Royal Gold Magistrate

The newspaper reader straightened the paper, looked it over carefully, and announced loudly, “Here’s what Lord Fang said.”

“How many grain disasters have occurred in the local areas year after year? Has anything changed? It’s still the same old methods, just a different package! But Minister Zhang has his reasons too. He’d say, ‘How old am I? Who are you? You’re so young, how many grain disasters have you experienced? You dare to teach me about disaster relief?'”

“Look at how the officials performed in this grain donation. Is this tiny amount of grain enough to eat? It’s not!”

“Zhang Shi and those big officials only donated a thousand dan. Is that enough to eat? It’s not! They need to donate more!”

“If this continues, those southern regions like Anze County will all starve to death! After Anze starves, Jianjiang will starve. Then no one will be left to starve because they’ll all be dead!”

“This donation from officials alone isn’t enough. Wealthy civilians must also get involved! Those who have the means should contribute!”

“But the court officials have donated far too little! Can you guarantee that the grain disaster will be resolved in the next half year? I advise Zhang Shi and the others to first understand the concept of being an official! What does it mean to plea for the people? Anyway, I’ve donated all the grain in my home. The others can do as they see fit!”

“Sigh, these people have no shame left!”

After the reader finished, there was silence all around.

Such sharp and direct criticism had clearly shocked everyone.

Without those flowery phrases, he started scolding right away. And Lord Fang even donated all his grain, directly confronting his superiors. Could there really be such a person in the world?

“Lord Fang is a true honest official!!!” Someone in the crowd shouted.

“He’s a good official who pleads for the people!!”

“Zhang Shi, that old scoundrel, is despicable!”

The crowd roared in response, with more and more people gathering around.

The street soon became completely blocked.

“Lord Fang works so hard for the people, I want to donate too! I’ll contribute what I can! Where can we donate grain?”

Another wave of agreement followed.

The reader looked carefully at the newspaper and said loudly, “At Banshan Square in Banshan District! Lord Fang has specially set up a place to collect grain donations! You can go there!”

Hearing this, the crowd dispersed in a rush.

The reader shouted repeatedly, “Don’t rush! Everyone, don’t rush! There’s still more news to tell!”

The people who had just turned to leave gathered around again.

“If you dare to pause dramatically again, we’ll beat you to death. Hurry up and speak!”

The reader wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. “The next piece of news is about yesterday’s ranking list!”

“Minister of Revenue Zhang Shi roared in court this morning, claiming the newspaper’s information was inaccurate and that his family doesn’t have that much grain!”

“Some other minor officials also cried poverty, saying even landlords don’t have surplus grain!”

“Adhering to the principles of fairness, justice, and openness, our newspaper is re-verifying the information. We will publish again once the investigation is complete!”

“Moreover, our reporters have taken the initiative! They’ve gone to the officials’ homes and fields for secret investigations. So, were our figures understated, or is there something else going on?”

“And whether our many investigative reporters can return alive, let’s wait and see!”

Hearing this, the people immediately erupted in an uproar!

Goodness! Yesterday’s ranking list was actually understated! These corrupt officials are so rich, yet they dare to cry poverty and donate so little! Absolutely shameless!

The Crown Prince Daily’s reporters are so brave! Risking their lives to enter the tiger’s den, they are the embodiment of justice.

Ah, who knows what dangers they’ll face in those officials’ territories…

Suddenly, someone in the crowd spoke up, “If all the reporters have gone to investigate, does that mean there won’t be a newspaper tomorrow?”

“Good question!” The reader smiled slightly.

“There’s one more important piece of news,”

“What is it!”

Everyone’s eyes grew even more eager. After consuming so much gossip in one day, they weren’t overwhelmed, but rather more excited!

“Because the newspaper office has sent out too many reporters, they’re severely understaffed! They’re recruiting new reporters!”

“Our newspaper offers excellent benefits! Monthly pay ranges from one to twenty taels, with great room for promotion and salary increases. We have a good team atmosphere and provide free accommodation!”

“The newspaper office is full of beautiful women, and we provide free steamed buns! Two days off every month!”

“Damn! The benefits are so good!! I want to go!” Someone immediately shouted.

Working at the newspaper office must be heavenly! Earning up to twenty taels a month, with free accommodation, beautiful women, and free steamed buns! It sounds like a dream.

The simple-minded Jing Dynasty commoners were undoubtedly tempted….

The reader immediately shouted, “Don’t rush! There are requirements! It’s not that easy!”

“The newspaper hopes you can handle significant work pressure, have strong stress resistance, be passionate about work, have a strong sense of responsibility and ambition! Enjoy challenging work!”

“Be able to actively complete tasks assigned from above, adapt to long-term travel. Don’t worry, everyone, it’ll only be busy occasionally~”

“There’s one more requirement: you must have an academic degree, at least a county-level scholar!”

“Eat shit! If I were even a lowly scholar, would I be listening to you babble?!”

With a roar, the people started cursing furiously, throwing all sorts of trash at the reader.

Are you kidding me? If I could read, would I be here listening to you read the newspaper? Who can’t afford a five-coin newspaper?

“Don’t throw! Don’t throw! There’s more!” The reader dodged left and right while continuing to speak.

“The newspaper also needs ten servants who can clean. Age is not limited, monthly pay is three coins. Apply at the newspaper office!”

…………….

In the newspaper office, Li Yuanzhao held the newspaper with a worried expression.

“Old Fang, we’ve really stirred up trouble this time. Imperial Father will surely be angry about the officials being slandered like this. What should we do?”

Fang Zheng, still writing something, said softly, “What do you mean what should we do? We’ll do what needs to be done and leave the rest to fate.”

“We’ll inevitably be punished tomorrow. I’m prepared for it.”

Fang Zheng wasn’t too worried. This newspaper was far more outrageous than the last one.

He was well aware of this.

This approach was like dancing on a tightrope over a cliff.

But from yesterday’s observations, Emperor Jing’s attitude seemed somewhat ambiguous. Regardless, he would definitely stand on the Crown Prince’s side.

He might as well continue to test the waters. The worst outcome would just be losing his official position.

He estimated it wouldn’t be long before he’d be reinstated, and with the Crown Prince’s protection, who would dare to mess with him?

Anyway, he had long since lost all shame, and with his thick skin and wealth, he didn’t care!

Lying back in the county would be just fine.

“With Your Highness here, what do I have to fear… Besides, in doing these things, the result is more important than the process. Your Highness, don’t worry.”

“Will our reporters be alright? Nothing bad will happen to them, right?” Li Yuanzhao was clearly still concerned.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. If they don’t each come back two catties heavier, I’ll marry into your family!”

“*Pfft*, dream on!”

……………