Royal Gold Magistrate

The treasure sword was broken.

Fang Zheng was filled with regret, nearly crying his eyes out.

Such a fine sword, and that oaf Zhang Biao just bent and broke it!

If His Majesty ever wanted it back, wouldn’t he be in trouble?

Not a drop of blood had touched it, and the sword was already ruined.

With no other choice, Fang Zheng could only have it sent back to Taoyuan County for reforging. Such an eye-catching sword couldn’t be dealt with in the capital.

As for that Zhang Biao, he was punished to pull the millstone, to put his excess energy to use.

In the afternoon, under a clear sky.

Fang Zheng lazily lay under a tree in the small courtyard.

He no longer needed to attend morning court, but waking up early had become a habit.

After breakfast, he made some arrangements and then took a nap in the courtyard.

This nap lasted until the afternoon.

When he groggily woke up, he saw several plump figures standing in front of him.

Fang Zheng rubbed his eyes, then rinsed his mouth with tea.

Feeling refreshed, he showed two rows of white teeth: “Sister-in-laws, you’re here… Haven’t seen you in a while, you’ve all gotten much slimmer!”

Standing before him were Huang Shengrong’s wife and concubines. The first wife, leading them, had a face full of flesh, looking quite fierce!

However, she maintained a gentle smile when looking at Fang Zheng.

“Lord Fang, you’re too kind. Why have you invited us sisters here today?”

Fang Zheng stood up, stretching his muscles, and shouted, “Someone! Bring some chairs over! Can’t you see we have guests?”

Then he smiled, “It’s nothing much. I’ve invited you sister-in-laws to stay for a few days. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to invite Master Huijue.”

“Oh, have the children come too?”

“Yes, they have!”

Madam Huang pulled out a few children from behind her, but those children looked at Fang Zheng in terror, constantly trying to hide behind Madam Huang.

Fang Zheng tried to appear as friendly as possible: “Come, let uncle hug you!”

The children clutched tightly to Madam Huang’s clothes, desperately trying to hide behind her.

Madam Huang didn’t indulge them, pulling them out and giving each a slap.

“Where are your manners! Lord Fang is calling you!”

Fang Zheng swallowed and forced a laugh, “No need for formalities, no need.”

“Are you all living well at home, sister-in-laws?”

“What’s good about it! That scoundrel, pretending to be a monk, never home. We sisters have become living widows!”

“I know what kind of thing he is! Pah! Huijue Monk indeed! One day when I’m in a bad mood, I’ll tear off his skin!”

“It’s not like with you, Lord Fang. You feed us well, and even give the children free tutoring!”

“Hurry up! You little brats, thank Lord Fang!”

The children’s tears fell silently as they knelt on the ground and gave Fang Zheng a deep bow: “Thank you, Lord Fang.”

Fang Zheng smiled awkwardly, “Ah, you’re all good children. Get up. Uncle will find someone to tutor you more, two more subjects this time!”

The children stood up, glaring at Fang Zheng resentfully before hiding behind Madam Huang again.

Fang Zheng laughed, “That old Huang! Always wandering outside, not coming home to do his duty. It’s really too much! When he comes later, I’ll scold him on behalf of you sister-in-laws!”

Madam Huang and the other concubines suddenly blushed: “Lord Fang, there are children present.”

“Ah hahaha, sorry, sorry!”

Fang Zheng said generously, “The house is still the same house! It’s still kept for you all. In the future, if you’re not comfortable at home, feel free to come to me! This is your second home!”

The women covered their mouths and giggled.

Madam Huang suddenly looked worried, “I wonder what business you have with him this time, my lord?”

“It’s nothing much, don’t worry.”

“To be honest, I’m going on a journey to Jianjiang. I might not return for a year or more.”

“I might need to take Master Huijue to perform some rituals there.”

“A journey?” Madam Huang grew anxious.

“There won’t be any danger to his life, will there?”

Fang Zheng waved his hands hurriedly, “Don’t worry! I, Fang Zheng, guarantee on my life that I’ll bring him back safe and sound.”

“As for this period, I’ll take care of all your living expenses. If you’re worried, you can write letters often. How does that sound?”

Hearing this, Madam Huang curtsied, “Then we’ll trouble Lord Fang.”

“Good! I won’t see you out then, sister-in-laws. Please.”

With that, Madam Huang and the concubines left with the children. The youngest boy turned back before leaving, glaring fiercely at Fang Zheng, and spat on the ground.

“*Ptui*!”

Fang Zheng’s face froze!

Damn, this kid’s got guts! He won’t be sleeping well in the future!

As evening approached, the entire Fang household was eating dinner when Huang Shengrong finally arrived.

The weather was nice, so everyone was dining in the courtyard.

Huang Shengrong stood awkwardly to the side, watching everyone eat.

His eyes fixed on the meat dishes, his throat constantly moving.

Then he awkwardly asked, “Lord Fang, why did you call me here?”

Fang Zheng picked up a piece of fatty meat, shook it a few times before putting it in his mouth.

“Old Huang, I hear many rich people in the capital are asking you to perform rituals. The queue is backed up until next year.”

“Is that true?”

Huang Shengrong hurriedly replied, “It is, but not that exaggerated. Only until the end of the year…”

Fang Zheng smiled, “I didn’t call you for anything special. I’m inviting you to come with me, to help me perform some rituals and such.”

“Where to?” Huang Shengrong became uneasy.

“Jianjiang Prefecture.”

Hearing this, Huang Shengrong shook his head immediately, “I won’t go. My lord, it’s not that I don’t want to go, but I really can’t get away.”

“My whole family is in the capital with no one to take care of them. If I leave, what will they do?”

Fang Zheng glanced at him.

“Your wife and children are in my hands, don’t worry.”

“I’m not asking for your opinion. I’m giving you two choices: either you come with me alone, or I take you along with your wife and children.”

“Think about it.”

Huang Shengrong broke out in a cold sweat. Without much hesitation, he gritted his teeth, “I’ll go! I’ll go with you!”

“But give me a few days to postpone the rituals in the capital.”

“Also, my lord, what exactly do you want me to do? At least let me know.”

“Who am I performing rituals for? How many rituals? Can I come back after I’m done?”

Fang Zheng said calmly, “I don’t know either. In short, when I return, you return. Everything will be according to my arrangements.”

“Also, your wife complained to me that you’re never home and not fulfilling your marital duties. Is that true?”

Hearing this, Huang Shengrong cursed inwardly.

Whether I fulfill my marital duties or not is none of your business! You want to manage this too?

Helpless, he didn’t dare talk back. He chanted a Buddhist phrase: “Amitabha. This poor monk has already left the secular world. I can’t touch worldly desires anymore.”

“Want some pork knuckle?”

“Yes!”