Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

By this time, the rain had stopped, and several carriages were rapidly heading towards Dengjin Ward.

Fang Zheng Yi and Emperor Jing were in the same carriage, and the atmosphere inside was somewhat awkward.

Emperor Jing kept his lips tightly sealed, not uttering a word, his gaze fixed on the scenery outside the window.

Fang Zheng Yi, on the other hand, looked bewildered, unsure of what was happening.

Since the incident at Fuyun Temple, he hadn't sent anyone to inquire about Dengjin Ward.

Firstly, he felt that Yan Guoan was not a threat, and secondly, it really didn't seem necessary.

After all, he only wanted to manage Banshan Ward well, and he didn't pay much attention to other matters.

Several times, Fang Zheng Yi wanted to say a few words to Emperor Jing, but seeing his serious expression, he decided against it.

Emperor Jing, on the other hand, was contemplating how to deal with Yan Guoan.

If he hadn't seen Banshan Ward, perhaps he wouldn't have imposed such a severe punishment; at most, he would have given a reprimand, as the disaster was mostly due to natural causes.

Most of the scholars in the world were like this, and some things couldn't be changed overnight.

But the problem was that he had visited Banshan Ward. Comparing goods, the inferior ones must be discarded; comparing people, one might as well die.

The anger in Emperor Jing's heart not only didn't subside but seemed to grow stronger.

Soon, the carriage approached the vicinity of Dengjin Ward.

The vast crowd of people on the outskirts had completely surrounded Dengjin Ward, and Fang Zheng Yi couldn't help but gape at the sight before him.

Emperor Jing's carriage and others pushed through the crowd, heading straight for the government office.

Someone in Yan Guoan's camp had already noticed the abnormality and ran into the office in a panic to report.

Yan Guoan was engrossed in reading something. Hearing someone barge in, he frowned slightly, then lowered his head to continue reading.

The clerk entered and said, "Sir! Something's wrong! A large number of people have suddenly appeared in the ward, and several carriages are heading this way."

Yan Guoan was somewhat puzzled. A large number of people? Could it be that the Garrison Command had sent people to help him?

Then, he looked up and said calmly, "What kind of people are they?"

The clerk said nervously, "They look like the Imperial Guards, but there are some people I don't recognize."

The Imperial Guards were dispatched, and there were some people he didn't recognize? The only one who could command the Imperial Guards was His Majesty. He didn't expect His Majesty to value this competition so much, to personally visit Dengjin Ward? Could it be that he had heard the flattering words of his colleagues and couldn't wait to see his achievements?

A hint of a smile crossed the corner of Yan Guoan's mouth.

It seemed that the good words of the Hanlin Academy colleagues and some old officials he knew had worked. It was reasonable for His Majesty to visit in person! Reasonable, very reasonable!

The more Yan Guoan thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. He was in a great mood and waved to the clerk, "Quickly gather the men and prepare to welcome the Emperor!"

After speaking, he hurriedly ran out himself.

Arriving at the entrance of the government office, he hesitated, looking at the overflowing sewage at his feet. He had already taken half a step, but he retracted his foot.

After hesitating for a while, he still waded into the water, but unexpectedly, the sewage went directly over his knees.

He almost fell in.

Various pungent odors rushed at him, and Yan Guoan pinched his nose, cautiously walking outwards.

When the personnel were assembled and Yan Guoan stood firm, Emperor Jing's carriage arrived.

Yan Guoan looked excitedly at the face revealed through the gap in the curtain, watching him slowly emerge from the carriage.

Yan Guoan couldn't help but remind him, "Your Majesty, the ..."

Before he could finish speaking, Emperor Jing stepped directly into the water.

Yan Guoan was stunned... Then he quickly reacted, gritted his teeth, and knelt in the water, banging his head hard.

His whole body was soaked in the water, covered in filth and emitting a stench.

Yan Guoan squeezed out a smile and said loudly, "Your subject welcomes Your Majesty! I am late in welcoming you, please forgive me!"

Then, he caught a glimpse of Fang Zheng Yi, who had just appeared behind Emperor Jing, looking at the water with a disgusted expression, pinching his nose.

Yan Guoan was confused. Why was he here!?

Fang Zheng Yi was also shocked!

This dog's business skills were so exquisite! He had underestimated him. He could even kneel like this and dare to play submarine?

Shameless flatterer!

The more Fang Zheng Yi thought about it, the angrier he became, and he couldn't help but remind him, "Master Yan, there's poop in the water."

Yan Guoan immediately felt like vomiting, veins popping on his forehead, and he glared fiercely at Fang Zheng Yi.

Three black lines slowly hung down from the heads of everyone present.

Emperor Jing's face also fell. His originally heavy mood was suddenly shattered... He couldn't help but glance back at Fang Zheng Yi.

I'm also standing in the water! What nonsense are you talking about!?

Readjusting his mindset, Emperor Jing walked directly past Yan Guoan towards the inside, saying faintly, "Let's talk inside."

The Emperor took his seat, and all the important figures entered the hall.

Emperor Jing said gently, "Minister Yan, I have always heard that you govern well, and the court has spread the word that you love the people like your own children, so I have come to see if this is really the case?"

Yan Guoan was overjoyed.

Indeed! Indeed, His Majesty had heard of his good name and couldn't wait to take a look.

However, how could a scholar always praise himself like Fang Zheng Yi?

Yan Guoan said calmly, "Your Majesty, your subject is usually devoted to official duties and has never heard of these things. Perhaps it is just a rumor in the ward."

"In fact, even if I do well, it is not worth praising. This is just my duty."

"Loving the people like one's own children is what it should be."

Everyone in the hall looked blank.

Fang Zheng Yi perked up his ears, his expression straightened.

Well said! I still have to learn. This Yan Guoan really has something!

Li Yuanzhao was picking his nose, his face full of disdain.

What is this? The streets have become like that? How can you still dare to say these words?

Emperor Jing's expression gradually became serious: "Then... Minister Yan, do you really love the people like your own children?"

Yan Guoan looked at Emperor Jing in astonishment, then glanced at the others in the hall.

The three Grand Secretaries were all looking at him coldly.

These few usually appreciated him very much, why this expression today?

Also, what does His Majesty mean by saying this?

The situation was really strange, and Yan Guoan's heart began to beat rapidly.

He braced himself and said, "Yes!"

Emperor Jing smiled, without a trace of emotion in his laughter: "But when I came, I saw many people standing in the water, with no one to help... Can this be considered loving the people like one's own children?"

Yan Guoan's heart that he had lifted fell.

So it was because of this matter, it seems that His Majesty did not understand the situation.

So he confidently replied: "Your Majesty, your subject is also very anxious about this situation, but this is a natural disaster, and human power is sometimes exhausted."

"Your subject has ordered people to thoroughly investigate the records of disasters caused by heavy rains in the capital over the years, and there is still no complete solution... So your subject can only do his best, your subject is ashamed!"

A huge sense of loss suddenly enveloped Emperor Jing.

He couldn't help but close his eyes and sigh.

I have already given you a chance...

When he opened his eyes again, his eyes were full of murderous intent. Emperor Jing pointed at Yan Guoan with one hand and said coldly:

"Seize this man and execute him!"

.........

ps: I really want to play Elden Ring.