Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

"Would anyone say that a hero who does something that pleases everyone is being used and incited by justice? That's just stupid!" Fang Zheng Yi slammed the newspaper on the table. "It seems I really underestimated Father Solje. He was able to do something so big without a peep. I should have given him a house without a mortgage."

Li Yuanzhao, who was listening from the side, was drooling with envy and repeatedly said with regret, "I got up too late! I got up too late! Such a big event happened in court today, and I actually missed it. What's the opinion of the court on this matter?"

Fang Zheng thought for a moment: "The officials in the court are naturally indignant and verbally attacking the church's despicable forces. Lai Gou'er's report is being transcribed. There is a lot of content, and His Highness will only be able to see the complete handwritten copy in two days."

Speaking of this, Fang Zheng Yi's face showed some pride.

The news from the West, Lai Gou'er, wrote two whole booklets.

From the local customs to the general situation of various countries, the situation of the church, and even a map of the Holy City.

In addition, there are also original and translated versions of many overseas specialties and texts, covering a very wide range of content.

The work was so meticulous and serious that it won unanimous praise. Not a single civil or military official was unconvinced.

Obviously, he had put in a lot of hard work. Everyone knew that Lai Gou'er was his man, and this time he had greatly earned him face!

"Judging from His Majesty's attitude today, he wants to prepare in advance for possible future conflicts with the church. We have already opened up some bases overseas. The closest location to Fica can be reached in fifteen days. At present, the Ministry of War's opinion is to station troops first to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. I think it's almost certain."

Li Yuanzhao was eager to try and licked his lips: "I haven't fought a naval battle yet."

Fang Zheng smiled: "Forget it, Your Highness, it's just preparation. It's too early to go to war. If we want to fight, we have to have a justifiable reason. Besides, even if we have the ability to defeat the church, is it necessary? If it becomes fragmented, it will be difficult to do business. Our core mission is to make money and improve the lives of the people of Great Jing."

Li Yuanzhao's expression became much more dejected when he heard this: "What you said is also right, but the world is so big, and I want to go out and see it. I'm really unwilling to be trapped in this small capital. I personally killed Wu Tu, and now I want to meet that Pope."

Fang Zheng shrugged, noncommittal.

"Overseas is too far, Your Highness probably won't have a chance, but I think there may be a chance to see the Taifu Church Pope in the future. If this kind of lowly person comes to Great Jing, I have to let him taste the ultimate torture of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"Ultimate torture? What is that? Isn't the Embroidered Uniform Guard not supposed to use force?" Li Yuanzhao asked curiously, his eyes wide.

Fang Zheng smiled mysteriously: "This is a trick that has never been used in the Embroidered Uniform Guard's list of punishments. I call it the Comfort Dragon Spicy Stick!"

"Comfort Dragon Spicy Stick!? It sounds amazing! How is it executed?" Li Yuanzhao's pupils shook.

"It's actually quite simple. First, thickly coat the prisoner's hands with my Taoyuan County's specially made concentrated chili water, then force-feed the prisoner two bowls of concentrated donkey medicine, sprinkle itching powder around the anus, and finally throw them into a small dark room to experience the ecstasy of life and death~~ Jie Jie Jie Jie...."

"Hiss! You guys are too perverted!" Li Yuanzhao shuddered and turned to ask, "What about female prisoners?"

"The same, at most, send an extra peeled big chili pepper."

"......"

After Fang Zheng finished speaking, he tapped the newspaper he had thrown on the table earlier, "Today's court meeting mainly talked about this. I... His Majesty asked me to inform you that you should not delay court meetings again next time, or he will come to you personally. I'm leaving first."

Li Yuanzhao's face collapsed: "What's going on? Didn't I say I was sick and asked for leave? Why don't you have a meal with me before you leave? I haven't eaten this morning."

"Okay, who can hide your little tricks? Find a better reason next time. I have important things to do today. The Jin Kingdom's delegation has been in Beijing for a few days. Yesterday, the National Preceptor Paba sent someone to look for me, saying he wanted to visit."

"What does he want from you? And with his status, he shouldn't easily come to the capital."

"I don't know, I'll see when I meet him."

......

Inside the Princess's residence.

Fang Zheng was in the study, sipping tea and waiting quietly.

The Jin Kingdom's delegation had arrived in Beijing a few days ago, but they had sent a message three months ago, and Paba had personally delivered it.

The National Preceptor's current position is extraordinary. It can be said that he is the pillar of the country.

The Jin Kingdom can be without an emperor for a day, but it cannot be without a National Preceptor for a day.

He hadn't dealt with this delegation since they entered the capital, but he expected it was no small matter.

He was pondering while holding a teacup when a servant suddenly came to report: "Lord Marquis, National Preceptor Paba has come to visit."

Fang Zheng put down the teacup and got up to greet him.

Paba was already waiting in the hall, with followers carrying large and small packages of gifts on either side.

Seeing Fang Zheng walking out from the side, he immediately got up, cupped his hands, and smiled: "Brother Fang, are you well? It's been a long time, and your demeanor is still the same."

Fang Zheng returned the greeting and smiled: "National Preceptor is still in his prime. Why did you bring gifts when you came to see me today? You're too kind!"

The two sat down, and fragrant tea was served.

Paba sighed: "After several years of separation, seeing Brother Fang again reminds me of your spirited appearance in my Jin Kingdom back then. I didn't expect that we could still sit together and drink tea today."

Fang Zheng slowly shook his head: "Young and arrogant, not worth mentioning. I heard that the delegation has entered Beijing, but due to busy official duties, I didn't have time to personally see the National Preceptor. I wonder what the Jin Kingdom is here for? There's no need to be polite between you and me. Just say directly if you need any help."

Paba was silent for a moment: "Before coming here, the Jin Kingdom had submitted a letter to your country. I wonder if Brother Fang has seen it?"

"I haven't seen it, but I know something about it. I heard that it's still for business, but it shouldn't be necessary for you to personally make a trip, right?"

Paba breathed a long sigh of relief: "Then I'll be frank. On the surface, it's indeed about discussing business, but in fact, I wanted to come to Great Jing to see it for myself."

"The newspapers in the capital often send news back to my Jin Kingdom. Although there is a slight delay in time, I also know a little about the development of Great Jing and the changes in the capital."

"Later, I saw news about trains and steam engines in the newspaper. This... is really unbelievable."

"So, after suppressing myself for a few months, I finally couldn't help but come to see it in person."

After speaking, Paba showed a smile again, but this time the smile had a bit of bitterness.

Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow, feeling a little surprised, and leaned slightly forward to ask: "Then did the National Preceptor see the train?"

"I saw it. Not only the train, but also the factories around the train and the exchange in the capital, and all the other new things."

"How does the National Preceptor feel?"

Paba hesitated for a moment and said solemnly: "Earth-shattering, awe-inspiring!"