Royal Gold Magistrate

By now, the rain had stopped. Several carriages sped towards Dengjin District.

Fang Zheng shared a carriage with Emperor Jing. The atmosphere inside was somewhat awkward.

Emperor Jing’s lips were tightly sealed, not saying a word, his gaze fixed on the window.

Fang Zheng wore a bewildered expression, unsure of what was happening.

Since the Fuyun Temple incident, he hadn’t sent anyone to investigate Dengjin District.

Firstly, he felt Yan Guoan wasn’t worth worrying about, and secondly, it seemed pointless.

After all, he only wanted to manage Banshan District well, not caring much about other matters.

Several times, Fang Zheng wanted to say something to Emperor Jing, but seeing his serious expression, he thought better of it.

Emperor Jing, meanwhile, was pondering how to deal with Yan Guoan.

If he hadn’t seen Banshan District, he might not have been so severe in his punishment. At most, he would have issued a reprimand, given that natural disasters played a significant role.

Most scholars in the world were like this. Some things couldn’t be changed overnight.

But the problem was that he had been to Banshan District. When comparing goods, some must be discarded; when comparing people, some must die.

The anger in Emperor Jing’s heart not only hadn’t dissipated but seemed to grow.

Soon, the carriages approached the outskirts of Dengjin District.

A vast array of troops had already surrounded Dengjin District, making it watertight. Fang Zheng’s jaw dropped at the sight.

Emperor Jing’s carriage pushed through the crowd, heading straight for the government office.

On Yan Guoan’s side, someone had already noticed the unusual activity and ran panic-stricken into the office to report.

Yan Guoan was engrossed in reading something. Hearing someone burst in, he frowned slightly, then lowered his head to continue reading.

The minor official spoke as soon as he entered, “Your Excellency! Something’s wrong! A large number of troops have suddenly appeared in the district, and several carriages are heading our way.”

Yan Guoan was puzzled. A large number of troops? Could it be that the Garrison had sent people to help him?

He raised his eyes and said calmly, “What kind of people are they?”

The minor official nervously replied, “They look like Eastern Depot agents, but there are some I don’t recognize.”

The Eastern Depot mobilized, along with some unrecognizable people? Only His Majesty could command the Eastern Depot. Could it be that His Majesty valued this bet so much that he would personally come to Dengjin District? Perhaps he had heard praise from colleagues and was eager to see Yan Guoan’s achievements?

A slight curve appeared at the corner of Yan Guoan’s mouth.

It seems the kind words of his Hanlin Academy colleagues and some familiar old ministers had taken effect. His Majesty’s personal visit was understandable! Reasonable, very reasonable!

The more Yan Guoan thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. His mood greatly improved, and he waved to the minor official, “Quickly gather the staff, prepare to welcome His Majesty!”

With that, he hurriedly ran out himself.

At the entrance of the office, seeing the polluted water flowing at his feet, he hesitated. The foot he had already half-stepped out withdrew.

After a moment of indecision, he still waded into the water, not expecting the dirty water to rise above his knees.

He almost fell face-first into it.

Various foul odors assaulted his nose. Yan Guoan pinched his nose, carefully walking outwards.

By the time the staff was assembled and Yan Guoan had taken his position, Emperor Jing’s carriage arrived.

Yan Guoan excitedly watched the face peeking through the carriage curtain, seeing him slowly emerge from the carriage.

Yan Guoan couldn’t help but start to warn, “Your Majesty, be care-”

Before he could finish, Emperor Jing stepped directly into the water.

Yan Guoan was stunned… but quickly recovered. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly knelt in the water, his head bowing down hard.

His whole body was soaked, drenched and reeking.

Yan Guoan forced a smile and called out loudly, “This subject welcomes Your Majesty! Forgive me for the late welcome!”

Then he caught a glimpse of Fang Zheng appearing behind Emperor Jing, pinching his nose in disgust as he surveyed the water’s surface.

Yan Guoan was confused. Why was he here!?

Fang Zheng was also shocked!

This dog’s skills were so refined! He had underestimated him. To think he could kneel like this, and even dare to play at diving?

What a shameless bootlicker!

The more Fang Zheng thought about it, the angrier he became. He couldn’t help but remind, “Lord Yan, there’s poop in the water.”

Yan Guoan felt like vomiting, veins popping on his forehead as he shot Fang Zheng a vicious glare.

Three black lines slowly descended over everyone’s heads.

Emperor Jing’s face also fell. The gravity of his mood was suddenly shattered… He couldn’t help but glance back at Fang Zheng.

I’m standing in the water too, you know? What nonsense are you spouting!?

After readjusting his mindset, Emperor Jing directly walked past Yan Guoan towards the interior, saying coldly, “We’ll talk inside.”

Once the Emperor was seated, all the important personnel entered the main hall.

Emperor Jing spoke softly, “Lord Yan, I’ve always heard that you govern well, and it’s said in court that you love the people like your own children. So I came specially to see. Is the situation really like this?”

Yan Guoan was overjoyed internally.

Indeed! Indeed, His Majesty had heard of my good reputation and couldn’t wait to come and see for himself.

But how could a scholar always praise himself like Fang Zheng?

Yan Guoan calmly replied, “In response to Your Majesty, this subject is usually immersed in official duties and hasn’t heard such things. Perhaps they’re just rumors.”

“Even if I’ve done well, it’s not worth praising. It’s merely my duty.”

“Loving the people as one’s own children is a basic obligation.”

Everyone in the hall wore wooden expressions.

Fang Zheng’s ears perked up, his expression becoming serious.

Well said! I still need to learn and absorb. This Yan Guoan really has substance!

Li Yuanzhao, picking his nose, wore a look of disdain.

What nonsense? The streets are in such a state, and you still have the face to say such things?

Emperor Jing’s expression gradually became serious. “Then… does Lord Yan truly love the people as his own children?”

Yan Guoan looked at Emperor Jing in bewilderment, then glanced at the others in the hall.

The three Cabinet Elders were looking at him coldly.

Usually, these gentlemen appreciated him greatly. Why such expressions today?

Moreover, what did His Majesty mean by those words?

The situation was truly bizarre. Yan Guoan’s heart began to race.

Steeling himself, he said, “Yes!”

Emperor Jing smiled, a laugh devoid of any warmth. “But when I arrived, I saw many common folk standing in the water, with no one to help them… Can this be called loving the people as one’s own children?”

Yan Guoan’s raised heart settled.

So it was about this. It seems His Majesty doesn’t understand the situation.

He confidently replied, “Your Majesty, this subject is also anxious about this situation, but this is a natural disaster. Sometimes human efforts are limited.”

“This subject once ordered a thorough investigation of records of disasters caused by heavy rains in the capital over the years. To date, there’s no complete solution… so this subject can only do his best. This subject is ashamed!”

A great sense of disappointment suddenly enveloped Emperor Jing.

He couldn’t help but close his eyes and sigh.

I’ve already given you a chance…

When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with killing intent. Emperor Jing pointed at Yan Guoan and said coldly:

“Seize this man and execute him!”