Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Carlo Mei's face was pale, and he took two steps back, unsteady on his feet.

His voice trembled as he said, "That's not right! I remember there being a dragon in the ancient East, right? When were we taught this song?"

Fobo Le said, "The one you're talking about was taught ten days ago. This song was learned four days ago. You two skipped class."

Xiao Shuai and Carlo Mei shook their heads violently, "Impossible! Impossible! We always listen attentively in class, we don't remember skipping!"

"If we didn't remember, it would only be that we didn't remember the song, it's impossible we skipped class!"

Fang Zheng said, "Come, tell them what else you learned that day."

Da Zhuang said loudly, "That day we learned a new story, about how Lord Fang's ancestor helped someone repair a waterwheel. Fifty years later, the waterwheel broke, and the farmer lacked the parts to repair it, so he found Lord Fang. Lord Fang said that within a zhang of the waterwheel, there must be spare parts!"

"The farmer searched carefully nearby and found an oilskin package. The parts inside were still shiny and new, and the farmer successfully repaired the waterwheel."

"This story tells us that we must be as rigorous, conscientious, and responsible as the Fang family in everything we do!"

Fang Zheng clapped his hands and smiled, "Well said, you have indeed learned with your hearts. In the future, this story must be passed down to your descendants."

"Yes! Lord Fang's teachings will be remembered for a lifetime!" Da Zhuang and Fobo Le puffed out their chests.

Lu Fa, who had been silent on the sidelines, said, "You did indeed skip class. I sent people to look for you, but they couldn't find you."

Skipping class was naturally impossible, but it was said to make the two feel better and cooperate with the work later.

Fang Zheng temporarily added a class for Da Zhuang and Fobo Le, without even notifying the two.

However, Lu Fa's words were like a thunderclap to Xiao Shuai and Carlo Mei.

They really skipped class! They actually skipped class, how could they make such a low-level mistake...

Gradually, Xiao Shuai and the other shed tears of regret.

They still didn't know where their home was, and both trips back were journeys of life and death.

In Fika, they were the lowest of the low, living a muddled life, but here they were upright people, still the admired Jinyi Wei.

No matter what... they couldn't board the ship.

Thinking of this, the two actually made a move to run!

Seeing this, Lu Fa quietly slipped behind the two to prevent them from fleeing.

Li Yuanzhao was quite surprised by their reaction. How bad must Fika be for going home to be like receiving punishment?

"Lord Fang, please, we don't want to go..." Xiao Shuai made his final protest.

Fang Zheng hadn't expected their desire to stay to be so strong.

His face darkened, and he said, "We in Dajing have an ancient saying, 'A wise man submits to circumstances.'"

"Since we had an agreement beforehand, we must be willing to accept the loss. Moreover, you are now members of the Jinyi Wei, are you going to disobey my orders?"

"You are not originally from Dajing. With your current performance, I think you don't need to be translators and guides anymore. I'll just send you home!"

Hearing this, the two were filled with despair, and their bodies relaxed involuntarily.

Seeing that they didn't want to run, Fang Zheng smiled again, "You can think about it carefully. This voyage is representing the Jinyi Wei, have you thought about how great an honor this is?"

"To be honest, although the four of you are Jinyi Wei, you don't have Dajing household registration, so you can't be considered true Dajing people."

"Da Zhuang and Fobo Le may need more than ten years of effort to become Dajing people. But what about you? This official guarantees that as long as you return successfully from this voyage, you will be true Dajing people. Even if you want to become generals or ministers in the future, it is not impossible!"

Hearing Fang Zheng say this, Xiao Shuai's mood eased a little.

Fang Zheng continued, "I want to know, what do you two like about my Dajing?"

"Naturally, we like the life here," Xiao Shuai said in a low voice, and Carlo Mei nodded in agreement.

Fang Zheng smiled, "Yes, life in the capital is indeed good, but what you see is only the surface."

"Why can the people of Dajing live in peace? It is because everyone in Dajing has a heart of equality and love, and the officials in the court are all committed to establishing a heart for the world and a life for the people. And the people of Dajing also believe that they can change their destiny through tireless efforts."

"Everyone can move towards prosperity through determination, effort, and creativity, rather than relying on the charity of others."

Xiao Shuai and Carlo Mei couldn't help but raise their heads and listen carefully.

Fang Zheng said seriously, "The people of Dajing do not believe in ghosts and gods, they only believe that man can conquer nature, and people can create a better life with their own hands."

"The important task you are now shouldering is to help Dajing's fleet spread Dajing's ideas to every corner of the world, so that everyone can live a happy life."

"This is establishing a heart for the world, a life for the people, and creating peace for all generations!"

"If this trip is successful, then you will be pioneers! Thinkers! Great historical forerunners!"

"The first step you take on the ship means you are already Dajing people. The entire court and even all the people of Dajing will be proud of you!"

Xiao Shuai's and the other's lips moved up and down, their expressions a little excited.

Anticipation had already appeared on Da Zhuang's and the other's faces, and they even had an urge to board the ship.

Fang Zheng struck while the iron was hot, waved his big hand, pointed to the soldiers who were still boarding the ship, and said loudly, "Look at the soldiers of my Dajing!"

"Don't they know that there are countless storms and dangers at sea? Aren't their families on their minds? Don't they want to enjoy a comfortable life?"

"But why do they go to sea willingly without complaint?"

"Because this is a great ideal, a career that benefits the people! This is a qualified Dajing person who has abandoned low-level tastes and sacrificed the small family for the big family. Don't... don't you want to become such a person?"

"I do!" Xiao Shuai raised his hand suddenly and said regretfully, "Lord, don't say it anymore... My understanding is too shallow, I am willing to go."

"Then... I am also willing," Carlo Mei said in a low voice.

Good, the pattern has been opened by myself.

Fang Zheng smiled with satisfaction: "Good, very good. As the saying goes, a prodigal son who returns is more precious than gold. It can be seen that you are all insightful and ideal people. Then don't hesitate any longer, board the ship! I guarantee that Dajing's national gate will always be open to you!"

Xiao Shuai and the other nodded heavily, their hearts filled with a heavy and radiant responsibility!

Lu Fa took advantage of the heat and quickly drove people onto the ship.

At this moment, the soldiers had boarded the ship one after another and were about to finish. Zheng Hui walked over from a high place.

He first saluted the crown prince and him, and then said, "Your Highness, Lord Fang, everything is ready for this trip, we are about to set sail. I have come here to say goodbye."

Fang Zheng said, "Lord Zheng, let's not talk nonsense. Have you seen those two foreigners? They are familiar with Western languages. If you find the Western continent, they will be your guides."

"Be sure to treat them well on the ship and let them integrate into the group. Do things for my Dajing with your heart, and don't neglect them."

Zheng Hui said seriously, "Don't worry, sir, I will arrange it properly."

Fang Zheng nodded: "Well, I have also prepared a gift for you for this trip."

As he spoke, he pointed to a small box at his feet: "This contains sunglasses carefully made in Taoyuan County. The sun hurts the eyes, so be sure to protect your eyes."

Zheng Hui stepped forward to pick up the box, opened it and saw dozens of pairs of glasses inside, and said with some emotion: "Lord Fang is really thoughtful."

"There is also a task. Once you find special equipment or seeds overseas, remember to bring them all back, maybe they will be of great value."

"This subordinate knows. Does the lord have any other instructions?"

"Treat Gou'er well, there is nothing else."

Zheng Hui clasped his fist hard: "Please rest assured, sir! I will take good care of Gou'er on this trip. Your Highness, I will leave now!"

"I wish you a smooth journey!"

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