Chapter 166: Shadow Player

That morning, the Jingzhao Prefecture Office in Guangde Lane opened its main gate. A few junior clerks brought out a desk and placed it in front of the gate, and beside the desk they set up a wooden sign.

The sign read:

"Those who wish to re‑examine old cases must line up in order to take a number; each person may take a number only once per day, and anyone who fails to respond to their number will be ignored."

On both sides of the Jingzhao Prefecture Office entrance, wooden notice boards were also posted.

The left board read, "Only those whose number is called may enter; unauthorized intruders will be dealt with for disrupting the hall, first fined then punished." The right board read, "Damaging public property incurs ten‑fold compensation; assaulting officials and handing them over to the Dali Court incurs a fine first, then punishment."

Beside each sign stood five soldiers of the Left Jinwu Guard maintaining order; the towering Zhang Guangsheng stood beside Jingzhao Prefect Zheng Shuqing to back him up, and a junior official in a green robe sat at the desk.

The junior official, pushed to the front desk as the "head of the pot," pretended to sit calmly, watching the dozens of aggrieved petitioners mobilized by certain "dog agents," his face appearing indifferent.

In truth, his heart was pounding with panic.

"Follow the rules: whoever causes trouble gets arrested, and we have the Jinwu Guard backing us."

Zheng Shuqing leaned over and coaxed the green‑robed junior official.

"Prefect Zheng, can this work?"

The green‑robed official pointed to the small wooden number tags in a basket beside him and said that they bore the characters "Jia," "Yi," "Bing," "Ding," etc., named after the Heavenly Stems, and there were only ten of them.

"Of course it can."

Zheng Shuqing said confidently, his blind confidence extending even to the dubious schemes of Fang Chongyong.

"But there are only ten tags in here."

The green‑robed official lowered his voice and said,

"Right, what's the problem?"

Zheng Shuqing retorted,

"What if they're all taken?"

"If they're all taken, we'll continue the line tomorrow; with many people we'll queue day by day. What's the issue?"

"Many offices handle only three files a day; we process ten old cases daily—doesn't that count as diligent governance?"

"We are human, not gods. Haven't you heard that human strength can be exhausted?"

Zheng Shuqing looked at the green‑robed official with displeasure and asked,

"Understood, I'll handle it right away."

The junior official nodded blankly, finally grasping why Zheng Shuqing could serve as Jingzhao Prefect for over four years while others could only hold the post for six months to a year.

Put aside everything else; his sheer nerve alone is beyond what ordinary people can match.

Seeing the junior official still seemed uneasy, Zheng Shuqing casually explained:

"The Jingzhao Prefecture is also a local government, the clear sky for the people of Chang'an.

Since we must adjudicate cases, especially the difficult old ones, we must handle them properly, meticulously, and seriously, sparing no detail.

The Jingzhao Prefecture Office has limited staff and resources; handling ten cases a day is already a great effort. How can we, in a hurry, disregard the people's appeals and treat them perfunctorily?

We must do the work properly, handling each case well; better to have fewer cases than to overextend and choke on them.

My office is right behind this very door, just like you, with a desk set up for me to sit at.

The gate of the office stays open all day, visible to anyone. I am upright and unafraid of any demons or monsters!

As he spoke, Zheng Shuqing slipped further into a theatrical mode.

"Begin taking the number tags!"

The green‑robed junior official at the desk shouted at the petitioners who had been blocked from the door for days.

Zhang Guangsheng and the ten Jinwu guards instantly lit up, like hungry wolves eyeing prey, sweeping over the people—not at all the manner of perfunctory routine.

The first was a middle‑aged man with a sharp nose and monkey‑like face; he looked around, stepped forward, picked up the 'Jia'-shaped tag, and asked with some doubt, "If I just take this tag and go in, is that enough?"

"Yes."

The green‑robed official nodded mechanically, expressionless.

The middle‑aged man, holding the Jia‑shaped tag, entered the gate of the Jingzhao Prefecture. As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Zheng Shuqing already seated at a desk waiting for him. Behind Zheng, a wooden banner hung about a zhang high, bearing the eight characters 'Uphold Justice, Mirror Brightly Hung.'

It exuded great authority at a glance!

"Who stands before me, and what matter do you bring?"

Zheng Shuqing widened his eyes at the shabby‑faced middle‑aged man and shouted,

"Last year, my neighbor Wang Er cut the tongue off my family's draft ox with a knife. I filed a complaint up to Chang'an County, but the county magistrate ignored it, then I complained to the Jingzhao Prefecture Office, which gave no response.

Now, a commoner, I wish to ask, how is the case proceeding?"

The complainant, recalling the dog agent's solemn guarantee, suddenly gained courage and spoke more fluently.

Zheng Shuqing searched with his index finger on a large sheet of paper laid on the desk for the relevant regulation, then, with a look of sudden insight, said,

"Our office does not accept appeals that skip levels; first file your complaint at the Chang'an County Office. If they cannot adjudicate, have Chang'an County send the file—including testimonies and evidence—to us, and we will then review the case."

"But didn't the Jingzhao Prefecture accept it last year?"

The man in the hall retorted impatiently.

In truth, he didn't care whether justice would be served for the ox; he just wanted to collect money from the dog agent every day!

"It was accepted at the time, but the case was closed then. Wang Er fled in fear of punishment; he is no longer within Jingzhao's jurisdiction, and we lack the power to arrest him. We have already informed you of this.

If you wish to indict Wang Er again, we can only return the file to Chang'an County, have the county magistrate gather the missing evidence, and then we will review the case."

Zheng Shuqing wore a strictly procedural demeanor; the process showed no flaw.

The middle‑aged man grew frantic, blurting, "But the ox is already dead! Wang Er, who killed the ox, has gone to Youzhou to join the army!"

He was summoned by the dog agent to cause trouble at the Jingzhao Prefecture, not because he was a fool who didn't understand right from wrong.

The difficulty in adjudicating old cases lies not in the cases themselves but in the scarcity of witnesses, evidence, and the perpetrator's traceability. In this case, it's simple: a man named Wang Er secretly cut the draft ox's tongue and sold it to a tavern for cash.

Once discovered, he fled in fear of punishment and went to Youzhou to become a Long March soldier!

Since ancient times, convicted criminals have been conscripted; thus, any offender who escapes to the frontier army is generally not pursued further by the authorities.

First, it undermines the army's morale; second, it reduces manpower. Helping with such a matter brings no benefit, and refusing to help Jingzhao Prefecture makes it impossible to gain any favor from the military governor.

Therefore, the local military governors are unwilling to cooperate with Jingzhao Prefecture in handling cases.

If Jingzhao Prefecture wants to arrest someone, it still has to go through countless procedures; even if everything goes smoothly, bringing the person back could take a year or two. Under normal circumstances, the prefect would have changed by then, so such a case would be utterly futile!

This is a classic case of theoretical authority—without smooth execution channels, it can only remain a pretty paper artifact.

"Indeed, I understand your difficulty, but the court has its own laws. Chang'an County adjudicates first, then our office, and that is the law."

Zheng Shuqing stood up, pointed to the sign above his head reading "Uphold Justice, Mirror Brightly Hung," and said, "I am now upholding the law. Bring him out, and let the next person in."

Two junior officials in gray robes drove the man in the courtyard out through the main gate of the Jingzhao Prefecture office.

Zheng Shuqing couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief.

This move is truly deviously underhanded, a rotten tactic countered with another rotten tactic; I have no idea how Fang Chongyong came up with it!

He recalled the words Fang Chongyong had bluntly instructed him with yesterday.

"Conduct business in the courtyard where everyone can see; that way, the supervising Censor in charge of inspections can't find fault by claiming laziness."

"Posting a sign at the entrance establishes the rule; anyone who disobeys will be dealt with by the Jinwu Guard."

"Handle only ten cases a day, thereby draining the victims' energy, letting them disperse on their own, or wait in line until they grow old."

"The fine money is split: half goes to the Jinwu Guard soldiers enforcing the law, half to the Jingzhao Prefecture office; this will keep them eager to do their jobs."

Those in the office who deliberately lag behind are dismissed if possible; if dismissal isn't feasible, a letter is sent to the Right Prime Minister for him to handle. Rewards and punishments are needed to keep the morale of your subordinates high.

"Investigating a case isn't truly investigating; it's about dragging out time as much as possible—push aside what can be pushed, delay what can be delayed. As long as everyone sees you're handling business, that's enough."

Someone will write you a case‑handling plan; follow it step by step, matching each point. Use whatever tactic fits the situation.

Recalling these "cunningly calculated" instructions, Zheng Shuqing rubbed his wrist, unable to hide a cold smile.

From today's situation, Fang Chongyong's crooked tricks are indeed extremely effective! Previously, the Jinwu Guard men would stand idle for ages; now they lurk like ferocious tigers, staring intently at the people outside the gate.

Soon another person entered, this time an adultery case. The wife ran off after committing adultery with a monk; by the time the victim discovered it, the monk had already roamed the world, and the wife's fate—alive or dead—is unknown; in short, she cannot be found.

The demands are simple: first, capture the adulterous monk; second, locate his wife—if she's alive, see her; if dead, see the corpse.

Such a headless case is especially troublesome. The victim doesn't even know the monk's name, only his dharma name "Fayun"; the temple where he once ordained has been demolished.

"This case was already adjudicated years ago; both were exiled to Lingnan. Since they can't be captured, our office can do nothing. If you still wish to sue, go to Wannian County and see the County Magistrate, have them rewrite the file, and let Wannian County pass judgment."

If Wannian County cannot handle it, have them send the file to the Jingzhao Prefecture office, and I will adjudicate.

Alright, that's how it will be handled. Bring him out of the Jingzhao Prefecture office!

After the first time, the second time he got the hang of it; Zheng Shuqing dispatched the second old case with a few swift strokes.

Thus, case after case—either sent back for retrial or issued a maritime arrest warrant—within less than an hour, Zheng Shuqing had cleared all ten cases.

Being an official, truly handling substantive matters is difficult. Take these old cases, for instance; there's virtually no way to pursue them. Jingzhao Prefecture lacks the resources, and even if they were pursued, the administrative cost would be too high and unsustainable.

Moreover, the victims cannot provide the cost of administrative enforcement.

So, that's all we can do.

However, if the goal is merely to carry out "procedural justice", letting bureaucrats sit peacefully in their seats, that is far too easy.

At that moment, a goon outside shouted, "Let's go in; we don't need any tickets. This is the pretext that that corrupt official Zheng Shuqing was looking for!"

A black, pressing crowd surged toward the main gate of the Jingzhao Prefecture office.

What they didn't expect was that the Jinwu Guard soldiers on duty, like tigers spotting grazing lambs, wore snarling grins on their faces!

Armed with batons, they surged into the crowd as if no one were there, toppling the would‑be 'victims' who intended to storm the Jingzhao Prefecture office, then seized the goon who had incited them and a few bold front‑runners, dragging them before Zhang Guangsheng.

"First, a fine of one hundred cash, then ten strikes, and you may leave."

If you don't want to be beaten, pay an extra fee.

Every extra hundred reduces one strike; choose for yourselves!

Zhang Guangsheng chuckled coldly, clenching his fist.

These people glanced at the Jinwu Guard soldiers beside them, who looked like wolves and tigers with hostile expressions; after a painful struggle and inner conflict, each of them felt a sharp ache but still dutifully paid the money.

Those without money left their addresses, promising to bring the fine tomorrow.

The crowd before the Jingzhao Prefecture office instantly scattered like birds and beasts!

The clash dissolved into nothingness.

"Zhang Sige, this money is really easy to earn."

A Jinwu Guard soldier, while stuffing the fines into a pre‑prepared box, said excitedly.

"Hehe, indeed, but tomorrow the shift changes, so it won't be your turn. After all, we also need to look after the other brothers in the Jinwu Guard."

Remember not to break the rule: half goes to the Jingzhao Prefecture office, the other half is yours.

"We certainly won't forget; half is still a lot."

Another Jinwu Guard soldier laughed. "Today's truly exhilarating; it's hard to put into words, but as long as we're thrilled, that's all that matters!"

Originally they somewhat looked down on the newly appointed Left Jinwu Guard Colonel, but now it seems he is the real big shot—having mastered all the bureaucratic connections!

These poor fellows, what kind of days did they live before? How could they not have thought of this 'revenue‑generating' method?

Their monthly stipends are so meager they're barely enough for a drink, and they often have to rely on family support.

"Someone go in to confer with Prefect Zheng; you all return to the office first."

Zhang Guangsheng gave the order, grabbed a money box, and headed toward the Jingzhao Prefecture office.

Fang Chongyong once said that when cooperating with others, splitting the proceeds fifty‑fifty is the rule.

With that rule, collecting fines near the Jingzhao Prefecture office is a legitimate act protected and supported by Jingzhao Prefecture. It is public business commissioned by Prefect Zheng Shuqing, not a private bribe.

Fang Chongyong's view is that no matter the task, even with acquaintances, one must not break the rule or act perfunctorily.

Zhang Guangsheng is well‑acquainted with these habits; they played the same way back in Hexi.

Because Fang Chongyong is the most rule‑abiding, speaking and acting with precision, his words become the rule there, and everyone believes them.

……

The sky had already darkened; after spending an entire day patrolling the areas outside Chang'an's imperial city with a detachment, Fang Chongyong hung a white-painted wooden board on the wall in his own tally‑room.

On it were written several neat, eye‑catching large characters in charcoal:

"Why say the Jinwu Guard is trash?"

Fang Chongyong crossed his arms, gazing at those characters thoughtfully.

Through today's observation he finally realized that the current Jinwu Guard is utterly useless in every way, its organization and task allocation embarrassingly awkward—so‑called "trash forbidden army."

If you call them soldiers, their equipment is merely for show, their troops are of poor quality, they have hardly undergone any decent military training, and they haven't carried out any decent military missions for a long time.

Compared to the battle‑hardened soldiers of Hexi who lick blood from their blades and each have at least several lives on their hands, the Jinwu Guard's troops are nothing but tender chicks.

If you think they're like a paramilitary special‑police unit, their gear is just for show and totally inconvenient for catching thieves—let alone solving crimes. The moment thieves see the gleaming armor of the Jinwu Guard approaching, they've already vanished.

If one must speak of them, they are merely a troupe of walking pretty dolls, looking human but beast‑like, probably able to intimidate only newcomers who have just arrived in Chang'an.

"Such trash has reached the point where it cannot be left unchanged."

Fang Chongyong muttered to himself, sighing.

He felt he had always been a slacker, never even contemplating becoming a general and minister, let alone rebelling and making himself emperor.

But compared with the five hundred Jinwu Guard he had just taken over, he already counts as the "involution king" among the strivers.

Just as he was lost in thought, Zhang Guangsheng cautiously entered the tally‑room, cupped his hands and said to Fang Chongyong, "General Fang, the matter is settled, very smoothly. We expect to stand guard for another three days, after which we won't need to go there—someone in the Jingzhao Prefecture office will naturally eye the fines and take it over voluntarily."

"Really? That's surprisingly fragile."

Fang Chongyong asked doubtfully.

The people of Chang'an are far too honest—surely the Sogdian merchants of Shazhou are more cunning and harder to deal with?

Fang Chongyong felt a twinge of emotion, wondering whether he had overestimated his opponent.

"That's right, but the Left Minister's side probably isn't that shallow either. Making a fuss over old cases on paper actually isn't of much use."

Zhang Guangsheng also felt the matter wouldn't be that simple.

"Hmm, let's see how it goes first."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod. He had already offered an idea to Zheng Shuqing; this time he kicked the ball back to Zhang Shougui's court.

If the other side makes no move, Zheng Shuqing can safely weather the danger; once Ji Ge returns to Chang'an, the petty tricks will disappear, and nobody will dare play those foolish games under Ji Ge's nose.

But is Zhang Shougui really that stupid?

Fang Chongyong drew a question mark in his mind.

(End of chapter)