Judge of the Song Dynasty

In his years of navigating officialdom, Wang Anshi had personally witnessed the embarrassment that was the Qingli New Policies. How could he not be aware of the numerous obstacles facing reform efforts? However, precisely because of this awareness, he understood that without firm determination and a willingness to fight to the death, reform efforts would end up like the Qingli New Policies—everyone toiling in vain, with no commensurate gains.

But everything had to proceed step by step.

Historically, it was in the following year, the second year of Xining era, that he first introduced the Balanced Delivery Policy[1] and only then did he follow it with the Greensprouts Program—which was the true heavy bombshell.

Of course, in his so-called step-by-step approach, only a few months separated these measures. To Sima Guang, it seemed quite radical rushed.

And now, Zhang Fei presented him with a gift.

He believed that he could use this minor tax law concerning houses to test the waters, to gauge the imperia court’s reaction. If everything went smoothly, he could use it as a starting point for his nationwide reform.

This was what truly impressed him because this law aligned perfectly with his reform philosophy, yet its scope was relatively narrow. In Bianjing, he could personally oversee its implementation.

It could be said that he was ready to embark on his reforms.

After discussing with Lu Huiqing, he immediately presented this law to Emperor Zhao Xu.

The law was already very detailed and required no further modifications. The key calculations involved made it challenging for the average person to alter. When Emperor Zhao Xu saw this memorial, he was quite surprised because he discussed state affairs with Wang Anshi almost every day, yet Wang Anshi had never mentioned property taxes.

Upon inquiry, he learned that it was from Zhang Fei.

“This pen-in-cap is truly extraordinary!” Emperor Zhao Xu exclaimed happily.

Wang Anshi nodded, saying, “Indeed, he is exceptional. I believe that with proper nurturing, his talents can be greatly utilized.”

In reality, he was subtly suggesting the possibility of appointing Zhang Fei to an official position.

Little did he know that the Emperor had known Zhang Fei even before him.

Emperor Zhao Xu nodded with a smile and added, “This policy benefits both the country and the people. We highly approve of it. However, since it involves various taxes within the city of Bianjing, it must be decided through after deliberations by the imperial court.”

Emperor Zhao Xu immediately convened a court session.

Upon hearing about the interest rate, the ministers were dumbfounded.

An annual interest of seven percent?

Could that be a mistake?

They couldn’t believe it!

Seeing the astonishment on the ministers’ faces, Emperor Zhao Xu felt a sense of satisfaction and asked with a smile, “What do you all think?”

Many ministers wore strange expressions because some of them also engaged in lending. Setting such a low interest rate seemed like malicious competition.

Sima Guang was the first to speak, saying, “If merchants are willing to lend at such a low interest rate, the imperial court can certainly guarantee it.”

The interest rate was truly irresistible!

Seven percent, spread over ten years.

Where could one find such terms?

Sima Guang continued, “But are those merchants really willing to do this?”

Wang Anshi replied, “Merchants will not engage in losing deals. Although the interest is low, with property as collateral, as long as the court can legislate to guarantee the matter, it’s a safe and profitable venture. Merchants will certainly be willing.”

“I see.”

Sima Guang nodded slightly, quickly understanding the stakes. He couldn’t help but marvel at the cleverness of the idea.

Many upright and honest ministers also nodded in agreement.

Now, the challenge of purchasing houses troubled not the common people but officials like them. For these officials, such a low interest rate was indeed helpful. Whether they bought or not was another matter, but at least they would now have a choice.

Wang Anshi seized the opportunity to say, “I believe I don’t need to elaborate on the harm caused by private borrowing. If this matter succeeds, it might set a good example and help curb exorbitant interest rates in the private sector.” Dıscover more novels at novelfire(.)net

Sima Guang, hearing this, couldn’t help but glance at Wang Anshi. Had this old fellow changed his stance? That would be a good thing!

He had also highlighted the dangers of high-interest rates in private lending, but he didn’t agree with Wang Anshi’s radical approach. His philosophy aligned more with this proposal, advocating for a gentle change without the government directly intervening and competing with the people for profit. He nodded and said, “Your words make sense!”

Emperor Zhao Xu, seeing Sima Guang nodding, couldn’t help but feel relieved. This matter seemed settled now.

However, just as this thought arose, Wang Wenshan suddenly spoke, “While it’s good that merchants are willing to lend at low interest, it seems that there is more to this proposal. It includes reforms in property taxes.”

Wang Anshi immediately responded, “The citizens of Bianjing often complain about excessive miscellaneous taxes. At the same time, some officials exploit this situation, creating false reasons to squeeze money from the people. By consolidating these miscellaneous taxes into a property tax, we reduce the burden on the people while ensuring that officials can no longer exploit them. Isn’t that a good thing?”

It depends on whom you ask! Wang Wenshan sneaked a glance at Sima Guang, who, however, remained silent.

Imperial Censor Chen Jian remarked, “Our state finances are already stretched thin. Will reducing taxes at this time not add to the financial burden?”

Wang Anshi smiled and said, “You haven’t examined it carefully. These two suggestions are actually related. The first one can increase property transactions, resulting in more revenue for the government. In this way, both the government and the people benefit, a win-win situation.”

However, in reality, even leaving aside the gains from property loans, tax revenue would increase because many wealthy households couldn’t evade taxes as easily as before, leading to the government collecting more than before.

Wang Anshi, however, didn’t make this clear.

Suddenly, Military Commissioner Chen Shengzhi spoke, “This strategy is quite ingenious!”

Sima Guang glanced at Chen Shengzhi and also voiced his support, “I also agree.”

The Military Commissioner was a true chancellor at the top of the official hierarchy. Seeing that both he and Sima Guang were nodding, the other ministers naturally refrained from further objections.

Emperor Zhao Xu was immediately delighted, feeling a sense of elation. As someone undertaking reforms for the first time, he had been somewhat nervous. Seeing things go so smoothly, how could he not be happy? Simultaneously, his confidence soared, and he said, “Then it’s settled.”

Afterwards, he looked at Wang Anshi and said, “This matter will be up to you.”

Wang Anshi promptly replied, “I am grateful for Your Majesty’s trust. I will do my utmost.”

Leaving the grand hall, Sima Guang discreetly pulled Wang Anshi aside, chuckling, “Anshi! You’ve finally come to your senses.”

Wang Anshi looked puzzled, “What do you mean?”

Sima Guang grinned, “When it comes to reform, it should be gradual. This approach is quite appropriate. Not only does it benefit the people by leaving wealth with them, but it also sets a positive example. It won’t provoke intense resistance. It can be considered quite clever.”

Wang Anshi felt unhappy listening to this but managed a smile, “It’s not that I’ve come to my senses, but rather that you, Sima Guang, have finally awakened. It’s truly a fortunate event for our dynasty!”

Sima Guang looked at him with a mix of confusion and suspicion.

What’s going on?

Wang Anshi explained, “Look, with this law, the people won’t be burdened with additional taxes, and the state will have increased revenue.”

Sima Guang waved his hand dismissively, “Your words are mistaken. According to this policy, it’s the merchants who profit first. Then, the country collects taxes, and the adjustment of property taxes is all about leaving wealth among the people and distributing it reasonably, not about increasing wealth.”

His philosophy was based on the idea that “the wealth of the world is limited; it is either with the people or with the government.”

Wealth is fixed, and the key lies in how to distribute it. He advocated leaving wealth among the people, letting merchants handle it while the government supervised—this aligned well with his governance philosophy.

Wang Anshi, on the other hand, believed this approach was fundamentally impractical. Only by expanding the economic pie could contradictions be resolved. Otherwise, the problem couldn’t be solved.

One advocated thrift, the other advocated revenue generation—they were fundamentally incompatible.

“No, no!”

Wang Anshi said, “Once the court issues this decree, real estate transactions in the private sector will undoubtedly increase, resulting in an increase in tax revenue. What is that if not an increase in wealth?”

Sima Guang shook his head, “No, that’s not right. Although the state will gain additional income from this, wealth hasn’t actually increased. It’s just being used in these property purchases.”

Wang Anshi snorted, “Originally non-existent tax revenue has now appeared, and you say this isn’t an increase in wealth? Truly using sophistry. I can’t be bothered to argue with you; I have other matters to attend to.”

With that, he walked away.

“Next time why don’t you lend money to buy wine, then the alcohol tax will also increase. Is that also an increase in wealth? It’s truly absurd,” Sima Guang snorted and, after a moment, he calmed down. Frowning, he muttered to himself, “No! This idea doesn’t seem like his style.”

Wang Anshi wasn’t trying to escape the argument. In their disputes, he had neither won nor lost against Sima Guang. This time, he truly had other matters to attend to and wasn’t in the mood for a debate.

After returning home, Wang Anshi immediately sent someone to find Zhang Fei, informing him that the imperial court had agreed, and he should quickly provide the draft contract.

The core of this entire reform plan was this contract.

Meanwhile, Zhang Fei rushed to the Ma family and conveyed the news to Ma Tianhao.

With the court’s approval, Ma Tianhao didn’t dare to take too many actions.

“You’re a clever lad; you got it done so quickly,” Ma Tianhao exclaimed upon hearing the news, standing up in excitement.

The news truly shocked him.

No pen-in-cap had ever managed to turn a private contract into an official legal document endorsed by the imperial court, and at such a rapid pace.

It was almost unbelievable!

And to think some people said that Zhang Fei had offended the entire imperial court—what baseless rumors!

Zhang Fei smiled and asked, “I’ve got things sorted out with the imperial court. How about your side?”

Ma Tianhao immediately responded, “You can rest assured. I’ve made progress on my end too. I’ve convinced Xiang-guo Temple to join us.”

Zhang Fei was taken aback, “Xiang-guo Temple?”

Ma Tianhao explained, “Don’t you know that Xiang-guo Temple is the largest lender in Bianjing? If you don’t believe me, just ask anyone around.”

It turned out that the temple enjoyed many tax exemptions, leading many wealthy landowners to put their land to under the Xiang-guo Temple’s name. The temple essentially made money while lying down. However, their ambitions were limitless, and they expanded their business ventures, including lending, thereby acquiring a considerable amount of land.

Simultaneously, Xiang-guo Temple invested in real estate, and quite extensively at that.

Ma Tianhao was a shrewd businessman. Recognizing the temple’s financial strength, he also knew they weren’t after quick profits but focused on long-term development. This plan was very suitable for Xiang-guo Temple. With his connections there, he approached them first.

Xiang-guo Temple expressed a willingness to try if the imperial court truly agreed.

Zhang Fei asked, “Mogul, do you think it’s harder to be the abbot of Xiangguo Temple or hold an official position?”

“Of course, being the abbot of Xiangguo Temple is more challenging!” Ma Tianhao replied without hesitation.

Zhang Fei patted his thick hair and thought, well, let’s wait until I’m old and no longer handsome to consider that! Suddenly, he said to Ma Tianhao, “By the way! I have a small request.”

Ma Tianhao asked, “What request?”

Zhang Fei said, “I heard that in your line of work, when there are disputes or the need to draw up contracts, you almost always cooperate with the Fan family’s bookshop.”

Ma Tianhao paused for a moment, then nodded.

Zhang Fei asked, “Mogul, do you have a good relationship with the Fan family?”

Ma Tianhao said, “It’s just business dealings, and there’s not much personal connection. You should know that the eight notaries each have their own specialization.”

Zhang Fei stated, “My request is that, starting now, you immediately choose another family to collaborate with and cease any further dealings with the Fan family’s bookshop.”

Ma Tianhao asked, “Why is that?”

Zhang Fei replied, “Because Zhang Fei met his end at the hands of someone with the surname Fan.”

“?!”

Ma Tianhao stared at Zhang Fei in disbelief.

“Zhang Yide.”

“Zhang… Zhang Yide?”

Ma Tianhao was still processing.

Just then, Ma Xiaoyi entered the room. Hearing the name Zhang Yide, he instantly became alert and asked eagerly, “Brother San, are you talking about Zhang Yide from the Three Kingdoms period?”

Zhang Fei nodded.

Ma Tianhao finally understood and asked, “Is Zhang Yide your ancestor then?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

“Our names sounds similar.”[2]

“??”

Ma Xiaoyi pondered, “But wasn’t one of the persons who killed Zhang Yide named Zhang Da? Does that mean we should avoid anyone with the surname Zhang as well?”

Wow! I gave such an unreasonable reason and you still want me to consider the logic? Zhang Fei asked, “Little Ma, do you also follow the history of the Three Kingdoms?”[3]

“I haven’t read the histories.” Ma Xiaoyi shook his head but became excited, “But I’ve heard many stories about the Three Kingdoms. I especially like Guan Yu! Brother San, what about you?”

“I like Xiao Qiao.”

[1] The Balanced-Delivery Policy was a policy implemented by Wang Anshi where government offices were set up across the country to purchase commodities needed in the capital at profitable prices.

[2] Zhang Fei is a famous character from the Three Kingdoms period, one of the sworn brothers of Liu Bei alongside Guan Yu. However our Zhang Fei has a different character ‘fei’ (斐) for his name, so he does not share the same name with the Three Kingdom’s Zhang Fei (飞), but they sound similar (but with different tones so not exactly the same).

[3] I am assuming that the author is just referring to the history of the period and not referring to the famous novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, since that novel was only published sometime between 1315 and 1400, which is still far from our current timeline.