Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Gu Zhenhe initially did not intend to become close friends with Fang Yanqing, but seeing how methodical Fang Yanqing was in handling the complaint from the grandfather and grandson, he decided to befriend him.

It's incredibly easy to establish a good relationship with just a little money, so he wasn't bothered.

He simply smiled and slipped a piece of silver into the hand, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect and saying, "Brother Fang, I didn't know your background before and didn't reveal your real name. Consider this silver as my apology."

"My name is Gu Zhenhe, a native of the capital, and a student of Songjian Academy."

Fang Yanqing didn't care that the other party had given him a false name. He smiled and put away the silver, then warmly cupped his hands in greeting: "It's only natural to be cautious when traveling. I understand. Brother Gu, it's a pleasure to meet you."

After exchanging their real names, Gu Zhenhe spoke more casually to shorten the distance between them. "Brother Fang, the clear path you pointed out to that grandfather and grandson at the foot of the mountain was truly eye-opening for me."

"Asking Imperial Censor Shen to intervene is indeed the best solution at the moment."

"However... there is still one thing I don't understand."

Having received the money, Fang Yanqing was naturally very polite. "Brother Gu, please speak freely. I will tell you everything I know."

Gu Zhenhe said, "When that little girl was complaining about the injustice of heaven just now, I saw that you comforted her in a very skillful way, so I also chimed in."

But then you changed the subject, seemingly implying that Imperial Censor Shen would seek justice for her from His Majesty.

Gu Zhenhe lowered his voice, "Does Brother Fang perhaps believe that this is utterly rebellious?"

Fang Yanqing asked in surprise, "How is it considered treasonous for an imperial censor to offer advice?"

"It is certainly the right path for censors to offer advice, but the statement 'get back all the justice you want, and curse everyone you want to curse, and none of them will escape' subtly points the finger at..." Gu Zhenhe pointed to the sky, the unspoken meaning in his words already clear.

This is somewhat presumptuous of a casual acquaintance to speak so frankly.

However, Fang Yanqing initially spoke up for His Majesty, but in the end, he seemed to imply that Lord Shen Jiangliu should criticize His Majesty, showing a contradiction in his attitude.

Gu Zhenhe was genuinely curious about Fang Yanqing's opinion on this matter.

Does he think His Majesty should be publicly criticized by the censors for this injustice?

How could someone be so bold as to say something so blatantly defying imperial authority and implying that His Majesty deserves to be scolded in front of everyone?

When they started talking about this topic, Qin Ji, who was in front, had already perked up his ears.

He was also very curious to see what Fang Yanqing would say.

Fang Yanqing picked at his ear. "Brother Gu, what did you just say? It's a bit windy, I didn't hear you clearly."

Gu Zhenhe: "..."

Qin Ji: "..." What a waste of my feelings.

Ultimately, it was still too intimate for a casual acquaintance, and just as Gu Zhenhe was about to explain that he had been presumptuous.

Fang Yanqing winked at him and made a gesture of giving money with his finger. "If Brother Gu can help me calm down, I'm not against having a heart-to-heart talk with you."

Gu Zhenhe: "..."

Why would Imperial Censor Shen associate with such a greedy person?

Couldn't his silver tongue, that of an imperial censor, "persuade" Fang Yanqing to repent and reform?

Gu Zhenhe resigned himself to paying.

Fang Yanqing put the silver into his sleeve, grasped Gu Zhenhe's hand, and said, "My dearest friend! What could I possibly not say to you from the bottom of my heart?"

"But let me make this clear: what I said today is meant to be heard by you. Once you've said it, forget it and don't bring it up again. If you do, I will absolutely not admit it."

Gu Zhenhe lowered his voice and assured him, "Don't worry about that."

Fang Yanqing leaned close to his ear and lowered his voice so that only the two of them could hear it.

Qin Ji: "..."

Are you whispering and talking badly about me?

Fang Yanqing, how dare you!

Qin Ji turned around abruptly, his face dark, and pulled out a piece of silver, slapping it into Fang Yanqing's hand.

Gu Zhenhe and Fang Yanqing both looked over.

Unexpectedly, there was an additional benefit.

Fang Yanqing accepted all offers, put away the silver, and gestured for Qin Ji to lean closer to listen.

The three of them huddled together furtively.

Fu Xingjian, standing behind: "..."

Sneaky behavior is not the act of a gentleman and is a disgrace to culture!

Fang Yanqing lowered his voice, "If we only consider this case, the ones who are responsible are naturally those officials who neglected their duties and tried to deceive their superiors."

"Your Majesty is still young, has only recently assumed personal rule, and resides in the highest court; it is impossible for you to scrutinize every detail of every case—this is a fact."

"But..." Fang Yanqing changed the subject.

Gu Zhen listened attentively, while Qin Ji gritted his teeth and looked over.

This is a technique of praising first and then criticizing; generally, the key point comes after the "but".

Fang Yanqing lowered his voice even further: "The height you stand at, the amount of power you wield, determines the weight of your responsibilities."

Your Majesty does need time.

But will time wait for anyone?

When the previous emperor, Ai, lost his country, he was only ten years old.

Will the mountains and rivers wait for him to grow up before they break?

Will the country wait until it grows up before continuing its decline?

Can the people wait until he grows up before they go hungry and naked?

His Majesty's decision aims to sweep away the long-standing problems in Ning'an and deter the world, which is perfectly understandable.

But when grievances arise under swift and decisive action, and innocent people are affected, doesn't that person... bear any responsibility?

It's impossible to expect peace and prosperity, for the stagnant atmosphere to be swept away and praise befits His Majesty's wisdom.

If something goes wrong and a miscarriage of justice is caused, it's because local officials deceived their superiors and misled the emperor, right?

Aren't officials who deceive their superiors and cover up wrongdoings employed by His Majesty?

If everyone sings praises and extols His Majesty, who will speak words of disapproval to His Majesty?

If this continues, what Your Majesty hears and sees will only be a whitewash of peace and prosperity, and how will you know the suffering of the people?

That little girl, whose family was destroyed and whose loved ones perished, why should she be magnanimous, understanding, and suppress her tears while singing praises and swallowing her blood and tears?

Can't she question him? Can't she express her resentment?

So what if I get a few words of criticism from the censor? Does it cost me a piece of my flesh?

There are countless wrongful convictions like this in the world, far more than just this one. I'm not saying that every wrongful conviction should be blamed on Your Majesty and forced to make a statement.

But... someone has to tell His Majesty about this.

His Majesty's ears cannot be filled only with praise and flattery.

...

Second update delivered, double updates tomorrow!