Judge of the Song Dynasty

At this moment, Wang Hong felt like he was in a nightmare, unable to believe such an absurd matter had actually gained support from some officials at court.

Moreover, the situation took a sharp turn, with opposing voices growing increasingly faint.

Had he been sold out?

But he wasn’t really wronged. Although Zhang Fei came up with the idea, Wang Anshi, the court’s most influential figure, was the one orchestrating everything. For him to deal with a mere magistrate, especially using such seemingly fair methods, was quite effortless.

Seeing the unfavorable turn of events, Wang Hong quickly sent someone to contact Wei Yushan – this was his mess, he needed to take responsibility.

“What did Wei Yushan say?”

When Zheng Yun entered the hall, Wang Hong walked directly over and asked.

Zheng Yun hurriedly replied, “Wei Yushan sent people to look, but Geng Ming’s family has disappeared without a trace. They were probably hidden away by someone.”

“Useless!”

Wang Hong cursed loudly, “I’ve truly been ruined by him this time.” Zheng Yun awkwardly said, “Magistrate, Wei Yushan feels the same way.”

Wang Hong was stunned, “What do you mean?”

Zheng Yun explained, “Wei Yushan seems to think Zhang San is seeking revenge against you, Magistrate. He considers himself innocent.”

“What?” Wang Hong’s eyes widened in anger, “Had I known this would happen, I wouldn’t have protected him back then.”

Zheng Yun quickly said, “Magistrate, we can’t afford to fall out with Wei Yushan now! He still has connections with Prince Chang!”

Wang Hong’s expression changed, “Will he ask Prince Chang to intervene?”

Zheng Yun said, “He’s reportedly already sent someone to make contact. Although Wei Yushan considers himself innocent, he’s very angry about this, believing Zhang San has gone too far.”

Wei Yushan felt that revenge should be directed at its source – if Zhang San wanted revenge, he should go after Wang Hong directly, why drag him into it?

He was angry too.

He felt completely innocent!

Wang Hong’s lips twitched continuously: “Once this matter is over, I’ll settle accounts with him.”

At the Court of Penal Review.

“This was truly impossible to guard against!”

Sima Guang sighed deeply, sweeping his gaze around before dejectedly suggesting, “How about this – I’ll submit a memorial to His Majesty stating that judicial reform must proceed step by step, that the separation of administrative and judicial powers cannot be rushed, and that we must first spend two years training personnel. Otherwise, the losses will outweigh the gains.”

“Impossible!”

Liu Shu immediately objected, “If we do that, wouldn’t we be playing right into Wang Anshi’s hands? His New Policies are about to be implemented.”

Everyone present nodded in agreement.

Sima Guang waved his hand, “If I don’t do this, we’ll fall for Wang Anshi’s scheme to sow discord, and everyone will lose faith in my judicial reforms, which would be equally damaging.”

Qian Yi immediately said, “Academician Sima’s words are mistaken. Judicial reform is for justice, not for providing protection.”

Sima Guang hurriedly replied, “Censor Qian makes a good point. I misspoke, but I’m truly… truly in a difficult position!”

He and Wang Anshi had different political agendas. He wanted to protect the interests of landlords and wealthy merchants, believing everything should be decided through consultation. If the imperial government needed money, they should contribute some.

He was quite open about this, always speaking frankly.

This performance was actually for those major landlords and scholar-officials to see – to show that his judicial reforms were not targeting them.

Wen Yanbo shared Sima Guang’s political philosophy. Seeing that Sima Guang had performed adequately, he said, “Sima Guang! Everyone understands the situation, and we can’t blame you. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Wang Anshi for being too cunning!”

Everyone present nodded in agreement.

This was the conservative faction’s stronghold, and there wasn’t a single person who didn’t oppose Wang Anshi.

Fan Chunren suddenly spoke up, “I have a plan to resolve this difficulty.”

Sima Guang hurriedly said, “Please speak, Remonstrator Fan.”

Fan Chunren said, “Won’t winning this case solve everything?”

…!

Morale was quite low.

They had never won against Zhang Fei.

After losing the last case, they really didn’t want to face Zhang Fei in court again. Why compete against a professional pen-in-cap in his area of expertise?

Seeing everyone’s silence, Fan Chunren quickly said, “I think there’s a good chance we can win this case.”

Qi Hui sighed, “What chance is there? Wang Hong’s verdict was improper. If there was any merit to it, the Left Court wouldn’t dare take this case.”

Fan Chunren said, “Wang Hong’s verdict does have issues, but whether it was ‘intentionally condemning the innocent’ or ‘negligently condemning the innocent’ is debatable. As far as I know, Wang Hong didn’t accept any bribes, and usually determining intentional wrongful conviction depends on whether the official took bribes or was corrupt.”

Sima Guang frowned as he listened: “Indeed! We only considered whether the Judicial Court’s verdict was reasonable, but never considered if Lu Jiawen’s complaint document itself was correct.”

“I also think what Remonstrator Fan says makes sense.”

Wen Yanbo nodded and added, “But if we really want to pursue this case, it would be better not to litigate in the Left Court. The Court of Judicial Review or Court of Penal Review would be more appropriate.”

Sima Guang, Liu Shu and others nodded slightly.

The Court of Judicial Review and Court of Penal Review were the Song Dynasty’s highest courts. Having the case heard there was logical and would help calm everyone’s emotions.

Many officials were worried that even a minor judicial official could bring fifth or sixth-rank officials to court.

If cases could only be brought to the Court of Judicial Review, they naturally had no objections. Officials had often been tried there before – the threshold was very high.

Sima Guang hadn’t finished laying his groundwork yet. He didn’t dare use this case to immediately separate administration from judicial power, as that would cause problems. He was willing to take a small step back.

If the appeal succeeded, it would already be a victory for the judiciary.

At the White Crystal Inn.

“Oh! Brother San, you’ve arrived! Please come in quickly.”

Fan Zheng greeted Zhang Fei at the entrance and said softly, “His Highness has been waiting upstairs for some time.”

Zhang Fei nodded and quietly asked, “Will anyone be able to hear our conversation?”

Fan Zheng immediately replied, “Please don’t worry about that, Brother San. Even if you shout, no one will hear. I haven’t opened the west wing for business today.”

“How thoughtful,” Zhang Fei smiled.

Fan Zheng smiled bitterly, “With such a critical matter, how could I not be careful?”

Zhang Fei chuckled, “It’s not that serious, just a chat.”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

Fan Zheng nodded repeatedly, not daring to say more. He quickly escorted Zhang Fei up to the third floor of the west wing, to the largest private room in the middle, where two guards stopped them at the door.

After being announced, Zhang Fei entered the room.

Inside sat a handsome young man not yet twenty years old.

This was Prince Chang, Zhao Hao.

He had summoned Zhang Fei today to discuss Wei Yushan’s matter, as he felt it wasn’t such a big issue that it required the Empress Dowager’s intervention.

The key point was that Wei Yushan was only his favored concubine’s father, not the princess consort’s father. Even if he went to Empress Dowager Gao, he wasn’t sure how much she would help, since she also despised such matters.

After much consideration, dealing directly with Zhang Fei seemed best – after all, he was just a legal clerk, while he himself was a prince.

“This humble subject pays respects to Your Highness.”

“Rise!”

Zhao Hao naturally wouldn’t let Zhang Fei sit with him. He turned his head slightly to look at Zhang Fei, “You’re quite the troublemaker for a mere pen-in-cap, and you’ve managed to survive until now. I find that somewhat admirable.”

Zhang Fei smiled awkwardly without speaking.

Zhao Hao couldn’t be bothered with small talk. “I know you did this to get revenge on Wang Hong of Kaifeng County, but why did you have to involve Wei Yushan?”

Zhang Fei glanced around nervously.

Zhao Hao said, “Don’t worry, I’m the only one here. You don’t need to hide anything.”

“Yes!” Zhang Fei nodded and replied, “To answer Your Highness, Wei Yushan is already guilty of heinous crimes worthy of the Ten Abominations. Using him as bait would serve justice for the common people – killing two birds with one stone.”

Zhao Hao asked puzzled, “How is Wei Yushan guilty of the Ten Abominations?”

Zhang Fei explained, “When the tax collectors went to his home, he could have refused to pay. There was no need to force an innocent man to sell his land, divorce his wife, abandon his children, and become a priest. Such behavior enrages both gods and men.”

Zhao Hao said weakly, “That still doesn’t qualify as one of the Ten Abominations.”

Zhang Fei said in a low voice, “Once the beating starts… it might become one!”

Zhao Hao exclaimed in shock, “What? You actually plan to charge Wei Yushan with one of the Ten Abominations?”

Zhang Fei quickly replied, “No, no. This humble one plans to accuse Wei Yushan of murder for financial gain.”

What’s the difference? Thank goodness I came! This guy is truly vicious, thought Zhao Hao as cold sweat broke out. He hurriedly said, “You absolutely cannot do this.”

Zhang Fei asked in confusion, “Why not?”

Zhao Hao said, “Don’t you know his daughter is my concubine?”

Zhang Fei’s eyes widened, “That’s… that’s impossible!”

Zhao Hao replied, “Why else would I seek you out?”

Zhang Fei’s face fell, “Your Highness, why didn’t you tell this humble one earlier? The complaint has already been submitted.”

Zhao Hao said, “What does that matter? You filed the case, so you can change it!”

Zhang Fei said anxiously, “Your Highness doesn’t understand. Wei Yushan’s crimes are evidence for the case against Wang Hong. There’s no way to change it!” Get full chapters from novel⁂fire.net

Zhao Hao said excitedly, “I don’t care about any of that. If you accuse him of murder for financial gain, my concubine will be implicated. You’d better drop this case.”

Zhang Fei replied, “Your Highness knows I’m seeking revenge against Magistrate Wang. If I were afraid, I wouldn’t have done this in the first place.”

Zhao Hao frowned. True! This mere pen-in-cap dared to accuse a county magistrate – would he fear death? But he said firmly, “I don’t care about any of that. Taking revenge on Wang Hong is your business, but you absolutely cannot implicate Wei Yushan.”

After wrestling with the dilemma for a while, Zhang Fei said, “Since Your Highness has personally come to see this humble one, I can promise not to accuse Wei Yushan of murder for financial gain. However, he cannot escape charges of tax evasion and seizing people’s land. When the time comes, Wei Yushan must pay a sum of money as penance, including compensation for Geng Ming’s losses and unpaid taxes.”

Zhao Hao pondered briefly, suddenly feeling that being able to resolve this with money would be the best outcome, even though he had initially intended to make Zhang Fei completely drop the charges against Wei Yushan. He stood up and said, “Let’s settle it this way.”

Then he left.

After the door closed, a smile crept across Zhang Fei’s lips.

Actually, he had never planned to charge Wei Yushan with murder for financial gain – he just wanted to scare Zhao Hao, since his real goals were to get revenge on Wang Hong and help Wang Anshi collect unpaid taxes.

If it had been about murder for financial gain, that wouldn’t have been mere intimidation – it would have forced people into rebellion.

Those large landowners would certainly have united against it and absolutely refused to pay taxes, since paying would prove they had been evading taxes before.

However, Zhang Fei had already thought about how to handle it if Zhao Hao came to see him.

Since Zhao Hao had intervened, it proved this lawsuit was already a done deal.

Sure enough, when Zhang Fei returned home, Lu Huiqing had been waiting for quite some time.

“Prince Chang?”

When Lu Huiqing learned that Zhang Fei had gone to see Prince Chang earlier, he was startled and immediately asked, “How did you handle it?”

Zhang Fei said quietly, “I just said I would charge Wei Yushan with murder for financial gain.”

Lu Huiqing chuckled, “Clever.”

But his tone carried a hint of disappointment. He had originally hoped Prince Chang would go directly to Empress Dowager Gao. But it didn’t matter – his goal had been achieved. Although many court officials chose to support Sima Guang, he believed they would also become wary of Sima Guang’s judicial reforms.

“They want the trial at the Court of Penal Review. What do you think?” Lu Huiqing said.

Zhang Fei shook his head, “We absolutely cannot have it at the Court of Penal Review. This is a case concerning the people’s interests – only a public trial at the Kaifeng Prefecture will generate public anticipation for the New Policies.”

Lu Huiqing nodded, “I thought the same, but if we demand a trial at Kaifeng Prefecture, they may get to choose the judge.”

Zhang Fei asked in surprise, “Prefect Lu won’t do?”

Lu Huiqing clicked his tongue, “Lu Jiawen is Prefect Lu’s grandnephew – he’ll have to recuse himself.”

“That’s true.” Zhang Fei nodded, “Who do you think they’ll choose?”

Lu Huiqing said, “Of course we can’t let them choose freely. We plan to have Chancellor Zhao preside. Though he opposes Teacher regarding his reforms, he supports Geng Ming in this case. Having him as judge would be advantageous for us.”

Zhang Fei nodded, “As long as the judge is fair, I don’t mind.”

Lu Huiqing smiled, “Don’t be careless. I heard Censor Fan volunteered to defend Wang Hong. He has no real connection to Wang Hong – clearly he’s targeting you.”

Zhang Fei smiled, “A defeated opponent – nothing to worry about.”

Though the matter had caused quite a stir, Emperor Zhao Xu had largely ignored it. His ignoring it actually favored Zhang Fei – the whole affair was rather outrageous, and if the Emperor had merely inquired about it once, it couldn’t have proceeded.

Of course, his silence didn’t mean others could make the decision.

Though the matter seemed minor, only the Emperor could decide.

Because the Emperor was both the supreme judge and highest administrative official of the state – when two powers conflicted, who else could make the call? Wang Anshi and Sima Guang wouldn’t commit such a grave error.

Although they had privately reached consensus to hold the trial at Kaifeng Prefecture with Zhao Bian presiding, whether the case could proceed still required the Emperor’s approval.

Emperor Zhao Xu didn’t even hold a special meeting to discuss it – he approved it directly.

Once this news spread, it immediately drew intense public attention.

They weren’t concerned about the grudge between Zhang Fei and Wang Hong – they were more interested in Geng Ming and Wei Yushan, especially since it was tax collection season.

Having such a trial during this period made it impossible to keep a low profile! Today was the first day of the trial.

The area in front of Kaifeng Prefecture was packed with people early on, completely blocked with crowds.

“Zhang San, why did you come so early this time?”

Cao Dongdong sat in Zhang Fei’s carriage, swinging his legs as he asked Zhang Fei.

Beside him, Xu Zhiqian also looked at Zhang Fei curiously.

Previously Zhang Fei always made a grand entrance at the last minute, but this time he arrived earlier than Cao Dongdong, Ma Xiaoyi and the others.

Xu Zhiqian used to wait at the Zhang residence, but this time Zhang Fei went to wait at the Xu residence.

Zhang Fei smiled and said, “I want to meet someone.”

“Who?” Cao Dongdong asked nosily.

Zhang Fei just smiled.

Ma Xiaoyi suddenly said, “Brother San, you promised me last time that you’d take me along for the next court case.”

Zhang Fei asked in surprise, “Weren’t you drunk?”

Ma Xiaoyi said innocently, “I still remember even when I’m drunk!”

What an act. This kid was definitely faking it last time. Zhang Fei suddenly grabbed Xu Zhiqian’s hand and said, “This time I’ll have to break my promise to you. She’s not an assistant, she’s my wife – you can’t replace her.”

Xu Zhiqian quickly pulled her hand back. “What wife? Don’t talk nonsense.” Then she turned to Ma Xiaoyi and said, “Xiaoyi, if you really want to help, you can carry the documents next time.”

Ma Xiaoyi nodded excitedly, “Thank you, Miss Xu! Thank you! I can carry even more!”

Cao Dongdong said enviously, “Can I come too?”

“If your father agrees, I don’t mind!” Zhang Fei shrugged.

Cao Dongdong deflated.

Suddenly, Zhang Fei glanced to the side. “Please excuse me.”

He walked forward.

Xu Zhiqian looked over and saw Fan Chunren and Wang Hong approaching. She shook her head with a bitter smile.

When Wang Hong saw Zhang Fei, his face reddened with hatred like meeting a mortal enemy, his fists clenched and cracking.

“Censor Fan, it’s been a while.”

Zhang Fei bowed to Fan Chunren.

Fan Chunren said seriously, “This time I won’t lose to you again.”

“In a fair contest, I’m willing to accept any defeat,” Zhang Fei smiled, then added, “May I have a few words with Magistrate Wang?”

Fan Chunren looked at Wang Hong, then left.

Zhang Fei smiled, “Magistrate Wang, surprised to see me again so soon? Though you seem less imposing today – perhaps because you didn’t bring those beating rods of yours?”

Wang Hong snorted angrily, “You won’t succeed.”

Zhang Fei chuckled, “Didn’t you also think before that this case would never make it to court? But what happened?”

Wang Hong glared at him, “I shouldn’t have let you off so easily last time.”

“Tsk tsk tsk!”

Zhang Fei shook his head, “Don’t act so merciful. If you could have beaten me then, you would have. I’m just like you in that regard, which is why this time I’ll make sure you can never recover.”

A flash of fear crossed Wang Hong’s eyes. He sneered, “I’m a graduate-scholar, while you’re just a petty pen-in-cap. Even if I lose the case, you can’t destroy me. But you better not fall into my hands.”

Zhang Fei suddenly leaned forward and whispered in Wang Hong’s ear, “If I wanted an official position, I could get one anytime. Wait for your death, you beast.”

With that, he turned and left.

When Xu Zhiqian saw Zhang Fei return, she immediately went over. Glancing at Wang Hong behind him, seeing his face had turned purple with rage, she knew what had happened and said to Zhang Fei, “Was that necessary?”

Zhang Fei said flatly, “Respect must go both ways.”

The scene at the county office last time had truly provoked Zhang Fei – Qiu Zhengwen and the others lying on the ground, treated as less than human. That was an unforgivable humiliation.

He would definitely get his revenge.

He had come so early just for this – to throw some insults and vent his anger.