That night.
Yang Fengfan found a restaurant with a good reputation and prepared a sumptuous dinner for Emperor Jing and others at the top of the third floor.
After a busy day, everyone was already hungry.
Everyone enjoyed the meal with relish.
The banquet was in full swing when Emperor Jing called Fang Zhengyi over, holding a wine glass and leaning against the railing to look into the distance.
Fang Zhengyi had no idea what Emperor Jing was going to say. He just drank his wine sip by sip and looked at the street view.
The streets are still very popular at this moment. Many people are still doing business with lanterns hanging, and passers-by are also walking around and bargaining.
After a long while, Emperor Jing said with emotion: "Zhengyi, I have benefited a lot from this incognito visit."
"I have always thought that as long as we follow the ancestral system and the teachings of the sages, we can govern the world. So I have never dared to make a rash decision on the matter of leniency. Now that I see this scene, I know that you are right."
"The power of merchants has been underestimated for a long time. Now, because of your repeated advice and efforts to seek change, so many people have opened their eyes."
"I want to implement the method used to pacify Wanxian in Hengjiang Prefecture, and then set up a government office to handle commercial affairs. What do you think?"
Fang Zheng said, "Your Majesty wants to continue to expand the scope of the business concessions in Hengjiang Prefecture. Of course I agree. From the beginning, I intended to implement it throughout Hengjiang Prefecture, but there was too much resistance in the court. Now it seems that there should not be much resistance."
"As for the establishment of a new government office, I suggest that we postpone it... Everything is still in the early stages, so it is better to let the people grow freely. If you interfere too early, I am afraid that this seedling will be strangled before it blooms and bears fruit. If Your Majesty really wants to establish a new government office, it should focus on restricting the government, not the people."
"However, I think the most convenient way is for Your Majesty to send the Jinyiwei to assist the local government in the same way as in Pingwan County."
"Since Your Majesty is so determined to seek change, why don't you tell the other gentlemen about it here?"
Emperor Jing did not comment: "We still need to go back and discuss this matter formally, but speaking of the Jinyiwei, how do you feel about not being in office and having so much free time for so long?"
Fang Zheng stretched his body lazily, his drunken eyes a little hazy: "To be honest, I feel very relaxed!"
? !
This bastard hasn't changed at all. I'm trying to find an excuse to ask him if he wants to be reinstated.
That's all you're saying?
Emperor Jing snorted and said calmly: "When I invited you from Taoyuan County, you also resigned from your post. You haven't changed at all until now. Are you so unwilling to be an official?"
Although he felt that he had said something inappropriate, Fang Zhengyi did not panic.
After all, I have been with Emperor Jing for such a long time, and we are family, so there is no need to panic.
Fang Zheng said, "Forgive me for being blunt, but being an official is not important to me. I regard power and wealth as nothing. I just want to live up to myself in this life."
Emperor Jing smiled and said, "How can I be worthy of myself?"
Fang Zhengyi was a little tipsy, looking at the crowd downstairs, with some memories in his eyes: "Your Majesty, the lives of these ordinary people seem to be okay, but they can't afford any risks."
"They have no power, they travel all day, they are bullied by others, they watch their parents grow old and suffer from illnesses but they are helpless, and they suffer in life all their lives."
"I have deeply experienced this in the first half of my life. When I was an official, I could influence the people. When I was not an official, I could also influence the people to the best of my ability. This is enough. For me, this is a perfect personality and I have no regrets in life."
After hearing his words, Emperor Jing felt relieved, but still secretly frightened.
The first half of his life, so he was only in his teens, right? A teenager in his teens actually had such insights, he was indeed a prodigy among prodigies!
"Since it's all for the benefit of the people, why don't you choose to work in the government and strive for promotion. You have the talent to be a prime minister, wouldn't it be more perfect to use your ability to benefit the world?"
Fang Zhengyi took another sip of wine and smiled, "I am just a mortal... As a human being, I am lazy. I just go with the flow and take things as they come. Now that I am married and have a family, it would be nice if I don't have to go out every day."
"you..."
Emperor Jing was just about to scold this useless son-in-law when suddenly a crisp sound came from the sky.
“Bang~ Bang!”
A brilliant firework exploded and disappeared into the sky.
As soon as the first sound fell, a second sound came, and then a series of sounds came.
The shining iron trees and silver flowers appear in the sky, and the scenery is everywhere you look.
The ministers who were originally toasting each other at the table had already stood up and walked to the railing, leaning over it to look out.
The blooming fireworks were so beautiful that they made loud noises, and people on the street stopped to watch.
There were sounds of joy and explosions everywhere.
Emperor Jing couldn't help but smile and said to Yang Fengfan, "Qingjia, what's the matter with these fireworks? Did you prepare them specially for me?"
Yang Fengfan quickly glanced at Fang Zhengyi, and then said, "I am ashamed that I did not think of preparing a fireworks display specifically for Your Majesty."
"The county has a fixed schedule for fireworks, but it just happened to be set off tonight. I was also negligent and failed to remind Your Majesty in advance."
Emperor Jing waved his hand and said, "It's okay, it's okay. What's the matter with the county setting off fireworks at a fixed time?"
Yang Fengfan said: "Your Majesty, there is no reason. We set off fireworks once or twice every month. It's just because... considering that the people in the city work tirelessly and are busy all day long, and the county has a surplus of finances, we purchase some fireworks and set them off publicly for the people of the city to enjoy."
"I set off fireworks once or twice a month, which makes the people happy and relieves their fatigue. I have not reported this money to the court, so please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Fang Zhengyi chimed in, "Your Majesty, I think this money is well spent! The common people don't have the money to buy many fireworks, and it doesn't cost much for the government to buy fireworks and set them off. The common people are happy when they see them. I think this spiritual strength is also a wealth. When they go to work the next day, they will work harder if they are in a good mood!"
The ministers were happily watching the fireworks show, and nodded when they heard Fang Zheng speak.
Emperor Jing was often in the army and knew very well that the deployment of troops during marching should be relaxed and moderate.
Besides, I don’t have much money to buy some fireworks.
So he said with relief: "Mr. Yang is so thoughtful, no wonder he can govern Pingwan County so well! It seems that I am wasting your talent by transferring you to Hengjiang Prefecture."
Yang Fengfan was ecstatic!
As expected of Master Fang! This is a really good move!
"I am ashamed to accept this responsibility. I still have many shortcomings!"
Emperor Jing smiled and shook his head slightly, then turned around, stood with his hands behind his back and continued to enjoy the fireworks.
....
The banquet was over.
Everyone returned to their residences, and Emperor Jing was naturally given a separate seat.
As there were too many people, Fang Zheng and his companions simply found an inn nearby to stay.
Fang Zheng chose a room near the window and was about to undress to sleep.
This day really exhausted him, but now that things have been pushed forward to the point where they have finally been completed.
I will return to Beijing tomorrow to continue enjoying life and visit my son and daughter-in-law.
Just as I was about to lie down, there was a knock on the door...
....
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