Royal Gold Magistrate

“BBC Daily News? That sounds awful and hard to remember!” Li Yuanzhao frowned.

Suddenly, his brow smoothed out. “I think we should just call it the Crown Prince Daily. It’ll save us a lot of trouble. What do you think, Old Fang?”

Seeing Li Yuanzhao taking initiative to bear responsibility, Fang Zheng felt somewhat gratified.

“If Your Highness is willing, that would be excellent. From today on, the Crown Prince will be the newspaper’s president, and I’ll be the editor-in-chief.”

“We should act quickly. Let’s start preparing and recruit some staff.”

……

Fang Zheng moved fast. Within three days, he had ordered Taoyuan County to bring large quantities of uncut toilet paper to the capital. All the newspaper’s reporters, including the paperboys, were recruited.

The newspaper office was set up next to the Banshan District yamen, though the sign hadn’t been hung yet. This location was chosen for timely communication and to resolve unexpected issues.

As for the reporters, they were the scholars who usually hung around the theatre critics’ corner in Banshan Square. They were directly conscripted, with Shen Yi among them.

Of course, the scholars had some objections, but Fang Zheng didn’t care at all.

Watching plays every day? How could they do well in the exams?

Come out and work! Isn’t it great to have a guaranteed job?

I, Fang Zheng, am being benevolent by not charging you money!

Now, Fang Zheng was on the second floor of the Crown Prince Daily office, which had been renovated into cubicles.

A huge banner hung on the main wall, bearing the Four Sentences of Hengqu.

In the corners of the walls were phrases like “Wolf-like team, united in heart and mind”, “When work is a pleasure, life is a joy; when work is a duty, life is slavery”, “Life is beautiful because of work, work is joyful because of diligence”, “Be content in life, know your shortcomings in learning, and never be satisfied in work”, and other such motivational slogans.

After looking at the decor, Fang Zheng sighed. He had finally become the person he hated the most.

How satisfying!

However, the group of scholars curiously examined the various slogans on the walls.

Their originally pure hearts were clearly stimulated by the advanced slogans, each of them eager to start.

They were completely unaware of what future awaited them.

Fang Zheng and Li Yuanzhao stood silently at the front, waiting for their emotions to settle.

After a long while, the group finally calmed down from their excitement.

Shen Yi asked excitedly, “Mr. Sai, Young Master Li, can you tell us what you want us to do now?”

Fang Zheng smiled slightly, “This is the district’s newest institution, a newspaper office! Named the Crown Prince Daily!”

“What! Crown Prince?” Everyone revealed shocked expressions.

Fang Zheng pushed Li Yuanzhao to the front. “Let me formally introduce you. The Young Master Li you’ve been seeing daily is actually the current Crown Prince!”

Shen Yi and the others gaped, staring blankly at Li Yuanzhao.

Who would have thought that the enthusiastic person who often shouted in the streets helping commoners solve problems was actually the Crown Prince?

Li Yuanzhao smiled, “Indeed, I wanted to interact with you as an ordinary person…”

“This humble servant pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince!”

A wave of scholars knelt down in unison!

Everyone was excited. This was directly working for the Crown Prince. Who cared about studying and taking exams now? This was a great opportunity for their future!

“Rise,” Li Yuanzhao said, slightly displeased.

I hadn’t finished showing off! Why are you reacting so quickly?

Shen Yi stood up and looked expectantly at Fang Zheng, asking, “Then what’s Mr. Sai’s true identity?”

Fang Zheng said proudly, “I am Official Fang Zheng.”

“…………….”

Everyone fell silent. So he was that infamous corrupt official Fang Zheng?

They all looked at him with strange expressions.

Fang Zheng became angry, “What do you mean? Do you look down on me?”

No one dared to speak. Shen Yi, as the leader, awkwardly forced out, “We wouldn’t dare! We wouldn’t dare! Lord Fang… there have been some rumors about you outside.”

“We didn’t believe the gossip. Now that we know the truth, we’re truly ashamed.”

After speaking, he bowed, and the others behind him quickly followed suit.

Fang Zheng’s expression softened slightly, and he said righteously, “That’s more like it. I’ve always been outspoken and daring to advise, so I’ve made many enemies in court. The attacks, both open and hidden, are countless.”

“Those people have a great influence in official circles, so it’s understandable that you misunderstood!”

“But it doesn’t matter! I do this for the common people and to pave the way for your future official careers. A little hardship is nothing. Rise.”

Everyone stood up, heads lowered and silent, feeling somewhat moved, as if their chests were blocked.

They had only one thought: the official world is so dark! How could a capable person like Lord Fang be openly framed! Shameful!

Li Yuanzhao looked at Fang Zheng with disdain.

Old Fang was indeed skilled at manipulating people’s minds. It seemed that besides the Woman’s Fist and moral coercion, this guy had other skills he hadn’t revealed.

“From today on, you are all reporters for the Crown Prince Daily. You must serve the Crown Prince wholeheartedly.”

“Lord Fang, what’s a reporter?” someone asked.

Fang Zheng said loudly, “Good question. Your duty is to go among the people and collect big and small events that happen every day, write them into articles, polish them, and then print them in the newspaper, published daily.”

“Of course, the newspaper will also solicit contributions from the public. After selecting good articles, you’ll need to verify them, and then process them the same way.”

“What you’re doing is of great importance, bringing justice to the people and restoring clarity to the world.”

“I’ve arranged for people to train you on the more detailed rules and work divisions. You’re all smart people, so I believe one day will be enough.”

“Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Progress through trial and error!”

“Each person will receive one tael of silver per month as pay. If the news articles you write become popular, there will be special rewards!”

Someone excitedly asked, “Lord Fang, can you tell us what these special rewards are?”

Fang Zheng chuckled and pulled out a shiny object from his bosom. “Diamonds!”

“These are the Crown Prince’s treasures! I’ll reward you with different grades of diamonds based on how popular your news articles become.”

“However, you can’t keep these. Once you receive a diamond, you must sell it to someone outside the newspaper within three days. The rewards may change in the future, so stay tuned!”

The group of scholars erupted in excitement.

They never expected such valuable rewards. These were the most popular diamonds in the capital!

When the Ocean’s Heart was auctioned in Banshan Square, it sold for over two thousand taels!

Although the hype has died down now, many great families are still buying them. Even the smallest diamond can easily sell for twenty taels now!

But someone was a bit confused: “My Lord, why are we limited to selling within three days?”

“No reason! The Crown Prince decided it, and the Crown Prince’s rules are rules! Do you all understand?”

“We understand!!”

Li Yuanzhao smacked his lips.

Let Old Fang say what he wants. I’m used to it anyway.