Fang Zheng was happily engrossed in a book, chuckling to himself, while Xiao Tao stood beside him rolling her eyes as she waited upon him.

Ever since Emperor Jing’s visit, Fang Zheng had discovered a whole new world in the bookstalls.

His boring life had suddenly gained color.

Various novels similar to modern web novels had apparently long been popular in the bookstalls.

The imagination of these ancient people was not inferior to modern people at all, causing Fang Zheng to exclaim in amazement.

He especially adored the book “Magistrate Fang’s Great Battle Against Thanos”. It depicted Fang Zheng as an unparalleled great man who experienced countless hardships to collect the Infinity Stones.

On the path to collecting the stones, he also opened up countless harems. As for the Emperor’s battle against Thanos, it was glossed over in a few words.

Feeling dissatisfied with the lack of details, Fang Zheng specially ordered Zhang Biao to find the author and urge him to update faster.

Now the book had already reached its third edition: “Thanos Helps Develop Taoyuan County for More Sons and More Blessings”.

“Tsk tsk, looks like my Taoyuan County does have talent!” After finishing the last chapter, Fang Zheng took a sip of tea and sighed.

The creativity was good, but the word count was lacking!

It seemed like he should have Zhang Biao lock this person up and aim for daily updates of ten thousand words!

Putting down the book, Fang Zheng felt a bit bored.

So he turned to Xiao Tao and asked, “Anything new lately?”

Xiao Tao said, “Nothing much, just some gossip about the Zhang and Li families. But Young Master, last night someone reported that the person the miners brought back has woken up. Should we go take a look?”

“Oh? Then let’s go!” Fang Zheng was a bit interested in this matter.

Taoyuan County had gained a new resident. Once his illness was cured, they could send him to the Taoyuan County Yamen Reemployment Center. With some luck, maybe they could gain a skilled worker!

No sooner said than done. The two took a sedan chair and went straight to the medical hall.

Seeing Fang Zheng’s arrival, the doctor hurriedly invited him upstairs.

The person was placed in a side room on the second floor, the bed enclosed by white curtains.

“How is this person doing?”

The doctor said, “My lord, the person has no major issues, but his condition is still a bit unstable. Awake one moment, unconscious the next, and keeps speaking nonsense that I can’t understand.”

“But this girl is truly beautiful! This old one has lived so many years but never seen such a pretty girl!”

“Alright, I get it. Go about your business!”

Fang Zheng’s interest was piqued.

When it came to beauties, Taoyuan County only had Xiao Tao!

The refugees who came were either old or young. The young ones had poor nutrition from a young age. Coupled with exposure to the elements, their figures and skin were not good.

Furthermore, seeing them wear those dirt-poor clothes was even more of a turnoff.

Sometimes Fang Zheng often thought, if only he could make some black stockings.

But this idea was just a thought. Never mind whether he could actually make them, even if he could, most people probably wouldn’t accept it…

Sending the doctor away, Fang Zheng gently parted the curtains and instantly held his breath.

The woman on the bed looked about eighteen, her dark hair scattered on the pillow.

Her cream-like fair skin faintly showed a rosy hue, cheeks like fresh peaches, nose delicate and smooth.

Long slender legs with astonishing proportions. But most importantly, there was an air of cold aloofness about her.

Even in unconsciousness, her stunningly beautiful face still had a hint of melancholy between her brows, arousing pity in those who saw her.

Fang Zheng sharply inhaled. He didn’t expect the humanoid creature picked up a few days ago to actually be such a peerless beauty.

But looking at her skin and appearance, she was definitely not the daughter of common folk. The woman his family picked up was no simple character.

Suddenly, Fang Zheng seemed to think of something and turned to ask Xiao Tao, “You arranged for her to come to the medical hall yesterday?”

“Yes, and?”

“Who washed her?”

Xiao Tao rolled her eyes. “Of course it was women who washed her. Don’t tell me you wanted to find men!”

“Young Master, have you taken a liking to her?”

Fang Zheng put on a stern face. “Nonsense! Am I that kind of person! If men had washed her and it caused a scandal, how could she hold her head up in the future? This young master is just being considerate and putting himself in others’ shoes!”

“Yessss~”

Just as the two were talking, the woman’s eyelids fluttered slightly.

…

Just as Fang Zheng wanted to further observe the woman’s condition, the doctor suddenly ran up in a fluster, sweating profusely with a look of fright.

“M-My lord… there’s an imperial edict!”

“What? What imperial edict! Take a breath and explain clearly!”

The doctor stood there and took two deep breaths before saying with a grief-stricken expression, “An imperial edict… from the capital… Chief Constable Zhang brought people. They’re all downstairs now.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tao instantly turned deathly pale, panic filling her heart.

Fang Zheng was also shocked. What the heck, an imperial edict!

How could an imperial edict be sent to Taoyuan County?!

But he still calmed himself and waved his hand. “Don’t panic! Let’s go see what the situation is first!”

Downstairs, people had long surrounded the vicinity of the medical hall upon hearing the news, not letting a drop of water through.

Seeing so many people around and quite a few in the distance holding sickles and rakes with a knife-sharpening look, the young eunuch delivering the edict was scared out of his wits.

What was with this weird Taoyuan County? Delivering an edict seemed to mobilize the entire county!

Were these bumpkins that curious!

Fang Zheng descended from the second floor, the crowd automatically parting to create a path for him.

Seeing Fang Zheng’s arrival, the young eunuch also gained some courage.

“Are you Magistrate Fang Zheng of Taoyuan County?!”

Fang Zheng bowed. “I am.”

“Kneel to receive the edict!!!”

“Hmm!?” Zhang Biao popped out from the side, gazing at the young eunuch with wise eyes.

The young eunuch panicked again and said nervously, “Standing is fine too…”

Fang Zheng politely said, “I am an official of the imperial court. How could I not kneel upon seeing His Majesty’s edict! It’s just that this official needs to verify its authenticity. I hope you can be understanding!”

The young eunuch forced a chuckle. “Not at all, Magistrate Fang is too kind. This is only proper.”

“In that case… I shall read the edict?”

“Please proceed!”

The young eunuch cleared his throat and announced in a shrill voice, “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees…”