Seeing Fang Zheng silent, head down pondering something.

Emperor Jing frowned, “I’m speaking to you, did you hear me?”

Fang Zheng jerked to attention, “I understand, two years will definitely be no problem!”

Emperor Jing shook his head helplessly, “It’s not that I want to pressure you, but gunpowder is no ordinary thing. I have a feeling it will definitely change the landscape of warfare!”

Fang Zheng immediately showed deep respect!

The Emperor has some real skills! Just from reading about gunpowder in memorials, he’s anticipated so much.

But this is good.

This father and son pair are well-endowed with martial virtue, so there’s no fear of a situation like the Northern Song focusing solely on economic development while neglecting military strength.

It’s certainly good to use economic means to secure peace.

But making it a habit would be real trouble!

National defense is the foundation of a nation. Having a sword but not using it is very different from having no sword at all…..

Seeing Fang Zheng daydreaming again, Emperor Jing waved his hand, “Go on! It’s getting late. Go back and prepare well. You needn’t attend court these days.”

Heh, I wasn’t planning to come anyway!

Fang Zheng bowed and prepared to turn and leave.

“Wait a moment!” Emperor Jing’s voice sounded from behind.

“The Crown Prince cannot act recklessly for too long! Don’t let him mention this microbe theory to others.”

“I don’t care what he does, but he mustn’t speak nonsense outside!”

“The other day that rebellious child actually told me the earth beneath our feet is round. Did you teach him that? It’s absurd!”

“And you! I heard from the Crown Prince that you’re still researching this penicillin, right?! A court official spending all day researching poisons, have you no shame?! I still have face to maintain! Stop it immediately!”

“?!”

Who the hell is researching poison! With an emperor saying this about me, how will the history books record it?!

I should have known better than to mess around. TV dramas are truly harmful!

Fang Zheng wanted to cry but had no tears, standing awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

But he couldn’t explain this matter properly right now, so he stammered, “But the earth really is round….”

“Get out!”

“……..”

I say the earth is round, and you tell me to get out?

Fang Zheng cursed inwardly as he left.

As soon as he exited, he met the smiling Guo Tianyang.

“Brother, you’re out!”

Fang Zheng happily responded, “Ah, Brother Guo, perfect! I have something to tell you!”

He put his arm around Guo Tianyang and walked to the side.

Caught off guard, Guo Tianyang could only reluctantly follow him to a corner before struggling to speak, “Brother! Brother! What are you doing?! Hugging and embracing, what kind of behavior is this!”

Fang Zheng smiled, “Brother Guo, with our relationship, what’s there to fear? You’ve received so much silver from me! Besides, at your age, who would gossip about you!”

“Lower your voice! If you have something to say, say it!” Guo Tianyang’s face immediately turned the color of pig liver.

Have I offended you with my age?!

Fang Zheng asked, “The Water God Sect, have you heard of it?”

Guo Tianyang eyed him suspiciously.

What’s he asking this for? Is he trying to steal my job again?

His Majesty has already assigned the Eastern Depot to handle this matter, and now you’re asking me about it?!

After thinking wildly for a moment, Guo Tianyang said sarcastically, “Brother, has His Majesty mentioned the Embroidered Uniform Guard to you again?”

“I’m not being petty, but do you know how much silver it takes to establish the Eastern Depot?”

“It can’t be accomplished in just a few years… just my subordinates….”

Guo Tianyang kept rambling, and Fang Zheng’s brows were already furrowed.

What’s he talking about? No connection between beginning and end.

How did this old eunuch develop such a rich imagination?

Seeing he wasn’t stopping, Fang Zheng hurriedly intervened, “Brother Guo, please stop.”

“It has nothing to do with the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Even with them, I’d still need your help.”

As he spoke, he slipped another silver note into Guo Tianyang’s hand.

Guo Tianyang’s expression improved.

This kid’s only good quality is that he’s always slipping me money!

More diligent than those adopted sons of mine!

If I had really adopted him as a son… wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Unfortunately… this kid rose too quickly, a missed opportunity!

“Ahem! Speaking of the Water God Sect, it’s somewhat related to the Jianjiang floods. When the floods were severe, the Water God Sect took the opportunity to recruit followers extensively, but they were quickly suppressed by government troops!”

“Later, it was discovered that the leaders of the Water God Sect were actually remnants of the Qian Dynasty. His Majesty ordered the Eastern Depot to eradicate them nationwide.”

“Now, they’ve been mostly wiped out! The ringleader hasn’t been found, but it doesn’t matter. Just a few cats and mice left!”

“Hehe, these Qian people are truly foolish, still dreaming of restoring the Qian Dynasty.”

Guo Tianyang looked contemptuous.

Fang Zheng was relieved.

So that’s it… I think I heard mentions of this in court before, but I wasn’t paying attention.

This way, the problem isn’t serious!

It turns out they’re just small fries trying to overthrow Jing and restore Qian. Even their name isn’t prestigious!

If you called yourselves the Heaven and Earth Society, people might take you more seriously!

Water God Sect… just sounds doomed to fail.

“I see! Brother Guo is impressive!” Fang Zheng praised.

Guo Tianyang rolled his eyes at him, “You really think Brother Guo’s Eastern Depot eats for nothing? Alright! I won’t keep talking with you. I need to see His Majesty. And be more low-key in the future in front of others! What if that monk goes around talking?!”

“What monk?” Fang Zheng asked, confused.

“That Northern Rong monk!”

“……..”

…

Inside Fang’s residence.

A group of people sat around a table.

The table was covered with various weapons, concealed weapons, and poisons.

Fang Zheng picked each up and put it down, sometimes nodding, sometimes shaking his head.

Everyone was confused. Xiao Tao asked, “Young Master, what are you doing?”

Fang Zheng didn’t respond, picking up an unlabeled green porcelain bottle and asking, “What poison is this? Why isn’t it labeled?”

“This is penicillin, sent from the county. They said it’s extremely poisonous,” Zhang Biao answered honestly.

“……….”

Suppressing his anger, Fang Zheng slowly put down the bottle and looked at everyone, “You all know about the Northern Rong monk who recently came to the city, right?”

“He brought someone named Black Mountain Chilie, an exceptionally brave man! In five days, he’ll compete with Zhang Biao!”

“I’ve called you here to assign you special tasks.”

“Really?!” Zhang Biao was overjoyed at the news!

“Yes! And this battle must be won, defeat is not an option! So we must be fully prepared!”

“Zhang Biao, train well these days, especially with hidden weapons!”

“Lu Fa, teach him some Northern Rong language. It might come in handy.”

“Xiao Bai, Ningxin, you two are responsible for cooking for him. Even if he’s hungry in the middle of the night, make sure he eats well. His body can’t have any problems.”

Xiao Tao stepped forward, “What about me? What should I do?”

“Once we select the hidden weapons, you’ll make a new set of clothes for Zhang Biao.”

“The match will be held at the football field. The Emperor, officials, and even all the city’s commoners will be watching. The underhanded methods can’t be obvious!”