Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

The precious sword broke.

Fang Zheng was filled with regret, almost to the point of weeping.

Such a good sword, and that blockhead Zhang Biao just snapped it in two!

If His Majesty asks for it back one day, wouldn't I be in deep trouble?

Not even a drop of blood was spilled, and the sword is already ruined.

Helpless, Fang Zheng could only find someone to send it back to Peach Blossom County for reforging. He wouldn't dare do something so conspicuous in the capital.

As for that fellow Zhang Biao, he was punished to grind wheat, lest he have energy to spare.

Afternoon, clear skies for thousands of miles.

Fang Zheng leisurely lay under a tree in the small courtyard.

Now he didn't have to go to the early court session, but waking up early had become a habit.

After breakfast, he made some arrangements and took a nap in the courtyard.

He slept until the afternoon.

When he groggily woke up, he saw several round figures standing in front of him.

Fang Zheng rubbed his eyes, then rinsed his mouth with tea.

After regaining his senses, he revealed two rows of white teeth: "So, the ladies have arrived... Haven't seen you in days, you've all become so much thinner!"

Standing before him were the wives and concubines of Huang Shengrong, with the principal wife at the head, her face full of橫肉, looking fierce!

However, when she looked at Fang Zheng, she always maintained a gentle smile.

"Master Fang is too polite. What business do you have calling us sisters here today?"

Fang Zheng got up and stretched his muscles, loudly saying: "Someone! Bring some chairs over! Can't you see we have guests?"

Then he smiled and said: "It's nothing much, just inviting you ladies to stay for a few days, otherwise I wouldn't be able to invite Dharma Master Huijue."

"Oh right, have the children come too?"

"They're here! They're here!"

Madam Huang pulled out a few children from behind her, but those children looked at Fang Zheng in fear, constantly shrinking behind Madam Huang.

Fang Zheng tried his best to appear amiable: "Come, let uncle give you a hug!"

Those children tightly grabbed the corner of Madam Huang's clothes and desperately hid behind her.

Madam Huang didn't indulge them, pulling one out and giving him a big slap.

"No manners! Master Fang is calling you!"

Fang Zheng swallowed his saliva and chuckled dryly: "No need to be polite, no need to be polite."

"How have you ladies been at home?"

"How could it be good! That dead ghost, pretending to be a monk, never at home, us sisters are practically widows!

"What kind of person is he? Bah! Dharma Master Huijue! I'll tear his skin off one day when I'm in a bad mood!"

"It's better here with you, Master Fang. Good food and drink for us, and free tutoring for the children!"

"Hurry up! You brats, haven't you thanked Master Fang yet!"

The children's tears fell like rain, but they didn't make a sound.

They knelt on the ground and gave Fang Zheng a big salute: "Thank you, Master Fang."

Fang Zheng smiled awkwardly: "Ah, you're all good children, get up, uncle will find someone to tutor you, and this time, we'll tutor you in a few more subjects!"

The children got up, glared at Fang Zheng resentfully, and then shrank behind Madam Huang again.

Fang Zheng laughed: "That old Huang! Always wandering outside, never coming home to pay his dues, truly outrageous! When he comes later, I'll teach him a lesson for you ladies!"

Madam Huang and the other concubines suddenly blushed: "Master Fang, the children are still here."

"Ah, hahaha, sorry, sorry!"

Fang Zheng said generously: "The house is still the same house! Still reserved for you, if you're not comfortable living at home, feel free to come here! This is your second home!"

The women covered their mouths and giggled.

Madam Huang suddenly said with some worry: "I wonder what business Master has calling him this time?"

"It's nothing, ladies, don't worry."

"To tell you the truth, this official is going on a long journey to Jianjiang Prefecture and may not be back for a year or two."

"I may be taking Dharma Master Huijue there to perform some rituals."

"A long journey?" Madam Huang became somewhat anxious.

"Will it be life-threatening?"

Fang Zheng quickly waved his hand: "Don't worry! I, Fang Zheng, guarantee with my head that he will definitely come back in one piece."

"As for this period, I will be responsible for your food, clothing, and expenses. If you're worried, you can write more letters, what do you think?"

Madam Huang bowed and saluted: "Then we'll have to trouble Master Fang."

"Good! Then I won't see you ladies off, please."

After speaking, Madam Huang and a group of concubines left with the children. The youngest boy turned back and glared fiercely at Fang Zheng before spitting on the ground.

"He~~tui!"

Fang Zheng's expression stiffened!

Damn it, this kid has guts! You can forget about sleeping from now on!

As dusk approached, Huang Shengrong arrived late for dinner with the Fang family.

The weather was nice, so everyone ate dinner in the courtyard.

Huang Shengrong stood aside cautiously, watching everyone devour their food.

His eyes were fixed on the meat dishes, and his throat kept moving.

Then he said awkwardly: "Master Fang, what do you need me for?"

Fang Zheng picked up a piece of fatty meat, shook it a few times before stuffing it into his mouth.

"Old Huang, I heard that many wealthy people in the capital are looking for you to perform rituals, and the people waiting in line are booked until next year."

"Is that true?"

Huang Shengrong quickly replied: "Yes, but it's not that exaggerated, only booked until the end of the year...."

Fang Zheng smiled and said: "I don't need you for anything much, just asking you to come with me and help this official perform some rituals or something."

"Go where?" Huang Shengrong became uneasy.

"Jianjiang Prefecture."

Hearing this, Huang Shengrong quickly shook his head: "I can't go, Master. It's not that I don't want to go, but I really can't get away."

"My family is all in the capital with no one to take care of them. Without me, what will happen to my family?"

Fang Zheng glanced at him.

"Your wife and children are all in my hands, so don't worry."

"This official isn't asking for your opinion. I'm giving you two choices: either you come with me alone, or I'll take you, your wife, and your children with me."

"Think about it."

Huang Shengrong immediately broke out in a cold sweat. Without much hesitation, he gritted his teeth: "I'll go! I'll go with you!"

"But you have to give me a few days to postpone the rituals in the capital."

"And Master, you should at least tell me what you want me to do specifically."

"Who will I be performing the rituals for? How many rituals? Will I be able to come back after I'm done!"

Fang Zheng said indifferently: "This official doesn't know either. In short, whenever I come back, you come back. Everything is up to me."

"Also, your wife complained to me, saying that you're never home and don't pay your dues. Is that true?"

As soon as he said this, Huang Shengrong immediately cursed in his heart.

It's none of your business whether I pay my dues or not! Why do you care about this?

Helpless, he didn't dare to argue back and chanted a Buddhist prayer: "Amitabha. This monk is already a monk, and worldly desires cannot be touched even a little."

"Want to eat a pork knuckle?"

"Yes!"