Chapter 35: True Insight

Over here, they made a huge fuss and created chaos.

Emperor Hongzhi had already arrived behind the crowd. He stared dumbfounded at this chaotic scene and was momentarily speechless.

To Emperor Hongzhi, time seemed to freeze.

Emperor Hongzhi, who had grown up in Empress Dowager Zhou’s Renshou Palace, had never seen such… such absurd things in the world. His eyes gaped, and as he looked at the anxious people around Fang Jifan, it felt like a silent farce was unfolding.

Emperor Hongzhi got angry.

He roared sharply: “Fang Jifan, come over here!”

In the Fang Family, no one dared to speak to Fang Jifan in such a tone.

Fang Jifan thought to himself, who was so bold? He fixed his eyes and looked—this person… hmm, seemed somewhat familiar…

When he saw Liu Qian bowing beside this person, Fang Jifan suddenly remembered.

The Emperor…

Fang Jifan was a bit dazed. Could the Emperor just leave the palace whenever he wanted? And… he was dressed as an Imperial Physician?

Looking at Emperor Hongzhi’s livid face, Fang Jifan felt a chill run down the back of his neck…

In the blink of an eye, Fang Jifan actually became serious. He straightened his clothes with one hand, stood up, and said briskly: “Make way, everyone. I need to see the doctor.”

Manager Yang, however, was weeping bitterly and tugging at his sleeve: “Young Lord, stop tricking me. If I make way, you… you’ll try to hurt yourself.”

Fang Jifan got anxious and protested loudly: “What do you mean hurt myself? Don’t tarnish my reputation.”

After finally pushing through the crowd, he hurried over to Emperor Hongzhi.

Emperor Hongzhi’s face was livid, and his eyes glared at Fang Jifan with intense anger, looking particularly stern.

Fang Jifan was about to say something.

But Emperor Hongzhi said: “Where is the study? I… will treat your illness!”

Fang Jifan immediately understood the Emperor’s meaning.

“Oh!” Fang Jifan actually became very obedient and dutifully led the way, walking off.

He left all the members of the Fang Family behind, who stared wide-eyed as their Young Lord led the ‘Imperial Physician’ toward the study, looking utterly bewildered.

When they reached the study, Fang Jifan opened the door. Emperor Hongzhi, with his hands behind his back and a cold expression, strode inside.

Fang Jifan lingered at the doorway, pondering why His Majesty had come. Apart from the last time when they discussed the Bureaucratization of Native Chieftains, he didn’t seem to have any other connection with him.

He glanced at Liu Qian and thought to himself, could it be that this Liu Qian was trying to harm him?

“Come in!” Emperor Hongzhi shouted sharply from inside.

Fang Jifan wasn’t one to boast, but in the Capital, few dared to order him around like this.

But when the Emperor did so, Fang Jifan accepted it.

Emperor Hongzhi was a good Emperor. Fang Jifan, who was familiar with history, knew this very well. Even in his previous life when he read history, he admired and yearned for this generous Son of Heaven.

So, toward this Emperor, Fang Jifan had no temper at all.

Fang Jifan entered the study and saw Emperor Hongzhi already sitting in the Official’s Hat Armchair, still looking very stern.

Beside him, Zhu Houzhao was beaming, his clear eyes slightly narrowed, emitting a meaningful glint.

That Fang guy caused a lot of trouble. These days, Zhu Houzhao had been beaten quite a bit.

Now it was good. Imperial Father, you finally get to see that your son isn’t that outrageous after all. No matter what, he’s better than this Fang Jifan, right? People… fear comparison.

“Your servant, Fang Jifan, pays respects to His Majesty. Long Live the Emperor!” Since there was no one else here, Fang Jifan quickly performed the ceremonial greeting.

“Hmph!” Emperor Hongzhi snorted coldly, his anger still not subsided: “Is this the kind of upbringing your Fang Family provides?”

Fang Jifan felt a chill. Was this a personal attack? If you want to scold me, just scold me. But now it involves upbringing—doesn’t that mean you’re insulting my father?

Fang Jifan hurriedly said: “Your servant… was just afraid of seeing the doctor.”

Emperor Hongzhi roared angrily: “Everyone faces sickness and death. When you’re ill, you must seek treatment. How can you avoid doctors and hide your illness? This is nonsense, absurd! Your Fang Family has received imperial favor for generations and is considered Imperial Relatives. How can you act so recklessly? Aren’t you afraid of becoming a laughingstock in The World?”

“Yes, yes, yes. Your servant will not dare to do it again.”

Emperor Hongzhi pressed on relentlessly: “Not dare to do what?”

Uh…

Fang Jifan’s eyes widened. Wait, not dare to do what? I didn’t do anything. I just heard a shout, and a group of people rushed over, crying and wailing. I… I’m innocent!

As Fang Jifan racked his brains, trying to figure out what crime he had committed that he needed to confess.

Pfft…

Zhu Houzhao couldn’t hold back a laugh. He quickly covered his mouth, trying hard to suppress his amusement.

Emperor Hongzhi also found it somewhat amusing, but upon careful thought, this youth was about the same age as Houzhao. Why was he getting so angry with him? Doing so made him seem petty.

So his expression softened slightly: “I heard you took three disciples?”

Fang Jifan felt a bit guilty. Could it be that he really suspected me of cheating? “Yes.”

Emperor Hongzhi’s gaze was deep, carrying a hint of thoughtfulness. Those profound eyes seemed to want to see through everything about Fang Jifang. Then, he said calmly: “I’ve become quite curious and really want to know how you taught these three to study over the past half month.”

Fang Jifan breathed a sigh of relief. Judging by the tone, it didn’t seem to be about suspected fraud. He felt fortunate that the chief examiner for this exam was Wang Ao. This gentleman was too famous; not only did the Emperor trust him, but Scholars all over The World respected him. No one dared to question the fairness of this Provincial Examination.

But since His Majesty asked, Fang Jifan felt a bit nervous. How should he answer? He hesitated for a long time before stammering: “Actually, I just taught them casually. A bit here, a bit there.”

Emperor Hongzhi’s expression remained unchanged, and he sat steadily. However, his brow slightly furrowed. He felt Fang Jifan was fooling him—this was Deceiving the Sovereign.

Oh, a few Xiucai with poor academic skills, and you taught them casually, and they took the top three places in the Provincial Examination? Are you treating me like a fool?

Or are you treating all the Great Scholars in The World, and all my court officials, like fools?

A cold light flashed in his eyes. Dealing with someone like Fang Jifan, Emperor Hongzhi had his own methods. So he said sternly: “Fang Jifan, tell me the truth! Otherwise, I will not let you off lightly!”

Fang Jifan suddenly felt immense pressure. It seemed that without a reasonable explanation this time, he wouldn’t be able to muddle through.

After thinking for a moment, he boldly glanced at Emperor Hongzhi. Beside Emperor Hongzhi stood a young man—this must be Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao. It’s such an honor, such an honor.

But right now, Zhu Houzhao didn’t seem too friendly toward him. Watching him in trouble, he seemed to be enjoying it, leisurely watching the spectacle.

“Beat them!” Fang Jifan suddenly said.

“What?” Emperor Hongzhi was enraged by this inexplicable fellow. He didn’t quite understand what Fang Jifan meant.

Fang Jifan’s courage grew. I, Fang Jifan, am a prodigal son, a despicable Capital scoundrel. The Emperor surely knew this. Since he knew, why should I be trembling with fear?

Thinking this, his courage surged instantly. He narrowed his eyes, his expression suddenly lively, and said very directly: “One word: beat them. If you don’t beat them, they won’t achieve anything; if you don’t beat them, they won’t become talented. If you don’t beat them for three days, they’ll climb up to tear the tiles. If they don’t study, beat them; if they don’t obey, beat them too. When they displease you, beat them mercilessly. Even when they please you, beat them a little—this is called preventing trouble before it happens! Even when they’re well-behaved, you go beat them up, and they’ll become even more obedient, with no more wicked thoughts. Beat them until they’re scared out of their wits, and from then on, they’ll know to improve and work hard. Beat them several dozen times a year, and they’ll become good youths. If you beat them several hundred times a year, then Provincial Graduate, Jieyuan, Metropolitan Graduate—all will be easily within reach.”

“……”

Zhu Houzhao stopped laughing immediately. Instead, his face turned slightly pale. He seemed deep in thought, as if he had remembered an extremely serious problem.

Fang Jifan waved his fists recklessly, veins bulging, revealing the violent traits in human nature: “Your servant’s method of teaching others to study has no other secret—just beat them mercilessly! During the day, whip them while they’re tied to a tree; at night, hang them from the rafters and keep beating them! In spare time, casually beat them for an hour or two. Not only does it strengthen the body, but it also has the effect of healing psychological wounds. Those who are beaten will know they must study hard and endure hardship. Things like tying one’s hair to the beam or pricking one’s thigh with an awl are nothing. It’s hard for them not to become talented. Of course… this is just your servant’s shallow view. I’m afraid I’ve made a fool of myself before His Majesty!”