Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

A wave of comfort washed over him!

When Tie Lu took the first shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony, he was ashamed of it.

But today, it had suddenly turned into a great joy!

Emperor Jing suppressed the joy in his heart and waved his hand, saying, "Minister Fang, there is no need to be modest. This is all thanks to you. But is this also the power of science?"

"Of course, this is science!" Fang Zheng said firmly. "Your Majesty, please experience it first. When we arrive at Taoyuan County, I have prepared a banquet and will slowly explain it to everyone."

Emperor Jing nodded slightly, looking out the window with a myriad of thoughts.

At this moment, the officials in the hard-seat carriage had already passed their initial excitement.

They had gone from peering out the windows to speculating on the principles of the train with great interest.

Just then, the attendant who had previously announced the train's departure reappeared.

Everyone's eyes immediately turned to her.

It was the same attendant as before, but this time she was pushing a small cart, coming from the narrow aisle.

The small cart was filled with a dazzling array of items.

At first glance, there were mung bean cakes, candied fruits, and bamboo tubes, among other things.

The crowd was puzzled and looked at her with curiosity.

The attendant pushed the cart forward and said, "Peanuts, melon seeds, alcohol, and beverages. Does anyone need anything? Please move your legs out of the way."

While making way, everyone suddenly understood.

Oh, this train is very thoughtful, providing food and drinks.

"Is that water in the bamboo tube? Give me one, and a serving of candied fruit as well."

The attendant explained with a smile, "That will be two qian of silver in total. Would you like to pay in cash or have it charged to your account?"

The carriage suddenly fell silent.

It's not free? After all that, it costs money....

"What? Candied fruit costs two qian of silver!?" Someone exclaimed indignantly.

"The candied fruit is one qian, and the water is one qian. This isn't ordinary water; it's natural spring water from Taoyuan County with a sweet taste. You can try it."

The crowd exchanged glances. The water from Taoyuan County is worth one qian of silver? That's outrageous!

"Give me a tube of water." Finally, someone couldn't resist. Having not had a sip of water since the early morning court session, they were indeed parched.

The attendant took the silver and handed over a bamboo tube of water.

The person took a sip, and their eyes immediately lit up. They raised the bamboo tube in surprise and said, "Sweet! I've never tasted such sweet water. This Taoyuan spring water is truly magical, as if sugar has been added!"

"Give me a bamboo tube too!"

......

Inside the official carriage.

Li Yansong frowned as he looked at the goods the attendant was showing him.

His face carried a hint of anger. "Why does this thing dare to sell for ten taels of silver for such a small package? Has Fang Zheng gone crazy trying to make money?"

The attendant was not flustered and said gently, "Sir, these milk tablets are complex to manufacture and costly, and they are exclusively for this carriage. They are not available outside. If you think it's too expensive, you can choose a boxed lunch. We have braised pork and chicken steak rice."

"Look at your rice, there are only two or three pieces of meat and a few slices of boiled vegetables, and it's cold. You dare to ask for five qian of silver? Take it away, take it away, we don't want it."

Zhang Dongxiang spoke up, "Lord Li, why not?"

Then he said to the attendant, "Put everything in this cart here. I'll take it all."

The attendant handed over a small notebook. "Please sign here, and all the items will be left for you."

Zheng Qiao said in surprise, "It's clearly a rip-off. Are you sending silver to Fang Zheng?"

"Heh, I'm just eating some of his things. Is Fang Zheng going to run to our house to demand payment?" Zhang Dongxiang sneered and signed his name in the notebook. "Consider it my treat. Let's see what these milk tablets taste like."

Seeing that he had signed, the attendant bowed and said calmly, "Sold items are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Lord Fang has instructed that all expenses in this carriage will be deducted from the tuition fees of Yucai Elementary School and will be made up for next semester. Please enjoy your meal."

Zhang Dongxiang: "......"

......

The scenery outside the window had already passed several factories.

Novel and neatly arranged buildings began to appear before them. Emperor Jing looked around and asked, "What are those houses...?"

Fang Zheng explained, "Your Majesty, we are about to enter Taoyuan County."

"What? Have we already arrived at Taoyuan County?" Emperor Jing gasped. "How long... how long have I been sitting?"

Fang Zheng smiled. "From Dongjiao University to Taoyuan County, it takes less than an hour by train."

"Is that so..." Emperor Jing swallowed. "You must explain everything to me clearly later."

Terrifying... this train is truly terrifying.

It seems that as long as the railway is long enough, traveling a thousand miles a day is not a problem!

Moreover, the comfort inside the carriage is unparalleled, far better than riding a horse.

However, the mysteries within still need Fang Zheng to explain in detail.

Before long, the train slowly entered the station. People who had been prepared in advance outside had already opened the outer locks of the train.

Under the attendant's reminder to take their personal belongings with them, the officials were already waiting at the train door.

As soon as the door opened, the officials, who had already changed into casual clothes and were holding their official robes, walked out of the train one by one.

"Have we arrived? How can it be so fast?"

"Yes, it feels like we haven't done anything yet, and we've already arrived at Taoyuan County."

Looking at the bustling scene around them, the officials felt a sense of being in another world!

The train station in Taoyuan County was different from Dongjiao University. It was an open-air station, with a plaza in front.

At this moment, countless people were gathered in the plaza, craning their necks in anticipation, and dozens of yamen runners were guarding the side.

When the train arrived, a deafening shout erupted.

This scene made the officials couldn't help but look back, and this look immediately plunged them into great shock.

The 'iron dragon,' tens of meters long, was lying horizontally on the railway, with an extraordinary aura!

A large red embroidered ball was tied to the front of the train, but it still made people feel terrified.

No wonder Fang Zheng had to sneakily trick people onto the train.

This thing looks scary. I wouldn't get on it either!

Seeing this behemoth, Emperor Jing praised, "Good! So this is what a train looks like. Its imposing manner is truly an eye-opener for me! But why are so many people gathered here?"

Fang Zheng said, "Today, in addition to inviting the officials, I have also invited many famous scholars and merchants from the capital to visit Taoyuan County. Later, some of these people will be invited to take the train to the capital."

"Your Majesty, the prototype of the steam engine is now in the county yamen. Our people... the scene is a bit chaotic. They should have arrived already. Please wait a moment." Looking at the crowd pushing towards the train to watch the excitement, Fang Zheng frowned secretly.

After all the calculations, the order was still a bit chaotic, but there was no need to worry about Emperor Jing's safety, as this was, after all, Taoyuan County.

Emperor Jing turned back and quietly examined the train a few times, then waved his hand and said, "We have already changed into casual clothes. I also know where the county yamen is. Let's go directly!"

With that, he strode forward.

Fang Zheng wanted to follow, but suddenly saw three old men with bulging clothes passing in front of him, and couldn't help but ask, "Lord Li, what are you stuffing in your clothes? You can't steal things on the train."

"Milk tablets!" The three old men glared at him in unison and followed Emperor Jing closely.

In the crowd, Emperor Jing had just taken a few steps when a small, sneaky figure had unknowingly approached him.

Emperor Jing took a step back vigilantly, clenching his fists.

Who knew that the person would take it a step further.

Just as Emperor Jing was about to raise his hand, the sneaky figure revealed a flattering smile and whispered, "This sir, bath?"

......