My classmate Zhu Houzhao

Chapter 15 Shuntian Prefecture Magistrate

"Is this some kind of bullying tactic?"

Fang Heng was not intimidated by Feng Shi and coldly stared at the man with a face full of scars in front of him.

"So what if you act tough? Let me tell you, I've already investigated your background. The Shen family has long since fallen from power. You're just a country bumpkin from Liangxiang. In this capital city, I can't speak for others, but I can beat you up and no one will care."

Feng Shi looked at Fang Heng, his tone becoming increasingly arrogant.

"Good for you, Gou Dan!"

Fang Heng shouted loudly towards the backyard.

Upon hearing this, Gou Dan hurriedly went into the shop.

"Second brother, what's wrong?"

Gou Dan came up to Fang Heng and said.

"Call all our men out; this guy's trying to bully us."

Fang Heng sneered.

Upon hearing this, Gou Dan glanced at Feng Shi and his companion. Looking at Feng Shi's muscular face, he felt no fear whatsoever. Back in Liangxiang, Fang Heng often led them in fights, and they had taken on quite a few thugs and hooligans. In fact, most thugs and hooligans were afraid of people their age. Once Gou Dan and his friends started fighting, they didn't know their own strength, and those thugs were afraid that they would be accidentally killed by these teenagers.

In fact, by the age of twelve or thirteen, children from poor families are considered strong laborers. They work with their families every day, are very strong, and fight without restraint. Ordinary people really don't dare to get close to them.

Dog Egg glanced at them, then walked to the backyard gate without any hesitation.

"Brothers, someone wants to fight."

Gou Dan called out to the backyard, and instantly more than a dozen teenagers swarmed over. Among them were not only Gou Dan and Fang Heng, who were twelve or thirteen years old, but also several fourteen or fifteen-year-olds. One of them was particularly tall, even taller than Feng Shi, with a broad back and thick waist. This person was none other than Wang Zuo, Fang Heng's number one fighter.

Wang Zuo was born with extraordinary talent, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say he was born with superhuman strength. Compared to Gou Dan and others, Wang Zuo's family was relatively well-off, but even so, the Wang family was almost impoverished by Wang Zuo alone, because Wang Zuo's appetite was simply too astonishing. He could eat the equivalent of four or five meals for an ordinary adult by himself.

Later, the Wang family couldn't bear it anymore, so they reduced Wang Zuo's food. Wang Zuo, who was always hungry, had no choice but to follow Fang Heng to fill his stomach. During these three years, Wang Zuo followed Fang Heng and most of the time he was able to eat about 70-80% full. If Fang Heng had money, he would let him eat as much as he wanted.

"Second brother, I will definitely repay you when I become the top martial arts scholar in the future."

This is the sentence that Wang Zuo said to Fang Heng the most.

Wang Zuo's goal has always been to become the top martial arts scholar, and that has never changed.

Besides Wang Zuo, Zhao Huan also stepped forward. Although Zhao Huan's combat strength was far inferior to Wang Zuo's, he was always the one who rushed to the front whenever there was a fight. He was also the most reckless when fighting. As a result, no one else dared to approach him, for fear of being accidentally injured by this hothead.

"Second brother, were these two the ones who started this trouble?"

Wang Zuo looked at Fang Heng and said in a muffled voice.

Although Wang Zuo was much older than Fang Heng, he always called Fang Heng "Second Brother" and did so willingly. Not only Wang Zuo, but many of the other teenagers were also older than Fang Heng and were also happy to acknowledge him as their second brother.

Looking at the boy in front of him who looked like a door, Feng Shi, who was himself quite tall and strong, felt like a little chick in front of this boy. Feng Shi felt a strong sense of pressure and couldn't help but swallow.

Chen Si, standing behind Feng Shi, couldn't help but take two steps back and look around, seemingly searching for an escape route.

"What are you trying to do? Let me tell you, this is the capital, not your Liangxiang. The capital is governed by the laws of the Ming Dynasty. If you dare to lay a hand on me, I will definitely send you all to the Shuntian Prefecture prison."

Feng Shi said, his expression fierce but his heart weak.

"You're a strange person. You were the one who said you were going to act tough just now, but now that you're losing, you're bringing up the Great Ming Law. What? Was the Great Ming Law made for you? You can hit someone and get away with it, but I get into trouble when I try to hit you?"

Fang Heng looked at Feng Shi and sneered.

Upon hearing this, Feng Shi felt a chill run down his spine. Even he was momentarily flustered by the sight of so many teenagers in front of him. If they were all adults, he wouldn't be so afraid, since adults know how to control their strength. But these teenagers, especially the boy who was like a wall, might actually kill him.

Zhao Huan, who was standing to the side, was already eager to try. He was always the most enthusiastic fighter, but in any situation, he would act according to Fang Heng's signal. At this moment, Zhao Huan was looking at Fang Heng. As long as Fang Heng gave him a signal, he would rush up without hesitation.

"Wang Zuo, don't move."

Fang Heng took a sip of tea and said.

Upon hearing Fang Heng's words, the other eager teenagers rushed forward, surrounding Feng Shi and Chen Si, punching and kicking them one by one. Feng Shi was in so much pain from the rain of punches that he couldn't help but try to fight back.

"You'd better not fight back, or Wang Zuo won't hold back."

Fang Heng's words made Feng Shi lower his raised hand again. He had no choice but to cover his head with his hands and squat on the ground to protect himself as much as possible. Chen Si, on the other hand, was so dizzy from the beating that he couldn't even squat down with his hands on his head.

Fang Heng didn't let Wang Zuo make a move because the guy was too strong and it would be easy for something to go wrong if they started fighting. As for Gou Dan and the others, as long as Feng Shi and Chen Si didn't resist violently, they would still be careful with their actions.

Finally, Feng Shi helped Chen Si limp away from Fang Heng's shop, not forgetting to utter some harsh words before leaving.

"You just wait, I'll definitely go to the Shuntian Prefecture and report you."

Fang Heng watched Feng Shi make harsh remarks but didn't say anything, because Fang Heng himself had the same plan.

Fang Heng only stood up after the two had completely disappeared from his sight.

"I'm going to Shuntian Prefecture. None of you are allowed to go out."

Fang Heng glanced at Wang Xiaoer, Gou Dan, and the others.

"Master, the officials of Shuntian Prefecture are not easy to talk to. Without sufficient benefits..."

Wang Xiaoer hesitated before speaking.

"It's alright, I have a way."

As he spoke, Fang Heng left the clothing shop and headed straight for the Shuntian Prefecture government office.

Upon arriving at Shuntian Prefecture, they were stopped by two yamen runners on duty.

"What brings you to Shuntian Prefecture?"

One of the constables said sternly.

"I have come specifically to see the Prefect, as I have important matters to discuss. I would be grateful if you could inform him of my presence."

As he spoke, Fang Heng took out a handful of copper coins, divided them into two portions, and stuffed them into the hands of the two men respectively.

The two constables tossed the copper coins in their hands. Although there weren't many, only about twenty each, it was enough for just an announcement.

"So young, yet so quick-witted, not bad. You wait here, I'll be right back."

One of the yamen runners said this as he turned and entered the Shuntian Prefecture yamen.

Not long after, the constable returned.

"Come with me, the Prefect happens to be free."

Upon hearing this, Fang Heng hurriedly followed.

After entering the Shuntian Prefecture government office, the yamen runners did not take Fang Heng to the main office, but instead took him to the back hall of the office.

Upon arriving at the back hall, Fang Heng saw a man in his forties or fifties drinking tea. The man was somewhat surprised to see Fang Heng, as he hadn't expected to meet a young man.

"This humble subject pays his respects to Your Excellency, Prefect."

Fang Heng bowed and said.

"What brings you to see me?"

The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture did not look down on Fang Heng because of his age, after all, many people of Fang Heng's age had already started families and established careers.

"Reporting to you, sir, I own a shop in the capital, but because of my humble origins, it has caught the eye of Feng Shi, the owner of the Feng family's shop..."

Fang Heng immediately gave a brief account of the whole incident, avoiding the main points.

"I beg Your Excellency to do justice for this humble subject."

After saying this, Fang Heng discreetly placed the letter written by Jiang Bin on the table next to the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture.

The prefect glanced at the envelope and found it blank. He raised an eyebrow, assuming it contained silver notes, and eagerly opened it, only to find a letter inside. He couldn't help but glance at Fang Heng, his expression clearly displeased.

However, he patiently unfolded the letter. As soon as he saw the handwriting, the Prefect of Shuntian sat up straight. The more he read, the more serious his expression became. Especially when he read the last part, the Prefect of Shuntian's heart skipped a beat.

Isn't this the favorite of the Crown Prince?

Although the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture was only a fourth-rank prefect, he dared not handle many matters in the capital because he was serving there. He knew very well that there were many people in the capital with higher official positions than him, so he usually only cared about making money and never did anything that would offend people.

But no matter what, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture was considered to be part of the Crown Prince's faction. Not only him, but almost all the Prefects of Shuntian Prefecture would side with the Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince was appointed, many officials would become his subordinates. This could be considered as the emperor cultivating a core group for the Crown Prince. The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture was no exception. Moreover, while other officials could choose not to side with the Crown Prince, the Prefects of Shuntian Prefecture were almost always firmly on the Crown Prince's side.

As a favorite of the Crown Prince, Jiang Bin was naturally known to the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture. Moreover, the two were quite familiar with each other, and the Prefect could recognize Jiang Bin's handwriting at a glance.

"Oh, it's my dear nephew! Please, have a seat."

After putting the letter away, his attitude towards Fang Heng completely changed. He invited Fang Heng to sit down and had the servants serving him serve tea.

"This Feng Shigan has provoked my nephew; I think he's asking for it. And this Chen Si is ungrateful and deserves to die."

The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture said indignantly.

"Your Excellency truly hates evil, I admire you greatly."

Fang Heng subtly flattered her.

"Don't worry, my dear nephew, I will definitely punish these two severely."

The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture continued.

"Sir, there's no need to rush. We can take our time."

Fang Heng said meaningfully.

"Oh? I wonder what you mean by that, my dear nephew?"

The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture looked at the young man in front of him with some confusion.

"This Feng Shi made his fortune by smuggling salt in his early years. Just that alone is enough for you to investigate thoroughly. Lock Feng Shi up first, investigate slowly, and wait for the Feng family to send you money. Back then, Feng Shi amassed quite a fortune. Isn't all of this yours?"

Fang Heng smiled.

"My dear nephew, you are truly a remarkable person. These words are wonderful, truly wonderful."

Upon hearing this, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture immediately perked up.

"As for Chen Si, I don't know how much money he took from my shop. I estimate it's at least four or five hundred taels. You must investigate thoroughly and make him return all that money as a token of my respect to you."

Fang Heng clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Four or five hundred taels is not a particularly large amount, but it is not a small sum either. Chen Si would never embezzle that much. At most, it would be a hundred or so taels.

But Fang Heng knew very well that Chen Si had probably saved up a lot of money over the years, so he might as well take this opportunity to squeeze it all out of him and make him understand the consequences of betraying him.

"How could that be? You are Lord Jiang's nephew. Lord Jiang said that I should help you handle things well. How could I possibly take the money that is rightfully yours?"

The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture hurriedly declined.

"You flatter me, sir. As the saying goes, a local official is more powerful than a distant one. You are the local official in charge of Shuntian Prefecture. I am new to the capital and will inevitably have to trouble you in the future. If I weren't short of money right now, I wouldn't be doing this to offer something to someone else."

Fang Heng sighed.

"My dear nephew is indeed a remarkable person. Since you have put it that way, I will not refuse. If there is anything you need me to do in the future, just give me a word, and I will certainly do it if I can."

The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture couldn't help but look at Fang Heng with new respect. The young man in front of him looked young, but he was so composed in his actions. No wonder Jiang Bin valued him so highly.

More importantly, he knew Jiang Bin. Jiang Bin rarely abused his power for personal gain, yet he wrote him such a letter for the sake of the young man in front of him, which was quite intriguing.

"Thank you, sir. I am new to the capital and unfamiliar with the place, so I am quite nervous. With your support, I feel much more at ease."

As he spoke, Fang Heng took out two more silver ingots, each weighing five taels. This was part of the small amount of money Fang Heng had saved up.

"Nephew, what do you mean by this? How could I possibly accept your money?"

The prefect looked at the two silver ingots in front of him. Given his official rank, he naturally looked down on a mere ten taels.

"Sir, this is just a small amount of money. Please treat the three shifts of yamen runners to a good meal on my behalf. It's just a small token of my appreciation."

Fang Heng knew very well that since ancient times, it has always been easier to deal with the King of Hell than with his underlings. Maintaining good relations with the yamen runners of Shuntian Prefecture would only bring benefits and no harm.

"Nephew, you are indeed a clever and shrewd person. In that case, I will agree to this matter. If any of the yamen runners in Shuntian Prefecture dare to make things difficult for you, I will punish them severely."

As he spoke, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture put away the silver ingots.

"In that case, I'll take my leave."

Fang Heng stood up and bowed.

When Fang Heng left the back hall of the yamen and came into the yamen, he saw Feng Shi beating the grievance drum.

When Feng Shi saw Fang Heng come out of the back hall of the yamen, his heart skipped a beat, and he had a bad feeling.

Why did this young man arrive in Shuntian Prefecture before me?