Royal Gold Magistrate

After agreeing, Bai Yi directly fainted.

Fang Zheng scratched his head and laughed. “She really was overjoyed, so happy she passed out.”

“Xiao Tao, she’s in your hands from now on. You make all the arrangements. First get her a room, then call the doctor over.”

“Not sure if she should be brought to the capital in this state.”

Afterward, Fang Zheng ordered Zhang Biao to summon back all the yamen personnel.

Before his departure this time, he had to arrange everything to ensure Taoyuan County operated normally.

Optimistically, he should at least be able to return once a week. Pessimistically, he might not be back for several months.

If the county turned into a mess after one trip to the capital, he wouldn’t be able to stand that shock when he returned.

Destroying a building was easy, constructing one was hard. Taoyuan County was the product of seven years of effort. It mustn’t be ruined.

Soon, over a hundred people gathered in the yamen hall.

Fang Zheng sat high behind the desk, expression solemn. “Everyone, I presume you’ve all heard the news of me going to the capital.”

“During this period away, I will have to rely on all of you in Taoyuan County.”

“My requirements are still the same. All yamen personnel handle matters according to regulations. As for the people, if the law doesn’t forbid it, let them be! But if any official bullies men or women, twenty strokes of the rod! Expel them from Taoyuan County!”

“For the disabled and weak, provide timely aid. Also, help the urgent and poor, but not the lazy! Leave them to their own devices!”

“Criminal Investigation Department! If there are lawbreakers, investigate according to the law. Do not use private torture! Do not extort confessions through torture. If the crime committed incites the wrath of both men and gods, at most a hundred lashes of the whip. Those who deserve beheading, behead. Use your discretion to handle matters in my absence!”

“When I return, I will review the case records.”

“Public Security Department! When patrolling the streets, pay attention to outsiders. Promptly file records. Do not disturb them unless there are extreme circumstances…”

“My lord, I have a report!”

Before Fang Zheng could finish, he was suddenly interrupted. Taking a closer look, it turned out to be Ke Shao, a squad leader from the Public Security Department.

“What is it? Speak!”

Ke Shao said nervously, “My lord, some days ago… over a dozen unfamiliar faces appeared in Taoyuan County. We found this group a bit strange.”

“Later, the Public Security Department and Criminal Investigation Department jointly investigated and discovered these people were likely scouts from outside… from the capital.”

“After we strictly interrogated them… that group said they were from the capital… imperial guards… ordered to investigate Taoyuan County.”

Fang Zheng instantly broke out in a cold sweat.

Scouts from the capital! Detained by Taoyuan County! He actually didn’t know about such a matter. If they were from the palace, wouldn’t that spell big trouble!

He immediately flew into a rage. “Why did no one report this to me!!”

Ke Shao mumbled, “My lord, we wanted to report after thoroughly investigating…”

“Originally we thought they were just talking nonsense… How could imperial guards from the capital be captured by us so easily? So we always assumed they were trying to fool us…”

“Where are they now? Was private torture used?”

“In the county prison. They didn’t do anything illegal or unruly, just kept probing about all sorts of matters in Taoyuan. So private torture wasn’t used… but… but…” Ke Shao’s cold sweat slowly flowed down.

“But what? Out with it!” Fang Zheng was so furious he ascended to the first Buddha realm and emerged as the second Buddha.

Such a huge oversight right under his nose! If he wasn’t too preoccupied to deal with this group now, they’d already be lining up for a beating!

“It’s just, we found the owner of Taoyuan Milk Tea Shop and had him sing to them for five days. They couldn’t stand it and confessed everything…”

“………………”

Fine then!

Fang Zheng laughed in anger. They were truly a bunch of talents, arranging a session of fiendish brainwashing.

These so-called imperial guards seemed to be a bunch of trash chickens…

Then he asked in puzzlement, “The tea shop owner sang for five days without getting tired?”

Xiao Tao quickly covered her eyes. The young master was always like this, inexplicably diverting his attention elsewhere… too embarrassing to watch! Too embarrassing to watch!

Ke Shao chuckled ingratiatingly, “Not tired! Everyone knows that song. It’s just that the owner sings it best. We posted a notice outside offering money for singing. The people were all lining up for their turn!”

“Then… my lord, what do we do with that group?”

Fang Zheng rubbed his temples, feeling a surge of agitation.

“What else can we do! Release them! Treat them well with food and drink, then take them to bathe. Let them go after a week. Give them each twenty taels of silver before they leave.”

“If such matters aren’t promptly reported in the future, I’ll have you all tied up and forced to listen to songs until you die! Understand?”

Ke Shao snapped to attention with a *pa*. “Yes, my lord! Understood!”

Fang Zheng slammed the court desk. “Where was I just now?… Forget it.”

“In any case, continue as usual. Handle things in my absence as you normally do!”

“Zhang Biao will accompany me to the capital this time. So the Deputy Director of the Public Security Department, He Jingming, will temporarily take over his duties!”

“He Jingming, do your utmost. If any public security issues arise, you’ll be the first to answer for it!”

He Jingming stepped out from the ranks and immediately clasped his hands in assent.

“As for my duties… temporarily taken over by the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Ao Chen! Remember, just handle cases, nothing else! If there’s an urgent matter, immediately send a fast horse to the capital with a letter!”

The general arrangements made, Fang Zheng slammed the court desk again with a *pa*!

“I can return to Taoyuan County anytime after leaving. All of you, perform your respective duties and do your part. I… will be watching you. Dismissed!”

The crowd gradually dispersed, quite a few still lingering in place, reluctant to leave, gazing towards Fang Zheng with unuttered words in their eyes.

How could Fang Zheng not read the intent in everyone’s eyes? His heart also tasted ineffable emotions.

He waved his hand powerlessly. Only then did the crowd completely disperse.

He then instructed Xiao Tao, “Get me bank notes for 120,000 taels of silver. We need to first purchase a residence in the capital. Quite a bit of silver will also be needed to open up connections.”

“This young master is going to bleed heavily this time… But, it’s also time for my Taoyuan County to make a big fortune!”