The next day, Fang Zheng set out with the phonograph.

Before leaving, he didn’t bother tormenting Hong Yao, Lu Liu, or Zhou Dahai.

Previously, he had tormented them relentlessly, fearing they might cause trouble. Now that it was time to spring the trap, such efforts were unnecessary.

He simply called Hong Yao and Lu Liu to the room, tied them up tightly, and threw them in the woodshed.

As for Zhou Dahai, he remained ignored in the corner of the bedroom. Fang Zheng hadn’t even slept in that room last night.

When he arrived at Yongqing Tower, Wei Shan was already waiting at the entrance.

As soon as he saw Fang Zheng, he enthusiastically greeted him.

Fang Zheng immediately asked in a low voice, “Is it safe here?”

Wei Shan replied, “Don’t worry, my lord. Everyone here is one of us, including Yongqing Tower itself. It’s very safe! Follow me.”

He then led Fang Zheng upstairs.

The private room on the second floor was already filled with people. Liu Xun was there, of course, along with the granary keeper, the prison warden, the record keeper, and several familiar-looking clerks sitting in the corner.

There were also two men dressed as wealthy merchants.

Fang Zheng inwardly clicked his tongue.

Half the administration had been infiltrated. It seemed he couldn’t be too ruthless; if he killed them all, the yamen would barely be able to function normally.

He couldn’t just appoint a few officials to take over.

That would be no different from rebellion. If the Emperor found out, heads would roll, whether at the top or the bottom…

Seeing Fang Zheng arrive, Liu Xun stood up and addressed everyone, “Come! This is Assistant Prefect Fang, Lord of Jianjiang! Many of you may not know him yet.”

“Lord Fang has come all the way from the capital, a noble from the Crown Prince’s inner circle. Everyone, greet Lord Fang.”

The group rose in a flurry, all greeting Fang Zheng.

Fang Zheng smiled and returned their greetings with clasped hands.

Inwardly, he began to grow wary. Some of these people were looking at him strangely.

He only had that kind of look when he was plotting against others in Taoyuan County. It seemed this old dog was trying to set him up.

But it didn’t matter now… In less than two hours, the fate of everyone present would no longer be in their own hands!

After the greetings were done, Liu Xun continued, “Everyone here today is a friend. There’s no hierarchy or status difference. Feel free to speak your mind.”

“Come, Lord Fang, sit next to me. I’ve saved you a seat.”

“Then this humble official won’t decline!” Fang Zheng smiled.

Old bastard, I was worried the recording quality might not be good enough, but if you’re so eager to dig your own grave, who am I to stop you?

He then walked over to Liu Xun and sat down beside him.

Seeing Fang Zheng carrying a box, Liu Xun asked curiously, “Oh? Why did you bring a box? What’s inside?”

“Oh! This box is quite interesting.” Fang Zheng casually placed the box on the table and opened it, taking out the phonograph.

“A high monk named Master Huijue has recently appeared in the city.”

“This is a dharma instrument blessed by Master Huijue, called a prayer wheel!”

“When you turn this prayer wheel, foreign scriptures appear on it, bringing good fortune to its owner!”

“I brought it today so everyone could benefit from its blessings!”

Liu Xun looked at the phonograph with great curiosity: “I didn’t know Lord Fang was also versed in Buddhism. I’ve never seen a dharma instrument like this before.”

Fang Zheng smiled and said, “This humble official is quite knowledgeable about Buddhism. This item came from abroad, said to be passed down by a high Tantric monk from Tianzhu.”

“It’s extremely precious! This official spent three thousand taels of silver to acquire it!”

Everyone couldn’t help but look at Fang Zheng with disdain.

Tianzhu? What’s that? Never even heard of it!

What a scam! Definitely a scam. He must have been fooled by some monk.

Liu Xun didn’t think much of it. He had often heard Fang Zheng mention various strange place names he’d never heard of before, but they didn’t seem fake.

He figured it was probably some unknown small foreign country. The Crown Prince was famously fond of novelties, and being by the Crown Prince’s side, Fang Zheng must have seen all sorts of strange things.

“That’s wonderful. Lord Fang is very thoughtful.”

Fang Zheng nodded: “I’ll turn this prayer wheel while you all speak. With the blessing of this Buddhist treasure, won’t our endeavors be twice as effective with half the effort?”

“Makes sense! Lord Fang is indeed thorough in his thinking!”

Everyone chimed in with flattering laughter. They were all clever people who didn’t really believe in such things, but since Fang Zheng held a relatively high position in their group, they were happy to have a chance to flatter him.

Seeing that everyone was in place, Liu Xun rapped on the table.

“Alright, everyone, let’s discuss the main business.”

Fang Zheng placed his hand on the crank, expressionlessly beginning to turn it…

“I believe everyone should have some understanding of the general situation for which I’ve called you here today.”

“The famine has been getting worse. If it continues, there may be civil unrest, and we won’t be able to explain ourselves to the court.”

“However, two large sects have now appeared outside the city, the Self-Reliance Sect and the Iron Robe Sect. These two sects are taking advantage of the disaster to recruit refugees as followers and spread rumors!”

“Fortunately, this official has already investigated and planted a mole in the Iron Robe Sect in advance. Chen Dasheng, the leader of the Iron Robe Sect, has also been bought by this official.”

“Tomorrow, this official will order Chen Dasheng to actively attack the Self-Reliance Sect! While these two tigers fight, we’ll take the opportunity to eliminate the remaining bandits.”

After turning for a while, Fang Zheng stopped with a helpless expression.

Dealing with these dogs in officialdom was extremely tiresome. They never spoke directly, relying entirely on riddles.

When giving bribes, they never said “giving bribes,” instead using metaphors about dining.

Now Liu Xun was speaking so carefully, leaving no room for fault. The silver foil for recording had limited length, and recording this segment was a waste.

After some thought, Fang Zheng decided to take the initiative. He turned the crank and interjected: “Prefect Liu, didn’t you say you arranged for people to burn the granary? When will the granary be burned?”

Everyone’s gaze immediately focused on Fang Zheng.

They looked at him as if he were an idiot!

Kid, you really don’t understand the rules, do you? Asking so bluntly, making it sound like we’re doing something wrong. It’s not proper!

Liu Xun coughed awkwardly twice: “Lord Fang speaks so directly…”

“Don’t worry, there’s no rush! This official has already arranged for people to burn the granary. As soon as the chaos begins tomorrow, the order to set fire to the granary will be given immediately.”

“At that time, all the moldy rice in the granary will go up in flames, leaving no evidence!”

Fang Zheng smiled and continued to ask: “Then… what about the good rice inside? What will happen to it?”

Once again, everyone looked at Fang Zheng as if he were an idiot.

What else could be done? Of course, it would be moved out in advance! Sold off! That’s all silver!

Liu Xun shook his head helplessly.

What was wrong with this damned Fang Zheng today? He seemed to be speaking without thinking!

“Well… of course, the good grain will be transported to the Four Directions, Tongda, and Guanglai rice shops. Let me introduce you.”

Liu Xun pointed to two men dressed in fine clothes: “This is the head of the famous Wang family in the city, Wang Qixun. The Four Directions rice shop is under the Wang family’s name.”

“This is the head of the Sun family, Sun Jiacheng. The Tongda and Guanglai rice shops are Sun family businesses.”

Sun Jiacheng and Wang Qixun both stood up and cupped their hands towards Fang Zheng.

Fang Zheng also stood up and returned the gesture, then sat down. While looking at the phonograph, he asked: “I wonder how many… oh no! How many shi of rice have the two family heads’ shops exchanged in total?”

The two men’s faces darkened… Are you doing this on purpose?

They then looked towards Liu Xun, unsure of what to do. This was confidential information; should they tell him?

Liu Xun raised his hand, signaling the two to sit down, then smiled and said: “There’s no need to be so formal. From now on, Lord Fang is one of us. We can speak freely.”

“This prefect can tell you, not counting the grain from the capital, it’s a total of 30,000 shi!”

Fang Zheng’s face showed surprise! Seeing Liu Xun’s eyes constantly glancing at the phonograph in his hand, he stopped turning the crank.

Then he pushed the phonograph towards Liu Xun: “Here, Prefect Liu, try this.”

Liu Xun naturally took the phonograph and began to turn the crank.

Old Qi’s craftsmanship was impressive. Who knows how he did it, but this thing had a bit of resistance, making it quite satisfying to turn.

As he turned, Liu Xun continued speaking: “Tomorrow, when the two sects are fighting, Prison Warden Chen He will lead people to guard the granary, to prevent troublemakers from sneaking in to steal grain during the chaos.”

“If any unfamiliar faces are discovered, they are to be immediately thrown into jail! If they discover anything suspicious, execute them on the spot!”

“Deputy Prefect Song should prepare a memorial in advance. As soon as the civil unrest ends, send someone to deliver it to the capital immediately.”

“The rest of you – Gao Hui, Tang Shi… all follow this official’s arrangements and perform your respective duties.”

After giving instructions to everyone present, Liu Xun stopped turning and looked at Fang Zheng.

“As for Lord Fang…”

Seeing his chance, Fang Zheng quickly pulled the phonograph back to himself and continued turning.

Liu Xun looked at him impatiently.

What nonsense! Is something wrong with him? I gave him some face, and now he won’t stop turning that thing.

Seeing Liu Xun not speaking, Fang Zheng smiled sheepishly: “Please continue, Prefect Liu.”

Liu Xun suppressed his irritation, mentally reminding himself that Fang Zheng would be dead tomorrow.

He smiled and said: “As for Lord Fang, tomorrow when you go out of the city to eliminate the remaining bandits, I’ll send Wei Shan and other guards to accompany you.”

Wei Shan immediately stepped forward, walking to Fang Zheng’s side and grinning at him.

“Wei Shan has followed me for many years and is quite skilled in martial arts…”

Thud… thud… thud…

Halfway through Liu Xun’s sentence, several muffled thuds suddenly came from the door.

“What’s that sound?”

Fang Zheng quickly changed the subject: “Ah! Prefect Liu, please continue! What about Wei Shan?”

“Oh, Wei Shan is highly skilled in martial arts. He can also ensure your safety by your side!”

Fang Zheng cautiously glanced at Wei Shan.

This guy didn’t look very big, but who knew he had martial arts skills.

When he smashed the cup as a signal later, if Wei Shan was close and subdued him, it would be troublesome. He needed to be prepared.

“This humble official thanks Prefect Liu for his kindness!” Saying this, Fang Zheng stood up and felt Wei Shan’s chest.

“Oh my, your pecs are really quite developed!”

Wei Shan’s whole body tensed up. He forced a smile and unconsciously took two steps back.

Liu Xun shuddered and quickly moved his chair.

Then Liu Xun stood up and raised his teacup: “Once this matter is settled, we can all consider our task accomplished and retire!”

“From today onwards, everyone must be more discreet in their actions. Otherwise, this prefect won’t be able to explain to the court!”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Come, come, let’s all raise our teacups. Let tea stand for wine. After tomorrow’s battle, Lord Fang’s return to the capital won’t be far off. We might as well congratulate Lord Fang in advance!”

Fang Zheng stopped turning the crank and picked up the nearby box.

He carefully placed the phonograph in the box, then carried a chair to the corner of the room. He set the chair down and placed the box securely in the corner under the chair.

Everyone held their teacups, watching his strange actions with various expressions.

Liu Xun and Wei Shan also looked at him with disdain.

A dead man walking, let him fiddle around as he pleases!