Royal Gold Magistrate

Emperor Jing took the notebook and began to read it carefully.

The content was formatted more like a diary, with time, weather, and location all recorded meticulously.

It chronicled Li Yuanzhao’s actions in chronological order, event by event.

Concerned about forgery, Emperor Jing read very attentively.

But as he read on, he gradually became moved.

From the first task, Li Yuanzhao’s approach was clearly somewhat clumsy and rash.

But as time went on, Li Yuanzhao’s actions became more methodical and adept.

Page after page, Emperor Jing found himself deeply impressed, truly amazed.

Li Yuanzhao had managed to efficiently manage thousands of people! This level of ability was already quite remarkable!

Moreover, it wasn’t just broad, general management, but detailed management. Every group, every team had been arranged perfectly by him!

The notebook’s contents couldn’t possibly be fake!

The details were complete, progressing step by step. This must have been carefully recorded by Fang Zheng over time.

Emperor Jing’s face showed a gratified smile. He couldn’t help but pick up the notebook again and glance through it.

It was indeed recorded by Fang Zheng personally; handwriting this ugly couldn’t be mistaken.

Emperor Jing stepped forward and patted Li Yuanzhao’s shoulder, saying softly, “I understand now. I was wrong… Yuanzhao, you’ve done very well.”

Li Yuanzhao finally couldn’t hold back anymore. Hot tears welled up in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks.

He couldn’t help but step forward, wanting to be closer to Emperor Jing.

But just as he took half a step, Emperor Jing pushed him away.

“Wipe your tears. You must maintain the dignity of the heir apparent.” Emperor Jing’s face turned stern again.

Li Yuanzhao nodded, wiped his tears, and stepped back.

Fang Zheng secretly curled his lip in disdain… Being born into the imperial family really makes life difficult.

Emperor Jing changed his tone and looked at Fang Zheng with a smile again: “However… this is also inseparable from Minister Fang’s efforts. I am very pleased.”

Fang Zheng humbly said, “Not at all, this is all part of my duty. Besides, I’ve learned a lot from the Crown Prince as well.”

“His Highness has a pure and innocent heart, often making me feel ashamed.”

Sometimes he did feel ashamed. Although Li Yuanzhao was very serious when working, he also had an exceptionally playful nature. Thankfully, there were no computers in this era, otherwise Fang Zheng estimated he’d have to stay up all night with the Crown Prince.

Emperor Jing waved his hand with a smile, “Let’s not talk about that for now. I have many thoughts after coming here this time, and I have many questions to ask you.”

“Do you know a scholar named Shen Yi in your district, and a man called Lord Ji Er?”

Fang Zheng blinked, “Shen Yi? Never heard of him. But I have heard of Lord Ji Er. He’s a famous ruffian in Banshan District.”

“This man is capable of all evil, he even cheats when playing cards with old ladies.”

“Your Majesty, don’t worry! I will definitely find a way to eliminate him!”

Emperor Jing and the three Cabinet Elders looked at each other in bewilderment.

Are you, Fang Zheng, the nemesis of good people? You must be slandering him…

Then Emperor Jing hesitantly said, “But from what I’ve observed, this man doesn’t seem to be like that. In fact, he has a good reputation in the district. Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

“Ah?” Fang Zheng was also embarrassed.

He didn’t expect that damned Lord Ji Er’s act could fool even His Majesty? He’s got some skills!

He awkwardly said, “Well… perhaps I’ve overlooked something recently. I’ll observe more carefully…”

Emperor Jing said, “Hmm, people’s hearts are hard to judge. You must observe carefully. I think this man’s nature isn’t bad. A reformed prodigal is more precious than gold. You should guide him well.”

“I know your temperament. Don’t be so quick to call for violence!”

Fang Zheng’s mouth twitched. Damn, he had somehow been outmaneuvered!

These gangsters are getting craftier!

“Yes, Your Majesty. Then what about Shen Yi…”

Then they began to talk in detail in the room.

Halfway through their conversation, Guo Tianyang, soaking wet and panting heavily, burst in.

Upon seeing Emperor Jing, he breathed a sigh of relief and then said, “Your Majesty! Everything is ready!”

Emperor Jing immediately stood up, a flash of killing intent in his eyes. He said to everyone, “Let’s go, all of you come with me.”

“Where to?”

“Dengjin District!”

…

In Dengjin District, Yan Guoan was anxious.

The time for the bet was approaching, and this unexpected heavy rain had fallen.

Although he felt he had the upper hand, he had been winning all his life. If he was going to win, he had to win beautifully.

A crushing victory was what people like him pursued.

So when Dengjin District was severely flooded, Yan Guoan immediately ordered his subordinate officials to patrol the district.

His subordinates were miserable, having to wade through the polluted water constantly…

Yan Guoan paced back and forth in the main hall of the government office. A minor official rushed in.

He looked the official up and down, seeing him half-covered in mud and soaking wet. He couldn’t help but frown.

With disgust, he asked, “How’s the situation?”

The minor official was panting, but still tried to squeeze out a smile, “In response to Your Excellency, we’ve sent people to inquire. Scholar Zhang and Scholar Su’s homes are fine.”

“However, Scholar Li’s home in the east is in a low-lying area and has been flooded quite severely. We’ve urgently sent people with boats to rescue them.”

“We’ve now requisitioned a tavern to accommodate them properly.”

“Many of the scholar gentlemen are deeply grateful to you. They say Your Excellency governs well and shows great care. Many want to write memorials praising Your Excellency’s achievements.”

“Some even say that when the water recedes, they want to gather the common folk to write a ten thousand people letter to thank you for your love for the people as if they were your own children.”

“However, there are a few scholars in Xuanming Pavilion who refuse to leave. They have sedan chairs and can return on their own. They say they don’t want to trouble Your Excellency, that your kindness is beyond repayment, and they’ll thank you properly when they return.”

A ten thousand people letter… In his many years as an official, he had never received such a thing.

This item was nothing short of the highest praise for an official. In the future, if he were to appear before His Majesty… Wouldn’t he be greatly honored?

No matter how hard Fang Zheng tried, he could never obtain such an honor!

Yan Guoan’s face lit up with joy. He clasped his hands behind his back, looked up at the plaque in the main hall, and sighed, “This is nothing. Since I came to Dengjin District, I naturally put in my utmost effort to benefit the area. This is as it should be.”

“It’s just that I’m about to leave soon. It’s a pity I can’t do more for the people of the district.”

“Go and tell those scholars that before I leave, I will visit each of them to discuss scholarship. This will be my final effort for Dengjin District.”

“Go now.”

The minor official’s face suddenly changed… He had to go out again?

Although the rain had lessened considerably, it was still incredibly difficult for him to go out… His legs were already starting to tremble.

He hadn’t felt it on the way back, but after resting in the hall for a while, his legs felt as if they were filled with lead.

But since Lord Yan had ordered it, he had no choice. He could only nod in agreement, then force his legs to move as he struggled out.

After watching him leave, Yan Guoan looked at the muddy water on the ground and said, “Someone! Sweep the floor again. The main hall must not be dirty.”

After saying this, he hummed an unknown tune, looking at the light rain outside the hall, his mood brightening.

Fang Zheng, oh Fang Zheng… Let’s see how you end up in complete defeat!