Judge of the Song Dynasty

As night fell, the Zhang and Xu households gradually quieted down, with only Niu Beiqing’s thunderous snores faintly audible in the distance. However, the various restaurants in the capital were extraordinarily lively as news of the big court case spread, sparking a new round of debates among the common people.

Although this case appeared to have no direct connection to ordinary citizens, being a dispute between high officials and government offices, it actually concerned everyone in the realm.

This undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for reforms. Dıscover more novels at N0veI.Fiɾe.net

It also heralded their imminent arrival.

It was now unstoppable.

The next morning.

As it was the transition period between spring and summer, the early morning temperature was very comfortable, so Xu Zun chose to walk to work.

Just as he stepped out of his gate, he saw Zhang Fei running toward him, his head covered in sweat.

“Good morning, Benefactor!” Zhang Fei said, slightly out of breath.

“What were you doing so early in the morning?” Xu Zun asked curiously. Zhang Fei replied while catching his breath, “I went running – you know, exercising.”

Xu Zun nodded with a smile, then suddenly seemed to remember something. “Are you finished with your run?”

Zhang Fei said, “Yes, I’m done. Do you need something, Benefactor?”

“I have something to discuss with you.”

Xu Zun gestured forward, indicating they should walk and talk.

“Oh!”

Zhang Fei followed along beside Xu Zun.

As they walked, Xu Zun said, “Qian’er probably won’t be able to continue helping you anymore.”

Zhang Fei was startled, “Why not?”

Xu Zun said, “She’s not getting any younger. It’s time for her to marry.”

“Marry?”

Zhang Fei asked, “To whom?”

Xu Zun looked at his serious expression, as if he were Xu Zhiqian’s brother, and couldn’t help but laugh, “What business is it of yours?”

Zhang Fei said, “Benefactor, you can’t say that. Miss Xu and I have known each other for some time. I should show some concern for such an important matter in her life.”

Xu Zun waved his hand dismissively, “This doesn’t require your concern. I’ve already arranged it through someone.”

Zhang Fei’s eyes flickered as he said, “Benefactor, you must be extremely careful with this matter. The slightest mistake could ruin Miss Xu’s entire life.”

Hearing him speak so strangely, Xu Zun asked, “What makes you say that?”

Zhang Fei said, “You should know Miss Xu’s personality better than I do. She cannot tolerate any blemishes whatsoever. Therefore, choosing a husband requires utmost caution, otherwise it could bring misfortune to both families.”

Xu Zun considered this and felt the young man had a point. He asked, “In your opinion, how should we choose?”

Zhang Fei thought for a moment and said, “First, we must rule out sons of officials, especially those from established official families. They’re absolutely unsuitable.”

Xu Zun snorted, “That’s nonsense. Qian’er herself comes from an official family. She should marry someone of similar status.”

Zhang Fei said, “That’s true in theory, but official families are inevitably entangled in social obligations and politics. Given Miss Xu’s rigid adherence to her principles on many matters, wouldn’t that lead to constant arguments?”

Xu Zun shook his head dismissively, “Qian’er is my daughter. I know her better than you do. Although she likes to help others, she knows her limits and won’t force issues.”

Zhang Fei said, “When Miss Xu helps others, she never merely does what she can – she does everything possible, seeking only to maintain a clear conscience. She holds herself to very high standards, which many officials would consider excessive. Few officials are as incorruptible as you, Benefactor.”

Xu Zun continued shaking his head, “There are still many upright and honest officials in court.”

Zhang Fei immediately asked, “Would you consider Academician Sima an honest official?”

Xu Zun nodded, “Of course.”

Zhang Fei said, “But Academician Sima’s views on many cases completely contradict Miss Xu’s. Benefactor, you must know that in many cases, the judgment depends on different principles rather than simple right and wrong. Miss Xu can’t keep her thoughts to herself and would surely argue with Academician Sima. Do you think he would tolerate his daughter-in-law opposing him?”

Xu Zun’s mind filled with images of Xu Zhiqian arguing with him. The more he thought about it, the more worried he became. This was indeed how he had raised her. He sighed, “I suppose I am to blame!” Then looking at Zhang Fei, he asked, “By your reasoning, she should only marry a commoner?”

Zhang Fei shook his head vigorously, “That would be even worse. Not just commoners, even ordinary officials couldn’t handle Miss Xu’s intensity!”

Xu Zun clicked his tongue, “After marriage, she’ll likely change her ways somewhat.”

Zhang Fei asked, “Do you really believe that, Benefactor?”

It was easier for mountains and rivers to shift than for a person’s core character to change.

Xu Zun stroked his beard and said, “If she can’t marry an official’s son or a commoner’s son, then who should she marry?”

Zhang Fei analyzed seriously, “In my humble opinion, Benefactor should look for three qualities in a son-in-law.”

“Which three?” Xu Zun asked.

Zhang Fei stood tall and said, “First, he should be handsome and wealthy. He must be a good match in appearance, and life must be secure – these are basic requirements. A couple begging together on the street can hardly be called loving.

Second, he must be exceptionally capable. Not only must he endure Miss Xu’s causing a ruckus, he should cause even more ruckus himself. That way, when husband and wife both cause ruckus, neither can blame the other.

Third, he must share Miss Xu’s principles. This is crucial. Given Miss Xu’s personality, she will never yield on matters of principle. If their principles align, many conflicts can be avoided.”

Xu Zun nodded slightly, “You make some good points.”

Halfway through his response, he suddenly looked Zhang Fei up and down. “Wait… you’re not describing yourself, are you?”

Zhang Fei grinned, “Handsome and wealthy – that does sound like me!”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean, Benefactor?” Zhang Fei asked in surprise.

Xu Zun said, “Who else could cause a greater ruckus than Qian’er but you? As much ruckus as Qian’er is willing to cause, she only dares to help common people. You, on the other hand, have filed complaints from the Court of Judicial Review all the way to the Chamber of State Affairs. You even drove Director Wang out of the capital. I doubt anyone in the entire city could cause more trouble than you.”

Zhang Fei scratched his neck and said sheepishly, “You make a valid point.”

“What valid point? These were all your own words.”

Xu Zun looked at Zhang Fei and waved his hand, “No need to beat around the bush with me. Just speak directly.”

“Oh!”

Zhang Fei nodded innocently, then clasped his hands and bowed, “This son-in-law greets Father-in-law.”

…

Niu Beiqing, who had drunk too much the night before, woke up late today. He was yawning as he came to the front door, planning to find a spot to doze off for a while. But just as he reached the door, he saw someone staggering toward him.

“Benefactor?”

Seeing it was Zhang Fei, Niu Beiqing quickly roused himself. “Benefactor, why are you in such a panic?”

“Someone’s trying to kill me, it’s terrible!”

With those words, Zhang Fei darted into the courtyard, a mischievous smile playing at his lips.

Niu Beiqing hadn’t noticed this. Since coming to the Zhang household, he had been guarding the house and courtyard, but there hadn’t been any troublemakers, leaving his strength with nowhere to be used. He had been quite bored, so hearing that someone was trying to kill Zhang Fei finally gave him something to do.

With bulging eyes, he rushed out and looked around, only to see someone running toward them at sprinting speed.

Someone really was trying to kill his benefactor?

Niu Beiqing immediately charged forward, grabbed the person’s collar with one hand, raised his arm, and shouted: “You scoundrel, how dare you try to assassinate my benefactor!”

The man was terrified and cried out, “Spare me, good sir!”

Zhang Fei, who had just entered the courtyard, suddenly turned back to look and was also scared out of his wits. He shouted, “Big Niu, stop!”

Niu Beiqing looked back, and the man in his grip desperately waved at Zhang Fei, “Zhang San, save me, save me!”

This person was none other than Fan Li.

Since Niu Beiqing had been staying at home guarding the house, he didn’t know Fan Li.

Zhang Fei hurried over, “Big Niu, this is Mogul Fan, let him go quickly.”

“Oh.”

Niu Beiqing immediately released his grip.

Fan Li was badly frightened, his legs went weak and he nearly fell on his bottom. “Brother San, your servant is quite terrifying.”

Zhang Fei supported him with one hand and apologetically said, “This was just a misunderstanding, Mogul Fan. Are you alright?”

“I was nearly frightened to death.”

Fan Li patted his chest, speaking in an effeminate manner.

Niu Beiqing hurriedly explained, “Benefactor, this isn’t my fault. You said someone was trying to kill you, and when I came out, I saw this… Mogul running this way, so I thought he was trying to kill you.”

“What?”

Fan Li exclaimed, “Brother San, someone’s trying to kill you?”

Zhang Fei quickly said, “I was just joking with him, who knew he would take it seriously.” Then he changed the subject, “But Mogul, coming here so early in the morning, you’re not here to rush me for work, are you? I just finished the court case yesterday!”

Fan Li suddenly jolted and grabbed Zhang Fei’s sleeve, “Brother San, come with me quickly, come come come!”

“Where to?”

“The law firm.”

“Don’t be so excited, what exactly happened?”

“His- His- His Majesty’s edict has arrived.”

“An edict?”

“Oh my! Stop asking and just come quickly.”

Fan Li dragged the confused Zhang Fei all the way to Clerk’s Lane.

Even Zhang Fei had to admire this middle-aged man’s stamina, running several streets without slowing down.

The courtesans from the brothels, the notaries from the bookstores, and the pen-in-caps from Pen-in-cap Alley all came out, their gazes fixed on the Bianjing Law Firm.

“Director, I’ve brought Zhang Fei,” Fan Li said to an elderly man in blue brocade robes, barely able to catch his breath.

A eunuch? Zhang Fei sized up the robed elder and, noticing his lack of facial hair, immediately understood. He quickly cupped his hands and said, “Zhang San pays his respects to the Director.”

This elder was Lan Yuanzhen, the Deputy Director of the Palace Domestic Service. While Zhang Fei hadn’t met him before, he had seen Zhang Fei. He smiled and said, “I am here today by His Majesty’s edict to bestow this plaque upon you.”

He pointed to an attendant beside him.

The attendant held a round plaque with both hands, covered by a yellow cloth.

Blue Yuan Zhen pulled away the yellow cloth.

On the plaque was written a single character in the center – “Litigator.”

In the lower left corner was a seal with just one character – “Imperial.”

Zhang Fei, Fan Li, and all the pen-in-caps simultaneously gasped.

Blue Yuan Zhen seemed to have anticipated their reactions and chuckled softly.

Zhang Fei was the first to recover and quietly asked Lan Yuanzhen, “Director, if I may ask, what… what is this for?”

Blue Yuanzhen’s mouth twitched, “You don’t know?”

Zhang Fei shook his head.

As a legal practitioner, this wasn’t an official document or imperial decree, so he didn’t quite understand.

Why did you gasp if you don’t know, Lan Yuanzhen glanced at Zhang Fei. “I’m not sure whether to call you clever or foolish. With this plaque, from now on, no one will dare stop you from litigating.”

Zhang Fei was immediately overjoyed, “Is it really that powerful?”

“It’s bestowed by His Majesty, how could it be ordinary?” Lan Yuanzhen said with slight annoyance.

This child really doesn’t understand protocol.

Zhang Fei anxiously asked again, “Then, then if the officials don’t give me a permit, can I still litigate?”

Lan Yuanzhen impatiently replied, “Nonsense, with this plaque, what permit would you need? Besides, would officials dare not give them to you?”

This was truly a treasure! Zhang Fei’s eyes lit up, and he asked, “Director, could it be made smaller?”

“Smaller?”

Lan Yuanzhen was dumbfounded.

Zhang Fei nodded and said, “Yes! The size of a jade pendant would do. Then I could wear it. Let’s see who dares stop me then. Hehe!”