Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Guo Tianyang secretly chuckled to himself.

This was Fang Zheng Yi's classic move, a textbook case of shifting the conflict!

He'd already played us several times back in Taoyuan County, and now he's trying this trick on a Grand Secretary? He's practically courting death!

Does he really think a few sweet words and a couple of compliments will make His Majesty help him tear down Zhang Gong?

Dream on!

Zhang Dongxiang was trembling with anger: "Good... What a silver tongue! When did this official ever say His Majesty wasn't wise and benevolent!"

"Praising to one's face is not the way of a gentleman! If someone like you were to teach the Crown Prince, the nation would be ruined! Your Majesty, please see clearly!"

Li Yansong and Zheng Qiao couldn't help but shake their heads and sigh.

Zhang Gong is good in every way, but he's too straightforward and impulsive. This kid just needs to provoke him a little, and he gets all worked up.

When it comes to eloquence, he's probably no match for this cunning Fang Zheng Yi.

Fang Zheng Yi walked up to Zhang Dongxiang, looked him straight in the eye, and said, "Zhang Gong, what is 'praising to one's face'? Does Zhang Gong really think that what this official said wasn't from the heart!?"

"I, Fang Zheng Yi, have always been frank and outspoken. What I think in my heart is what I say with my mouth."

"In my eyes, His Majesty is a unique and unparalleled great man! A true hero! A once-in-a-thousand-years emperor!"

"In war he can mount a horse and conquer the world, in peace he can dismount and control the floods! His Majesty is like the sun hanging high in the sky, so bright and outstanding!"

"Although I am far from the court, I am always concerned about His Majesty! My only hobby in my free time is to raise a cup to the moon, to express my longing for my sovereign!"

"Now that I can finally behold the Emperor's face and express my admiration, what wrong have I done!?"

"Could it be that the high officials of my Great Jing Dynasty can no longer tolerate ministers speaking the truth!?"

"Can this world ever be a better place? How can we, these low-ranking officials who dare to speak frankly and offer honest advice, ever satisfy you? Thinking of this, my tears can't help but flow. Is the court really this dark? I'm angry, I'm shaking, I'm cold."

After saying that, Fang Zheng Yi pretended to wipe away tears, covering his face with his sleeve and sobbing.

Zhang Dongxiang's eyes widened, his chest heaving up and down. He was already a little unsteady on his feet, luckily Zheng Qiao was behind him to support him.

He pointed at Fang Zheng Yi with one hand, and said urgently, "You... you... you...!"

The officials were silent.

If a person is just a little shameless, you can still condemn him, but if his face is completely covered in shamelessness, you can only avoid him.

That's the situation now.

Seeing that Fang Zheng Yi was not only not ashamed but even took pride in it, praising His Majesty in every sentence, the crowd could only remain silent.

Even the usually sharp-tongued censors were unwilling to say a word. What was there to say? What else could they say!? He hadn't committed a crime! He had only lost his composure in front of the Emperor!

Moral condemnation? This guy has no morals!

They originally thought they were welcoming a rising star in the court, but instead, they got a stink bug. Now they can't even chase him away! Angry, trembling, cold!

Emperor Jing also felt extremely nauseated at this moment!

Such blatant and shameless flattery actually made him feel a tiny bit pleased...

But seeing Zhang Dongxiang's furious expression, Emperor Jing still put on a stern face and said angrily: "Fang Zheng Yi, you are being presumptuous! Step back immediately! Zhang Gong is a veteran of two dynasties, how can you speak nonsense in front of him!"

Fang Zheng Yi lowered his sleeves and hurriedly took two steps back, then said excitedly: "Your Majesty is wise! Emperors of the past have always wanted to glorify themselves, writing extensively about their achievements, indulging in the flattery of their ministers. Only Your Majesty maintains a constant state of clarity, willing to accept criticism. As the saying goes, 'I examine myself thrice daily!' Your Majesty is able to constantly reflect on himself, no different from reaching the realm of a sage! This minister is truly filled with admiration and would give his all!"

Hearing this, Zhang Dongxiang gasped even more violently: "I... I... I....."

Emperor Jing: "............"

The flesh on Guo Tianyang's old face had been twitching since just now, and now it was twitching even more violently... as if it had been fitted with a vibrating motor.

Terrifying! Terrifying! This Fang Zheng Yi has actually surpassed this old servant's imagination.....

Emperor Jing's heart was now filled with indescribable feelings, he could only say faintly: "Enough! Say no more."

"Esteemed ministers, does anyone else have anything to say?"

"Your Majesty, this minister has something to say!"

Yan Guoan stood out, bowed to Emperor Jing, and then looked coldly at Fang Zheng Yi: "This official is Yan Guoan, the Chancellor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices."

Fang Zheng Yi's heart tensed. Okay, this one seems to be a master of words, more difficult to deal with than that old man.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is the heir apparent and has little experience in worldly matters."

"As the heir apparent, he should naturally be close to virtuous ministers and keep away from petty men. Honest advice is unpleasant to the ear but beneficial to conduct, and bitter medicine is unpleasant to the mouth but beneficial to illness. This is a principle that has remained true throughout history."

"If sycophants like Fang Zheng Yi surround the Crown Prince, praising him as wise and virtuous all day long, this minister fears that the Crown Prince will lose himself."

"If he ascends the throne in the future, surrounded by treacherous officials and wolves, and unable to listen to honest advice, it will be no different from endangering the state of our Great Jing!"

"This minister, as the Chancellor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, teaches the Crown Prince the words of the sages and instructs him in the rituals of the sages. If there are villains around him, this minister fears that all previous efforts will be in vain! Today, even if this minister is crushed to pieces! I must implore Your Majesty to dismiss Fang Zheng Yi!"

The officials were in an uproar!

As expected of the Crown Prince's teacher, powerful and well-reasoned! Let's see if you, Fang Zheng Yi, can still survive this!

Dismissal!? What a great opportunity! Fang Zheng Yi's eyes lit up, he was energized!

Dismissal is good! Dismissal and I can return to Taoyuan County! Even if they remove me from my position as county magistrate, it doesn't matter! Taoyuan County is my foundation, even if someone else takes office, it won't affect me in the slightest!

Alas, I was also blinded by anger. I shouldn't have confronted that old man just now. Wouldn't it have been much easier if I had just gone along with him and had my position revoked?

Emperor Jing began to feel a headache. What he valued was Fang Zheng Yi's unique way of thinking, wanting him to give the Crown Prince more inspiration.

He had also thought that Fang Zheng Yi would be unpopular, but he didn't expect this guy's mouth to be so cheap, offending everyone as soon as he arrived. Now how should he step down.....

Seeing that Emperor Jing was silent, Yan Guoan couldn't help but become anxious: "Your Majesty! If treacherous officials are allowed to be in power, this minister fears that the Crown Prince will develop a tyrannical nature, without a trace of benevolence! Please, Your Majesty, see clearly!"

Guo Tianyang's eyelids twitched, secretly thinking, 'Oh no'.

The Crown Prince has no benevolence, doesn't His Majesty already know that? Why are you being so talkative here?!

Sure enough, Emperor Jing said faintly: "Yes, I understand."

The officials felt their hearts sink.

Understood? What does 'understood' mean? Judging from His Majesty's attitude, he doesn't want to move Fang Zheng Yi! What's so good about him?

Seeing this, Fang Zheng Yi hurriedly bowed down and said: "Your Majesty! This minister believes that what Chancellor Yan said is very true. This minister is without virtue or talent! Please, Your Majesty, withdraw your order!"

What?!

The officials were dumbfounded. What's going on? This kid clearly has explosive combat power, and His Majesty also seems to be biased towards him. Why is he suddenly admitting defeat? What's happening!?

Emperor Jing was naturally clear about what Fang Zheng Yi was thinking, so he said coldly: "Forbidden!"

Fang Zheng Yi pleaded again: "This minister is unable to take on the position of Junior Vice Minister, and furthermore, this minister is disliked here, adding a lot of trouble. Please, Your Majesty, withdraw your order!"

Emperor Jing frowned: "My words are like gold, how can you withdraw them as you please! Forbidden!"

Fang Zheng Yi mustered his courage again and said loudly: "Please! Your Majesty, think thrice!"

What? What? What?

This time, everyone was bewildered. This Fang Zheng Yi seems to be determined to leave! His Majesty is determined to keep him. What exactly is the situation?

At this time, Zhang Dongxiang, who had already recovered, looked at Fang Zheng Yi with a complicated expression. Why is this guy suddenly confronting the Emperor?

Emperor Jing was now truly angry!

You want to resign repeatedly, just to return to Taoyuan County and live freely! This Emperor will not let you have your way!

Emperor Jing suddenly stood up, picked up the inkstone on the table and slammed it down in front of Fang Zheng Yi.

The inkstone smashed on the ground, shattering into pieces, and ink splashed all over Fang Zheng Yi.

Then they heard Emperor Jing roar in anger: "Fang Zheng Yi! If you dare to say another word, I will chop off your head! Don't think I don't know what you're thinking!"

"You will be the Junior Vice Minister whether you want to or not!"

"If you don't produce results! I will still chop off your head! Do you understand!?"

"Dismiss court!"

After saying that, Emperor Jing angrily flung his sleeves and left, Guo Tianyang and the Crown Prince hurriedly followed.

Dismiss... Dismiss court? Just like that, court is dismissed!? Why is His Majesty so abnormal today!

The crowd was stunned, and then all eyes focused on Fang Zheng Yi again.

Yan Guoan glared at Fang Zheng Yi, flung his sleeves fiercely, and left.

"Lord Li, what does His Majesty mean by this?" Zheng Qiao said to Li Yansong.

Li Yansong sighed: "Fang Zheng Yi is using retreat as a means of advancing. What a great tactic. It seems there will be no peace in the future. Take good care of the Crown Prince. I'm leaving too!"

After speaking, he left the hall with his hands behind his back.

In the hall, Fang Zheng Yi looked dejected... As expected, Emperor Jing was unwilling to let go.

He offended all his colleagues as soon as he arrived. Troublesome days are ahead. Why is every map change a hell-difficulty start! My Taoyuan County... When will I be able to go home!

There was no point in thinking more, Fang Zheng Yi could only shake his head and walk out of the hall in disappointment.

At the gate of the hall, looking at the newly rising sun, Fang Zheng Yi only wanted to smoke a cigarette and drink a glass of wine to relieve the depression in his heart, but unfortunately, he had neither cigarettes nor wine now.

"Lord Fang has good tactics?" A mocking voice came from his ear.

Fang Zheng Yi turned his head expressionlessly.

A small official with shifty eyes was talking to him, saying in a sarcastic tone: "Lord Fang's tactic of using retreat as a means of advancing is wonderful. No wonder you are deeply trusted by His Majesty."

"Who are you?"

The shifty-eyed official said loudly: "This official is Yang Fengfan, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy!"

"He ~ tui!" Fang Zheng Yi was too lazy to pay attention to him and spat a mouthful of phlegm directly on Yang Fengfan's boots.

Yang Fengfan was immediately shocked and took a step back, exclaiming in anger, "How can you be so rude! It's an insult to civilization!"

"Your appearance alone is an insult to civilization, please stay away from me."

Someone nearby heard Fang Zheng speak and couldn't help but laugh, thinking, 'This guy really has a sharp tongue, not mincing words at all.'

Yang Fengfan sneered, "Master Fang is truly calm and collected, offending everyone and still enjoying himself here?"

Fang Zheng glanced at him: "You, a mere sixth-rank compiler, dare to be presumptuous in front of me? Don't you know I have someone above me?"

Yang Fengfan immediately became vigilant: "Who?"

Fang Zheng chuckled: "Naturally, it's Eunuch Guo by the Emperor's side. He's my dearest friend, my confidant. I pick food for him at the table!"

"Do you still want to be a compiler? If you do, then get lost!"

Yang Fengfan suddenly understood. So that's it! Fang Zheng's confidence comes from this. No wonder the Emperor is so considerate of him! Eunuch Guo must be whispering in His Majesty's ear!

This man is truly shameless, a scholar associating with an eunuch!

Yang Fengfan's contempt deepened, but fearing Eunuch Guo's power, he slunk away.

Fang Zheng didn't want to stay here any longer. No one from the Ministry of Rites had come to arrange anything for him, and he didn't even know where the East Palace gate was. He might as well go home!

Having figured this out, he lifted his leg and left.

Before he had gone far, Guo Tianyang came chasing after him with small steps, calling out behind Fang Zheng: "Magistrate Fang, wait! Please stop!"

Fang Zheng turned around and saw him, quickly putting on a smiling face: "Yo! Brother Guo!"

Guo Tianyang's expression froze. Brother Guo? Who is your Brother Guo? Shameless thing!

But not wanting to hit a smiling face, Guo Tianyang still greeted him with a smile.

"Yo, congratulations Master Fang! His Majesty has summoned you privately and is waiting for you in the Imperial Study!"

Fang Zheng smiled, grabbed Guo Tianyang's arm, and walked towards the crowded area.

He secretly took out a two-hundred tael silver note from his pocket and slipped it into Guo Tianyang's sleeve.

"Brother Guo, why has His Majesty summoned me?"

Guo Tianyang subtly pushed it back, smiling: "This old one doesn't know. Wouldn't you find out if you went there now?"

Fang Zheng took out another five-hundred tael note and slipped it in again: "I'm just afraid of angering His Majesty. After all, I've just arrived in the palace and don't know the rules!"

Guo Tianyang felt the texture of the silver note and nodded secretly: "Ah, actually, it's nothing. It's just some instructions for Master Fang."

"Master Fang, this old one has some matters to attend to. You see that young eunuch over there? Have him take you there."

"Hehe! Okay, thank you, Brother Guo." After speaking, Fang Zheng put the two-hundred taels back into Guo Tianyang's sleeve.

Then, he turned and left.

Guo Tianyang felt the two silver notes in his sleeve and nodded in satisfaction, looking at Fang Zheng's back.

Good! This man is reliable! It would be good to have him as my godson!

......

Following the young eunuch's guidance, Fang Zheng smoothly arrived at the Imperial Study.

At the entrance, Fang Zheng cleared his throat, tucked his upper garment in tightly, and began to wait for the summons.

Before long, Emperor Jing's voice rang out, and Fang Zheng smoothly entered the room.

Inside the Imperial Study, Emperor Jing was buried in writing official documents, not uttering a word.

Fang Zheng stood awkwardly in the room, not daring to move his head, but his eyes darted around.

The Imperial Study! He was still very curious.

After waiting for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Emperor Jing had drunk three cups of tea before slowly putting down his brush.

He stared directly at Fang Zheng and said: "Fang Zheng, do you know........"

"Your subject! Knows his crime!"

After speaking, he took out a messy stack of silver notes from his chest and held them with both hands.

This move! This move is called striking first!

Although Fang Zheng didn't know beforehand that Li Long was Emperor Jing, since Emperor Jing had sent spies to Taoyuan County, he must know quite a few things. So the silver had been divided up separately and put on his body long ago! Just waiting for you to ask!

Fang Zheng said respectfully: "This is the surplus produced by Taoyuan County over seven years, totaling eighty-six thousand five hundred and twenty-four taels. Your sinful subject, Fang Zheng, asks His Majesty to examine it!"

At this moment, he felt a little uneasy... This number has odd amounts, he... should he believe it?