Chapter 109: Officials and Commoners
For the imperial court, this lawsuit came out of nowhere, with no prior warning.
After all, it was initiated by a commoner, and unlike last year, this time, the target was the imperial court itself.
But those seasoned officials, who had long been involved in the bureaucracy, quickly realized its significance.
Suddenly, they found that this lawsuit, once started, would be crucial.
Because it concentrated all the current internal political conflicts and involved the main issues the country was facing.
It concerned the vital interests of every government office.
Thus, various factions got involved.
Officials from the Censorate, the Court of Judicial Review, the Court of Penal Review, and the Ministry of Punishments quickly became the center of attention.
Officials from various departments approached these judges, expressing their demands, either openly or subtly, hoping to steer the lawsuit in a direction favorable to them.
For example, officials from the Three Financial Bureaus sought out officials from the Ministry of Punishments and the Court of Penal Review, hoping not only to ensure Zhang Fei’s defeat but also to use the opportunity to convict him severely, preventing his comeback. This was also the goal of many officials.
Given that Zhang Fei’s lawsuit might be linked to Wang Anshi’s reforms, which they opposed, the best outcome for them would be to eliminate him completely.
Of course, some officials deeply despised the corvee labor law and hoped for a fair trial that could ultimately lead to change in this harmful law.
Chen Shengzhi and Lu Gongzhu were among those with such hopes.
As long as the case wasn’t heard at the Kaifeng Prefectural Office, Lu Gongzhu was more inclined to support Zhang Fei.
Although they were annoyed by Zhang Fei’s loud behavior, the corvee labor law was clearly more harmful in comparison.
These officials wanted to be well-prepared and suggested postponing the trial for a month.
However, Chief Judges Sima Guang and Wang Anshi, who had prior knowledge, insisted on starting the trial in seven days, arguing that the case had already caused a public uproar and delaying it would be detrimental to the imperial court.
Representatives from each department were quickly selected: naturally, Xu Zun for the Court of Judicial Review, old man Lu Hui for the Censorate, Qi Hui for the Court of Penal Review, and Liu Shu for the Ministry of Punishments.
The Bureau of Prison and Punishments was not involved, as it was mainly responsible for handling criminal cases and corruption cases.
At the Hanlin Academy.
Sima Guang handed the list to Wang Anshi and asked, “This is different from previous trials. The one making arguments is a pen-in-cap, not a criminal. How do you plan to conduct it?”
Wang Anshi glanced at the list, confirming it was as he expected, and then looked at Sima Guang, “We’ve known each other for a long time. Just say what you think.”
Sima Guang stroked his beard, “You should be more aware of the court’s situation than I am. To be fair, why not let those judges argue with Zhang San, and we can watch from the sidelines?”
They both knew the other judges had their own agendas and biases. If they weren’t allowed to fully express themselves, the verdict might not be convincing.
Wang Anshi, aware of this, couldn’t help but tease, “Afraid of losing again?”
“……?”
…
Today was the trial day.
In the early morning.
Zhang Fei, dressed in white sleepwear, sat in front of a bronze mirror, meditating.
Behind him, a beautiful woman, Gao Wenyin, was carefully combing his hair.
She was neatly dressed, indicating she had come over just to help Zhang Fei get ready.
These past few days, she had indeed been taking meticulous care of Zhang Fei’s daily needs, leaving nothing to be desired except for sharing a bed.
As for not sharing a bed… well…
It could count as helping Zhang Fei conserve his energy, ensuring he wasn’t overly fatigued.
While combing his hair, Gao Wenyin sneaked glances at Zhang Fei in the mirror, several times wanting to speak but holding back.
“Does my lady wish to say something?” Zhang Fei suddenly asked.
Gao Wenyin was startled, almost dropping the comb. His eyes were closed, yet he saw through her? She looked in the mirror again, seeing Zhang Fei smiling at her with his eyes open.
Flustered, she stammered, “Husband… is it dangerous for you to go today?”
This woman was not foolish. She clearly wanted to ask about the outcome but pretended to be concerned about him. Zhang Fei smiled, “Danger is always present in court; anything can happen.”
Gao Wenyin’s eyes filled with more worry upon hearing this.
Zhang Fei wanted to comfort her, but seeing that the atmosphere was akin to a melodramatic farewell, he decided to play along, “I also have a request for my lady.”
Gao Wenyin quickly responded, “Please tell me, husband. If I can do it, I will.”
Suppressing a smile, Zhang Fei recited, “Regardless of the outcome today, I hope you won’t harbor any thoughts of ending your life.”
“Ah?”
Gao Wenyin didn’t expect such a request.
Zhang Fei continued, “Many people have taken great risks and exhausted their efforts for this lawsuit, all to clear your name and protect your life. If you still think of ending your life, it would be unfair to them and render this lawsuit meaningless.”
Gao Wenyin’s eyes welled up with tears. After a moment, she nodded, “Alright, I promise you, no matter what happens, I won’t seek death.”
Melodramatic soap operas do have their merits! Zhang Fei nodded, “That’s the spirit.”
Gao Wenyin silently continued combing his hair.
“Your hair is done, husband. Time to get dressed.”
After finishing his hair, Gao Wenyin softly called out.
“Fetch my battle robe.”
Zhang Fei stood up.
“Oh.”
Gao Wenyin hurriedly took out a green robe from the wardrobe.
“Not that one,” Zhang Fei pointed to another wardrobe, “It’s the new ones hanging inside.”
“Oh.”
Gao Wenyin hurried to the long wardrobe, opened it, and was taken aback, “They’re all the same.”
Inside hung several green robes, about seven or eight.
Zhang Fei said, “They’re different! Those are new. Just pick one.”
“Ah… okay.”
Gao Wenyin took out a new robe and carefully asked, “Do you wear new robes for every case?”
Zhang Fei nodded, “Although they look the same, I want each one to have its own story.”
Gao Wenyin nodded woodenly.
This pen-in-cap must be wealthy.
With Gao Wenyin’s meticulous care, Zhang Fei was soon impeccably dressed.
“How do I look?”
Zhang Fei turned to ask Gao Wenyin.
Gao Wenyin, a simple woman, thought Zhang Fei’s outfit was even more flamboyant than when she had stood at the White Crystal Inn, nodded, and said, “You look… very good.”
“Almost perfect.”
Zhang Fei went to the wardrobe, took out an exquisite small wooden box, opened it, and saw over a dozen brand-new short pens inside.
They all looked the same, but Zhang Fei carefully selected one, “You’ll do.”
He took one and placed it on his hat.
Gao Wenyin found it even stranger.
After getting ready, the “couple” went to the hall.
Xu Zhiqian was already waiting there, having been too excited to sleep all night.
It was going to be her first time in court, and although she was only assisting Zhang Fei, it was a dream come true for her.
She was dressed in men’s attire, a traditional black robe with red trim, accentuating her tall, delicate figure. Her hair, adorned with a red silk ribbon, was meticulously styled. Her fair, delicate face looked spirited and radiant.
“Why are you dressed like this again?”
Xu Zhiqian gave Zhang Fei a sideways glance at his flashy outfit.
“I’m dressed formally, and you look like a peacock.”
“You don’t understand.”
Zhang Fei replied, “This is called setting trends. Soon, all pen-in-caps will dress like me. In a few centuries, people will remember me when they see this outfit.”
“A few centuries?” Xu Zhiqian scoffed.
Yeah, right.
“Believe it or not!”
Zhang Fei jerked his head towards the door, “Let’s go!”
When the door opened, they saw a crowd outside.
“What the… what’s going on?”
Zhang Fei quickly retreated in shock, “Are we under attack?”
Xu Zhiqian laughed, “They are here to support you. Attack? This is the capital. What are you thinking?”
“Support?”
Zhang Fei was still confused.
Xu Zhiqian nodded, “This case concerns all the common people.”
Zhang Fei finally understood, quickly adjusting himself, and asked Gao Wenyin, “Lady, is there anything else that needs fixing?”
Gao Wenyin carefully looked him over and shook her head, “You look perfect.”
Zhang Fei confidently walked out.
His outfit was so eye-catching that it drew attention from afar. Standing at the door, he became the focus of the crowd.
“Zhang San!”
“Zhang San!”
…
The people cheered loudly, their shouts echoing.
Among them were Ma Tianhao, Chen Maoxian, and others.
Zhang Fei had fought many cases but had never seen such a scene.
He remembered when he helped Li Si, many people had been gloating, opposing him.
The people’s hatred for the corvee labor law was evident.
You could avoid taking loans.
But nothing was scarier than having no choice and being at the mercy of corvee labor laws.
This time, almost all non-privileged people came to support Zhang Fei.
They genuinely hoped Zhang Fei could work wonders again.
Each cheer was heartfelt and filled with expectation.
Zhang Fei was deeply moved and instinctively grabbed the smooth, delicate hand next to him.
“What are you doing?”
Xu Zhiqian quickly pulled her hand back.
Zhang Fei, startled, turned to look and said, “I say, Lady Xu, why are you always standing in my wife’s spot? Move aside!”
“We’ll talk later,” Xu Zhiqian glared at him and moved aside.
Zhang Fei turned back.
Gao Wenyin, blushing, stepped forward.
Zhang Fei held her hand, waved to the people, and smiled confidently.
The crowd cheered louder.
“Pen-in-cap Zhang San!”
“Pen-in-cap Zhang San!”
…
Zhang Fei awkwardly lowered his hand, realizing they were mocking him.
He got on the carriage, and the crowd made way.
People lined the streets, cheering as the carriage passed, making Zhang Fei feel as if the carriage hadn’t moved.
“Lady Xu, why are you sweating?”
Zhang Fei turned and saw Xu Zhiqian, across from him, sweating profusely.
“I’m not!” Xu Zhiqian nervously wiped her forehead.
Zhang Fei said, “If you’re unwell, tell me. I can’t take care of you in court.”
“I’m fine. I’m just…”
“Just what?”
“I’m just worried about disappointing them,” Xu Zhiqian admitted.
Zhang Fei smiled, “Don’t overthink it. We are not their saviors. Ultimately, the decision isn’t ours.”
The pressure of expectations had even affected Xu Zhiqian. The case was indeed of unprecedented importance, with the fate of many resting on its outcome.