Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

The crowd bowed and withdrew.

Even Fang Zheng Yi was a little puzzled by the Emperor Jing's move.

Logically speaking, Li Yuanzhao's unexpected performance today should have sealed the deal, but judging from Emperor Jing's attitude, he hadn't made a decision yet, and who knew what else might happen.

Before Emperor Jing could speak, Fang Zheng Yi tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, how have you decided to deal with Zhang Shi?"

Emperor Jing gazed at Fang Zheng Yi, his eyes seeming somewhat profound: "You want朕 to deal leniently with Zhang Shi? That's not a problem. His matter is already resolved; 朕 is not concerned."

"朕 kept you here because朕 wanted to talk to you alone. The Brocade Guards currently have a shortage of manpower at the lower levels. Have you started working on this?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I am preparing to recruit some civilians with clean backgrounds from the populace."

"Mm."

Emperor Jing nodded: "You have already seen the brief regulations. There are still many areas for improvement in the future. If you have any ideas, submit a memorial to朕."

As he spoke, he patted Fang Zheng Yi on the shoulder and sighed: "朕 used to think you were a decisive person, but since you returned from Yuding City,朕 have found you to be different."

"Fang Qing, your heart is too soft.朕 knew you were at odds with Zhang Shi, but朕 didn't expect you to be so tolerant, taking the initiative to plead for him."

"A kind heart may not be suitable for leading the Brocade Guards.朕 wonder if you can do it well?"

Fang Zheng Yi smiled sheepishly: "I am just such a person, alas... I also know that sometimes my heart is too soft, but I think it's okay to be a little soft."

"I usually like to read Buddhist scriptures and such. This world isn't just about fighting and killing; reasoning can also solve problems."

"But Your Majesty, rest assured! I guarantee that the Brocade Guards will always be able to complete their missions perfectly!"

Emperor Jing was amused and patted him on the shoulder again, asking: "朕 didn't realize you also like Buddhist scriptures. Then what do you think should be done with the Yan family?"

"I believe that those involved should be beheaded according to the law, their homes confiscated, their family members reduced to commoners, and the imperial court should never employ them again!"

Fang Zheng Yi puffed out his chest and raised his head.

Emperor Jing nodded: "Enough. Instructor Yan can be considered to have contributed to the imperial court. Give him poison as well, and handle the rest as you said."

"Since the Crown Prince also came to plead today,朕 will not pursue the matter further. Guo Banban, draft the decree."

Emperor Jing then asked: "Zhang Shi's family should have a place to hide silver. You said the Fourth Prince gave him two million taels every year. Where was the silver hidden? Have you interrogated him?"

Before Fang Zheng Yi could answer, Li Yuanzhao took the initiative: "Father, we found it! Yesterday, I led people to search the silver vault and confiscated over three million taels. I have already sent people to guard the vault."

Upon hearing that there were more than three million taels, Emperor Jing was first delighted, then frowned: "Why only three million taels?"

Fang Zheng Yi quickly said: "Ah, yesterday I left in a hurry and left people to continue interrogating him. I heard he has three more silver vaults. This is just one of them. He should have confessed everything by now. I will go to the prison later and report back to Your Majesty."

Only then did Emperor Jing relax and rejoice: "Very good! This time, the national treasury will be abundant, and朕 can finally flex my muscles!"

"Everyone in the world is reaching out for silver.朕 didn't expect that your trip would solve all the problems! The silver you confiscated from Yuding City should also be escorted to the capital in a few days, right?"

Seeing that he was in a good mood, Fang Zheng Yi immediately offered flattery: "Your Majesty is radiant and divinely assisted. How could I have any merit!"

Emperor Jing smiled, and Fang Zheng Yi promptly moved closer and whispered: "Your Majesty said you would grant me any one wish. I am deeply in love with Princess Consort. I wonder if Your Majesty..."

"Get out, you insolent thing!"

Emperor Jing's face suddenly changed, and he cursed angrily.

Fang Zheng Yi scurried away, leaving Li Yuanzhao bewildered.

"Father... what's wrong with Lao Fang?"

"Don't mind that scoundrel. You talk to朕 first."

Outside the door, Fang Zheng Yi leaned against the doorframe, beaming.

Judging from Emperor Jing's attitude, he was definitely in the clear. Otherwise, he would have had someone kill him! It should be done after dragging it out for a while longer. Isn't it simple to please his future father-in-law?

After waiting for a while until Guo Tianyang came out, Fang Zheng Yi quickly grabbed him, his face full of smiles: "Brother Guo, I want to discuss something with you. When the imperial decree comes down, please tell His Majesty for me that I will go to the prison to announce the decree."

"Ah? Okay."

"Um, Brother Guo, there's one more thing... I asked His Majesty for the Princess's hand in marriage... Do you know about this?"

Guo Tianyang revealed a profound smile: "Brother, I can't help you with this."

"So you do know. Is His Majesty agreeing or not? What's the meaning of keeping me hanging like this? Does he want money or what? Just say it!"

"Such words! Such words, Brother! Does His Majesty lack that little bit of money?"

Guo Tianyang went up to cover Fang Zheng Yi's mouth, but Fang Zheng Yi pushed him away.

"Brother Guo, tell me what's going on, and I'll give you something good!"

"What good thing?"

Guo Tianyang licked his lips. If this kid Fang Zheng Yi said it was a good thing, it definitely wouldn't be bad.

He wears those precious glasses every day!

"An extremely good thing! In the future, every important official in the court must have one. Without it, they simply won't be able to survive in the officialdom!"

Fang Zheng Yi boasted.

"So good?"

Guo Tianyang's saliva almost dripped down, and his heart was as uncomfortable as if a cat was scratching it: "What is it?"

"Don't ask. It hasn't been made yet. Once it's done, I'll send it to you. You tell me first."

Guo Tianyang raised his head, closed his eyes, and pondered hard, finally squeezing out a sentence: "I don't know."

"Hey! Brother, Brother, don't go! What is the good thing?"

........

Inside the Grand Secretariat's office.

At this moment, the atmosphere was harmonious. Ever since they returned from Emperor Jing, everyone was in a lively mood, not in the mood to work.

Zheng Qiao said: "Hey, what do you guys say? Fang Zheng Yi seems to have changed his temperament after this trip. Didn't he used to bite anyone he caught?"

"Yes, that mouth of his is like he ate dung. I didn't expect him to plead for Zhang Shi."

Zhang Dongxiang stroked his beard, thought for a long time: "It's not that simple, everyone. There's a conspiracy, there must be a conspiracy. This son is not to be trusted!"

He has been deceived by Fang Zheng Yi twice, and his credibility has been exhausted!

"Yes! That fellow also said that crystal glasses could cure kidney deficiency. I went to ask a famous doctor in the capital, and they said there's no such thing at all!"

"And that melon he and the Crown Prince sold, I brought it back for my grandson to eat. My poor little grandson almost died of diarrhea at home...."

Speaking of their grievances, everyone began to denounce Fang Zheng Yi's unscrupulous behavior.

Only Li Yansong had a profound smile on his face, and he gently raised his hand: "Everyone, everyone, I don't see it that way."

"This old man knows some inside information! Do you know where Fang Zheng Yi went during this disappearance?"

"Where did he go?"

Everyone's curiosity was aroused.

"This old man heard that he went to work as a servant for merchants. He must have suffered a lot!"

The Grand Secretariat was in an uproar. Not many people actually knew about this. Everyone only knew that he disappeared and then came back.

Who cared where he went when he disappeared?

"The prodigal son returns, more precious than gold. This young man has experienced some twists and turns, and knowing the difficulties of the world, he must have grown! This person, Xiao Fang, still has potential and is efficient in his work. I don't think everyone needs to worry about him relying on his status to act recklessly."

Li Yansong smiled.

"Lord Li, you are all relatives, so of course you would say that."

A discordant voice emerged.

Li Yansong was still smiling smugly, thinking that his analysis was on point, when he heard someone bring up this old matter again, and he immediately slammed the table!

His face flushed red as he said: "Who said that! Who! Stand up for this old man!"