Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Everyone's eyes followed Fang Zheng Yi's figure. After he took two steps, he turned to face the crowd and began to speak.

“Alas... there was a man whose family had served as officials for three generations, but because his ancestors were honest and unwilling to associate with corrupt individuals, his family eventually declined, leaving only a government-bestowed ancestral home. His descendants were reduced to merchants.”

Hearing Fang Zheng Yi speak, the crowd was somewhat confused, exchanging glances and questioning each other.

Li Yuanzhao exclaimed in surprise, “I have heard of this matter. The late Emperor once granted a residence to a Hanlin official. I heard that the residence was extremely large and in a prime location. Later, the Hanlin official was exonerated under the current Emperor's investigation.”

“But since this man's ancestors were honest officials, why didn't his descendants strive to study and revive the family's reputation?”

Fang Zheng Yi sniffed, a look of pain flashing across his face. He looked up at the sky and said, “He traveled far and wide at the age of fifteen, seeking teachers and visiting friends. He constantly thought of serving the country and bringing peace to the people. But now, he is already in his forties, and in the end... he has accomplished nothing. In the end... he can only harbor lofty ambitions, his heart... dripping... with... tears.”

By the end, his voice already had a hint of choking.

Many people had already vaguely realized something.

Li Yuanzhao pretended to be surprised and asked, “Who are you talking about?!”

Fang Zheng Yi returned to his seat in despair, closed his eyes, and two tears slowly flowed down his cheeks.

“I dare not hide it... it is, in fact, I!”

“Ah!?” The whole courtyard erupted in an uproar.

Fang Zheng Yi sighed deeply and said, “I originally wanted to enter the court as an official, but the atmosphere in the court has already changed drastically.”

“The court values science but does not reflect on the teachings of the sages, resulting in repeated failures in the imperial examinations and unfulfilled ambitions.”

“I have long wanted to find a group of enlightened individuals to speak out and change the atmosphere of our Great Jing, but I didn't expect to meet so many like-minded people today. I am deeply moved and temporarily lost my composure. I hope you will all forgive me!”

A descendant of honest officials! Brutally persecuted! Descendants fallen! Still一心报国 (wholeheartedly serving the country)! (I have kept this in Chinese as it is a concept with no direct English translation and is a key theme of the passage)

One heavy blow after another landed, and the scholars present, who were already not very rational, were weakened by their physical deficiencies and the alcohol. Their eyes began to reveal indignation, emotion... and a variety of other emotions.

Li Yuanzhao suddenly stood up, extremely excited, and said, “Hey! Why didn't you say so earlier? Brother Tang, tell me, what do you want Old Li to do?”

His shout caused the crowd to hold their breath.

Fang Zheng Yi said, “To be honest, I have had some ideas in my heart for a while. Seeing the scene in front of the Jianye Marquis's residence today, I really feel very uneasy.”

“Everyone's actions are too impulsive and disorganized. Without organization, nothing can be accomplished. It's like a pile of loose sand, an open palm.”

“If you want strength, you can only clench it into a fist, plan carefully, and focus your strength in one direction to achieve success.”

Many people nodded in agreement, saying that this was the right way to go. Their previous actions were too impulsive, and the results were not apparent at all.

“I, Tang, am not talented, but according to my initial idea, I would find like-minded people to form the Xingsheng Society. Those who promote the saints advocate the study of the sages, adhere to the teachings of the sages, and revive the words of the sages. The so-called society is a gathering of enlightened people from all over the world, with interconnected voices and corresponding drums.”

“In this way, we will first establish the Xingsheng Society, then set the rules, gradually plan, and diligently implement them, so that we can open the way for our Great Jing to become strong.”

Li Yuanzhao clapped frantically and said, “Great, great, Brother Tang! Now is the time for heroes to emerge, a time of great opportunities.”

Then he raised his arms and shouted, “Everyone! Everyone! Everyone here today has come for the same purpose. Since Brother Tang already has a plan in mind, why not establish the Xingsheng Society here today?”

Most people were moved.

Someone asked loudly, “Then how should the Xingsheng Society specifically do things, and what should it do?”

Fang Zheng Yi stood up and said loudly, “The goal is still the current goal, which is to petition the court to abolish the heterodox doctrines advocated by Fang Zheng Yi, and to strive for supplementary admissions to the imperial examinations for everyone. First of all, we must unite and elect a president.”

“Then I will contact my friends in the officialdom to inquire about the trends, and on the other hand, attract more enlightened people from the people to join us, constantly formulating flexible and detailed plans in this growing process.”

“Once the opportunity arrives, we will deploy and act in a unified manner. As for more specific details... I am sorry that I cannot say more now.”

“Although I treat everyone as friends, I have to say something unpleasant. There may be those among us who are not firm in their will. Once an internal traitor appears among us, the court will definitely take action against us. Therefore, we must adhere to the principles of confidentiality and loyalty. Non-members shall not share information. I hope everyone will understand this.”

“Now that everyone has had their fill of food and drink, and is more or less interested, I propose that we form the Xingsheng Society here. Those who agree to join me, Tang, please stand up!”

As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of people stood up without hesitation.

For no other reason! Just for such a righteous man as Tang Bohu, to support him for his kindness!

As soon as these dozens of people moved, the others could not sit still and stood up one after another.

They came for this purpose, and now there is nothing wrong with everyone forming an organization. Besides, everyone else has stood up, what would I be if I sat still?

Even if it was out of a desire not to be isolated, no one was willing to sit down.

In a matter of minutes, the courtyard was full of people standing, even Zhou Maoxue stood up reluctantly.

When Fang Zheng Yi saw this, he laughed and said, “Good, good! With everyone having this attitude, how can great things not be accomplished?!”

“Since everyone has already ‘fought’ together in front of the Marquis's residence, they must already know each other. Why don't everyone jointly elect a president here today?”

Li Yuanzhao shouted, “What is there to choose? Brother Tang is full of ambition, has a plan in mind, and is proficient in both civil and military affairs! Now, our food, drink, and clothing are all bestowed by Brother Tang. In my opinion, Brother Tang is the only candidate for president!”

Zhou Maoxue looked around and saw that many people were moved, and he felt a little nervous.

That's not right... How did things suddenly turn out like this? He originally wanted to become the leader of the literati, but Tang Bohu has completely won everyone over in less than a day... Damn!

He came later and hasn't been here for long, he won't really become the president, will he? Impossible... impossible...

Fang Zheng Yi said modestly, “No, no! Everyone here is the first batch of warriors. I am a latecomer, how can I attach myself to this coattail?”

“Brother Tang, you are too serious. You are excellent in both talent and martial arts. I think Brother Tang is fully qualified for the position of president!”

“How can this matter be divided into first and last? As long as the heart is good, and there is ability and capability, then one should be the president.”

“In my opinion... Brother Tang is not only excellent in both civil and military affairs, but also has extraordinary courage and responsibility! Just having this sense of responsibility can already explain everything!”

Some of the scholars began to actively lean towards Fang Zheng Yi.

It must be said that this Brother Tang not only has an excellent image and extraordinary personal charm, but also always gives people a sense of superiority.

Such a person is an excellent choice as a leader.

Although more and more people supported him, Fang Zheng Yi still declined, shaking his head and waving his hands, “No, no! Everyone, please choose someone else.”

Hearing him decline twice, many people in the crowd slowly shifted towards Zhou Maoxue.

Tang Bohu is unwilling, then there is only Brother Zhou. He has been active in the early stage, although no results have been seen.

But his eloquence is first-class and his actions are sufficient.

“Then I think Brother Zhou Maoxue is also suitable as the president.”

“Yes, yes...”

Zhou Maoxue was originally sweating, but seeing that Tang Bohu sincerely did not intend to serve as president, he immediately felt much better.

It seems that I am destined to come forward today! I didn't expect there to be unexpected gains!

In that case... I will first decline in the usual way, and then take office as president!

Zhou Maoxue stood up and cupped his hands in all directions with joy, saying modestly, “I dare not, I dare not! Zhou is shallow in talent and learning, and dare not take on the position of president. In terms of talent and vision, I am far inferior to Brother Tang. He already understands the situation and is always ready to follow the trend. In my opinion, the position of president of the Xingsheng Society must be held by Brother Tang to lead the group.”

“Good!”

Bang!

Fang Zheng Yi suddenly slammed his hand on the table, startling everyone. They quickly looked over.

They saw him say in a deep voice, “Since everyone thinks so, then I, Tang, will no longer decline. I will take the position of president of the Xingsheng Society! From today onwards, the Xingsheng Society will take strengthening the country as its own responsibility. Everyone in the society is equal, without distinction of rank, and all are brothers!”

“All activities and funds in the society will be the responsibility of the president. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard takes the opportunity to cause trouble again, then I, Tang, am willing to take the lead and bear the burden alone!”

Zhou Maoxue: “......”

......