Judge of the Song Dynasty

A single sentence was all it took! As the involved party, Su Shi couldn’t help but feel bewildered.

That worked?

To be honest, that sentence carried undertones of showing contempt for the court! Standing next to Zhang Fei, Xu Zhiqian was also stunned. Zhang Fei’s words had truly scared her. After a moment, she whispered, “You’re incredible!”

Zhang Fei winked at her proudly.

“This rascal!”

Sima Guang couldn’t help but laugh and curse, “He’s using the scholarly literati to command the prefect!”

Wang Anshi chuckled, “I told you it had nothing to do with me.”

Lu Gongzhu glanced at these two troublemakers, who were still muttering and gloating, making him even more infuriated.

Zhang Fei irritated him, and he genuinely had not wanted to give in.

But Zhang Fei’s complaint meant he couldn’t refuse. Because in this feudal society, class status was highly regarded.

Today’s hearing was attended by many prominent scholars and literati.

Zhang Fei’s complaint, if not addressed, would upset these scholars and literati. Even though many of them didn’t like Zhang Fei, he was still representing one of them in this lawsuit!

It concerned their vital interests.

If the court gave in last time but not this time, how would the literati save face?

Would it imply that the literati’s status was lower than that of a corvee laborer?

Seats had to be given!

The office runners brought in a long table and bench.

With a bang, they placed them directly in front of Zhang Fei and Xu Zhiqian.

The attitude was so poor that even without seeing it, one could feel it.

Lu Gongzhu pretended not to see it.

Zhang Fei didn’t care at all and smiled, “Honorable officers, could you please move it a bit to the side? How could a humble commoner dare to sit opposite the prefect?”

The officers glanced at Lu Gongzhu.

Lu Gongzhu, considering his role as the prefect and neutral party, nodded slightly and waved his hand gently.

The runners understood and glared at Zhang Fei, “Move it yourself.”

They then stepped aside.

Wow. Was that really necessary? Zhang Fei quickly gave Lu Gongzhu a contemptuous look, then displayed his manly demeanor by refusing Xu Zhiqian’s offer to help and moved the table and bench by himself.

Due to the large number of people attending the hearing, the hall couldn’t accommodate them all. Plus, with the sunny spring weather, the court session was held in the front yard, which had enough space.

After sitting down with Xu Zhiqian, she methodically placed various documents on the table.

“Let me see your copy of the complaint,” Zhang Fei whispered.

Xu Zhiqian immediately handed over the copy she had written.

Actually, Zhang Fei hadn’t really looked at the complaint document. He had just dictated his ideas, but the actual writing was done by Xu Zhiqian. After working together so many times, he had complete trust in her.

After reading for a while, Zhang Fei looked up and began his argument, “Just now, the prefect mentioned that Gathering the Capable Bookstore has admitted to pirating the works of my client, Mr. Su Shi?”

Lu Gongzhu nodded.

He hadn’t planned to let the bookstore owner debate in court because Zhang Fei’s lawsuit could be minor but it could also be huge. Lu Gongzhu feared that if the owner were questioned, Zhang Fei might expose more issues.

Lu Gongzhu remembered Zhang Fei’s questioning skills vividly!

If it could be avoided, it should be.

Zhang Fei continued, “But because Mr. Su is a court official with a special status, there has been considerable discussion. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to explain why Mr. Su hired me to file this lawsuit against the bookstore, to prevent misunderstandings that could damage his reputation.”

How meticulous! Su Shi, who was hearing Zhang Fei argue for the first time, nodded frequently in agreement.

It was indeed necessary.

Many people had criticized Su Shi, saying he was too petty and lacked the magnanimity of a scholarly literati.

Lu Gongzhu, aware of these opinions, nodded and said, “Alright! I’ll give you some time to explain.”

“Thank you, prefect.”

Zhang Fei glanced at the complaint document and read, “Actually, the complaint already states it clearly: altering the beginning and end, modifying the meaning, abridging and reprinting, causing errors for learners.”

He then whispered, “Miss Xu, what exactly do these phrases mean?”

Xu Zhiqian nearly collapsed, “Didn’t you read it?”

She had shown it to Zhang Fei after writing it.

“Well, I read it, but I didn’t fully understand it! Hurry and explain!”

Xu Zhiqian was exasperated. You trust me too much.

“It means adding and altering content, taking things out of context, causing readers to misunderstand.”

“Great! That’s roughly what I wanted to express.”

Zhang Fei looked up and noticed that the courtyard, inside and out, had gone eerily quiet. The office runners, the literati, and the onlookers all stared at them in confusion.

Lu Gongzhu was used to their private whispering, but most of the people here had never seen such a court session.

They were all dumbfounded.

What are you two doing? Flirting?

Zhang Fei, who usually enjoyed open court sessions, suddenly felt that he should apply for closed-door hearings next time.

Little did he know that returning to closed-door sessions would be difficult now.

Even before he could file a complaint, the hearing seats were already booked.

“Ahem!”

Zhang Fei coughed tactically and asked Lu Gongzhu, “Does the prefect agree with these statements?”

Lu Gongzhu nodded, “If not for these statements, I wouldn’t have convened this hearing.”

Zhang Fei nodded, “I believe everyone present, not just the prefect, agrees that the bookstore’s pirating actions have greatly damaged Mr. Su’s reputation.

However, everyone must understand that Mr. Su did not use his status and power to stop this behavior or secretly retaliate against the bookstore. If he had done so, it would have been an abuse of power.

Since this matter is outside his official duties, even if he had the authority, he should avoid conflicts of interest as per court regulations. For fairness, Mr. Su chose to hire me to seek justice in court. Updates are released by novel⚑fire.net

There is no better way to handle this. When an official has a conflict with commoners and chooses to resolve it in court, it shows true impartiality and integrity. This is the spirit of our great Song Dynasty.

I’ve heard that many people are dissatisfied with this. Those who say such things are ignorant and extremely shameless; they are villains.”

These words hit the mark, and those listening felt even more impacted!

Fu Bi and Han Qi immediately glared over.

Who are you crticizing?

Almost simultaneously, cheers and applause erupted outside.

“Well said!”

“That’s exactly what I think.”

“Mr. Su is indeed a gentleman.”

Su Shi’s hiring of a pen-in-cap to sue the bookstore had sparked significant debate.

Many believed Su Shi’s actions lacked the grace of a gentleman and were overly aggressive.

Was it necessary to make such a fuss over a few pirated poems?

However, even more people supported Su Shi, leading to heated arguments on both sides.

Now, Zhang Fei’s argument presented it as an act of grace and gentlemanliness.

Su Shi’s status was far above that of the b0okstore. He could have used his power and connections to stop this behavior, but he chose to resolve it in court using legal means. Wasn’t this behavior truly law abiding?

Those who supported Su Shi, of course, cheered Zhang Fei’s argument, feeling vindicated.

Han Qi stroked his beard, “He does make some valid points.”

Fu Bi also showed a look of shame and remained silent.

“Silence!”

Lu Gongzhu struck the gavel.

The courtyard immediately quieted down.

Zhang Fei suddenly looked around and said loudly, “I hope more officials will come to me for lawsuits in the future. Only then can we show that fairness and justice are being upheld. Instead of using underhanded tactics to intimidate and oppress the people, or threatening action against those who associate with people they do not like. Those actions are what truly lack grace and are the work of hypocrites: despicable, shameless, and vicious individuals.”

As he spoke, he started to pant and whispered to Xu Zhiqian, “Quick, help me with some words, I’m running out of ideas.”

Xu Zhiqian stifled a laugh, “What can I help you with? Besides, it’s enough.”

“You’re useless!”

Zhang Fei muttered in annoyance, “It’s true, you only regret not studying more when you need it!”

Silence!

The courtyard gradually quieted down.

Everyone’s eyes were on Zhang Fei.

Was he really speaking up for Mr. Su?

It didn’t seem like it! It seemed more like he was speaking up for himself.

A few days ago, his law firm had no clients, and everyone knew why.

This guy was clearly using this opportunity to vent his grievances!

What about professional ethics?

Standing nearby, Su Shi was extremely nervous, regretting his decision. How many people would he offend with this lawsuit? Who knew if the Three Financial Bureaus would retaliate against him?

He was just a minor official, and these bigwigs were not to be trifled with!

While Zhang Fei was speaking, Wang Anshi, who despised injustice, silently applauded. If it weren’t for his position, he would have clapped and cheered for Zhang Fei.

Sima Guang, on the other hand, seemed deep in thought.

If officials and commoners must resolve disputes in court!

Good lad, you’re treating my Kaifeng Prefectural Office like your own home! Lu Gongzhu was furious. If you have the guts, go to higher officials, why shout in my court? He asked, “If there are officials who are guilty of such conduct, let me know and I will support you.”

Stop beating around the bush; if you have something to say, say it directly.

Zhang Fei flipped a page of the document, “For example, the case of ex-Director Wang of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau.”

“Ahem!”

This surprise attack almost made Lu Gongzhu spit out blood. He quickly said, “That case is closed, and you’ve already received justice. What more is there to say?”

He thought Zhang Fei was hinting at the Three Financial Bureaus. If you have the guts, name them. Don’t make insinuations in Kaifeng Prefecture’s court. It was outrageous. But Zhang Fei brought up the case of Director Wang of the Agricultural Affairs Bureauagain.

That case had indeed caused chaos in Kaifeng Prefecture. Lu Gongzhu never wanted to hear about it again.

Fearing Zhang Fei would exploit the topic, he quickly said, “Stick to the current case.”

“Understood!”

Zhang Fei flipped through the documents again, “Therefore, Mr. Su’s hiring me to sue was to uphold justice and protect his rights, which is perfectly reasonable.

However, the bookstore has harmed Mr. Su’s reputation and interests for profit, which is disgraceful and has infringed upon Mr. Su’s rights. Therefore, I represent Mr. Su in demanding one thousand strings in compensation.”

A commotion immediately erupted inside and outside the courtyard.