Chapter 108: The Truth Was Revealed

After Zhu Houzhao went out, Fang Jifan looked at the greenhouse, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He crouched down to check the growth of the melon seedlings. It seemed… not bad. On the young seedling only finger-length long, a few tender leaves had already unfurled. Although there was insufficient sunlight, it was warm here. Occasionally, when the sky cleared, some light would shine in from outside.

Fang Jifan had grown up in the countryside in his previous life, so he had some basic agricultural knowledge. However… whether the watermelon seedlings planted in this experimental field would actually bear fruit, only heaven knew.

In just a short while, Zhu Houzhao came back carrying a bucket. He took a ladle, gently scooped water, and began to water the plants carefully. Previously, Fang Jifan had taught him general knowledge. Unexpectedly, this kid was now very skilled, afraid of overwatering.

But the more skilled he became, the more worried Fang Jifan felt.

He even wondered if he had led Zhu Houzhao astray. What would it be like if this “nonsense” continued? How would later generations evaluate him? Suddenly, a scene popped into Fang Jifan’s mind: in future newspapers and publications, when mentioning Emperor Wuzong of Ming, Zhu Houzhao, bold black letters prominently stating ‘He loved watermelons more than his kingdom.’

Zhu Houzhao’s eyes lit up as he talked about his dozen or so watermelon seedlings: “Old Fang, they are all children. This Palace has already named them. Look at this one—it’s the Grand General Who Conquers the East. This one is a bit weaker; This Palace calls it ‘Record-Keeper Army Advisor.’ This one looks a little ugly; call it ‘Governor of Yangzhou’…”

He introduced them one by one. When he got to the last one, his eyes shone even brighter, and he said excitedly: “This child is This Palace’s favorite. Look, it’s sturdier than the others. See its leaves, so emerald green they make one’s mouth water. This Palace calls it ‘Champion Marquis.’ Haha, champion of the three armies.”

Champion Marquis… Huo Qubing…

Hearing this, Fang Jifan’s face fell involuntarily: “Your Highness, Champion Marquis died young.”

Zhu Houzhao’s face turned red, and he said with conviction: “This is the Champion Marquis among watermelons. It won’t die young.”

“……”

Fang Jifan spent almost the entire day with Zhu Houzhao inside the shack. When he finally came out, he felt as if he were seeing the light of day again.

Outside the shack, the eunuchs of the House of the Crown Prince had gathered in a cluster. They weren’t permitted to enter the greenhouse; Zhu Houzhao feared they might trample the seedlings.

As soon as Fang Jifan emerged, Liu Jin hurried forward: “Chief Fang, how is… His Highness?”

“It’s fine…” Fang Jifan said lightly. He didn’t want to talk too much about it. It was all over a mere watermelon.

Returning to his residence, he felt somewhat weary. The snow outside had lessened a bit, but the cold remained biting. Before he could even sit down, Tang Yin and Ouyang Zhi, along with the other three, arrived together.

Tang Yin looked very pleased. He first bowed to Fang Jifan, then said: “Following Mentor’s instructions, this student has painted a picture over the past few days. I ask Mentor to correct it.”

Hearing that Tang Yin had painted something, Fang Jifan perked up: “Bring it here for this teacher to see.”

Tang Yin was already holding a scroll. He unfurled the painting, and when Fang Jifan looked, he saw it was a painting of a beautiful woman!

Hmm? Why did her eyes and brows look so much like Xiaoxiangxiang? Could the inspiration have come from her? Damn you, Little Tang—are you trying to compete with your teacher for a woman?

But seeing Tang Yin’s pure gaze, as if he were viewing the matter entirely from an artistic perspective, made Fang Jifan calm down a little.

Fang Jifan knew clearly that Tang Yin was originally skilled at painting beautiful women. So when looking at his painting, Fang Jifan wasn’t looking at the graceful, charming woman leaning out of the pavilion, but rather at shining silver money.

Fang Jifan studied the painting for a long while, then couldn’t help but laugh heartily: “Haha, good, a good painting. This painting is bold and unconstrained. This teacher likes it.”

“……” Tang Yin was silent for a moment before mustering his courage to say: “Mentor, this is gentle and restrained, a gentle and restrained woman…”

“The principle is the same.” Fang Jifan nodded: “Art is always interconnected. Little Tang, well painted. This teacher truly loves it.”

Ouyang Zhi and the other two watched sourly as their junior fellow disciple and their mentor intimately studied the painting, feeling a pang in their hearts.

Clearly, the three of them had studied hard and had been disciples the longest, yet as soon as Tang Yin joined, he received such ‘favor’ from their mentor. Comparing people really was frustrating.

Tang Yin also felt a small thrill of satisfaction. Since he had already become a disciple, receiving his mentor’s praise and regard was certainly not a bad thing. Moreover, his mentor appreciated his talent so much, which made him a little proud.

So Tang Yin promptly said: “If Mentor likes it, please take it for your collection. This student didn’t paint it well. In the next few days, I’ll find time to paint a few better ones and ask Mentor for guidance.”

Fang Jifan thought to himself, even if you didn’t give me this painting, I’d have to snatch it. Now that you’re so proactive, it saves me the trouble.

Fang Jifan sat down. His four disciples also took their seats. He called for tea to be served, took a comfortable sip, and then said: “Recently, you all should study well and prepare for the Palace Examination. Hmm… when this teacher has free time, I will naturally teach you the tricks for the Palace Examination.”

Before Ouyang Zhi and the other two could respond, Tang Yin immediately spoke up first: “Yes, this student obeys. But… Mentor…” As he spoke, he continued with a worried expression: “What about the matter of this student’s sworn brother, Xu Jing?”

These past few days, Tang Yin had actually been very unsettled.

Every extra day Xu Jing spent in jail, he lost his appetite. After all, they were close friends. The Brocade Guard was a place that could skin you alive! With Xu Jing’s fate unknown, Tang Yin felt heavy-hearted.

Actually, when he first became Fang Jifan’s disciple, Tang Yin was somewhat reluctant. Although Fang Jifan had “unintentionally” saved him, in his heart, Fang Jifan’s “character” was a bit questionable. But ever since Fang Jifan promised to rescue Xu Jing, Tang Yin began to see his mentor in a new light and started to feel a sense of belonging to Fang Jifan.

Hearing Tang Yin mention Xu Jing, Fang Jifan sighed inwardly. This guy really couldn’t forget about Xu Jing, huh? That settled it—Fang Jifan liked this kind of loyal disciple. He had you pegged for the rest of your life.

Seeing Fang Jifan not reply, Tang Yin’s eyes reddened again. Choking up, he said: “Mentor, this student actually knows this matter is extremely difficult. The crime Xu Jing committed is truly grave. This student realizes that even if Mentor steps in, not only would you be assuming responsibility, it might also be futile. All this student can do is serve Mentor like an ox or a horse in the future.”

Fang Jifan narrowed his eyes but smiled: “This teacher said that if Xu Jing can be safe and sound, then he will be safe and sound. You can set your mind at ease.” As if to reassure Tang Yin, he added earnestly: “This teacher guarantees it with my character.”

A man’s promise was important…

Although a wastrel’s promise like Fang Jifan’s didn’t seem to be worth much.

But it didn’t matter. Fang Jifan had indeed been paying attention to Xu Jing’s matter. He originally thought that as time passed, His Majesty would eventually order Li Dongyang to thoroughly investigate, and the final result would be that the matter would be dropped.

However… even if it was dropped, in reality, although there was no solid evidence, because of this case, so many people were implicated—even the Right Vice Minister of Rites and a Tribute Scholar were jailed—it wouldn’t be possible to simply announce to the world that they had made a mistake.

So the final outcome was that although Xu Jing kept his life, that was all. His outcome wasn’t very good. He was stripped of his Imperial Examination Degree and demoted to a civil clerk. He could never turn his life around after that.

And Cheng Minzheng, because he wasn’t exonerated, eventually died depressed.

Fang Jifan didn’t have a deep impression of these two people. Even when reading history, it was hard to feel much sympathy for them. But now… seeing Tang Yin pleading repeatedly, Fang Jifan’s mind stirred.

What if… I really saved them?

This thought flashed through his mind for just an instant, then Fang Jifan laughed heartily and said: “Alright, all of you go and study now.”

The melon seedlings in the greenhouse grew day by day. After several days of heavy snow, the weather cleared up a bit. And all the actions in the court unfolded just as Fang Jifan had predicted. Sure enough, Li Dongyang was ordered to investigate thoroughly. After reviewing numerous confessions and interrogating many witnesses, he then went to the Warm Pavilion to report to Emperor Hongzhi.

At this time, Emperor Hongzhi was still fuming over the matter of Zhu Houzhao.

That fool—in such weather, he went to plant watermelons. Such a sudden whimsical idea was simply baffling.

Planting watermelons was one thing, but he also didn’t know how to cherish rare treasures. Each of those ornamental stones was priceless, and yet they were all destroyed.

If you’re wrong, just admit it! But instead, he stubbornly refused and even tried to drag Fang Jifan into it. No matter how foolish Fang Jifan was, could he be foolish to your extent? If he were really that stupid, how could he have taught three Tribute Scholars?

What sin did I commit to have such a son?

He shook his head and sighed again. The young eunuch nearby looked very fearful.

He had been ordered to go to the House of the Crown Prince to see what the Crown Prince was doing. Now that he was back to report, Emperor Hongzhi saw his fearful expression and knew the news wasn’t good. Putting down the memorial in his hand, he said: “Speak…”

The young eunuch then stammered: “The Crown Prince… the Crown Prince… is still planting watermelons. Not only that, he says he wants to eat, sleep, and live with the melon seedlings… His Highness has named the seedlings… called… called Champion Marquis…”

“……”

At this moment, Emperor Hongzhi couldn’t help but feel a sense of despair.

Fortunately, Li Dongyang’s request for an audience helped Emperor Hongzhi suppress his anger and regain his composure.

Li Dongyang entered the pavilion, bowed, and then said: “I have seen His Majesty.”

“How is it?” Emperor Hongzhi looked deeply at Li Dongyang.

Li Dongyang was silent for a moment before saying: “There is no solid evidence.”

Emperor Hongzhi was taken aback.

Li Dongyang then said: “All witnesses have been re-questioned. Most were vague; none of it counts as hard evidence. This old minister also personally questioned Cheng Minzheng and Xu Jing. From their statements, this old minister can conclude that the confessions they made earlier were results of torture.”

Emperor Hongzhi frowned: “Are you saying the Brocade Guard extracted confessions under torture?”