Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Paba's expression froze!

Damn it! I was just showing off a little, and you start running your mouth!

Chi Lie is a bit ugly, but do you have to keep bringing it up?

"Master, please get in the carriage. I'll take you to the famous Banshan Quarter in the capital!"

Fang Zheng placed his hand out, gesturing for him to enter.

Paba boarded the carriage, and Fang Zheng followed closely behind.

As the wheels slowly turned, the carriage began to head towards Banshan Quarter.

Paba lifted the curtain of the carriage window, observing as he asked, "Lord Fang, I've heard that the capital has one hundred and eight quarters. What's so special about Banshan Quarter?"

Fang Zheng smiled and said, "Banshan Quarter is located on the edge of the outer city. Its only unique feature is that it's poor!"

"Poor? If it's poor, why are you taking me to visit?" Paba asked, puzzled.

"Speaking of poor, it used to be quite impoverished, but it has improved recently."

"His Majesty entrusted Banshan Quarter to His Highness the Crown Prince. In just a few months, there have been significant changes. Master, your long journey here is partly to foster goodwill with our Great Jing, but also to explore our strengths and weaknesses."

Paba fell silent.

He couldn't understand Fang Zheng's approach at all.

All the Great Jing officials he had met spoke in a refined and roundabout manner, avoiding direct answers to questions.

This was the first time he had encountered someone so straightforward.

"Lord Fang is truly... candid."

Fang Zheng said proudly, "That's natural. Although I'm a civil official, I hate those formalities the most!"

"Wouldn't it be better for everyone to say what they mean? Why hide things? It's boring!"

"Alas, I was demoted to the Court of State Ceremonial because my mouth offended many people. I hope you don't mind, Master."

From their first meeting, this person had spoken without restraint. It seemed likely that he was indeed a straightforward person.

This person is quite interesting!

Paba smiled and said, "Of course I don't mind. I admire your frankness, Lord Fang."

Fang Zheng said, "Alas! If only everyone thought like you, Master!"

"Being straightforward isn't always a good thing. Those sycophants in the court all dislike me, and I hate them the most! A bunch of flattering scoundrels!"

As he spoke, Fang Zheng began to show a resentful expression.

"Master, I've heard that the Northern Rong people are known for their forthrightness. The atmosphere there must be much better."

Paba shook his head and sighed, "The officialdom is the human heart. Isn't it the same everywhere in the world? Only slight differences."

"Good! Well said!" Fang Zheng clapped his hands in admiration. "I can see that you, Master, are a loyal minister who dares to speak frankly, just like me, which is why you've been given this difficult mission!"

"Let's drink until we're both drunk later! Master, do you eat meat?"

I'm not a monk!

Paba stiffly twitched the corners of his mouth, too lazy to explain.

"Yes."

Seeing that the time was right, Fang Zheng asked, "Master and I are both straightforward people, so I'll be blunt."

"May I ask if this mission to Great Jing includes plans for a marriage alliance?"

Paba was taken aback and said, "Is it appropriate to discuss such matters in private?"

"What's wrong with that? Master, are you not treating me as a friend! It has to be said sooner or later, I'm just curious! If you tell me, I might even be able to help you advise!"

Who's friends with you! You're getting familiar way too quickly.

However, there's no harm in discussing the marriage alliance. A small official can't possibly influence the Emperor's decision.

Maybe I can even get some information out of him.

After a moment of consideration, Paba said, "Alright, since Lord Fang is so straightforward, there's nothing I can't say. This time, we do have plans for a marriage alliance."

"I've heard that your esteemed country's Fifth Princess is of marriageable age, and our Second Prince is also unmarried. What do you think, Lord Fang?"

The smile on Fang Zheng's face gradually disappeared.

These bastards really do have plans for a marriage alliance. Why didn't they mention it in the official letter? They're launching a surprise attack!

Does this kind of thing still need to be discussed now?

Seeing Fang Zheng's unpleasant expression, Paba also became serious and asked, "What? Do you think there's something inappropriate about it?"

"Indeed!" Fang Zheng said seriously, "Although the Fifth Princess is not yet married, as far as I know, His Majesty already has a candidate for Imperial Consort in mind. I'm afraid... you will return empty-handed!"

"Who is it!?" Paba asked quickly.

Fang Zheng shook his head, "I only happened to hear His Majesty mention it, and no one else knows who it is. I can't say, and you'd better not ask around, Master, as it concerns the Imperial family's reputation."

Paba's expression turned serious, "Don't worry, I will definitely not ask anyone else. Can you tell me, Lord Fang?"

"Definitely not! Don't ask, Master! However, I can point you in the right direction."

"Please tell me!"

Fang Zheng leaned close to Paba's ear and whispered, "We don't have a princess to marry over, but you have a princess you can marry to us!"

"His Majesty only has one son. Think about it, if a woman from your side marries over, wouldn't our two countries become one family! The effect is the same!"

Good brother! For my happiness, I can only wrong you!

Paba's eyes widened, and he stiffly turned his head to look at Fang Zheng.

"Are you joking! Would the Great Jing Imperial family marry a foreign woman? Besides, our Khan doesn't have a daughter!"

I thought you could say something profound. Turns out you're an idiot! Waste of emotions!

Fang Zheng waved his hands repeatedly, "What foreign or not, the current Emperor and Crown Prince are extraordinary!"

"What do small rituals and courtesies matter? It doesn't matter if your Khan doesn't have a daughter. Write a letter back and tell him to hurry up and have one!"

"The Crown Prince is still young, he can wait!"

Paba leaned back, frowned, and looked at Fang Zheng, feeling a little regretful.

I shouldn't have come out with this guy. I should have let Chen Hong come. I feel like my thinking can't keep up...

"Then let's forget about it. Since we can't have a marriage alliance, let's not mention it."

Fang Zheng smiled again.

Good, that's how it should be! That's right, everything is back on track.

When discussing state affairs, we should discuss state affairs. What's the point of using women as bargaining chips?

"Then I'm sorry for being unable to help. I can only think of this. There's definitely no chance of marrying a princess."

Paba adjusted his expression and said with a smile, "Since the Emperor already has someone in mind, a marriage alliance is naturally inappropriate."

"I must thank you, Lord Fang, otherwise it would have been rash to mention this matter when meeting the Emperor."

Fang Zheng nodded, "You're welcome. I like helping people the most! I can tell the difference between big and small matters."

"Although Great Jing and Northern Rong are friendly allies, they are also rivals."

"But personally, I admire warriors like you and Chi Lie very much. This small matter doesn't harm the interests of Great Jing. I'm happy to help you."

After listening to Fang Zheng's words, Paba's wariness towards Fang Zheng had lessened considerably.

This person, probably doesn't have much cunning...