Chapter 117: He who Tied the Knot, Must Untie it
The next day.
Zhang Fei got up early, as he was not a machine and had went to bed early.
When he came to the living room, the ever-attentive Gao Wenyin had already arranged for Xiaotao to prepare breakfast.
“Husband.”
Halfway through the meal, Gao Wenyin called softly.
Zhang Fei asked, “What’s the matter?”
Gao Wenyin whispered, “Just now, Xiaotao and Li Si went out to buy groceries and heard many people on the street talking about yesterday’s lawsuit. Almost everyone said the lawsuit was unfavorable to you.”
“Really?” Zhang Fei was quite surprised.
“Yes.”
Gao Wenyin nodded earnestly. Zhang Fei then called Li Si over to inquire.
It turned out to be true. Many people had taken his arguments out of context, twisted his words, and no one mentioned the points favorable to Zhang Fei.
This kind of play was all too familiar to Zhang Fei. It was like replacing Twitter with street gossip. He thought to himself, I really underestimated the methods of ancient times.
At this moment, Xu Zhiqian arrived.
Gao Wenyin quickly said, “Lady Xu is here. Xiaotao, quickly bring another set of bowls and chopsticks.”
“Madam Zhang, there’s no need to trouble yourself. I’ve already eaten,” Xu Zhiqian said, then turned to Zhang Fei, “Do you know about the rumors outside?”
Zhang Fei nodded, “My wife just told me. It seems that Academician Wang’s propaganda ability is lacking; he even lost the initiative.”
Xu Zhiqian sighed, “In this aspect, Academician Wang indeed falls short.”
His propaganda skills were so poor, yet he wanted to implement reforms. It was hard to understand what Wang Anshi was preparing. Did he naively think that working for the country and the people would guarantee success? Fortunately, I made it clear that I did not stand by his side back then, otherwise, the result would likely have been disastrous.
Zhang Fei chuckled, “The impact of public opinion on this case is limited. Since it concerns ancestral law, it ultimately depends on His Majesty’s decision. At worst, we can argue it out in court again.”
Xu Zhiqian nodded, “That’s what my father said too.”
Gao Wenyin, who was listening nearby, felt slightly relieved.
Zhang Fei muttered to himself, “However, the public opinion being controlled by the other side is a hidden danger for me. How can I continue to take on cases for wealthy clients in the future? Will I be forced to extort them?”
“…….?”
…..
In fact, during the first half of last night, public opinion was still favorable to Zhang Fei. Although most people did not know the specifics, at least he left the Court of Judicial Review alive.
Additionally, influencers like Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi helped promote Zhang Fei.
But by the second half of the night, public opinion took a sharp turn.
This only proved one thing: the other party was truly anxious. They quickly exerted their power, hoping to use public opinion to pressure the imperial court and avoid their own embarrassment.
Before this lawsuit began, many people had already realized that it encapsulated almost all current conflicts.
For any party involved, it was crucial and could not be lost.
Many officials initially hoped to use this case to get rid of the troublemaker Zhang Fei and simultaneously suppress Wang Anshi’s arrogance.
Unexpectedly, despite so many officials stepping forward, they still lost.
This only made their situation more embarrassing.
Wang Anshi’s suggestion that the rich can pay to be exempted from service, and the money be used to pay the poor for their labor completely exploded the entire officialdom.
It was like a nuclear bomb.
Previously, Wang Anshi only pointed out problems within the imperial government without proposing specific reform measures. Everyone speculated about his reform direction based on their understanding of him and his political philosophy.
This time, Wang Anshi directly presented his reform plans.
Well, as expected, he had ulterior motives.
So, all his efforts boiled down to targeting us.
If the government wanted to pay the poor for their service, it would inevitably need to expand the budget and increase revenue. Currently, the court’s finances were insufficient.
Why didn’t Emperor Zhao Xu favor Sima Guang’s reforms? Because Sima Guang emphasized not ‘competing with the people for benefits’,[1] which made it difficult to quickly resolve the government’s financial issues.
Wang Anshi’s reforms primarily aimed at benefiting the country, so he used the classics.
According to Wang Anshi, it was clear that he intended to tax those exempt from corvee labor service, creating additional revenue to fill the national treasury and reduce the burden on the poor.
Who were those exempt from labor service?
Do we even need to say?
This was even scarier than ancestral law.
The entire scholar-official class immediately united, but they chose to attack the weakest link first, concentrating all their firepower on Zhang Fei.
He was deemed the root of all evil.
Moreover, even though many officials supported Wang Anshi’s reforms, they did not want a mere pen-in-cap to set the tone for ancestral laws.
The scholars did not want that either.
They not only created public opinion but also accused Zhang Fei of incitement and inappropriately discussing ancestral laws in court, amounting to the offence of great disrespect.
However, Xu Zun and others immediately stood up for Zhang Fei.
In court, you did not speak up, but outside, you are all shouting. Is it because your intentions cannot be seen in the light?
Lu Huiqing also began to exert influence among the people, but instead of defending Zhang Fei, he diverted attention by continuously raising topics about the Corvee Labor Law, subtly shifting public opinion towards reform.
This was a matter of great concern to the common people, who desperately hoped to abolish the corvee labor system.
Lu Huiqing kept spreading the word that Wang Anshi wanted to abolish the corvee labor system.
The people’s demand was to abolish the corvee labor system, and Wang Anshi also wanted to abolish it.
Naturally, they supported Wang Anshi.
For a time, Wang Anshi’s reputation among the people soared.
The conservatives realized this wouldn’t do!
When the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman benefits.
They were so focused on attacking Zhang Fei’s stance on ancestral laws that they allowed Wang Anshi to seize the opportunity.
Desperate and besieged from all sides, they hurriedly asked the emperor to take charge of the situation.
It was strange that the emperor hadn’t spoken on the ancestral laws.
The emperor was the one with the most authority on the matter.
Emperor Zhao Xu hadn’t stepped forward immediately for a simple reason: the advantage was on his side. He wasn’t in a hurry and saw value in the debate to distinguish allies from enemies.
In the Hall of Delegated Rule, where the Song emperors usually discussed politics with their ministers.
“I have read the court records of this case,” Emperor Zhao Xu nodded, “I find Zhang Fei’s argument on ancestral laws quite reasonable.”
Liu Shu immediately said, “Your Majesty, Zhang San is but a mere pen-in-cap. How could he understand the ancestral laws?”
Emperor Zhao Xu asked, “Why did you not question Zhang San on this in court?”
He was present, and Liu Shu had been the most vocal and embarrassed.
Liu Shu, slightly embarrassed, said, “Zhang San was merely engaging in sophistry, citing words out of context. As a judge, I did not deem it worthy to argue with him, lest I degrade my status.”
Emperor Zhao Xu smiled slightly but said nothing.
What did this mean? Liu Shu glanced at the emperor in surprise and suddenly realized that the emperor was mocking him using his own words!
Not worthy to argue, lest I degrade my status.
If you can play this game, so can I. Do you not realize the gap between your status and mine?
You think it is degrading to argue with Zhang San?
Ridiculous.
Erm…
Liu Shu retreated awkwardly.
Lu Hui stood up and said, “Your Majesty, I believe Zhang Fei made valid points. The Second Emperor’s decree embodies the core of the ancestral laws, but it would be inappropriate to define it as the ancestral law.”
Zhao Xu asked, “Why is it inappropriate?”
Lu Hui replied, “Many of the First and Second Emperors’ policies and thoughts are not included in this decree.”
Zhao Xu said, “Then draft a version of the ancestral laws for me to review.”
Lu Hui, terrified, replied, “I do not dare.”
Zhao Xu looked around, “You all always speak so elegantly about the ancestral laws. Today, I ask you, what exactly are the ancestral laws?”
Wang Anshi and Sima Guang exchanged a knowing look but remained silent.
“…….!”
No one could answer this question.
Because in their hearts, the concept of ancestral laws was meant to restrict the emperor.
There was no way to answer this!
“Whenever you figure out what the ancestral laws specifically are, then we can discuss this matter. I am tired. Today’s meeting is adjourned.”
With that, Zhao Xu stood up and left.
It was clear to everyone that the emperor was angry.
After all this time, it turned out that the ancestral laws were whatever they said they were.
Whatever they said was right, anything else was heresy.
The emperor’s message was very clear.
If you want to overturn Zhang Fei, fine, present your version of the ancestral laws.
But no matter what, this time the ancestral laws must be defined.
It cannot be left to your discretion.
……
Bring it on!
They didn’t believe that they, with their collective wisdom, were any less capable than a mere pen-in-cap.
It must be said that the civil officials of the Song Dynasty were all exceptionally talented. Whether treacherous or virtuous, none of them were incompetent.
Within three days, they completed their version of the ancestral laws.
They first took it to Sima Guang for review. The astute Sima Guang suggested they show it to Han Qi.
The ancestral laws were about seniority.
In terms of seniority and status, Han Qi, a veteran who served three emperors, was the most qualified to speak.
So Liu Shu took the ancestral laws to Han Qi.
“Ancestral laws?”
Han Qi was stunned as he held the thick stack of papers, comparable to the ‘Records of the Three Kingdoms’.
Liu Shu nodded.
This was too verbose!
Han Qi had no desire to read it but still gave them some face by flipping through it. His heart sank; this wasn’t a law, it was a history book, and a disjointed one at that, with many repeated points, clearly the work of multiple authors. Suddenly, his expression changed: “Are you all muddle-headed? This statement was clearly said by Lord Fan, why did you include it?”
Liu Shu awkwardly replied, “But Lord Fan also cited the ancestral laws.”
They had no choice. Originally, the ancestral laws were an invisible net, but now the emperor wanted them to weave it out clearly. They had to devise a foolproof version of the ancestral laws to ensnare the emperor.
After hearing this, Han Qi handed the document to his steward, “Quickly burn this.”
He turned to Liu Shu and the others, advising sincerely, “This matter is already beyond salvage. Actually, even if we formally define that decree as the ancestral law, it wouldn’t be so bad. Then, when citing ancestral law, you will be more legitimate.”
Liu Shu said, “But that is just an decree……!”
Han Qi, seeing his lack of flexibility, remarked, “Any policy could use the idea of ‘comprehensive order as precaution against malfeasance’.
This was professional advice. If you play it right, ancestral law could still restrain the emperor, though it would require more effort.
Liu Shu said, “But… but Wang Anshi could also cite this decree.”
He referred to Wang Anshi’s reforms. Once defined, ancestral law would greatly support Wang Anshi’s reforms.
Han Qi frowned, “Given the current situation, even without this, it would be hard to stop. The key is that His Majesty has made up his mind.”
Sighing, he continued, “But rest assured, His Majesty is sensible and won’t rule in Zhang San’s favor.”
Liu Shu asked, “Does Lord Han mean that His Majesty will rule against Zhang San?”
Han Qi replied, “Not necessarily.”
“Then… what will happen?”
“He who tied the knot must untie it.”
Han Qi said, “It depends on what that kid really wants.”
This was a blow to his self-esteem!
Liu Shu, frustrated, said, “Lord Han, this……!”
“What this and that?” Han Qi, displeased, said, “Given how the case turned out, don’t think you can avoid all responsibility.”
If they had won the case, they could say whatever they wanted. But given how the case had gone, expecting to turn it around with mere rhetoric was wishful thinking.
The emperor wasn’t a fool.
……
While the officials quarreled endlessly, the common people were also anxious. This case had dragged on for days without any updates. What was happening?
Only Zhang Fei, who had stirred the waters, was at ease.
At this moment, he was at home playing Go with Xu Zun.
“Do you know how to play? You should place the stone here.”
“Am I playing or are you? Keep your comments to yourself!”
“I’ve never seen anyone as clueless as you.”
…..
Xu Zhiqian, watching nearby, was infuriated by Zhang Fei’s poor Go skills. Amid their bickering, they… they actually won.
“We won? Oh… I won!”
Zhang Fei was dumbfounded; he didn’t even know how he won.
Xu Zhiqian was also stunned and asked Xu Zun, “Father, did you let him win on purpose?”
Xu Zun glared at them, “You two were arguing so much that I got a headache. How could I play properly? If you want to play, you two play. I’m done.”
Xu Zhiqian and Zhang Fei exchanged glances, then turned their heads away from each other.
Xu Zun shook his head helplessly and said to Zhang Fei, “It’s almost time. If this drags on, there might be changes. You should hand over Feng Nanxi, Niu Beiqing, and Longshan to Kaifeng Prefectural Office.”
“Understood.”
Zhang Fei called out, “Li Si! Li Si!”
“Brother San, you called me!”
“Go tell Young Master Cao and Ma Xiaoyi to come over for dinner tomorrow night.”
“Got it.”
After Li Si left, Zhang Fei called over Shi Tingxiu, “Go notify Feng Nanxi and the others that we’ll take action tomorrow night. The operation code is ‘Turning In’.”
Shi Tingxiu replied, “Yes.”
Xu Zhiqian cautiously said, “Isn’t your arrangement a bit too hasty? And you’re involving Young Master Cao and Ma Xiaoyi.”
Zhang Fei smiled, “I just want them to know these are my terms.”
……
The next evening.
“Zhang San, why are you so kind today, inviting us over for drinks?”
Cao Dongdong looked at Zhang Fei suspiciously.
Zhang Fei said, “I have something to discuss with you.”
“What is it?”
“I think we need to continue this lawsuit. Next time, I want you to assist me. Are you willing?”
“Really?”
Ma Xiaoyi jumped onto a chair excitedly, “Brother San, you’re not joking, right?”
Zhang Fei smiled, “How could I joke about this? Many officials felt it was inappropriate for Lady Xu, a woman, to assist, and Li Si is quite afraid of the occasion. You two are the most suitable.”
Cao Dongdong’s eyes darted, “I heard the imperial court is in an uproar. You should find someone more capable.”
Ma Xiaoyi said, “Big Brother, if you don’t go, I will.”
Cao Dongdong glanced at Ma Xiaoyi, “Little Ma, I’m doing this for your own good.”
“For my own good? You just don’t want me to go because you can’t,” Ma Xiaoyi snorted.
Cao Dongdong looked enviously and resentfully at Ma Xiaoyi.
Of course, he wanted to go, but his father had already warned him not to get involved.
Zhang Fei immediately said, “It’ll be Little Ma, then!”
“Yes, yes, yes!”
Ma Xiaoyi said, “Brother San, how about I move in here so I can go with you at any time?”
“What? Oh, we’ll see!”
At that moment, they suddenly heard someone shouting outside, “Bandit!”
“A bandit?”
Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi’s spirits lifted. It was rare to encounter a bandit at home, and they had run into one tonight. It was like a double celebration. In a flash, the two of them rushed out.
“Where’s the bandit?”
“Sister-in-law! I’m here to save you.”
“Bandit, come face me!”
Hey ho!
After leisurely finishing his drink, Zhang Fei walked out. He saw Feng Nanxi, Niu Beiqing, and Longshan being pressed to the ground by Ma Xiaoyi and a few idle men.
Cao Dongdong squatted down and asked, “Who’s the sister-in-law?”
Zhang Fei was puzzled, “Young Master Cao, shouldn’t you first ask who they are?”
Cao Dongdong stood up and stepped aside, as if to say, who they were had nothing to do with him.
Ma Xiaoyi clapped his hands, disinterested, “These small-time bandits are too weak. I didn’t even use my real skills, and they were already down.”
Niu Beiqing’s face turned red; he had made it so obvious, yet this guy still couldn’t see it? Are you blind?
Li Si suddenly asked, “Brother San, what do you plan to do with these three bandits?”
Zhang Fei smiled, “Of course, we’ll send them to Kaifeng Prefectural Office!”
[1] This concept of ‘competing with the people for benefits’ has been mentioned before and will be explored further. It refers to the government entering the “private sector” and squeezing out private economic activity in the process.