Judge of the Song Dynasty

This lawsuit was truly all bark and no bite, starting with much fanfare about ancestral law but ending as a mere corruption case.

The ministers were eager to tell Zhang Fei, “Your strategy of asking for the sky and settling for the ground is brilliant, but please, don’t use it again next time.”

Everyone prefers to negotiate amicably.

However, they didn’t understand Zhang Fei. For him, lawsuits were never about winning or losing but about his client’s interests.

As long as he could secure the maximum benefits for his clients, the verdict didn’t matter much to him.

Of course, in the Northern Song Dynasty, one had to consider personal safety when dealing with lawsuits.

He could afford not to win, but he absolutely couldn’t afford to lose; losing would lead to severe consequences.

Being a pen-in-cap was a dangerous profession.

…

After Zhang Fei communicated with the authorities, the Kaifeng Prefectural Office immediately released Niu Beiqing, Feng Nanxi, and Longshan, returned the Shi family’s house and land, and annulled Gao Wenyin’s status as a slave, declaring the indenture invalid. As for the return of the Shi family’s money and the 1,500 strings, those were also immediately returned. Normally, given the Song court’s efficiency, it would take a year or more to resolve such matters, but shortcuts were taken here.

When Zhang Fei brought Feng Nanxi and the others, along with the official document, home, Gao Wenyin, who had been anxious for days, was overjoyed and cried tears of joy.

Finally, the clouds had parted, and the moon shone through.

Her worries were finally over.

Zhang Fei smiled and said, “I hope Madam Gao won’t be so worried in the future.”

Gao Wenyin was startled, stopped crying, and, hearing the change in his address to her, sighed in relief, saying guiltily, “I’ve caused you so much trouble these days. Thank you for your tolerance and care.”

Tears welled up in her almond-shaped eyes again, but this time they were tears of gratitude.

Zhang Fei simply smiled and said, “This is my job. I save a hundred or so people like you every year.”

Xu Zhiqian rolled her eyes; this man could really brag.

But she didn’t expose him.

After all, it was harmless!

At this moment, Niu Beiqing stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said, “I, Big Niu, didn’t recognize your greatness before and offended you. Fortunately, you didn’t hold a grudge and helped clear our names. I apologize to you. If you ever need anything, just ask. I’ll go through fire and water for you without hesitation.”

Zhang Fei laughed, “Going through fire and water isn’t necessary. Just let me pass if we meet on the road.”

Niu Beiqing scratched his head awkwardly, “I… I was just saying. I wouldn’t become a bandit.”

Zhang Fei laughed, “It would be a waste of talent if you didn’t become a bandit.”

Shi Tingxiu burst into laughter.

Zhang Fei suddenly glanced at Feng Nanxi, who had been silent, and asked, “By the way, what are your plans now?”

They all looked at Feng Nanxi.

Feng Nanxi, who had been lost in thought, opened his mouth and instead asked, “May I ask, was Registrar Chen truly the mastermind?”

This question made everyone tense up.

“As for this…!”

Zhang Fei frowned, “I actually asked Prefect Lu, but the clues ended here. Prefect Lu also believes that the amount of official silver involved isn’t much, so it’s unlikely that more or higher officials are involved.”

Feng Nanxi remained skeptical, “I’ve spent time in government offices and know that even if Registrar Chen was the mastermind, we’ve offended many people. Won’t we face retaliation?”

Gao Wenyin became nervous again, “Seventh Brother, that… that shouldn’t happen, right?”

Feng Nanxi frowned, “Even if they don’t dare act now, who can guarantee they won’t retaliate once this storm passes? We’re just ordinary people; we can’t fight them.”

Xu Zhiqian glanced at Zhang Fei and suddenly said, “Zhang San, I think Brother Feng has a point. Do you have a way to protect them?”

Zhang Fei sighed, “How can I protect them? I’m just a pen-in-cap. The best I can do is help them win this lawsuit, which is already quite an achievement.”

Feng Nanxi quickly said, “Benefactor, I’m not blaming you. Your great kindness is something we can never repay. I’m just concerned.”

Xu Zhiqian said, “I have an idea. I wonder if it’s feasible?”

Gao Wenyin quickly asked, “What idea do you have, Lady Xu?”

Xu Zhiqian looked at Feng Nanxi, “Brother Feng, what are your plans?”

Feng Nanxi shook his head, “We have no plans yet. We hope you can guide us.”

Xu Zhiqian turned to Zhang Fei, “Zhang San, don’t you need help? Why not keep them? With you around, the authorities won’t dare retaliate.”

Feng Nanxi and Shi Tingxiu looked at Zhang Fei expectantly.

After this case, they were in awe of Zhang Fei, who had used the Kaifeng Prefectural Office as if it were a latrine.

Staying with him would be ideal.

Zhang Fei hesitated and asked, “Do you want to…?”

Before he could finish, Feng Nanxi and Shi Tingxiu clasped their fists, “We are willing to work for you, to repay your life-saving grace.”

The slow-witted Niu Beiqing quickly clasped his fists, too.

Only Longshan remained silent.

“Alright, you can stay.”

Zhang Fei then looked at Gao Wenyin.

“I…”

Gao Wenyin hesitated. She had initially wanted to join her deceased husband but had promised Zhang Fei not to seek death. She hadn’t considered her future and didn’t know what to do.

But thinking of Zhang Fei’s great kindness and his willingness to take in Shi Tingxiu and the others, she felt deeply grateful and indebted to him. She bowed and said, “I am willing to serve you as a maid to repay your kindness.”

Zhang Fei said, “I truly want to keep you here. Since you came, my home has been well-managed. If you stay, I’d be very happy. You can decide whether to be a maid or not, but can we maintain the appearance of being a married couple?”

“What?”

Gao Wenyin blushed and seemed uneasy.

Zhang Fei quickly explained, “It’s my fault. When those people came to congratulate me, calling it a perfect match, I went along and boasted. If they find out the truth, they’ll laugh at me.”

Gao Wenyin was conflicted and glanced at Shi Tingxiu.

Shi Tingxiu was at a loss.

Xu Zhiqian suddenly said, “Sister Gao, may I say something?”

Gao Wenyin quickly replied, “Please, Lady Xu.”

Xu Zhiqian said, “I think, in the eyes of others, you are already Zhang’s wife. Zhang also fought for your justice. If you reveal that it’s all a lie, people will slander you, saying that you used Zhang San. That will cause more trouble. Since you’ve decided to stay, it’s better to keep the status quo to avoid complications.”

However, Gao Wenyin’s heart was with the Shi family. According to decorum, Shi Tingxiu should decide this matter as he was the brother of Shi Tingjun.

Shi Tingxiu was truly at a loss and looked at Feng Nanxi.

Feng Nanxi agreed with Xu Zhiqian. Regardless of the truth, in everyone’s eyes, Gao Wenyin was already Zhang San’s wife. Reversing that would damage her reputation and cause trouble.

Shi Tingxiu nodded slightly.

Gao Wenyin then said, “Alright, I will do as you say.”

After they left, Zhang Fei looked at Xu Zhiqian and said, “Thank you, Lady Xu.”

Xu Zhiqian snorted lightly, “Even if I hadn’t spoken, they wouldn’t dare leave you, just like Li Si before. I think it’s best for everyone if they stay. It also makes you owe me a favor, which isn’t easy to come by.”

Zhang Fei laughed, “I owe your family a favor that I can’t repay in this lifetime. Why add more?”

“That was a favor to my father, not to me,” Xu Zhiqian said.

Zhang Fei nodded, “Alright, I’ll owe you one.”

Xu Zhiqian was right. Zhang Fei had already planned to keep them. Feng Nanxi’s worries were valid; this lawsuit had caused significant losses for many, and the authorities would surely retaliate if given a chance.

They couldn’t touch Zhang San, but they could target Shi Tingxiu.

So he had initially appeared very magnanimous.

…

Three days later, Kaifeng Prefecture announced the results of the case.

They downplayed the issue of ancestral law and informed the public of the punishments for Chen Jing and others, stating that even the dead would be punished.

They also announced the return of all the Shi family’s property and the emperor’s decree that the imperial court would reform the Corvee Labor Law this year to prevent such cases from happening again.

The people of Kaifeng were overjoyed and spread the news. For more chapters visıt nοvelfire.net

That day, Wang Anshi surpassed Zhang Fei to become the hottest topic.

Almost no one mentioned Zhang Fei.

After all, people knew Zhang Fei could only save one family. The one who could seek justice for everyone was the great man, Wang Anshi!

From previous debates, everyone knew Wang Anshi wanted reforms.

The people eagerly anticipated it.

This case was a big win for Wang Anshi.

It laid a very beautiful foundation for his reforms.

It also indicated that reform was inevitable.

Failing to reform would mean losing the public’s trust.

It showed Emperor Zhao Xu’s determination.

At the Hall of Delegated Rule.

Today, it wasn’t Wang Anshi standing there but Sima Guang.

“I have decided to implement Wang Anshi’s reforms,” Zhao Xu said, somewhat apologetically.

Sima Guang and Wang Anshi both proposed reforms. For Emperor Zhao Xu, it was a choice between the two.

Now he had chosen Wang Anshi.

Sima Guang sighed internally but said, “Your Majesty’s determination to govern diligently is a blessing for the people of the Song Dynasty.”

He wasn’t opposed to Wang Anshi’s reforms; he was just worried because he understood Wang Anshi’s temperament. Now that things had come to this, they would see how it turned out.

Emperor Zhao Xu was overjoyed and quickly said, “Your talent is also what I need. I hope you can assist me in governing the country. Chief Censor Lu Hui is ill and has voluntarily resigned. I plan to promote you to State Councilor and Chief Censor.”

In the Song Dynasty, the position of State Councilor was akin to that of a chancellor, and was the Emperor’s highest level of advisors in the civil administration.

It was obvious that Wang Anshi would also be promoted to State Councilor.

This was an emperor’s way of maintaining a balance of power.

Zhao Xu’s trust in Wang Anshi was undeniable, but as an emperor, he needed to balance the court.

Lu Hui was too blunt, having directly made personal attacks against Wang Anshi, showing his animosity towards him.

Everyone knew Lu Hui hated Wang Anshi.

And the Censorate’s job was to criticize .

Zhao Xu couldn’t allow Lu Hui to remain as Chief Censor. Although Lu Hui was indeed ill, he hadn’t voluntarily resigned; Zhao Xu had hinted that if he didn’t resign, he would be removed.

Sima Guang had never publicly opposed Wang Anshi’s reforms; he debated with Wang Anshi on principles.

Emperor Zhao Xu wanted Sima Guang to take a higher position to appease the conservatives.

He wanted everyone to focus on the country’s interests.

Sima Guang pondered and said, “Your Majesty’s grace is overwhelming. I am deeply grateful and wish to continue assisting you. However, I have another idea.”

Zhao Xu quickly asked, “What is it?”

Sima Guang said, “Inspired by recent cases, I realized that the nation’s policies, whether good or bad, ultimately affect the people. If there are bad policies, they end up in lawsuits. I wish to lead the Court of Penal Review to assist you in governing the country from the ground up.”

Currently, the Court of Penal Review held the most power among judicial bodies, combining legislative and judicial authority.

Zhao Xu’s eyes lit up. Having Wang Anshi manage the big picture and Sima Guang handle the details would be ideal and suited their temperaments. He said, “I am deeply moved by your dedication.”

He paused, “But what about the position of Chief Censor?”

He intended to appoint a conservative to the position. As an emperor, he would always keep a few cards up his sleeve.

If the Censorate were under Wang Anshi’s control, who would monitor Wang Anshi?

Sima Guang had anticipated this. He had initially planned for Lu Hui to continue, but Lu Hui’s blunt nature had failed him.

However, he had another candidate in mind, “I suggest appointing Lord Wen.”

He referred to Wen Yanbo, who was semi-retired. When Emperor Zhao Xu had ascended the throne, he was replaced by Chen Shengzhi, who was recommended by Wang Anshi.

Sima Guang continued, “Lord Wen is wise and courageous, knowledgeable in law, and understands human nature. He has also served as a censor, making him more suitable for Chief Censor.”

Zhao Xu nodded slightly but showed some hesitation.

Wen Yanbo had a higher status than Wang Anshi, having served as a chancellor. If he led the Censorate, the plans for reforms may completely fail instead of simply being checked.

More importantly, there was still one uncertain piece on the chessboard.