After realizing that Zhang Fang is a person of great depth and not to be offended, Lin Zheng quickly changed his attitude.
“Zhang has teaching duties and cannot go out. Please, County Magistrate Lin, deliver this letter to that noble person,” Zhang Fang said as he pulled out a prepared letter from his pocket and handed it to Lin Zheng.
Lin Zheng was completely shocked that Zhang Fang had anticipated this and prepared in advance! His heart raced with terror as he recalled having forced Zhang Fang earlier, fearing that he had already offended him at that moment.
Taking a few steps back, Lin Zheng bowed his head, adopting a humble posture as he apologized: “If I have offended you earlier, I hope Scholar Zhang can be magnanimous.”
Quickly calculating his assets in his mind, Lin Zheng had already thought of sending several gifts to Zhang Fang. He planned to have people deliver the items to Zhang Fang’s place as soon as he returned!
Uncle Niu and the others stood outside the courtyard, witnessing this scene, their expressions filled with shock. Lin Zheng was a dignified county magistrate! A local ruler! Yet, he was bowing to a mere scholar who had just earned his degree!
“Oh my! The scholar’s influence is truly impressive! Even the county magistrate must show him respect!” Uncle Niu could not help but whisper in astonishment.
Someone nearby covered his mouth, fearing these words would reach Lin Zheng’s ears.
Zhang Fang descended the steps and gently helped Lin Zheng up, a warm smile on his face. He whispered in a voice only they could hear, “County Magistrate Lin, I have many eyes watching me.”
Those hands were distinctly knuckled, pale, and clean, clearly handsome. Yet Lin Zheng felt as though he were entangled by a poisonous snake, shivering all over.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Zheng met Zhang Fang’s gaze, his expression complex, and silently nodded.
Although he could not see through Zhang Fang’s actions, one thing was very clear: many eyes were watching Zhang Fang. Today, Lin Zheng, representing the prince, sought Zhang Fang, which would certainly draw the attention of others. He worried whether this matter would affect the prince. With this thought, Lin Zheng felt restless, fearing he might ruin the situation and offend the prince.
He had come proudly, but he left feeling dejected.
The prince’s people were still waiting at Lin’s residence. On the way back, Lin Zheng did not dare to open the letter to sneak a peek at its contents.
Upon returning home and seeing the prince’s people, Lin Zheng respectfully handed over the letter and conveyed Zhang Fang’s words to them.
“Are you saying this letter was prepared by Zhang Fang in advance?” The prince’s man looked surprised, evidently realizing Zhang Fang was not simple!
Lin Zheng nodded, nervously clasping his hands together as he told him, “Yes. Furthermore, Zhang Fang informed me that many are watching him.”
“I understand. If Zhang Fang needs anything from you, send word to the capital,” the prince’s man said, accepting the letter.
With no blame directed at him, Lin Zheng felt a wave of relief. Tentatively, he asked, “I will serve His Highness with all my heart!”
“Mm. Keep a close watch on Zhang Fang!” With this, the man left, having arrived and departed hastily.
Lin Zheng examined the attitude of the prince’s man, and it was as if dark clouds had cleared to reveal sunshine; he felt immensely relieved. He had stepped into the prince’s camp! How wonderful!
Previously, Lin Zheng could only curry favor with local officials, relying on bribery with money and beautiful women to seek support from Xu Chang. For so many years, he had merely sought stability, as Xu Chang did not involve him in the higher circles! Now, this was good! He had entered the prince’s service on his own merit! Lin Zheng was now a member of the prince’s faction!
In high spirits, Lin Zheng consumed the feast he had prepared earlier for Zhang Fang all by himself!
Just as he was enjoying the meal, a servant rushed in to tell Lin Zheng that Zhang Fang had arrived and was waiting outside!
Instantly sobering up, Lin Zheng stood up abruptly, slapped his face to wake himself, and instructed someone to invite Zhang Fang in immediately. Seeing the leftovers spread out on the table, he felt embarrassed to entertain Zhang Fang and asked them to clear the table first. After washing his face and changing into a fresh outfit, Lin Zheng hurried to meet Zhang Fang.
“Scholar Zhang, you arrived late. The prince’s people left after noon.” Lin Zheng felt Zhang Fang was ultimately impatient and had come early.
“I am not here to see him; I am here to understand something from County Magistrate Lin,” Zhang Fang said, not considering the prince particularly important.
Lin Zheng: …
Pausing slightly, he awkwardly smiled and asked Zhang Fang, “May I inquire what questions you have for me, Scholar Zhang?”
“I want to know whose side County Magistrate Lin is on.”
Zhang Fang fixed his gaze on Lin Zheng. His eyes, clear as spring water, were calm, yet they brought immense pressure to Lin Zheng.
That question was indeed sharp and to the point! Lin Zheng knew Zhang Fang was no longer someone he could easily manipulate; in fact, he would need to win favor with Zhang Fang in the future. Thus, it was more prudent to be honest with him.
Years ago, Lin Zheng entered the officialdom with great ambition, sent to serve in Dou County. Initially, he aspired to achieve great things, to rise step by step and become a favored minister known throughout history. However, while ideals were beautiful, reality proved disappointing. Being a good official was not an easy task.
Helping the impoverished would offend local aristocrats and merchants. If Lin Zheng did not pay bribes to the higher officials, he would be bullied by those officials as a group. His memorials would never reach the capital! His voice remained suppressed in Dou County! His salary was a pittance!
Caught in the middle, Lin Zheng could bear it for a year or two. But over time, one’s heart changes. When people lose their fighting spirit and step into darkness, they find that walking down the path of despair is all too easy. People can change to the worse in an instant. However, wanting to be a good person or a good official is a road fraught with peril and difficulty!
Eventually, Lin Zheng became increasingly corrupt and greedy, transforming into the very type of person he once despised.
“Scholar Zhang, I was once a good person with aspirations to be an official who served the people. But this road is too difficult! In Jiangzhou, the sky is dark. If I do not obey them, I will be bullied by them. Without power, without wealth, and with no one to support me, how can I fulfill my duties as an official? How can I manage my work?”
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