Chapter 51: Fame Shakes the Capital

Emperor Hongzhi rushed into the bedchamber feeling a shock and a strange light flashed in his eyes.

…

Early the next morning, Deng Jian brought Fang Jifan some bad news.

The Duke of Yingguo had come.

Deng Jian urged him several times to go to the front hall. Fang Jifan was a bit unwilling. This Uncle Zhang always stared at him as if seeing a punching bag and wanting to beat him up whenever he had the chance.

After being urged again and again, Fang Jifan had no choice but put on thick clothes and reluctantly headed to the front hall.

Meanwhile, in the front hall, the Duke of Yingguo sat down furiously and took a sip of tea. Seeing Fang Jinglong’s gloomy expression, he widened his eyes and slapped the desk angrily, saying, “It infuriates me! Those two scoundrels, the Marquis of Shouning and the Earl of Jianchang! Last night, they sent invitations again, saying they had sold a large piece of wasteland, made a fortune, and were hosting a feast. You paid eighty thousand taels for that vast wilderness? Ah, how can I put this? What use is that land in the Western Hills? Has your Jifan gone mad?”

Fang Jinglong’s face turned red. He wanted to speak but hesitated, then finally said, “However you look at it, at least he now owns some land. It’s a bit barren, but…”

“Rubbish!” Zhang Mao had a terrible temper and cut Fang Jinglong off rudely. “Old Fang, you don’t understand. Zhang Heling and his brother spread word long ago that the Western Hills land is useless. You can’t farm it—nothing grows. It’s not even good for a cemetery: no wind, no water! That land is worthless. Before, they tried to sell it but found no buyers. Now, that brat Jifan took the initiative to seek them out and buy it! This…”

Fang Jinglong’s expression became slightly unnatural. He knew about this matter, but there was nothing he could do. The money was earned by Jifan anyway. Even if it wasn’t, shouldn’t a father’s money be spent on his son? Who else should spend it if not on him?

Zhang Mao, still resentful, kept cursing, “No wonder those two scoundrels are so delighted they’ve lost their heads, their tails sticking up to the sky. They’re throwing a feast and say they’ve set eighty tables. Pah! Shameless bastards, they have no sense of shame at all! This year alone, they’ve thrown thirteen banquets! Last time, they said their dog had given birth to a litter. They claimed they treated that dog like their own son, so the dog giving birth was like them having grandchildren. Celebrating, they sent invitations everywhere, asking people to come eat and drink.

“You know why? It’s because those shameless scoundrels just want to collect gift money! Last time I went, it cost me a hundred taels. At the feast, that wretched Zhang Heling said no alcohol—it’s bad for health—so we might as well drink plain water. There were only a few dishes: pickled radish, cabbage, and a tiny bit of meat so small you couldn’t even pick it up with chopsticks. Thinking about it makes my blood boil. And if that was all, fine. Guess what happened next? After they finished the feast and collected the money, they slaughtered that old dog they said they treated like a son, boiled it, and the two brothers stayed hidden in their mansion, eating it for three whole days and nights, not even leaving many bone scraps behind. Truly shameless, utterly shameless!”

Fang Jinglong’s face turned green upon hearing that the Marquis of Shouning and Earl of Jianchang were celebrating after getting the Fang Family’s land. He instantly felt he couldn’t hold his head up.

Zhang Mao, the Duke of Yingguo, cast a sympathetic glance at Fang Jinglong and said, “So this time, when they invited me, I didn’t go. It’s not that I’m stingy with the gift money, but damn it, they took such huge advantage of your Fang Family and now they’re broadcasting it everywhere. You and I, Old Fang, we’re old brothers. Not only did we know each other since childhood, but we also went through tough times together in the army. So I tore up the invitation on the spot and sent a message back telling them to get lost! Others may fear the Zhang Family because they have an Empress, but I’m like a stinky stone in a latrine; I won’t have anything to do with them.”

Fang Jinglong sighed deeply and said, “My son is undisciplined. Shameful, shameful.”

The topic suddenly shifted to this ‘undisciplined son.’ Zhang Mao leaned forward and stared straight at Fang Jinglong. “To be honest, Old Fang, you need to prepare early. Quickly find your Fang Jifan a wife, anyone will do, just hurry.”

“What… What do you mean…” Fang Jinglong was stunned. “Actually… there’s no need to be in such a rush.”

“Hurry,” Zhang Mao said firmly. “Don’t have any unrealistic hopes.”

Fang Jinglong flushed red and argued, “After all, Jifan came first in the military review and won the Golden Belt…”

“Useless!” Zhang Mao waved his hand dismissively. “Think about it. Your Jifan already had a bad reputation. Now, with those two, the Marquis of Shouning and Earl of Jianchang, taking such advantage of you and throwing banquets everywhere, they’re practically announcing to everyone that your Fang Jifan is a super big fool. Now, who knows how many people in the Capital are laughing behind your back? If you don’t find him a marriage quickly, later you won’t be able to find one even with a lantern.”

Fang Jinglong sounded doubtful. “That can’t be true. He’s now serving in the House of the Crown Prince. His future looks bright.”

Zhang Mao thought Fang Jinglong was being obtuse and snapped sharply, “Don’t you get it? Old Fang, Old Fang, you’re really muddled! What kind of person is His Majesty? He values righteousness, propriety, and trust most of all! A notorious, infamous person, mocked by the entire Capital, who even got himself sold off while helping others count the money—would His Majesty still promote him? Even if he won the Golden Belt? Even if he were a Zhuangyuan, what then? If he were promoted, would the imperial court still have any dignity left? In the eyes of the world, wouldn’t His Majesty seem foolish, incompetent, and blind? Otherwise, how could he promote such a dimwit? You still think his future is bright? Believe me, in a few days an Imperial Decree will come down, and Jifan will be sent by the Imperial Palace to Yongqing Right Guard to guard the Ancestral Tombs.”

Upon hearing Zhang Mao’s words, Fang Jinglong felt as if struck by lightning.

He hadn’t understood many things before, but now that he heard Zhang Mao’s analysis, it became clear. Indeed, the Zhang Brothers made sure everyone knew. If the Imperial Palace hadn’t heard, that would be one thing, but if they knew, the Golden Belt would be useless. If he wasn’t kicked to Yongqing Right Guard to guard Emperor Taizu’s tomb, he’d have to thank his ancestors for their virtue. What future could he possibly have?

Thinking this, Fang Jinglong felt sorrow well up inside. He groaned mournfully, “What sin did I commit…” Then he slapped his own face hard with a crisp sound, muttering, “It’s all my fault, my fault. I failed to raise my son properly…”

After giving himself several slaps until his face turned red, Zhang Mao quickly stopped him. “Don’t do this, Old Fang! Why torture yourself like this? It’s not your fault; it’s Jifan’s fault! That dog! Why hasn’t he come yet? Does he not know I’ve come to the mansion? Won’t he even come pay his respects?”

Actually, Fang Jifan had arrived long ago and was eavesdropping by the door, afraid to go in. It was said that the Duke of Yingguo was skilled in Equestrian Archery and martial arts since his youth. Wouldn’t going over be like walking to his death?

Just then, he heard Zhang Mao roar so loudly it seemed to shake the roof tiles, “That ill-mannered brat! Where does he live? I’ll go fetch him myself. If I don’t break his legs, I won’t be able to vent my anger!”

“Uh…” Well, this was awkward.

Fang Jifan dared not hesitate any longer and hurriedly stepped out from beside the door, saying, “I’m here, I’m here. Greetings, Uncle! How are you, Uncle?”

Zhang Mao got angry the moment he saw Fang Jifan and snapped, “Perfect timing. Come here.”

Fang Jifan grinned and said, “I’m not coming over. Uncle Zhang, I’m sick. I have a brain illness…”

“Brain illness, my foot! You wretched, hateful brat!” Zhang Mao, after all, was a Duke and carried his own authority. “Can’t you avoid stirring up trouble and making people laugh at your Fang Family behind your back, causing your father to feel ashamed to face others? If you don’t cause trouble, does your whole body itch? That illness of yours—if I don’t beat you, it won’t get better.”

Fang Jifan looked astonished. “How have I made anyone laugh at me?”

Zhang Mao bared his teeth, livid. Fuming, he said, “You still have the nerve to ask! The whole Capital is mocking you behind your back, and you dare deny it? Today I’ll teach you how to behave properly, so you won’t become a rat scurrying across the streets of the Capital, disgracing your father!”

Saying this, he directly rolled up his sleeves.