Judge of the Song Dynasty

“Line up! Line up! Have your household registration and thirty coins processing fee ready. Fifty carriages at a time.”

In front of the training ground gate, Tao Yonghan could be seen craning his neck and shouting loudly.

“You’re charging a processing fee too?”

“Isn’t that obvious… De-Deputy Commander?”

Tao Yonghan turned around and saw it was Cao Ping. He was so frightened he nearly collapsed, hastily saying, “This humble one deserves death, this humble one deserves death. I didn’t know it was the Deputy Commander.”

“Enough!”

Cao Ping waved his hand and asked in a low voice, “Are all these people invited by Zhang San?”

Tao Yonghan hurriedly replied, “They shouldn’t be. With so many people, it would be quite difficult to invite them all.”

Cao Ping said, “So you’re saying Zhang San didn’t send patrol constables to find people to line up here?”

“No!” Tao Yonghan shook his head, saying, “This humble one dares guarantee it.”

Cao Ping said puzzledly, “This is truly strange. They were cursing so fiercely before, yet now they’re all rushing to get license plates.”

Tao Yonghan shook his head, saying, “This humble one doesn’t know know either. I slept here last night, and when I got up at the third watch, there was already a very long queue here.”

What trick did that brat use? Cao Ping was completely bewildered. He continued, “By the way! You’re charging thirty coins as a processing fee?”

Tao Yonghan hurriedly said, “Deputy Commander, we haven’t earned a single coin from these thirty coins.”

Cao Ping was stunned. “What do you mean?”

Tao Yonghan said, “It all goes to those craftsmen. Zhang San found dozens of carpenters who are responsible for carving license plate numbers on the carriages, and also clerks who write license plate numbers on saddles.”

Cao Ping frowned. “Our infantry has plenty of craftsmen who could help. Why spend this money?”

Tao Yonghan said in a low voice, “This humble one said the same thing to Zhang San at the time, but Zhang San said this was small money, and that premium license plates were where the big money was.”

Cao Ping asked, “What are premium license plates?”

“For example, four twos, one-two-three-four – these all count as premium numbers.”

Tao Yonghan said, “I heard these premium license plate numbers have to be auctioned off, with the highest bidder winning.”

“Flashy nonsense.” Cao Ping snorted. “Only fools would spend money buying such things.”

Tao Yonghan said, “It seems Young Master Cao bought several.”

Cao Ping’s mouth twitched a few times, and he said with a dark expression, “Has Zhang San arrived?”

Tao Yonghan hurriedly replied, “He has! He’s with the young master and the others at the training ground across the river.”

Cao Ping frowned. “Are they also issuing license plates over there?”

“No.”

Tao Yonghan shook his head, saying, “This humble one doesn’t know what they’re doing.”

“Hey! Old brother, what are you all doing, lining up in such a long queue?”

A disheveled middle-aged man was seen asking an old man driving a donkey cart.

The old man replied, “Don’t you know? They’re starting to issue license plates today. We’re waiting here to get our plates.”

The middle-aged man said in surprise, “License plates? But I heard everyone opposed this matter and said they wouldn’t come to get them. Didn’t you know?”

The old man sighed, “What’s the use of just talking? They’ve already started issuing them, so we definitely have to get license plates. If we don’t get them and it turns out carriages without license plates really aren’t allowed on the streets, we’d lose our livelihood.”

A young man behind them said, “Uncle, don’t complain. There might be benefits later.”

The middle-aged man asked, “Young man, what do you mean by that?”

The young man said, “Didn’t the newspaper say so? They might limit plates in the future. Then, since we have license plates, we’ll be in demand.”

The middle-aged man chuckled, “You believe that too?”

The young man said, “Why not believe it? The city is only so big. With more carriages and horses, people can’t even walk the roads. Just wait and see – it won’t be long before they impose limits.”

The old man chuckled, “Young man, if it’s really as you say, that would be great. With our license plates, only we would be able to haul cargo.”

The young man smiled, “Otherwise, why would we bother coming so early to line up?”

The middle-aged man stroked his beard and remained silent.

“Teacher.”

At this moment, a young man walked over.

The middle-aged man nodded slightly and walked toward the riverside with the young man.

This middle-aged man was Wang Anshi.

And the young man was Lu Huiqing.

Lu Huiqing said puzzledly, “Teacher, clearly everyone strongly opposed this matter. Why are so many people lining up to get plates?”

Wang Anshi pointed toward the queue, “Look and see what kind of people are lining up over there.”

Lu Huiqing didn’t even look before saying, “I observed when I arrived – they’re all ordinary common people or merchants.”

Wang Anshi nodded, “Exactly! But there isn’t a single official, because the officials know that as long as everyone refuses to get the plates, this law can’t be implemented. But the common people don’t know this. They’re doing it for their livelihood – if they truly can’t get plates, their livelihood will be gone. How could they dare gamble on that?”

Speaking to this point, Wang Anshi frowned slightly, “If your family has donkeys or horses, you’d better hurry and get them registered. Be careful not to let that fellow mess with you.”

Lu Huiqing asked in surprise, “Teacher, what do you mean by this?”

Wang Anshi said, “Given Zhang San’s vindictive personality, I’m sure he’ll limit the plates. Those officials will definitely come only at the very end when they have no choice. When he limits the plates then, or raises the difficulty of registration, hmph, those officials with carriages won’t be able to ride them and will have to rent vehicles instead.”

Lu Huiqing said in amazement, “Teacher, aren’t you overestimating Zhang San? Even if the Deputy Commander of the Infantry personally intervened, he wouldn’t have such authority.”

Wang Anshi smiled, “Right now everyone is complaining that this law goes against the people’s will. But once these people all get their vehicle plates, they’ll naturally hope others don’t have plates. When he limits the plates then, it will be what the people want. Just wait and see – Zhang San will definitely extort money from them.”

Lu Huiqing listened in stunned silence.

This could actually work?

“Fake! This must be fake! These are all people Zhang San hired.”

Gu Ji, who had just arrived here ready to watch a good show, saw the scene before him and his eyes nearly popped out.

He absolutely didn’t believe it.

This was too fake.

No one supported this law – there couldn’t possibly be this many people.

His servant beside him suddenly said, “Master! Isn’t that Old Li from White Crystal Inn?”

Gu Ji looked carefully and it really was the cart driver who often delivered wine to his house from White Crystal Inn. “It really is him. Go call him over.”

“Yes.”

After a while, the servant led a middle-aged man over.

“Li Er pays respects to Magistrate Gu.”

The man cupped his hands in greeting.

Gu Ji asked, “Li Er, why did you come here to line up?”

Li Er replied, “In response to Director Gu, my master sent me here.”

Gu Ji was furious, “Is your Master Fan blind or deaf? Didn’t we all say not to pay attention to this matter, that this law wouldn’t come to pass?”

Li Er said with a long face, “My master said that is all thunder with no rain. They’re making such a commotion, but the court hasn’t withdrawn the vehicle plate order. This matter is… uncertain. Besides, the money isn’t much, so…”

This was actually the merchants’ true feelings – what use was all their shouting when the court wasn’t withdrawing the order? Who would dare gamble on that!

Gu Ji angrily scolded, “Cowards! A bunch of cowards! We ministers aren’t getting vehicle plates. If they’re going to arrest anyone, they’d have to arrest us first. What are you afraid of? Go back quickly. I guarantee you it won’t matter if you don’t register.”

“Ah?”

Li Er looked back, “Magistrate Gu, look… there are so many people. This can’t be fake!”

Gu Ji said, “Are you stupid? Those are all people Zhang San hired.”

Li Er said, “That shouldn’t be right! I recognize quite a few of the people here.”

“You really have no backbone. Fine, fine, fine. Your family has money, do as you please. This old man won’t interfere anymore.”

With that, he stormed off angrily.

By the riverside, under the willow trees, three elderly men silently watched Gu Ji’s furious departure.

These three were Sima Guang, Lu Gongzhu, and Wen Yanbo.

Lu Gongzhu said, “Even Gu Ji was driven away in anger. These probably aren’t hired people.”

Wen Yanbo was also confused, wondering, “What kind of sorcery did Zhang San use? Everyone clearly opposes this, yet so many people have come here to register for plates.”

Sima Guang stroked his beard and pondered for a long while before saying, “The gazette.”

“The gazette?”

“Yes.”

Sima Guang nodded, “Believe not what you hear, but what you see. After all, the News Gazette clearly stated all the laws and regulations, and the Patrol Office has also posted notices. Those opposing voices are just one person saying this, another saying that. The common people will definitely choose to believe what they see with their own eyes.”

Lu Gongzhu said, “Sima Guang speaks reasonably. Many common people haul cargo for their livelihood. Who would dare gamble with their own livelihood? Moreover, over the course of a year, it doesn’t amount to much money.”

Wen Yanbo said thoughtfully, “It seems Wang Anshi was quite right back then. The power of newspapers truly cannot be underestimated.”

These scholar-officials seemed to still be living in the past, thinking they could control public opinion by raising their voices. In the eyes of the common people, these words written in black and white were certainly more reliable than shouting.

Moreover, the scope of dissemination was also broad.

It seemed as though public opinion was all in opposition, but their inner thoughts had actually been controlled by the newspapers.

Limited licenses, and then recruiting people.

With this series of combination punches, who the hell would dare gamble?

Meanwhile, Cao Ping arrived at the training ground across the river. As soon as he entered the training ground, he heard cheering voices.

“Good!”

“Brother truly has excellent horsemanship.”

“Wooo! Young Master! Young Master!”

Cao Ping followed the sound and saw Cao Dongdong driving a horse cart, racing through a pile of obstacles.

At a glance, Cao Ping knew what his son was doing.

He was taking the second test.

That is, “chasing the winding water,” ie driving a cart on a curved waterway, quickly maneuvering around various obstacles.

The first test was “ringing the harmonious bells,” which simply put, was honking the horn, but with rhythm – not just pressing it mindlessly. Bells were hung on the horse cart, and through driving techniques, one adjusted the rhythm of the bells. There was one rhythm for alerting pedestrians, another for passing oncoming traffic, and yet another for encountering those of high status and position.

The third test was “passing the sovereign’s marker,” which was starting, stopping, and braking.

The fourth test was “dancing at the crossroads,” equivalent to intersections – how to pass through crossroads and how to turn from main roads into alleys.

There was actually a fifth test, but that was in the professional domain, only practiced by soldiers.

While he was lost in thought, he heard another round of cheering.

Cao Ping looked up and saw that Cao Dongdong had already driven the horse cart through the finish line.

“Young Master, I never imagined you were so skilled.”

Even Zhang Fei couldn’t help but applaud in praise.

Cao Dongdong jumped down from the horse cart, “That goes without saying. Whatever the Imperial Guards practice, I can do it all – horsemanship, archery, all of it is child’s play.”

Ma Xiaoyi chuckled, “I’m just a little bit behind brother.”

They were all sons of officers in the Three Military Divisions, having grown up soaking in the training grounds. They truly knew all eighteen martial arts.

“Ahem!”

Hearing two coughs, Cao Dongdong instinctively looked up, “Father.”

“Deputy Commander!”

“Uncle Cao!”

“Master!”

The group quickly bowed in greeting.

Cao Ping walked over and asked, “What are you doing?”

Zhang Fei said, “I asked the Young Master to demonstrate these driving tests.”

Cao Ping looked at Zhang Fei suspiciously, “What do you want to do?”

Zhang Fei said, “I want to optimize these tests, then issue a completely new type of driver’s license. Those without licenses would not be allowed to drive.”

He was going to drive people to death!

Cao Ping almost laughed upon hearing this, “I have truly never seen a runner as dedicated and responsible as you. You do so much work – what is it for? If you say you want to be promoted, so many high officials recommended you before, yet you were unwilling. I truly don’t understand.”

Zhang Fei chuckled, “I’m the type who loves whatever line of work I’m in. Either I don’t do it, or if I do it, I must do it to the best. Since we already have license plates, we definitely need to add driver’s licenses too. Only this way can we ensure clean streets and reduce traffic accidents.”

This was truly a madman!

Cao Ping cursed inwardly, unable to understand what Zhang Fei was after, and asked again, “By the way! What exactly is going on outside?”

Zhang Fei smiled, “It’s actually quite simple. Who would dare gamble their livelihood on whether my license plates could actually be implemented?”

Cao Dongdong suddenly jumped forward, “Father, your son secured a license plate for you – five-five-five-five, representing father’s mighty prowess.”

Cao Ping glanced at him, “Spent quite a bit of money, didn’t you?”

Cao Dongdong chuckled secretly, “Just one hundred strings, quite cheap really. Father, please don’t spread this around – we got them all at insider prices.”

The corner of Cao Ping’s mouth twitched incessantly, feeling his whole body swell with anger.

Your own office’s license plates, and you still paid money for them?

You…

Seeing the situation was going badly, Zhang Fei quickly whispered, “Deputy Commander, I took the liberty of presenting a license plate to His Majesty. The imperial series, zero-zero-zero-one – the most prestigious plate number.”

Cao Ping’s expression changed, and he asked, “Did His Majesty accept it?”

Zhang Fei nodded, “He did. But I didn’t dare ask for payment.”

“You’re insane!”

Cao Ping cursed angrily, “If His Majesty accepts your license plate, that’s your ancestors’ graves smoking with good fortune – and you still thought about asking for money!”

Cao Dongdong said, “Father, your son also reserved a plate for Great-Aunt – four nines, symbolizing Grandaunt’s longevity. How does that look?”

Cao Ping’s eyes lit up, “You don’t need to worry about that matter. I’ll deliver it myself.”

Cao Dongdong protested agitatedly, “No! This represents my filial devotion to Grandaunt.”

Cao Ping glared at him, “Who’s in charge here?”

Cao Dongdong said pitifully, “Of course it’s Father.”

Cao Ping turned to Zhang Fei again, “Has His Majesty’s plate been delivered?”

Zhang Fei replied, “Didn’t I just say? It’s already been arranged.”

You little rascal, quite quick with the flattery. Fortunately, they hadn’t delivered Empress Dowager Cao’s yet. Cao Ping frowned, “The imperial family’s license plates – you don’t need to worry about those. I’ll arrange them personally.”

Cao Dongdong hung his head dejectedly, “I can give up the license plate to you, but you cannot steal the credit for this matter. You didn’t do anything – it was all my work!”

Smack!

A crisp sound rang out.

Cao Ping slapped him directly across the face, flicking his wrist. You dare steal credit for my flattery? Damn!

Zhang Fei covered his face and sighed. Young master, I already tried my best – this is all your own doing.