Chapter 280: A True Man
Although Zhang Fei had lost his lawsuit the last time, he had won back his Scholar’s Gazette.
Originally, he had planned to properly reorganize the bookshop, but he didn’t expect to face corvee service so soon. This matter was delayed, and during this period, the Authentic Books Store didn’t publish a single issue of the newsletter.
This also caused everyone to overlook the matter.
In most people’s view, they had finally defeated Zhang Fei, never imagining that Zhang Fei was actually the real winner.
Today, the Scholar’s Gazette suddenly appeared in various restaurants and inns, truly giving everyone a surprise. It even made people feel as if the previous issue was already a distant memory.
The article in the Scholar’s Gazette directly ignited public opinion.
Since the announcement of this vehicle license, virtually no one had supported it.
Although carriages represented the nobility, merchants and vendors also used ox and horse carts to haul goods, so how could they possibly support this vehicle license?
This was ten thousand times more detestable than Wang Anshi’s New Laws.
Everyone hoped the Street Offices would clean the streets properly, but not at the cost of their own money. However, such things couldn’t be said so bluntly.
Fan Chunren’s article gave them a reason to attack.
This article was written very cleverly. He first explained the entire process of events, indicating that the Military Patrol Office’s actions seemed reasonable.
The more carriages there were, the more manure there would be, naturally requiring more people to clean it, and expenses would certainly increase.
This logic was sound.
But the article immediately gave examples, explaining that throughout history, many seemingly reasonable fee policies had caused people great suffering, the reason being extra fees and arbitrary charges.
This immediately resonated with everyone.
Exactly!
That’s how it was.
There wasn’t a single fee policy that didn’t involve extra charges.
The Military Patrol Bureau was just finding an excuse to make money. When it came time to actually collect fees, it would definitely be more than this amount.
They must not be deceived.
Whether scholars or common people, all seized upon Fan Chunren’s arguments to fiercely attack vehicle licensing.
But this greatly alarmed the high officials and nobles.
Previously, the anti-vehicle licensing public opinion had been created by them, but Fan Chunren’s article shifted the discourse from opposing vehicle licensing to opposing extra fees.
This couldn’t be pulled back.
Actually, everyone was just looking for this reason to attack the Military Patrol Office.
But… but what if the Military Patrol Office didn’t charge extra fees?
Reform Planning Commission.
“Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!”
Wang Anshi looked at the Scholar’s Gazette and couldn’t help but praise it.
Lu Huiqing asked, “Teacher, what do you mean by this?”
Wang Anshi glanced at him, “Can’t you see the subtlety of this article?”
Lu Huiqing said, “I understand. This article appears to attack vehicle licensing, but actually also approves of reasonable vehicle license fees.”
“Exactly so.”
Wang Anshi nodded, then continued, “The brilliance lies here: if Zhang San had written an article refuting current public opinion, it wouldn’t have achieved this effect.
Now with this article being praised by everyone, it means that only when extra fee collection actually occurs can it be stopped. This will lay a solid foundation for implementing this law. This move of using borrowed force is truly wonderful.”
As he spoke, he couldn’t help but shake his head.
He had never thought of criticizing himself to promote his reforms. This was truly extraordinary.
Lu Huiqing didn’t think so, “But if extra fee collection really occurs, it could be a disaster for Zhang San.”
Wang Anshi said, “Since Zhang San dares to do this, he must be confident.”
Lu Huiqing shook his head, “I don’t believe it, and I guarantee that extra fee collection will definitely occur. Those opposing officials only need to make slight manipulations, and Zhang San simply cannot guard against it.”
Wang Anshi frowned and nodded slightly, “That’s also true. There will definitely be people causing trouble from within, and it will be impossible to guard against!”
Lu Huiqing said, “Teacher, we absolutely cannot do this. This is a double-edged sword.”
If the criticism was harsh, and if it really happened, then it would truly be over.
“Which shop is it?”
Sima Guang stood in front of two shops. Seeing that both shops had their doors open and were being renovated inside, with no signs hanging up.
Lu Gongzhu looked around left and right. “I heard it’s the second storefront facing the street at the Bureau of Records. It should be this one.”
He pointed to the shop on the left, and just then, a person emerged from the store—it was Fan Chunren.
“Academician Sima, Chancellor Lu.”
Fan Chunren quickly came out and bowed to the two men.
Sima Guang and Lu Gongzhu returned the courtesy.
Fan Chunren then invited the two into the shop. “Please, both of you, have some tea.”
“Thank you!”
Sima Guang received the teacup with both hands, first placing it on the table, then looked around with wide eyes before smiling at Fan Chunren. “This legal aid office idea was Zhang San’s suggestion to you, wasn’t it?”
Fan Chunren nodded. “He’s just a runner, and it’s difficult for him to supervise his subordinates, so he hoped I could lend him a hand.”
Lu Gongzhu laughed. “Chunren, you and Zhang San could be considered mortal enemies, yet I never expected you would actually help him.”
Fan Chunren immediately replied, “I’m not helping him. If he breaks the law, I would prosecute him just the same. The reason I agreed to this is because I also believe that the repeated occurrences of extra fee collection happen because those who truly supervise lower-level clerks have always been their superiors. But once there’s collusion between upper and lower levels, supervision becomes lacking. If there’s a legal aid office, it would provide an extra pair of eyes watching them.”
Lu Gongzhu nodded slightly.
Sima Guang smiled. “I understand your thinking, but there’s one thing I’m very curious about. Your article was so harshly critical—what if someone deliberately causes trouble, and instigates some patrol constables to intentionally harass the people? How would that be handled? And this is very likely to happen.”
Fan Chunren smiled. “Regarding this point, I also asked Zhang San. His exact words were: whoever breaks the law gets arrested. He would cooperate with the government’s judgment and punishment. This is a problem with people, not with the law.”
Sima Guang and Lu Gongzhu couldn’t help but exchange glances.
Their minds were starting to have trouble keeping up.
By their logic, when subordinates make mistakes, the superior should definitely bear responsibility. During the height of the Qingli reforms, it was also when the lower levels began to lose control and implementation problems arose, then the conservative faction took the opportunity to impeach Fan Zhongyan and his group.
This pattern had never changed.
Zhang Fei’s meaning was simple and brutal: whoever engages in favoritism and malpractice, just arrest them—he would support it too.
After thinking for a long while, Sima Guang said, “How can it be that simple? If major problems arise, the higher-ups will definitely blame those below.”
Fan Chunren replied, “For major problems to occur, it would have to be because our legal aid office cannot seek justice for the people, causing many people to be exploited. But I firmly believe I can seek justice for them.”
Lu Gongzhu said, “If someone acts with malicious intent, you won’t be able to guard against it.”
Fan Chunren smiled. “By then, Zhang San will also publish enforcement standards, which can prevent excessive fee collection.”
After hearing this, Sima Guang’s eyes flickered with anticipation.
If Zhang Fei could truly create an enforcement system for him, it would be of enormous help to his judicial reforms.
He wouldn’t regret it in his heart; instead, he was filled with anticipation.
Pan Inn.
“Those scholars outside are really all bookworms. The Scholar’s Gazette belongs to Zhang Fei—how could he possibly work against himself? Extra fee collection would only appear after this law is implemented. Such a simple trick, how can they not see through it?”
The Imperial Treasury official Guan Peng, hearing the critical voices outside, felt anxious and uneasy.
Gu Ji said, “We still need to find a way to reverse this public opinion. We absolutely cannot let this law be implemented.”
Li Zhan said, “How about we find some peddlers to drive ox carts onto the streets and cry, to let everyone know that even without extra fees, many people still can’t afford it, and they’re already paying many taxes.”
Gu Ji nodded repeatedly. “I think that works, but find more people—we must draw everyone’s attention.”
Cao Han immediately said, “Leave this matter to me.”
As transport commissioner, this task posed no difficulty for him.
Dong dong dong!
A series of knocks sounded.
Gu Ji immediately asked, “Who is it?”
“Director Gu, it’s me, Pan Heng.”
“Come in.”
A pot-bellied middle-aged man opened the door and entered the private room.
Gu Ji asked, “Mogul Pan, is there something?”
Pan Heng said, “The Authentic Books Store just sent over another new newspaper.”
“Really? Bring it here quickly.”
“Yes.”
After Pan Heng handed the Scholar’s Gazette to Gu Ji, he left.
Gu Ji opened it and looked. After a moment, his expression changed with shock. “How is this possible?”
Guan Jia asked, “Director Gu, what does it say?”
Gu Ji said, “Fan Chunren has published another article, stating that even without extra fees, ordinary people would still find it difficult to bear these license fees.”
“What?”
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was shocked.
They all stood up and gathered around Gu Ji to look carefully.
If the first article had been suspicious, this one was full of substance, which even made them truly believe they had misunderstood Fan Chunren.
Fan Chunren was absolutely an ally.
This article completely expressed the arguments they wanted to throw—competing with the people for benefit and adding to the people’s burden.
At this moment, voices of public opinion rang out again from outside.
Everyone was criticizing how these vehicle license fees added to the people’s burden.
Cao Han said awkwardly, “Should we still go find people?”
Gu Ji shook his head in bewilderment. “I suppose there’s no need now.”
What was going on here?
There was no sense of confrontation at all.
This left them truly at a loss.
The enemy’s blade was aimed at his own head—this was truly terrifying.
If the first Scholar’s Gazette had made many court officials suspicious of Fan Chunren, then this second Scholar’s Gazette dispelled all such doubts.
Fan Chunren was an ally, not an enemy.
This article would bring enormous trouble to Zhang San and would certainly stir up public resentment—it was truly impeccable.
But they were also puzzled. Wasn’t the Scholar’s Gazette Zhang Fei’s? Why would he publish this article?
Authentic Books Store.
“I didn’t know you were visiting. What are your instructions?”
Hou Donglai bowed with cupped hands to an unexpected guest dressed in luxurious clothing.
The guest asked, “Who are you?”
Hou Donglai quickly said, “I am Hou Donglai, the manager of this workshop.”
“So you are Mogul Hou.” The guest returned the bow with cupped hands, then asked, “I want to publish an article in the Scholar’s Gazette. What conditions are required?”
Hou Donglai quickly replied, “First, you must have a certain reputation.”
This was for famed scholars—you had to be famous!
The guest asked further, “What else?”
Hou Donglai answered, “It’s hard to say exactly. For example, you can’t curse His Majesty, and you can’t spread rumors to slander court ministers.”
The guest said, “Can I curse Zhang San?”
“Of course you can!”
Hou Donglai nodded. “As long as your article is well-written and ensures everyone likes to read it, curse away.”
The guest asked in confusion, “Isn’t Zhang San the owner of this Authentic Books Store?”
Hou Donglai nodded. “Yes.”
“Then wouldn’t Zhang San get angry if he saw it?”
“The only thing that would make our Third Young Master angry is if no one reads the Scholar’s Gazette.”
Hou Donglai became more animated as he spoke, saying quietly, “Our Authentic Books Store will also publish another newsletter. As long as you pay money, you can publish your own articles in it. If you want to curse Zhang San, you just have to pay money.”
“…?”
Madmen! These were truly a bunch of madmen.
The guest was immediately scared away.
This person was naturally sent by Gu Ji and the others. They couldn’t understand how Zhang Fei would allow this article to be published in the Scholar’s Gazette.
They believed there must still be some trick involved, because this made no sense. But no matter how they looked at it, they couldn’t figure it out, so they sent someone to inquire.
After learning this result, everyone couldn’t help but admire Zhang San as a true man.
Pure!
There was no merchant purer than Zhang San.
To make money, he would even curse himself.
This left even Gao Wenyin somewhat unable to understand.
“Zhang San, isn’t the Authentic Books Store yours?”
“Yes!”
Zhang Fei took the teacup Gao Wenyin handed him and sipped. “My lady’s tea-making skills are truly becoming more and more excellent.”
Gao Wenyin just smiled with pursed lips, then asked, “Weren’t the vehicle licenses also your idea?”
Zhang Fei nodded. “That’s right!”
Gao Wenyin said, “If that’s the case, why does the Scholar’s Gazette criticize vehicle licenses every day?”
Zhang Fei set down his teacup and chuckled. “This is the highest realm of criticizing people.”
“The highest realm of criticizing people?”
“Exactly!”
Zhang Fei said, “When others criticize you, you’re despicable and shameless. When you criticize yourself, that’s being modest and upright.”
Gao Wenyin was immediately confused by Zhang Fei’s explanation.
Was this really the case?
“What a brilliant move, criticizing yourself.”
Just then, Xu Zun and Xu Zhiqian entered the hall.
“Father-in-law.”
Zhang Fei hurriedly stood up.
Xu Zun chuckled and said, “What you just said was absolutely correct. Yesterday everyone was still criticizing you, but today everyone respects you as a true man. Your Scholar’s Gazette has truly won people’s hearts!”
Zhang Fei grinned and said, “If I don’t let Mr. Fan criticize me, they would criticize me the same way anyway. This way, I even become a great man – why wouldn’t I be happy about it?”
Xu Zhiqian snorted softly, “Don’t get too pleased with yourself. Although they’re praising you with their mouths, in their hearts they probably think you’re a fool.”
Zhang Fei laughed, “I only care whether you have me in your heart. What they’re thinking in their hearts – I don’t care, and I can’t control it anyway.”
Xu Zhiqian’s face reddened as she said bashfully, “What nonsense are you talking? How improper.”
Xu Zun stroked his beard and smiled, “But this move of yours is so clever that even I can’t understand it. Now that this article is published, it has immediately stirred up public resentment. If you can’t stop it, His Majesty will have no choice but to intervene.”
Zhang Fei smiled, “Public resentment is secondary. Those small vendors engaged in transportation are mostly fearful. First there are extra fees, then vehicle license fees, plus rumors spreading – how could they not be afraid?”
Xu Zun became more confused as he listened, “If someone is supporting them behind the scenes and public resentment rises, then these vehicle licenses will definitely be abolished.”
Zhang Fei chuckled, “But if we analyze this from a business perspective, this is the perfect opportunity to buy at the bottom.”
“Buy at the bottom?”
“That means acquiring assets at low prices.”
Zhang Fei said, “It just so happens that the charitable organization I have is looking for investment projects. Since they’re afraid, I’ll do it myself. I’ll establish a transportation business and have them help me transport goods. I’ll pay for the vehicle license fees – it’s only a few hundred coins per year anyway, which amounts to nothing.
The only thing I’m worried about now is that those powerful businesses with strong backing will see me buying at the bottom and immediately snatch away these people. Sigh.”
Xu Zhiqian said joyfully, “This way, no one will complain anymore.”
Zhang Fei smiled, “Actually, I don’t mind if they complain. When making money, how can you avoid being criticized?”
In the Imperial Palace.
“Do you know why I allowed the Military Patrol Office to collect these vehicle license fees?”
Emperor Zhao Xu asked Wang Anshi with a smile.
Wang Anshi pondered briefly, “Could it be that Your Majesty also wants to lay the foundation for the New Policies?”
Zhao Xu nodded, “Exactly so. It seems you’ve also thought of this point.”
Wang Anshi replied honestly, “To be frank with Your Majesty, Zhang San actually discussed this with me beforehand, so I very much support him.”
Zhao Xu asked again, “Then do you understand the purpose behind Zhang San publishing these two issues of the Scholar’s Gazette?”
Wang Anshi shook his head and sighed, “I can understand Fan Chunren’s first article, but this second article – I truly cannot comprehend it. Even the purpose of the first article is somewhat unclear to me.”
Zhao Xu frowned, “I didn’t expect that even you can’t understand it.” He muttered to himself, “It seems Zhang San didn’t deceive me. His techniques in public opinion manipulation are indeed superior.”
Wang Anshi heard this clearly, and his face showed slight embarrassment.
He indeed couldn’t quite understand it.
In truth, Wang Anshi’s propaganda methods were really a complete mess. But Zhang Fei came from an era of influencers, where each one appeared to be reasonable and neutral on the surface, but every word was actually filled with the stench of money.
They either attracted you to look, or attracted you to buy.