Xia Jinghong and Fang Zichen shared the same vision, like kindred spirits. The Right Chancellor understood that feeling well, but he still had one concern: "But this lad is greedy for money, and he's young—his character may not be steady. I fear that once he's in Hezhou, he might turn out worse than his predecessors."
"You worry too much, Right Chancellor. That boy loves money, but he knows which silver is worth taking and which isn't," Xia Jinghong said dismissively.
The Right Chancellor thought it over and realized it was true. Fang Zichen was shamelessly open about his penny-pinching ways. He was unrestrained in his conduct, but since arriving in the capital, he'd never done anything improper. When buying steamed buns, he'd haggle brazenly—never using his official rank to bully anyone.
At the morning court session the next day, Xia Jinghong announced the appointment.
A young official with no experience—could he manage an entire prefecture?
And Fang Zichen had been in court for less than a year, jumping from sixth-rank to third-rank overnight—unprecedented in history. Whether out of jealousy or genuine concern for the people of Hezhou, many stepped forward to object.
"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance—please reconsider."
"Your Majesty, Editor Fang lacks experience—he may not be up to such a heavy responsibility."
"Your Majesty, think twice!"
Xia Jinghong slammed the table and lowered his voice: "Then would you, dear minister, like to go?"
Everyone fell silent.
Only one person muttered, "Your Majesty, the term of the Deputy Prefect of Yuanzhou has expired—he could be transferred."
That speaker and the deputy prefect belonged to the same faction, both angling to place their own man. Xia Jinghong naturally rejected them one by one. Then the Left Chancellor and Right Chancellor stepped forward and gave their approval.
It was true that Fang Zichen was young and inexperienced. But both chancellors had read his palace examination paper, and they shared the Emperor's view.
The exam had posed a single question: the war in the northwest.
When war broke out, the people bore the brunt of it. Most examinees proposed transferring troops from the south to reinforce the northwest and fight alongside the local forces.
But that was overly simplistic. The Chao Kingdom had long coveted Da Xia. The only reason they hadn't attacked earlier was that the Qin family's forces were holding strong in the south. If the Qins sent troops north, the southern defenses would weaken. No matter how skilled Old General Qin was, he couldn't hold back thousands upon thousands of enemies alone—the Chao Kingdom would strike immediately. It was like tearing down the south wall to patch the north.
Others proposed conscription. More troops would indeed make the northwest enemy think twice. But forcing too many men into the army, just like overtaxing the people, would only stir up widespread discontent—a truly bad move.
Only Fang Zichen's paper stood out.
He focused on two points.
First, feed the people. Then build the economy, promote culture, and develop the region. With more wealth, equip the military to the teeth.
Change the strategy—raise the standards so people would compete to enlist.
When the nation is strong and its people prosperous, petty enemies dare not invade.
He used these two points as the main framework and expanded outward with supporting details, writing with conviction and clarity.
Xia Jinghong had initially told him just to guard Hezhou and not prey on the people. But in his heart, he secretly hoped Fang Zichen would accomplish something real once he got there. Then he remembered that before coming to the capital, Fang Zichen never got up before noon. In the mornings, Zhao Ger, afraid he'd go hungry, would have Guaizai bring steamed buns to his bedside and break them into pieces to feed him. Fang Zichen lazed about like a grand lord—so slothful it was painful to watch. Xia Jinghong knew he'd need someone to keep him in line.
Xia Jinghong went ahead with his so-called "stubborn" decision, set on giving Fang Zichen a platform to prove his worth. With both chancellors backing him, no one dared raise any further objections.
Zhao Song had remained silent throughout. After court, he went straight to the Fang residence. Fang Zichen had already told Zhao Ger about the impending appointment.
Hezhou was dangerous—several officials sent there had been beaten. Fang Zichen didn't want to wade into that mess. But could he really defy Xia Jinghong?
The Emperor had given him face, treating him like a brother, and had informed him beforehand. Otherwise, an imperial edict would have forced him to go whether he wanted to or not.
And he knew full well that his comfortable life in the capital depended on Xia Jinghong and the Qin family. If he didn't accomplish something, favor would wane, and the Qin family couldn't protect him forever.
Back when he had no status, Zheng Peiyao had looked down on him and even thought he was inferior to that bastard Li Zhicheng. If he were more powerful, he could have marched into the marquis's mansion the day he entered the capital and slapped Zheng Xiaoyan across the face. He'd been arrogant his whole life—he couldn't stand being humiliated. One trip to Hezhou, and when he returned, he'd be formidable. Then his children could walk sideways just as he once had.
For his fulang and children—he would fight.
On the way home, he mulled it over. Back at the house, he told Zhao Ger that he'd go ahead first, and once things were settled, he'd bring him and the children over.
He was set to leave next month—the twelfth lunar month, right in the middle of winter, freezing cold outside. For adults it was bearable, but how could infants endure it? Yet when Zhao Ger heard him out, he refused. He went quiet and sulked, and didn't say a word to Fang Zichen for the rest of the night.
When Zhao Song arrived, Fang Zichen was still coaxing Zhao Ger. Zhao Song called him out, clapped him on the shoulder, and said with a face full of relief, "Good, good."
Good what?
Fang Zichen was dazed from the clapping.
Zhao Song assumed that because they'd talked about Hezhou at dinner the other day, Fang Zichen—being a man who cared about the people—had volunteered himself to the Emperor.
A real man should serve his country and his people. If Zhao Song were ten years younger, he'd already be on the road to Hezhou himself.
Seeing Zhao Song's tearful eyes and admiring gaze, Fang Zichen knew he'd misunderstood—and felt a little guilty.
Somehow, Guaizai had gotten wind of it. That evening, he came home and clung to Fang Zichen, refusing to let go.
Though he now had three children—and those two little boys were ugly as sin—Fang Zichen still loved them all. But his favorite was always the first one.
He picked up Guaizai. "What's wrong?"
Guaizai wrapped his arms around Fang Zichen's neck, buried his face in his collar, and said glumly, "Guaizai wants to go with Daddy and Father. We're a family—we can't be apart."
"Did your Daddy send you to say that?" Fang Zichen asked.
Guaizai dropped his head and twisted his hands nervously. "Daddy was sad. Guaizai asked, and Daddy doesn't want to stay in the capital. Guaizai doesn't want to either."
Fang Zichen lifted him up to look him in the eye. "But if you go with Father to Hezhou, you won't see Lao Si (the fourth prince) and the others anymore. Are you okay with that?"
"Yes! Father is the most important. Guaizai has to be with Father—a family can't be split up. And the eldest prince said that Hezhou is dangerous, that people fight there. Guaizai will go and protect Father!" After declaring this fiercely, he looked at Fang Zichen with pleading eyes.
Fang Zichen was silent for a moment.
If he left Zhao Ger and the children behind in the capital and only had Zhao Ger come join him later, after he'd already settled in Hezhou, that separation would last at least a year—probably longer.
And he couldn't bear to part with his little treasures—or his big treasure either.
So Fang Zichen went to the palace again.
When Xia Jinghong heard he wanted to delay his departure, he understood—he knew how close Fang Zichen and Zhao Ger were, always inseparable. Besides, it was still bitterly cold around the New Year, and travel would be difficult. So he agreed. He drafted an imperial decree and had it delivered by eight-hundred-li relay to Hezhou, ordering the deputy prefect to hold things down there until the newly appointed prefect arrived from the capital.
With the emperor's permission, Fang Zichen came back and told Zhao Ger. Only then did Zhao Ger let Fang Zichen kiss him.
The two children were sleeping in bed. Fang Zichen leaned over and lay down beside them, watching quietly.
Zhao Ger had been wanting to ask for a while: "Husband, aren't you afraid of the big fat worms anymore?"
Fang Zichen shot him a glare. "Don't talk nonsense. A father afraid of his own children? If that got out, it'd ruin my manly dignity. I've got nerves of steel—I'm not afraid of anything."
Zhao Ger laughed.
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