Royal Gold Magistrate

Early the next morning,

Fang Zheng found himself stirred awake by Xiao Tao, his eyes still heavy with sleep as he waited for her assistance in dressing.

Grumbling, he inquired, “What time is it that you’re dragging me out of bed?”

“It’s noon! The two merchants from the capital are waiting to see you outside…”

Xiao Tao skillfully helped him into his official attire, placing a cool damp towel on his face.

Feeling suddenly more awake, Fang Zheng exclaimed, “Oh, I haven’t slept well these past few days. Can’t you be more gentle?”

Xiao Tao didn’t respond, only giving him a helpless look. Fang Zheng usually slept for at least six hours a day, she couldn’t fathom why he was complaining.

Doesn’t he get tired from sleeping so much? If he stays in bed any longer, he might develop bedsores!

Fang Zheng felt a pang of bitterness. Besides sleeping, what else could he do for amusement?

Who could possibly comprehend the turmoil in his heart?

After changing clothes, Fang Zheng stumbled out of the bedroom.

For convenience, Fang Zheng’s living quarters were situated behind the yamen.

Simultaneously, the yamen had undergone corresponding renovations to accommodate the various new functions in Taoyuan County.

There were meeting rooms, mediation chambers, document repositories, etc., making it resemble more of a modern governmental institution.

The chamber where Emperor Jing and his companion were presently situated was a space that Fang Zheng had designated separately during the yamen’s renovation.

This room was secluded and boasted excellent soundproofing.

It contained only a long table, a few chairs, and several cabinets. There were no windows, and oil lamps illuminated the space. On the wall opposite the door was inscribed a line of poetry: “Fierce-browed, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers. Head-bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children.”

Placed on the table was a peculiar device.

A large horn with a needle at its tip, accompanied by a corresponding crank and a copper column, its purpose unclear.

The room emitted an atmosphere that was both simple and refined.

Emperor Jing stood with his hands clasped behind his back, contemplating the poem on the wall for a moment.

……….

Before long, Fang Zheng entered the room accompanied by Zhang Biao.

He greeted the two men.

Emperor Jing turned slowly and inquired, “County Magistrate Fang, did you compose this poem?”

“No, it’s just something I stumbled upon in ancient texts. It was well-written, so I had it engraved on this wall.”

After all, Fang Zheng was a man of integrity. He wouldn’t stoop to plagiarizing poems.

Emperor Jing sighed, “It’s a remarkable poem. It’s a shame I couldn’t see its entirety.”

Ah, I hadn’t realized he’s a patriot at heart!

Fang Zheng mused to himself, but responded, “Have you two decided on the tea you wish to procure?”

Emperor Jing nodded, “Thanks to County Magistrate Fang’s hospitality, I hope our cooperation will be smooth in the future. Additionally, this tea could find a market in the capital.”

“After the transaction, we’ll depart for the capital immediately.”

“Guo Da, fetch the banknotes!”

Guo Tianyang produced the banknotes and placed them before Fang Zheng.

“County Magistrate Fang, where shall we collect the tea?”

“Hehe, it’s already prepared for you. Zhang Biao!”

Zhang Biao stepped forward, unloading a package from his back. Inside were neatly arranged 20 tea bricks and an iron token.

“There are twenty tea bricks, each weighing a pound. Please inspect the goods.”

“And this peach blossom emblem—ensure it’s affixed to your carriage in the future. In Taoyuan County, it’ll guarantee smooth passage for you. When you return for more stock, someone will seek you out. There’s no need to visit me.”

With that, Fang Zheng handed over two documents.

Emperor Jing accepted them—one was the cooperation contract with Taoyuan County, and the other, a confidentiality agreement.

After careful perusal, Emperor Jing found no issues with the contract; its content aligned with their earlier discussions.

However, the confidentiality agreement raised a concern. He queried, “County Magistrate Fang, why is it necessary to keep Taoyuan County undisclosed?”

Fang Zheng smiled faintly, “It’s nothing more than a temporary measure for confidentiality. Taoyuan County is sparsely populated and resource-limited.”

“But its local specialties are in high demand, and production capacity is insufficient. Hence, we’re compelled to resort to this.”

“Furthermore, it’s also for your protection. Currently, the tea from Taoyuan County is exclusively sold by you.”

“Moreover, an influx of outsiders may jeopardize local security. The people of Taoyuan County are innocent and unassuming; I fear they may be influenced!”

“What about the clause stating violators may suffer from mouth ulcers, weakness in limbs, profuse sweating, dizziness, and… being drowned in saliva by the people of Taoyuan County? Can it be revised?”

“No.”

“And the provision stating the interpretation belongs to Taoyuan County—what does that signify?”

“Exactly as it states.”

Emperor Jing wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. This was quite a peculiar contract! While he cared little for those curses in the confidentiality agreement, the provision on interpretation left him perplexed!

After a moment’s deliberation, Emperor Jing gritted his teeth and affixed a red seal.

After all, it’s merely a pseudonym, so just sign it!

Guo Tianyang smirked and cast Fang Zheng a somewhat sympathetic glance.

He’s quite the character, ruthless and cunning!

Observing Emperor Jing’s seal, Fang Zheng picked up the contract, eyeing it with satisfaction.

“Please review the contract once more, gentlemen.”

“Zhang Biao! Prepare!”

Zhang Biao adeptly extracted a roll of silver foil from a cabinet and approached the horn. He then turned the crank a few times, affixing the silver foil onto the copper column.

“County Magistrate Fang, what does this signify?”

Fang Zheng enthusiastically took Emperor Jing’s hand and led him to the horn.

“Come, come, gentlemen, join me here. Just read aloud the contents on this horn.”

“In truth, this is a unique custom in Taoyuan County. Speaking into this device signifies sincerity between partners.”

“Don’t fret; it’s merely a brief ceremony. I’ll count to three, then you may commence speaking.”

Emperor Jing was now brimming with curiosity.

But with the seal affixed, he had no choice but to proceed.

Once Fang Zheng counted to three, Emperor Jing began reading the confidentiality agreement.

Simultaneously, Zhang Biao commenced turning the crank.

As Emperor Jing read, he noticed that with each word spoken, the fine needle at the horn’s tip shifted, leaving behind a dense array of dots on the silver foil.

After a short time, both had finished. Zhang Biao then removed the silver foil and exited the room.

Emperor Jing was eager to learn the purpose of the silver foil.

Unfortunately, Fang Zheng didn’t give him the opportunity.

Upon finishing, he promptly ushered them out.

After a brief interval, Emperor Jing and Guo Tianyang stood at the yamen’s gate, rendered speechless…

Suddenly, a carriage emerged from behind them, the coachman cheerfully addressing them, “Gentlemen, are you ready to depart for the capital?”

“I’ve been dispatched by the County Magistrate to transport you both!”

Ah, he is still a human! Emperor Jing felt somewhat relieved.

Guo Tianyang was also pleasantly surprised. He hadn’t anticipated Fang Zheng’s meticulous arrangements; the carriage was ready, saving them much hassle.

So, they boarded the carriage, prepared to return to the capital.

As they settled in, the coachman stuck his head in from outside, sheepishly stating, “Masters, the fare is ten taels of silver.”

Guo Tianyang: “………….”

Emperor Jing: “………….”