Royal Gold Magistrate

Seeing that the situation had stabilized, Fang Zheng’s anxiety eased slightly.

Indeed, people in crowds were particularly easy to deceive, especially this group of illiterate individuals. They instinctively felt a sense of submission and trust towards officials and scholars.

Fang Zheng picked up the megaphone again and shouted, “Now, Iron Robe Sect brothers, form ranks and listen to my commands!”

“Attention!”

“Face right!”

With a rustle, the large crowd stood at attention and turned to the right. Those who couldn’t tell left from right or didn’t understand the commands simply followed along when they saw others doing so. Although the movements weren’t perfectly synchronized, at least everyone was obedient.

“Everyone, align yourselves!”

Fang Zheng recalled how the drill instructors had taught during military training. He had initially thought about calling “At ease,” but figured they wouldn’t understand, so he didn’t.

The Iron Robe Sect followers began to arrange themselves in an orderly fashion. With the appearance of a leader, the once chaotic crowd started to develop a spontaneous order. Those in incomplete rows automatically moved forward to fill the gaps.

After just a few minutes, the crowd was roughly aligned. While it didn’t meet the standards of military training, it was comparable to the formations seen at school sports meets.

Nie Zheng glanced at the formation, then at Fang Zheng, his eye twitching twice.

Damn, this guy was a talented commander too!

He had seemed completely ignorant of even the basics of warfare earlier. Yet in the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, he had organized these people like this? No wonder His Majesty was so interested in him… He truly was a monster!

“Excellent! From now on, you are all members of the Self-Reliance Sect!”

“In the future, we will share clothes, beds, and meals!”

“Not only will you live a good life, I promise you this: your children will all have the opportunity to receive an education!”

A round of applause erupted spontaneously from below. Everyone’s face was beaming with hope for the future. Their own lives might be set, but if their children could get an education, wouldn’t that make them elites among elites?

“Everyone, stay where you are and wait for further instructions. Someone will come to help assign your future work based on your skills.”

“Whether you’re a carpenter, blacksmith, bamboo weaver – whatever you can do, just tell them!”

With that, Fang Zheng climbed down the ladder and rode his horse towards Shen Zhaoxuan.

“Go now and lead people to record their groupings. We’ll arrange the details later.”

Shen Zhaoxuan was excited, realizing that despite the years that had passed, the master’s skills hadn’t diminished at all.

“Yes, sir!”

Shen Zhaoxuan responded, then led a group of pre-prepared people with paper and brushes to register the Iron Robe Sect members.

Next, Fang Zheng rode towards Nie Zheng, who was watching him warily. Fang Zheng smiled and asked, “What’s the matter, General Nie?”

Hearing this question, Nie Zheng was momentarily at a loss for words.

After a while, he finally managed to say, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Please wait, General. In the absence of a prefect, this humble official will temporarily fill the role. I will report Liu Xun’s matter to His Majesty myself.”

“Furthermore, in a few days, I plan to publicly execute Liu Xun and other corrupt officials. I hope you won’t take offense at this, General.”

Nie Zheng looked into Fang Zheng’s eyes and saw no trace of fear. In his heart, he had already fully believed him.

He could only reply resignedly, “Very well. Since His Majesty has granted you the imperial sword, once my men confirm the situation at the granary, you naturally have the right to execute Liu Xun.”

“You…”

Nie Zheng seemed to hesitate, glancing at the Iron Robe Sect crowd below. After a moment, he said, “This matter must be reported to His Majesty. I understand you’re busy now, so I’ll give you one month. Within this month, you must report all events in Jianjiang to His Majesty. As long as you don’t rebel, do as you please!”

With that, he mounted his horse and left with his troops.

Fang Zheng scratched his head as he listened.

Why would I rebel? Do I have a death wish?

………….

That evening, on the pleasure boat.

Fang Zheng and his group sat around a large table laden with various delicacies. Everyone wore celebratory expressions.

Fang Zheng stood up and said, “Brothers, now that it’s just us, this matter is temporarily concluded. You’ve all worked hard these past few days. Let’s feast tonight and discuss any business as we eat.”

Everyone raised their cups in celebration and began to eat and drink heartily.

Fang Zheng sat there with a smile, watching his companions enjoy themselves. It had been a long time since they’d had such a gathering.

Shen Zhaoxuan drained his cup of wine and approached, notebook in hand.

“Master, we’ve tallied up the Iron Robe Sect members and our own people today.”

“There are indeed quite a few carpenters, blacksmiths, and bamboo weavers. But what about those who can catch fish with their bare hands? How can we arrange jobs for them in the future?”

Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow: “Catching fish barehanded is great! That’s a real skill!”

How many fishing enthusiasts spend days without catching anything, even with excessive bait!

Being able to catch fish by hand is a remarkable ability!

As he flipped through the pages, Fang Zheng frowned and pointed at some characters in the notebook: “What’s this about ‘doing nothing’? Even the fish catchers are accounted for, how can there still be hundreds of people who can’t do anything?”

“Well…” Shen Zhaoxuan looked embarrassed, “They really can’t do anything! We asked every which way but couldn’t get anything out of them. I guess they’re just village idlers who can barely string a sentence together.”

“Since they can’t do anything, we could only write ‘doing nothing’…”

“Sigh…” Fang Zheng shook his head helplessly.

“All this information will eventually be reported to His Majesty. If I have hundreds of people doing nothing under my governance, won’t I be seen as incompetent? What will His Majesty think of me then?”

“We’ll figure out how to arrange these people later.”

“Change it for me. Change it to ‘flexibly employed’!”

“Uh… Master, what does ‘flexibly employed’ mean?” Shen Zhaoxuan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

“You fool, it means doing nothing.”

“……….”

Isn’t that the same thing? Shen Zhaoxuan put away the notebook, muttering as he walked away.

“Does anyone else have anything to report?”

“Yes!” Wu Sheng raised his hand and responded.

“Master, the brothel is mostly furnished now. We should find someone to write a plaque for it. Please give it a name.”

Fang Zheng smiled. Finally, something relaxing.

With a wave of his hand, he said, “Our establishment can’t be called a brothel. It’s a club! Understand?”

“We need to distinguish ourselves from ordinary brothels. We’re providing high-end, business-oriented, entertainment, fine dining, all in one comprehensive service platform.”

The group exchanged confused glances, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and skepticism. “Master,” they asked, almost in unison, “what exactly is a club?”

Fang Zheng pursed his lips: “You don’t even know that? As the name suggests, it’s a place for meetings!”

Those present inwardly scoffed. After all that talk, wasn’t it still just a brothel?

They all traveled for business, and who didn’t discuss matters in brothels and taverns? Were they supposed to sit in government offices to talk business? How ridiculous!

“As for the name, let’s call it the Nine Beauties Club.”

91? What a lousy name! The master really lacks culture.

This thought crossed everyone’s mind simultaneously.

“What do you think?”

Zhang Biao, who had been focused on eating, spoke up: “I don’t think it’s very good. Even Xueyue Tower sounds better.”

“In my opinion, Celebrities’ Club would be quite nice.”

Everyone immediately chimed in with praise: “Right, right, right! Brother Biao knows best.”

What a load of nonsense! A bunch of country bumpkins!

Fang Zheng shook his head vigorously. How did he end up with such an uncultured bunch? Were they opening a barbershop or what?

“You don’t like my suggestion? Then come up with another one!”

Wu Sheng stroked his beard: “In my opinion, why not call it ‘Heaven on Earth’?”

“Yes, yes, that’s good too!”

Fang Zheng took a dejected swig of wine. That name was not auspicious at all.

Seeing everyone chattering away, Fang Zheng slapped the table: “Alright, alright! Let’s just call it Fenghua Tower.”

Everyone immediately fell silent and lowered their heads to eat.

How unimaginative, and so tacky. Xueyue Tower, Fenghua Tower… you’re the master, whatever you say goes.

“Well then, the name is decided.”

Fang Zheng turned to Xie Xian: “Old Xie, have you finished recording the information on those officials and other situations?”

Xie Xian stood up and pulled out a notebook, handing it to Fang Zheng: “The specific situations of those people, how many family members they have, how much money they embezzled, and their entire network of relationships are all clearly documented.”

“Besides the officials in the prefectural office, we’ve also recorded all the station masters along the grain transport route from each county to Jianjiang. The deputy prefect was the most forthcoming; it seems Liu Xun’s dirty work was mainly carried out by him.”

Fang Zheng briefly flipped through it: “Quite thorough. You didn’t use severe torture, did you?”

“We did.”

“Well done.”

“Release all the officials below the deputy prefect, let them return to their duties tomorrow. I’ll personally interrogate those two wealthy merchants later. There’s nothing else for now.”

“Oh, one more thing. You’ve made connections with quite a few wealthy merchants, right? Have you recorded who they are and what their interests are?”

Xie Xian smiled confidently: “Rest assured, master. In my travels, I’ve at least managed that much.”

Fang Zheng was very satisfied: “Excellent. When we open, try to invite all those people over. Let them have a great time. We’ll need their help for hiring workers in the future.”

Hearing this, Xie Xian hesitated: “Master… there’s one issue. Quite a few of these rich men prefer male company. So we…”

Fang Zheng said nonchalantly: “Then just hire a few men too! Dress them up as women, give them a surprise!”

At the dinner table, someone’s eyes suddenly lit up: “That’s easy then! Brother Gui likes that sort of thing. Why not let him do it? He’s always been hot for it!”

Fang Zheng gave Lian Gui a strange look: “How hot?”

“Hotter than my piss!”

Lian Gui’s face turned bright red as he shouted angrily: “You’re talking nonsense! Can’t you speak properly? If I go, I’ll be on top!”

The group burst into laughter, filling the pleasure boat with a joyful atmosphere.

After the laughter died down, Wu Sheng stood up again and said: “Master, we’ve settled on the name Fenghua Tower, but you haven’t told us about the other details yet.”

“What food will be served in the brothel, and what services will be offered? Please give us some instructions so I can arrange for people to take care of it.”

Fang Zheng leaned back in his chair, tilting his head as he recalled his experiences from his previous life.

After a while, he sat up straight and said: “For Fenghua Tower, we need to implement a membership system with diamond, gold, silver, bronze, and iron tiers. Issue custom membership cards based on spending, with each tier enjoying corresponding services.”

“We should also create a hierarchy between floors and rooms.”

“Set up a study and reception rooms, and collect as many rare books as possible. The more cultured it appears, the better!”

“Hot springs go without saying. Gold and jade inlays – you handle that yourselves and come back to me for reimbursement.”

“Food is of utmost importance! It must be expensive, rare, and exotic!”

The group couldn’t help but glance at him curiously.

Wu Sheng asked, puzzled: “Master, aren’t abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, and fish maw enough? Not many restaurants in all of Jianjiang can prepare such dishes.”

Fang Zheng waved his hand: “No, that’s nothing! Find me the best chefs in the city!”

“Then hire a group of hunters. Tigers, pandas, peacocks, pangolins – get them all!”

“When cooking, make sure everything is thoroughly cooked! Even if it’s overcooked, that’s fine. But if anything is the least bit undercooked, tell the chefs they’re all fired!”

If the food wasn’t thoroughly cooked and caused some kind of infectious disease in this ancient era, Fang Zheng wouldn’t be able to handle it.

As for whether the animals were endangered or not, even if they went extinct, he couldn’t care less!

When people could barely survive, who cared about animals? Into the stomach you go!

The group couldn’t help but inwardly smack their lips in amazement.

My goodness, the master really changed after going to the capital. He’s much more extravagant than when he was in Taoyuan County. Is even beef not good enough for him now?

Wu Sheng looked up at the ceiling, seemingly recalling something: “Well, I’ve eaten peacock and tiger in some places, but I’ve never heard of anyone eating pangolin. Is it edible?”

“Of course it’s edible, and it’s great for health! It promotes lactation!”

Xie Xian was confused. In his youth, he had been interested in traditional medicine and had even read quite a few medical books. So he asked curiously: “Master, where did you hear that pangolin promotes lactation? I’ve studied some medicine, but I’ve never heard of this.”

“It can burrow, so of course it can promote lactation. Isn’t it obvious?”

Everyone was speechless. Rats could burrow too, but who had ever heard of eating rats to promote lactation?

Xie Xian stammered: “This… this doesn’t seem right.”

Fang Zheng glared at him: “How is it not right? This is the wisdom of our ancestors! Don’t question the ancestors! Even if the ancestors didn’t say it, I’ll be an ancestor in a thousand years or so!”

Everyone looked helpless. The master was like this; they were used to it!

Xie Xian mumbled reluctantly: “How come I didn’t know about this.”

Fang Zheng heard him and looked disdainful.

Heh, of course you don’t know. Those are my ancestors!

Seeing that no one was speaking, Fang Zheng continued: “Monk Huijue, when you have time, go out and mingle more. Build up your reputation in other temples.”

“When the brothel opens, we’ll slip some aphrodisiacs into the customers’ tea, and you can go ‘bless’ the customers down there. Build up your fame!”

“Once you’re famous, getting people to donate money to build a temple will be a piece of cake. Many rich people are superstitious!”

Huang Shengrong was happily eating a plate of pig’s ears when he heard Fang Zheng speak. He froze, and the plate clattered onto the table.

First drugging people, then ‘blessing’ them down there? Could a normal person even think of such a thing?

“Also, the service at Fenghua Tower must make guests feel at home. Things like running errands go without saying. Even if a customer’s cat goes missing, we should help find it if we can.”

“In short, we need to give them the impression that Fenghua Tower’s service covers everything! And that they can make big business deals here too, understand?”

“Some of you will be managing Fenghua Tower in the future.”

“When the time comes, keep your bad tempers in check. No beating or scolding customers!”

Everyone nodded in unison: “Understood!”

Fang Zheng stood up and brushed off his clothes: “Alright, you all eat. I’m going to interrogate those two wealthy merchants.”

As he was about to turn and leave, he suddenly felt like something was missing. He scanned the group and asked, puzzled: “Hey, where’s Lu Fa? Where did he go?”

“He’s interrogating Liu Xun! They’ve been staring at each other all day!”