Judge of the Song Dynasty

In the outer city, inside a large mansion.

“Those useless bastards! A mere pen-in-cap has them completely stumped, showing their true colors. I went through so much trouble, took such huge risks to force Zhang San to lose, but after the Finance Planning Commission case ended, now there’s this Reform Planning Commission case. It’s enough to make me die of anger!”

A burly middle-aged man paced back and forth in the hall, cursing non-stop.

This man was Cao Han, a military officer who currently served as Transport Commissioner, essentially the head of the Transport Commission.

This position could be held by either civil or military officials.

Beside him sat a scholarly-looking man named Liu Qing, a managerial official of the Transport Commission, who tried to console him: “Brother Cao, don’t be anxious. That Zhang San is crafty and unpredictable – who could have anticipated they would use such methods? However, this matter isn’t settled yet. Let’s wait and see.”

Cao Han snorted, “If even an iron-clad case can be overturned, how can I trust them anymore?”

Liu Qing sighed, “We have no choice but to trust them or not. We’ve already done our best. Now that they’re on guard, if we try the same trick again, we’ll only bring trouble upon ourselves. Why not just watch from the sidelines?”

“Those useless trash!” Cao Han sat back down, drained his wine cup in one gulp, and slammed it forcefully on the table with a crack, shattering it into pieces.

It turned out the Fang Yun case was orchestrated by the Transport Commission behind the scenes. Only the Transport Commission could so easily commit crimes across jurisdictions.

They did this firstly to take revenge for the previous Shi family case.

The Transport Commission controlled nationwide transportation, including military provisions and salt. One can imagine the enormous profits involved. But the Shi family case had caused heavy losses for the Transport Commission. The entire department was now on edge, everyone treading carefully, afraid to line their own pockets.

They had learned the emperor had secretly dispatched several investigators to monitor their Transport Commission.

This was all thanks to Zhang Fei.

Secondly, they had received word that Wang Anshi would definitely target their piece of the pie, so they took the risk of kidnapping Fang Yun to force Zhang Fei to lose the case.

Who knew that after the Finance Planning Commission was gone, the Reform Planning Commissions would appear.

Only then did they realize they had been played by Zhang Fei, which truly infuriated them.

All their efforts had been for nothing.

This incident revealed that regarding Wang Anshi’s reforms, these vested interests had reached an implicit understanding with the conservative faction at court, forming a potential alliance.

One public, one hidden.

However, after the Reform Planning Commission emerged, conflict suddenly arose between these two groups.

Sima Guang, Wen Yanbo and others felt that their previous victory was dishonorable and wanted another fight. If the emperor played the same trick again, they would have justification to argue with him with more confidence.

But a considerable number of officials, including those from very important departments like the Three Bureaus and the Transport Commission, firmly refused, saying the emperor was being unreasonable and shameless, and they must not compromise.

Otherwise, these lawsuits would never end.

But Sima Guang’s group believed that since they opposed the Finance Planning Commission on grounds that it violated ancestral law, this was still a legal matter.

The opposition began arguing internally.

Wang Anshi, Chen Shengzhi and others were bewildered by their infighting.

This worked out well for them, as they could focus entirely on drafting new regulations.

And Zhang Fei, the pen-in-cap representing the Reform Planning Commission, was left idle.

In this case, he maintained a purely defensive stance. Whether there would be a lawsuit depended on whether the other side filed one. Now that they were preoccupied with their own issues, he certainly wouldn’t actively provoke them by shouting “Come fight me! Fight me!”

The Xu residence.

“Sigh, I’m afraid this matter won’t be resolved anytime soon.”

Xu Zun shook his head and sighed.

Xu Zhiqian curiously asked, “Can’t Lord Wen and Academician Sima keep things under control?”

“The problem is that this case was judged by Lord Fu. Their status doesn’t match Lord Fu’s! And since Lord Fu has shut his doors to visitors and hasn’t said a word about it, many officials assume he supports them and that his judgment shouldn’t be overturned.”

Xu Zun spoke with a bitter smile, “They also need the support of the chancellors and state councillors to change His Majesty’s decision. Both sides are holding firm, and neither can convince the other.”

Zhang Fei laughed, “When the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman benefits. Academician Wang must be very pleased now.”

Xu Zun chuckled, “Whether he’s pleased or not, I don’t know. But I do know they are pushing everything onto you without giving the other side a chance to argue.”

Zhang Fei nodded, “That’s to be expected. After all, we take people’s money to solve their problems.”

Xu Zhiqian asked, “So, how do you plan to handle this?”

“Handle what?”

Zhang Fei said, “I only deal with legal issues. They must raise one before I can respond. Otherwise, there’s nothing for me to do.”

At this point, he suddenly looked at Xu Zhiqian and said, “But you, you can’t fish for three days and dry the nets for two.”

Xu Zhiqian was taken aback, “What do you mean, fish for three days and dry the nets for two?”

“Of course, I’m talking about promoting tax calculations in the countryside!” Zhang Fei said, “I asked Fan Li about it, and he said you haven’t made any progress.”

Xu Zhiqian replied, “Didn’t I tell you? This matter needs to be approached slowly. We can’t rush it.”

Zhang Fei said, “We can’t go slowly. I will send more personnel to assist you. We need to get this business up and running quickly.”

Xu Zhiqian was surprised, “Send more people to me?”

Zhang Fei nodded.

Xu Zhiqian curiously asked, “Why?”

Zhang Fei sighed, “Go to the office and you’ll see. There isn’t a single client there.”

Xu Zhiqian said, “With the situation so chaotic, who would dare to come before a resolution is reached?”

Zhang Fei said, “But this can’t go on. We can’t let our business come to a halt every time I have a lawsuit. Our clients are becoming restless and paranoid.”

Xu Zhiqian thought and agreed.

It was obvious that the wealthy merchants who worked with Zhang Fei would be very anxious now. The constant back and forth was unbearable.

If this continued, no one would want to associate with Zhang Fei, no matter how many guarantees he provided. He was like an unstable bomb; any guarantees would be meaningless.

Xu Zhiqian asked, “So, what are you going to do?”

Zhang Fei said, “I plan to adjust our strategy, focus our resources on the countryside. Farmers are different from city dwellers; they don’t understand court politics and won’t be affected by it.”

Xu Zhiqian frowned, “But you previously said this business isn’t profitable. We need to develop in the city first, make money, and then support this venture.”

Zhang Fei smiled wryly, “But now we’re unable to make money in the city either. If we can gain the support of the farmers, we’ll have a solid base. Then, even in situations like this, our shop won’t be empty. This will also give city dwellers confidence, allowing us to completely overcome this phenomenon.” Updates are released by novel{f}ire.net

City dwellers were well-informed and sharp. Any slight disturbance, they react immediately, causing a chain reaction. But farmers were less informed and didn’t understand these things. They wouldn’t be affected, which would in turn give city dwellers confidence. If even farmers weren’t afraid, why should they be?

Xu Zun immediately understood and laughed, “Zhang San, your business acumen is no less than your legal prowess.”

Zhang Fei smiled sheepishly, “Benefactor, you flatter me. For me, the law business is just a business. Maintaining justice and fairness is the government’s responsibility.”

Xu Zhiqian quickly said, “You can’t say that!”

“I take that back!”

Zhang Fei quickly admitted, “Even businesses can be differentiated into those that are just and those that are evil.”

“Good that you understand!” Xu Zhiqian asked again, “But even if you send more people, it won’t be accomplished overnight.”

Zhang Fei said with frustration, “You turned this business into a charity, so naturally, it won’t be fast. We need to solve this business with business methods.”

Xu Zhiqian suspiciously looked at him, “What method are you planning to use now?”

Zhang Fei said, “I need to think about it, but we can’t continue like this. We can’t let justice be delayed.”

“Delayed?”

Xu Zhiqian snorted, “It’s good enough if it arrives at all.”

Zhang Fei said, “But early is better than late.”

The Fu residence.

“Lord Fu, this case was judged by you. If you don’t step forward, it will be hard to convince the lower officials.”

Wen Yanbo spoke to Fu Bi with frustration.

In recent days, he had been besieged by arguments, and the key point was that this case was judged by Chancellor Fu Bi. So Sima Guang and Wen Yanbo had no say as to whether a new case should be accepted or not. But Fu Bi was avoiding the issue, not saying a word. Did this mean Fu Bi supported those opposing the reforms? Even Fu Bi’s students insisted on upholding the original judgment.

Fu Bi waved his hand repeatedly, “Last time, I intended to resolve this matter, but they used despicable tricks. I despise such tactics and will not get involved with them again. You should seek someone else.”

He had learned the specifics of what had happened from Sima Guang and was extremely disgusted. In the past, he had been forced out of the capital by such despicable means before. He didn’t know who the real culprit was, but it was certainly someone from the opposition. How could he collaborate with them? He even wanted to resign and retire.

Wen Yanbo earnestly persuaded, “Lord Fu, please consider what’s best for the country. If this continues, the court will be divided, and no one will have peace.”

Fu Bi looked at Wen Yanbo, pondered for a moment, and said, “I heard Han Qi is still in the capital.”

Wen Yanbo instinctively nodded.

Han Qi was currently in Daming Prefecture, serving as the pacification commissioner for the Hebei Circuit. However, he had returned to the capital for the New Year and usually stayed for several months, even half a year, given his age.

Fu Bi said, “Ask Sima Guang to find Han Qi. He is better at handling such matters than I am.”

Wen Yanbo hesitated, “But the previous case was judged by you, Lord Fu.”

Before he could finish, Fu Bi said, “Han Qi holds a higher position and has many disciples in the court. If he steps forward, no one will dare to speak.”

Seeing that Fu Bi was determined not to get involved, Wen Yanbo sighed, “Alright, I’ll have Sima Guang try. But if it doesn’t work…”

He looked at Fu Bi, who remained silent.

With no other option, Wen Yanbo had Sima Guang approach Han Qi.

“The previous case was judged by Lord Fu. You should seek him out.”

Han Qi looked at Sima Guang in surprise.

He had kept his distance from this case and had not commented on it.

Like Sima Guang, he believed the emperor’s desire to reform was right. The key was how to implement them. Although he didn’t like Wang Anshi’s methods, he felt they should wait for the new laws to be proposed before making judgments.

Sima Guang explained, “Lord Fu is afflicted with a foot ailment and is unable to act. Only you, Lord Han, can resolve this dispute.”

“A foot ailment.”

Han Qi smiled slightly, “I know Fu Bi better than you. It’s not a foot ailment; he just disdains getting involved with them.”

Sima Guang remained silent, clearly agreeing.

Han Qi’s expression suddenly changed, and he said angrily, “He disdains getting involved with them, so he calls on me? Is he implying that I’m one who would be in cahoots with them?”

When Sima Guang heard this, he immediately regretted forgetting an important detail.

In the past disputes between Fu Bi and Han Qi over crucial matters like imperial succession and competition for chancellorship, Han Qi had emerged victorious in all cases. Fu Bi believed Han Qi had employed underhanded tactics, while Han Qi maintained he had acted completely aboveboard. This had gradually driven the two men apart.

Therefore, Han Qi was particularly sensitive about such matters and became very angry. If Fu Bi was unwilling to engage in such maneuvering himself but called on Han Qi to do it instead, wasn’t that an implicit criticism of Han Qi’s character?

Sima Guang realized his mistake and quickly said, “Lord Han, please don’t misunderstand. I expressed myself poorly. Lord Fu’s intention is to invite you to co-judge the case. After all, the last case was judged by Lord Fu. If something unexpected arises in this case, it may be difficult for Lord Fu to pass judgment.”

The Finance Planning Commission and Reform Planning Commission were clearly dealing with the same issue. If the same judge gave two contradictory judgments, it would be self-contradictory.

Han Qi scrutinized Sima Guang and asked, “Is that so?”

Sima Guang, with impeccable acting, solemnly said, “I wouldn’t dare deceive you, Lord Han.”

Although Han Qi was initially angry, he had always wanted to reconcile with Fu Bi, seeing him as an old friend. Given his age, he had nothing left to fight for. If Fu Bi invited him to co-judge, rejecting it would mean their relationship would never improve. However, for the sake of pride, he said, “Let me consider it.”

He couldn’t just come running at Fu Bi’s beck and call.

Seeing a chance, Sima Guang hurried to inform Wen Yanbo.

Wen Yanbo was taken aback, “Guang, that’s a lie. Lord Fu never intended that.”

Sima Guang quickly recounted Han Qi’s attitude and said, “Given the circumstances, I had no choice.”

Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and sighed, “I didn’t consider this carefully.”

He then told Sima Guang, “But Lord Fu is resolute and won’t agree. If this backfires, we’ll be in trouble.”

Sima Guang said, “Tell Lord Fu that if he doesn’t step forward, Lord Han won’t either. Because if Lord Han hears the case and we lose, he would have to overturn Lord Fu’s judgment, causing unnecessary strife amongst their many students in court. If they co-judge, regardless of the outcome, no one will dare complain. Even His Majesty would have to think twice.”