Chapter 102: Protecting Others to Protect Oneself
Throughout history, evaluation of Wang Anshi has been highly polarized. It was not exactly two-sided; in later dynasties, if conservatives were in power, Wang Anshi was universally condemned as a treacherous minister. If reformists were in power, he was hailed as an eminent minister for the ages.
It was a matter of perspective: one’s position determined one’s viewpoint.
Whether he was considered treacherous or virtuous, no one could deny Wang Anshi’s talent and brilliance.
This was indisputable.
Being one of the Eight Great Essayists of the Tang and Song Dynasties was testament enough.
Even Sima Guang, who strongly opposed Wang Anshi, did not dare to claim Wang Anshi was incompetent.
The issues that Zhang Fei had considered, Wang Anshi would surely have considered too. Administrative reform was not a new problem. If his decrees couldn’t reach the localities, how could his reforms be implemented?
Even if the Emperor hadn’t asked, Wang Anshi would have taken the first step.
Without this first step, there could be no subsequent steps.
Compared to the Ming reformer Zhang Juzheng’s meticulous approach with his Assessment Law, Wang Anshi’s plan was a shortcut, aiming for speed. He bypassed the entire bureaucracy, implementing new laws directly without endless debates.
Zhang Juzheng, on the other hand, spent four solid years on his assessment system before starting fiscal reforms.
For both, their ultimate goal was fiscal reform.
They faced the same problem: the state lacked money.
Zhang Juzheng succeeded, but it was too brief. The new laws hadn’t yet taken root before he died, leading to the cessation of reforms. If he had lived another ten or twenty years and managed his relationship with the Wanli Emperor, he might have truly turned the Ming Dynasty around.
Though Zhang Juzheng’s reforms had issues, he would have adjusted them.
Wang Anshi, preceding Zhang Juzheng, recognized he had too many tasks. If he proceeded methodically, he didn’t have enough time.
He had only been recalled to the central government this year and was to start reforms next year.
He needed to act quickly!
The young Emperor clearly favored Wang Anshi.
Though young, the Emperor was eager to act and reverse the nation’s decline. He couldn’t wait ten years for administrative reforms.
His idol, Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty, had stabilized the country in less than ten years and defeated both the Eastern Turks and Tuyuhun, even taking the title of Khagan.
Though not aiming to match his idol, achieving half of that would be sufficient.
Given the smaller territorial aims, this was more feasible.
…
“You’re back!”
As Zhang Fei returned home, Xu Zhiqian hurriedly came to meet him.
Zhang Fei’s gaze, however, turned to Gao Wenyin behind Xu Zhiqian. He said, “Isn’t it overstepping for you to walk in front of my wife?”
Xu Zhiqian instinctively looked back at Gao Wenyin, blushing slightly, and muttered, “What overstepping? You’re clearly taking this fake marriage too seriously.”
Despite her retort, she obediently stepped aside.
The impact of such an accusation was too great for her to handle.
Gao Wenyin looked at Zhang Fei in confusion.
She didn’t think that Xu Zhiqian had overstepped since she considered the marriage fake. Seeing Zhang Fei’s serious expression, her face gradually turned red.
“Husband, you’re back.”
Unable to withstand Zhang Fei’s serious gaze, Gao Wenyin finally conceded.
Zhang Fei nodded, saying earnestly, “Wife, even though Lady Xu knows the truth, if you don’t develop the right habits, you might slip up. A single mistake could cost us all our lives. Please treat this matter with caution.”
Gao Wenyin nodded repeatedly, “I understand my mistake.”
Xu Zhiqian struggled to contain her laughter, thinking, if she truly gets used to it, they’ll end up a real couple.
How ridiculous!
Entering the main hall, Gao Wenyin said, “Husband, you and Lady Xu can chat. I’ll have someone prepare the meal.”
Zhang Fei nodded.
Once Gao Wenyin left, Xu Zhiqian couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud.
Zhang Fei frowned, “What are you laughing at?”
Xu Zhiqian bit her lip, teasing, “You’re really mean. She’s already so miserable, and you still treat her like this.”
Zhang Fei huffed, “Am I treating her poorly? Have you seen any pen-in-cap being so considerate, helping her with everything and even giving her a place to belong?”
Xu Zhiqian lightly snorted, “If not for that, I would have exposed you long ago.”
Zhang Fei was startled, quickly saying, “Hey, Lady Xu, if you ruin this, I might have to rely on you to continue my lineage.”
Xu Zhiqian was also frightened, “What nonsense are you spouting? I was just talking casually. If she genuinely marries you, it’s a good thing for her. Why would I ruin it?”
After Lin Fei’s case, Xu Zhiqian had completely changed her view of Zhang Fei. She knew he had a sharp tongue but a good heart, clearly distinguishing right from wrong. She sympathized with Gao Wenyin, thinking it would be wonderful if she could truly marry Zhang Fei.
“That’s the only sensible thing you’ve said.”
“Only that?”
“What else?”
“……!”
Xu Zhiqian pouted, “By the way, how did it go?”
Zhang Fei smiled, “Do I look worried?”
“You… how did you manage to persuade both Academician Sima and Academician Wang?” Xu Zhiqian asked in shock.
Persuading Wang Anshi was believable. Persuading Sima Guang was also believable. But persuading both simultaneously…!
That’s an exponential increase in difficulty!
Zhang Fei laughed, “Simple, by satisfying their core needs.”
Xu Zhiqian still looked puzzled.
Zhang Fei thought for a moment and said, “I’ll explain later.”
Xu Zhiqian looked at Zhang Fei with a hint of grievance.
Half-told stories were the worst.
Zhang Fei continued, “Now that the lawsuit is settled, the next step is forcing the imperial court to execute those corrupt officials.”
Xu Zhiqian asked, “How do you plan to do that?”
She had no concept of how to sue the imperial court.
Zhang Fei smiled, “The scholars always criticize me for being unorthodox and departing from the classics. This time, I’ll show them a masterstroke. I’ll use their own classics and doctrines to persuade them.”
Just then, Gao Wenyin and Xiaotao brought in the food.
Zhang Fei asked, “Wife, is Feng Nanxi at home?”
Gao Wenyin nodded, “Yes.”
Zhang Fei said, “Call him after the meal. We need to discuss the lawsuit.”
“Okay.”
Gao Wenyin nodded, then hesitated, “Husband, will this bring trouble to you?”
Zhang Fei smiled, “This is my job, my livelihood. If you can pay, there’s no issue.”
In his mind, he added, or pay in kind.
Gao Wenyin earnestly asked, “How much would it be?”
Zhang Fei replied, “Ordinary cases usually cost around five hundred strings of cash.”
“Five hundred strings?” Gao Wenyin’s eyes widened.
Zhang Fei nodded, “For special cases like this, it would be at least ten times more, around five thousand strings.”
Gao Wenyin almost fainted.
Even selling herself, she was worth only a bit over a thousand strings!
Zhang Fei asked, “Any more questions, Wife?”
Gao Wenyin shook her head.
She didn’t dare ask anything else!
Zhang Fei smiled, “Then let’s eat together!”
…
After the meal, Feng Nanxi came to the study to discuss with Zhang Fei, Gao Wenyin, and Xu Zhiqian.
“Sue the imperial court?”
Feng Nanxi stared at Zhang Fei, dumbfounded.
At the same time, there was a loud clatter as Gao Wenyin dropped her hot tea on the floor.
Zhang Fei asked, “Is there a problem?”
Feng Nanxi stammered, “Isn’t that courting death?”
“Courting death?” Zhang Fei asked, “Why?”
Feng Nanxi straightforwardly said, “If we commoners could sue the imperial court, those officials wouldn’t have done what they did.”
“What do you mean we commoners—don’t lump me in with you.”
Zhang Fei pointed at Feng Nanxi.
Feng Nanxi looked puzzled.
Zhang Fei smugly adjusted his hair, “You’ve heard of my exploits. Do you think any other pen-in-cap could achieve the same?”
Feng Nanxi said, “But suing the imperial court is entirely different. The law is set by the imperial court. How can you sue the imperial court?”
Zhang Fei said, “Are you suggesting the imperial court has never broken the law?”
Feng Nanxi scoffed, “The imperial court breaks the law every day, but we can’t sue it.”
Zhang Fei rolled his eyes, “You can’t, but I can.”
Coming to her senses, Gao Wenyin shook her head, “No! This…this is impossible. It’s too terrifying.”
She was so frightened she could hardly speak coherently.
A commoner would be glad if the imperial court left him alone, how could they think of suing it?
This was beyond their wildest thoughts.
Zhang Fei smiled, “As a kind person, I’m willing to do this for you. Why are you afraid?”
Feng Nanxi felt it made sense.
Zhang Fei was willing to do this. What was there for him to fear?
Gao Wenyin said, “But if I bring harm to you, husband, how can I live with myself? This is impossible.”
Calling him husband in front of Feng Nanxi still made her uncomfortable.
Feng Nanxi also felt uncomfortable but said nothing.
Xu Zhiqian suddenly said, “Why fear doing something just and legal? Shouldn’t the ones afraid be the corrupt officials?”
Feng Nanxi sighed, “Though true, the court is corrupt…”
Before he could finish, Xu Zhiqian interrupted, “Precisely why we must strive for justice. Otherwise, we’ll remain in darkness.”
Zhang Fei gave Xu Zhiqian an approving look, “Lady Xu is right. If you feel guilty, think of it as me protecting myself. I am subject to the Corvee Labor Law too. If I don’t help you now, I might be the next victim. I am protecting myself.”
Feng Nanxi, eyes red, knelt on one knee, “Thank you for your help. Despite my previous offenses, you repay evil with good. Even if I die, I can’t repay you. I pledge my life to serve you.”
Gao Wenyin knelt, tears streaming, “I will never forget your great kindness. In the next life, I’ll be a horse or ox for you.”
Xu Zhiqian glanced at Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei sighed, “Let’s focus on achieving success first. Though of course, we will succeed.”