Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Fang Zheng's resolute attitude momentarily stunned Emperor Jing, who then questioned him again, "Just for a few women, you would make such a sacrifice?"

"Yes, just for a few women. If it were Miao Han, it would be the same. I would protect her at the cost of my life," Fang Zheng firmly stated.

Hearing this, Emperor Jing's expression softened slightly, and he sneered, "You are quite the sentimentalist."

"I only seek fulfillment. In this life, family is far more important to me than power and money."

"Don't try to find some noble reason for your lust and greed," Emperor Jing said dismissively.

Crap, he saw through me!

Fang Zheng kept a straight face, not daring to speak.

Emperor Jing sighed, looking somewhat weary, and waved his hand, "Alright, I'll give it to you!"

"Since you want to resign, I will grant your wish. Considering your past contributions, you can keep those women, but don't even think about any rewards!"

"But I'll say this first, don't come crying to me someday if you regret it."

"I will never regret it!" Fang Zheng's long-tense heart finally relaxed.

He had originally intended to return to the palace and voluntarily resign. Now that the women's issue was resolved, this strategic retreat was quite successful.

As for being an official or not... that's not important at all!

In the capital, in Taoyuan County, he could thrive anywhere.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard had already been established, and the rules and regulations were left behind. The title in the Zhan Shi Mansion was only nominal, so these two could be discarded without concern.

The most important thing was to keep the Dongjiao University and the Academy of Sciences.

If he wanted to be reinstated... wouldn't that be easy? But now that he was retired, it seemed unnecessary to create trouble for himself.

"I've never seen such an unpromising man. A great man should strive for progress, but you are instead held back by women," Emperor Jing mocked.

"I don't see it that way. Even a pair of underwear or a toilet stick has its use."

"When in a high position at court, one should worry about the people; when far away in the countryside, one should worry about the ruler. Even without an official position... even if I am not in the court, I will continue to shine and contribute to Your Majesty and Great Jing," Fang Zheng spoke eloquently.

When in a high position at court, one should worry about the people; when far away in the countryside, one should worry about the ruler?

As expected, still eloquent!

Emperor Jing looked at Fang Zheng deeply.

Young and promising, with outstanding literary talent and remarkable achievements... except for being unfair to Miao Han, there was really nothing to criticize.

It's just that his vision is too small, and he lacks great ambition.

Thinking of this, Emperor Jing narrowed his eyes.

But, he seemed to say just now that being without an official position is easy... this shameless bastard!

Emperor Jing looked at him with disdain, "Go, go with me to see Phagpa first."

......

Phagpa and Ariq Böke were also waiting in the palace.

Upon seeing Emperor Jing, Phagpa immediately stepped forward and said, "This foreign minister sees that the soldiers and civilians of my Jin Kingdom are all bound outside the city. I wonder what Your Majesty plans to do with them."

Emperor Jing said, "Those prisoners can be released after I leave."

"Then when does Your Majesty plan to..." Phagpa was about to speak, but suddenly realized his tone was inappropriate and quickly stopped himself.

Emperor Jing didn't mind, "You don't need to worry. I plan to rest for one night and set off for the capital tomorrow."

"As for the matter of defeat, you can send an envoy to the capital to discuss it."

As Emperor Jing spoke, he looked at Ariq Böke.

Ariq Böke showed a look of joy, but quickly returned to calm.

He didn't expect Emperor Jing to withdraw from Pantai City so quickly, which was a good thing.

After all, he was always restricted here, and he felt inferior.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured that after the country is reorganized, we will definitely send an envoy to Great Jing in person."

Just then,

Phagpa cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, this foreign minister has a doubt, I wonder if Your Majesty can answer it?"

"Please speak."

"The weapons used by the Great Jing army are incredibly powerful. It's unheard of. Now that my army has been defeated, I wonder if I could see them?"

As soon as Phagpa finished speaking, Fang Zheng jumped out and said loudly, "Too advanced, not suitable for display!"

Outrageous, this thing cannot be easily shown to others for the time being.

Unless the others are several generations behind, then it can be shown or sold.

Currently, the premise that the unity of the grasslands is beneficial to Great Jing is that the military force of the Jing Kingdom must steadily suppress the grasslands.

Phagpa is very clever. What if he really sees something and copies it back?

Especially gunpowder and cannons are not that complicated.

If the Jin Kingdom possesses firearms that can counter Great Jing in the future, then the problem will be big.

If that's the case, it's better to let the grasslands return to a state of division.

Although the possibility of reverse engineering and developing gunpowder is extremely small, having seen strong figures like Prince Wu, Fang Zheng absolutely dare not underestimate the intelligence of the contemporary heroes.

If these people were dropped into later generations, they would probably be able to get a doctorate with some effort...

Emperor Jing also said, "That's right, Fang Qing is right. This is a secret of Great Jing and cannot be easily shown to others."

He didn't think as much as Fang Zheng, just one thought.

Good treasures must be hidden...

Although the answer was already expected, Phagpa still seemed somewhat disappointed and forced a smile, "It was this foreign minister who was being presumptuous."

"I wonder if this foreign minister can talk to Master Fang alone? Many things in the city were personally coordinated by Master Fang before, so this foreign minister still has many questions to ask him."

"Do as you please," Emperor Jing said and left without looking back.

Fang Zheng asked, "What else do you want from me?"

Phagpa hesitated, "Actually... it's nothing. My Jin Kingdom is sending an envoy to Great Jing, and I'm afraid we'll have to bleed a lot. Brother Fang, can you give me a hint based on your experience...."

Fang Zheng pondered, "National Preceptor, it's not that I don't want to help you. This is nothing more than ceding land and paying reparations, plus the military expenses for the expedition. I really can't help you."

"But we have no money. You know the situation. Can you help me lobby?" Phagpa secretly rubbed his fingers.

"Do you think I want to die faster... This money is too hot to handle, I won't take it," Fang Zheng said with a long face, "Besides, I really can't help it. If you have no money, then cede land, pay with livestock, pay with people, if that doesn't work, pay in installments, give some tax breaks on the border towns."

Phagpa smiled bitterly, "Since Brother Fang can't help, then that's all we can do."

Ariq Böke seemed somewhat unwilling to give up, after all, it was his mess to clean up.

Paying compensation was inevitable, but he wanted to pay as little as possible.

What's more, he still had Fang Zheng's weakness in his hand.

"Teacher, can't you think of a way? You and I are teacher and disciple, you wouldn't refuse to help with this small matter, would you?" Ariq Böke's tone carried a hint of threat.

This kid is really asking for it!

"This teacher is powerless!" Fang Zheng said coldly, ignoring Ariq Böke's reaction, and walked towards the palace gate without looking back.

....

Inside the post house, the warehouse where the envoy's luggage was piled.

A figure rummaged through it, and soon found a package wrapped layer upon layer.

Opening it layer by layer, the heavy dark box inside was revealed.

Opening it a crack, a soft, warm light poured out from the gap.

One could faintly feel a warm sensation coming from the fingers beside it.

With a snap, the box was quickly closed.

"Hiss ~ Damn... really eerie!"