Recalling the past, Lin Zheng’s eyes turned red, and tears welled up.
Zhang Fang remained unmoved, his expression calm and indifferent as he looked at him.
Lin Zheng, lost in his own emotions, paid no attention to Zhang Fang’s reaction and continued, “I can only humble myself and bend to them, trying to collect evidence of their corruption and deceit. My heart is heavy with sorrow!”
Hearing this, Zhang Fang found it amusing, yet his face showed no signs of emotion, remaining as tranquil as water.
Initially, Zhang Fang believed that Lin Zheng genuinely approached Xu Chang and others with that mindset. However, as time passed, Lin Zheng had already fallen into the abyss and could no longer climb back out. He had become just like Xu Chang, and how could Lin Zheng still remember his original intentions of getting close to these officials?
Now when Lin Zheng said these words, Zhang Fang perceived a mix of truth and deception; it felt deliberately acted.
With tears streaming down his face, Lin Zheng turned to Zhang Fang and asked with a bitter smile, “Scholar Zhang, do you believe me?”
Though he did not truly believe it, Zhang Fang still nodded in acknowledgment, seriously responding, “Who would have thought that County Magistrate Lin bears such humiliation and pressure! Truly, a model for our generation! Earnest respect!”
Lin Zheng was quite pleased with Zhang Fang’s reaction. He wiped his tears and, choking up, said to Zhang Fang, “I thought I would never be able to reach the heavens in this life! Never expected this chance would come! I must thank you, Scholar Zhang, for catching the prince’s eye! If it weren’t for your writings spreading far and wide, how could the prince have sent someone to our county to get in touch with me?”
Zhang Fang stood up, his expression serious, telling Lin Zheng, “To speak candidly, I only approached Xu Chang precisely because I knew he was connected to the Third Prince. I initially planned to collect evidence and personally present it to the prince in the capital. Thankfully, the Second Prince mentioned me in front of His Majesty, drawing attention from both the Third Prince and the Crown Prince towards me. That’s how I had the chance to contact the Crown Prince!”
Lin Zheng felt a sudden enlightenment! He finally understood the meaning behind Zhang Fang’s words back in the village!
It turned out that Zhang Fang, like him, had previously been unable to link up with more influential figures and had to temporarily cling to Xu Chang. Now that he had gained the attention of the Crown Prince, it was only natural for Zhang Fang to abandon Xu Chang and the Third Prince’s camp to align with the Crown Prince! This boy was quite cunning! It seemed that after interacting with Xu Chang, he had been secretly investigating him!
The more Lin Zheng thought about it, the more alarmed he became. Luckily, he did not completely offend Zhang Fang! Otherwise, it might have been his demise! Then, he felt grateful for his own cleverness, having just performed an act in front of Zhang Fang, portraying himself as a person bearing humiliation and unfulfilled aspirations! Because Zhang Fang believed his words, he would be honest with him!
Exercising his skills in currying favor, Lin Zheng excitedly praised, “I just knew Scholar Zhang was destined for greatness!”
Zhang Fang, knowing the Second Prince, was astonishing! Although the Second Prince was a wasteful and spoiled royal, he had mentioned Zhang Fang in front of the Emperor! Zhang Fang was truly about to soar high!
“May I ask how much evidence you have gathered against Xu Chang over the years? The next time you meet the Crown Prince, I can present it all together. At that time, I will certainly mention that this is all thanks to County Magistrate Lin! Maybe the Crown Prince will even advocate for you to become the Governor of Jiangzhou!”
Zhang Fang’s words were full of temptation. Lin Zheng’s heart raced. Over the years, he had given Xu Chang a significant amount of money and beauties, and he had specifically prepared an account book documenting everything! But if he revealed it, he would also be implicated! So, that was absolutely not an option! However, the position of Governor was just too tempting. Having been a small county magistrate for so many years, he surely had to seize this opportunity!
Thus, he shared the dark secrets of the imperial examinations with Zhang Fang, his expression hesitant as he slowly said, “These years, I haven’t come away empty-handed. I discovered that the governor’s examination and the provincial examination were both manipulated by Xu Chang.”
Zhang Fang looked surprised, asking eagerly, “Do you have evidence?”
Lin Zheng only had evidence of his own offenses. Besides having proof of Xu Chang accepting bribes, how could he present evidence of Xu Chang switching candidates’ exam papers? Feeling awkward, he shook his head at Zhang Fang, saying, “The governor’s examination and the provincial examination are outside my realm of responsibility. Although I wish to investigate, my hands cannot reach the governor’s residence.”
Disappointed, Zhang Fang sighed and shook his head, saying, “In that case, it will truly be difficult to take down Xu Chang. While Xu Chang remains, Jiangzhou will remain under the Third Prince’s control. How can the Crown Prince appoint trusted officials to govern Jiangzhou?”
Lin Zheng’s lips twitched slightly. Clearly, just moments ago, the position of Governor of Jiangzhou had been dangling in front of him, and now it felt like it had drifted far away! This sensation was as uncomfortable as being skinned!
After pondering for a moment, Lin Zheng opened his mouth again, saying to Zhang Fang, “I do have a plan, but it’s quite risky.”
“Please, County Magistrate Lin, enlighten me!” Zhang Fang appeared eager to learn.
Lin Zheng pulled Zhang Fang to sit down, with a small table for teacups between them, and whispered to Zhang Fang, “How about this? I can take some money to bribe Xu Chang. As long as he accepts it, that counts as accepting a bribe. This can also serve as evidence to bring him down. Taking this opportunity, if the Crown Prince sends someone to search Xu Chang’s residence, they will surely uncover more wrongdoing. Once the Crown Prince finds other evidence, we can erase the initial evidence I presented. That way, we can bring down Xu Chang!”
And Lin Zheng could also extricate himself from this mess! The position of Governor of Jiangzhou would still be available to him! What a wonderful prospect!
Zhang Fang laughed and clapped in approval: “Indeed, County Magistrate Lin’s cunning plan is extraordinary! This strategy will surely bring down Xu Chang!”
Yet Lin Zheng felt some worry and emphasized to Zhang Fang, “This matter involves me risking fishing for Xu Chang. If, in the end, the Crown Prince does not erase the bribery evidence I first presented, I fear I will also be implicated.”
To be honest, Lin Zheng was indeed a bit apprehensive. After all, he didn’t know if the Crown Prince might protect a small figure like him.
Zhang Fang smiled reassuringly at Lin Zheng: “No matter where I go in the future, I am from this county. My parents, relatives, and fellow villagers are still here, and I naturally hope County Magistrate Lin can remain in Jiangzhou and govern it well!”
This implied a promise to Lin Zheng. In the future, when Zhang Fang stood before the Crown Prince, he would surely advocate strongly for Lin Zheng!
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