Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Uto stroked his chin, pondering.

Three people... a delegation of a hundred or so. If they were all allowed to roam freely, there might be trouble.

If it's just three people, besides Fang Zheng Yi knowing magic, there shouldn't be any problems.

Uto gazed at Fang Zheng Yi and said, "Very well! Considering your contribution, I will allow three members of the delegation to be active outside each day. However, I will have people watching you. Don't think about making any small moves in front of me."

Paba opened his mouth, wanting to object, but he was afraid that Fang Zheng Yi, that dog, would disgust him, so he held back and ultimately remained silent.

"Even if I had the greatest abilities, what kind of trouble could I cause in the city? Your Majesty is too worried," Fang Zheng Yi said with a wry smile.

This black butcher is indeed meticulous, but fortunately, the goal has been achieved.

Having three people is enough to stir up a big event!

"You have performed well. From today onwards, you no longer need to lead these artisans. You can move around to other places in the city. That's all for today," Uto said, then ordered his entourage to return to the palace.

Fang Zheng Yi had just breathed a sigh of relief when, unexpectedly, Uto turned back and approached Fang Zheng Yi with great interest, asking, "I just remembered a question I wanted to ask you. You must answer truthfully."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"In your heart, who is stronger, I or Li Che?"

Who is stronger... Where have I heard this before? It sounds so familiar.

Fang Zheng Yi looked at the sky for a while, then turned his gaze to Paba and said, "I wonder what the National Preceptor thinks?"

Paba did not hesitate: "Naturally, it is Your Majesty. Our Emperor has swept across the grasslands and established unparalleled achievements. There is absolutely no match for him in the world!"

Yo! The old monk's flattery skills are not weak at all. No wonder he is so appreciated and valued.

Fang Zheng Yi cleared his throat, recalled something in his mind, and recited, "Now, the Great Jin occupies thousands of miles, with countless cities. The palace women and attendants all serve the king privately, the ministers of the court all fear the king, and within the four borders, all seek favors from the king. From this perspective... the king's flaws are significant."

You fucking Fang Zheng Yi, enough is enough, you have to provoke him again!?!?

Several veins instantly popped out on Paba's bald head. He was so angry that he almost jumped up, wishing he could kill him on the spot!

Pointing at Fang Zheng Yi, he angrily said, "Fang Zheng Yi, what do you mean!?"

"I'm saying you're lying. When Chi Lie went to Da Jing, you also said he was invincible, but from the first time I saw him, he never won," Fang Zheng Yi said, folding his arms and putting on a smug expression.

"Bastard! I..." Paba's eyes were bloodshot, and he instantly lost control. All his cultivation collapsed, and he was about to curse.

Fortunately, Uto stopped him in time: "National Preceptor, he's just saying it casually. Why bother getting angry with him?"

Serving the king privately, fearing the king, seeking favors from the king.

It sounded quite pleasing and made a lot of sense. Uto savored it for a moment and smiled, "Since you are unwilling to sincerely submit to me, I will not force you for now. However, I believe you will soon know who is stronger!"

.....

Fang Zheng Yi counted the days. Twelve days passed, and finally, there was movement within the palace.

A large number of supplies and troops began to move outside the city.

Uto's imperial carriage also left the palace. The officials who remained behind saw him off one after another. Fang Zheng Yi also came at Paba's invitation.

At this time, outside the palace, Uto was still making final arrangements and instructions before his departure.

Fang Zheng Yi stood not far away, with Paba accompanying him.

The two stood side by side for a long time. Fang Zheng Yi asked, "A war is about to begin. Isn't the National Preceptor going?"

"I am. I am responsible for the logistics. Brother Fang, is there anything else you want to ask? Now that things have come to this, there's nothing to hide," Paba said calmly.

"There's nothing to ask. I just hope you don't take your anger out on me if you lose the battle."

Paba looked at him deeply: "Brother Fang, although you sometimes say things that are unpleasant to hear, I still admire your talent very much."

"Our Great Jin will surely win this battle. There is absolutely no possibility of defeat. You better stay in the city honestly and don't look for trouble. I will have people watching you. I hope you take care of yourself."

Fang Zheng Yi shrugged and sighed, "National Preceptor, what else can I do in the city? Why are you so worried about me? For the past ten days or so, I've just been taking beauties out for a stroll. Do you have to have seven or eight people watching me? Are you only satisfied if I become a prisoner?"

"I don't think you admire my talent. You're jealous of my talent!"

Paba shook his head, remained silent for a moment, and said, "To be honest, Brother Fang, I can't see through you. People should always be more vigilant about the unknown."

"I sent people to inquire, and the artisans who work under you are all grateful to you. You are very good at inciting people's hearts. With this skill, I don't want you to move around in the city."

"Also, I have taken away all the artisans who have followed you this time. You don't need to worry about it anymore."

I didn't expect the old monk to be so understanding and so cautious!

Take them away, take them away. I'll just find a way to get another batch...

"I never lie to people. I just treat people with sincerity and reciprocate," Fang Zheng Yi said with a smile. "The National Preceptor really has a great misunderstanding of me. But considering that the National Preceptor appreciates me so much, I can give the National Preceptor some useful advice."

"Please speak."

"When the two countries go to war, if, and I mean if, the Jin Kingdom suffers heavy losses, I hope you will persuade Uto to surrender as soon as possible. To the upper echelons, war is just a game of power, but in my opinion, the common people of either country are just content with a little wealth and peace, pitiful people with flesh and blood. They should not become bargaining chips for politicians. Sometimes war is not necessarily the best way to solve problems. Wouldn't sitting down and talking lead to better results?" Fang Zheng Yi said sincerely.

Never would he have thought that Fang Zheng Yi could say such things. Paba smiled wryly: "Brother Fang, I have just discovered today that I was wrong about you in two more ways."

"First, I didn't expect you to have the heart of a Bodhisattva. Second, I didn't expect you to be a truly loyal subject, so confident in the Jing Kingdom, which I admire."

"May I ask, Brother Fang, if the Jing Kingdom has overwhelming power, will it take the initiative to attack our Great Jin?"

Fang Zheng Yi shook his head.

Paba said disdainfully: "I'm afraid you don't even believe it yourself."

Just then, Ari Bai walked over from Uto's direction and asked the two of them, "Lord Fang, National Preceptor, what are you two talking about?"

Before Fang Zheng Yi could speak, Paba had already stepped forward and pulled Ari Bai away, walking to a deserted place and saying, "Second Prince, I heard that you volunteered to stay and guard Pantai City?"

"Yes, my father was just instructing me. But why did Father Emperor make me a deputy? Why should Ishbu be in charge?" Ari Bai said indignantly.

Paba quickly comforted him: "It doesn't matter. Staying in Pantai City is just a leisurely job. Why should the Second Prince compete with others? You can have some peace."

Ari Bai said with displeasure: "Since it's a leisurely job, why isn't it me leading? Could it be that Father Emperor doesn't recognize my ability?"

Otherwise? What ability do you have?

Paba complained in his heart, and said, "Second Prince, please don't overthink it. If you want to achieve something, you can't be impatient. Ishbu has fought with His Majesty for many years. Although he is older now, he is also more experienced. With this arrangement, according to my understanding of His Majesty, he actually wants you to take this opportunity to learn more from him, and then let you take on great responsibilities in the future. This is precisely his emphasis on you!"

"Really? Forget it, let's not talk about this for now. What do you want to talk about privately?" Ari Bai asked.

"Before I leave, I just want to tell you one thing, Your Highness. I see that you are walking quite close to that Fang Zheng Yi. This person will do anything to achieve his goals, and he loves to manipulate people's hearts. You must not believe anything he says! I only ask the Second Prince to keep an eye on him and not let him make any strange moves in the city," Paba said earnestly.

Ari Bai pulled a long face and said, "What do you mean I can't believe anything he says? Do you think I'm the kind of fool who can't tell right from wrong?"

Hiss... Why is the Second Prince so argumentative? How come I didn't notice it before?

Paba's gums were a little itchy: "Of course, the Second Prince can tell right from wrong, but I just wanted to tell you more. After all, Fang Zheng Yi is from the Jing Kingdom."

"I know, National Preceptor. My eyes are the ruler. No strange movements can escape me. Don't worry!" Ari Bai said confidently.

"The Second Prince has indeed grown a lot. Then I can rest assured..." Paba smiled with relief.