Judge of the Song Dynasty

Actually, it was no coincidence that Lu Gongzhu was absent. At that moment, he was at the Ministry of Punishments, arguing with his colleagues. Dıscover more novels at novel•fire.net

Otherwise, Li Kai wouldn’t have been willing to hold down the fort at the Kaifeng Prefectural Office alone.

It was a truly hellish place now!

It turned out that Wang Wenshan had gone to the Ministry of Punishments to complain. The Kaifeng Prefectural Office was too biased towards Zhang Fei, investigating this and that without end. When would it stop?

This also caused dissatisfaction among many officials, so they pressured the Kaifeng Prefectural Office.

But Lu Gongzhu was also a tough nut to crack. He stated that he was defending the reputation of Director Wang.

In open court, with so many people listening, if the Kaifeng Prefectural Office didn’t investigate, what would people think?

Most likely they would think they were colluding.

Not most likely, but definitely.

Zhang Fei would then definitely appeal to the Court of Judicial Review because this case had been publicly tried by the Kaifeng Prefectural Office, and he would have the right to appeal to the Court of Judicial Review. And that kid was living at Xu Zun’s house!

If the Court of Judicial Review found evidence, Lu Gongzhu would be embarrassed. The key was that he also knew the ins and outs of Li Si’s case.

Lu Gongzhu had lived a clean life, and he didn’t want to fall because of this. He didn’t want to ruin his reputation.

So, despite Xu Zun not intervening in Zhang Fei’s affairs, he provided Zhang Fei with great assistance. With him around, Zhang Fei had a final option.

Without Xu Zun, Zhang Fei wouldn’t have been able to make such a fuss.

While they were still arguing fiercely here, news came from the Kaifeng Prefectural Office that the problems regarding Agricultural Affairs Bureau that were related to this case had surfaced.

The evidence of these crimes was even more detailed. It recorded very detailed events and how they specifically operated.

Based on the current situation, one would assume that when this news came out, it would inevitably explode in the imperial court.

However, instead of exploding, the imperial court calmed down.

Because this clue made the officials realize that someone in power was supporting Zhang Fei behind the scenes. This wasn’t a simple case of a civilian accusing an official; it was a political struggle.

Without knowing who the enemy was clearly, they dared not act rashly!

…

The Wang residence.

“They’re afraid of this?”

Wang Wenshan looked angrily at Guan Deng.

Just this?

For a groundless charge, you’re afraid?

Guan Deng sighed, “Director Wang, calm down and listen to my explanation.”

After a brief pause, he explained further, “This matter isn’t as simple as it seems. You should also understand that it would be impossible for Zhang San to obtain this information alone. It’s evident that someone in court is secretly helping Zhang San.”

Wang Wenshan exclaimed, “Doesn’t it go without saying? It must be Xu Zun.”

Guan Deng shook his head, “Xu Zun has only been back in the capital for a few months. Even if he knew of these matters, he couldn’t have known all the details. The Court of Judicial Review doesn’t deal with these matters.”

Wang Wenshan furrowed his brows, “Then in your opinion, who could it be?”

“At present, it’s unclear,” Guan Deng said. “That’s why no one dares to speak out. The key is that the Kaifeng Prefectural Office insists on investigating. But if they really investigate thoroughly, this case will become even more complex.”

“That’s why I…”

Mid-sentence, Wang Wenshan suddenly froze, staring at Guan Deng in horror.

Guan Deng didn’t meet his gaze directly, sighing, “The best course of action for now is for you to lay low out in the regional provinces, wait for the storm to pass, and then come back.”

“What did you say?”

Wang Wenshan’s face twisted with a fierce expression. “As the head of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, I’m being driven out of the capital by a mere pen-in-cap? How can I face coming back?”

It’s just like what happened to Chen Yuteng back then.

Guan Deng said, “You didn’t lose to Zhang San, but to the person behind Zhang San. Alas… Director Wang, you shouldn’t have taken Zhang San to court. That’s his specialty. But we also have our own methods. He can stir up trouble a hundred times, but he will never be able to kill us. However, if we catch him even once, he’s as good as dead. You must not act rashly!”

Wang Wenshan stared angrily at Guan Deng, trembling all over. After a while, he closed his eyes and sighed, slumping in his chair. “What do you plan to do?”

Guan Deng said, “We will petition His Majesty, accusing you of interfering with justice and causing great negative impact on the imperial court. This case should be ended as soon as possible and should not be allowed to escalate.”

Wang Wenshan, with a face full of unwillingness, asked, “Is there no other way?”

Guan Deng replied, “This is the most prudent approach. Currently, the enemy is in hidden in the shadows, and we are out in the light. Continuing to pursue this case is detrimental to everyone. Is it really worth it for the sake of a mere pen-in-cap?”

Wang Wenshan suddenly looked at Chen Yu, who had been silent beside him.

Chen Yu looked at Wang Wenshan with a guilty expression, sighed, but remained silent.

This wasn’t just Wang Wenshan’s personal matter anymore; it implicated the entire Agricultural Affairs Bureau. Pulling out the radish meant bringing out the mud—finding out the crimes of just one person could lead to many others being discovered. If this investigation continued, who knew what the outcome would be.

The key was they didn’t know who the hidden enemy was or what they were planning.

The officialdom wasn’t about using tricks to win; it was about stability. As long as the forest remained, there would be no shortage of firewood, and one could live to fight another day. No one was willing to gamble with Wang Wenshan because it wasn’t worth it.

Wang Wenshan never imagined he would lose so miserably.

After all, it was just a small case, but he lost precisely because it was so trivial. Those officials felt it wasn’t worth causing turbulence in the imperial court just for such a small case.

Wang Wenshan sighed, “Fine!”

…

After convincing Wang Wenshan, the discussions in the imperial court shifted. Within three days, Emperor Zhao Xu received over ten memorials criticizing Wang Wenshan.

Putting aside the truth, at this stage of the affair, Wang Wenshan bore undeniable responsibility. He shouldn’t have privately approached Zhang Fei while Li Si’s case was still under investigation. This constituted the crime of interfering with justice, and it was a clear violation of the law.

At the same time, if this case were to continue, it would drag on indefinitely, causing great damage to the imperial court’s credibility and reputation. Therefore, they earnestly requested the court to immediately hold Wang Wenshan accountable, demote him and send him away from the capital, and end this case.

Today, as usual, Emperor Zhao Xu summoned Wang Anshi to the palace for advice on current affairs.

After discussing various political matters, Emperor Zhao Xu suddenly asked, “How do you view the case involving Director Wang?”

Wang Anshi replied, “I also believe that the case should be resolved as soon as possible.”

Emperor Zhao Xu nodded, “But I think many of them are feeling guilty for their own wrongdoings!”

Wang Anshi nodded in agreement, “I am aware of that. However, continuing the investigation will only force them to fight desperately, possibly making the case even more complex. Moreover, this case has attracted considerable attention from the people. If the people see officials in such a sorry state, it will indeed affect the imperial court’s credibility and reputation.”

Although he also detested evil, being in a high position required some consideration of the bigger picture. If this case continued to escalate, it would also interfere with his reforms. His reforms were what would solve the roots of the problem. Allowing the case to drag on would not solve anything.

Emperor Zhao Xu sighed heavily, “But if this continues, how can the country prosper?”

Wang Anshi hurriedly said, “Your Majesty’s far-sightedness is a blessing to the country. I believe that if there is to be a change, it must come from the roots. Dealing with just one case is only addressing the symptoms, not the root cause.”

At this point, he changed the subject and continued, “However, the person in charge of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, oversees the national granary and disaster relief efforts. If controlled by someone with ill intentions, the consequences would be disastrous. It seems that the Agricultural Affairs Bureau is already corrupt internally and must be reformed.”

Emperor Zhao Xu immediately understood and asked, “Do you have a suitable candidate in mind?”

Wang Anshi immediately replied, “I believe Lu Huiqing would be an excellent choice. I entrusted him with the property tax matters, and he has performed exceptionally well, handling the complicated affairs with ease. The duties of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau are similarly intricate. Therefore, I believe he is a very suitable candidate.”

The Agricultural Affairs Bureau was crucial for his reforms. If he could take control of it, it would truly be a blessing.

Emperor Zhao Xu nodded.

…

The next day, Emperor Zhao Xu summoned Lu Gongzhu to the palace and expressed that the case involving Zhang San had seriously affected the daily affairs of Kaifeng Prefecture and tarnished the image of court officials. He also mentioned that Wang Wenshan’s failure to avoid placing himself in a compromising situation raised suspicions of interfering with justice, resulting in today’s problems. Therefore, he intended to transfer him to Jiangzhou as a Vice-Prefect.

In the Song Dynasty, unless a high-ranking official committed a major offense, they would be demoted to serve as officials in other regions.

Lu Gongzhu breathed a sigh of relief.

The sagaciousness of His Majesty!

Lu Gongzhu was also tired. By now, he felt there was no sense of justice in this case. Although Zhang Fei was a victim, unlike Ayun and Li Si’s cases, Zhang Fei resorted to all sorts of deceitful methods, filled with lies. He filed complaints today, and tomorrow he would file more. It was evident that he wasn’t seeking justice but seeking revenge against Wang Wenshan.

It was time to bring this case to an end!

Emperor Zhao Xu immediately issued an edict, citing Wang Wenshan’s inappropriate conduct, interference with justice, and violation of the law, demoting him to Jiangzhou as a Vice-Prefect.

The charge of “interference with justice” was quite meticulous. You could argue that Wang Wenshan had coerced Zhang Fei and sought revenge, which constituted very serious interference with justice. However, you could also argue that he had interfered with justice in a minor way, simply having met Zhang Fei privately.

This also counted as giving this case a reasonable conclusion.

At the Xu Residence.

“What?” Zhang Fei grumbled, “That’s it? I haven’t even had my fill yet!”

Xu Zun asked, “What else do you want?”

Zhang Fei muttered, “I just feel like the punishment is too light. I got beaten up, and the culprit gets a free vacation?”

A free vacation?

Xu Zun chuckled and said, “Even if it’s proven that he instigated someone to beat you up, this is pretty much the punishment. Besides, you can’t even prove it.”

Zhang Fei retorted, “What about selling official positions, corruption, and bribery?”

Xu Zun sighed without replying.

Wang Wenshan’s acts were still tolerable; there were others even more corrupt than him. Do you want to go after them too?

The shady dealings of the Shophouse and Residence Office were similar in nature to those of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau. After Wang Anshi took over, weren’t past offenses overlooked?

In fact, even upright officials like Wei Zheng and Bao Zheng had made political compromises.

“Being an official is really great!” Zhang Fei sighed and added, “Benefactor, do you know when Wang Wenshan will leave the capital?”

Xu Zun was surprised, “Why do you ask?”

Zhang Fei replied, “I want to humiliate him a bit.”

Xu Zun frowned, “Is it necessary to go that far?”

A gentleman should know when to stop.

In his opinion, having achieved such an outcome was already quite remarkable.

Zhang Fei replied truthfully, “Otherwise, I can’t relieve the anger in my heart.”

When it had reached this point, did it really matter if he stepped on him a little more?

…

Early that day, Zhang Fei arrived at the South Gate to witness the fruits of his victory.

Wang Wenshan glared at Zhang Fei as if he wanted to devour him whole. “I really underestimated you this time!”

Zhang Fei said, “It’s not that you underestimated me, you’re just stupid. Remember when I warned you? You are porcelain and I’m earthenware, you have much more to lose than me. I was very serious at the time, but Director Wang, you didn’t take it to heart. No, I mean Vice-Prefect Wang.”

“You…” Wang Wenshan gritted his teeth in anger, “You little brat, don’t be too arrogant. I’ll be back.”

The good thing about Northern Song civil officials was that they never died. They might lose today but would rise again in thirty years.

Zhang Fei smirked, “You can’t even deal with me now, do you think you’ll have a chance in three years? And, I don’t think you’ll be able to come back. After all, you’re already so old.”

Wang Wenshan was startled, “What are you implying? Who instigated you?”

Zhang Fei gave a mysterious smile, “Safe travels. Goodbye, no, we won’t meet again.”

With that, he turned and left.

He wanted to leave a seed of fear in Wang Wenshan’s heart; that was his purpose for coming here.

Just as he turned a corner, he heard laughter. “You really know how to strike at someone’s heart!”

Zhang Fei turned to see it was Sima Guang.