Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

“You don't need to feel ashamed!” Fang Zheng waved his hand grandly and said with a smile, “I told you to ask any questions you have. The fact that you immediately thought of the workers shows you have a good heart.”

“Scholars love to claim they advocate for the people, but many don't even have the word 'people' in their hearts. All they seek is personal gain. It's clear you're much better than them.”

Zhou Maoxue's old face flushed red.

In the past, wasn't he just like that, seeking fame and a prominent position in the future?

But who would have thought... a bunch of poor and unsophisticated workers would treat him with sincerity, and now he's actually concerned about them.

Fang Zheng sighed, “This shows that, with His Majesty, such an enlightened emperor, as an example, this heart of loving the people like his own children has been passed down to you through your father.”

“?”

Zhou Maoxue opened his mouth, speechless.

What was going on? How did this involve His Majesty?

What did it have to do with him?

“We've been in contact for a while, and I see you have good eloquence, especially outstanding leadership skills. Moreover, you are a Juren yourself. The Dongjiao University is currently in urgent need of talent. Are you interested in working under me?” Seeing that the stage was set, Fang Zheng went straight to the point.

He had to give Zhou Hong face. As the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, he had countless connections in the court.

Although he was retired, his strength was real!

It was a pleasant surprise that such a person was willing to form a connection with him.

Besides, Zhou Maoxue was indeed good.

Although he wasn't great at the imperial examinations, he had at least reached the final stage.

His education was solid, but his father was too outstanding, making his status as a Juren seem less impressive.

Such talent would definitely be outstanding if sent to Dongjiao University.

He might not be good at scientific research, but he would be more than capable in management or other areas.

Hearing that Fang Zheng wanted him to work under him, Zhou Maoxue was momentarily dazed.

Seeing this, Fang Zheng said, “Although you don't have an official position, you are a person with potential. Dongjiao University is currently dealing with the black factories, and you have the brains and experience of working in a factory. I believe you have the ability to handle this matter well.”

“If you succeed, countless people in the world will benefit from you! Saving the people from fire and water, who knows, you might even be recorded in history!”

Recorded in history? Wasn't that what he was after?

Zhou Maoxue immediately began to fantasize, a foolish smile gradually appearing on his lips.

“Can I do it?”

“You'll only know if you try, but I have to tell you in advance that this matter will definitely be extremely difficult, and there might even be danger,” Fang Zheng reminded him. “But that's often the case in this world.”

“In our prosperous Jing Dynasty, some people live peacefully because others are bearing the burden behind their backs. I wonder if you are willing to be the one bearing the burden?”

Zhou Maoxue pondered.

He had given up on the path of the imperial examinations, unwilling to persist any longer.

Dongjiao University seemed to be developing well! This path was not bad....

If he could really solve the problem of the black factories, it would definitely be a major event to bring honor to his ancestors in the future.

Moreover, his father had already said that Fang Zheng was someone he couldn't afford to offend, and his future prospects were immeasurable.

How could he not agree to follow such a ruthless person who appreciated him and was willing to give him face?

It was just that he had originally opposed Dongjiao University, and many people knew about it. Now, directly joining Dongjiao University might be a bit....

Seeing that he hadn't made up his mind, Fang Zheng tempted him, “Since entering officialdom, I have often pondered what the path to success is. I now have some clues. So-called success consists of 10% skill, 60% luck. Now, in my opinion, you already have these two, and the only thing lacking is the final 30%.”

“What is that 30%?” Zhou Maoxue asked curiously.

“Courage.”

Courage!

Zhou Maoxue immediately stopped hesitating and said solemnly, “This student is willing!”

Fang Zheng secretly smiled and nodded in affirmation, “Good! Since you are willing, I will give you a note. Tomorrow, you can report to Dongjiao University. You will join the work as an intern first.”

“You are joining halfway, and our interns don't get paid, so it will be a bit tough. Well... but you should also know that our Dongjiao University has done a lot of things and spent a lot of money. Even if you become a full-time employee, the salary won't be very high. In order to save funds, I only symbolically take an annual salary of one coin in the school.”

“You come from a noble family, and I'm worried that you won't like the low salary and will complain in the future.”

Zhou Maoxue quickly waved his hand, “No, no, no! Money is not important, what's important is getting things done! This student is also willing to take an annual salary of one coin!”

“Good!” Fang Zheng clapped his hands in praise, “Your family is not short of money. If you are really willing, then you will be the second person besides the principal to receive an annual salary.”

“Is that so?” Zhou Maoxue was happy and immediately felt honored, his face glowing.

Great, the same treatment as Marquis Jianye! It would be prestigious to say it out loud.

An annual salary of one coin sounded extraordinary!

Fang Zheng changed the subject and asked, “Logically speaking, with your status, you should have many friends and know many gentry, right?”

“Yes,” Zhou Maoxue said, somewhat puzzled.

“If you have the ability, you can bring all your friends in! Come to Dongjiao University to shine together. If you can accomplish this, with your talent, it won't be a problem for Dongjiao University to open a separate academy for you in the future,” Fang Zheng said, drawing a big pie.

He needed someone who didn't lack money, who would work for free, and whose connections couldn't be wasted!

If he could use him to accelerate the 'corruption' of more gentry in the capital, the promotion of Dongjiao University would be much easier.

Zhou Maocai said sternly, “Lord Marquis, many of my friends do have some criticisms of Dongjiao University, but now, in this student's opinion, it's ultimately due to a lack of understanding. If I can persuade them, I believe they will understand the Lord Marquis's good intentions.”

Fang Zheng got up and walked to Zhou Maoxue, patting him on the shoulder, “Good! If you have this heart, there will be no problem, then you should do a good job.”

“Remember, start with your original intention and succeed with perseverance. Even a trivial matter, multiplied by the length of time, can achieve the depth of life.”

“The spirit of dedication is not innate; it is inseparable from years of self-cultivation.”

That was so well said!

Zhou Maoxue's blood rushed, and he said loudly, “This student will definitely keep the Marquis's words in mind!”

Fang Zheng sat back in his place, wrote a note, and handed it to Zhou Maoxue, “Take this to Dongjiao University to report tomorrow. If there's nothing else, you can go home first.”

Zhou Maoxue hesitated and said, “This student actually still has two doubts in his heart.”

“Please speak.”

“In the beginning... in front of the Marquis's residence, this student was beaten by a man named Sun Xiaochuan. Were those people...”

“No!” Fang Zheng flatly denied, “Sun Xiaochuan is extremely sinful, has done all kinds of bad things, and his crimes are countless! I know you suspect the Embroidered Uniform Guard, right? You can inquire around the capital. Sun Xiaochuan has done too many bad things and is still wanted.”

So that's how it was... he was just unlucky to have encountered such an evil person.

Zhou Maoxue thought.

“This student's second question is, what's the matter with that sword? Does the Marquis really have the legendary skills of a sword immortal?” Zhou Maoxue's eyes were full of hope.

Leaving aside other things, that move when entering was really awesome. If he could learn even half a move....

“This is science! It will be taught at Dongda.”

“Science? This student understands!”

Zhou Maoxue was in awe.

......