Zhang Laosi Turns Traitor

Fang Qian thought to himself, The real test has begun. He replied respectfully, "What is it, my lord?"

Di Renjie asked, "Which county of Youzhou governs Great Willow Tree Village?"

Fang Qian immediately replied, "Three Harmonies County."

Di Renjie gave a soft "Oh" and continued, "Lord Fang, you and I have been entrusted by the emperor to govern and protect the people. We must fulfill our duties and care for the common folk, lest we fail the emperor's trust."

Hearing this, Fang Qian smiled and nodded.

Di Renjie fixed Fang Qian with a sharp gaze and said slowly, "Yet under your jurisdiction, the people struggle bitterly in abject poverty. Take Great Willow Tree Village, for instance. The villagers have not even half a foot of land or enough grain to last the night. How could they not gather in rebellion and flee into the mountains as bandits?"

Fang Qian immediately put on a pained expression and protested, "My lord, you wrong this humble official. The villagers of Great Willow Tree Village have always been crafty and unruly, harboring evil intentions. When the Göktürks breached the city, the entire village defected to them, aiding the enemy, guiding their soldiers, and slaughtering the people of Great Zhou. When the imperial army recovered Youzhou, the emperor granted a general amnesty and did not pursue their crimes. What tremendous mercy that was! Yet these rabble still bore resentment and were forever preparing to rebel..."

At this, Di Renjie's fury became unbearable. With a bang, he slammed the teacup in his hand onto the table, spilling tea everywhere.

Fang Qian was terrified and did not dare continue.

Di Renjie's face was grim as he asked in an utterly emotionless voice, "Lord Fang, was it truly as you described?"

Fang Qian pretended not to understand. "What