Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

As the grievances poured out, Meng Weimin's long-suppressed negative emotions could no longer be contained.

He cried out, "Your Majesty! I am wronged... I have to get up before dawn every day to practice my sword, eat swill at noon, and when I go home in the evening, Lord Fang even found me an ugly woman, forcing me to serve her every night!"

"I only glanced at a brothel on the street, and they made that ugly woman squeeze me dry seven times that night!"

"Even when I go to the latrine on the street, I have to avoid people so they don't see me... There are people everywhere around me, and I have to hold it in all day! And..."

"Your Majesty, save me... I don't want to live anymore... I want to go home!" Meng Weimin finished speaking, biting his lower lip tightly, looking extremely aggrieved.

His voice was full of tears, truly heartbreaking and tear-jerking.

The days of being admired are certainly great, but if this painful, continuous, and prolonged "struggle" is only for a moment of pleasure, then it's not worth it!

Meng Weimin perfectly illustrated what it means to be glorious in front of others but suffer in private.

Even Emperor Jing couldn't bear to be too harsh and asked Fang Zheng Yi, "Where are his relatives now?"

Fang Zheng Yi replied, "I have already sent people to take care of them. His mother remarried, and his wife works in the newspaper cafeteria. They're living a very comfortable life."

"Back in the day, this kid was always eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling outside, never staying home. His mother wants to kneel down and thank me now."

"Actually, I was afraid that Meng Weimin might lose control one day, so I resorted to this strategy. The people trust him and love him. If he acts improperly, it could lead to a great disaster."

"If that day ever comes, with his family and the contract as evidence, I am confident that I can make him rot in the streets at the first opportunity!"

"I was just preparing to send the contract and some other evidence to Your Majesty after the drill... I didn't expect Your Majesty to come today. What a coincidence!" Seeing Emperor Jing's displeased expression, Fang Zheng Yi chuckled awkwardly.

"Couldn't you find a better candidate? Are there really no people in the capital more suitable than him?"

"It's not that there aren't any, but I wouldn't want to harm good people. Besides, look at his pure eyes and charming features. People like him are not easy to find," Fang Zheng Yi said shamelessly. "Actually, it's not impossible for me to do it myself, but I'm afraid of making mistakes and embarrassing Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing waved his hand weakly, "Stop talking, it disgusts me. Guo Banban, take Meng Weimin away, I don't want to see him."

Meng Weimin, with snot and tears streaming down his face, was led away.

Only Emperor Jing, Li Yuan Zhao, and Fang Zheng Yi remained in the room.

Emperor Jing was silent for a long time before saying, "Fang Qing, you really never stop stirring things up."

"Rushing around, causing chaos wherever you go. One Meng Weimin isn't enough, you have another one hundred and seven. With their ability to incite the people, what will the court officials think?"

Fang Zheng Yi spoke bluntly, "Does Your Majesty not trust me?"

Emperor Jing shook his head, "Of course I trust you, but what you've done today has probably exceeded everyone's expectations. To put it seriously, it's manipulating the hearts of the people. The court is not my personal echo chamber. Even the Eastern Depot, since its establishment, hasn't caused as much trouble as you. Do you know how much trouble will follow?"

Fang Zheng Yi smiled slightly, "As long as Your Majesty trusts me, then I have no problem. New things naturally make people wary, but the benefits are also obvious. These people can lead education and help the poor, which is the power of example."

"Your Majesty's concerns are extremely valid, but to solve this problem is very simple. These one hundred and eight people are not permanent. There will always be new idols appearing. As long as the people get used to it, the emotions later on won't be so fanatical. Moreover, it's very easy to destroy a person."

"They all appear to be perfect gentlemen on the outside. As long as there's one flaw, the illusion will be shattered, and naturally, no one will follow."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. The files, whereabouts, and activity arrangements of these one hundred and eight people are all on record. As long as Your Majesty gives an order, and with the cooperation of the Six Ministries' newspapers, it will be easy to destroy their influence."

Emperor Jing pondered for a moment and sighed, "I'm old. I really don't understand the things you young people play with. But it's good that you have thorough preparations. Draft a set of regulations and control the follow-up closely, without disturbing the people."

"I obey your decree! The Embroidered Uniform Guard will definitely take making the people live good lives as the starting point and end result of all our work, focusing on our own work to grasp practical matters, seek practical results, and create the best living environment for the people!"

Emperor Jing: "......"

Seeing that Emperor Jing had no objections, Fang Zheng Yi said happily, "Then, Your Majesty, today's Eastern Depot drill...."

"Consider it your win. Alright, I've been worried all night. It's good that you're all alright." Emperor Jing pointed to the corner and said angrily, "You beast! What are you hiding for? Return to the palace with me, and that Lian Yong, neither of you can escape."

Li Yuan Zhao's pleading gaze turned urgently to Fang Zheng Yi.

Fang Zheng Yi quickly came to the rescue, "Has Your Majesty eaten?"

"Now that you mention it, I am a bit hungry. We'll talk about it when we get back to the palace," Emperor Jing said, raising his leg to leave.

Fang Zheng Yi added, "Now that Your Majesty is here, I've made some grilled meat. Would you like to have some?"

"Yes, Father, I'm also hungry. Let's have some!" Li Yuan Zhao quickly added.

Having a meal, waiting for his anger to subside, would make the beating he'd receive later much lighter.

Emperor Jing glared at Li Yuan Zhao, looked at Fang Zheng Yi's "expectant" gaze, and couldn't help but say, "Alright, since we're already here, then you can join me."

"Alright, Your Majesty, please go to the courtyard."

......

The charcoal fire in the courtyard had not yet died down.

After adding some more charcoal, Fang Zheng Yi personally wielded the knife to grill the skewers.

The lamb was all of the best quality, requiring only a pinch of fine salt, without too many seasonings.

Grilled until it sizzled with oil, it was extremely fragrant upon entering the mouth.

The three sat around the stove, the atmosphere harmonious.

Li Yuan Zhao simply pursed his lips, staring at the grilled skewers.

Emperor Jing smelled the aroma of the meat and said, as if reminiscing, "I haven't eaten barbecue much in recent years. I used to eat it a lot on the battlefield. Today is like remembering the bitter past and appreciating the sweet present."

Fang Zheng Yi asked as he grilled, "Does Your Majesty miss that time very much?"

Emperor Jing raised his head and sighed, "I only miss myself being young at that time. There's nothing to miss about the battlefield. How can the mountains of corpses and seas of blood compare to today?"

"Your Majesty is kind-hearted and cannot bear to see the people suffer. You are truly a rare and benevolent ruler in the world!"

Emperor Jing shook his head and smiled, "Alright, stop praising me, let's relax a bit in private."

Fang Zheng Yi responded in agreement, handed each of them a lamb skewer, and Li Yuan Zhao ate it without hesitation.

Fang Zheng Yi seemed to suddenly remember something, turned around and walked to a wooden box wrapped in a cotton quilt not far away, and brought over a small bucket and two bowls.

He poured a bowl for Emperor Jing and Li Yuan Zhao each.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, this is a good thing I brought from home, called Iced Red Tea! It is made by mixing black tea, honey, and fruit juice, and it is very refreshing! It has also been chilled."

Li Yuan Zhao picked up the bowl and swallowed it down like a whale, praising repeatedly, "Delicious! Delicious!"

Emperor Jing took a sip and nodded in praise, "Hmm, not bad, the ice-coldness is indeed refreshing."

Fang Zheng Yi said, "If Your Majesty and Your Highness like it, I will send some to the palace tomorrow."

Seeing that Emperor Jing was in a good mood, Fang Zheng Yi finished speaking and leaned closer to him, whispering, "Your Majesty, are you satisfied with my performance today? That... the princess, she..."

Emperor Jing turned his head, looking at Fang Zheng Yi with a smile that was not a smile.

"What? You want to propose marriage to me with a bucket of Iced Red Tea?"