Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Upon hearing that the matter concerned Zhang Shi, the assembled officials immediately perked up their ears.

This brat, Fang Zheng Yi, never lets up when he's in the right, I'm afraid Zhang Shi won't get off lightly!

Moreover, the Crown Prince doesn't usually get along with Zhang Shi, so their joint appearance must mean Fang Zheng Yi dragged the Crown Prince along.

This kid probably fears Zhang Shi won't die miserably enough, so he's pulling the Crown Prince along to kick him while he's down.

It must be so!

If he acts so erratically, I fear the court will never have a day of peace!

Many people grew increasingly anxious, their hearts hanging by a thread.

Emperor Jing put down his memorial and smiled: "Oh? You've interrogated him thoroughly in just one day?"

"Your Majesty, I have interrogated him thoroughly. He was quite cooperative, so I didn't have to put in much effort," Fang Zheng Yi respectfully replied.

"Since I've put you in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, what do you think should be the punishment for Zhang Shi?"

As soon as these words came out, some people couldn't help but glance sideways.

Here it comes, the key question has finally arrived, everyone will see a glimpse of Fang Zheng Yi's bottom line today!

Fang Zheng Yi quietly glanced to the side, then said with a calm expression: "I believe that although Prince Wu rebelled, Zhang Shi was unaware of it, so punishing him as a rebel is an excessive punishment."

"Although he conspired with Prince Wu to sell smuggled salt for profit, he has no other crimes besides this, and he can be considered to have performed his duties impartially in his post."

"However, embezzling the profits from the salt industry is no different from exploiting the people, so the death penalty cannot be avoided."

"Therefore... I believe, Your Majesty, that Zhang Shi should be granted a cup of poisoned wine, and then his family should be confiscated and exiled to the army."

As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions of the officials beside Emperor Jing suddenly changed.

They became incredibly astonished!

They all looked at Fang Zheng Yi with incredulous eyes.

Today is truly a strange day! Fang Zheng Yi is actually pleading for Zhang Shi?

Especially the Grand Secretaries, who looked at each other in dismay, exchanging information with their eyes.

Li Yansong's old eyes were full of confusion. He thought he understood Fang Zheng Yi, but this scene was beyond his imagination.

Isn't this kid the type to hold grudges? When did he become so magnanimous?

Emperor Jing didn't speak for a long time, just scrutinizing Fang Zheng Yi. The current situation also greatly exceeded his expectations.

After a moment, he opened his mouth and said: "Do you know what you're saying? Prince Wu rebelled, and he colluded with him, so he is a rebel."

"It's already merciful of Us to publicly behead him, and now you want Us to grant him poisoned wine, giving him a dignified death?"

"Your Majesty, Prince Wu's rebellion concerns the imperial family's honor, this matter should be handled discreetly, I am also considering this for Your Majesty," Fang Zheng Yi said neither humbly nor arrogantly.

Emperor Jing looked at him with a strange expression, then looked at Li Yuanzhao beside him and asked: "What are you doing here?"

"Your son heard about this matter and came along to take a look," Li Yuanzhao said with a smile.

"Then what do you think about this matter?" Emperor Jing asked.

"Your son believes that what Lao Fang said makes sense. Zhang Shi is a veteran official of two dynasties and should not be judged solely on one mistake. Your son believes that if we simply punish him severely, it may discourage others."

Hearing Li Yuanzhao say these words, Emperor Jing felt a sense of relief in his heart: "Continue speaking."

Li Yuanzhao nodded: "Everyone has selfish desires, and making mistakes is understandable. Your son has been in the Eastern Suburbs recently, where there are no fewer than several hundred commoners, and many of them secretly steal."

"Your son has found that severe punishment can deter for a while, but it cannot solve the problem at its root. Over time, someone will always steal again."

"After this incident, your son established rules for the subordinates. Initially, everything was strictly governed, and if any violations were discovered, the violators and others involved would be sent to the government. However, afterwards, it was found that the effect was not good. The others were worried about being implicated due to the excessive punishment, and they were absent-minded when working. Whenever your son went down to inquire about the situation, they would close their mouths and dare not speak."

"Those who steal are not all lazy people, and many of them can even be described as conscientious. With frequent severe punishments, the subordinates would discuss that your son is ungrateful, often dampening their enthusiasm."

"Therefore, your son thinks that the way to manage lies in a balance of rewards and punishments."

"The purpose of punishment is to protect or encourage others. Killing is already the most severe punishment, and no matter how cruel it is, it's just death in the end. But if excessive punishment discourages the court officials, then it would be a loss."

The officials in the room all opened their mouths wide and looked at Li Yuanzhao, their eyes full of confusion.

That's not right... Isn't the Crown Prince supposed to be learning from Fang Zheng Yi, a rascal who argues with everyone he sees? How has he become like this now?

Magnanimous, benevolent, and generous, he's the very image of a benevolent ruler!

Where's the Crown Prince who used to jump around? Did Fang Zheng Yi really educate him?

Thinking of this, many old officials felt comforted and felt that the country's future was promising, and they reached out their sleeves to wipe the corners of their eyes...

Fang Zheng Yi was also filled with relief.

It seems that the Crown Prince is really growing up quickly. He must have been busy during the time I was away... He even started studying management?

Emperor Jing was completely shocked and took a deep look at Li Yuanzhao.

He also took a deep look at Fang Zheng Yi and asked: "But he did collude with the rebels. Was it wrong of Us to want to exterminate his three clans?"

Li Yuanzhao immediately said loudly: "What Father Emperor did is also not wrong! But your son just said that the punishment itself is not important, what's important is the consequences of the punishment!"

"Zhang Shi is a veteran official of two dynasties, and we cannot ignore his past merits and punish his whole family based on this one incident alone. If such severe punishment discourages the court officials, your son would worry that the channels of communication would be blocked."

"If things continue like this, the superiors and subordinates will have different intentions, and everyone will focus on self-preservation, becoming lazy and negligent in their duties. Then it is feared that the people of the world will suffer."

Fang Zheng Yi quickly interjected: "Your Majesty, this is a time of peace and prosperity, and it is not appropriate to recklessly start killing."

"The ancients said that sages value leniency, while the world despises the masses. In my heart, Your Majesty is a wise ruler with both literary and martial talents, and your kindness and benevolence will surely lead to a proper decision. Please, Your Majesty, be wise!"

Emperor Jing was already overjoyed at this moment!

A rational monarch, with great power in his hands, fears nothing more than a one-man show.

The affairs of the world are so complex that no one person can manage them.

Originally, the Crown Prince was mischievous and impatient with even the slightest discipline, but now he has learned to actively consider the opinions of others and approach things from a broad perspective!

He chuckled and said: "You two are singing in harmony and lecturing Us! Since everyone is here today, then all of you, my beloved subjects, should speak about how to punish him? Teacher Li, you speak."

Li Yansong took a step forward and bowed: "This old minister dares not say much about the Zhang Shi case, everything is up to Your Majesty's wise judgment! However, this old minister wants to congratulate Your Majesty! The Crown Prince is virtuous and benevolent, which is truly a blessing for the people and a fortune for the country!"

"We congratulate Your Majesty! The Crown Prince is virtuous!" A large group of officials followed suit and shouted, bowing together.

Li Yuanzhao couldn't help but raise his head and proudly put his hands on his hips....

Emperor Jing still had a smile on his face, feeling comfortable all over. Seeing his son's smug expression, his expression suddenly became serious: "This rebellious son is just occasionally surprising with his words, he is still far from it!"

"Since there's nothing more to say, all of you, my beloved subjects, may withdraw first, We have something to discuss with them alone."

......