Royal Gold Magistrate

“Please, Young Master, uphold justice for me! This lowly one had nowhere else to turn and could only dare to disturb you by coming to your residence today.”

“This lowly one had a death in the family recently and felt the house was unlucky, so I had the idea to sell the property.”

“Who knew that in the past two days, a fellow named Fang Zheng forcibly occupied my house. The property was originally worth two thousand taels, but he insisted on buying it for a mere five hundred taels.”

“When I refused, he threatened me, saying he would ruin Fulai Building’s business… Fearing it would affect you, Young Master, I could only lower my head. Please, Young Master, uphold justice for me!” With that, Jia Liang’s sobs grew even more pitiful.

Fang Zheng? Zhang Chang was jolted. “What’s this Fang Zheng’s background? How can he dare to ruin Fulai Building’s business?”

“This person showed me an imperial decree, saying he was about to have an audience with the Emperor and be appointed as a minor official in the Imperial Clan Court. Because this lowly one’s concubine jumped into a well and died, Fang Zheng wants to frame me for it and even slander me in front of His Majesty…”

“At the time, this lowly one mentioned you, Young Master, but that Fang Zheng didn’t care at all. He even said in his eyes, you were nothing but a dog. I was so furious that I wanted to fight him, but… his bodyguard was simply too strong…”

So it was him! Anger flashed in Zhang Chang’s eyes. “That house… in the end it was still sold for five hundred taels?”

“Sold… This lowly one had no choice. Even if I went bankrupt, I couldn’t let my personal affairs impact Fulai Building’s business.”

Jia Liang put on an air of utmost loyalty.

Hearing this, Zhang Chang nodded expressionlessly. “I understand. You can go.”

“Ah? But Young Master… what about Fang Zheng…”

Jia Liang froze. How could he suddenly be told to leave? This wasn’t going at all like he imagined!

Zhang Chang said impatiently, “What about him? You selling your house has nothing to do with me. Since you already sold it without impacting Fulai Building, isn’t that enough?”

“But he insulted you! This lowly one can’t swallow that!”

Jia Liang felt like he was going crazy. This was totally different from what he expected!

Zhang Chang sneered, “Heh, whether he insulted me or not, I’ll investigate myself. It seems more like you’re exaggerating things! Has Fang Zheng’s brain been filled with lard? He dares to openly insult a noble’s son before even taking office in the capital?”

“I’ve also heard he’s an unruly fellow, but no matter how brainless, he shouldn’t be to this degree!”

“Jia Liang, let me be frank. I’ve long wanted to replace you. How opportune that you delivered yourself to my door today! Just look at Fulai Building’s dispensable profits over the years. What kind of shopkeeper are you? Useless trash! No wonder someone seized your house!”

With that, he turned and left.

Double whammy!

Jia Liang dejectedly collapsed to the ground, his heart chilled to the core.

Just what was wrong with this world… What did I do wrong…

Zhang Chang returned to the table. Zhang Shi asked, “Chang’er, what was that commotion outside?”

“It’s nothing. That Jia Liang from Fulai Building was bullied by Fang Zheng who forcibly purchased his house. He wanted me to help him get it back.”

“Oh? How did he get involved with Fang Zheng? What do you think?”

Zhang Chang contemplated for a bit before saying, “When Jia Liang spoke just now, he must have been trying to provoke me into causing trouble for Fang Zheng.”

“However, if Fang Zheng really did coerce Jia Liang to sell his house, wouldn’t that violate our Great Jing’s laws? In that case…”

Zhang Shi shook his head. “The money and deed changed hands with no third party present. Even if he filed a lawsuit, without evidence how could such a case hold up in court?”

Zhang Chang mused, “Indeed. But… Jia Liang must have mentioned father when negotiating with Fang Zheng. Yet Fang Zheng still forced the sale of the house. Clearly he doesn’t take our family seriously at all. I really want to meet him…”

“What do you plan to do?”

“I haven’t decided yet. In terms of timing, there will be a boat party and poetry contest at Quzuo Lake three days from now on our day off. At that time, courtesans and nobles will gather. Inviting Fang Zheng there would be a good chance to see his true character.”

“Heh, but Fang Zheng’s reputation must be in tatters by now. He’ll surely make a fool of himself then. If he holds a grudge, I worry it will bring trouble for you, Father.”

Zhang Shi couldn’t help patting his shoulder, gratified. “Chang’er has grown up. You can discern a petty man’s words and consider things on my behalf. Very good!”

“However, those who achieve great things must be bold! Although Fang Zheng is the same age as you, you’re far inferior to him in this regard. If you really want to meet him, go directly! Even if Fang Zheng is basking in imperial favor now, he’ll never amount to much! With your father here, feel free to act.”

I’m inferior to Fang Zheng? Zhang Chang smiled disdainfully. “With Father’s words, I can set my mind at ease. I’ll immediately pen him an invitation!”

The steward quickly attended him with brush and ink. Zhang Chang’s brush danced like a dragon and phoenix, swiftly producing an invitation which he stamped with his seal and placed in an envelope.

He then turned to the steward. “Has Jia Liang left yet? He knows the way. Have him deliver it!”

“Not yet, Young Master. He’s still outside.”

Zhang Chang walked to the courtyard and found Jia Liang sitting on the ground, weeping mournfully, his voice hoarse as if he’d just left a brothel.

Zhang Chang kicked him and said impatiently, “Enough! Stop howling!”

“Take this letter and deliver it to Fang Zheng’s residence. Tell him that in three days, he’s invited to a poetry contest at Quzuo Lake. Many famous nobles are eager to make his acquaintance and ask that he attend without fail.”

“I’ve helped you take care of this. I’ll give you another three months. If Fulai Building still shows no improvement by then, scram back to whatever hole you crawled out of!”

Jia Liang’s wailing instantly ceased, wild joy welling up in his heart. This was more like what he imagined!

He took the letter and kowtowed frantically. “Thank you, Young Master! This lowly one will manage Fulai Building well even if it costs my life! The return of my property is all thanks to you!”

Zhang Chang frowned without a word.

Property? What property? It has nothing to do with me.

“Hurry and go. Just seeing you irritates me!”

Jia Liang held the letter, stammering, “Young Master… what if he doesn’t go?”

“Doesn’t go? No one’s ever turned down an invitation from my Zhang family! As long as he’s normal, he’ll definitely go. Don’t think about such nonsense!” Zhang Chang had a haughty air about him.

“Alright! This lowly one will deliver it right away!”

……………………..

Jia Liang scurried over to Fang Zheng’s residence.

By now the sky was dark. The gates of the Fang estate were wide open. Jia Liang saw what seemed to be tattered robes hanging on the screen wall and couldn’t help feeling a pang of sorrow.

To think his house was being ravaged like this… it really pained his heart….

But then thinking that Zhang Chang would stand up for him, he cheered up. Without hesitation, he strode through the familiar gates he knew so well.

At this time, Fang Zheng was eating dinner with Xiao Tao and the others.

Jia Liang barged in and, seeing Zhang Biao was also present, didn’t dare approach. He stood at a distance and shouted, “Lord Fang!”

Everyone glanced over and only then noticed there was an intruder.

Fang Zheng glared at Bai Yi who was scarfing down food. “Why didn’t you close the gate! Stop eating and go stand in the corner!”

Bai Yi: “…………”

Then Fang Zheng turned his head, pleasantly surprised. “Oh, Old Jia! How did you get in? Have another house to sell cheap?”

Goddamnit!

Jia Liang instantly lost it upon hearing this. His eyes turned bloodshot and his hands and feet went ice cold.

Glancing at the letter in his hand, he said frostily to Fang Zheng, “Lord Fang! You’ve offended someone you shouldn’t have! I’m afraid great misfortune will befall…”

“Zhang Biao! Go, give him a couple slaps!” Fang Zheng interrupted.

Before Jia Liang could finish, Zhang Biao cut him off with a mighty stride. Grabbing Jia Liang by the collar, he slapped him soundly on both cheeks. His entire face rapidly swelled up.

Getting slapped before he could even finish speaking, Jia Liang despondently gazed up at the gloomy sky, his heart dead as ashes.

Fang Zheng sneered, “You animal! You barge into my private estate and dare speak rudely!”

“Check if he has any money on him! Take it all!”

Zhang Biao expertly began rummaging through Jia Liang’s clothes. Coming back to his senses, Jia Liang struggled with all his might but under Zhang Biao’s monstrous strength, he was like a puny chick.

Very quickly, his originally intact robe was torn to shreds by Zhang Biao’s violent body search.

Finally, a hidden pouch was found in the inner lining. Zhang Biao opened it and held up its contents. “Young Master! Here’s five hundred taels in banknotes!”

Tears in his eyes, Jia Liang shrieked, “You can’t take that! You can’t! This is robbery! You band of thieves! I’ll report you to the authorities! I’ll petition the Emperor!”

Fang Zheng’s face darkened. “Robbery? I, Fang Zheng, have always acted with honor and integrity. How dare you slander me! Bring him over!”

With that, Fang Zheng angrily strode over to the screen wall, Zhang Biao dragging Jia Liang behind him.

Fang Zheng pointed at the screen wall and bellowed, “Open your dog eyes and look carefully at what’s written here!”

Jia Liang struggled to open his increasingly swollen eyes, carefully making out the words before him. He slowly read out, “Where… My… Emperor… Splashed… Ink?”

Fang Zheng crossed his arms and laughed coldly, “Seems you can still read, you mutt!”

“You think you can see this for free?”

“A mere five hundred taels! That’s me going easy on you! Now scram!”

Jia Liang looked at the screen wall, then at Fang Zheng. A single tear suddenly slid down his cheek….

Then like a sack of potatoes, he was tossed out the gate… crumpling to the ground, not moving a muscle…