Judge of the Song Dynasty

Regarding Su Shi’s suggestion, Zhang Fei merely accepted it passively, just like all his previous actions—everything was done passively.

He had never actively pursued the newspaper, though he had made thorough preparations for it.

This matter had originally stemmed from a leak, and Zhang Fei’s initial choice was to file a complaint at Kaifeng Prefecture. When Kaifeng Prefecture was unwilling to handle the case, he had no choice but to decide to retaliate in kind.

After Xu Zun’s matter was resolved, Zhang Fei became very low-key. It was Sima Guang, Han Qi, and Su Shi who actively sought him out, not the other way around.

But all of this was part of his secret planning.

This was a conspiracy.

The reason Zhang Fei appeared so low-key was because he knew that in the feudal era, public opinion was an extremely sensitive issue.

Therefore, he had deliberately involved Emperor Zhao Xu in this game from the start. If His Majesty wouldn’t play, he wouldn’t dare to play either.

However, in this era, many people possessed vision that transcended their time.

Wang Anshi was one of them. Authentic Books Store.

“What’s going on?”

Zhang Fei looked at the seven or eight bailiffs from Kaifeng Prefecture with a puzzled expression.

The lead bailiff said, “We’re here under orders. Your workshop must temporarily cease all printing activities and is prohibited from selling any tabloids.”

Zhang Fei asked, “May I know what law we have violated?”

The bailiff replied, “We’re not clear on that. We’re just following orders.”

Zhang Fei nodded. At this moment, he finally understood why Wang Anshi hadn’t approached him.

Hou Donglai was completely dejected. Just when they were about to make a fortune, this bucket of cold water was poured over them!

He quickly pulled Zhang Fei aside. “Zhang San, what should we do?”

Zhang Fei said, “Cooperate fully with the authorities. What else can we do?”

Hou Donglai said urgently, “We need to think of a backup plan. If the authorities won’t let us print, what then?”

“We’ll deal with it when the time comes,” Zhang Fei shrugged. “Right now these bailiffs don’t even know what’s really going on. What can I do?”

Hou Donglai and the craftsmen could only console themselves with the saying that good things come to those who wait.

For Zhang Fei, this wasn’t unexpected.

As soon as he returned home, Xu Zhiqian came to greet him.

“I heard Kaifeng Prefecture sent people to seal up the Authentic Books Store?”

“Yes.”

Zhang Fei nodded.

Xu Zhiqian asked, “Who gave the order?”

Zhang Fei shook his head. “It’s not clear yet.” Actually, he knew in his heart it must be Wang Anshi.

Only those with the rank of State Counselor could command Kaifeng Prefecture, and among the State Counselors, there were currently two factions. Sima Guang’s faction definitely couldn’t be responsible.

Even if Sima Guang had realized this problem, he would have communicated with Zhang Fei first rather than directly issuing orders.

It had to be Wang Anshi.

Xu Zhiqian sighed softly. “I said this matter wouldn’t be so easy. In the end, it was still sealed.”

Zhang Fei smiled. “I never said it would be easy, but…”

Xu Zhiqian asked, “But what?”

Zhang Fei smiled mysteriously. “Now it’s going to be easy.”

His guess was correct. It was indeed Wang Anshi who ordered the sealing of his Authentic Books Store, but Wang Anshi wasn’t targeting Zhang Fei specifically—he was targeting newspapers. The rıghtful source is novel✶fire.net

From the circulation of this newspapers, he could already foresee how much trouble it would cause him when his new policies were announced.

Because he knew that those capable of publishing newspapers were the very people he intended to target.

When that time came, they would still control public opinion, which would be very troublesome.

Wang Anshi’s way of doing things was swift and decisive—he acted immediately without dragging his feet. This was his greatest difference from Sima Guang.

But this action immediately drew impeachment from the court’s censors and remonstrators.

Even Wen Yanbo, Zhao Bian, Lu Gongzhu, and others felt extremely shocked.

They were all still immersed in the battle of essays, and currently Wang Anshi was at a disadvantage.

This was being too much of a sore loser—when you couldn’t win with essays, you sealed up the other party’s shop.

What kind of behavior was this?

Opposition voices immediately surged like raging waves.

The entire imperial capital was in an uproar.

Even the reformist faction found Wang Anshi’s behavior very incomprehensible.

There was no need to do this.

It was too disgraceful!

Emperor Zhao Xu had no choice but to step in to calm the storm.

Hall of Delegated Rule.

“Wang Anshi, on what grounds did you seal the Authentic Books Store? The Authentic Books Store’s actions were not illegal.”

Sima Guang angrily accused Wang Anshi, his face flushed with rage.

Emperor Zhao Xu also looked at Wang Anshi with curiosity. He had originally wanted to use newspapers to help Wang Anshi, but then Wang Anshi delivered this slap in the face, leaving Zhao Xu somewhat dizzy.

Wang Anshi said: “I did not order the sealing of the Authentic Books Store. I only asked them to temporarily stop printing newspapers.”

Wen Yanbo said: “What difference does that make?”

Wang Anshi’s expression grew grave as he said: “Gentlemen, you must not forget that this entire controversy originated from a pamphlet. If the pamphlet had not leaked the secrets of the Court of Penal Review, how could there have been such a crisis?

Yet not only has the court failed to thoroughly investigate this matter to prevent such situations from recurring, it has instead enthusiastically promoted newspapers. Is this not encouraging such corrupt practices?”

Upon hearing this, Sima Guang couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

Fan Chunren suddenly stepped forward and said: “Leaking court secrets certainly requires investigation, but this has nothing to do with newspapers.”

Wang Anshi said: “But without newspapers, such a major controversy would not have erupted, and the court could have controlled the situation early to prevent further deterioration.

You should all know how official bulletins are published – every word is carefully chosen and subjected to multiple reviews by the Imperial Military Commission and the Palace Secretariat before being released to the public.

You all understand in your hearts why this is done.

The matter with Lord Xu Zun perfectly illustrates this point. Now everyone knows that Lord Xu Zun merely mentioned an idea casually during discussions, but once sensationalized by the press, it immediately created such a major crisis.”

Fan Chunren said: “But blocking the people’s voices is more dangerous than blocking a river – it cannot be prevented.”

“I am not blocking the people’s voices; I am ensuring national stability.”

Wang Anshi said: “Let me tell you what will happen if we do not strictly control newspapers. The state prints official bulletins for governmental needs, while private newspapers printing aims to make money. To earn money, their content must attract attention.

For this purpose, merchants will inevitably exaggerate facts and create sensational stories. Perhaps a minor defeat at the front lines would become, in the newspapers, news that enemy forces are already at the gates of Bianjing – only this way can they attract people to buy their newspapers. This will inevitably cause panic, and the court will be unable to defend itself. What then?”

After these words, Sima Guang, Wen Yanbo, and others all fell into contemplative silence.

They gradually realized that this indeed seemed to have gone too far.

Wang Anshi continued: “I am not saying the Authentic Books Store is guilty, nor am I saying we should seal it. I only asked them to temporarily stop publication until the court reaches a decision. Moreover, I am not, as outsiders claim, afraid of losing in literary debates. If we really want to compete, we can all use official bulletins. As long as it doesn’t endanger national stability, we can publish as much as we want and compete however we like.”

Chen Shengzhi immediately stepped forward and said: “Your Majesty, Academician Wang speaks reasonably. Public opinion should indeed be controlled. Although the articles currently published in the Authentic Books Store are still somewhat worthwhile, we must guard against villains using newspapers to disturb national stability.”

Zhao Xu nodded slightly.

However, Sima Guang said: “While this is true, Censor Fan also makes a valid point – blocking the people’s voices is more dangerous than blocking a river. If the court suddenly orders a ban on newspapers, scholars will not understand, and this could trigger an even greater crisis. We must handle this carefully.”

Zhao Xu asked: “What is your view?”

Sima Guang said: “I believe we should not take a blanket approach. We could prohibit newspapers from publishing any news related to current politics, but local affairs should still be allowed to be published in newspapers for people’s entertainment.”

Wang Anshi hesitated for a moment, then said: “This approach is not impossible, but there must be court review before anyone can operate newspapers. Otherwise, if false information is published causing chaos, even if the court punishes those responsible afterward, it would be useless since the damage would already be done.”

Sima Guang nodded.

Zhao Xu said very readily: “I’ll leave this matter for you two to handle.”

He also felt guilty, since he was one of the masterminds behind the scenes. On this matter, he could not show any attitude – his ministers were all too shrewd, and any carelessness might lead them to discover the truth.

After the meeting ended, Sima Guang grabbed Wang Anshi and said in a low voice: “You’re afraid the newspapers will be detrimental to your New Policies.”

Although he hadn’t opposed this in the hall, he had to expose Wang Anshi’s ulterior motives to prevent Wang Anshi from thinking he had been fooled.

Wang Anshi smiled and said: “Just dealing with you already gives me enough headaches – where would I find the energy to deal with those newspapers? If you’re willing to support me, then let them continue publishing – I’m not afraid.”

Sima Guang snorted: “With your personality, you’d turn even good things into disasters. I certainly won’t support you.”

Wang Anshi chuckled: “You have a steady personality – just one legal statute, and you’ve dragged it out until now without issuing it. If I could live three hundred years, I’d definitely follow your example.”

Sima Guang said: “Governing a country isn’t about pursuing speed.”

Wang Anshi replied: “When the patient dies, no matter how good the medicine you develop, it’s useless. If you can’t cure the patient, you’re just a quack doctor. Haha… farewell.”

With that, he slipped away.

Sima Guang muttered disdainfully: “That’s still better than treating the patient to death.”

After leaving the palace, Wang Anshi went to find Zhang Fei and told him that it was he who had given the order. At the same time, he instructed Zhang Fei to stop printing the papers for now – he would need to apply for permission before he could continue printing them.

“You won’t blame me, will you?”

Wang Anshi looked at Zhang Fei and asked.

Zhang Fei replied with a wronged expression: “No.”

Wang Anshi chuckled: “You can blame me if you want – in time you’ll understand that I’m doing this for your own good.”

Zhang Fei immediately said: “Speaking of doing me good, I must boldly ask – how exactly is this good for me?”

Wang Anshi replied: “If the court doesn’t exercise control, and newspapers flourish in your Authentic Books Store, once a newspaper causes problems, regardless of whether you published it or not, you’ll be implicated. If the matter is very serious, you might even face criminal liability.”

Zhang Fei said: “Is this really true? You aren’t trying to frighten me, are you? I’m Zhang the Great Pen-in-cap, after all.”

Wang Anshi snorted: “Do I need to frighten you? Wasn’t your father-in-law a victim of these pamphlets? I supported your fighting poison with poison at the time, but to truly avoid such incidents, control is necessary. Too much of this poison will backfire on oneself.”

Zhang Fei nodded: “Fine, from now on I’ll just publish amusing stories about widows.”

“Tsk!” Wang Anshi frowned at the young man.

“Oh no.”

Zhang Fei coughed: “Not widows – courtesans. That should be acceptable, right?”

Wang Anshi nodded: “Publishing harmless news is fine by me – just pay your taxes.”

Zhang Fei said: “I’m just afraid I won’t be able to pay much, disappointing your expectations.”

Wang Anshi chuckled: “Every little bit adds up.”

After Wang Anshi left, Emperor Zhao Xu immediately sent someone to secretly arrange a meeting with Zhang Fei.

He informed Zhang Fei about the earlier court discussion.

Zhang Fei listened and nodded repeatedly: “Truly worthy of Academician Wang – he actually convinced Academician Sima and the others.”

These words came absolutely from the heart, because he knew that Wang Anshi wasn’t exaggerating the dangers. He just hadn’t expected Wang Anshi to foresee this development.

Emperor Zhao Xu smiled: “Your tricks for manipulating public opinion are flashy, but ultimately they can’t escape the notice of my ministers! Haha…”

Zhang Fei had boasted before, and Emperor Zhao Xu hadn’t believed him at the time. Now that he was proven right, he quickly summoned Zhang Fei to tease him a few times.

Zhang Fei was slightly stunned, then smiled: “Your Majesty, I haven’t lost yet.”

Emperor Zhao Xu said in surprise: “Even Sima Guang supports it – there’s no way you can win.”

Zhang Fei smiled: “Your Majesty shouldn’t be so quick to disbelieve. Academician Wang’s thinking is correct – this indeed requires precautions. But his approach is completely wrong. He simply doesn’t know how to play the public opinion game. Within seven days, Academician Wang will definitely be overwhelmed by this matter.”

Emperor Zhao Xu immediately asked: “What are you planning to do?”

Zhang Fei raised both hands: “I’m not doing anything – just resting at home.”

Emperor Zhao Xu shook his head: “I don’t believe it.”

Zhang Fei chuckled: “Then why don’t we make a wager?”

Emperor Zhao Xu, being in his early twenties and full of youthful vigor, immediately responded: “Fine by me. What do you want to bet?”

Zhang Fei thought for a moment: “Your Majesty is so short of money, let’s not bet money.”

Who was he looking down on? Emperor Zhao Xu said angrily: “No matter how short of money I am, I still have more than you.”

Zhang Fei spread his five fingers: “Five thousand strings. I happen to want to buy a house.”

Emperor Zhao Xu snorted: “I’m afraid you won’t be able to buy that house.”