Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

"Frankly, I am very disappointed to hear so many complaints from you," Fang Zheng Yi said, his tone filled with profound disappointment. "Back in the day, the first generation of newspaper staff had a much harder life than you do now. Now that conditions have improved, it seems to only make everyone more dissatisfied."

"Of course, I don't mean to blame you all. This is all my oversight!"

"I want to ask you, what is the purpose of our newspaper?"

"To establish a life for the people, to establish a heart for the world, to continue the lost teachings of the past sages, and to create peace for all generations!" someone below answered.

Fang Zheng Yi nodded: "That's right, to establish a life for the people. Although you are not in the officialdom when you come to the newspaper, you are already engaging in officialdom affairs. But seeing this situation today, I am deeply saddened!"

"Saddened by what? Saddened by the fact that you are not fulfilling your duties in your positions. Many of you did not come here to be reporters out of genuine desire, but rather for the library and the prospect of becoming officials!"

"That's actually nothing, but what about now? Before even becoming officials, you've already been tainted with the stench of money!"

Just as someone below was about to speak in defense, Fang Zheng Yi stopped them with a wave of his hand.

"I know what you're thinking. I've been rich, but I've also been poor! But whether I am poor or rich, I will always choose to speak up for the people!"

"Is it really impossible to solve problems without money? Throughout history, empty national treasuries have been commonplace. Can officials conjure silver out of thin air? Of course not! But if there's no money to use, why have so many capable ministers emerged in history?"

"What did they rely on? Wisdom, and a sincere heart for the country and the people!" Fang Zheng Yi pointed to his head. "Solving problems that require money without money, isn't that a kind of training for being an official?"

Fang Zheng Yi paused, and the people below began to murmur softly.

Reflecting! They were starting to reflect!

After a moment, Fang Zheng Yi continued: "Do you know how the old officials in the court evaluate the next generation of scholars?"

The reporters' eyes revealed an eager light. Being evaluated, they definitely had to know!

"They say that the current young people are worse than the previous generation!"

The light in everyone's eyes disappeared, replaced by resentment.

Fang Zheng Yi said leisurely: "But in my opinion, that's not entirely true. The newspaper was founded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and myself. We see all the reporters' efforts, bit by bit!"

"Those who keep saying that one generation is worse than the previous one should look at you, like I do."

"I see you, even though you are poor, still going through streets and alleys to speak for the people. Although you are commoners, you are not afraid of the darkness, and you do not bow to evil forces! I am full of respect for you, and I salute your professional attitude. You are turning the darkness into light, and turning barrenness into prosperity."

"Because of you, Great Jing will be even stronger, and the people will be more vibrant, because the most beautiful scenery in a country is the reporters in the newspaper who work tirelessly!"

The old reporters' eyes began to shine. It had been a long time since Lord Fang had given a lecture.

The long-lost emotion suddenly returned, and the younger reporters, realizing the point, showed a hint of shame on their faces.

Fang Zheng Yi glanced around and continued: "But seeing the new reporters now, my thoughts have changed somewhat."

"I see many of you who should have been a new generation of officials with ideals and vigor, but in order to seek official positions and fantasize about getting rich, you don't even know where you've thrown your original intentions. I ask you, if such people cannot empathize with the people even as commoners, how can they speak up for the people when they enter the court one day?"

"You are younger than those who hold positions without doing any work in the court, and you can endure hardship better. Your minds can also accommodate more new ideas and aesthetics! It shouldn't be me or those in high positions who should teach you how to do things, but you should inspire us on how to better serve the people!"

"Your work breaks down the barriers between people. With just a pen, you can connect with tens of thousands of people, but now you are complaining about a mere overtime!"

"Isn't overtime good? You sweat and work hard until midnight every day because there are thousands of poor people standing behind you! Only the weak are accustomed to complaining and negating, while the strong never hesitate to dedicate and praise!"

"Think one step further. When you go home late at night, bringing the food you bought from the cafeteria to your wife and children, you can proudly tell your son, this was earned through overtime! How can the next generation not work hard when they receive such encouragement?"

"Let me ask you, can you imagine a world without overtime? The people are in dire straits, and every one of your reports may change the lives of countless poor people, but just when you are about to pick up your pen, someone stops you from working overtime. How tragic is that?"

"Overtime is certainly hard, but the choice is in your hands, and the fate of countless people is in your hands! You now have the right that countless people dream of, the right to choose!"

Fang Zheng Yi stopped speaking here, and Xie Xian seized the opportunity and started clapping vigorously under the stage!

At this moment, countless scholars were moved by Lord Fang's lofty ideals and noble character, and the office area became an ocean of applause.

Some of the more emotional ones already had tears in their eyes, while others lowered their heads in shame, and some even shouted: "Lord Fang, we were wrong..."

Fang Zheng Yi shouted loudly: "No, you are not wrong! Which young person hasn't made mistakes? Life is not a smooth road. A prodigal son returning is more precious than gold. You are the rising sun, you are the hope!"

"We do not deny that there are many problems in the newspaper now! But before raising questions, please do not ask what the newspaper has done for you, but first ask what you have done for the newspaper!"

"If there are not enough dormitories, everyone squeeze together! If there are not enough books in the library, you can bring your family's collection or copy books to share with everyone."

"As long as everyone contributes a little love, this world will become a better tomorrow!"

Various intense emotions began to flow like a flood, and more and more people were triggered to feel regret.

Fang Zheng Yi's expression also became more serious: "Seeing your performance today, I think you still have a future!"

"Tell me loudly, what are you going to do next!"

"We want to work overtime!" "Overtime!" "Overtime!" The roar of overtime began to sound like a tsunami.

Fang Zheng Yi nodded with satisfaction, shook his arms and shouted loudly: "Who says one generation is worse than the previous one! I see each wave is stronger than the last! Sooner or later, you will all become pillars of the court!"

"Work overtime! Back waves!!!"

After saying that, Fang Zheng Yi jumped off the table, looked at the reporters who were high on chicken blood, wiped away a cold sweat, and smiled triumphantly.

What can't be settled with this little scene?

Not far away, Shen Yi, with tears in his eyes, walked to Fang Zheng Yi's side and said in a trembling voice: "Lord Fang, you spoke so well."

"Alright, stop crying. Come out with me, talk about your matter, and leave the rest to Xie Xian to handle."

.....

There are two more chapters, later