The Conflict Between Jesus and the Pharisees

The earliest reference we have to Pharisees is they are seekers of smooth things. The Essenes thought they were liberals, okay? Now- Wait, what does that mean, seeker of smooth things? In other words, they were looking for smooth interpretations of the Torah that they could follow. They made the law easier for people to follow. And yet Jesus does seem to have a bone to pick with them specifically.