Chapter 10: The Review

As soon as Zhang Mao heard the name Fang Jifan, his face darkened.

Even if Fang Jifan were turned to ashes, Zhang Mao would recognize him. Zhang Mao was a fierce general who had fought many battles across the land, and Fang Jifan’s father, Fang Jinglong, had once served under him. They had shared life-and-death bonds fighting side by side. Zhang Mao had long heard that Fang Jinglong had an unfilial son who not only sold off the family estate but also nearly drove Fang Jinglong to death with anger. When Fang Jinglong returned to the capital in triumph last time and came to visit, he looked ashamed to even be alive.

Zhang Mao looked at how Fang Jifan was tightly bound and thought about how everyone else was eager to attend the review. Yet Fang Jifan had been brought here tied up. If His Majesty hadn’t specifically named him to come, would he have refused to show up at all?

What a disgrace, truly a disgrace!

If it weren’t for the formal setting, Zhang Mao would have beat his chest in frustration, pitying Fang Jinglong. For generations, the Fang Family had been loyal and virtuous—how could they produce such a disgraceful offspring?

What was even more pitiful was that this fellow had delicate skin and a handsome face, looking just like an actor from the opera troupe. Pah! Among the sons of dukes, marquises, and earls, the outstanding ones were all tall and imposing, radiating courage and dignity.

“Are you Fang Jifan?”

Fang Jifan felt ashamed and was about to say something.

Zhang Mao pointed at him with a stern face and said, “Untie his ropes.”

Two Imperial Guards loosened Fang Jifan’s bindings.

Fang Jifan finally felt a bit more at ease, but before he could relax completely, the white-haired Duke of Yingguo, Zhang Mao, pointed at his nose and scolded him harshly: “Your father was a hero, so how did he end up with a good-for-nothing like you? If he can’t bring himself to teach you a lesson, I will. You even sold your family’s ancestral property—you’re worse than pigs or dogs!” After saying this, he raised his hand as if to hit him.

Fang Jifan was dumbfounded. Was this really necessary? He wanted to dodge, but luckily several Military Officers nearby couldn’t stand to watch and hurriedly stopped Zhang Mao. One of them said, “Duke, today is the review. You must not do this.”

Zhang Mao was so angry he gritted his teeth and said furiously, “Fine! Although I am presiding over the examination by imperial decree today, aren’t you also here for the review, Fang Jifan? I will keep an eye on you and see if you, this useless wastrel, dare to cause trouble. Someone, distribute the paper and brushes. Fang Jifan, you sit here.”

He pointed to an empty Desk at the front, his expression cold.

Fang Jifan thought to himself that in this situation, it was best to be cautious. This Duke of Yingguo didn’t seem easy to deal with.

He obediently sat at the empty Desk in the front, and soon a Clerk brought brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones to distribute.

Zhang Mao clasped his hands behind his back and said, “Move my chair over here.”

Fang Jifan felt embarrassed, but he saw Zhang Mao had already sat down right in front of his Desk, staring fixedly at his every move.

The candidates behind them saw this and secretly rejoiced.

Zhang Mao then said, “The Great Ming’s review originally focused on Equestrian Archery, but since the time of Emperor Wen, if it only tested riding and archery, it wouldn’t be enough to determine true heroes. Therefore, Emperor Wen graciously changed it to a Policy Essay test. This is both to allow you to offer suggestions to the imperial court and to assess your talents. His Majesty has already set the question. Come, bring the question.”

Then, a civil clerk came forward holding a placard. Fang Jifan felt a chill down his spine with Zhang Mao staring at him, but once he saw the question, he ignored Zhang Mao.

On the placard were written a few characters in gold paint: “How to Pacify the Southwest.”

A single glance told him this was the Emperor asking for strategies on how to resolve the issues in the Southwest.

Since the early Ming Dynasty, the imperial court had incorporated the southwestern provinces into its territory. To govern places like Guangxi and Yunnan, the court established many native prefectures and guards, appointing Chieftains to manage the regions. However, ever since the time of the Grand Progenitor, the Southwest had never known a day of peace. Local Chieftains or native people rebelled frequently. Just last year, the “Fujiang Rebellion” broke out in Guangxi. The imperial court had exhausted its resources trying to suppress the rebellion. Fang Jifan’s father, Fang Jinglong, was ordered to go to Guangxi to quell the unrest. Although the rebellion was put down, the Ming Army suffered significant casualties, and it cost an enormous amount of money and supplies.

It seemed the unrest in the Southwest had become a major concern for the Hongzhi Emperor. This review actually featured such a question.

Seeing the question, the candidates’ eyes lit up. These sons of meritorious officials had long heard about the turmoil in the Southwest. Many of their fathers or uncles had experience in suppressing rebellions there. How to defeat these natives—wasn’t that easy?

So, they picked up their brushes and eagerly began to answer.

Fang Jifan stared at the question, pondering for a long time. He knew this was a hard-won opportunity for him. If he could rank near the top, he might have a chance to redeem his past disgrace. But if he failed, he would likely rot in obscurity for the rest of his life.

Fang Jifan gathered his spirits and looked up, meeting Zhang Mao’s gaze. Surprisingly, Fang Jifan gave him a friendly smile, but Zhang Mao’s face only grew longer.

If someone else had smiled like that, Zhang Mao might have thought the young man was respectable and courteous to his elders.

But coming from someone like Fang Jifan, Zhang Mao instinctively suspected he was up to no good.

Fuming with anger, he saw Fang Jifan lower his head and begin writing quickly.

Huh?

He… actually knew how to write?

Did the Fang Family’s son know how to write?

Fang Jifan was indeed writing. In his previous life, he had practiced calligraphy and even joined a calligraphy club in school. Of course, he couldn’t compare to the master calligraphers of this era, but for someone of his reputation, it was enough to impress others.

He concentrated, appearing incredibly focused, moving his wrist smoothly and writing without pause. In his heart, he thought, if he was lucky enough to win the Golden Belt, he would use it to smack anyone who tried to make him practice acupuncture again.

Zhang Mao, sitting nearby, was shocked and speechless. This kid… really could write!

Maybe… this kid wasn’t as hopeless as he’d thought. Could it be that rumors had been exaggerated?

He was lost in these thoughts when, unexpectedly, Fang Jifan put down his brush. He was the first to finish.

Having an old man staring at him was really uncomfortable.

Fang Jifan even thought Zhang Mao seemed like an old Glass.

Enough was enough!

But… he was, after all, a wastrel. That image probably wouldn’t change anytime soon. So…

Without hesitation, Fang Jifan said, “I submit my paper!”

Sub… submit his paper?

Shock filled the room.

Many candidates looked up, staring at Fang Jifan in surprise. Soon, however, they seemed to think it was normal and secretly rejoiced. The Fang Family’s wastrel truly lived up to his name. It had only been the time it takes two incense sticks to burn, and there was still plenty of time until the end of the exam. Yet this guy was already turning in his paper—was it even filled out?

Fang Jifan ignored their stares. He just wanted to get as far away as possible. He had answered the question; whether he passed or not was up to fate now.

Zhang Mao was so angry he felt like vomiting blood. He slammed Fang Jifan’s Desk furiously and said, “Fang Jifan… you… you… you are really… how dare you! Fine, fine, fine. Take his paper and seal it!”

He had initially wanted to explode in rage, but on second thought, losing his temper during the review seemed pointless. If this kid wanted to ruin himself, so be it.

Fang Jifan didn’t linger either. He actually bowed to Zhang Mao and said, “I’m leaving now.” Then he rushed off as fast as he could.