Hong Ming was a man dressed in white Hanlin Academician robes adorned with Ink Plum blossoms. His complexion was ruddy, his body robust, and a faint smile rested on his face. He looked only forty-something, a man in his prime.
Hearing what seemed to be a hidden meaning in Fang Yun's words, he smiled and said, "Of the dozens of counties in Mi Prefecture, only Ning'an County has worked me so hard."
The venue fell silent. No one spoke at a time like this. After all, Hong Ming was a Hanlin Academician and prefect, holding authority over an entire prefecture. When discussing other matters, he could lower his head or remain silent, but they were now discussing the administration of his own jurisdiction. Even if Fang Yun invoked his title as Void Sage, Hong Ming could not easily bow his head and admit fault, or it would become a stain on his official career.
Fang Yun nodded at once and said, "Indeed. Lord Hong has worried himself sick over Ning'an County, and this humble official has been worn out right alongside him."
Many stayed out of the dispute, quietly watching the two men. One insinuated that Ning'an County was in chaos because its magistrate was incompetent; the other accused the prefect of bringing calamity upon a county under his jurisdiction.
Ao Huang curled his lip and said, "You, whatever-your-name-is prefect, this dragon advises you to say less. Fang Yun isn't some parent who spoils his children. You can't outargue him. If something happens, don't blame this dragon for not warning you."
Fortunately, the scholars present all possessed some measure of restraint, or they would have burst out laughing. Everyone understood what Ao Huang meant, and he had no ill intent, but directed at a dignified prefect, those words took on