Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Fang Zheng was speechless, truly not knowing how to respond.

He really couldn't keep up with Wu Sheng's train of thought.

That's why people called him a master... Is this the realm of a master!

Indeed, none of those who could be crowned with the name of master were simple!

Fang Zheng was silent for a while before saying, "Then very well, let's discuss it in detail tomorrow."

Wu Sheng nodded, holding his plate and returning to his bed to chat with others.

Everyone enjoyed this meal.

The food was indeed delicious, but the beautiful scenery before them was even more rare.

Emperor Jing was in a great mood and drank himself into a stupor.

Afterward, he was sent to the bedroom to rest.

Many of the other officials chose to stay indoors and chat, while some went downstairs to continue their research.

There were also some officials with particularly strong curiosity who requested to see the working principle of the steam engine in the equipment room.

Finally, there was a small group of particularly hopeless people who surrounded Wu Sheng and disappeared, not knowing where they went...

Until the evening, everyone was called back by Fang Zheng.

After enjoying a unique fireworks show on the roof, they boarded the train back to the capital.

As for Fang Zheng, he took leave and stayed in Taoyuan County.

......

The next day, in the backyard of the county government office.

Fang Zheng and Wu Sheng sat facing each other.

Some snacks and tea were placed on the table.

Now that Wu Sheng had decided to go, they had to plan it carefully in advance.

The reason why he suggested to Emperor Jing that Wu Sheng go was not purely because he valued Wu Sheng's indescribable creativity in certain fields.

But because Grandmaster Wu had truly been an official and had rich experience.

In addition, he performed exceptionally well in Jianjiang and helped Xue Yue Lou as a consultant, making it thrive.

Such a talent was top-notch in terms of handling affairs, adaptability, and creativity.

After the two had some tea and snacks, Wu Sheng asked, "Lord, about the matter overseas..."

Before he could ask, Fang Zheng opened his mouth and said, "The reason I asked you to go overseas is something that I and His Majesty have discussed together. The situation overseas is complex and changeable, and the Church is watching covetously from the sidelines."

"We have now established a basic foundation, and the most important thing now is to maintain the situation. Aside from the Church, we must try our best to win over the hearts of the remaining neutral or even pro-us countries, at least occupy the minds of the people, and influence the upper class by influencing the lower class."

"If you want to have a good start, there is nothing better than Holy City. According to the reports from the West Sea, since Father Solger became Pope and abolished many church taxes, more people have come to pilgrimage than before."

Fang Zheng continued, "Da Jing attacked and captured Holy City. Although the non-church-affiliated areas have benefited, they must be fearful of Da Jing. You must start from Holy City, promote Da Jing's culture and goods, and visit other countries on weekdays to build relationships with the upper class."

"I guess that in the next few years, Western countries should successively organize fleets to visit my Da Jing."

"Over there, you should try to reasonably weaken the image of Da Jing's strength. We must shape ourselves into a perfect partner and form a clear contrast with the old Church, so that we may become the leader of the world's rules in the future."

Wu Sheng twirled his teacup and thought, "But what does this have to do with opening a brothel? What role can a brothel... play in it?"

"No, who said I'm only asking you to open a brothel? And you're not the only one going."

Fang Zheng explained, "There are many plans to follow. In addition to brothels, we will build houses, schools, hospitals, shops, newspapers, restaurants, charitable halls... in Holy City, improving the image of Da Jing in all aspects, starting from the lowest level of the people."

"As for you, whatever you do in Taoyuan County, do in Holy City. The things that the poor, the rich, the commoners, and the nobles like are nothing more than a few things: mansions, delicacies, and beautiful women. If you can get these things right, what relationships can't you fix?"

Wu Sheng sighed, "That's true. Apart from the language barrier, it doesn't seem difficult. Are there any other plans?"

"You don't have to worry about the language barrier. You should have heard of Lai Gou'er, right? When you get there, let him arrange it for you, and you can feel free to do as you please."

Fang Zheng continued, "This matter is not difficult to say, but it is always a bit complicated to do."

"This requires internal and external cooperation. You promote the goodness of Da Jing abroad, and I must also promote the benefits of overseas at home."

"Huh?" Wu Sheng asked in surprise, "Why promote the benefits of overseas? What's so good about overseas?"

Fang Zheng smiled and said, "That's not important, what's important is promotion! Think about it, if we promote the benefits of overseas countries internally and arouse the envy of the people, what will happen?"

"They will be dissatisfied with the imperial court..."

"That's true, but that's not the purpose, but to encourage people to go to sea! Now Da Jing's shipbuilding industry is very stable, and large families have begun to purchase seagoing ships for overseas trade, but that's not enough. I hope more people will go overseas to obtain profits."

Wu Sheng hesitated and said, "But... this will have a bad impact. What if the people complain about the imperial court?"

"Then let them complain! We shape overseas into a perfect goal, and then the people raise questions and express dissatisfaction, forcing the imperial court to approach that goal. What's wrong with that?"

"Our foundation is strong, and the people are living better year by year. What are we afraid of if they complain a few words? They can't rebel, can they?"

"Besides, I'm telling you, this situation will definitely not last long. Think about it, when those merchants who were fooled into going overseas arrive there and see that it is completely different from the perfect paradise they imagined, what will they do when they come back?"

"Uh... They'll feel cheated, what else can they do?"

"Tsk!" Fang Zheng knocked on the table, "This is called the more you go abroad, the more you love your country!"

"Ah! That's what it's all about, I understand!" Wu Sheng suddenly realized, "Lord is very talented."

Fang Zheng picked up a snack and took a bite, saying smugly, "This is nothing. If you make good use of the way of Yin and Yang, victory or defeat lies within it."

"The imperial court will have a fleet going to sea in the next ten days of next month. Do you think the time is right?"

Wu Sheng thought for a while, "It's a bit rushed, but I don't have anything to prepare, and my family is stable. Very well, I'll listen to Lord's arrangements."

"That's good. I won't say more. Tomorrow, you pack up your things and return to the capital. Let's plan in detail again. I also have a set of Marco Polo propaganda plans for you. When you arrive in Holy City, you don't have to worry, just do what's convenient."

......