Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Fang Zheng quickly smoothed things over, "I asked him to accompany me. What brings you to the East Palace, Brother Guo?"

Guo Tianyang looked at Liu Jin and sneered, "You ignorant fool! Today, because of Lord Fang's intercession, I'll let it go. Now, get lost!"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Liu Jin scurried away, and Guo Tianyang put on a smiling face again.

"Lord Fang, I've been looking all over for you. So you were really in the East Palace."

"Looking for me? What important matter is it?"

Guo Tianyang nodded and said solemnly, "Lord Fang, His Majesty has an imperial decree. Receive the decree!"

Fang Zheng's expression turned serious. He didn't have time to think, so he straightened his official robes and became solemn.

Guo Tianyang unfolded the imperial decree in his hand and read, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Fang family is a family of loyalty and filial piety. Their son, Fang Zheng, is of suitable age, and his virtue is praised in his hometown. He cultivates filial piety and righteousness in ordinary life, and has long been connected by marriage to our family. In the past, when he lived in the fields, he provided valuable assistance. He has raised a good son to be my tiger-like minister. His benevolence is profound, and his good reputation is widespread. Therefore, after careful examination of ancient texts, we should bestow upon him a great honor. He is hereby granted the title of驸马都尉 (Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant).

The way of husband and wife is the great principle of human relations. Marriage at the right time is an important aspect of etiquette. When an imperial daughter marries, she must choose a meritorious and old family as the match, which is a common principle throughout history. I now order Fang Zheng to be the Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant. You must uphold the way of a husband, not indulge, not be arrogant, and forever maintain your family, to show the intention of loving your relatives. Strictly abide by my words, and do not be negligent."

"Your... subject... receives the decree..."

Fang Zheng took the imperial decree, his expression somewhat dazed.

A... a royal marriage was bestowed? It's just that this bestowal came rather suddenly.

No wonder... no wonder there was no reward.

So, they used a daughter as compensation. This old man is really cunning.

In his previous life, he had never been married. In this life, Li Miaohan was the first one he had taken a liking to, the love-at-first-sight type.

But now he's already supporting two at home...

Thinking about it, Fang Zheng began to feel uneasy again, his heart inevitably complex.

Guo Tianyang smiled and said, "Congratulations, Imperial Son-in-Law Fang. You are now part of His Majesty's family. I dare not call you 'virtuous brother' anymore."

"Brother Guo, what are you being so polite for? Call me whatever you want in private," Fang Zheng came back to his senses and said, "Um... how much is the betrothal gift?"

"Ah? Betrothal gift? Are you talking about the engagement gifts?" Guo Tianyang asked.

"Yes."

Guo Tianyang said, "Oh dear, a royal marriage naturally has high standards. As for the exact amount... that depends on the Ministry of Rites. Surely, virtuous brother, you're not short of money?"

"No! No way! The betrothal gift should be high, according to Jiangxi standards!"

"Where is Jiangxi?" Guo Tianyang asked, puzzled.

"It's nothing, the highest standard in my hometown," Fang Zheng said, "Then... when is the wedding? What should I do? I need to prepare myself mentally, I have no experience!"

Guo Tianyang smiled, "Indeed, no Imperial Son-in-Law has experience. However, the Ministry of Rites will handle it. Once a good date is chosen, you can get married after completing the six rites."

"However, Lord Fang, there's no need to rush now. His Highness specifically instructed me to tell you not to go to the Mingluan Hall before the wedding."

"In addition, everything will depend on the outcome of your competition with the Ministry of Works. This is to avoid affecting you. Even if you don't win, it doesn't matter. Don't be afraid of losing face and pushing yourself too hard. It's normal to lose."

"In the future, you must be steady in your actions and not be rash!"

"Your subject thanks His Majesty for the guidance," Fang Zheng sighed inwardly.

When you can't get something, you desperately want it.

But when that day really comes, why does it feel like there's so much pressure?

"Virtuous brother, how confident are you in your competition with the Ministry of Works?" Guo Tianyang asked quietly.

"What? Brother Guo, are you concerned about this matter too?" Fang Zheng laughed inwardly. He didn't expect him to be so concerned about this.

"Virtuous brother, my subordinates... have opened a betting pool, cough, you understand," Guo Tianyang's face flushed slightly.

"There's such a thing in the palace?" Fang Zheng was surprised. Where there are people, there is a jianghu!

Guo Tianyang chuckled, "People are just like that everywhere! The palace is no exception. My subordinates just want to save some money so they can have a good life in their old age."

"I can't guarantee anything, but I can give you a hint. Taoyuan County can't compare to the palace in terms of craftsmanship, but when it comes to creativity, even ten Ministries of Works wouldn't be a match. Brother Guo, you can figure it out for yourself."

Guo Tianyang blinked.

Craftsmanship is far inferior, but creativity? The gunpowder and firearms of Taoyuan County were all accidental discoveries.

The palace will definitely win with the same things!

Thinking about it, Guo Tianyang smiled happily, "Understood."

Saying that, he looked in the direction of Li Yuanzhao's bedroom and sighed, "Oh dear, His Majesty asked me to deliver the decree and then check on the Crown Prince. He was said to be sick this morning and didn't attend court. I must go and see His Highness first."

"Don't go, Brother Guo. He's sleeping. He injured himself practicing martial arts yesterday. It's not a big problem. Go back and see His Majesty directly."

Guo Tianyang nodded, "Alright, then I'll go back to report first."

After Guo Tianyang left, Fang Zheng took out the imperial decree and looked at it repeatedly.

Sometimes he smiled foolishly, and sometimes he frowned.

Until Li Yuanzhao's shout appeared in the courtyard.

"Eunuch Liu! Eunuch Liu! This prince wants to get dressed! Where is everyone?"

Fang Zheng hurriedly stuffed the imperial decree into his arms and waited silently at the door.

After a while, Li Yuanzhao walked out of the room, yawning.

Seeing Fang Zheng at the door, he smiled and said, "Old Fang, are you looking for me? Let's go eat?"

Wake up and eat? Good heavens, it's good to be young!

Fang Zheng smiled and said, "Your Highness is really something! You were shooting a hand cannon all night. Is there enough ammunition left from Taoyuan County?"

Li Yuanzhao yawned again, covering his mouth and said, "I... just... like shooting guns. The ammunition ran out last night. Help me get some more."

"By the way, what did you want to see me about?"

"You missed a good show today. The opening of the sea is settled."

"Really?" Li Yuanzhao widened his eyes, stepped forward and slapped Fang Zheng's shoulder hard, excitedly saying, "You really have a way! This time, I'll definitely get a fleet out there and let Father know that the earth is round!"

"Uh... also, I suggested to His Majesty to establish a Royal Academy of Sciences and affiliated academies, and in the future, prepare to do more inventions that benefit the people."

"That's great! That's a great thing! This suggestion is good. I'm increasingly feeling that science is a good thing. Isn't penicillin and gunpowder all created by science? There are endless mysteries in it, and I also want to learn it," Li Yuanzhao said excitedly, "Father must have agreed."

Fang Zheng nodded, "His Majesty doesn't have any objections, but the Ministry of Works has a big opinion. They're afraid that we're going to steal their work."

"So today, a bet was made in the court, with a one-month deadline. Both sides will present their results. After the officials have assessed them, they will decide whether to establish the Academy of Sciences."

"Taoyuan County has some treasures. I think that taking them out will definitely make people's eyes light up. However, I'm not sure about the aesthetic and views of the palace. Does Your Highness want to go with me to take a look?"

......