Royal Gold Magistrate

As the banquet was in full swing, Liu Xun watched Fang Zheng toasting with others, feeling somewhat disdainful.

The news from the capital said this man had some ability, but his behavior was eccentric.

Now in Jianjiang Prefecture, he showed no signs of eccentricity, only flattery in his words.

It seemed he was probably relying on the Crown Prince’s influence. Now that he was away from the capital without any backing, he had become submissive. Heh… truly a small man!

But that was fine too. At least he would be easy to manipulate.

However, thinking about how such a person could thrive, Liu Xun couldn’t help but lament his own unfortunate timing.

The Emperor actually trusted Fang Zheng? How blind!

Liu Xun carefully recalled various rumors about Fang Zheng, still feeling somewhat uneasy.

So he raised his wine cup to Fang Zheng and said with a smile, “Lord Fang, I’ve heard that your poetic talent is unmatched in the capital. I wonder if we could have the honor of appreciating it today?”

Fang Zheng raised his cup and drank it in one gulp.

Then he said magnanimously, “Certainly! This official has just arrived in your esteemed land. Since Lord Liu has so kindly invited me, how could I refuse!”

“However… this official has never composed a complete poem even in front of His Majesty. If it’s not good, please be forgiving!”

Composing a few lines of poetry wasn’t a big deal. Even if he was a poor student, he could still recall a couple, and he just happened to remember one that fit the occasion!

Now, to blend in with Liu Xun and the others, he had to give them enough face first.

Sure enough, when Liu Xun heard this, he looked smug, stroking his beard proudly.

After a moment, Fang Zheng raised his cup and recited loudly:

“The farmers work hard in the midday sun,
Sweat soaks the soil beneath the crops.
Do you know the food on your plate?
Each grain is the fruit of their labor!”

He recited “The Peasant’s Poem” stiffly, like a student called upon by a teacher to recite a lesson.

Everyone looked at Fang Zheng in amazement.

Although the recitation lacked emotion, sounding more like a slogan,

Good heavens, he composed it on the spot! Without even thinking! That was impressive!

Though simple and straightforward, the emotion was sincere and evident.

Some in the crowd couldn’t help but start praising him.

Liu Xun looked at Fang Zheng’s plate, which had only two bites taken from it, and his eye twitched.

Indeed, actions speak louder than words. What a hypocrite!

But he still flattered him, “Excellent poem! Lord Fang composes on the spot, your poetic talent is outstanding. This official can’t compare.”

Fang Zheng smiled slightly, “You flatter me, you flatter me!”

Liu Xun smiled without speaking, but in his heart, he grew increasingly disdainful of Fang Zheng.

It seemed that a glib tongue wasn’t enough; Fang Zheng actually had some substance.

This must be how he managed to fool the Emperor and the Crown Prince.

Another half hour passed, and the banquet was coming to an end. The group had chatted happily enough, but more than half of the dishes remained on the table.

Fang Zheng saw this and kept it in mind.

He then leaned close to Liu Xun and whispered, “Lord Liu, this official is somewhat tired today and would like to leave early.”

Liu Xun looked him up and down in surprise.

What a weakling! He can’t even handle this much drinking?

But he didn’t intend to keep him. He stood up and said, “Everyone, I believe you’ve all become acquainted with Lord Fang now.”

“In the future, if there are any issues, we should support each other. Let’s end the banquet here, so as not to interfere with tomorrow’s work.”

Then he said quietly to Fang Zheng, “Where do you live? This official will send two maids to your place. It will save you a lot of trouble in daily life.”

Fang Zheng nodded and quietly gave his address.

Then the group walked out of the restaurant. It was already dark.

Carriages were already prepared outside the restaurant. Liu Xun smiled and said, “Come, this official has prepared carriages to take you home. It might not be safe to walk back at this hour.”

Fang Zheng acted “overwhelmed by the favor” and said, “Thank you, sir! However, this official would like to walk around a bit. Please, everyone go ahead.”

Liu Xun, now slightly tipsy, smiled mysteriously and pointed at Fang Zheng, saying, “I understand! Go on then. This official will head home first.”

With that, he got into his carriage and drove off.

As everyone got into their carriages and left, the smile disappeared from Fang Zheng’s face.

He said to the carriage driver beside him, “Wait for me here. This official is going out to digest the meal. I’ll be back shortly.”

With that, he walked away with his hands behind his back.

After a few steps, Fang Zheng looked left and right, and seeing no one around, he turned into a dark alley.

The alley was extremely dark and quiet, without a trace of light.

Fang Zheng could even faintly hear his own heartbeat.

Soon, a voice sounded, “Master, I’m here.”

“Mm, did you note down all the people at the entrance earlier?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Follow that old man who was leading them. His name is Liu Xun, the Prefect of Jianjiang. Judging by the direction, they should be heading back to the yamen. If I’m not mistaken, they’re probably going to eat. See what they eat and who’s with them, but be careful.”

Bai Rui was full of confusion.

He hesitated and said, “Master, didn’t you just finish eating?”

In the darkness, Fang Zheng licked his lips. The food earlier had no flavor at all and wasn’t good. Plus, he hadn’t eaten all day, so he was really quite hungry.

Liu Xun and the others were probably in a similar situation. To put on a show in front of him, they hadn’t eaten much all day and must be starving too.

It was like a wedding banquet. The first round was just for show.

The second round, when friends and relatives gathered to eat, was the real deal.

The first round was never important; the second round was the main event worth paying attention to.

Whether one could integrate into the circle depended on whether they could eat at the second round.

For people like Liu Xun, what they ate and who they ate with was what Fang Zheng cared about.

With the limited information he had now, it was still hard to judge how corrupt things were in Jianjiang.

Refugees were dying in droves outside the city. Time didn’t allow him to dawdle. He needed to gather evidence of crimes quickly and cut through the chaos swiftly.

“Don’t ask too many questions. Go do it, and find a chance to come see me again during the day tomorrow.”

Bai Rui acknowledged and disappeared over the wall.

After hearing the sound, Fang Zheng also left the alley, returned to the restaurant, and got straight into the carriage.

He then had the driver take him around the city for two rounds. He noticed that quite a few brothels and restaurants were still doing brisk business.

Especially a few larger brothels, where scantily clad women at the entrance were constantly calling out to attract customers with their coquettish voices.

After getting a general idea, Fang Zheng urged the driver to return home.

At his doorstep, he was surprised to find three people waiting.

Judging by their attire, there were two pretty maids and one rather sturdy-looking guard.

As soon as Fang Zheng got out of the carriage, the three immediately approached him.

One of the maids, with big watery eyes, looked at Fang Zheng affectionately and said in a sweet voice, “May I ask, are you Lord Fang?”

“That’s right. And you are?”

“This servant is Hong Yao.”

The other maid also said sweetly, “This servant is Lu Liu.”

“I am Zhou Dahai!”

Fang Zheng nodded with satisfaction, “Good! You must be the ones Lord Liu sent. Come in.”