Chapter 33: The Emperor’s Heart Was Hard to Predict

Fang Jinglong initially thought something major had happened. He was especially worried that his son had stirred up trouble again, leading to unpredictable consequences…

But who would have guessed that…

a group of petty scoundrels had gone to spy on the ancestral home and graves in the outskirts?

Zhang Mao was stunned for a moment and couldn’t help saying, “What does this mean?”

The Bai Hu also found it unbelievable and said with a complicated expression, “Duke, Earl, don’t you understand? The Fang Family’s ancestral graves are emitting green smoke. Now, many people probably want to secretly interfere. Some bold troublemakers might even damage the Fang Family’s ancestral graves, trying to pull off a switch and bury their own ancestors there.”

Hearing this, Fang Jinglong felt the situation was quite serious. These were his ancestors—how could he let them be disturbed?

The thought that someone was eyeing his ancestors’ resting place naturally angered Fang Jinglong. He fumed, “What dogs are so bold? Don’t they have graves in their own families for their dead? How dare they spy on our Fang Family’s burial ground!”

Zhang Mao also thought it was strange and frowned, “Maybe these villains have other hidden motives. It can’t be as simple as just spying on the graves.”

The Bai Hu looked somewhat surprised and said instinctively, “Don’t Duke and Earl know? The whole Capital is talking about it. Young Lord Fang was first granted the Golden Belt, then he made a huge profit selling Ebony, and today was even more amazing—the Star of Literature descended to the mortal world! The three Xiucai that Young Lord Fang took in placed in the top three at the Provincial Examination results announcement. Especially that Ouyang Zhi—he ranked first in the Northern Zhili Provincial Examination and became a Jieyuan. Isn’t this the Fang Family’s ancestral graves emitting green smoke? Now everyone in the Capital is trying to find out the location of the Fang Family’s ancestral graves. The Brocade Guard has received many tips, so we are particularly alert. Everyone says the Fang Family’s ancestral graves were well placed…”

Hoo…

Fang Jinglong was too shocked to speak.

Those three youngsters actually swept the top three in the Provincial Examination!

What did that mean?

Ancient people valued the teacher-student relationship the most. Once someone became a disciple, it was for life. Three Provincial Graduates, and one of them a Jieyuan—even a Great Scholar with disciples all over The World, who had taught his whole life, might not have such luck.

Was the Fang Family… about to rise?

Zhang Mao never expected this to be the reason. His jaw nearly dropped in shock. He stared intently at Fang Jinglong, his gaze instantly growing fervent. He said urgently, “Old Fang, your ancestors have virtue! I wonder if there’s still space in your family cemetery? How about… saving a spot for our Zhang Family?”

A warm feeling surged from the depths of Fang Jinglong’s heart. Seeing the Bai Hu’s look of admiration and Zhang Mao’s burning enthusiasm, Fang Jinglong finally couldn’t hold back. He laughed heartily—it was so satisfying! He slapped the table, “Why did my son get the Golden Belt? Why did my son make a huge fortune? Why did my son teach three Provincial Graduates? Lao Zhang, haven’t you thought about it? It’s because I, his father, taught him well. When it comes to teaching sons, I have a lot to say…”

No, this was clearly not the time to boast. Luckily, Fang Jinglong wasn’t too stubborn. He suddenly remembered his family’s ancestral graves again!

They couldn’t be dug up by others. So he immediately said, “Thank you for the reminder. Go back and tell your Qian Hu that Old Fang owes him a favor. Today, I’ll pick some strong men to guard our Fang Family cemetery day and night, so those villains won’t have a chance.”

When Zhang Mao heard Fang Jinglong mention his so-called “guide to teaching sons,” he suddenly felt a little depressed. Full of doubts, he thought about Old Fang’s… ancestral graves…

Zhang Mao’s eyes rolled around, and he actually had a bold idea too.

Luckily… he was ultimately a Duke, so he wouldn’t stoop to such unscrupulous acts. He could only stare at Old Fang with red eyes.

But Fang Jinglong suddenly perked up, “Come, come, let me talk about my way of teaching sons…”

…

The Capital was in an uproar, with discussions happening in every street and alley.

Even in the palace.

Emperor Hongzhi looked over the results list again and again. In the Warm Pavilion, he seemed troubled, especially when he saw the Crown Prince looking upset below.

Emperor Hongzhi couldn’t help but glare at him, his frown deepening.

He couldn’t help wondering: those three Xiucai, who were previously average in their studies—how did they have such great luck after only half a month as disciples? Was it really just luck? Or did this Fang Jifan have some special talent?

Emperor Hongzhi absolutely refused to believe that Fang Jifan could have cheated under Wang Ao’s supervision. Besides, how could all three disciples cheat together? So where was the problem?

Suddenly, he remembered the “Bureaucratization of Native Chieftains” policy. Thinking back carefully, Fang Jifan probably wasn’t just lucky. Although the boy seemed a bit careless, when you thought about it, this guy…

Then, thinking of his own unpromising son—the Crown Prince was the nation’s Heir Apparent, and he was his only son. Usually, the Empress Mother spoiled him too much. If things continued like this, what would happen?

Remembering Yang Tinghe’s impeachment of the Crown Prince, Emperor Hongzhi narrowed his eyes, looking as if he were pondering deeply!

He had already found many teachers for the Crown Prince, each a famous contemporary Great Scholar or a top-ranking minister. But what was the result?

Perhaps…

A meaningful glint flashed in his eyes, “Someone come.”

“Your Servant is here.” The one on duty today was Liu Qian.

Emperor Hongzhi said calmly, “Make preparations. I am going out of the palace.”

“Your Majesty, leaving the palace again? Your Servant will go to the Duzhi Jian…”

The Duzhi Jian was specifically responsible for accompanying His Majesty and clearing the way. If His Majesty wished to travel, usually the Duzhi Jian would make arrangements, then organize the eunuchs and arrange for the Jinwu Guard, Brocade Guard, and others to accompany him.

Emperor Hongzhi shook his head, “No need. We’ll go incognito. I want to go to the Nanhe Bo Mansion to see this Fang Jifan again.”

He was planning to learn from the experience. At that moment, all he wanted to know was how Fang Jifan managed to turn three ordinary Xiucai into successful scholars. Education was the foundation of the nation, and the Crown Prince was a constant worry to him. Perhaps he could gain some insights from Fang Jifan.

Once this idea popped into his head, Emperor Hongzhi felt a stirring in his heart and could no longer wait.

When Liu Qian heard that His Majesty wanted to see Fang Jifan, his heart sank. But after the last incident, he didn’t dare to gossip in front of His Majesty again. Instead, he said honestly, “If Your Majesty wishes to go incognito, but if you go to the Fang Family and are recognized by others, the news will spread, and everyone on the streets will know that Your Majesty went to see that Fang Jifan. Your Servant has something to say, though I don’t know if I should. Although Fang Jifan taught three Provincial Graduates, his reputation isn’t very good. Your Majesty is a Sage Monarch… this… this…”

Emperor Hongzhi suddenly understood and felt that Liu Qian’s words made sense. He frowned and said, “Then we need a cover identity.”

Whenever Zhu Houzhao heard about leaving the palace, he felt energetic and vigorous. He quickly said, “That’s easy. Change into eunuch clothes and say you’re going to the Fang Family to deliver an imperial decree. Probably no one would notice, and even if that brat Fang Jifan found out, would he dare to talk nonsense?”

Emperor Hongzhi glared at him, “Nonsense!”

Zhu Houzhao immediately wilted and lowered his head, not daring to speak.

Emperor Hongzhi said calmly, “How can I go in the name of a eunuch… hmm?” Emperor Hongzhi suddenly remembered something, “I recall that Fang Jifan has a Brain Illness, right? How about going in the name of an Imperial Physician? Say the palace sent an Imperial Physician to treat the Fang Family boy, and I’ll disguise myself as the physician. How about that?”

Liu Qian didn’t dare to oppose His Majesty’s idea. Disguising as a Medical Official was different from disguising as a eunuch. In this era, eunuchs were considered slaves—there was no reason for an Emperor to dress in slave clothes. But the identity of a Medical Official was acceptable.

Emperor Hongzhi made his decision and said calmly, “Liu Qian, you go prepare. We don’t need too many guards; just pick a few dozen trustworthy people for open and covert surveillance. Also… this matter must not be spread!”

“Your Servant obeys.”

“Imperial Father, Your Son and Servant wants to go too.”

If he didn’t know, that would be one thing. But since he knew, where there was excitement, there was naturally this Crown Prince.

Emperor Hongzhi just pursed his lips, neither agreeing nor objecting.