Judge of the Song Dynasty

When you have three people, it’s either going to be exciting, or awkward.

At this moment, it was quite awkward.

Zhang Fei didn’t know why Xu Zhiqian had called him here, as they were not very familiar with each other. After the introductions, he said, “I won’t disturb you any longer. I have some matters to attend to. I’ll head back to my room.”

“Wait!”

Xu Zhiqian hurriedly stopped Zhang Fei, looking quite anxious. She said, “Senior Brother Wang has come here specifically to meet you.”

“Meet me?”

Zhang Fei looked at Xu Zhiqian and Wang Ye in surprise.

Wang Ye clasped his hands and said, “I came here today to seek guidance from you, Brother San.”

Zhang Fei still didn’t quite understand and asked, “Seek guidance for what?”

Wang Ye explained, “To be honest with you, I have been studying law under Teacher Xu since I was young and have a keen interest in legal studies. Your lawsuits are truly remarkable. I deeply admire your work, and meeting you today fulfills a lifelong dream.” “Oh! So, you’re my little fan, huh?” Zhang Fei thought to himself and had a little chuckle. However, he remained modest and said, “You’re too kind! Actually, what I do are just clever little tricks. They are far from the grandeur of true legal expertise.”

Wang Ye raised his hand and said, “Brother San, don’t underestimate yourself. Your fearlessness in the face of the powerful and your dedication to fighting for justice for the common people are enough to make us feel lacking.”

Xu Zhiqian nodded in agreement and added, “What Senior Brother says is true. Brother San has been studying law for over a decade, only to address the injustices in the world. That’s why he only helps the poor with their lawsuits and never charges any fees.”

“Is that so?” Wang Ye looked a bit surprised when he heard this.

Zhang Fei glanced at Xu Zhiqian and thought to himself, “This girl is trying to set me up by praising me to the skies! I won’t fall for it!” He made light of the situation and said, “Well, the poor people I help don’t have money to pay me for legal fees anyway!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhiqian cursed inwardly, thinking, “This guy is really sly.” But she didn’t show it and said, “Senior Brother Wang, Zhang San, the food and drinks are ready. How about we go inside and chat while we enjoy them?”

Wang Ye agreed, ” Junior Sister, you’re the host. Lead the way.”

The three of them entered the hall and saw a table filled with delicious food and fine wine, a lavish spread.

Zhang Fei vowed to himself that he had never seen such a sumptuous feast at the Xu residence. He thought, “Darn… I’m a guest, yet they’ve never treated me like this…”

Seeing Zhang Fei standing by the table without moving, with a constantly changing expression on his face, Xu Zhiqian couldn’t help but wonder why he was annoyed. She asked, “Zhang San, please have a seat.”

Zhang Fei glanced at her and teasingly said, “Lady Xu, you might want to drink a bit less to avoid harming the innocent.”

Xu Zhiqian remembered the incident from that day and her face immediately turned red. She whispered, “You’re talking nonsense.”

Wow. She didn’t argue with me this time. It seems like she’s putting on a demure act for her boyfriend. She’s so fake. Zhang Fei snorted and took a seat.

Xu Zhiqian felt puzzled, wondering when she had provoked him. But she also saw Wang Ye looking at them with curiosity, so she quickly said, “Senior Brother Wang, please have a seat.”

Wang Ye’s expression softened, and he said, ” Junior Sister, please have a seat.”

After the three of them were seated, Wang Ye raised his glass and said, “I propose a toast to the Brother San!”

Zhang Fei raised his glass and responded, “Cheers!”

He then tilted his head back and emptied his glass.

Wang Ye held his glass, looking surprised, but he also downed it in one go.

Zhang Fei raised his glass again and returned the toast, saying, “Cheers!”

They both finished their drinks once more.

After they placed their glasses back down, Zhang Fei began pouring more wine, which alarmed Wang Ye. Was this guy trying to get drunk?

Xu Zhiqian also commented, “Zhang San, when did you become such a heavy drinker?”

Zhang Fei replied sarcastically, “You’ve never offered me good alcohol before, so how would you know if I like it or not?”

Xu Zhiqian suddenly realized and thought, “You’re quite petty, aren’t you?” Annoyed, she said, “All this food and drink was brought by Senior Brother Wang. You’ve been staying at my place for so long, but I’ve never seen you buy anything.”

“Oh?” Zhang Fei suddenly looked embarrassed, his face turning bright red, truly awkward.

“It doesn’t matter who bought the wine,” Wang Ye, unaware of the situation between the two, and not being here for drinking, said, trying to change the topic. “I have something to say, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate.”

Zhang Fei was also eager to change the topic and quickly responded, “Please, go ahead.”

Wang Ye continued, “I think the case of Li Si leaves something to be desired. Everyone knows that Li Si is the real victim, but now he’s facing imprisonment.”

Zhang Fei glanced nervously at Xu Zhiqian.

Xu Zhiqian immediately reassured him, saying, “Don’t be afraid. Senior Brother Wang is one of us.”

I was afraid you’d expose my plot to extort Chen Yuteng! Besides, he’s your guy, so what do I have to do with this?

Although Zhang Fei didn’t know for sure whether Xu Zhiqian had spoken about it, he certainly wasn’t going to admit to anything. He awkwardly chuckled and said, “You’re right. But I’m just a pen-in-cap. I can only work within the legal framework to get the best possible outcome for my clients. Sometimes, that means mutual destruction with the opponent.”

Hearing this, Wang Ye sighed deeply and said, “In our Song empire, the common people have to resort to such means to seek justice for themselves. It’s truly heartbreaking. Is there really no way to stop this?”

It seemed she hadn’t spilled the beans. Zhang Fei silently breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. He shook his head and said, “I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

Wang Ye was puzzled and asked, “Why not?”

Zhang Fei explained, “I believe that high-interest loans are not the root of the problem in cases like Li Si’s. On the surface, it may seem like high-interest loans forced Li Si to sell his wife and land, but the reality is that even with lower interest rates, he still wouldn’t be able to repay the debt. It’s only the insatiable greed of people like Chen Yuteng that is infuriating.

Furthermore, lending money isn’t robbery; no one is holding a knife to your throat to make you borrow. You have the choice not to. Ultimately, the root of the issue is the heavy burden on the common people today. They lack the ability to withstand even the slightest contingencies, and a minor illness could lead to financial ruin.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhiqian, feeling a bit nervous, sneaked a glance at Wang Ye. She saw him furrowing his brows and remaining silent. She then said, “But it’s an unavoidable situation; the imperial treasury is already heavily burdened.”

Wang Ye nodded repeatedly and said, ” Junior Sister, your words make sense. Brother San, do you have a solution?”

Zhang Fei grinned and said, “Of course!”

Xu Zhiqian hurriedly asked, “What solution?”

Wang Ye, also surprised, stared at Zhang Fei expectantly.

Zhang Fei chuckled and said, “Just have your dad make a little less money.”

Xu Zhiqian’s expression changed dramatically, and she stood up, exclaiming, “Don’t talk nonsense! My dad doesn’t have much money.”

Zhang Fei was taken aback and replied, “I was just joking. Why are you so nervous?”

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Xu Zhiqian turned around and looked anxiously at Wang Ye.

“Haha, Brother San is really witty,” Wang Ye laughed and then added, “But the suffering of the people in this world is not something Teacher Xu can bear alone.”

Xu Zhiqian nodded in agreement and slowly sat back down.

“That’s true,” Zhang Fei nodded. “In fact, regarding this issue, over a thousand years ago, Confucius had already provided an answer.”

Wang Ye asked, “What is it?”

Zhang Fei replied, “He said, ‘Danger to the state lies in inequality, not scarcity; insecurity, not poverty.’”

He had always believed that with just this one statement, Confucius had firmly established his unshakable status in history.

From the perspective of national stability, it was indeed the case.

But Confucius had said this in his day and age, an absolute genius!

Wang Ye nodded thoughtfully and then said, “Brother San, your insight is astute. I have greatly benefited from our conversation. Since you understand the problem, do you have a solution in mind?”

Zhang Fei looked somewhat surprised as he examined Wang Ye and said, “I didn’t expect you to be so concerned about national affairs when you are so young.”

“Ah?” Wang Ye was taken aback. “I…”

Xu Zhiqian suddenly interjected, “When scholars like you gather, what else would you discuss if not national affairs?”

“She’s absolutely right,” Wang Ye nodded vigorously, then continued, “Brother San, I greatly admire your talents, and I hope you won’t hesitate to share your insights.”

Zhang Fei was a bit taken aback by Wang Ye’s earnestness. He felt a bit embarrassed and, after a moment of thought, said, “Actually, the problem is well-known, and the solution is also well-known; it’s just a matter of implementing it.”

Wang Ye nodded slightly and said, “Brother San, you make a valid point.”

His tone carried a hint of resignation.

Zhang Fei continued, “That’s why I believe that strengthening the legal system might be able to solve some of these problems.”

Wang Ye’s spirit was lifted, and he asked, “The legal system?”

Zhang Fei nodded and explained, “Yes! It’s not that these problems cannot be solved; it’s that people do not wish to solve them. And the legal system forces people to do what they don’t want to do, addressing the issue at its root. Wouldn’t that solve the problem?”

Wang Ye pumped his fist in excitement and said, “Well said! Brother San, your words truly resonate with me. I propose a toast to you.”

Xu Zhiqian looked at Wang Ye in surprise and felt a bit puzzled. What was there to get excited about?

However, she was unaware that this was a typical lawyer’s technique—taking a complex issue and explaining it in simple terms using straightforward language and logical reasoning. This technique greatly boosted the confidence of the listener, making it seem like the problem could be easily and quickly resolved.

After all, complaining and lamenting would only bring down the mood and confidence of the listener.

“Ah?” Zhang Fei was startled by Wang Ye’s enthusiasm, thinking, “These two really are a couple; they both get startled easily.” He replied casually, “Is that so? That’s good! That’s good! Hehe.”

He raised his glass in return.

In his mind, he was thinking, “You asked a lawyer what to do, so of course, I would suggest improving the legal system. What else could I say, developing the real estate market? Actually, real estate isn’t a bad idea, especially in Bianjing. If I were to change my profession, I’d consider real estate.”

After putting down the glass, Wang Ye, who had been so cheerful a moment ago, suddenly lost his enthusiasm and asked, “Brother San, it seems like you’re not very interested in national affairs?”

Zhang Fei was quite honest and replied, “I think that as long as I can support myself and pay taxes to the country, that’s the most significant contribution I can make.”

Wang Ye waved his hand and said, “With your talent, that shouldn’t be the end of it. I’m curious, why haven’t you pursued an official career and sought a government position?”

This question again—why do people hold me in such high regard? Strange! Zhang Fei sighed and said, “If I could be a pen-in-cap, why would I be a pen-in-cap? The problem is that I can’t pass the imperial examination.”

Wang Ye exclaimed, “How is that possible?”

Zhang Fei sounded disheartened as he explained, “It’s not that I’m stupid, but my talents and the imperial examination just didn’t align. If you ask me to write a complaint document, I can write brilliantly. But when it comes to writing an essay, I can’t even write a single word in half a day.”

He lacked the courage to even pick up a pen. For him to attempt to write an essay in this era, with its specific requirements and standards, would be inviting humiliation.

Wang Ye pondered for a moment and said with a smile, “Brother San, don’t lose heart. You never know, there might be opportunities in the future.”

Xu Zhiqian suddenly froze and glanced at Wang Ye.

Zhang Fei smiled and responded, “Thank you! Thank you for your kind words!”

Wang Ye looked up suddenly and said, “It’s getting late; I need to go.” With that, he bowed to Zhang Fei and said, “Meeting you today has been a great fortune for me.”

Zhang Fei quickly added, “Likewise! If you ever have a lawsuit to fight, remember to come to me. Actually, I also handle cases for the wealthy. It helps with making some extra income. Heh heh.”

“Ah?” Wang Ye was left dumbfounded.

The atmosphere took a nosedive!

“Haha!” Xu Zhiqian burst into laughter.

Zhang Fei glanced at her and said, “What’s so funny? It’s just making money; nothing to be ashamed of.”

Wang Ye laughed heartily and said, “Earning money without shame, how candid! There are few like you today!” He then seemed to recall something and asked, “By the way, regarding the Li Si case, how do you think the court will rule?”

Zhang Fei pondered for a moment and said with a smile, “I only know that the court doesn’t really want to make a ruling.”

Wang Ye thought for a moment, clapped his hands, and laughed heartily, “How clever! How clever!”

With that, Wang Ye bowed and said, “Farewell!”

“Safe travels!” Zhang Fei also bowed, then suddenly added, “The main entrance is over there.”

“Ah?” Wang Ye immediately stopped in his tracks, looking embarrassed as he glanced at Xu Zhiqian.

Xu Zhiqian stomped her foot and scolded, “Mind your own business.” Then, she walked toward Wang Ye and said, “Senior Brother, I’ll see you off.”

“You’re too kind, Junior Sister.”

Watching the two of them leave, Zhang Fei suddenly realized, “Oh! I must be really naive. This is a secret rendezvous so of course he’ll come through the back door, not the front door. I lack experience in this! I should jot this down in my little book; it might come in handy in the future.”

Xu Zhiqian accompanied Wang Ye to the back door, where a luxurious carriage was waiting. Wang Ye bowed and said, “Lady Xu, thank you for today.”

Xu Zhiqian humbly returned the gesture and said, “I dare not accept your thanks.”

“Farewell!” Wang Ye nodded slightly and boarded the carriage, which gradually departed from the Xu residence.

Beside the carriage, one of Wang Ye’s servants suddenly spoke, “Your Majesty, when our men were looking for Zhang San earlier, they happened to see Director Wang looking for him.”

“Is that so?” Wang Ye asked.

The servant nodded.

Wang Ye remained silent, lowered the window curtain, and chuckled, “Indeed, ‘the court doesn’t really want to make a ruling.'”