Judge of the Song Dynasty

“Mr. Su?”

When Zhang Fei saw Su Shi storming into his house, he couldn’t help but feel surprised.

“Zhang San, you…”

“Mr. Su!”

Su Shi pointed at Zhang Fei and had just spoken two words when he heard an excited shout, which was a woman’s voice. He quickly turned his head and saw a young beauty around seventeen or eighteen years old. Such a beauty was rare even in Bianjing. His expression changed instantly, and he greeted her politely with a smile, “Does the young lady know me?”

Xu Zhiqian bowed gracefully. “My name is Xu Zhiqian. I once sought your guidance on your essay ‘On the Ultimate Benevolence in Punishments and Rewards.’ Mr. Su, do you not remember?”

Zhang Fei looked at the bashful Xu Zhiqian with disdain. Clearly, she was a tough girl pretending to be a demure lady. How shameless!

“Xu Zhiqian?”

Su Shi thought for a moment and then pointed at her excitedly. “Are you the daughter of Xu Zun?”

Xu Zhiqian nodded vigorously like a pecking chick. In fact, Xu Zhiqian first got to know Su Shi not because of his poetry, but because of his essay ‘On the Ultimate Benevolence in Punishments and Rewards,’ which she cherished dearly.

About seven or eight years ago, she had a brief encounter with Su Shi and asked for his advice on the essay. At that time, Su Shi was truly charming and handsome.

Xu Zhiqian was utterly smitten.

Su Shi examined her carefully and laughed, “I remember you were just a little girl back then. I didn’t expect you to grow into such a graceful lady.”

Does this naughty uncle want a hug? Zhang Fei coughed.

Su Shi then turned his attention to Zhang Fei, remembering his purpose for coming. He immediately pointed at Zhang Fei angrily, “Zhang San, I entrusted you with my lawsuit, why did you harm me?”

Zhang Fei was taken aback, “I did not harm you, sir!”

“You still deny it?”

Su Shi said angrily, “We agreed that you would sue the bookstore for stealing my poetry. Instead, you sued them under the charge of ‘bewitching the masses.’ In this case, only I could commit this crime. How is this not harming me?”

Zhang Fei looked aggrieved, “I sued the bookstore under that charge, not you, Mr. Su.”

Xu Zhiqian nodded, “Yes, Mr. Su, maybe there’s a misunderstanding. I wrote the complaint document.”

Zhang Fei frowned, “Could it be the Kaifeng Prefectural Office sowing discord?”

Su Shi waved his hand, “It has nothing to do with the Kaifeng Prefectural Office. Prefect Lu merely summoned me to inquire about the situation. But I need to understand, what does this case have to do with bewitching the masses?”

In fact, it was indeed the Kaifeng Prefectural Office causing trouble. The culprit was Vice-Prefect Li Kai, who told Su Shi that Zhang San was unpredictable and might turn the tables on him in court.

Su Shi was dumbfounded. Why would he sue under such a charge?

So he came to Zhang’s house to clarify.

Zhang Fei said, “Without attaching such a serious charge, how could we prevent such incidents from happening again?”

Su Shi’s expression softened slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Although that is true, legal matters cannot be handled arbitrarily.”

Arbitrarily? Heh, in a few years, you’ll realize your mistake. This is just a prelude. Zhang Fei smiled, “Please trust my expertise, Mr. Su. Sometimes seeing further and higher doesn’t mean being arbitrary.”

“Further and higher.”

Su Shi looked at Zhang Fei with suspicion.

Saying such things in front of me, do you think you can deceive me?

Zhang Fei smiled, “If Mr. Su doesn’t trust me, you can withdraw the lawsuit.”

Su Shi raised his hand, “That’s not necessary. I want to see how far and high you can see.”

A man of great talent, he had never conceded to anyone.

This lawsuit had already caused a great stir in the literary world.

Public opinion was controlled by the scholarly literati, and this lawsuit was closely related to them, especially since the involved party was the talented Su Shi.

It was full of sensationalism.

The charge of “bewitching the masses” ignited the public opinion.

Rumors flew everywhere.

Even his brother Su Zhe advised Su Shi to drop the lawsuit.

The charge was too terrifying.

It was the greatest enemy of scholars.

It was usually those who were educated who would be accused of such crimes!

Xiang-guo Temple!

“Fire! Fire!”

Someone shouted in panic.

“Where is the fire?”

“Can’t you see? There, and there, there’s so much smoke.”

“Look carefully, what places are those?”

“What places?”

“Bookstores! They are all burning books related to Su Shi.”

At this moment, all the bookstores in the city were burning books related to Su Shi.

Smoke could be seen everywhere.

The owner of the Gathering the Capable bookstore, upon hearing this, immediately fled with his wife and children, abandoning everything.

The charge itself was not frightening; Zhang San was.

If Zhang San said it was this crime, then it was.

The highest penalty for this charge was hanging!

If you did not flee now, when else?

Fortunately, the people from the Kaifeng Prefectural Office arrived in time, stopped them, and took them back for questioning, comforting them afterward.

Kaifeng Prefecture believed that the bookstore couldn’t possibly commit this crime.

Wang Anshi was glad he followed Lu Huaiqing’s advice; otherwise, Zhang Fei might have stolen the limelight.

This charge was definitely adding fuel to the fire.

One was the most hated thing by scholars (piracy), and the other was the crime most feared by scholars (bewitching the masses).

The combination was simply a monstrosity.

Even he was curious and quickly booked a seat.

Lu Gongzhu, who originally wanted to transfer the case to a lower department, had completely abandoned the idea because all the seats were reserved, even the corridors were included.

It was a gathering of literary giants.

The small courtyard of the judicial department couldn’t accommodate them!

The key was, with so many big names, if the trial was not handled well, it would be embarrassing!

Lu Gongzhu suddenly felt immense pressure, but the public was already highly interested in the case, so he scheduled the trial for the next day.

Court of Judicial Review.

“This kid really fears the world will be at peace!”

Sima Guang shook his head, “Any trivial matter in his hands becomes a big deal. If every pen-in-cap were like him, what would become of us?”

He glanced at Xu Zun, “A master indeed produces a high disciple.”

Xu Zun was a legal maverick, but compared to Zhang Fei, he seemed too normal.

Xu Zun felt ashamed, “Academician Sima might not believe it, but I only gave him some help. I really didn’t teach him anything. If I had, I would feel proud.”

He quickly changed the topic, “By the way! I heard that Prefect Lu plans to trial this case in the Kaifeng Prefectural Office. Why not use this case to test the new judicial reform laws?”

Sima Guang waved his hand, “Everything must have a justified reason. I haven’t yet reported to His Majesty. If I rashly intervene in Kaifeng Prefecture’s trial, it will only give people an excuse to criticize. If judicial reform starts by breaking the rules, how can it succeed?”

Xu Zun nodded slightly, “That is true.”

In terms of approach, Xu Zun was more like Wang Anshi, believing that great achievements required flexibility.

Since Lu Gongzhu was forced to trial in the Kaifeng Prefectural Office, a little intervention to use this case as an experiment for judicial reform wouldn’t affect fairness and justice, just change the process.

Sima Guang was different, taking one step at a time, carefully planning before acting.

In planning for this judicial reform, Zhang Fei had provided ready-made suggestions, but Sima Guang was thinking of training personnel first.

That would take ages.

The next morning!

Early in the morning, the courtyard of Kaifeng Prefectural Office was already packed.

Looking around, it was full of old men.

A rare gathering of literary giants.

Although the matter was small, it was closely related to them.

Even as an old man himself, Lu Gongzhu almost felt like a junior, greeting everyone to the point where his back was about to give out.

Pulling his old friends Wang Anshi and Sima Guang, he complained, “Whom did I offend? Why am I being tortured like this?”

Although they were here to observe the trial, their reputation and status put immense pressure on the presiding judge.

Last time, the Court of Penal Review had the Northern Song Twin Stars, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang, presiding, but this time it was just him, Lu Gongzhu.

Sima Guang stroked his beard and sighed, “I also feel this is inappropriate!”

Wang Anshi immediately asked, “What is inappropriate?”

He naturally sided with Zhang Fei but didn’t expect that Sima Guang also sided with Zhang Fei.

Sima Guang said, “The main duty of a prefect is to govern the prefecture, which concerns the livelihood of the people. Nowadays, lawsuits are increasing, consuming a lot of resources. Isn’t this putting the cart before the horse?”

Lu Gongzhu nodded frequently.

He was appreciative of being understood!

Wang Anshi said, “Isn’t there a judicial department under your office? The prefect only handles a few cases.”

Sima Guang said, “But in the end, it is still the prefect who makes the final decision.”

Wang Anshi heard the implication and asked, “What are you trying to say?”

Sima Guang said, “Wouldn’t it be better to separate the two? The prefect focuses on governance, while judicial matters are handled by another office, independent of each other.”

Lu Gongzhu nodded, “Such an arrangement would indeed be more reasonable.”

Although this would weaken the prefect’s power, most positions in the Northern Song were rotated every three years. Lu Gongzhu would not continue as prefect, possibly moving to the Censorate or the Three Financial Bureaus.

The change in authority was not a significant concern for officials.

Wang Anshi laughed, “It seems the rumors are true. You indeed want judicial reform.”

Sima Guang snorted, “Is it only you, Wang Anshi, who can reform and not me, Sima Guang?”

Wang Anshi thought, finding something for this old man to do might be good, so he wouldn’t always oppose him. He laughed, “I’m not that overbearing, but I can’t decide this matter. You have to convince His Majesty.”

His reforms mainly targeted finance, involving military and administrative aspects but rarely touching judicial matters, as there were no urgent issues needing reform.

Sima Guang’s judicial reform was like avoiding confrontation, addressing untouched areas.

If he didn’t allow it, it would indeed be too much.

“Lord Fu is here too!”

Han Qi saw Fu Bi and greeted him.

Fu Bi slightly bowed, “I didn’t expect Chancellor Han to have taken such an interest in this case.”

Han Qi laughed, “I’m just curious! Although printing others’ poetry for profit is shameful, calling it a crime seems excessive.”

Fu Bi nodded, “I think the same. This seems to be making a mountain out of a molehill, using such a severe charge.”

Han Qi smiled, “That’s what makes it intriguing. How will Zhang San argue this case convincingly? Any insights, Lord Fu?”

Fu Bi shook his head, “I haven’t figured it out either.”

He wouldn’t have come if he had. His leg ailment made it hard to move around.

Han Qi glanced to the side and called out, “Su Shi.”

In the courtyard, Su Shi saw Han Qi calling him, with Fu Bi beside him, and quickly went to the corridor, “This junior Su Shi greets Chancellor Han and Chancellor Fu.”

Han Qi asked, “You used to be magnanimous, why are you now so petty? Suing someone over a few stolen poems, endangering their family’s lives.”

Fu Bi also frowned in disapproval. Updates are released by Novᴇl_Fire(.)net

Su Shi was truly distressed, hurriedly explaining, “Chancellor Han misunderstands. I have no such intention. Initially, I just heard Zhang San was good at lawsuits and wanted to see his skills. It happened that I disliked the bookstore for stealing my poems, so I wanted to use this to see Zhang San’s methods. I only sought to prevent further theft, and never imagined it would escalate like this.”

Fu Bi asked, “How can such matters be prevented?”

Su Shi replied, “I don’t know, but Zhang San said he could, and I’m curious to see how.”

Han Qi and Fu Bi exchanged puzzled looks.

Words could be used by anyone; how to prevent them?

Han Qi advised, “If Zhang San wins, you can only seek compensation. Don’t impose too severe a penalty.”

Though extravagant in life, he was very kind and lenient towards the people.

Su Shi quickly said, “Even without Chancellor Han’s advice, I wouldn’t do that.”

Suddenly, someone outside shouted, “He’s here! He’s here!”

A carriage slowly arrived at the gate.

Unlike last time, there were no cheers or support, as today’s audience was mostly scholars, with only a few officials and noble sons mixed in. Ordinary people were absent.

The public was curious but dared not approach.

When Zhang Fei emerged from the carriage, someone shouted, “Hey, pen-in-cap Zhang San, can’t you change your outfit? Always wearing the same one.”

“Pfft!”

Xu Zhiqian, who followed him out, couldn’t help but laugh.

Zhang Fei wasn’t embarrassed, arguing, “You don’t understand, don’t talk nonsense. I wear a new set every time.”

“What new set? You always wear the same one. Do you think we’re blind?”

“Can’t I have identical sets made?”

“.?”

Is there such an oddball in the world?

Fortunately, Xu Zhiqian’s presence was a pleasing sight.

As soon as Zhang Fei arrived, Lu Gongzhu immediately ascended, unwilling to wait a moment longer. Just greeting people had nearly cracked his lips.

After the formalities, Lu Gongzhu glanced at Xu Zhiqian, dissatisfied, “Do you need an assistant for this lawsuit?”

Though not explicitly forbidden, bringing an assistant, especially a woman, to court was unprecedented. Last time, he was given an exception due to the importance of the case and support from the Twin Stars.

But it couldn’t be a regular occurrence!

Zhang Fei, feeling guilty, said, “This is not a minor crime, Your Honor. I have prepared many documents and wasn’t expecting trial to start so soon. I need Miss Xu’s assistance.”

Though he said so, he hadn’t prepared as much as last time, as there weren’t many precedents, but there was still a small bundle.

Lu Gongzhu thought, this charge isn’t minor; since the Court of Penal Review already set a precedent, it wouldn’t be my fault. He nodded, “Very well, the court allows Miss Xu to assist you.”

Pausing, he asked, “Regarding this case, I’ve investigated. The Gathering the Capable bookstore did steal Su Shi’s poems, but how does this relate to bewitching the masses?”

“Please wait a moment, Your Honor.”

“.?”

Lu Gongzhu was puzzled, seeing Xu Zhiqian struggling with the bundle while Zhang Fei bent over, searching inside.

“Hey! Hold it steady! How can I look with it so loose?”

“You’re the clumsy one. Why don’t you hold it, and I’ll search?”

What was this?

Flirting?

Han Qi, Fu Bi, and others watching felt it was inappropriate. Allowing a woman in court was already a special favor, and now this improper behavior.

Many shook their heads.

Sima Guang laughed, “He’s using his old trick! Without your help, he won’t succeed. The prefect wouldn’t let him sit in court.”

Lu Gongzhu had already complained a lot; he wouldn’t let him sit.

Wang Anshi said, “He’ll prove that I didn’t help him.”

“Really?” Sima Guang said, “We’ll see about that.”

Again?

You must be addicted to sitting.

Lu Gongzhu saw this and knew he was asking for a seat.

Impossible!

If he was allowed to sit, he’d come every day!

My life would be unbearable.

Keep acting!

Keep pretending!

I’ll lose if I give you a seat.

Xu Zhiqian glanced at Lu Gongzhu, seeing no reaction, whispered, “Forget it. Kaifeng Prefecture won’t give us a seat.”

Zhang Fei glanced at her, threw the document back into the bundle, and snorted, “I get worse treatment when I help a scholar than when I helped a corvee laborer. I won’t take cases from scholars anymore!”

“Ahem! Bailiffs, bring him a table and bench.”

Lu Gongzhu waved his hand.