coming!
It’s finally here!
I have been looking forward to this for a long time, and finally Han Jiang has come.
Wei Yingfang and the others were so excited that their eyes were filled with tears. Our backbone has finally arrived and we don't have to be oppressed by the imperial court anymore.
You have to know that they had been holding back during this period, and had not done anything to harm the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. They were just waiting for Han Jiang's arrival. However, they never thought that this wait... would last for more than half a year!
Little did they know that Han Jiang was traveling on public funds, visiting many close friends and having a great time.
In short, he would never show up in Hezhong Prefecture unless he received Yuan Jiang's letter.
Because on the surface he came to suppress the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, but in fact he did not. Even if he came earlier, he could not do anything, because he knew very well that behind the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs were not only Sima Guang but also the government. That would be quite embarrassing and would make it impossible for Wang Anshi and Zhang Fei to continue their play.
After receiving Yuan Jiang's letter, he immediately rode at full speed to Hezhong Prefecture.
However, Wei Yingfang and the others were still kept in the dark and treated Han Jiang very warmly.
"Han Temple, please come in!"
"please."
When entering the hall, I saw a large square table in the middle of the luxurious hall. However, the food and wine on the table were not delicacies from land and sea, but just an ordinary banquet.
Han Jiang saw this and thought to himself, I knew this meal wouldn't taste good!
"Zhuo Zhubu, how do you do business? How can you entertain Han Sishi with such ordinary food and wine? And why don't you even have a singing girl?"
Wei Yingfang immediately scolded Zhuo Qun and looked around, but could not see any singing girls or even a maid.
You should know that a standard banquet in the Song Dynasty must be accompanied by singing girls, because the literati of the Song Dynasty, no matter whether they were loyal or treacherous, were very fond of poetry, wine, literature and beauties, and a banquet would not be complete without beauties. Of course, the "abnormal" level of self-discipline of Sima Guang and Wang Anshi is not within the scope of discussion.
Zhuo Qun said aggrievedly: "The Council of Ministers has only allocated this much money, and I also...!"
"That's ridiculous. I'll go find them."
"Hey! Judge Wei, please stay."
Han Jiang hurriedly stopped Wei Yingfang and said, "The financial situation is not good, and everyone is having a hard time. It's okay, it's okay, everyone please take a seat."
He had eaten all kinds of delicacies in Luoyang and other places, and now he just wanted to eat something light.
"Please come in advance, Han Si."
Cai Yanqing said hurriedly, trying to avoid the topic.
But how could this be possible? After holding back his grievances for so long, Wei Yingfang complained after he sat down: "Han Sishi, our Hezhong Prefecture was not like this originally. No matter how difficult the finances were, we could still afford the money for this banquet. It's all because of the public security, procuratorate and court. No matter what our government does, the procuratorate comes to check the accounts, causing all the officials, big and small, to be like frightened birds. They have to hesitate for a long time when asked to allocate a penny, which has caused many officials from the capital to be very dissatisfied. I hope Han Sishi can help us explain it when he returns to the capital."
When Yuan Jiang heard this, he was immediately delighted. This is a good thing. We will follow this standard next time.
Like Sima Guang, he was also a frugal person.
In fact, the procuratorate has not really investigated this matter. It's just that the last lawsuit about military pay involved the expenses of the diplomatic corps, which caused the diplomatic corps to not dare to spend lavishly anymore. However, it is not to the extent that they dare not overspend on a meal. But since you all said so, why not ask the procuratorate to investigate and confirm the matter, so that the procuratorate will not bear a stigma.
It seems that they are really frustrated. I haven't even had a sip of water yet, and they started complaining. Han Jiang smiled bitterly to himself, and suddenly glanced at Yuan Jiang and Cai Yanqing, saying, "Brother Houzhi, Cai Zhongyuan, what have you been doing these days? Why are you so embarrassed that you can't even send out government orders?"
Yuan Jiang immediately said: "This has nothing to do with Zhong Yuan, it's all my fault, Yuan Jiang. Sigh... But I can't do anything about it. How would I know that the imperial court can control everything?"
"Aren't the public security, procuratorate and courts only responsible for judicial affairs?" Han Jiang asked with a frown.
"Hey young!"
He Chunlin was waiting for this sentence, and quickly played the victim: "Don't listen to others about Han Temple's affairs. The public security, procuratorate and courts are not only responsible for judicial affairs, but also for our cooperation with businessmen. They will come to investigate. In the past six months, we officials have been sitting on pins and needles and dare not do anything. After all, we don't understand the law of the legal system, and the imperial court has the power of judicial interpretation."
"What exactly is going on?"
Han Jiang pretended to be puzzled and said, "Tell me, what was the basis for the imperial court to reject the government's ban in the first place?"
Cai Yanqing took the opportunity to say, "The journey to Han Temple is exhausting. Why don't we eat first and talk about it tomorrow?"
"Now."
Han Jiang frowned and said, "If you don't explain clearly, I can't eat it either."
Wei Yingfang and the others were overjoyed. They were just waiting for you to say this! They immediately started talking in Han Jiang's ear, adding fuel to the fire.
boom!
After hearing this, Han Jiang was immediately furious and slammed the table, "This is really outrageous, the police, procuratorate and courts are really going too far."
Then he said to Wei Yingfang and the others, "You are really useless. Why do you bother with the imperial court?"
Yuan Jiang said: "We don't want to care, but the problem is that the people trust the public security, procuratorate and courts, and they are more willing to listen to the public security, procuratorate and courts. What can we do?"
"Brother Houzhi, you...!"
Han Jiang said: "How can I say that you are good? You follow the public security, procuratorate and courts, so of course you are no match for them. The court stipulates that the executive and judicial departments should not interfere with each other. Is this difficult to understand?"
Yuan Jiang bowed and said, "I hope Han Temple can give me some advice."
"Do you still need my advice?"
Han Jiang was so angry that he shook his head. "Just take this ban and this lawsuit as an example. Why did you issue this ban? Isn't it just giving people something to blame? Isn't it giving the public security, procuratorate and courts an opportunity to take advantage of you? You can just go to the village and apply for the Qingmiao Law. I want to see who dares to openly go against the government."
When he said the latter part, his body shook like a tiger, full of domineering.
Wei Yingfang cried with a wronged look on his face: "But those big landlords rely on the public security, procuratorate and courts to make decisions for them, so they have nothing to fear."
"The public security, procuratorate and courts are only responsible for judicial matters. Can they manage liquor taxes? Can they manage corvée labor? Can they manage privileges? Can they manage water conservancy? The government has so many means at its disposal, why don't you use them? Those big landlords are openly opposing the court, and our government can make sure there isn't a drop of water in their fields. The government can deprive them of their right to brew wine. The government doesn't even need to explain such matters, so how can the public security, procuratorate and courts manage them?" Han Jiang spoke with great enthusiasm and saliva flying.
Officials like Wei Yingfang are all experienced people, so how could they not know these methods? Otherwise, how could they control those big landlords? Just because this matter was a collusion between them and the big landlords, and they deliberately wanted to provoke a dispute between the new law and the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, they certainly would not use it!
He Chunlin said: "But the procuratorate can conduct an investigation."
"It depends on whether you are smart enough."
Han Jiang said: "When the water channel changes its course, there will be winners and losers. What can his procuratorate find out?"
Wei Yingfang said: "Then... does that mean the procuratorate still has the power to investigate?"
Han Jiang glanced at him and sighed, "I finally understand where you lost. You are trying to drive the police, procuratorate and courts away!"
Is it so straightforward
Wei Yingfang and the others didn't dare to say anything.
Han Jiang smiled bitterly and said, "This is the decision of the government and all the ministers. How can you and I change it? It's wishful thinking. You always want to target the judicial power of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs. Then you will definitely fail again and again, because this power is in their hands. Can you fight against them? But in fact, the power of the government is definitely greater than that of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
Before I came here, I was still wondering what was going on and why the government was suppressed by the public security, procuratorate and courts. It turns out that you...!"
He sighed in anger.
Yuan Jiang immediately said, "Since it has come to this, I will speak frankly. There is no room for two tigers in one mountain. They are watching everywhere, making people panic. How can we do anything?"
Wei Yingfang and the others also nodded repeatedly.
Han Jiang said depressedly: "But you can't use brute force, it will only backfire."
Wei Yingfang immediately said, "I hope Han Temple can give me some advice."
"Hasn't what I just said been clear enough?" Han Jiang said, "As long as the government uses its power well, the public security, procuratorate and courts are just our servants. The public security, procuratorate and courts can stop your ban, but can they stop the Qingmiao Law? The public security, procuratorate and courts can make you compensate the military pay, but they cannot prohibit us from reducing the military pay.
The public security, procuratorial and judicial organs can only prohibit us from doing something, but they cannot prohibit our power. We still have the final say on how much tax to collect and how much salt debt to issue.
If he doesn't allow us to do this, then we will do that. There is more than one way to achieve our goal, but as long as the public security, procuratorate and courts cannot prohibit it, they will have to protect our policies. If something offends people, they can be handed over to the public security, procuratorate and courts to deal with. They are just a group of servants.
But now the situation is that he doesn't allow you to do this, but you insist on doing it. You can't win the lawsuit, so aren't you just asking for trouble? But as long as you use the power of the government well, people will definitely be on our side, because every citizen has to rely on the government's policies to make a living. Relying on the public security, procuratorate and courts can only guarantee that they will not be bullied, but whether they can eat or not still depends on the government's policies. "
After hearing these words, all the officials seemed to have just woken up from their dream. They had a new understanding of the separation of politics and law. Looking back on everything they had done before, they felt very regretful.
Was it a power struggle
shallow!
It's just a dispute over face.
They just couldn't swallow this.
In fact, the power has always been in their hands, but they insist on using their top spirits to confront the imperial court. How can they not be beaten
But in fact, the royal court has no way to help them formulate policies, it can only see whether you have violated the law.
This plan doesn't work, let's try another one.
The imperial court could only stare blankly!
Yuan Jiang glanced at Wei Yingfang and the others, and then said, "But the public security, procuratorate and courts also have the power to arrest us. Who wouldn't be afraid of that?"
Han Jiang chuckled and said, "Compared to those censors, the public security, procuratorate and courts are really many times kinder. If the public security, procuratorate and courts want to arrest anyone, the procedures are so complicated that it is really jaw-dropping. But if the censor wants to impeach you, it is just a matter of a word. Many officials in the capital have realized that the imperial court can actually protect them. Now if an official in the capital commits a crime, he will go to the procuratorate instead of Kaifeng Prefecture.
If you really commit a crime, going to Kaifeng Prefecture will mean death, but if you go to the Imperial Court, you still have a chance of survival."
He Chunlin opened his eyes wide, "Really...really?"
Han Jiang pointed at him and said, "Especially officials like you, who are in charge of complicated affairs and involve salt profits, there will always be times when you are negligent. Kaifeng Prefecture will not care so much and will definitely hold you accountable, but the imperial court must investigate thoroughly."
Wei Yingfang nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes! This is our fault. We were too impulsive. Please forgive us, Han Sishi. Let us offer a toast to Han Sishi."
"Don't drink this wine yet. I'm not in the mood for it."
Han Jiang waved his hands and said to Yuan Jiang and Cai Yanqing: "Brother Houzhi, Zhongyuan, this Qingmiao Law is a decision made by the court and must be implemented. There is no room for slacking off and there is no possibility of compromise. You should hurry up and prepare and lend Qingmiao money to the villagers according to the rules. I still don't believe that those landlords are desperate to go against the government."
Yuan Jiang said embarrassedly: "But I have already put a lot of money in the Ma family's store to borrow money. The profit there is higher than lending to rural households."
"Yeah?"
Han Jiang's expression changed and asked.
Yuan Jiang nodded.
Han Jiang frowned, "Since it can improve finances, we naturally cannot give up, but the Qingmiao Law must also be implemented!"
Cai Yanqing immediately said: "I have a plan, maybe it will work."
Han Jiang said: "Zhongyuan, please tell me quickly."
Cai Yanqing immediately said, "It's like this. The villagers in Hezhong Prefecture are not like those in Jiangnan. Some poor villagers can't even pay back the 2% interest. The new policy requires us to build new water conservancy projects, but the corvée law has been abolished. Why don't we recruit these poor villagers to build water conservancy projects, so that they can earn some food and get through the lean season? By the way, we can also issue some salt notes as money for young crops."
"This is a good strategy."
Han Jiang nodded pretentiously, and then said: "But this is not my responsibility, you two can do it as you see fit, but you must lend money for the young crops, the government and Wang Xueshi attach great importance to this!"
"yes."
Cai Yanqing nodded.
Wei Yingfang suddenly gave Cao Yi a wink.
Cao Yi understood what he meant and immediately said, "Han Sishi and the tax commissioner are really going too far..."
Before he could finish, Han Jiang raised his hand and said, "I have no control over the affairs of the tax commissioner, so don't tell me about it."
Wei Yingfang was shocked. "The tax commissioner has no control over the affairs of the Han Temple?"
Han Jiang sighed, "They are now even checking the taxes of the royal family. They just said that even if they are found, the royal family can be exempted from punishment, but they still have to pay the fine. If I go to the tax bureau, I may not even get a cup of tea."
In an instant, the hall became silent.
An unprecedented fear was revealed on every official's face.
Han Jiang added: "You should know that the tax commissioner is backed by the government. If we are right, we don't have to be afraid, as the government cannot ignore the laws of the court. But if we are not right and we still bring this to the government, we will only be asking for trouble."
"understand!"
While wiping his sweat, Wei Yingfang said, "The incident at Han Temple really woke me up from my dream!"
But I still felt a little balanced in my heart. It turned out that Chen Ming's expressionless face was not directed at us specifically. They were like that to everyone.
But in this case, you will not be able to escape the tax unless you are not caught. Han Jiang's words are very clear. If you don't have evidence, you don't have to worry about reporting it to the emperor. If you have evidence, you will have to accept the punishment. Only those with the status of royal family can be exempted from punishment. You should consider it yourself.
But no matter what, Han Jiang's words still boosted morale. If you want to lend money, just give it a try.
The next day, Han Jiang went to the imperial court again.
Because he is an inspector, and his ostensible purpose of coming here is to deal with the ban lawsuit, he must go to the imperial court to investigate.
"Han Temple, please come in, please come in."
Zhang Fei was also very enthusiastic when he saw Han Jiang.
Han Jiang gave him a cold look and said, "To be honest, if it weren't for Wang Jiefu's pleading, I really wouldn't want to come here to cooperate with you. I don't know how many years of my life would be shortened!"
Wow... How big a shadow did the last self-declaration leave on him? It seems that I still have to restrain myself, otherwise, I will soon become a lonely person. Zhang Fei said embarrassedly: "Han Si's words are too serious. In fact, the people of Hezhong Prefecture say that I am quite easy-going."
"It's quite easygoing."
Han Jiang chuckled twice, "You've only been in Hezhong Prefecture for a year, and there are no less than 200 memorials impeaching you. This is really rare in a century!"
"Two hundred? Is that true? It's Han Si's matter. I'm young, don't lie to me." Zhang Fei was shocked. He really didn't know about this.
Han Jiang snorted, "How can I lie to you? Even officials from Shu and Hebei are impeaching you."
Zhang Fei slapped his thigh immediately, "Hey, you! I told you at the beginning that I couldn't come. You... just... ah... It's over! It's over!"
"Stop! Stop!"
Han Jiang hurriedly stopped him: "We forced you to come here, so we are helping you now. Didn't those 200 memorials impeaching you fail to bring you down?"
"I'm sorry to cause trouble for Han Temple." Zhang Fei said with a face full of shame.
"I'm fine. You've mainly caused a lot of trouble for Wang Jiefu and Sima Junshi."
Han Jiang waved his hand, his expression suddenly changed, and he said seriously: "On my way here, I learned that the situation in the court has changed. Now many people attribute the success of Hezhong Prefecture to the public security, procuratorate and courts, but you should know the specific situation in your mind."
"clear."
Zhang Fei said: "If it weren't for the new policy, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs would never have a foothold here."
"It's good for you to know that."
Han Jiang said: "So now Wang Jiefu is in urgent need of achievements for the new policy. You should be more restrained in the imperial court recently. You can't be the only one to take the limelight."
Zhang Fei hurriedly explained: "I have been very restrained recently. I believe that you should listen to what Master Yuan said about the Han Temple."
Han Jiang nodded slightly.
He had a secret meeting with Yuan Jiang last night.
Zhang Fei was deeply worried again and said, "But I also wrote a letter to Wang Xueshi. Without the protection of the public security, the key is that those local officials are not trustworthy. I am afraid that something unexpected will happen!"
Han Jiang stroked his beard and said, "This was something I was worried about, but judging from the current situation, it's not impossible."
Zhang Fei asked knowingly, "What do you mean by Han Temple?"
Han Jiang glanced at him and laughed, "This is all thanks to you! You stirred up trouble in Hezhong Prefecture and frightened many local officials. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many people impeaching you. It also made many ministers in the court more determined to support the new policy. If those local officials fail to enforce the law, then Sima Xueshi will definitely promote judicial reform in the local area."
"I see." Zhang Fei nodded: "I feel relieved now."
Han Jiang added: "From a financial point of view, Wang Jiefu and I have discussed the situation in Hezhong Prefecture. The Qingmiao Law may not be suitable for Shaanxi Road, because the fields here are far less fertile than those in the south of the Yangtze River, and the people are relatively poor. Many places only have one harvest a year. Your salt debt plan is actually more suitable for Shaanxi Road.
Therefore, my opinion with Wang Jiefu is that you should stay in Shaanxi Road and do your job well, and then they can use the power of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs to promote the new policies in other places. In this way, you will achieve twice the result with half the effort!"
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I understand. I will do my best."
Han Jiang couldn't help but look at Zhang Fei and said with a smile: "Are you so obedient?"
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said, "Han Temple's affairs are clear. I have always been committed to helping Master Wang solve problems. I have never created problems. It's just that the way I solve problems may be a little radical."
"There are more than a few radical ones."
Han Jiang glanced at him, as if to say, "Don't pretend in front of me, kid." Then he asked, "Don't you plan to promote the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs nationwide?"
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, and asked back: "Does Wang Xueshi hope that the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs will not be promoted nationwide?"
"Well... ."
Han Jiang was stumped by the question and waved his hand, "That's not the case, but now is not the right time."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I understand."
Han Jiang still looked at Zhang Fei suspiciously. He had been fooled once, so he should never underestimate Zhang Fei's understanding. Once he took action, it might be a different story, which would be terrifying.
After the two of them finished talking about this matter, Han Jiang said goodbye.
As soon as he left, Xu Zhiqian followed him and asked, "Why didn't Han Sishi stay for lunch?"
You don't even prepare a banquet for the envoy who comes to visit you. Do you think you can survive in this officialdom
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "He is now fully supporting the government in suppressing our public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, so having dinner with me would arouse suspicion."
Xu Zhiqian was so scared that she uttered a soft "Ah", but then she reacted, "Then how should we cooperate?"
Zhang Fei said: "Let's get things back on track."
"Um?"
Xu Zhiqian looked at Zhang Fei curiously.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "In fact, in the final analysis, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are only auxiliary. The most important power of a country is still the administrative power. The problems faced by the country also need to be solved by the administrative power, not the judicial power. The judicial power only helps the monarch and the people to maintain the bottom line. Last year, we were already the main guests, but this must not be the norm. If the judiciary is also in charge of the administration, then it is the law of the Legalists. Local governance should still be mainly based on the government."
Xu Zhiqian frowned and said, "But those people are ruthless. If we let them easily suppress our public security, procuratorate and courts, they will not let us go."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "The strength of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs is not in offense, but defense, because the judiciary can only intervene after something happens. Now that we have gained a firm foothold, and Han Si Shi is not really here to deal with our public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, we don't need to worry too much. We just need to keep a low profile for now and let the focus of Hezhong Prefecture return to the government first."
Xu Zhiqian asked again: "If they commit a crime, can we still catch them?"
“It must be possible!”
Zhang Fei said: "Before something happens, they have the final say, but after it happens, we have the final say. Fighting is inevitable, but as long as it is within the rules, it's fine."
... ...
After returning, Han Jiang naturally told Wei Yingfang and others, and he also scolded Zhang Fei. Everyone was here to share the emperor's worries, so how could they be enemies? Things like this could actually be discussed privately, and there was no need to make everyone lose face.
Of course, this alone is definitely not enough.
Han Jiang still had to do something to boost the morale of the government, such as promoting the forgotten Qingmiao Loan.
In fact, Yuan Jiang and Cai Yanqing had already prepared the stove and were just waiting for him to light it.
After he nodded, the government suddenly made an about-face and announced that it would provide money loans and work loans to rural households. They could borrow money to repay debts, or they could work to repay.
At the same time, officials were sent to the villages to carry out propaganda, mainly to deter the big landowners.
If you dare to lend money at a low interest rate, just try it and see if I can kill you.
If you want to rely on the imperial court, then go ahead and rely on it.
But don't even think about getting any economic privileges from the government. As long as it is monopolized by the government, you can't even touch it.
Most of the landlords knelt down without saying a word and said that they would never lend money at a low interest rate. "Brother, you come here, we will withdraw first!"
Because these big landlords had no intention of lending, but if they didn't lend, it would be difficult for them to survive in the countryside. The gentry were worried about them every day. Now that the government has come and given them such heavy threats, the people should not fight against the government.
Scared! Scared!
They all took advantage of the situation and tried to curry favor with the officials in various ways to re-establish friendly relations with them.
We are still a family.
Nowadays, the business environment is good and everyone is now engaged in business. If they need to borrow money, they will invest in Jiekupu.
Nowadays, many Jiekupu shops also want to get the government's flying money and transportation projects. Since the government has abolished corvée labor, they have to switch to hired labor, which becomes very profitable. The key is that the labor cost in Hezhong Prefecture is still very low. However, it is impossible for one family to compete with the Ma family, so they are also raising funds.
Although there are still some gentry who ignore the government and insist on fulfilling their agreements, they are no longer a force to be reckoned with. The government ignores them and does not threaten them, because most of these people are retired officials and are not afraid of the government's threats. Why bother themselves
The Qingmiao Law was implemented very smoothly.
But for Hezhong Prefecture, this was more of a formality than a benefit, and the government did not expect to improve its finances through this, so it was very casual and let the Ma family be in charge of the city, while the countryside was left to the charge of local warehouses.
But in the eyes of outsiders, as soon as Han Jiang arrived, his orders were immediately implemented, which frightened the big landlords so much that they dared not jump or go to the imperial court. The government is still the government, and they have ten thousand ways to kill you.
There was a feeling before that the building was about to collapse, and it seemed that the government was about to be replaced by the imperial court.
Now it seems that it is obviously not.
For a time, the power of officials was greatly boosted.