Chapter 115: Living is Victory
Actually, even before the trial began, everyone was well aware that the key to this case lay in ancestral law.
Especially for the imperial court.
If the officials could not stick to their interpretation of ancestral law, whether ancestral law is violated would be meaningless.
When they lost the ability to define ancestral law, the imperial court officials were already at a disadvantage.
Before Sima Guang called for adjournment, Fu Bi, Han Qi, and Wen Yanbo had already quietly left the hall.
“This young man is even more eloquent and knowledgeable than the rumors suggest; he truly has real talent and learning, not just empty talk.”
As they stepped out, Han Qi remarked with a smile.
Fu Bi glanced at him, “Compared to you, he is still slightly inferior.”
Han Qi chuckled, “Are you praising me or belittling me?”
Fu Bi replied, “Since when have you cared whether it was praise or criticism? You are pleased with that statement either way.” Han Qi burst into laughter.
Years ago, when natural disaster had struck and the people suffered, Han Qi had impeached four chancellors for their incompetence and blamed them for destroying the Song dynasty’s peace and stability. Within a day all four chancellors were removed from office. This “one piece of paper which dismissed four chancellors” made Han Qi famous in the capital.
But Zhang Fei suing the imperial court based on ancestral law and still coming out unscathed was no small feat either!
At this moment, a bamboo sedan chair arrived.
Fu Bi said, “Alright, I’ll head back first.”
Han Qi quickly said, “We haven’t seen each other for a long time, why not come to my residence for a few drinks?”
Fu Bi shook his head, “Thank you for your kind offer, Chancellor Han, but my foot ailment makes it hard to enjoy myself. Farewell.”
He then got into the sedan chair.
This was the imperial city, and ordinary people were not allowed to ride in sedan chairs, but Emperor Zhao Xu had granted Fu Bi special permission due to his foot ailment.
Wen Yanbo gave Han Qi a slight bow and followed after the sedan chair.
Han Qi sighed deeply, shook his sleeves, and muttered to himself, “Since ancient times, no virtuous minister has been without flaws.”
He and Fu Bi had been colleagues for many years and had once shared hardships, but their relationship had gradually cooled due to disputes over the issue of imperial succession. Today, they had met by chance.
…
“Lord Fu, you have finally returned.”
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard.
Fu Bi smiled bitterly, “I had no choice. His Majesty sent people to ask me to return three times; I couldn’t refuse any longer. But I don’t think I’ll stay long.”
He had been recuperating from illness in Ruzhou and had only recently returned to Bianjing.
Wen Yanbo asked, “Lord Fu, you don’t think Wang Anshi’s reform efforts will work as well?”
Fu Bi smiled, “It seems you also oppose it.”
Wen Yanbo said, “Wang Anshi only returned to the capital last year, and this year he’s starting to reform. Even with his talent, he can’t succeed alone. To govern a country, first govern its bureaucrats!”
Fu Bi sighed, “Even if he does that, he will still likely fail.”
Wen Yanbo asked, “Why?”
Fu Bi sighed, “Back then, Ouyang Xiu had already pointed out the issue: good officials and bad officials alike will form political factions. But the emperor will always fear factions.”
During the Qingli Reforms, the conservatives accused them reformists of forming factions for personal gain. Ouyang Xiu directly told Emperor Renzong in his “Essay on Factions” that he did form a faction, and what of it?
And then… there was no more reform.
And so Ouyang Xiu was scolded as the eternal pig teammate.
But history showed that Ouyang Xiu truly saw the essence. If Renzong had accepted the “Essay on Factions,” the Song Dynasty would have been governed by political factions, or in other words, political parties.
Factions were inevitable; whether gentlemen or villains, those with common goals and interests will inevitably band together. Reform would only accelerate this phenomenon, and it was unavoidable.
The conservatives would band together out of threats to their interests, and as they grew stronger, the reformists would naturally have to organize their strength as well.
But the problem was that the emperor always feared officials banding together. Even if Ouyang Xiu hadn’t said it, would Emperor Renzong not see it?
Conservatives and reformers would inevitably grow stronger with factional struggles.
This was not man-made but human nature.
Emperor Renzong would never let this happen.
…
“What nonsense were you spouting just now?”
After the officials left, Xu Zhiqian immediately gave Zhang Fei a stern look.
Zhang Fei smiled, “I just wanted to show that the presiding judge should include us when seeking the room’s opinion, not just the officials present. Although he didn’t mean to, dignity must be fought for.”
Hearing this, Xu Zhiqian became even more indignant, “They can advance or retreat as they please; they are truly shameless!”
If they had nothing to say, they would just adjourn the court session?
How was this different from perverting justice for personal gain?
Her straightforward nature couldn’t tolerate it.
Zhang Fei smiled, “We expected this outcome long ago.”
If a judgment were reached today, there would only be one result: Zhang Fei losing.
Not reaching a judgment, however, meant Zhang Fei won.
If they judged Zhang Fei as the winner on the spot, the consequences would be very serious, with significant political impact.
After all, this was an absolute monarchy.
Xu Zhiqian said, “Even so, your performance was so brilliant, yet they didn’t reach a judgment; it’s truly frustrating.”
Zhang Fei smiled, “In the courtroom, such frustration will always exist. Don’t get too fixated on it.”
“Why?” Xu Zhiqian asked.
Zhang Fei said, “Because justice will prevail.”
Xu Zhiqian said, “If you firmly believe that justice will prevail, then… then this frustration won’t last forever.”
Zhang Fei said, “Without injustice, there would be no justice. ‘Justice will prevail’ means that there will always be injustices in the world. Let’s go!”
The two carried a thick stack of documents and left the hall.
Zhang Fei asked, “I almost forgot to ask, how did it feel to be in court?”
Xu Zhiqian smiled shyly, “It was quite… exciting.”
Zhang Fei said, “You should have spoken a few words earlier, thrown some accusations at the imperial court, and enjoyed yourself.”
Xu Zhiqian quickly said, “I don’t think I can do that. And my father is in charge of the Court of Judicial Review; so that be accusing my father, which is against filial piety.”
“That’s true.”
Zhang Fei nodded and said, “Next time, then!”
“Next… next time?”
Xu Zhiqian looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.
Zhang Fei smiled.
They arrived at the gates of the imperial city.
Voices could be heard outside.
“Are those people still here?”
Zhang Fei asked.
Xu Zhiqian shook her head, “I don’t know.”
The two hid by the door, peeking outside. They saw a throng of people on the street.
Even many soldiers were maintaining order.
Zhang Fei carefully asked the guard in front of the gate, “Brother, have they been here all this time?”
The guard glared at him.
“Sorry for the trouble!”
Zhang Fei smiled awkwardly and left with Xu Zhiqian.
“They’re out!”
“Zhang San is out!”
“Look, it’s pen-in-cap Zhang San and Lady Xu.”
…
Their appearance immediately drew many shouts.
Li Si quickly drove the carriage over.
Zhang Fei and Xu Zhiqian boarded the carriage under everyone’s gaze.
One had to admit, the two of them standing together made a very matching pair, like a golden couple.
Zhang Fei raised his hand.
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
“We won!”
“We won!”
“We won!”
…
“Zhang San, hold on!”
Just as Zhang Fei and Xu Zhiqian were about to get into the carriage, a shout was heard.
Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi, along with a few others, came running over.
“Brother San, did you win?” Ma Xiaoyi asked excitedly.
Zhang Fei shook his head, “They haven’t reached a judgment yet.”
Cao Dongdong said gloomily, “Then why are you waving to the crowd. Is it just to show off?”
His tone was tinged with jealousy.
Zhang Fei rolled his eyes, “I just wanted to let everyone know I’m still alive; this isn’t a stand-in.”
“…….!”
…
In the back hall of the Court of Judicial Review.
With the case turning out this way, the presiding judges naturally had to reflect, no, discuss the case.
“Listen! Just listen!”
Wang Anshi pointed outside, “That’s not cheering; it’s cursing us for being incompetent! Zhang San is right; such harmful policies cause the people untold suffering, destroying families, and the imperial court does nothing. In my view, this not only violates ancestral law but also makes us unworthy of the sage’s teachings!”
Lu Hui was infuriated at the sight of Wang Anshi, “Talk is cheap. Do you think we don’t know these are harmful policies? But the imperial court needs labor to transport grain and build waterworks; these can’t be delayed. It’s easy for you to talk; why don’t you come up with a solution?”
He immediately regretted his words, realizing he had given Wang Anshi an opening.
As expected, Wang Anshi quickly said, “If you truly care for the common people, what’s so difficult about it? Merchants also need to transport goods; how do they manage it? The imperial court can recruit labor by paying for it, and there will be fewer complaints.”
Lu Hui’s expression softened a bit, “If we had the money, I would support it. But the imperial court’s finances are in deficit; where will we find the money to hire people?”
Wang Anshi said, “If everyone serves corvee labor, it can be done.”
Lu Hui was slightly taken aback, “Isn’t everyone serving now?”
After speaking, he realized the room was silent and suddenly understood.
Many people were exempt from corvee labor.
Wang Anshi’s gaze swept the room, and he said firmly, “If everyone must serve, then those with money can contribute their money, those with strength can contribute their labor. The rich can pay to be exempted from service, and the imperial court can use the money to recruit the poor, achieving two goals at once.”
“……!”
It had begun!
It had begun!
They knew Wang Anshi would use this as a pretext.
He had to use it as a pretext.
The case had given Wang Anshi a moral high ground, which he would not let slip. He had to get the slogans out first.
He also knew that efforts to reform corvee labor law would face much opposition.
Xu Zun nodded, “This method is excellent!”
“What’s so excellent about it?”
Lu Hui suddenly became agitated, “Why do you think the corvee labor law turned out this way with all sorts of exemptions? Wasn’t it because we forced the wealthy to serve? Do you think changing it to collecting money from the wealthy will make a difference?”
Wang Anshi snorted, “Chief Censor Lu, don’t take things out of context. It’s not just about collecting money from the wealthy; it’s also about supporting the poor. It’s not as simple as you say.”
“It sounds so nice!”
Lu Hui sneered, “Since ancient times, when the imperial court increases taxes, not a penny will fall short. But when it comes to helping the people, it would be a miracle if even one-tenth of it reaches them. Do you really think the money collected will be spent on the people?”
Wang Anshi retorted, “That’s a problem with people, not the law. As long as the imperial court strictly enforces the law, there will be no mistakes.”
Lu Hui said, “You’re too naive. Governing a country is not child’s play.”
Wang Anshi said, “You’re too cowardly, no wonder you’ve achieved nothing.”
“Wang Anshi!”
“Lu Hui!”
As their argument escalated, they began to resort to personal attacks.
Sima Guang quickly stood up, positioned himself between the two, and said to Wang Anshi, “Anshi, please stay calm. Some things are not as simple as you think.”
Wang Anshi raised his hand, “But if we don’t address them, they will only become more complicated. Zhang San is right; every day, many people suffer and die because of this law, while we enjoy high positions and salaries, leisurely drinking tea here. Can your conscience bear it? As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t act decisively, you will be caught in a bigger mess.’ This harmful policy must be removed. Otherwise, how can we face our ancestors?”
Sima Guang took a sip of tea and said nothing.
Liu Shu said, “Academician Wang, we are discussing the case now. Why are you bringing up these irrelevant matters?”
Wang Anshi glanced at him, “In the court, I gave you all a chance to speak. Why didn’t you say more? Oh, at adjournment, you seemed to be the first to leave?”
“……!”
Liu Shu glared at Wang Anshi.
Life is hard enough without tearing each other down!
Chen Shengzhi suddenly stood up and said, “Everyone, please stay calm. Anshi’s words are also relevant to the case’s outcome. But we must address it step by step, especially since this case involves ancestral laws. We must not be careless.”
Qi Hui quickly agreed, “Indeed! How can ancestral laws be determined by a mere pen-in-cap?”
Wang Anshi, seeing Chen Shengzhi stand up, restrained his demeanor and sat down next to Sima Guang, and said, “The ancestral laws are what they are. What does it have to do with a pen-in-cap?”
Qi Hui almost bit his tongue.
…
“What do you think?”
After leaving the Court of Judicial Review, Emperor Zhao Xu suddenly asked Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao said, “What does Your Majesty refer to?”
Zhao Xu asked, “The ancestral laws.”
Liu Zhao pondered.
Zhao Xu smiled, “What are you hesitating about?”
Liu Zhao said awkwardly, “Your Majesty, I believe Zhang San is right. However…!”
Emperor Zhao Xu said, “Don’t worry, I will wait until after this case to make an official statement on the ancestral laws.”