zhiqian on the side suddenly said: "But both sides have already gone mad with killing. If they continue to fight like this, will it really cause unrest?"
"Won't."
Zhang Fei said very firmly.
Xu Zhiqian asked curiously: "Why are you so confident?"
"Because the final decision is in my hands, and I also represent the court."
Zhang Fei raised his lips and said calmly, "Yes, perhaps the people will have some doubts about the gentry and government, but at the same time they will also transfer their trust in the gentry and government to our imperial court, and thus believe in the judiciary controlled by the imperial court."
... ...
At this time, the outside of the imperial court was bustling with activity. The commercial district outside the gate had been almost completed, with shops of all sizes standing side by side. There were attics, private rooms, and elegant seats specially prepared for the rich, as well as tea stalls and taverns for the poor, and the prices were all very affordable.
"Hey, Chief Prosecutor Su is here. Please come in, everyone."
When Da Gou saw Su Che and other prosecutors walking towards his restaurant, he immediately went to greet them.
Chen Qi saw that the corridor outside the store was already full, and couldn't help asking, "Are there any seats left?"
"Yes! Yes!"
Big Dog nodded, "Judge Zhang has already reserved a seat near the lake for you all to rest."
Chen Qi suddenly felt flattered.
The prosecutors came and sat down under a big tree by the river, but their eyes were not cast on the beautiful scenery by the river. Instead, they looked at the figures flashing in front of the windows of the restaurant. They saw many gentry negotiating with government officials.
"It seems that they have realized that if they continue with this lawsuit, both sides will suffer." Wang Shen whispered.
Chen Qi said: "Maybe there won't be another trial this afternoon."
"impossible."
Su Che said: "If this matter can be negotiated, it won't be reported to the imperial court. Let's finish eating and go to bed early. We may have a lot of things to do in the afternoon."
Chen Qi and Wang Shen looked at Su Zhe at the same time, seeming a little suspicious.
Because it seems that they have all realized that this is a lose-lose lawsuit.
So, are we going to continue hurting each other
Any smart person would not do such a stupid thing.
But the fact is just as Su Che said, the trial in the afternoon went on as scheduled.
This also shows that the alliances and coalitions formed by those officials and gentry at noon were a complete failure.
The reason is very simple, it is the Qingmiao Law.
Yuan Jiang definitely supported the Qingmiao Law and could not compromise on it, while Fan Zhen definitely opposed it. In order to stop the Qingmiao Law, he was a Hanlin scholar and even resigned as the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. How could he compromise on this? He came here just to stop the Qingmiao Law.
However, if Fan Zhen and his men did not choose to appeal in the imperial court, they would have no other choice because the reformists were also in power in the court.
This is currently the most effective method.
The fundamental contradictions here cannot be resolved, yet they are still trying to form alliances and make all the difference.
The key is that a considerable number of officials are secretly fanning the flames.
How can this be negotiated? We can only endure the pain and continue fighting.
"Good afternoon, everyone."
Zhang Fei came to the court and looked at the people sitting in the assistant judges' seats. "How was your lunch break, assistant judges?"
"Excellent! Excellent!"
"Thank you, Judge Zhang, for your hospitality."
"Hey, young! We are actually a little embarrassed."
... ...
The twenty people were grinning from ear to ear. They were arranged to dine in the imperial court and rest by the lake. This was definitely the most delicious meal they had ever had in their lives. They had never imagined that being an assistant judge would give them so many privileges.
Of course, they did not expect that the royal court made such arrangements because they were worried that someone was colluding with them and influencing their judgment.
"This is what we should do. After all, I asked you to help."
After talking with the assistant judge for a while, Zhang Fei said to Fan Zhen, Li Min and others: "If both the prosecution and the defense are ready, then we can continue the trial."
Both sides said they were ready.
"Then let's get started."
Zhang Fei knocked the gavel lightly.
Next, Fan Zhen called a witness, an old man with white hair and a kind face.
Xu Zhiqian immediately handed the person's information to Zhang Fei quietly.
This man was named Lu Xiaosheng. He was also a Jinshi and had served in the Ministry of Rites, but he had no interest in being an official. He retired and returned to his hometown at the age of forty. He was a very upright person with no stains on his character.
Fan Zhen asked, "Mr. Lu, I heard that among the interest rates agreed upon this time according to the clan law, the 1.5% interest rate was set by you, Mr. Lu."
"Yes, that's what I suggested."
Lu Xiaosheng nodded.
Fan Zhen continued to ask: "Why is it set at 1.5?"
Lu Xiaosheng said: "First of all, it's because my hometown has always stipulated an interest rate of 1.5 cents."
Fan Zhen asked, "May I ask where is your hometown, Mr. Lu?"
Lu Xiaosheng said: "Yinquan Township, Hedong County."
Fan Zhen nodded and asked, "Why does your town have such a rule?"
Lu Xiaosheng said, "Because our clan law advocates that fathers should be kind to their sons and that brothers should be friendly to their younger brothers, which benefits all villagers. At the same time, the village elders have seen that many villages have been driven away by usury. In order to maintain the prosperity of the village and to enforce the clan law, they have stipulated that the interest rate for loans to villagers can only be 1.5%. "
"I see."
Fan Zhen nodded, picked up another document, and said to Zhang Fei: "Judge Zhang, this is concrete evidence about Yinquan Township's low-interest loans. It is enough to prove that this 1.5% interest rate has actually existed for a long time, and it is not something that everyone deliberately wanted to target the Qingmiao Law."
"Present."
After Zhang Fei read it, he nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Fan, please continue asking questions."
"yes."
Fan Zhen asked again: "Besides this, is there any other reason?"
Lu Xiaosheng nodded and said, "Also, although usury is rampant in villages now, it is mostly concentrated in times of famine and natural disasters. Normally, the village lends money at only 1.5 to 2%. I think everyone can still accept this interest rate."
Fan Zhen asked, "Usually, the loans given in the village are only 1.5% or 2%?"
Lu Xiaosheng nodded and said, "One and a half cents or two cents can also earn you a lot of money. If you don't lend it, someone else will. During natural disasters, more people will borrow money, and some big landlords will raise the price and take advantage of the situation to rob you."
In fact, private transactions, whether borrowing money or trading, will still follow market rules. Ordinary people are short of money, but it is not the kind of life-saving money. This 1.5% interest is everywhere.
It is impossible for me to borrow money at 200% interest just for a small emergency.
The rich also want money, so they know that the interest rate is too high and ordinary people will not come to borrow money.
There is still a game between the people and the landlords. It’s just that if a natural disaster occurs, ordinary people have no ability to cope with it, which gives the landlords an opportunity to take advantage.
The fundamental reason for the rampant usury is not that the landlords are extremely cruel, but that the people have poor risk resistance and the country does not have many rescue policies, which has created a huge demand market for usury.
Fan Zhen asked, "So Mr. Lu set this interest rate not to undermine the Qingmiao Law."
Lu Xiaosheng shook his head and said, "No. I just want to reduce usury."
"I'm done asking questions."
Fan Zhen sat down.
This time, it was not Li Min who stood up, but Qiu Zhengwen. After all, they were different from Fan Zhen. They were very familiar with the court system and the rural system, so they could only study part of the content each.
Qiu Zhengwen said, "Mr. Lu, I have also heard about the interest rate regulations in Yinquan Township. It is said that loans are made through the charity house in the township."
Lu Xiaosheng nodded: "Yes."
Qiu Zhengwen said, "And the charity cemetery in Yinquan Township was originally established by your Lu family, is that right?"
Lu Xiaosheng nodded: "Yes."
Qiu Zhengwen asked with a smile: "Such a great act of kindness will surely bring Mr. Lu respect and admiration from the villagers, right?"
Lu Xiaosheng said embarrassedly: "You can...you can say that."
Qiu Zhengwen continued to ask: "Also, I heard that the government also allocated food to your charity cemetery, is that true?"
Lu Xiaosheng nodded and said, "Yes, if there is a famine, the government will usually allocate food to the charity cemetery first, and then the charity cemetery will distribute it to the villagers."
Qiu Zhengwen said, "Then if I say that the money and grain borrowed by the charity house also includes the grain allocated to the charity house by the government, would you agree, Mr. Lu?"
Lu Xiaosheng hesitated for a while before saying, "The government allocates grain mainly in times of disaster. It does not often allocate grain to the charity cemetery at other times. But I dare not say that there is no government assistance in the loan of money and grain. However, all the money of the charity cemetery is used to help the villagers and cannot be used for private purposes. The government will also send people to supervise the accounts."
Qiu Zhengwen nodded and asked, "Mr. Lu, do you support the Qingmiao Law?"
Lu Xiaosheng was stunned for a moment, and thought for a while, "To be honest with you, I don't support it."
Qiu Zhengwen said: "But didn't Mr. Lu realize that the loan method of Yizhuang is somewhat similar to the Qingmiao Law?"
Lu Xiaosheng hesitated for a moment and said, "It is somewhat similar."
Qiu Zhengwen pretended to be surprised and said, "This is strange. When the government allocated money to the charity house for lending, Mr. Lu not only did not object, but was very supportive and even proud of it, thinking that it would help the villagers.
But when the government wanted to lend money itself, the purpose was also to help the villagers, and the interest rate was only half a point higher, but Mr. Lu clearly expressed his disapproval. "
Lu Xiaosheng asked: "Is this different?"
"What's the difference?" Qiu Zhengwen asked immediately.
"this... ."
Lu Xiaosheng struggled a lot.
He has a lot of grievances to share.
He couldn't say that our charity house was truly caring about the villagers, and that your Qingmiao Law was intended to make money for the country. The key point was that the Qingmiao Law had not yet been implemented, so he had no evidence to support his claim.
Qiu Zhengwen smiled and said, "The only difference between the two is that the charity cemetery is controlled by the gentry, while the Qingmiao Law is controlled by the government. This is why Mr. Lu opposes the Qingmiao Law."
"I am..."
Lu Xiaosheng looked embarrassed. He was not good at lying, and this was really the main reason.
If the government didn't want to lend money, who would object if someone else did
Their faction is opposed to the government taking personal action.
Qiu Zhengwen waited for a moment before saying, "From this, it can be seen that the real reason is that Mr. Lu is afraid that the gentry will lose control of the village, not whether it is a high interest rate or a low interest rate. In fact, as long as you are under the control of the gentry, high interest rates can make the villagers become your tenants, or it can make it easier for you to annex land, and low interest rates can also gain you reputation.
You are afraid that the emergence of the Qingmiao Law will cause the villagers to escape your control and become more dependent on the government, so you use this crude monopoly technique to undermine the Qingmiao Law. "
After hearing these words, many of the gentry couldn't help but shudder, looking at Qiu Zhengwen with gnashed teeth and ferocious faces.
You kid are trying to dig up our roots!
Lu Xiaosheng was a slow-tempered person who was not good at arguing with others. He looked at Qiu Zhengwen with grievance and spread his hands, saying, "I have absolutely no such intention."
A country gentleman outside the courtyard suddenly couldn't help but shouted, "Mr. Lu has been honest all his life and is highly respected. How could he allow a little sly person like you to spread rumors and slander him? This is really unreasonable."
Zhang Fei took a look, then glanced at the mallet and said, "Who is making noise outside the courtyard?"
The man immediately looked up at the sky.
After all, Liang Youyi has already demonstrated it. No matter how angry they are, they dare not challenge Zhang Fei openly, or they will be caught. This kid has no respect for the elderly or the young.
"I'm done asking questions."
Qiu Zhengwen also sat down.
Yuan Jiang on the side was so excited that he almost couldn't help but stand up and cheer for Qiu Zhengwen. He was very angry that morning.
The morale of the government was also greatly boosted.
Seeing this, Xu Zhiqian whispered, "Zhang San, did you teach him this?"
Zhang Fei turned around and frowned at her, "Would I teach you such a clumsy trick?"
Xu Zhiqian was stunned for a moment, "Why? Didn't he ask a good question?"
Zhang Fei said: "It's still a little lacking! On the contrary, Mr. Fan's performance exceeded my expectations. It seems that he has learned a lot in the Procuratorate."