Judge of the Song Dynasty

Lan Yuanzhen was stunned! Follow current novels on noᴠelfire.net

When His Majesty bestows a plaque on you, you should be crying with gratitude like Fan Li, not making demands! How ungrateful.

“Or perhaps we should carve it directly on your face – unwashable, unbreakable, you can carry it everywhere. Wouldn’t that be better?” Lan Yuanzhen said with a smile.

Zhang Fei’s smile faded as he apologized, “Please forgive me, sir. I was just joking.”

Lan Yuanzhen snorted, “To joke about His Majesty’s rewards – you really don’t know what’s good for you.”

It’s not like this hasn’t happened before, you’re just inexperienced, Zhang Fei thought sheepishly. “Well, this is my first time receiving one, so I’m not experienced.”

“You…”

Lan Yuanzhen was both amused and annoyed by Zhang Fei. “Fine, fine. Which chancellor hasn’t been irritated by you before? Do you want it or not?”

“Yes!”

Zhang Fei quickly replied, “Of course I want it! This one gives thanks to His Majesty! Thanks to His Majesty!” Only a fool would refuse.

Imperial authorization to litigate?

Wow!

This time he had really made it! Last year, Zhang Fei had racked his brains over litigation rights, even coming up with mortgage contracts, but according to court regulations, litigation permits were still controlled by the imperial court. To renew them, one had to pass official assessments.

This had always been a concern.

Now with this plaque, they better not make me take any exams. If they do, I’ll dare to submit a blank paper. Let’s see who ends up embarrassed if they fail me.

While Zhang Fei was caught up in excitement, the more sensible Fan Li took out what little silver they had in the shop and gave it to Lan Yuanzhen and the other palace servants.

This was called social etiquette.

Even Buddha accepts offerings, why shouldn’t eunuchs?

Anyone who calls this corruption isn’t just lacking emotional intelligence – they’re lacking intelligence, period.

After Lan Yuanzhen left, Zhang Fei looked around, “Mogul Fan, where do you think we should hang this plaque?”

Fan Li cried out in alarm, “Listen, Brother San, we can’t hang this plaque outside! What if someone steals it?”

“We’ll just ask for another one.”

“…?”

Fan Li quickly pushed the socially inept young man to the back courtyard and hurriedly gathered all the shop’s pen-in-caps to help strategize about where to hang it – somewhere both prominent and secure.

They finally decided to hang it behind the counter.

After hanging it, Fan Li stood with the pen-in-caps in a line, gazing emotionally at the plaque. Thinking about their days of anxiety and fear, he began to choke up.

As he choked up, the pen-in-caps beside him also began wiping away tears.

It had been so difficult.

Finally, their patience had paid off.

“Congratulations, Mogul Fan! Congratulations!”

Li Guozhong entered the shop and cupped his hands toward Fan Li.

Fan Li turned his head, his expression changing as he returned the gesture, “Ah, Mogul Li, thank you, thank you.”

Though they exchanged congratulations and thanks, their facial expressions were quite dramatic, like a theatrical performance.

All along, the Bianjing Law Firm had been a thorn in the side of the other bookshops, something they desperately wanted to eliminate.

But now…

They knew their efforts would be futile.

A plaque bestowed by His Majesty – this had never happened before in the notary industry.

Putting down competitors wasn’t about right or wrong, good or bad – it was about human nature.

Simply put: why should you be allowed to grow big and strong? How are you qualified? If you want to expand your business, you’ll inevitably face attacks from competitors.

Anyone would do the same, and it happens in every industry.

One shouldn’t think: I’m just working hard for a better life, how am I bothering anyone? Why are you targeting me?

The truth is, they’re not just targeting you – they target everyone. Everyone goes through this, and those who don’t make it through aren’t around to be seen.

The only solution is to become even stronger.

Just like now.

This law firm couldn’t be stopped, so everyone had to accept it.

Following Li Guozhong’s appearance, other notaries and even brothel managers came to offer their congratulations.

This was truly the pride of Pen-in-Cap Alley! Zhang Fei let Fan Li take all the glory, fulfilling his earlier promise to make him the greatest boss of Pen-in-Cap Alley, second only to himself.

Meanwhile, Zhang Fei sat alone in a private room in the back courtyard, contemplating the meaning behind this plaque.

Did His Majesty bestowing this plaque mean he supported his theories, or was it merely praise?

He couldn’t even ask Xu Zun about this.

“Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger. Better to not try to guess the imperial mind – if he doesn’t give clear instructions, I’ll just treat this plaque as payment and enjoy it without overthinking.”

After much consideration, Zhang Fei decided to remain cautious and not make wild guesses. After all, the emperor had only given him a plaque, not appointed him chancellor.

“Zhang San! Zhang San!”

A boisterous shout interrupted Zhang Fei’s thoughts.

Youth is wonderful – that guy had gotten so drunk yesterday yet was so energetic this early.

Zhang Fei went out and saw Cao Dongdong standing cockily in the courtyard. “Good morning, young master.”

“Zhang San, ouch!”

“Hmm?”

Zhang Fei suddenly noticed Cao Dongdong’s crooked mouth and a bruise at the corner. He asked, “Young master, what happened to your mouth?”

Cao Dongdong touched his mouth corner, wincing, “Wasn’t I drunk at your place yesterday? I fell when I got home and hit it.”

“Really?”

Zhang Fei stared at him. “It looks more like you were slapped.”

“What kind of eyes do you have? Who would dare slap me?”

Cao Dongdong twisted his mouth and asked, “Is that plaque really from His Majesty?”

“As if it could be fake!” Zhang Fei replied irritably.

Cao Dongdong anxiously asked, “Does that mean you’ll win every case?”

Zhang Fei paused, “It probably isn’t that powerful! I’m not really sure, it didn’t come with instructions.”

Cao Dongdong’s eyes lit up as he grabbed Zhang Fei’s arm. “Come, come, I have a big business proposition for you.”

He pulled Zhang Fei into the main hall.

“Big business?”

Zhang Fei asked suspiciously, “What kind of big business?”

Cao Dongdong said, “I want you to help calculate my family’s taxes.”

“Huh?”

Zhang Fei was stunned. “Why does your family need me to calculate taxes?”

Cao Dongdong rolled his eyes, “Why can’t my family hire you?”

Zhang Fei smiled, “If I help calculate your taxes, they’ll only increase.”

Cao Dongdong asked in surprise, “Why?”

Zhang Fei said, “You’re asking me? Has your family paid all their taxes?”

Cao Dongdong scratched his head, muttering, “If we’d paid everything, why would we need you to calculate?”

Zhang Fei paused, “So you want me to help you pay less tax?”

Cao Dongdong nodded, “If you can do it, I’ll tell my father.”

Zhang Fei felt dejected, thinking, “By all rights I should accept this business, but these royal relatives have so many special privileges that legal tax avoidance strategies won’t work. I can only make money from wealthy merchants. If the court would abolish these privileges, I’d make a fortune.”

Cao Dongdong stared at Zhang Fei silently and asked, “Zhang San, can you do it or not?”

Zhang Fei started, then shook his head, “This tax calculation service has nothing to do with your family. I can’t help you.”

Cao Dongdong twisted his mouth, “Then forget it.”

Zhang Fei looked at him suspiciously, “By the way, why did you suddenly come to me for this business?”

Cao Dongdong snorted, “Can’t I just ask? I spent 500 strings here, it shouldn’t go to waste. I can chat with you even if there’s nothing specific.”

Zhang Fei nodded with a wry smile, “Yes, yes, yes. Young Master, if you have any legal questions, you can come consult us. We will provide excellent service.”

He looked around, “Where did everyone go? A VIP client is here and no one’s even serving tea.”

“Never mind. I didn’t come for tea.” Cao Dongdong waved his hand and stood up, “I’m leaving.”

He strode out pompously.

Zhang Fei watched Cao Dongdong’s retreating figure, feeling very puzzled. If this fellow had come to find him to visit brothels, that would have made sense. He wouldn’t suddenly discuss such serious matters. There must be a reason behind this. What could it be? His family? Could it be his father? Impossible. I have to follow the law, while the Cao family can ignore it. I would only make things worse. No, could it be that the Cao family fears the upcoming reforms and wants to leave themselves a way out? Yes! If the reforms can gradually weaken these privileged people, wouldn’t that be my chance to prosper?

Cao Dongdong got into his carriage where a middle-aged man, Cao Ping, was sitting.

“How did it go?” Cao Ping asked.

Cao Dongdong replied sheepishly, “I was wrong about him this time. Zhang San said he couldn’t help us.”

Cao Ping asked, “Why not?”

Cao Dongdong said, “He said if our family asked him to calculate taxes, it would only increase them. The business couldn’t work.”

Cao Ping smiled slightly and patted Cao Dongdong’s shoulder, “You have good judgment, son. This Zhang San is indeed worth associating with!”

Cao Dongdong quickly asked, “Father, you’re allowing me to associate with Zhang San?”

Cao Ping nodded.

“Why?” Cao Dongdong asked curiously.

Cao Ping asked, “Why did you want to associate with Zhang San?”

“Hehe!” Cao Dongdong just grinned foolishly.

Cao Ping chuckled, “As you said, I fear your grandaunt even more than you do.”

At the Kaifeng Prefectural Office.

“Prefect Lu, have you heard about His Majesty bestowing a plaque on the Bianjing Law Firm?” Li Kai rushed in, panting as he spoke to Lu Gongzhu.

Lu Gongzhu put down the document in his hand and asked, “What plaque?”

Li Kai said, “Recently His Majesty bestowed a plaque on the Bianjing Law Firm with the character ‘litigation’ written on it.”

Lu Gongzhu thought for a moment and said, “It must be because Zhang San helped the Reform Planning Commission win their case, so His Majesty rewarded him.”

Li Kai complained, “Of all things to bestow, why give him such a plaque?”

Lu Gongzhu asked, “What do you mean?”

Li Kai exclaimed agitatedly, “Now that Zhang San has this plaque, who would dare stop him from litigating!”

Lu Gongzhu suddenly stood up and looked at Huang Gui, “Chief Clerk Huang.”

“What are your orders, Prefect?” Huang Gui immediately stepped forward.

Lu Gongzhu asked, “How long until my transfer?”

Huang Gui replied, “Less than half a year.”

Lu Gongzhu sat back down, “Half a year, I can endure that long.”

Li Kai was nearly in tears, “But I still have a year and a half!”

…

In the evening.

Shen Huaixiao walked toward the outer imperial city with his hands in his sleeves, looking worried.

When he arrived at the imperial court today, he had already sensed signs that the Three Financial Bureaus were losing power, as many officials had started flattering Wang Anshi.

Legislative power was truly terrifying.

And it was mainly aimed at their Three Financial Bureaus.

But Accounting Chancellor Tang Jie was bedridden, and no one in the Three Financial Bureaus could contend with Wang Anshi.

“Brother Shen! Brother Shen!”

Hearing someone call out, Shen Huaixiao turned his head to see Transport Commissioner Cao Han hurrying over.

“Ah, Commissioner Cao.”

“Brother Shen, have you heard? Today His Majesty bestowed a plaque on that pen-in-cap Zhang San.”

“What plaque?” Shen Huaixiao asked.

Cao Han said, “A plaque with the character ‘litigation’ on it. Now no one can stop Zhang San from litigating.”

Shen Huaixiao sighed, “That kid is indeed troublesome, but he’s just a pen-in-cap after all. What difference does a plaque make? I don’t have the energy to worry about him now.”

Cao Han asked, “Are you worried about the Reform Planning Commission?”

Shen Huaixiao sighed, “Who isn’t worried!”

Cao Han said, “If that’s the case, then we should pay attention to this pen-in-cap.”

Shen Huaixiao looked over, “What do you mean?”

Cao Han said, “That case made it very clear that the Reform Planning Commission will be subject to judicial supervision. If Wang Anshi can pay to hire that pen-in-cap Zhang San, we can hire Zhang San to deal with Wang Anshi!”

Shen Huaixiao frowned, “Zhang San built his career on Wang Anshi’s support. How could he help us?”

Cao Han said, “But we can find ways to drive a wedge between them. That would kill two birds with one stone.”

Shen Huaixiao glanced at him, then looked around, “Let’s discuss this at my house.”

…

Zhang Fei returned home near evening. The imperial plaque was just a plaque after all – if it couldn’t be converted into money, it was just decoration. Zhang Fei’s next plan was already decided – he would focus on the nearby rural villages.

He had many arrangements to make.

Of course, today he just needed to brief his employees and have them prepare for traveling to the countryside. The days of sitting in the shop drinking tea and chatting were over. Going to the countryside was the real path to success.

“Oh? Miss Xu is here too.”

Upon returning home, Zhang Fei saw Xu Zhiqian sitting in the courtyard chatting with Gao Wenyin.

Xu Zhiqian’s lips curved into a proud smile, “Congratulations on receiving the imperial plaque. Now no one will dare stop you from litigating.”

Zhang Fei asked in surprise, “You already know about that?”

Xu Zhiqian said, “The news has spread throughout the capital.”

Gao Wenyin stood up, “Husband, you chat with Miss Xu first. I’ll go prepare some hot water for you.”

“Oh, thank you, wife.”

Zhang Fei nodded.

After Gao Wenyin left, Xu Zhiqian said, “How can you treat Sister Gao like a servant?”

“I don’t want to, but she insists. Though she is very attentive and quite good.”

If she wouldn’t share his bed, she had to make up for it in other ways. Suddenly he looked Xu Zhiqian up and down, “You seem in a good mood. Found your ideal match so quickly?”

Xu Zhiqian smiled lightly, “Stop pretending. I know you must have figured out a way to convince my father to let me help at the law firm.”

A glimmer of amusement flashed in Zhang Fei’s eyes, “How did you know?”

Xu Zhiqian smiled, “Because you’re the only one who wants me to help at the law firm!”

“Clever!”

Zhang Fei snapped his fingers.

Xu Zhiqian quickly asked, “How did you convince my father?”

Zhang Fei said, “The reason your father wants you to marry isn’t because he dislikes you helping at the law firm, but because you’re of marriageable age. If you don’t marry now, you might not be able to marry later. Right?”

Xu Zhiqian nodded repeatedly.

Zhang Fei said, “Simple! I just had to treat the root cause.”

Xu Zhiqian asked again, “How did you treat it?”

Zhang Fei said, “Simple, I promised your father I would be your backup plan.”

“Backup plan?”

Xu Zhiqian looked bewildered.

Zhang Fei nodded and said, “I just told your father to let you help at the law firm first. If no one wants you later, then this humble monk will help take in this little demon.”