As the ancients said, never look back until you hit the south wall.
But in fact, many times, you know it is a wall, but you still have to hit it, either to kill yourself or to break the wall.
For example, Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty, didn't he know that if he continued like this, there might be problems in this country?
He must also know, but for the emperor, imperial power is above all else.
If he terminates halfway, it means that his original choice was wrong.
A truly smart emperor would not speak rashly, and would usually let his ministers do the talking. When he is held accountable, there will be a scapegoat.
Zhao Xu is also facing this problem now. The Dongliu Project was promoted by him and Wang Anshi, but the result was as Sima Guang expected. It consumed too much manpower and material resources, but still no results were seen. This is a very big project.
.
Zhao Xu was different from Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. He loved money very much, but he was also very frugal. He wanted to save money for the war, but he was reluctant to spend so much money, but he couldn't quit because Wang Anshi would definitely not agree. He spent so much money.
With so much money, but he said no in the middle, it only means that he and Wang Anshi's original decision was wrong, and Sima Guang was right.
Wang Anshi will definitely take the blame, but the emperor's authority will also be questioned. Even if Zhao Xu doesn't want to, he will have to completely fall to Sima Guang. What's more important is that Zhao Xu still needs Wang Anshi very much.
Neither the left nor the right can do anything, and they can only fight in the middle to break out of the encirclement. Therefore, Zhao Xu can only rely on Zhang Fei in this matter.
But since you want to use the public prosecutor's law to go downhill, you must put the matter on the table, because the public prosecutor's law cannot hide it.
Cheng Fang also had to be investigated by the public prosecutor and the law.
This also involves imperial power and legal power.
The procuratorate took the initiative to investigate Cheng Fang and convict him. This was within the legal power. However, if the emperor asked the procuratorate to investigate Cheng Fang, the result might be the same, but this was within the imperial power.
Zhang Fei's plan made Zhao Xu very satisfied. According to this plan, all the decision-making power was in his hands, and he could also jump out of the sinkhole of the Dongliu Plan.
This is actually an important reason why Zhao Xu reused Zhang Fei, which was to use the strength of a third party to balance the reformists and conservatives. Without Zhang Fei, he would have to choose one of the two.
...
Imperial City.
"Xu Jian!"
"This is Meng Zhiyuan. Thank you, Minister. You are polite and courteous."
Xu Zun slightly arched his hands.
Meng Qiansheng and Xie Yun also bowed their hands in return.
"Prosecutor Xu, regarding Cheng Yi's case, there has been a turmoil all over the city. Why has your procuratorate not taken any action at all?" Meng Qiansheng asked.
Xie Jun hurriedly added: "We are not urging the procuratorate, but this matter is getting worse and needs to be resolved as soon as possible!"
Xu Zun sighed: "To tell you the truth, I am also impatient. After learning the secret document, we immediately sent people to investigate, but this will take time, and our procuratorate is all about evidence. Just relying on that secret document
We can't prosecute the case, we can only wait for the investigation results to be released before making a decision. Alas... I don't know who the villain spread this news, and our procuratorate is also in a state of confusion now."
A hint of guilt flashed in Meng Qiansheng's eyes, and he thought to himself, was he referring to something? But he pretended to be concerned and said: "We all know this, but I think your procuratorate still needs to hurry up, for fear that it will not be able to do it by then." end."
Xu Zun nodded and said, "Thank you both for your concern. I have sent additional troops to investigate."
...
Alum Tower.
"Now that the fourth child has gone to Xihe, and Fan Da is not here, we have to leave the matter of the charity foundation to Yuan Yu."
Zhang Fei said as he and Fan Yong walked upstairs.
Fan Yong sighed: "I originally planned to hand over the Bailun Tower to Zheng'er and take care of myself for the rest of my life. Little did I know that this would happen more than before."
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Who told you not to have more children? Look at Lao Chen, he has already sent three of them out, and there are still two sons on standby at home."
Fan Yong said sadly: "You told me I didn't want to, but when I was busy with business in my early years, I ignored it. When I got older, I couldn't do what I wanted."
Zhang Fei was very sympathetic and said: "Sorry! I can't help you with this kind of thing."
"I don't want your help either."
Fan Yong was so angry that he glared at Zhang Fei. Did he take advantage of this? Suddenly he thought of something and said: "That's right! In the past few years, we have donated no less than 5,000 guan for military weapons every year, but the return we received is just It’s just a short stick and a pair of ropes, and many people are dissatisfied with it.”
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "This is just to find a reason to give money. You have been doing business for so long, don't you even know this truth?"
Fan Yong whispered: "That was before, but now we have many reasons to send money to the imperial court. This time we are donating to the imperial court to build colleges and hospitals. There is no need to send money to the Ordnance Supervision, and the officials of the Ordnance Supervision cannot give it. What are we."
Zhang Fei said: "I'll go take a look then."
How did Lao Fan know that Zhang Fei was instructing the Ordnance Supervisor to develop firearms? It had only been a few years, but it was impossible to get the results.
Even if there are results, they cannot be used by the Royal Police!
"Yo! Zhang Sanlang."
Suddenly hearing someone shouting, Zhang Fei turned his head and saw Lu Jiawen just walking out of an elegant seat.
"It's President Lu, what a coincidence!"
Fan Yong gave his hand in a very sensible manner, excused himself from company, and then walked along the corridor outside to the charity foundation.
"Sanlang is still in the mood to come here to drink?" Lu Jia asked with a smile.
Zhang Fei shook his head and said: "With two pregnant women at home, how can I still be in the mood to come here to drink? The charity foundation has not agreed to donate to the imperial construction college and hospital recently, but Ma Laosi also went to Xihe, so I came over to take a look. .”
Lu Jiawen was surprised and said: "There is so much fuss about the sailor case, but you are still in the mood to take care of it."
Zhang Fei chuckled and said: "It's just a lot of fun outside. Our procuratorate is looking at the evidence. It's still in the investigation stage. Before the investigation results come out, we have nothing to do."
Lu Jiawen glanced around and whispered: "But the DPRK and the Central Government have already fought fiercely over this. This is no small matter."
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Zhang Fei said: "For us, the public security organs, the procuratorate, and the law, this is not a big deal. We just follow the rules. It's their business to argue."
As he said that, he looked at Lu Jia with a smile and asked, "President Lu, you have been the president of the court for so many years, but you still haven't understood the most subtle aspects of the public prosecutor's law."
Lu Jia asked: "I would like to hear from you."
Zhang Fei said: "The rules are at the top and people at the bottom. What matters is relaxation. I am here today to have fun, so what? I have a day off today. The public prosecutor and the law only need to follow the rules. I'm not happy that you changed the rules!"
Lu Jiawen frowned and began to think.
Zhang Fei knew that this person was ambitious and pushy, but this might have a negative impact on the imperial court, so he said: "This is actually the foundation of our public security law. The more you want to show up, the more you will lose face."
Everything is lost, but the more low-key you are and the more relaxed you are, the more you can shine. The highest level of our public prosecutors and law officials is to do things with ease. This is also the most different thing between us and those exaggerated censors, because we are professionals
.”
Lu Jiawen looked at Zhang Fei, a flash of shame flashed in his eyes, and he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Sanlang, for your advice."
"Don't dare!"
Zhang Fei smiled modestly: "I'm just talking casually. If there's nothing else, I'll get busy first."
"Oh. Please."
After all, when Lu Jiawen came from the Lu family and was worthy of being a prime minister, Zhang Fei reminded him that it was his business to listen or not.
...
Prince's Mansion.
Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing quickly came to the study, and after closing the door, Wang Anshi said: "Cheng Yi has friends all over the government and the public, and he is highly respected by scholars in Luoyang. If you impeach him, it will only arouse more people to oppose the New Deal.
"
Lu Huiqing said: "But this will also allow more people to support us. The other party is not moral first, so they only focus on Cheng Fang's deployment of sailors and conscription of labor, but do not mention Cheng Fang's achievements. This is unfair.
Moreover, Cheng Yi opened the city gate without authorization to admit the sailors without consulting Cheng Fang. If everyone follows his example, how can the new policy be implemented?
The students thought that just because Cheng Yi was quite popular in Shilin, if he could be suppressed, no one on earth would dare to refuse to implement the new law."
Although his ideas and Wang Anshi's ideas were exactly the same, their styles were still slightly different. Lu Huiqing believed that only through struggle could we strengthen our strength and implement the New Deal.
Wang Anshi still cared about the New Deal, but he did not deny Lu Huiqing's idea, saying: "But what if it cannot be suppressed?"
Lu Huiqing said: "But the officials will definitely be on our side, and their efforts are in vain."
Wang Anshi said: "But the fact is that many people want to use this matter to attack the public security organs."
Lu Huiqing seemed to have thought of something and said: "It is said that Zhang San has been busy donating to the cause of charity in Baifan Tower recently. It seems that he really doesn't intend to participate in it."
Wang Anshi nodded and said, "Didn't I tell you that he will stay out of the matter this time?"
Lu Huiqing said: "But many people will definitely try their best to get the procuratorate involved. The purpose of their whistleblower complaint is to target the public prosecutor's office."
Wang Anshi raised his head and looked at him, "What do you mean by this?"
Lu Huiqing said: "If the procuratorate is involved, there are only two choices, either to convict Cheng Yi or to convict Cheng Fang.
Needless to say, the former, but if the procuratorate chooses the latter, it will definitely make more people support us, because for those people, as long as they can overturn the imperial court's judgment, it is equivalent to suppressing the public prosecutor's law, plus the official
With the support of everyone, we are also confident of victory."
It's not all people on his side. If they want to involve the public prosecutor, they have to make a choice.
Wang Anshi frowned slightly, "So you are planning to use this matter to defeat the public prosecutor and the judiciary?"
Lu Huiqing said: "They want to use this matter to attack Cheng Fang in order to bring down their mentor. The students are just following the trend. In the end, we can't stop them from dealing with the Public Security Bureau, and if we support the Public Security Bureau, we will lose many people."
support, and at the same time, Bachelor Sima and others will not give us any help."
Wang Anshi was silent.
In fact, when things got to this point, they had no choice. In ancient times, regulating the Yellow River was always the country's top priority. If they admitted that this policy failed, someone would have to take responsibility, and Wang Anshi might be annihilated.
This is the most terrifying aspect of party struggle.
Once it starts, it is difficult to stop. Neither Wang Anshi nor Sima Guang can control the overall situation.
Many people on the conservative side just want to use this incident to knock down Wang Anshi.
The reformists want to use this to suppress the public security organs.
I won't be reasonable anymore.
Because neither side can afford to lose!
Fortunately, this secret complaint has been filed with the Procuratorate, and for the time being, the results of the Procuratorate's investigation will be the basis.
If the procuratorate fails to produce results, it will be inconvenient for everyone to follow the procedures and go to the emperor.
Although everyone already knows the whole process, their sources of information are not official channels.
Therefore, many officials are putting pressure on the procuratorate. We all know what is going on. It is really unreasonable that your procuratorate has not found out yet.
finally!
News finally came from Qi Ji, and the process was just as Zhao Xu said.
After "careful" deliberation, the Procuratorate officially announced that the secret complaint was alarmist and would not be accepted due to lack of evidence.
This immediately exploded, and both parties were dissatisfied with the result.
Deng Wan, Pei Wen and other censors immediately accused Sima Guang of instructing the procuratorate to protect Cheng Yi.
Liu Shu and other conservatives also accused the procuratorate of only investigating Cheng Yi but not Cheng Fang or why the sailors deserted service.
You are the procuratorate, not Erbi. Behind you is the state. You want to safeguard national interests. How can you say that the other party is prosecuting Cheng Yi, so you will not investigate Cheng Fang.
At the same time, the scholar-bureaucrats also launched a public opinion offensive among the people, making public what Cheng Fang had done in Hebei, and accusing the procuratorate of shielding the eunuchs.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! The classic pairing of eunuchs and laborers immediately aroused public outrage.
Especially those young scholars also criticized the procuratorate. You claimed that you were fair and impartial, but when you encountered eunuchs, you backed down.
They all wanted to tell the emperor's name directly.
You are the emperor's minions.
However, in the face of the turbulent public opinion, the Procuratorate also acted very strongly and directly published an article to publicize the process of the matter and explain the reasons. At present, there is not enough evidence to file a lawsuit against Cheng Yi. As for what Cheng Fang said
Because he had the power to mobilize people to build rivers, and there was no corruption or bribery.
Our procuratorate is all about evidence. It is not like some government agencies that can prosecute cases based on rumors.
But it's useless. People all think that you have wasted people and money to such an extent and yet you still haven't broken the law. Do you know the law?
Court of Punishment.
"I told you in advance that their purpose is to deal with the Public Procuratorate and the Procuratorate. It is very correct for the Procuratorate to retreat. Why are you still holding on to the Procuratorate?"
Sima Guang asked Liu Shu and others angrily.
The public opinions outside are instigated by conservatives.
Liu Shudao: "It's not that we are holding on to the Public Security Bureau, but we need the Public Security Bureau to return Cheng Yi and give justice to the people of Hebei. If this matter is handed over to the Yushitai for trial, then we will most likely not win, because the official
Everyone will definitely support Cheng Fang.
And the reason why we support judicial reform is to solve these problems, isn’t it? How can we make the public prosecutors and the law shy away? Then what is the purpose of supporting judicial reform?”
His words immediately stunned Sima Guang.
That seems to be the case!
Sima Guang did not allow the procuratorate to intervene, but actually he wanted to protect the procuratorate, because it would violate the imperial power.
But from the perspective of conservatives, the public prosecutor and the law are used to protect us, not to create a treasure for us to protect.
Find out the target!
Now the conservatives feel that the situation is not good for them, because the reformists have many people supporting them, especially many powerful people, and they all conclude that the emperor wants to protect Cheng Fang and also wants to support Wang Anshi.
Because it is impossible for them to admit their mistake.
So in a confrontation at Yushitai, their chances of winning are obviously not as high as their opponent's, and they need the public prosecutor.
It’s not that they think the public prosecutors and law will favor them.
unnecessary!
As long as the police, procuratorate, and law deal with it fairly, it will be beneficial to them. They all think that they have a clear conscience and that the other party has something evil in mind.
...
In the process of this party struggle, the nature of the whole matter is changing, and the two factions have gone from being hostile to pointing the finger at the public prosecutor and the law.
They all thought that the procuratorate was covering up the other party.
But the Procuratorate is also very strong. We act based on principles and will not be affected by public opinion. You can say whatever you like.
On the contrary, this matter is becoming simpler, because everyone is impeaching the prosecutor's office.
None are controversial.
At this time, the emperor had to stand up.
So Zhao Xu held a key meeting, attended only by the prime minister and Xu Zun.
Xu Zun still explained the same thing, "Reporting to your Majesty, Cheng Yi serves as the deputy envoy of Tanzhou regiment training, and he has the power to appease the soldiers.
Cheng Fang had the emperor's mandate, and there is currently no evidence to prove that there was corruption or bribery. It was just that the government was insufficiently prepared and failed to provide reasonable food and clothing.
This made the soldiers unable to bear it and fled to the city, but after some rest, they returned to the river and continued to build the river.
After a review, the prosecutor's office determined that this was not enough to initiate prosecution."
Zhao Pin also stood up and said: "Your Majesty, our imperial court also knows about this matter. The accusation against Cheng Yi is purely false. Even if the procuratorate files a lawsuit, our imperial court will not accept it."
Wang Anshi said: "Ms. Zhao, are you implying that the accusation against Cheng Fang is conclusive?"
Zhao Pindao: "That secret complaint was only against Cheng Yi, not against Cheng Fang."
Sima Guang stood up and said: "Why are the government not prepared enough? Isn't it because Cheng Fang has worked hard in Hebei, wasting people and money, so that the government in Hebei is exhausted and it is difficult to build more rivers. I said at the beginning that we should not rush to dredge the east stream. For a while.”
Wang Anshi said: "You are not in a hurry? How can you say it? Hebei is flooded every year, and how many innocent people suffer. Is it possible that the imperial court is just watching the people live in dire straits?"
Sima Guang said: "Of course I don't want to see it, but if you do this, it will make things worse! Sacrificing people's livelihood to build river channels is simply putting the cart before the horse."
Wang Anshi said: "If we don't build rivers, if we encounter floods, you will use the excuse to say that it is the unkindness of the officials. Gods are also you, and ghosts are also you. It is really unreasonable."
"you...!"
Sima Guang couldn't help but glance at Zhao Xu secretly.
Zhao Xu's face was indeed a little embarrassed. This is the truth. Everyone knows that building dams can actually prevent floods, but why is it that I am so unkind when floods occur?
Whether you cultivate or not, it's all up to me.
That’s not true!
Sima Guang did not dare to continue the dispute, because natural disasters were an important reason for them to restrain the emperor. Logically speaking, as a minister, you must not question this reason, as this would weaken the power of the minister.
But Wang Anshi doesn't believe in this at all. He advocates Legalism, and "there is no need to fear changes in nature" is his famous saying!
Zhao Xu suddenly said: "Since the public prosecutor and the law believe that the current evidence is not enough to start a trial, we should not force it. Let the case be handed over to Yushitai for trial."
Sima Guang was suddenly shocked and his back was already soaked.
In this context, Zhao Xu appointed Yushitai to interrogate, which was obviously not good for them.
Wen Yanbo realized that the situation was somewhat dangerous, and immediately stood up and said: "Your Majesty, I believe that nowadays, both the government and the people, as well as the people, have doubts about the public prosecutor's law. If it is handed over to the Yushitai for trial, it will be extremely detrimental to the construction of the public prosecutor's law."
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Sima Guang nodded repeatedly and said: "That's exactly it."
Xu Zun said cautiously: "But if our procuratorate prosecutes without evidence, it will be questioned even more."
Wen Yanbo asked with a deep eyebrow: "Prosecutor Xu, so many people are questioning, whether they are officials or ordinary people, it can only mean that you are not doing well enough. If you are perfect, how can you be so good?"
Many people question you?"
This ginger is still spicy!
Xu Zun struggled for a while and said: "If everyone doubts that our procuratorate has selfish motives, then our procuratorate can hold a hearing to decide whether to prosecute this."
"Hearings?"
Everyone was stunned.
what is that?
Zhao Xu's heart was like a mirror, and he was not surprised at all. But when he suddenly realized it, he should be surprised. He said thoughtfully: "Hearing? This sounds familiar."
Xu Zun replied: "Reporting to your Majesty, this is a system created by Prosecutor Zhang when he was the president of the Grand Court in Hezhong Prefecture."
Zhao Xu nodded repeatedly and said: "I remembered it, I remembered it."
Fu Bi suddenly asked: "Aren't hearings used to explain legal precedents?"
Xu Zun explained: "At that time, prosecutor Zhang was the president of the Hezhong Prefecture, and those hearings were all held through the imperial court, so they were mainly to explain the relevant judgments.
But in fact, the procuratorate can also hold hearings on its own, which are generally used for more controversial cases. The procuratorate will listen to the suggestions of all parties at the hearing, and all parties will list relevant evidence, and use a fair and impartial method to
Let’s discuss how to resolve this dispute.”
Fu Bi asked: "What is the difference between a hearing and a court trial?"
Xu Zun replied: "According to what Prosecutor Zhang said, hearings are mostly used to listen to the opinions of interested parties before government agencies issue administrative orders. This is an administrative procedure.
A court hearing is a judicial process that takes place before the royal court makes a decision.
Take this case as an example. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss whether the procuratorate should prosecute this case, while the trial is about whether the relevant persons are guilty."
Fu Bi was surprised when he heard this. Is it really that detailed?
Every administrative decision made by the Procuratorate must be discussed at a meeting.
Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were also confused.
Can this still be done?
However, Wen Yanbo reacted quickly and immediately said: "I agree that the procuratorate will hold a hearing to decide whether to prosecute."
They have no choice now.
Sima Guang also reacted and expressed his support.
Wang Anshi is still not sure what this hearing means, but he has no reason to object. After all, everyone is questioning the Procuratorate now. It is reasonable for the Procuratorate to prove its innocence!
He chose silence.
Zhao Xu secretly smiled and thought to himself, I don’t know whether it was Zhang San who was too cunning or you guys who were too stupid, but Zhang San’s calculation was accurate. He said: "Procurator Xu has thought more carefully, so let’s make this decision for the time being.
, after the hearing is over, if the procuratorate still decides not to prosecute, it will be handed over to the Yushitai for trial."
"I obey."
After Zhao Xu left, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang hurriedly walked out at the same time, but after taking a step, they stopped again and looked at each other. Wang Anshi smiled contemptuously and left first.
After he left, Sima Guang turned around and immediately grabbed Xu Zun, "Zhong Tu, what's going on with this hearing?"
Fu Bi and Wen Yanbo also stood aside and listened.
Xu Zun sighed: "This is my son-in-law's idea to protect the public prosecutor's office. You must have heard of the rumors outside. They are all here for the Procuratorate. In order to protect the system of the Procuratorate from being destroyed, my son-in-law We believe that we can hold hearings and cross-examine in public in order to defend the system of public prosecutors and law.”
Wen Yanbo asked: "What will be the result?"
Xu Zundao: "It depends on what kind of evidence the relevant parties will provide, and then the procuratorate will decide whether to prosecute based on the specific circumstances.
In other words, it is up to you to decide whether to prosecute."
Wen Yanbo asked again: "Is it possible not to prosecute?"
Xu Zun nodded.
Fu Bi suddenly said: "If during the hearing, the procuratorate still stated that it would not prosecute and could still convince the public, then what reason would the Yushitai have to hold a trial?"
Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang's eyes lit up at the same time.
If the procuratorate can convince the public at the hearing, it will only prove that there is really no evidence to prosecute, and if the Yushitai takes up the case again, it will only mean that the Yushitai wants to frame the case.
Yushitai is stupid, he only stomps on shit.
Xu Zun shook his head and said, "I don't know much about this."
But Fu Bi knew in his heart that in this case, it would mean that the procuratorate was still in control of the overall situation.
I said we can't prosecute, so this case can't be tried.
I also sincerely admire Zhang Fei, he really knows how to find a way.
...
Wang Anshi, who took the first step over there, naturally ran to find Zhang Fei, and this hearing also caught him off guard.
"You kid still said you didn't take retreat as a way to advance?"
Seeing Zhang Fei, Wang Anshi asked.
Zhang Fei was confused, "What?"
Wang Anshi chuckled and said, "Hearing."
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, then sighed: "I am still forced to this step."
Wang Anshi said in surprise: "Have you been forced to this point?"
Zhang Fei said: "Wang Xueshi Mingjian, I have tried my best to stay out of the matter, but no one could have imagined that you would point the finger at our public prosecutors. I only set up this hearing to protect myself. Otherwise, I might be implicated." .”
Wang Anshi thought about it and felt that there was nothing wrong with it. Now both the reformists and conservatives were chasing the procuratorate. This was surprising. He asked again: "Will the hearing be detrimental to Cheng Fang?"
Zhang Fei said: "I don't know. It depends on your evidence, because at the hearing, I will not target anyone because I have no prosecution target. I will just ask the parties for their suggestions and what evidence they can present, and then Then based on all the suggestions and evidence, we will decide whether to prosecute, who to prosecute, or not to prosecute."