Royal Gold Magistrate

Surrounded by onlookers, Li Yansong was carried away.

His unconscious face still bore traces of relief and happiness.

Everyone’s eyes couldn’t help but reveal a hint of sorrow as they looked at him.

To have such an unfilial relative! Actually cursing him to die!

At his age, Prime Minister Li had actually fainted from anger.

Finally, someone couldn’t hold back and wailed, “Fang Zheng! You’re so unfilial!! You actually cursed your uncle-in-law to die!”

“Indeed! Indeed! At this point, you’re still trying to cover it up!?”

“Your Majesty! For such a disloyal and unfilial person, please punish him severely!”

Knowing the truth, Emperor Jing and Li Yuanzhao sat above, their eyes twitching violently.

It’s over, it seems to have become true!

Fang Zheng also swallowed hard.

Things seemed to have gone beyond expectations, developing in a strange direction…

Then his eyes unconsciously drifted towards Zheng Qiao and Zhang Dongxiang.

The two met Fang Zheng’s gaze and simultaneously shuddered, immediately feeling a chill all over. They quickly turned their heads away.

Don’t look at me… Don’t look at me…

“Enough! All of you be quiet for me!” Emperor Jing shouted angrily, then slammed his hand on the imperial desk. The court officials immediately fell silent.

“There’s no need to discuss this further. I’ve made my decision! From today, Fang Zheng is demoted to Assistant Prefect of Jianjiang! Now go!”

With a wave of his hand, Guo Tianyang personally went down to escort Fang Zheng away.

Fang Zheng still looked bewildered.

Li Yuanzhao was panicking. Old Fang is gone, what should I do?

He kept making eye signals to Emperor Jing, but Emperor Jing didn’t even glance at him.

…………..

Fang Zheng followed Guo Tianyang out of the hall.

Leaning against a large pillar, he let out a long sigh, looking somewhat dejected.

It’s good to be punished… At least I won’t have to be on edge anymore.

But what can I do in Jianjiang… I have no clue, and I don’t know how long it will take to be recalled.

Guo Tianyang approached, smiling, “Brother, why aren’t you leaving yet?”

Fang Zheng glanced at him, “Brother Guo, don’t joke. After the court session, His Majesty will surely summon me again.”

Guo Tianyang grinned, “Smart. You really are favored by His Majesty. Even after causing such a big fuss, His Majesty still wants to protect you.”

“Not at all, I’m far behind Brother Guo!”

Guo Tianyang praised, “Brother, you’ve got guts… Daring to openly make enemies with all the officials. I’ve spent most of my life in the palace and have never seen such a thing.”

“Aren’t you afraid of retaliation?”

Fang Zheng smiled slightly, “Brother Guo, this is called great love without emotion. To achieve one’s ambitions, some sacrifices must be made. If we’re too cautious and try to please everyone, nothing would ever get done.”

“As long as we’re on the right path, what’s wrong with using any means necessary? I’m just soft-hearted and can’t bear to see people starve to death.”

Guo Tianyang’s expression turned serious. He looked at Fang Zheng with a complex expression, then suddenly sighed, “Ah… I also experienced hunger when I was young.”

“Back then, crying to heaven brought no response, calling to earth brought no reply. My mother starved to death, and my father had to kneel and beg for someone to send me into the palace.”

“At that time, I wondered why no high official could come out and save the people from disaster, give my parents a bite to eat…”

“Unfortunately… Not long after I entered the palace, my father also starved to death…”

A bitter smile appeared on Guo Tianyang’s lips, “But now I’ve seen it. Brother, I admire you… You’re a good official.”

Fang Zheng felt moved. It seemed this old eunuch truly had many sad stories.

He patted Guo Tianyang’s shoulder to comfort him, “Brother Guo, my condolences.”

“Such things are half natural disaster and half man-made calamity. It’s all because of these foolish officials. Otherwise, who would willingly castrate themselves if they had food to eat?”

Guo Tianyang suddenly stiffened, stepping back. He stared at Fang Zheng, pressing his lips tightly together, feeling extremely regretful.

I’m such a big fool! Why did I share such heartfelt words with you!

Damn Fang Zheng!

“Brother Guo, I’m not targeting you! I was just speaking from emotion…” Fang Zheng quickly added.

Like hell I believe you!

Fortunately, Guo Tianyang had great self-control and quickly regained his composure, “Brother, you jest… Well, I’ll be going now. You wait here for His Majesty’s summons.”

With that, Guo Tianyang turned to leave.

Fang Zheng hurriedly caught up and discreetly slipped him a banknote.

He whispered, “Brother Guo, didn’t His Majesty give you any hints? What’s His Majesty’s attitude now? How was his mood yesterday?”

Guo Tianyang felt the texture of the banknote and grinned again, whispering back, “I don’t know.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a hand reaching into his sleeve.

Guo Tianyang quickly pulled his hand back, saying repeatedly, “Don’t rush, brother, don’t rush!”

“In any case, His Majesty won’t mistreat you. I see His Majesty is in a good mood, there must be something good!”

Fang Zheng withdrew his hand and said, “Then, is it possible not to go to Jianjiang? I won’t be of much help there. I could do more if I stayed in the capital.”

Guo Tianyang looked pained, “Brother, His Majesty’s word is golden. If he tells you to go, you must go! This definitely can’t be changed, don’t even ask!”

“However… if you want to stay a few more days, His Majesty might agree to that!”

“Alright then, you go about your business, Brother Guo. I’ll wait outside the imperial study.” With that, Fang Zheng turned and left.

Guo Tianyang watched his retreating figure and shook his head, then turned to leave as well.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he took big strides to catch up with Fang Zheng.

“Brother! Brother!”

Fang Zheng turned back, looking puzzled, “What is it? Does Brother Guo have something else to say?”

Guo Tianyang chuckled, looking sneaky, “Well… is Prime Minister Li really your uncle-in-law?”

Fang Zheng: “………”

You’re in charge of the Eastern Depot, don’t you know who’s related to whom in the court? You’re asking me? This is crazy!

“Brother Guo, don’t you manage the Eastern Depot? Why are you asking me about this?”

Guo Tianyang looked a bit embarrassed, “Tsk, I definitely wouldn’t have believed it before, but now I really can’t say. The rumors outside are too intense, they seem so detailed!”

Fang Zheng didn’t know how to answer for a moment.

“Uh… He wasn’t before, but now he is. I don’t even know if he is or not anymore.”

Guo Tianyang: “………, So is he or isn’t he?! You’ve confused me!”

Fang Zheng was getting a bit impatient, “Just assume he is!”

Having gotten his answer, Guo Tianyang clapped his hands excitedly, “Oh! I knew it! Prime Minister Li was indeed keeping it well hidden, hiding it so deep.”

“You go ahead with your business, I’m leaving!”

Watching Guo Tianyang’s retreating figure, Fang Zheng couldn’t help feeling confused.

Could Prime Minister Li really be my uncle-in-law!?

Then Fang Zheng shook his head violently, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Damn, I’ve told so many lies I almost believed it myself!