In the imperial court.

As usual, the officials took turns presenting national affairs.

Li Yuanzhao was still arranged to kneel on the side, but at this moment he seemed a bit restless, fidgeting and scratching his head.

The reason was simple. An official had once again brought up Fang Zheng.

The imperial decree had been sent out two days ago, and the eunuch who went actually made a round trip and returned to the palace the same day to report back. So why was there no movement from this Fang Zheng?

Looking at the group of old faces below, Li Yuanzhao felt quite bored.

Guo Tianyang was kneeling beside him as an example. Seeing the prince’s improper behavior, he hurriedly nudged him.

The Emperor had obviously noticed too and glanced at him lightly.

“My beloved officials, aren’t you all curious about what kind of person that Fang Zheng is? I imagine you’ll find out tomorrow when you meet him.”

Li Yuanzhao straightened his back and nodded vigorously.

Hurry and come! This Prince’s Tiger and Leopard Garden is awaiting repairs!

Li Yansong smiled slightly, “Previously, hearing Your Majesty speak of Fang Zheng, this old official couldn’t help but have great expectations.”

“For someone so young to be able to diligently work for years in a remote small county with no one paying attention, it shows his excellent character and skill.”

“Furthermore, the Prince also likes this person. It couldn’t be better to have a good teacher and friend by his side. This old official congratulates Your Majesty on finding a talented individual!”

Zheng Qiao couldn’t help nodding.

For a civil servant, everyone likes this kind of down-to-earth and hardworking young person. Doing more and saying less is the righteous path!

Able to endure solitude! Capable in handling matters!

For someone so young to already act so steadily, and with the Emperor’s favor, perhaps there will be a chance for him to enter the cabinet in the future.

So he also said, “Indeed. Based on this, he has the style of the ancient great ministers! And for someone so young, he’s truly rare!”

Shi Kangping, the Vice Minister of Rites, stroked his beard and chimed in, “Yes, and Fang Zheng is only in his early twenties. That means when he passed the imperial examination, he was only around ten years old!”

“What a pity. Someone like him should have entered the Hanlin Academy. But it’s not too late now. A talented and beautiful jade, after experiencing some polishing, is truly hard to come by!”

Compliments arose from all over the court.

All the ministers began to anticipate this new person who was about to enter the court, as if a virtuous gentleman and capable administrator was about to emerge!

The Emperor watched the officials praise with a smile on his face. Li Yuanzhao held back his laughter until his face turned red.

Only Guo Tianyang pulled a long face, inwardly criticizing.

To hell with the style of ancient great ministers! If he’s a gentleman, then I’m a great man!

Who would have thought the Emperor would favor such a person!

That Fang Zheng, without his official robes, looks like a piece of trash to me!

Li Yansong said again, “I wonder what impression Your Majesty has of this person?”

The Emperor thought for a moment and stammered, “This person is quite… unconventional.”

You all already said all the nice things. I have nothing good left to say.

Fang Zheng indeed has ability, but he really has nothing to do with the word “gentleman”…

Not to mention anything else, have you ever seen a gentleman pour sewage at someone’s house?

Li Yansong asked in surprise, “Uh… Your Majesty, what do you mean by unconventional?”

The Emperor smiled, “This person has some quick wits. The method for solving the flood was his idea.”

Li Yuanzhao was unhappy. What do you mean it was his idea! I thought of it first!

I propose a plan and get beaten, but when others propose a plan, Imperial Father praises it?

Playing favorites!

Li Yansong laughed, “It’s good for young people to have quick wits. It shows they can remain calm in critical situations and handle important matters! Truly remarkable!”

The Emperor also smiled and nodded. Then he said, “That will be all for today. If there are no other matters, the court is dismissed!”

…

After the court session, the Emperor went straight to Yangxin Hall.

Looking at the memorials on the table, he took out the intelligence report written by Cheng Si and the others and read it carefully.

It was full of fantastical words like “earth-shattering”, “mountains collapsing and ground splitting”, “instant flashes of fire”.

Then he seemed to suddenly remember something and turned to Guo Tianyang, “Guo, why haven’t the spies I ordered you to send to Taoyuan County reported back?”

Guo Tianyang said awkwardly, “Your Majesty, this old servant arranged it long ago… but there’s still no news as of today.”

“Perhaps… perhaps they made a big discovery! That’s why they’re a bit late in returning.”

The Emperor snorted coldly, “Then I might as well directly ask Fang Zheng! What use are you!”

“This servant deserves death!” Guo Tianyang knelt down with practiced ease.

The Emperor looked at the memorial in his hand, “I, as the Emperor, thought I had seen everything worth seeing in the world. But who would have thought there would be a Taoyuan County and this ‘Boundless Merit’!”

“If this item was made by craftsmen… wouldn’t one be invincible on the battlefield with it!”

“Forget it… I’ll just directly ask Fang Zheng!”

“Where is Fang Zheng now?”

Hearing this question, Guo Tianyang perked up, “Your Majesty! Fang Zheng brought three people on this trip – two maids and a Zhang Biao.”

“They should probably be settling into their residence now… but the one called Xiao Tao was sent out by him.”

“Oh? Sent out to do what?” The Emperor was a bit curious.

“Inquiring all over about a person named Li Long. Probably thinking of taking revenge…”

“Hahahahaha!!” The Emperor burst into laughter. “Sure enough, he has a personality of holding grudges. I’m curious to see how he’ll act when he sees me tomorrow!”

…

Inner City, North City

As soon as Fang Zheng’s group entered the city, they found a residence through a broker. The inn was too small, Young Master Fang wasn’t used to it!

Now Fang Zheng was lying in the master’s chair with Bai Yi attending at his side, occasionally passing over a candied fruit for him to chew on.

In front was the owner of the residence, a man named Jia Liang, standing before him trembling. Beside him was the bare-chested Zhang Biao, showing off his muscles in the cold weather.

“So, Old Jia, this residence of yours is quite small. 2,000 taels is way too much. 1,000 taels at most! What do you say?”

Jia Liang stole a glance at Zhang Biao beside him. His blood vessels bulged, muscles rippling, body glistening with oil.

These people were up to no good! As soon as they entered, they occupied his residence and started haggling.

After a few exchanges, when the price wasn’t agreed upon, the guy beside him started stripping, oiling up, and striking intimidating poses. He seemed to have some mental issues…

But under the threat of force, Jia Liang didn’t dare say anything else.

He could only plead, “Young Master Fang, even at the cheapest, my residence is worth 1,800 taels! I really can’t sell it at this price. Please find someone else!”

“Hm!? Hey!” While speaking, Zhang Biao changed his pose to an even more menacing stance.

Jia Liang shuddered in his heart, but his gaze still firmly looked towards Fang Zheng’s… maid beside him.

Fang Zheng said lazily, “900 taels. Xiao Bai, unfold the imperial decree and hold it up!”

Bai Yi pulled a long face and held the imperial decree high above her head, her heart filled with regret. Why did she have to cooperate with these two lunatics…

Fang Zheng said lazily, “Look! Old Jia, when this official arrived, I heard you forcibly took in a concubine, driving the woman to jump into a well and commit suicide. Is there such a thing?”

“I have an audience with the Emperor tomorrow and I’m worried about having nothing to say. You see, now I have something to talk about.”

“You run a restaurant business, right? If this official puts in a few good words for you in front of the Emperor, I imagine your business will prosper! 900 taels is a bargain, don’t you think?”