Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

“Being old, I have decided to abdicate and pass the throne to the Crown Prince. The Ministry of Rites is permitted to select an auspicious day for the enthronement ceremony.” Emperor Jing sat on the dragon throne, silently observing the unusual expressions of the officials.

Li Yuanzhao was as if in a dream, his whole being in a state of confusion.

Today at court, such a shocking announcement was dropped right at the beginning, truly leaving him somewhat unable to react.

After a short while, Emperor Jing continued, “Before my abdication, I have one last decree. Crown Prince, listen to the decree.”

Li Yuanzhao returned to his senses and quickly bowed before him, “Your son is here.”

“After I abdicate, you must not initiate war with the Church within two years. Great Jing still needs time to prepare. Once fully prepared, you shall personally lead the troops, flatten the Church, and promote the prestige of my Great Jing.”

“Your... Your son receives the decree.”

“This, Your Majesty, please think twice! Western countries are small; we only need to send troops to conquer them. Why take such a risk?”

The court was in an uproar, the news thrown out by Emperor Jing stunning them into a daze.

Li Yansong, who had maintained composure, also had an expression of extreme shock.

He knew about the abdication, there was nothing to say about that.

But... why did His Majesty change his mind about personally leading the expedition! What kind of bewitching potion did Fang Zheng一 give His Majesty?

Fang Zheng一 remained calm and collected.

Emperor Jing had already discussed today's situation with him.

Yesterday, after visiting Taoyuan County, he immediately finalized the plan, even deciding to announce his abdication before his injuries had healed.

To allow the Crown Prince to fully take over state affairs as soon as possible.

Probably... he was somewhat stimulated.

Li Yuanzhao was stunned, and the officials continued to advise Emperor Jing. Emperor Jing waved his hand helplessly, “Enough, all of you leave. Fang Zheng一, stay behind.”

The Emperor had spoken, and the officials could only retreat helplessly.

Before leaving, Li Yuanzhao quietly patted Fang Zheng一's shoulder and whispered, “I'll wait for you outside.”

Fang Zheng一 nodded.

Only Emperor Jing and Fang Zheng一 remained in the hall.

Fang Zheng一 clasped his fist and said, “I wonder what instructions Your Majesty has?”

Emperor Jing was somewhat absent-minded, “In my life, I have never feared anything, but yesterday... you really scared me.”

“How many secrets do you still have that I don't know?”

After Emperor Jing finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Fang Zheng一.

Fang Zheng一 hesitated, “Your son... indeed has some personal secrets, but as far as the country and the family are concerned, your son has always had a clear conscience. I have been completely open with my father and family. Some things have not been done simply because the time is not right.”

Fang Zheng一 began to play the family card without hesitation.

“Then you should have informed me about secretly researching weapons!” Emperor Jing said loudly, “Such killing weapons, falling into the hands of unscrupulous people, would be a great disaster!”

Fang Zheng一 was silent for a moment, “Your son has committed the crime of deceiving the Emperor, deserving ten thousand deaths.”

“That's right, it is indeed deceiving the Emperor! And it's not the first time.” Emperor Jing said sternly, “If it were someone else, I don't know how many times they would have died. I would consider it light to dismember them.”

“If Father Emperor wants to bestow death, your son will gladly accept it.” Fang Zheng一 said calmly.

“Heh, I really can't do anything with you.” Emperor Jing looked at him, shaking his head helplessly, then changed the subject, his tone softening, “Zheng一, build a summer palace for me, in Taoyuan County, it doesn't need to be too big.”

Is he worried about me and wants to personally run to Taoyuan County to watch me?

Fang Zheng一 nodded on the surface, muttering in his heart.

“Father Emperor...”

“I'm not worried about you. I know your character very well. I just like Taoyuan County.” Emperor Jing closed his eyes as if sighing, “When I first met you, the magistrate of Taoyuan County opened my eyes, but yesterday, when I went again, the feeling was still the same. That time, that moment, was just like yesterday...”

Hearing him say this, Fang Zheng一 was also filled with emotion.

At that time, he was still carefree, and now he has participated in plotting the whole world. Time is truly wonderful.

Emperor Jing was silent for a while, and said, “Zheng一, you are a person who can create miracles. Yuanzhao will be entrusted to you in the future. He cannot be a mediocre emperor. He must surpass me. Can you help him do it?”

“Yes.”

“With your words, I am relieved. Then you can go back first. My wound still needs a few days to heal.” Emperor Jing slowly waved his hand to dismiss him.

Fang Zheng一 also turned and left. Just as he stepped out of the door, a hand pulled him aside.

“Lao Fang, what exactly is the situation with Father Emperor? I haven't prepared at all. Why didn't anyone inform me?” Li Yuanzhao asked anxiously.

Fang Zheng一 said meaningfully, “Your Highness, fate never gives people time to prepare. It's your turn to shoulder the great responsibility.”

“I know! But I don't understand what Father Emperor said. This is not his style at all!” Li Yuanzhao frowned, “It's fine to let me succeed to the throne, but why wait two years before attacking the Church, and why let me personally lead the expedition?”

“Two years, knowing that Prince Wu controls the Church, and the other side may launch an attack at any time, but we have to delay for two years.”

“Letting this prince lead the troops on an expedition is what I have been seeking, but when has Father Emperor trusted me so much?”

“Lao Fang, Father Emperor trusts you more than he trusts me. Do you know something? Don't hide it from me!”

Fang Zheng一 honestly said, “Your subject did discuss this matter with His Majesty, and it was yesterday. As for the Church... Prince Wu would not dare to act rashly, and we can use the Brotherhood to release false information to stall him. We also need more ironclad ships and weapons, and two years should be enough to prepare them.”

“As for why he decided to let you go personally, you don't know, but His Majesty is very proud of you in his heart. Yesterday, he drank too much and said that you are like a god in using troops, and can independently behead Wutu. This bravery is far beyond what he was when he was young, but he is unwilling to say it clearly due to the dignity of an old father.”

“As long as we are well prepared, plus Your Highness's military talent, wouldn't it be as easy as cutting melons and vegetables to fight against the foreigners?”

“That's right.” Li Yuanzhao said thoughtfully, “But Father Emperor's abdication is too sudden after all. This Emperor is not ready yet.”

I think you've been ready for a long time!

Fang Zheng一 squinted and glanced at him with extremely contemptuous eyes.

“Your Highness, the most urgent task is to ask the Ministry of Rites about the rituals, and prepare early, so as not to make a joke during the enthronement ceremony.”

“Joke? Absurd! Who dares to laugh at this Emperor? Let me see who dares to laugh!”

“Your Majesty is indeed astonishingly powerful.”

As the two were singing a duet at the door, a coughing sound came from behind.

“Cough!” Guo Tianyang's cough sounded.

The two raised their eyes at the same time, and Emperor Jing's face, a mixture of green and red, appeared in their eyes. The veins had already spread from his neck to his forehead.

“I'm not dead yet. You two beasts are already preparing to rebel? Both of you get in here and close the door!!!”