Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

The next day, Fang Zheng donned a set of Jin Dynasty nobleman's attire, adorned himself with distinctive accessories, and set off.

His first stop was at Ishbu's residence, but before going, he briefly consulted with Ari-bai.

This Lieutenant General of the Flying Cavalry Guard was also Uutu's wrestling instructor and enjoyed his deep trust.

If he weren't so old, he probably would have gone to the battlefield as well.

To deal with a military man like this, Fang Zheng brought along two jars of fine wine.

Upon arriving at the General's mansion, he was announced and smoothly granted an audience with Ishbu.

Although Ishbu was over seventy years old, he was in good shape. Despite his white hair, his eyes still gleamed with shrewdness.

No wonder Uutu sent him to stay behind; his face alone suggested he wasn't easy to fool.

Fang Zheng became secretly vigilant, wearing a flattering smile on his face.

"Fang Zheng has come to pay respects to General Ishbu."

The attendant beside him quickly translated.

Ishbu saw him dressed in local attire and accessories, and although he was a little surprised, he felt a greater sense of closeness.

However, Fang Zheng was, after all, a Jing citizen, and Ishbu said in a lukewarm tone, "What brings Master Fang to pay a visit?"

"I have long admired the General's name, and I only wished to see his esteemed presence. Therefore, I have specially brought some of my favorite wine and dishes."

Bringing gifts to the door? Interesting.

A smile appeared on Ishbu's face, "Master Fang is too kind. Please, come inside."

After the two were seated, Fang Zheng eagerly placed the food he had brought, piece by piece, on the table in front of Ishbu. Only after busying himself for a while did he return to his seat and sit upright.

Things that are abnormal must be demonic. Before the National Preceptor left, he had instructed me to keep an eye on this kid. After being honest for a few days, he really is making moves!

Ishbu quietly sized him up, saying without betraying any emotion, "Master Fang, there's no need to be like this. Just say what you want to say. This old general has always been straightforward."

"General, you misunderstand. I've come this time simply to pay my respects to you..."

"This old man doesn't like beating around the bush." Before Fang Zheng could finish speaking, Ishbu interrupted him directly.

Fang Zheng smiled 'awkwardly', "This... the General is indeed straightforward. Then I won't hide anything. I've come to ask the General, in the war between the two countries, what are the Jin Dynasty's chances of winning?"

"Ten out of ten."

Fang Zheng's eyes dimmed instantly, and he said softly, "The General has such confidence, what makes you say that?"

Ishbu said, "My Great Jin's thirty thousand heavy cavalry, when commanded properly, dare to fight Jing's five hundred thousand infantry. Now my Great Jin has sixty thousand well-armored heavy cavalry, and countless light cavalry. Since you are a Jing subject, you must be familiar with the situation in your country. In your opinion, what are my Great Jin's chances of winning?"

Fang Zheng's face was full of bitterness, and he pinched his thigh hard, draining even more color from his face. He forced a smile and raised his wine cup, "Let's not talk about that, General, I'll toast you!"

Ishbu took in this scene, revealing a contemptuous smile, and raised his wine cup, drinking it all in one gulp.

"Cough cough! Actually, I, Fang, have long admired the culture of Great Jin in Jing... I'd like to ask the General for some guidance. Just take the art of clothing, the patterns and styles on it are unique and have their own charm. The roughness is not without delicacy, which is enough to see the profound heritage of Great Jin's culture."

"And then there's the food. The beef and mutton of Great Jin are tender and delicate. Even in the imperial palace of Jing, I have eaten such meat... I usually like to eat hot pot. The hot pot in Jing is not delicious! The hot pot in Great Jin is delicious! The first time I came to Great Jin, I fell in love with the cuisine of Great Jin..."

Fang Zheng kept praising endlessly, occasionally offering Ishbu a toast. The translator on the side almost had smoke coming out of his mouth.

Ishbu just watched his performance with a smile on his face.

Hmm~ I was overthinking it. This kid's purpose in coming here is already very clear!

It's nothing more than worrying about Jing's defeat and currying favor with this old man in advance, so that he can settle down in Great Jin and have a secure future.

Heh heh, just a coward who is greedy for life and afraid of death, but he really knows how to talk, making this old man's blood boil...

After a few rounds of wine, Fang Zheng was still talking volubly, his cheeks flushed red, "The horses I ride in Jing are all from Great Jin. I ask you, who in Jing doesn't know that the best steeds can only be bred in Great Jin. They are truly hard to find for a thousand gold... General, another cup!"

"Well said, bottoms up!"

Ishbu's cheeks were also slightly red. He didn't say much, just quietly listening to Fang Zheng praising Great Jin, greatly enjoying it in his heart.

Suddenly, Fang Zheng's words stopped abruptly, and with a bang, he slammed his wine cup heavily on the table, spilling wine all over it.

Ishbu's spirit shook, and he quickly looked at him, only to see Fang Zheng with teary eyes saying, "General... to tell you the truth, although I am nominally a Jing subject... I am actually already a traitor, having built hot air balloons for Great Jin. I have no way back."

"Today, one reason is to discuss the culture of Great Jin with the General, and the other is to relieve the boredom in my heart."

He's had too much to drink and can't hold back his true feelings?

Ishbu already understood, smiling and waving his hand, "What are you worried about! Since you admire the culture of my Great Jin, then stay! You have done a great service by building hot air balloons for my Great Jin. His Majesty and the National Preceptor both value you. As long as you honestly and conscientiously do your work, this old man can vouch for you! When His Majesty returns in triumph, I will certainly report your heart of surrender to His Majesty in full."

Two lines of clear tears slowly flowed down Fang Zheng's cheeks, and then he solemnly raised his wine cup, his voice trembling.

"If that's really the case... I won't be able to repay the General's kindness in three lifetimes!"

"Hahahaha! You're too serious, too serious! Come, have another cup!"

The two raised their cups and toasted, Fang Zheng once again talking volubly, expressing his longing for Great Jin.

After drinking and the banquet was over, Fang Zheng leaned against the wall as he left the General's mansion.

Standing at the gate of the General's mansion, he retched for a while.

Damn, that old fart can really drink! I made some mistakes, but the effect was pretty good.

I have to go back and tidy up. Time is tight, then I'll hurry to the next house!