Chapter 223: Killing two birds following another two birds with one stone

Chapter 223: Killing two birds following another two birds with one stone

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The present Emperor, the numerous officials, Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, were all standing in this Throne Room, waiting for an ordinary citizen who was still eating his bread.

How unbelievable was this.

The officials were enraged, each of them filled with righteous indignation. There were even people who entertained the thought that it wouldn't be reasonable to pin a criminal offence of withholding truth from the Emperor. However, not a single official voiced this out.

The reason was very simple. Even though Fang Zhengzhi was an ordinary citizen, he was the theory examination roll champion of this Imperial Examination, a stunning talent that scored full marks in all six examination papers. Furthermore, he had even defeated and killed the Vice Domain Chief of the Demon Race, Ying Shan.

Most importantly, nobody knew who leaked the news, but in one night, the entire Yan Capital knew of the news that Fang Zhengzhi was going to enter the palace to meet the Emperor. Hence, numerous rumours were raised. Some claimed that the Emperor was about to reward Fang Zhengzhi's valiant achievement in killing the demon.

There were also some who claimed that Fang Zhengzhi's performance in this Imperial Examination was extraordinary, hence was about to be promoted against convention.

Of course, the centre of attention was always at the incident of the sword. Hence, naturally there were people who suggested that the Emperor might be eyeing the sword…

In that case.

The officials knew very clearly that no matter what, it was impossible to kill Fang Zhengzhi on the spot just because he was late in entering the palace.

That was tyranny, and also a move that would bring chill to the hearts of the people.

Naturally, nobody dared to mention it.

However, this wasn't an acceptable reason for Fang Zhengzhi to undermine the Imperial Government. Such a blasphemous act deserved harsh punishments and serve as a warning to others.

"At least fifty strokes on the spot!"

"Fifty? I believe that if it isn't at least a hundred, it would simply be useless!"

"In the end, it is still because he is too young and lack experience. He doesn't know how to judge the importance of things. The first time I entered the palace to meet the Emperor, I had knelt in front of the room for exactly three hours."

A few high ranking officials discussed softly among themselves about how best to punish Fang Zhengzhi when he arrived.

Right at this moment, a loud announcement suddenly rang out from outside the door.

"Fang Zhengzhi, enter the room and meet the Emperor!"

"He's here?!"

"This guy ate his bread for a total of half an hour, why hasn't he choked to death?"

"Don't you know that he paired it with chicken soup? The hope of him choking to death isn't very high. However, there is indeed some hope in seeing him beaten to death."

When they heard the voice outside the door, anticipating looks appeared on each of the officials' faces. Even they were angered. Then, as for His Highness the Royal Crown Prince, His Highness King Duan and the Emperor, how could they not be angered?

"Huh? The morning assembly hasn't started yet?"

A leisurely voice sounded out from outside the door. Right after which, a figure wearing a blue robe stepped across the door of the Throne Room and walked over in a very natural and poised manner.

"Citizen Fang Zhengzhi greets the Emperor!"

"Fang Zhengzhi, you are really daring. What time is it already?" When one official heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, he instantly stood out.

The Emperor was supposed to be kind and forgiving, hence he naturally couldn't tell off an ordinary citizen personally. Thus, it was the jobs of these high ranking officials to do so in advance. This was knowing the Emperor's intent, a good role model of an official who understood the Emperor's intent.

"Time? I am indeed early! I had already told them that it was still early, but the eunuch in charge of leading the way didn't want to believe me at all. When I heard that I am invited by the Emperor yesterday, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep the entire night. Only in the early morning was I finally able to close my eyes. Who knew that I would still interrupt everybody's morning assembly? Should I go outside the room to kneel for a while?"

As Fang Zhengzhi spoke, he turned his body around and really prepared to step across the door once again and kneel for a while outside the room.

"Stop right there, you… you better come back…" How could the official ever imagine that Fang Zhengzhi's skin would be as thick? He was clearly almost an hour late, yet, he claimed to be early?

All the officials in the dynasty had already been standing for such a long time in this Throne Room. Who among them wasn't aching all over and would allow Fang Zhengzhi to continue to drag the time?

"Never mind, one who doesn't know isn't guilty. Fang Zhengzhi was born in a village, and this is the first time he is invited to enter the palace. Not knowing the timing of the morning assembly can be forgiven. Please enter!" At this moment, Emperor Lin Mubai spoke.

"Emperor is kind and forgiving!" When the officials heard Emperor Lin Mubai's words, they all praised in unison.

After Fang Zhengzhi heard what Emperor Lin Mubai said, he turned around swiftly and smoothly, looking at the numerous enraged officials with an innocent expression on his face.

"Fang Zhengzhi, I heard that you killed Vice Domain Chief Ying Shan of the demon race in the World of the Sage. I am very happy. What reward would you like?" Emperor Lin Mubai asked.

Naturally, he couldn't direct inquire about the sword. This was the heart of the Emperor. The Emperor's role in the dynasty was to gain the support of the people. Hence, the things he had to do were naturally righteous.

As for the sword…

He believed that the officials below him would definitely bring it up. What he had to do was to make a decision, a decision made very helplessly under very pressurised and forced circumstances.

"Contributing to the building up of the dynasty, risking my life and shedding blood is my lifelong desire. I don't crave for great riches, nor do I want a high ranking position and a handsome salary. If Your Majesty insists on rewarding, I feel that an Anti-Death Medallion or something similar would be sufficient." Fang Zhengzhi replied in a righteous manner.

"Anti-Death Medallion?!"

"This guy is indeed thick-skinned!"

"How can man be shameless to such an extent? Ever since the establishment of the Great Xia Dynasty, not even five Anti-Death Medallions have been given out. Who among them didn't make great, everlasting contributions and accomplish great things for the country? This guy on the other hand only killed a Vice Domain Chief of the demon race, yet he still dares to ask for an Anti-Death Medallion?"

When a group of officials heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, their eyes turned round with rage. They had absolutely never seen such a blasphemous and shameless person.

"Pff…" Emperor Lin Mubai coughed softly. Even he would never imagine that Fang Zhengzhi would give such a reply. The Anti-Death Medallion definitely couldn't be given to him.

However, he asked, and Fang Zhengzhi replied. This wasn't exactly inappropriate, and probably could be considered as the innocent heart of a child.

"The Anti-Death Medallion cannot be obtained so easily, it requires a great accomplishment. However, you are only fifteen years of age, there would still be many opportunities to do so in the future." Emperor Lin Mubai shook his head lightly with a faint smile on his face.

"I see…" Fang Zhengzhi seemed somewhat disappointed.

On the other hand, the two high-ranking officials standing by the side knew what they should be saying. Just as they were preparing to start, Law Official Wan Chong took the first step and instantly stood out from the crowd.

He was the chief investigator of the Imperial Examination's case, hence, was naturally the one with the biggest say.

In the situation today, the favour of the Emperor and the Crown Prince, as well as the entire room of officials were already all in the bag. All he had to do was to reach in and grab in order to win it. Hence, why would he end up behind others?

Fighting for achievements, understanding the Emperor's intent…

All these tested an official's ability to see the situation. To be able to become one of the Six Council Officials, Wan Chong naturally had his own unique insights

"Fang Zhengzhi, I am the Law Official Wan Chong, in charge of the case of Han Changfeng during the Imperial Examination. There is one thing I wish to understand from you. I heard that you used the sword that Sagely Battle God Meng Tian left in the World of the Sage when killing Ying Shan, is that true?" Law Official Wan Chong brought out the main topic with one sentence, using investigation of the case as an excuse.

As for why he asked this even though he knew the answer clearly.

It was his scheming. He had definitely considered that Fang Zhengzhi would claim that this was false. However, he had material proof and eye-witnesses to justify this. How could he allow Fang Zhengzhi to lie openly in the Imperial Hall?

If Fang Zhengzhi lied, he really didn't mind charging Fang Zhengzhi with withholding truth from the Emperor. This was killing two birds with one stone, doubling his contributions.

"That's right!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded with a sincere expression on his face.

"This sword is left by Sagely Battle God Meng Tian when he died and is of great importance to the Great Xia Dynasty. Even though Fang Zhengzhi was lucky and fortunate to be able to obtain this sword in the Imperial Examination, it is still a contribution. I plea for Your Majesty to grant Fang Zhengzhi a thousand fine silver to commend him for his service in retrieving the sword!" Law Official Wan Chong was slightly disappointed when he saw Fang Zhengzhi nod.

However, this didn't affect his plans. It only meant that his contributions would be downplayed a little.

When the other officials heard this, they suddenly understood. Using Fang Zhengzhi's accomplishments to force him to surrender the sword. This was what the Emperor wanted. To be able to become the Law Official, Wan Chong indeed had his own fortes.

"I agree with Mr Wan. Fang Zhengzhi, having obtained Sagely Battle God Meng Tian's sword in the Imperial Examination, is indeed the pride of our dynasty, and a blessing to the people. A thousand fine silver isn't enough to reward such a contribution, I hope Your Majesty can increase the reward!"

"I also agree to this. Such a great contribution deserves more reward!"

"I agree!"

"I agree!"

"…"

Fang Zhengzhi hadn't even had the time to speak before a group of officials stood out one following another, simply not giving him a chance to object.

Each of their faces were filled with righteousness, wanting to reward Fang Zhengzhi for his contribution.

The sensation, the excitement, the virtues, permeated the air of the Throne Room and hung overhead for a long time.

When Emperor Lin Mubai saw this, his expression turned somewhat awkward, as if he was pondering something. He didn't seem to have any intention of speaking.

"I wish to speak. Fang Zhengzhi had done a huge service during this Imperial Examination, from killing the Vice Domain Chief of the demon race to retrieving the prized sword for the dynasty. All of these are great contributions. Now, even though the Imperial Examination had been delayed, but with Fang Zhengzhi's accomplishments of attaining Roll Champion in the theory examination and passing the three stages of the Broken Bridge, Twin Stone Tablets and the stone house and hence could be considered as passing four stages, I wish that Your Majesty can grant kindness to Fang Zhengzhi and allow him early entry into the government. I believe this doesn't go against the rules of our ancestors!" At this moment, Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping stood out from the front of the crowd of officials. He also pled for Fang Zhengzhi to be rewarded.

However, he pled an even greater reward.

It should be known that under usual circumstances, one who passed the Imperial Examination was qualified to enter the government as an official. However, this required waiting. A short time to wait would be half a year, while a longer time would be three to five years. Even waiting more than ten years and still not receiving the appointment wasn't unheard of.

Fang Zhengzhi was fifteen years old. Entering the government as an official at fifteen years of age was an extremely rare occurrence in the history of the entire Great Xia Dynasty.

But now…

Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping directly requested for Fang Zhengzhi to be appointed as an official. This seemed to go against the laws of ancestors. However, in reality, this was a brilliant move. Granting great kindness to Fang Zhengzhi could not only spread the name of the Emperor, but also cause Fang Zhengzhi to become a person envied by everybody in the world.

This was killing another two birds with one stone, on top of the Law Official's scheme. This was the brilliant move of killing two birds following another two birds with one stone.