Chapter 156: Taking Things Seriously
Zhang Fei had originally planned to use this opportunity to get his business back on track, but unexpectedly, Han Qi suddenly appeared.
This meant he had to deal with this lawsuit first.
Indeed, when Han Qi and Fu Bi, the two senior ministers from the Qingli era, stepped forward, the imperial court immediately fell silent. No one dared to make a fuss anymore.
After all, their seniority and prestige carried great weight in court.
Especially Han Qi – many high officials had been promoted by him.
Moreover, this was the first time Han Qi and Fu Bi had worked together since the Qingli Reforms.
Just that headline alone…
Hmm.
Something seemed strange.
Because everyone knew these two were invited by Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang. They clearly sided with the conservatives.
So here was the question:
These two had been pillars of the reform faction during the Qingli Reforms, especially Han Qi, who fought alone for the new laws in court after Fan Zhongyan and Fu Bi left. How had they become conservatives in just a few years?
It seemed odd.
But actually it wasn’t strange at all. First, they had experienced failure with painful lessons, and they knew clearly that the court currently lacked the environment for reforms. There was no group of respectable scholars with common goals ideals in the imperial court – it was even worse than during the Qingli era.
Second, the reform faction didn’t necessarily support Wang Anshi – that was a different matter. Wang Anshi’s interpretation of the classics violated Confucian traditions. Traditional Confucian reforms emphasized benevolent governance and caring for the people, not competing with them for profits, and reducing their burdens – the core was benevolence and reducing government expenditure.
While Wang Anshi’s scholarship focused on three things: money, money, money.
The core was government taking part in economic activities.
This clearly had many contradictions.
So they didn’t look favorably upon it.
In the Chamber of State Affairs:
“Ah Lord Fu, how many years has it been since we worked together here?” Han Qi sat in his chair, looking around.
Fu Bi replied calmly: “This is a place of conflict. At our age, we’d be better off coming here less!”
“That’s true.”
Han Qi nodded, but compared to Fu Bi’s detachment, his clouded old eyes were filled with nostalgia and regret.
He had fought battles here, experiencing endless glory as well as desolation.
Fu Bi was unwilling to reminisce, especially with Han Qi. Reminiscing brought more bitterness than sentiment, so he asked: “How does Lord Han plan to try this case?”
Han Qi started, glancing awkwardly at Fu Bi, and chuckled: “You presided over the trial last time. I’m not too clear on the details – how does Lord Fu plan to proceed?”
Fu Bi pondered briefly and said: “This matter has reached such a state for two main reasons. First, the previous trial was unfair. Second, His Majesty and Wang Anshi’s actions afterwards was rather… inappropriate!”
Han Qi asked: “What exactly caused Zhang San to concede last time?”
Fu Bi said: “Do you know about the Ayun case in Dengzhou?”
Han Qi nodded.
Fu Bi said: “Someone reportedly kidnapped this Ayun to force Zhang San to deliberately lose the case.”
Han Qi stroked his beard and asked: “Has this been investigated? Could they have done this intentionally?”
Fu Bi said: “I’m not sure if it was investigated, since Zhang San never filed a complaint. Perhaps His Majesty had people investigate secretly. But Sima Guang assured me this wasn’t a trick by the other side, and I don’t think it seems like one either.”
Han Qi nodded slightly, “For this retrial, we must ensure it’s completely fair and just. If anyone dares to use underhanded methods again, we’ll stop the trial and root out the mastermind, no matter who it is.”
Fu Bi nodded.
Han Qi continued: “The remaining issue is ensuring that if Zhang San loses again, they can’t change names anymore.”
Fu Bi said: “Sima Guang and Wen Yanbo suggested using precedent to override statute to try this case.”
Han Qi was certainly well-versed in law – they were all rare all-around talents. He said: “I’ve read the previous court record – with those few lines, does it suffice to constitute precedent that can override statute?”
Fu Bi said: “That’s just a pretext. The real debate in court will be whether there is violation of ancestral law. But if we win, His Majesty won’t be able to change names again.”
Previously the case with the Finance Planning Commission had been argued based on ancestral law. This lawsuit would debate whether the court could establish precedent for all such reform commissions. If the plaintiff succeeds and such precedent is deemed to be established, then there would be precedent for future reform commissions, regardless of their names.
Han Qi nodded, “That could work. But who will file the complaint? Qian Yi again?”
Fu Bi said: “Fan Chunren volunteered.”
Han Qi pondered briefly and said: “Why not have them both appear in court?”
Fu Bi asked: “Why? Are you worried Chunren alone can’t match Zhang San?”
“That’s not it.” Han Qi shook his head slightly. “This matter impacts the Censorate and Remonstrance Bureau the most. With both a remonstrator and a censor, neither side can complain if they lose.”
He paused briefly, “Also, I’m concerned Zhang San will use Lord Fan to attack Chunren. I’ve seen Zhang San’s methods – he’s very skilled at dragging seemingly unrelated matters into the case.”
Fan Chunren was Fan Zhongyan’s second son.
Fan Zhongyan was the previous reform faction leader, so Zhang Fei bring up might Fan Zhongyan. If they accused Wang Anshi of violating ancestral laws, did Fan Zhongyan not do the same?
Fu Bi nodded and said: “That’s certainly possible. You’ve thought this through thoroughly.”
Han Qi asked: “I’m not sure if that’s praise or criticism.”
“Of course it’s praise,” Fu Bi said with a smile and nod.
Knock knock knock! There was a knock at the door.
“Reporting to Lord Han and Lord Fu, Academician Wang has arrived.”
“Please invite him in quickly.”
Han Qi hurriedly said.
With a creak, the door opened and Wang Anshi entered.
Though he held no deference to these two senior officials, Wang Anshi maintained an extremely respectful demeanor.
“Anshi pays respects to Lord Fu and Lord Han.”
Fu Bi gave Han Qi a meaningful look.
Han Qi asked kindly: “Anshi, do you have any objections to Lord Fu and I trying this case? If so, please speak freely – we must ensure this is handled fairly.”
Wang Anshi quickly replied: “I have no objections whatsoever. I believe Lord Fu and Lord Han will certainly handle this justly.”
Han Qi nodded and asked: “I know a bit about what happened last time. You can’t be blamed. If anything similar happens again, I hope you’ll be candid with us. I guarantee such actions will not be condoned.”
Wang Anshi bowed: “Yes, of course.”
Han Qi nodded and asked: “Now the Censorate and Remonstrance Bureau want to use precedent to accuse your Reform Planning Commission of violating ancestral laws. What do you say to this?”
Wang Anshi said: “To be frank, we at the Reform Planning Commission have fully entrusted this to the Bianjing Law Firm, so…”
Han Qi frowned, “What? Even before us, you would raise this excuse?”
Wang Anshi directly produced a contract and handed it to Han Qi: “Please look, Lord Han. This is the contract between our Reform Planning Commission and the Bianjing Law Firm.”
Han Qi took it, read it, and showed a slightly strange expression before passing it to Fu Bi.
Wang Anshi explained awkwardly: “The contract stipulates that I cannot speak freely when Zhang San is absent, otherwise he may abandon the case while keeping his fee.”
Han Qi chuckled: “You certainly trust this pen-in-cap Zhang San.”
Wang Anshi said: “As they say, trust those you employ, don’t employ those you distrust.”
Han Qi and Fu Bi exchanged glances.
They never imagined Wang Anshi would sign such a contract with Zhang Fei. With it in black and white, they couldn’t say much.
For the sake of fairness, the next day they summoned both Zhang Fei and Wang Anshi together.
Meeting these two senior officials, Zhang Fei also showed great humility, not even daring to take a seat. The three of them sat while Zhang Fei alone stood.
Han Qi deliberately ignored Wang Anshi and spoke directly to Zhang Fei, wanting to see if Wang Anshi had truly given full authority to this pen-in-cap.
“Violation of precedent?”
When Zhang Fei heard this charge, he couldn’t help but show surprise.
Han Qi frowned, speaking with full authority: “Is there some problem?”
“Oh no, no.”
Zhang Fei shook his head and asked: “I just wonder what reasons the other party has for their complaint? Have they provided a complaint document?”
There was no complaint document – this wasn’t some mysterious case. Everyone knew exactly what the situation was.
Han Qi said irritably: “Would I lie to a mere pen-in-cap? They are raising their complaint based on this charge.”
Zhang Fei asked: “This humble one dares to ask again – what is their basis for claiming the two cases are similar enough for the precedent to apply?”
Han Qi asked impatiently: “Don’t you know in your heart whether they’re similar?”
Zhang Fei replied honestly: “This humble one truly doesn’t know. Nor do I believe precedent-breaking applies to this case, unless the other party provides sufficient evidence.”
Fu Bi couldn’t help interjecting: “You don’t believe so while they do so believe – that’s what this lawsuit will debate.”
But Zhang Fei said: “Lord Fu’s words are mistaken. A complaint can’t be based on words alone – there must be proper arguments or evidence as foundation. For example, if someone were to accuse Academician Wang of having an affair…”
“Cough cough!”
This example nearly made Wang Anshi choke. “Couldn’t you use yourself as an example?”
Zhang Fei explained: “Such matters involving me might seem commonplace to others.”
Wang Anshi was speechless.
You’re ruthless.
Zhang Fei continued: “But if the accuser has no evidence, and the authorities still bring it to trial, it would greatly damage Academician Wang’s reputation. In others’ eyes, a trial alone suggests suspicion. Similarly, without sufficient argument, a lawsuit shouldn’t be filed.”
Han Qi hadn’t expected Zhang Fei to be so stubborn on this point. He said: “You have no right to refuse.”
Zhang Fei said: “Then we will appeal to His Majesty.”
Han Qi asked in surprise: “What? You want to sue me too?”
Zhang Fei replied frankly: “It’s not impossible.”
“…?”
Even Wang Anshi was shocked as he looked at Zhang Fei.
Kid!
Aren’t you going too far?
This is Han Qi and Fu Bi.
Not that little Sima Guang.
Fu Bi also stared at Zhang Fei in astonishment.
You dare provoke Chancellor Han?
Han Qi said darkly: “You have the nerve to say that again?”
Zhang Fei showed no fear and said: “Back then, Chancellor Han stood up to power and argued based on principle, causing four ministers to resign with one letter. This humble one deeply admires that. If given the chance, I wish to follow your example.”
Wang Anshi’s mouth twitched as he desperately held back laughter.
Fu Bi lowered his head and scratched his forehead.
Han Qi’s expression froze. He glanced awkwardly at Fu Bi and Wang Anshi, coughed and asked: “What? You think you can send me and Lord Fu into retirement?”
Zhang Fei said: “When you submitted your memorial then, surely you weren’t thinking of driving those four ministers from court – you were arguing for principle. Today, I also argue for principle. If the other side fabricates charges and Chancellor Han still forces me to accept, that would not be just.”
He paused briefly, “Personally, we at the Bianjing Law Firm would never sell a rotten orange to our clients – that’s our principle.
Now that the Reform Planning Commission has hired us, we must defend all their rights. If I agree when the other side makes charges without any basis, how can I answer to our client?”
Han Qi looked at Wang Anshi.
Wang Anshi remained silent – he had already said Zhang San was in charge of legal matters.
Han Qi thought, you two are truly in sync.
Fu Bi said directly: “If they don’t use this charge, who can guarantee you won’t create another planning commission if you lose the case?”
Zhang Fei replied: “In response to Lord Fu, those are two separate matters.”
Fu Bi asked: “What do you mean?”
Zhang Fei said: “Even if we lose the case, that has nothing to do with whether a new planning commission appears.”