The imperial household funds were saved! Emperor Jing felt somewhat excited.

However, he maintained a calm expression and said, “Lord Fang, this is a matter of state. How can we let you handle it alone?”

Fang Zheng replied with utmost sincerity, “As your subject, state affairs are family affairs!”

“Every day, I think about how to ease Your Majesty’s burdens. If I don’t share your worries for a day, I feel uncomfortable all over!”

“If Your Majesty doesn’t let me handle this, I won’t have the face to go home!”

Here we go again. He was behaving for just a few days, and now he’s back at it!

The court officials covered their faces, unable to bear the sight.

Emperor Jing couldn’t help but blush slightly, coughing awkwardly twice, “Ahem! Don’t talk nonsense!”

“Since that’s the case, I’ll entrust this matter to you.”

“If you can’t handle it, report back promptly.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Fang Zheng retreated with a smile on his face.

The worthless tea leaves had done a great service. This round was a sure win for him!

Just as Fang Zheng stepped back, Li Yansong stood up.

He said leisurely, “Your Majesty, since Lord Fang is so enthusiastic, why don’t we… why don’t we let him temporarily serve as the Vice Minister of the Court of Diplomatic Receptions?”

“We support this proposal!!!”

As soon as Li Yansong finished speaking, a large group of people expressed their agreement, rejoicing inwardly.

Well said, Lord Li! It takes one of our own to understand one of our own!

This dog has been harassing us every day. Now that the Northern Rong envoy has arrived,

Let him go harass the Northern Rong envoy instead! Save us from his disgustingness!

Fang Zheng’s face darkened as he stood stock-still.

What do these bastards mean? There’s no work so they’re finding work for me?

Who wants to receive foreign guests? I was lying comfortably in Banshan District.

The more he thought about it, the more indignant he felt. He couldn’t help but glare at Li Yansong.

But the old man was looking at him with a smile.

Young man, do you think I can’t handle you after a lifetime of experience?

Get lost!

Emperor Jing watched the officials’ reactions with amusement.

He couldn’t help but imagine Fang Zheng mingling with the Northern Rong envoy.

The scene of him eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling with a group of people made him shudder.

Then he looked at Chen Hong, the Minister of the Court of Diplomatic Receptions.

“Chen Hong, what do you think?”

Chen Hong’s mouth was filled with bitterness.

I don’t want to agree! Suddenly arranging such an assistant for myself.

We already have a Vice Minister of the Court of Diplomatic Receptions, how can we temporarily add someone, especially Fang Zheng?

Thinking of Fang Zheng’s aggressive manner, who knows what trouble he could stir up with the Northern Rong envoy.

Moreover, the Banshan Daily had gone crazy, smearing the Northern Rong people in the capital every day. If people found out… shit!

But now with all the officials and the emperor staring at him, what else could he do?

Chen Hong bowed and said with gritted teeth, “Of course I’m happy to have Lord Fang join us.”

“Well, Fang Zheng, what do you think?” Emperor Jing asked.

Fang Zheng’s eyes darted around.

“Well… I have no experience. I’m afraid I might not be up to the task.”

Li Yansong quickly followed up, “You can learn if you lack experience! Receiving envoys, learning and understanding etiquette, Lord Fang should be familiar with these even though he’s in the Imperial Clan Court. This is a great opportunity.”

“Indeed! Lord Fang is so talented, it’s perfect to let the foreigners see it.”

“This official believes that as a member of the Imperial Clan Court, Lord Fang should understand Northern Rong affairs. Lord Li is experienced and wise, his words are reasonable!”

“I second the motion.”

In the great hall, a group of people attempted to force the troublemaker into a position he didn’t want.

Fang Zheng lowered his head in thought.

It seemed he had no choice but to go.

It might be good to go once. What if the Northern Rong really wanted a political marriage?

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat!

Alright then, he’d agree!

Having made up his mind, Fang Zheng raised his head and said loudly, “Since my big brother-in-law thinks I can do it, and Your Majesty agrees, this official is willing to give it a try!”

“I’m not your big brother-in-law!! Will you ever stop?!” Li Yansong immediately glared at him angrily.

Zhang Dongxiang and Zheng Qiao couldn’t help but take two steps back.

“I didn’t say you were! There are so many people in the hall, why are you the only one responding to me, Lord Li? Do you want to be my big brother-in-law?”

Fang Zheng put on a shameless face.

“I… I!.. You dare!” Li Yansong’s eyes widened, his finger pointing at Fang Zheng, trembling uncontrollably.

“Lord Li is having a heart attack from anger, he’s fainting again!!”

“Quick, call the imperial physician!!”

The crowd below immediately became chaotic. Emperor Jing frowned deeply and said angrily:

“Enough! Stop this nonsense! Quickly find someone to carry Master Li out.”

“You’re not acting like proper officials!”

“Fang Zheng, don’t bring your family matters to court in the future!”

“Your subject knows his crime!”

After this commotion, Fang Zheng’s mood improved considerably.

He stood obediently in his place.

Seeing order restored, Emperor Jing spoke, “Then it’s settled. Fang Zheng will temporarily serve as the Vice Minister of the Court of Diplomatic Receptions.”

“Be serious for me, and don’t neglect the envoy.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The Northern Rong envoy will pay their respects in the palace in two days. The evening banquet will be held in Yangxin Hall. Chen Hong, remember to prepare well.”

“If there’s nothing else, court is dismissed!”

…

After the court assembly, Fang Zheng immediately approached Chen Hong, making him nervous.

Fang Zheng smiled and said, “Minister Chen, hello. From now on, I’ll be assisting you.”

Chen Hong quickly waved his hands, “I wouldn’t dare! I wouldn’t dare!”

“I can handle everything. Lord Fang, just do as you please!”

Fang Zheng looked puzzled, “Minister Chen, are you afraid of me? I haven’t offended you, have I?”

Hearing this, Chen Hong immediately became indignant, “You reported in the newspaper that my family has 6,000 shi of grain!”

Fang Zheng showed no shame and laughed it off, “A joke! It was all a joke! Who knew those troublemakers would take it seriously! How detestable!”

How could this be a joke?! Chen Hong was so angry he could grind his teeth.

“In the future! In the future, I’ll have a chance to help the Court of Diplomatic Receptions publish a newspaper. After all, our court doesn’t have its own newspaper yet!”

“I’ll tell His Majesty! How can the Court of Diplomatic Receptions not have its own newspaper? It’s simply not right!”

Chen Hong immediately became serious, “Do you mean it?”

Having a newspaper was equivalent to expanding power externally. Almost all institutions under the six ministries wanted to publish their own newspapers.

Chen Hong had also submitted a request, but it was quickly rejected.

The reason given was that the Court of Diplomatic Receptions was already included in the Ministry of Rites’ newspaper.

But newspaper space was limited, and not having an independent newspaper for the Court of Diplomatic Receptions was indeed regrettable.

If he could accomplish this during his tenure, it would truly be a historical achievement!

“Of course! Absolutely! Now, tell me, what should I do next?”

I’ve agreed, but whether it can be done or not, I, Fang Zheng, can’t guarantee…

Seeing Fang Zheng’s sincere attitude, Chen Hong’s demeanor softened, “Then many thanks to Lord Fang. Actually, receiving the Northern Rong isn’t anything special.”

“It’s just about teaching some palace etiquette, and finding some translators to accompany them.”

“Sometimes if the envoys want to tour the city, we need to send people to accompany them.”

“However, the Northern Rong matter is significant, so many things will probably be left to the Ministry of Revenue to discuss.”

“As for you, Lord Fang… you can go home and sleep if you want! We have enough manpower!”

Is it that good? So I’ve landed a paid vacation?

“Alright! Thank you very much, Minister Chen!”