Chapter 323: Maximum Balancing Act

From the outcome of this case, Wang Anshi had undoubtedly achieved a complete victory.

Through this case, his New Policies had welcomed a very strong opening.

At the same time, he had also gained the Court of Penal Review and the Imperial Treasury.

However, Sima Guang came with a built-in function – causing trouble for Wang Anshi.

Arranging for Su Shi to go to Yangzhou was indeed a move that made it difficult for Wang Anshi to fully enjoy his victory.

Because Yangzhou was a major stronghold of the six circuits of Jianghuai, and the Balanced Delivery Policy was mainly targeted at the six circuits of Jianghuai. Sending Su Shi there – wasn’t this clearly giving him an opportunity for revenge?

Wang Anshi wasn’t afraid of Su Shi himself, but with the mountains high and the emperor far away, Wang Anshi couldn’t very well run there personally and drive Su Shi off into exile.

Therefore, after leaving the Hall of Delegated Rule, Wang Anshi went to find Lu Huiqing to discuss the matter.

Upon hearing this, Lu Huiqing immediately understood Sima Guang’s intention. “Teacher, Academician Sima’s move is clearly intended to compete with us at the local level. Currently we are already short-handed, and the Balanced Delivery Policy involves the entire nation. During implementation, there will inevitably be oversights, which I fear will give them opportunities to exploit. We must take precautions.”

Wang Anshi nodded. “I’ve thought of this too, but there’s nothing we can do about it. We can only have Xue Xiang keep a closer watch and not easily give them opportunities.”

Previously, when fighting for reform, he had been on the offensive side, but now that he had begun implementing reforms, he was on the defensive side.

However, he had not yet completed the reorganization of the civil service, and now the opposition wanted to shift to the local level – this was clearly targeting their weak spots.

Lu Huiqing worried, “But Xue Xiang cannot oversee everything either.”

Wang Anshi couldn’t help but ask, “What are your thoughts?”

Lu Huiqing said, “Why not send Zhang San to Yangzhou? In legal matters, I believe Su Shi is no match for Zhang San.”

Wang Anshi waved his hand. “This only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. If Zhang San goes to Yangzhou, what about Dengzhou? If we do this, we’ll only be led around by the nose, neglecting one thing for another.”

Lu Huiqing quickly explained, “Teacher has misunderstood my meaning. Sending Zhang San to Yangzhou is not only to deal with Su Shi, but more importantly to deal with Academician Sima.”

Wang Anshi made a sound of interest. “How so?”

Lu Huiqing explained, “This Zhang San is very familiar with the new public justice system, and has considerable achievements in legal matters – he’s a rare talent. I even believe Zhang San is more suitable for judicial reform than Academician Sima, except that he’s not an official and lacks seniority and accomplishments. Sending Zhang San to Yangzhou would, first, allow him to watch over Su Shi, and second, make up for his deficiencies and prepare for future plans.”

After this incident, he had gradually let down his guard against Zhang San, because in this matter, Zhang Fei had clearly chosen sides.

Wang Anshi frowned. “You mean, have Zhang San compete for the lead role in judicial reform?”

Lu Huiqing nodded. “Having someone who supports the New Policies lead judicial reform would be very advantageous for us.”

This idea was quite bold indeed.

Wang Anshi was also somewhat tempted. The key was that Zhang Fei could not only help him at the legal level, but could also help him promote the new laws. Such talent naturally could not be let go. He sighed again, “But I’ve invited Zhang San repeatedly, yet he still refuses to enter court as an official, let alone go to Yangzhou to serve as an official.”

Lu Huiqing said, “Let me go talk to him again.”

Wang Anshi pondered briefly. “You must remember one thing – Zhang San’s character is very similar to his father-in-law’s. He’s a person with strong convictions. Fame and fortune may not move him – you must appeal to his emotions and reason with him.”

Lu Huiqing nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

Although Wang Anshi had been able to achieve victory this time, and Zhang Fei’s contribution was indispensable, Zhang Fei had not directly participated – he had only provided assistance from the sidelines, and the ministers’ attention had not focused on him.

During this period, Zhang Fei had been busy training those football players.

But this had also drawn considerable dissatisfaction from many people.

West City Training Ground.

“Oh my! Zhang San, what are you doing?”

Chen Maoqian had heard that Zhang Fei was planning to take money from the charity and invest it in football. Feeling dizzy at the thought, he rushed over with Ma Tianhao, Fan Yong, and others to take a look. What they discovered was that this new football was even worse than old football- it was a game for brutes. How could noble young masters possibly like it? They were the main customers, after all. He said, “Rather than investing this money here, it would be better to lend it to Mogul Ma”

Zhang Fei laughed. “We’re a charitable organization. Does it sound appropriate for us to lend money for profit? But honestly, I am planning to borrow some money from Mogul Ma.”

Ma Tianhao’s eyes lit up. “That’s something we can discuss.”

Chen Maoqian was displeased. You’re taking our money to support Ma Tianhao’s business – the benefits should be shared equally. “What’s there to discuss? Borrowing money to invest in this football could result in losing everything. It would be better to use this money to buy property – at the very least, we wouldn’t lose money.”

Zhang Fei nodded. “I’ve thought about that too. If there are suitable opportunities, I naturally wouldn’t pass them up.”

Fan Yong felt they were getting off track and quickly said, “Let’s not talk about that for now. The key issue is that football doesn’t make much money – that’s common knowledge.”

The charity was growing larger and larger, and it seemed like it could continue operating, so they were becoming increasingly concerned about this business.

Zhang Fei was too lazy to explain to them. “I’ll organize a charity match to create some publicity. You all don’t have any objections to that, do you?”

Chen Maoqian said, “We have no objections to that.”

“Then that’s settled.”

Zhang Fei continued, “If everyone doesn’t like watching it, then just pretend I never mentioned it.”

Fan Yong sighed. “We’re just worried you’re wasting your time. With this spare time, you might as well write a few more articles.”

Zhang Fei quickly said, “Forget it! To tell you the truth, I still have an article here that I haven’t published.”

Fan Yong asked in surprise, “Why haven’t you published it?”

Zhang Fei sighed. “I write so poorly, yet so many people love reading my work. Those who write well – wouldn’t they be jealous of me? I don’t make money from this, so why invite more trouble?”

At this point, he said thoughtfully, “Do you think football might be the same way?”

Chen Maoqian immediately replied, “Absolutely impossible. I love reading your articles, but this football of yours looks completely tasteless – just a bunch of people running around, and no one knows what they’re doing.”

Fan Yong said, “Your articles may lack literary skill, but they’re valuable for being interesting. But this football!”

He didn’t even want to mention it.

“Alright, alright!”

Zhang Fei said, “I won’t discuss this with you anymore. Go back and don’t disturb me playing football.”

“Aren’t you the referee?”

“Uh… don’t disturb me yelling at people.”

“…?”

But just as he had sent them away and was preparing to go onto the field to warm up, Lu Huiqing arrived.

This couldn’t help but make Zhang Fei feel emotional. Wanting to play football – why was it so difficult? Could it be that football truly was not destined to be with China?

Upon seeing Zhang Fei, Lu Huiqing first informed him of the results of today’s meeting, then said, “This time we really owe you our gratitude for your help.”

Zhang Fei quickly replied modestly, “What I did was truly insignificant. The key was that they had selfish motives and violated the rules first. Otherwise, this matter would have been truly difficult to handle.”

Lu Huiqing smiled. “Everyone makes mistakes, but the key is whether you can catch your opponent’s errors. You truly made an indispensable contribution to this victory.”

Zhang Fei gave an embarrassed smile. “Thank you for your praise, Drafter Lu. I truly feel unworthy of it.”

Lu Huiqing suddenly sighed. “What a pity!”

Zhang Fei asked, “What’s the pity?”

Lu Huiqing said, “It’s a pity that the other side still seems unwilling to give up. They’ve transferred Su Shi to Yangzhou to serve as prosecutor.”

Zhang Fei seemed not to understand for a moment and looked at Lu Huiqing with confusion.

Lu Huiqing immediately explained, “Our Balanced Delivery Policy mainly targets the six circuits of Jianghuai, and Yangzhou is particularly important among them.”

Zhang Fei feigned sudden understanding. “You mean they plan to obstruct the new laws at the local level?”

Lu Huiqing nodded. “It must be so. The key issue is that our influence in local areas is far inferior to theirs. If they again knowingly break the law, engage in favoritism and fraud, and form cliques for personal gain as they did this time, my mentor will be powerless to reach them!”

Zhang Fei glanced at Lu Huiqing with a sideways, wary look.

Lu Huiqing coughed once. “I might as well speak directly with you. I hope you can go to Yangzhou to serve as Judicial Administrator, thereby supervising Su Shi and the others.”

This Judicial Administrator position was essentially a judge, a department that could effectively restrict the procuratorate.

Zhang Fei smiled helplessly. “Regarding this matter, Academician Wang has already discussed it with me!”

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Huiqing said, “But times have changed. In their eyes, it was Lord Xu who had them demoted from the capital, yet Academician Sima still insists on letting them serve as prosecutors. This means Academician Sima still wants to regain control of the procuratorate. If they succeed, they will certainly seek revenge against your father-in-law.”

After hearing this, Zhang Fei couldn’t help but show a hesitant expression.

Lu Huiqing continued, “Zhang San, I know you don’t want to get involved, but if you want to marry Miss Xu, you cannot avoid it. If you don’t take this opportunity to climb up now, when crisis truly arrives, I’m afraid you’ll regret it deeply!”

Since he had always been wary of Zhang Fei, he had been constantly observing him and discovered that Zhang Fei had one major weakness: his indulgence toward Xu Zhiqian.

In this case, he was actually secretly scheming against Zhang Fei. He first used this case to see which side Zhang Fei truly stood on, then conveniently brought Xu Zun into the fold. If Zhang Fei leaned toward their side, he would use Xu Zun to pull Zhang Fei over to his camp.

Little did he know that all of this was deliberately orchestrated by Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei frowned and pondered for a long while. “But I still have many unfinished matters to handle, especially my charity. People trust me so much – I cannot disappoint them.”

Seeing his tone soften somewhat, Lu Huiqing quickly said, “Although this matter is important, it’s not urgent right now. As long as you agree, we can prepare in advance.”

Zhang Fei said, “But Academician Sima will certainly recommend someone as well, and he’s still leading this judicial reform.”

Lu Huiqing immediately replied, “Don’t worry, we’re confident about securing this position.”

Zhang Fei said, “But there’s also a chance of failure, and this would make them see me as an enemy. I lack experience and have no foundation. Going to Yangzhou alone would likely be more dangerous than beneficial!”

Lu Huiqing frowned. “What are you thinking?”

Zhang Fei pondered briefly. “Have Academician Sima recommend me.”

As he spoke, his heartbeat gradually quickened. He believed he could deceive Wang Anshi, but whether he could fool Lu Huiqing, he wasn’t entirely confident.

But this step was one he had to take.

Lu Huiqing said in surprise, “Have Academician Sima recommend you?”

This move by Zhang Fei left him utterly shocked.

But if Sima Guang had been there, he probably would have told Lu Huiqing: “Yes, he said the same thing to me.”

Zhang Fei nodded. “I won’t hide it from you, Drafter Lu. Actually, Academician Sima has tried to recruit me before, but I politely declined. However, if Academician Sima were to recommend me, there would certainly be fewer obstacles. But this might require your assistance.”

Lu Huiqing frowned slightly. “How do you want me to help you?”

Zhang Fei said, “It’s simple – just let people know that Academician Wang is actively trying to recruit me into the Reform Planning Commission.”

Lu Huiqing said, “You hope to use us to prompt them to recruit you?”

Zhang Fei nodded.

Lu Huiqing asked again, “But how can you ensure they’ll send you to Yangzhou?”

Zhang Fei smiled. “I have no foundation in the bureaucracy. Without some connections, it would be difficult for me to establish myself, so I would request to go to Yangzhou.”

Lu Huiqing pondered briefly, then nodded. “Very well! We’ll do as you suggest.”