Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

“Clang!” A teacup smashed violently on the ground, shards flying everywhere, followed by the Emperor Jing's voice, filled with uncontrollable rage, “What madness is this! Are you so desperate for money? You dare to exploit even the full moon celebration of my grandson! Exploiting officials is one thing, but you don't even spare the common people! What on earth are you thinking?”

Fang ZhengYi stood opposite Emperor Jing, eyebrows lowered and eyes downcast, not uttering a word.

He had been dragged straight from court to the Imperial Study and subjected to a torrent of abuse.

However, he didn't have much to explain. The full moon celebration had been going well.

Who knew that those bastards would get drunk and try to fight him, with the common people outside joining in, adding fuel to the fire.

His father-in-law had just arrived, and everything inside and out was already in chaos. The scene was truly out of control because of this unexpected turn of events.

Who could have imagined that these poor devils would be so petty, starting to complain just because they didn't have meat on their tables?

Inside the Princess's mansion, they were busy fighting; outside, they were busy packing up – everyone doing their own thing.

This ugly scene was thoroughly witnessed... but fortunately, the goal was achieved. His reputation among the people should be ruined now...

“Speak! Why aren't you saying anything?” Emperor Jing glared at Fang ZhengYi.

Fang ZhengYi pursed his lips: “Your Majesty, the Royal Academy of Sciences was established by imperial decree within the palace, but the Dongjiao University is being funded by me... With so much silver being poured in, I'm really feeling the pinch. Besides, the imperial grandson's full moon is approaching, and I have to prepare a generous gift, so I thought I'd try to make some... quick money.”

“Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes!” Emperor Jing glared at him and said, “Would Fang ZhengYi ever be short of money? If you need money, can't you tell me?”

“You have no shame, but I do! Look at the mess you've made. Guo Banban, bring in the documents and let him see!”

Guo Tianyang swiftly exited and then returned, leading a palace guard carrying a large basket.

The basket was filled to the brim with memorials.

Emperor Jing pointed at the memorials and said, “Come, take a look! These are all the impeachments against you that arrived yesterday. You're really something!”

“In all my years on the throne, I've never seen anyone receive so many impeachments in a single day. Fine, you're really something!”

Fang ZhengYi lowered his head, glanced at the basket, and then cautiously looked up at Emperor Jing.

Seeing that he was still in a fit of anger.

He said with a fawning expression: “Dad~”

Emperor Jing instantly felt a jolt, goosebumps rising all over his body: “You... you... don't call me Dad.”

“I can't afford it. I don't have such an outstanding son-in-law as you.”

Fang ZhengYi secretly curled his lip. It didn't matter if you didn't admit it; weren't you happily holding my son yesterday?

“Your son is ashamed! Actually, I really intended to put half of the gift money into Dongjiao University and use the other half to prepare for the imperial grandson's full moon.”

“Yesterday, the total amount collected was approximately....”

“How much did you collect?” Emperor Jing asked curiously.

“I collected over twenty thousand taels, and the half for the imperial grandson is thirteen thousand six hundred and twenty-one taels and four qian.” As Fang ZhengYi spoke, he took out a stack of silver notes from his sleeve, large and small, plus loose silver and copper coins, and placed them all on the imperial desk. “I've brought them all here today. Your Majesty can put them into the Imperial Treasury first, as a gift from your son in advance.”

Emperor Jing looked at the messy pile of silver notes and coins on the table and asked in confusion, “Usually, the Ministry of Revenue reports accounts to me in whole numbers. Why are yours always so scattered?”

“I actually like to be meticulous. Even one copper coin is still money. Accounts must be clear.”

“Well... that's a good habit. If the Ministry of Revenue reported accounts with your honesty, there would be fewer omissions.”

“Your Majesty is too kind.”

Fang ZhengYi carefully assessed Emperor Jing's expression.

Seeing that it had eased somewhat, he breathed a sigh of relief.

It really came down to giving money... Although the country was wealthy and had confiscated some large families' assets, basically none of the money had gone into the Imperial Treasury.

In addition, the palace's expenses were fixed, and every year, funds were allocated from the national treasury. Even though the national treasury was richer, more funds weren't allocated, and Emperor Jing couldn't bring himself to ask for money.

Although Taoyuan County shared profits with Emperor Jing, it only amounted to over twenty thousand taels after the accounts were settled each year.

He was someone who was used to being 'poor,' so this ten thousand taels was substantial.

Emperor Jing waved his hand dismissively, and Guo Tianyang quickly stepped forward to collect the silver notes and loose silver.

“Very well, you mean well. I'll save this money for the imperial grandson for now.”

Fang ZhengYi immediately gave a thumbs up and exclaimed, “Your Majesty is wise! The imperial grandson is still young and doesn't know how to manage money. When the imperial grandson grows up, this money will definitely double!”

“Alright, sit down! Stop pretending. I have other important matters to discuss with you today.”

Fang ZhengYi squeezed out a flattering smile and then sat obediently on the chair.

Emperor Jing said, “The Jin Kingdom has sent an envoy to visit our country. The cabinet has discussed and decided to send someone back to the Jin Kingdom to express our goodwill.”

“Yes, yes, yes! That's what should be done.” Fang ZhengYi nodded repeatedly, “Could it be that Your Majesty is preparing to send me, with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to the Jin Kingdom?”

“That's right, you can go. After the Jin Kingdom's envoy has finished their visit here, you can return with them.”

“? ? ?” Fang ZhengYi was shocked: “Surely not, Your Majesty! I just held a full moon celebration! I have nothing to do with diplomacy. Why would you send your son there?”

Emperor Jing continued, “It was the State Preceptor Paba who personally invited you to go. Considering that this time the Jin Kingdom is sending a prince in person, Da Jing cannot lose face. It seems that no one is more suitable than you.”

“Moreover, you understand business matters. This time, it's not just a simple visit, but also to discuss expanding the list of goods for trade between the border towns of the two countries. Your going is very appropriate. But you don't have to worry, I will send some more people to assist you. If you don't want to participate, then leave it to your subordinates. Just treat it as a trip out for relaxation.”

“In addition, you are always resourceful. You can use this opportunity to stay longer and gather more information about the situation within the Jin Kingdom's court.”

“Your Majesty, don't you think the Jin Kingdom's visit is a bit strange? They don't gain any advantage from doing business with us, so why are they so enthusiastic?”

“I don't quite understand this either, but the Court of State Ceremonial analyzed that the Jin Kingdom suffered a snow disaster last year, so they must be in urgent need of many necessities. That's why they're doing this, but in any case, there should be no malice.”

“Can I not go?” Fang ZhengYi said with a bitter face.

“No!” Emperor Jing sneered, took a memorial from the basket beside him, and slammed it down: “Originally, I was going to ask for your opinion, but after seeing your performance yesterday, it's better for you not to stay in the capital. Go out and avoid the limelight.”

Damn it! Did I dig a hole for myself?

Fang ZhengYi wanted to cry but had no tears: “Father Emperor, your son... is wronged! I'm making money to do practical things.”

Emperor Jing rubbed his temples and said helplessly, “Thinking about yesterday, I get annoyed just looking at you. Even if you're making money, why do you have to be so greedy? Holding a full moon celebration for the child, but the child didn't come out from beginning to end. Serving vegetarian food to the officials, collecting money from the common people – how did you even think of that?”

“There's no room for discussion on this matter. I've already decided it's you.”

“Your son... really doesn't want to go far away. I just had a child, and I, as the father, have to stay home to take care of him...”

“What's wrong with going out for a few months at such a young age? I heard there's a saying among the people, called... yes, 'Fear hardship, suffer hardship for a lifetime; don't fear hardship, suffer hardship for half a lifetime.' You should take advantage of your youth to gain more experience, otherwise, what great responsibilities can you take on in the future? Go out!”

“...”

......