Royal Gold Magistrate

Chapter 5 - The County Magistrate Can't Stand to See the Poor



Early the next morning…

Emperor Jing had just woken up, while Guo Tianyang had been waiting by his side, eager to assist.

There were separate rooms prepared for attendants, so Guo Tianyang had slept in the room.

Stretching lazily, the Emperor remarked, “The bed in this inn is surprisingly comfortable, even more so than the one in the palace.”

After the strenuous journey yesterday and the mental shock, this sleep was indeed refreshing.

Guo Tianyang brought over a basin of water and a towel, saying, “Yes, the bed is very soft. I checked last night, it’s padded with 12 layers underneath! Quite comfortable!”

The Emperor took the towel and wiped his face, saying, “Hmm, let’s have breakfast and then go out for a walk.”

Breakfast was simple, just some congee and side dishes.

But the Emperor enjoyed it thoroughly, saying, “I didn’t expect even these side dishes to be so flavorful. Hehe, it seems even as an emperor, I’m not living any less comfortably than a lowly seventh-rank county magistrate.”

Guo Tianyang lowered his head and said, “Your Majesty, this person acts without restraint. He needs to be properly disciplined!”

“And Taoyuan County is extravagant and wasteful. Such corrupt practices must not be encouraged!”

The Emperor snorted, “Why do you need to meddle? Extravagant and wasteful? Does money fall from the sky? If the people in such a remote place can live so well, if all counties and cities in the world could live so extravagantly, I would be delighted!”

“You’re really regressing the longer you live!”

Guo Tianyang dared not argue and stood aside, feeling aggrieved.

“Once you’re done eating, let’s go out!”

………….

After the two of them tidied up, they walked out onto the street.

Emperor Jing carefully observed every detail of the street. Every corner was clean, with not a beggar or ruffian in sight.

And the common people didn’t look downtrodden either; they were dressed like scholars straight out of a book.

Emperor Jing made a mental note of this.

As they walked to a lively area, Guo Tianyang felt somewhat uneasy.
Suddenly, they heard singing nearby.

“You love me~ I love you~ Taoyuan milk tea so sweet!”

What is this!?

Emperor Jing and Guo Tianyang both looked over and saw a tea stall.

A middle-aged man, honest-looking, was singing and selling tea at the entrance, surrounded by a crowd.

Guo Tianyang felt disdain for the song!

What kind of nonsense is he singing! Such vulgar songs, they’re tarnishing our ears!

This Taoyuan County is getting weirder and weirder!

“Ptooey!”

Guo Tianyang couldn’t help but spit on the ground.

As soon as the spit hit the ground, an old woman with a red armband suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

She blocked the path of the two and extended her hand, spreading her fingers and saying sharply, “Spitting in public, a fine of five coins!”

Emperor Jing frowned and carefully looked at the old woman in front of him. She wore plain clothes with a red satin ribbon on her sleeve, on which were written the words “Sanitation Officer.”

Guo Tianyang was unhappy. We spit in the palace too!

Someone actually cares if you spit on the street? Ridiculous!

He retorted sharply, “Who are you to decide that!”

The old woman snorted, “You must be from out of town! Spitting in public is not allowed in our county. A fine of five coins!”

“This is a rule set by our county magistrate himself. If you don’t agree, come with me to see the official!”

Guo Tianyang widened his eyes. You want to take me to see the official for spitting!

Just as he was about to retort, Emperor Jing’s cold voice came, “Give her the money.”

Guo Tianyang reluctantly took out the money and handed it over.

The old woman smiled satisfactorily and was about to leave when Emperor Jing stopped her.

“Old lady, we two are newcomers here and have some questions to ask. Would you mind?”

The old lady looked them up and down, seeing their polite attitude, and said, “Go ahead.”

“Why don’t we see any beggars in Taoyuan County?” Emperor Jing asked.

The old lady laughed, “You’re an odd one, wanting to find beggars? Well we really don’t have any here.”

“Our magistrate has a kind heart and can’t stand seeing poor people, so he took them all away to dig ditches!”

Emperor Jing suddenly choked.

Guo Tianyang grimaced, “Master, this person is scum! He’s ruining the reputation of officials.”

“How can you speak like that!” the old lady snapped.

“No one in Taoyuan County dares to say our magistrate isn’t good! If it weren’t for the fact that you’re outsiders, you would’ve been beaten by now!”

Guo Tianyang protested, “How is he good! What official takes beggars to dig ditches! Isn’t that taking lives!”

“You don’t understand…” the old lady hadn’t finished her sentence when shouts suddenly came from the street.

“Someone’s filing a complaint! Let’s watch the excitement!”

The old lady immediately perked up and hurried away.

“Let’s go! Let’s go see!”

Emperor Jing saw this unusual scene and quickened his pace to follow.

Guo Tianyang continued muttering behind, and then followed suit.

Following the crowd, they quickly arrived at the gate of the yamen, and Emperor Jing and Guo Tianyang were stunned.

In front of them was a huge building covering a vast area. Roughly estimating, the square in front of it alone was at least 20 mu!

In front of the yamen was a stone arch with “Taoyuan County Yamen” written on it. Behind it was a plaza paved with slabs, then wide long steps connecting to the building.

The yamen was a three-story building, spacious and grand, with a gray-white exterior that exuded solemnity and majesty.

Standing at the foot of the steps was oppressive.

Guo Tianyang opened his mouth wide in amazement, “Such a grand county hall! They say officials don’t spend on their yamen, but how much money did this cost!”

Emperor Jing didn’t say a word, deeply looked at the archway, and then stepped inside.

Guo Tianyang followed closely behind.

Walking up the steps to the interior hall, the two of them finally regained their familiar feeling. Except for being larger, the decoration inside was the same as a normal county yamen.

There was a huge plaque hanging above, which read “Reflecting Brightness and Truth.”

At this moment, the common people were all gathered outside the barrier.

In the hall, one person knelt while another stood, with bailiffs on either side standing tall with water and fire sticks.

At this moment, everyone was waiting for the magistrate to appear.

……………………..

Fang Zheng impatiently raised both arms as Xiao Tao put his official robes on him from behind.

“Damn it! It’s not even noon yet, and troublemakers are already coming to file complaints? Do they not want people to sleep!”

“Just when I had some peace for two months, now I have to hold court again!”

Xiao Tao pursed her lips and didn’t speak.

“What should we eat later? Ah, I haven’t had breakfast yet, I’m hungry.” Fang Zheng licked his lips.

“We have beef.” Xiao Tao said as she continued to smooth out the official uniform.

“Beef? Isn’t there anything new? I’m tired of it!”

Xiao Tao rolled her eyes, “Get ready, let’s go. I’ll go make food.”

Fang Zheng looked satisfied as he examined his robes.

“Let’s go! Court is in session!”


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