Xiao Tao's Divine Speed

While Xiao Tao was responsible for tracking Bai Yi, Fang Zheng felt at ease.

As long as people were stationed at the city gates, there wouldn't be major problems.

Bai Yi and whoever took her must be lying low, not daring to cause trouble.

With the sanitation team mobilized for the search, they should be caught within days.

And since Xiao Tao had been by his side for years, Fang Zheng trusted her abilities.

After arranging everything, Fang Zheng went to the Banshan Newspaper Office the next day.

The reporters were hard at work, and coincidentally, Li Yuanzhao was there too.

Upon seeing Fang Zheng, he immediately said happily: "Old Fang, you're here! Haven't seen you for days. How are Zhang Biao's preparations going?"

"Good, not bad. What brings Your Highness here?" Fang Zheng replied.

"Oh nothing, just having them write some articles about microbes." Li Yuanzhao said casually.

Several reporters below looked anxiously toward Fang Zheng.

He understood right away that Li Yuanzhao had probably caused some problem, and the reporters were too afraid to speak up.

Seeing this, Fang Zheng quickly said: "Your Highness! Zhang Biao is fighting someone at the ball field, would you like to go watch?"

Sure enough, upon hearing about fighting, Li Yuanzhao perked up immediately.

"Great, let's go together!"

"This subject cannot go, I have urgent matters to discuss with Xie Xian about His Majesty's tour."

Li Yuanzhao clearly had little interest in that matter. He said goodbye and left the newspaper office alone.

Seeing him leave, the reporters immediately crowded around, led by Shen Yi who complained: "Master Fang, the Crown Prince has ordered reforms for civilian restaurants, which has caused much discontent among the people. He won't let us report on it. What should we do?"

"Why won't the crown prince allow it?" Fang Zheng was confused.

Wasn't his thinking quite progressive? Why would he start enforcing such measures?

Shen Yi smiled bitterly: "His Highness said the common people don't understand these things yet and don't know right from wrong. He said they'll understand after it's been implemented for some time."

"So he won't let us publish... this microbe theory is truly absurd!"

"Restaurant owners and street vendors are suffering terribly... His Highness has suppressed it all."

"Shouldn't we be the voice of the people? What should we do now?"

Fang Zheng didn't bother explaining.

Concepts like microorganisms and bacteria would be too shocking for the common people of Jing.

Rashly promoting such ideas might spawn new superstitions about ghosts and spirits, causing public unrest.

Besides, microscopes couldn't be mass-produced yet.

Doctors couldn't use such things, so discussing them had little meaning.

"This official is aware of the matter. Do as the Crown Prince says, and I will advise him."

"Continue collecting public opinion and compile statistics for me. I'll present them to the Crown Prince later."

The reporters thanked him profusely, then returned to their desks.

Fang Zheng made his way to Xie Xian's room.

Upon seeing him, Xie Xian greeted him politely: "Master, what can I do for you?"

Fang Zheng nodded: "I have a task. You already know about Zhang Biao's upcoming competition with Chilie, correct?"

Xie Xian smiled and said, "This is such big news that the whole city already knows about it!"

"Good. I want you to publish reports in the next two days!"

"There are twenty thousand seats in the arena, but we won't have time to coordinate if we open it to all citizens."

"Bring the sanitation team's several thousand people, the Inferno Gang's members, and our own people."

"Then recruit a few thousand more from the districts... that'll make up nearly ten thousand, enough to fill the space."

"Sell tickets for the remaining seats. Adjust the number based on demand to avoid complications later."

"If there's time, train the people to shout slogans in unison, make it look orderly."

Hearing this, Xie Xian felt enormous pressure, though not beyond what he could handle.

The master had provided only a brief notice, and two days was rather limited.

But the sanitation team and Inferno Gang members had regular contact with reporters and were readily available, so that wasn't a big problem.

And ticket sales had no hard requirements, which helped!

"I'll complete the mission!"

"But... Master, what title should we use for this competition?" Xie Xian asked.

Fang Zheng tilted his head thoughtfully.

Since they'd decided to have the fight, they needed an impressive title!

This would help boost Zhang Biao's morale!

"Let's call it... hmm..."

"Shocking! First Ever Ultimate Martial Arts Tournament!"

"Northern Rong's Top Warrior Versus the Undefeated of the East!"

"What? Who?" Xie Xian was dumbfounded. "Undefeated of the East? Zhang Biao?"

"No, no, no, the name Zhang Biao is too ordinary. Let's call him Slaughter Biao!"

Xie Xian was speechless: "Master... is 'Martial Arts Tournament' appropriate? There are only two people!"

Fang Zheng waved his hand: "Hey! It's decided! We'll hold it annually! Our great Jing Dynasty has strong martial virtue. From now on, the newspaper office will organize it."

"Every year, we'll recruit civilians to compete publicly, which will help the court select strong warriors. It's better than Qian Dynasty where five hundred taels could buy you a martial arts champion title. What a disgrace!"

Xie Xian's eyes lit up excitedly: "Ha, I knew Zhou Tie's champion title was bought! Just five hundred taels! If Qian hadn't fallen, I'd buy one for my son too!"

"Alright, alright! Get to work!"

After all the arrangements were made, Fang Zheng initially wanted to go check on Zhang Biao's training at the ball field.

But after some thought, he realized his presence wouldn't be of much help, so he decided to turn around and head home instead.

Just as he entered, Xiao Tao greeted him with a beaming smile: "Young Master, we found her! She's already tied up and thrown on the bed!"

"???"

"Who? Found who?" Fang Zheng was bewildered.

"Xiao Bai, of course."

"Huh? In less than a day? Did you have someone following her?"

Fang Zheng was shocked!

He believed Xiao Tao could find someone, but hadn't expected it would take just one day.

Even flying or using satellite tracking couldn't be this fast!

Xiao Tao pulled Fang Zheng's sleeve, leading him inside.

As they walked, she said: "Hehe, I didn't expect it to be so quick either, but Xiao Bai just couldn't stay calm!"

"Tell me inside! Tell me inside!"

Fang Zheng said incredulously: "Really? You're not tricking me? Where is she? Let me see first!"

"In her bedroom, I'll take you there!"

Xiao Tao, who had initially headed for the main hall, turned and led him to Bai Yi's bedroom.

Inside the room, they found Bai Yi tightly bound and lying on the bed.

Her mouth was stuffed with cloth.

When she saw Fang Zheng, her eyes showed terror and shame...

Then she buried her face in the blanket beside her.

Seeing it was indeed Bai Yi, Fang Zheng laughed: "Ha! It really is her! Well done!"

Xiao Tao beamed, seeking credit: "Do I get a reward?"

"I'll reward you with a big slap! Quick, tell me how you found her?"

Xiao Tao's face fell immediately. Glancing at Bai Yi, she said softly: "Let's talk outside."

Hearing the door close, Bai Yi raised her head again.

But her eyes were already red, and as she looked toward the door, tears streamed down uncontrollably.

The next moment, she heard Fang Zheng's uncontrollable laughter coming through the crack in the door....