Judge of the Song Dynasty

After their hearty meal, Gao Wenyin led Xiaotao and the others to start cleaning up, while Zhang Fei continued discussing Su Shi’s lawsuit with the Xu father and daughter.

Such division of labor in the household created an idyllic atmosphere.

Regardless of whether their marital relationship was genuine or not, the presence of Gao Wenyin made a noticeable difference.

Zhang Fei and the Xus had previously identified the crime “bewitching the masses”, or more specifically, “creating and circulating bewitching literature”. And now they needed to gather evidence to support this charge.

Unlike the previous case involving ancestral law, which was about interpreting the law, this case required filling in gaps in the law.

Although ancestral law seemed more challenging and perilous, as any slight misstep could lead to severe consequences, both tasks were difficult in their own ways. Ancestral law, despite its sensitivity and fearsome reputation, had ample arguments for validation. The key was that the ministers had been using it arbitrarily, without proper laws or guidelines, so how could such a law be considered good?

In terms of copyright, there were no precedents to support Zhang Fei. The only relevant aspect was the ruler’s control over the people’s thoughts.

The crime of “creating and circulating bewitching literature” also stemmed from thought control.

Although the two seemed similar on the surface, they were fundamentally different at their core.

Copyright law dealt with individual property rights, but this was precisely what the crime of ‘creating and circulating bewitching literature aimed to control’, preventing people from possessing or distributing certain types of writings. Yet Zhang Fei intended to use this law to defend individual authorship rights.

This often led to dead ends in their discussions.

However, lawsuits were never about truth but about loopholes. Even if one encountered a dead-end, those with resources would find a ladder; those without would look for holes in the wall.

Moreover, the Chinese language was vast and profound, with different perspectives offering different views—it was all about how you approached it and whether you could find a balance to convince the court to legislate accordingly.

For three days straight, Zhang and Xu Zhiqian worked tirelessly to gather evidence, with Xu Zun rushing home after work to help.

Xu Zun, being a judge, raised critical questions that were crucial for Zhang Fei. In previous lawsuits, Xu Zun had been of immense help, ensuring nothing was overlooked.

In the evening.

“Ah!” Zhang Fei stretched and said, “I think we’ve covered most of it.”

Xu Zhiqian said, “There’s still a lot left to explain.”

Zhang Fei smiled, “Due to the lack of precedents, some issues are hard to explain. Legal principles are born from morality, and morally, piracy is wrong. The key is how to develop law to regulate it.”

Xu Zun nodded, “Indeed, your goal is not compensation but legal development.”

Zhang Fei then turned to Xu Zhiqian, “Miss Xu, would you join me in court this time?”

Xu Zhiqian was delighted but said, “I’m afraid Kaifeng Prefectural Office won’t allow it.”

Zhang Fei replied, “According to regulations, the Court of Penal Review represents the highest level of judgment. If they allow you to assist, why shouldn’t Kaifeng Prefectural Office?”

Knock knock knock!

“Brother San, Mr. Fan is here.”

“What’s he here for?”

Zhang Fei was momentarily puzzled.

Xu Zhiqian quickly said, “You better go see him. Maybe something happened at the bookstore.”

“Oh! Pardon me!”

“Go quickly!”

Xu Zun also nodded.

Zhang Fei reached the door, then turned back to Xu Zhiqian and said seriously, “By the way, it’s a law firm, not a bookstore.”

With that, he went out.

“Brother San!”

Fan Li saw Zhang Fei and approached him, pulling him aside to whisper, “People from the Capital Merchants Tax Bureau just came. They hope our firm can join in their tax calculation plans.”

Zhang Fei was puzzled, “What do you mean?”

Fan Li explained, “I think they’re trying to extend an olive branch, hoping to turn hostility into friendship.”

Zhang Fei understood and scoffed, “They fight when they want, and make peace when they want. Who do they think they are?”

Fan Li wanted to ask, “Who do you think you are?” but refrained.

Zhang Fei continued, “Find an excuse to reject them.”

Fan Li was confused, “Why? We can’t win against them, why provoke them? The Capital Merchants Tax Bureau is backed by the Three Financial Bureaus. We can’t afford to offend them!”

Zhang Fei scoffed, “I can take on the imperial court; why should I fear the Three Financial Bureaus? I’m determined to do this tax accounting business; not even Buddha can stop me.”

Fan Li, seeing Zhang Fei’s confidence, hesitated and thought, “If he can take on the imperial court, why fear the Three Financial Bureaus?”

Zhang Fei suddenly remembered, “Did you tell anyone about our lawsuit with Mr. Su?”

Fan Li shook his head, “No! You told me to keep it confidential, so I wouldn’t dare say anything.”

Zhang Fei said, “Then use this opportunity to spread the word while rejecting the tax bureau.”

Fan Li was puzzled, “I can spread the word, but I don’t understand how to use the rejection to do it.”

Zhang Fei clicked his tongue, “Can’t you even do that? We need a reason for rejecting them. Say we have a significant lawsuit at hand, enough to sustain us for a year. If Li Guozhong has the guts, let him learn from me and sue the imperial court! We make money based on cases, not on others’ pity.”

Fan Li nodded, “I understand! I understand!”

At Shen’s residence.

“Outrageous! That kid refuses to appreciate our goodwill.”

Hearing that his goodwill was rejected by Fan Li, Shen Huaixiao was both angry and ashamed.

“He’s really ungrateful!”

Tang Ji snorted, “I told you that kid is arrogant and ungrateful. We shouldn’t have extended goodwill to him. Now he probably thinks we’re afraid of him and will act even more arrogantly.”

Shen Huaixiao sighed, “I’ve explained before, with Wang Anshi and Xu Zun backing him, we have limited options. It’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Tang Ji said, “Although we can’t do much to him for now, we can stop all merchants from doing business with him. We will cause trouble for anyone who dares associate with him, including those who go to him for legal services.”

“As for the common people, let them be. I doubt he can sustain his law firm just by handling these cases.”

Shen Huaixiao nodded, “Yes, we need to show him some consequences. Talk to the Ma, Chen, and Fan families. They are currently the ones who are doing business with Zhang San.”

“I’ll have someone handle it.”

Tang Ji nodded, “By the way, Zhang San recently included expanded his shop into the Fan residence behind. There are various issues like deed taxes and street encroachment. We should inspect these and shut down his shop if there are any problems.”

Shen Huaixiao smiled, “That’s a good idea. As long as he’s in business, we can control him.”

After a brief pause, he added, “In fact, let’s also investigate Fan Li. See if he has done anything illegal before.”

Tang Ji agreed, “Let’s investigate everyone. Just because Zhang Fei is tough doesn’t mean everyone around him is.”

As they were talking, Du Xiu, from the Salt and Iron Commission, arrived.

“Have you heard? Zhang San is taking another case.”

“What case?” Shen Huaixiao asked.

Du Xiu replied, “Su Shi has entrusted him to sue a bookseller for pirating his poems.”

“Can he sue for that?”

Tang Ji wondered.

Bang!

Shen Huaixiao slammed the table, “This is too much!”

Tang Ji and Du Xiu were stunned.

Du Xiu asked, “Brother Shen, are you the bookseller?”

Shen Huaixiao replied, “When did I open a bookstore?”

“Then why are you angry?”

“I’m angry because that kid is obviously provoking us and still has the leisure to take on another case. He clearly doesn’t take us seriously.”

At Zhang’s residence.

“Wife, what are you doing?”

Zhang Fei, stepping out of his room, found Gao Wenyin in the backyard, seemingly searching for something. He walked over.

“Husband, good morning!”

Gao Wenyin turned around, “I was just…”

Zhang Fei smiled and asked, “Just what?”

Gao Wenyin replied, “I just thought this area feels empty. Wouldn’t it look better with some plants?”

It seemed she had taken his words to heart. Zhang Fei smiled, “Actually, there were some plants here before, but I had Li Si move them to the woodshed.”

“Why?”

Gao Wenyin asked, “Don’t you like plants?”

“It’s not that.”

Zhang Fei shook his head, “It’s just that neither Li Si nor I know how to take care of them. If you like, we can move them back.”

Gao Wenyin nodded, “I can take care of them.”

“Alright then!”

“Benefactor! Benefactor!”

Niu Beiqing’s thunderous voice echoed.

Zhang Fei frowned slightly.

Moments later, Niu Beiqing strode over and, upon seeing Gao Wenyin, lowered his voice, “Sister-in-law is here.”

Gao Wenyin said, “Niu, this is not the village. Keep your voice down.”

She glanced at Zhang Fei.

“Okay!”

Niu Beiqing nodded.

Zhang Fei asked, “Do you need something?”

“I’m here because I have nothing to do,” Niu Beiqing replied.

Zhang Fei was puzzled, “Why are you bothering me if you have nothing to do?”

Niu Beiqing said, “Feng Nanxi handles the accounts, Long Shan handles the carriage. What do I do? I can’t stand being idle. Give me something to do.”

Zhang Fei laughed, “You are strong and brave, so you should guard the house. This is the most important job because I’ve been attacked twice at home. I don’t want a third time.”

Niu Beiqing was satisfied and patted his chest, “Rest assured, as long as I’m here, there won’t be a third time.”

“Good!”

Zhang Fei nodded, “By the way, help my wife move the flower pots from the woodshed to here. She wants to plant some flowers.”

“Sure!”

Niu Beiqing, hearing Gao Wenyin’s request, said, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. I’ll move them right away.”

Gao Wenyin smiled helplessly, “No rush, take your time.”

After Niu Beiqing left, Zhang Fei laughed, “He looks scary but is actually quite adorable.”

Gao Wenyin smiled and nodded, “Niu is impulsive but kind-hearted. Otherwise, I…”

Zhang Fei finished, “Otherwise, Shi Tingjun wouldn’t have become his sworn brother.”

Gao Wenyin blushed and nodded.

Zhang Fei laughed, “Don’t be embarrassed. Speak your mind.”

Gao Wenyin nodded shyly.

Zhang Fei asked, “What do you like to do in your free time?”

Gao Wenyin replied, “I usually do some embroidery.”

“Embroidery?”

Zhang Fei asked, “Can you make clothes?”

Gao Wenyin replied, “Yes! Do you need new clothes? I can make them for you.”

“No need for clothes. That would be too tiring.” Zhang Fei continued, “But I want to make some shorts and short-sleeved shirts for summer.”

Gao Wenyin asked, “Shorts and short-sleeved shirts?”

“Follow me.”

He led Gao Wenyin to the front yard, drew some sketches, and said, “Like this. Can you make them?”

Gao Wenyin examined the sketches and nodded, “I think I can. What fabric do you want?”

“Use whatever you think is best.”

“Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

“Good.”

“Brother San!”

Xu Zhiqian entered the room.

“Good morning, Miss Xu!”

“Good morning, Madam Zhang!”

Xu Zhiqian smiled.

Gao Wenyin blushed, “I’ll be in the backyard helping Niu with the plants.”

Xu Zhiqian asked, “Madam, do you know how to do gardening?”

Gao Wenyin replied shyly, “A little.”

Zhang Fei teased, “Do you think everyone is like you, Miss Xu, not knowing any household skills?”

Xu Zhiqian retorted, “Don’t underestimate me. I’ve done gardening and embroidery before.”

“Really?”

Zhang Fei doubted.

Xu Zhiqian boasted, “Yes. Try me.”

Gao Wenyin felt awkward and said, “I’ll excuse myself.”

“Alright.”

After Gao Wenyin left, Xu Zhiqian remembered her purpose and asked, “Did you spread the news?”

Zhang Fei nodded, “What’s the situation now?”

Xu Zhiqian replied, “It’s all over the capital. Everyone is talking about it.”

Zhang Fei was surprised, “That fast?”

Xu Zhiqian nodded, “I told you before, many people have grievances but no one thought of solving them through lawsuits. And since it involves Mr. Su, it has caused a huge discussion.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NoveI~Fire.net

Zhang Fei asked, “Are they supporting me?”

Xu Zhiqian smiled, “Not much support for you. Most support Mr. Su. Some think you are just trying to make money by making a big deal out of nothing,.”

This also reflected the unique aspect of Song Dynasty scholars. Writing was seen as something done for self-cultivation, not for economic gain. Talking about money was considered vulgar and contemptible.

This was why literature thrived, but copyright law never emerged.

However, the Song Dynasty had a thriving economy. Scholars didn’t shy away from discussing finances.

So, some people believed Su Shi’s actions were justified, whether for reputation or profit.

But some thought stopping the bookseller was fine, but seeking compensation was excessive, especially going so far as hiring a pen-in-cap to do so.

Zhang Fei smiled, “Debate is good.”

Xu Zhiqian asked, “When do you plan to go to the Kaifeng Prefectural Office?”

Zhang Fei replied, “I’ll wait a couple of days.”

At noon.

Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing were chatting as they walked towards the palace gate.

“How are your preparations?”

“Rest assured, everything is ready, just waiting for the emperor’s decree.” Lu Huiqing then asked, “Have you heard? Zhang Fei took another case.”

Wang Anshi smiled wryly, “It’s hard not to hear. Everyone has been talking about it all morning.”

Lu Huiqing said, “Almost all the scholars in the capital are discussing it.”

Wang Anshi noticed Lu Huiqing’s worried expression and asked, “What are you trying to say?”

Lu Huiqing hesitated, “It looks like Zhang Fei will go to the Kaifeng Prefectural Office in a couple of days, which will attract a lot of attention. Should we wait until the case is over to issue the decree?”

Wang Anshi was annoyed, “What are you talking about? Is a private case more important than our reform?”

Lu Huiqing quickly explained, “I’m worried that Zhang San’s case will overshadow the reform, which would be detrimental.”

Even in this time and age, one needed to consider public opinion when trying to enact reforms.

Wang Anshi scoffed, “Can he overshadow it?”

Lü Huiqing said, “It’s possible. A few days ago, everyone was discussing your reform, but now they’re all talking about the lawsuit. Since the emperor hasn’t issued the decree yet, why not wait a couple of days?”

Wang Anshi didn’t think it was a big deal, but seeing Lu Huiqing’s concern, he nodded, “Alright, I’ll ask the emperor. Maybe he doesn’t plan to issue the decree in the next couple of days.”

At Kaifeng Prefectural Office.

“Sigh.”

Li Kai entered the back hall, sighing, “It seems as long as that kid is around, Kaifeng Prefecture won’t have peace!”

It’s only been a few days!

He’s coming again.

Aren’t you tired?

Prefect Lu Gongzhu looked up, “This isn’t a big case. Leave it to the lower level judicial department to decide.”

Previously, he had taken on Li Si’s case out of an interest in facing Zhang Fei, but it brought more trouble. He now planned that if Zhang San came again, he’d let others handle it.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Li Kai sighed, “Prefect Lu, you might not know this, but even officials such as Chancellor Han have already sent someone to reserve seats. How can that small courtroom fit everyone?”

Lu Gongzhu was puzzled, “What seats?”

Li Kai replied, “The seats for the hearing!”

“What?”

Lu Gongzhu was dumbfounded.

The plaintiff hadn’t even arrived, and the seats for the hearing were already reserved.

Are you treating this like a show?

After a long moment, Lu Gongzhu finally collected himself. Although he wanted to curse, he held back and said seriously, “I’ve heard about this matter too. If Su Shi decides to pursue it, the blame lies with that bookseller. So if Zhang San’s claim is reasonable, we should directly send someone to investigate. Once it’s verified, we should rule in his favor without dragging it out in court.”

The case involving ancestral law had convinced him of Zhang Fei’s abilities.

Don’t come again.

Kaifeng Prefecture can’t handle this kind of attention.

Li Kai’s eyes lit up, “Yes! I can rule in his favor without giving him the chance to litigate.”

He had decided not to contest with Zhang Fei anymore.

Just then, a runner reported at the door, “Reporting to the Prefect, someone from Bianjing Law Firm has submitted a complaint document.”

Li Kai exclaimed, “Here it is! Here it is!”

Lu Gongzhu ordered, “Bring it up.”

“Yes, sir.”

The runner promptly presented the complaint document.

Lu Gongzhu read the charges and became exasperated, “I can’t believe this Zhang San. Does he have nothing better to do than blow up such a trivial matter?”

Li Kai panicked instantly.

Is this really that serious?

He quickly asked, “Prefect Lu, what is that kid accusing them of?”

Lu Gongzhu opened his mouth but then handed the document to Li, “You better see for yourself.”

He then asked the runner, “Did Zhang San personally submit this complaint?”

The yamen runner replied, “No, it was submitted by a pen-in-cap from Bianjing Law Firm named Qiu Zhengwen.”

Since Zhang Fei was at least a partner at the firm, submitting a complaint was too minor a task for him to handle personally.

“You may go now.”

“Yes, sir.”

As the runner left, Li Kai exclaimed, “Bewitching the masses?”

He immediately asked Lu Gongzhu, “Who is he accusing this time?”

Lu Gongzhu was taken aback, then reached out, “Let me see that again.”

Li Kai handed the document back.

After reading it, Lu Gongzhu remarked, “Strange! He’s accusing the Gathering the Capable bookstore. But this makes no sense. If the charge is bewitching the masses, it should be Su Shi who is guilty, not them. They only printed Su Shi’s poems.”