Chapter 110: Settling Scores Again
Chapter 110: Settling Scores Again
The Forbidden City was as unchanged as ever.
Very early in the morning, Emperor Hongzhi arrived at the Warm Pavilion. Soon after, the Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat, led by Liu Jian, came for an audience to discuss the day’s government affairs.
Emperor Hongzhi’s expression was clearly troubled.
As for the result of the entire examination fraud case, Liu Jian and the others already knew the outcome.
Although they felt that Cheng Minzheng and Xu Jing were somewhat wronged in this case, and despite the fact that after thorough investigation, they seemed blameless, His Majesty still had not exonerated them. While Cheng Minzheng and Xu Jing had escaped death, they remained unjustly treated.
This was done solely to preserve the face of the Imperial Palace and the imperial court. Yet, the dignity of the Imperial Palace and the imperial court was inherently inviolable.
Even Liu Jian, though sympathetic, knew advising the Emperor to change his mind and clear the two men’s names was unthinkable.
Therefore, in complete, unspoken agreement, they avoided any mention of the fraud case that day.
Emperor Hongzhi remained deeply worried and naturally did not wish to bring it up. It had become a thorn in his side. The case could only be glossed over this way; there would be no resolution, nor any judgment passed. Still… deep inside, Emperor Hongzhi inevitably felt uneasy.
But what could be done? Could he let the whole world know that even an Emperor could make mistakes? Once people knew the Emperor was not infallibly wise, wouldn’t his other decrees and judgments also be criticized and questioned? The Son of Heaven, mandated by Heaven, could never be wrong.
No matter how he tried to console himself, Emperor Hongzhi seemed agitated. He listened to Liu Jian’s views on suppressing Mi Lu’s rebel army in Guizhou with only half an ear.
Just then, a eunuch carefully entered, bowed, and reported, “Your Majesty, Fang Jifan requests an audience.”
“Fang Jifan?” Emperor Hongzhi frowned slightly. What was a mere Chief Banner Officer coming here for now? Shouldn’t he be on duty at the House of the Crown Prince today?
“What does he want?” Emperor Hongzhi, his mood sour, asked lightly.
The eunuch’s face showed a hint of anxiety. After a moment’s hesitation, he stammered, “He… he’s outside the Meridian Gate, loudly proclaiming that he wants to… speak up for justice…”
“Ptuh!” Xie Qian, seated steadily nearby, had just taken a sip of tea during the pause. Emperor Hongzhi was always generous with his Grand Secretaries, providing seats and tea. The moment the words “speak up for justice” were spoken, the tea Xie Qian had just sipped sprayed uncontrollably from his mouth.
You? A Chief Banner Officer of the Imperial Forest Guard? Not some righteous scholar-official! What does “speaking up for justice” have to do with you?
Fang Jifan was usually the target of others speaking up for justice! Hearing him utter those words… it was downright farcical!
At this, Liu Jian merely pressed his lips together tightly, saying nothing. His opinion of Fang Jifan had shifted slightly after Fang Jifan’s three disciples performed exceptionally well in the Metropolitan Examination, giving Liu Jian some reflected pride.
Li Dongyang wore a faint smile, impossible to guess what he was thinking.
“Speak up for justice?” Emperor Hongzhi couldn’t help finding it absurd. “What justice does he want to speak up for?”
The eunuch glanced nervously at Emperor Hongzhi. “Fang Jifan said… it’s about the Imperial Examination fraud case.”
“…”
Instantly, the atmosphere in the Warm Pavilion turned icy.
This matter was now utterly taboo for the Emperor. Liu Jian and the other two understood this perfectly well.
But this Fang Jifan really seemed to be asking for trouble, daring to touch such a nerve?
Even Liu Jian and his colleagues dared not open that wound now.
Sure enough, Emperor Hongzhi’s face flushed with rage. He snapped sternly, “State affairs are for Grand Secretaries and ministers! When is it a Chief Banner Officer’s place to meddle? Truly preposterous! I have indulged him too much. Thinking himself clever, he shows off everywhere! Were it not for his brain illness, I would punish him severely! Go tell him not to cause trouble. I refuse to see him.”
The eunuch hurriedly bowed and scurried off.
Emperor Hongzhi’s face remained dark and stormy, anger still simmering.
To be honest, it was only because Fang Jifan had a brain illness and was young, a mere junior, that he escaped punishment. Anyone else daring to stroke the tiger’s whiskers like this, especially when the Emperor felt ashamed and angry, would have faced immediate charges.
Releasing Cheng Minzheng and Xu Jing from the Imperial Prison was already an extreme act of mercy. This issue absolutely could not be dragged out any longer.
Yet, upon hearing Fang Jifan intended to speak up for Cheng Minzheng and Xu Jing, Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian all felt a flicker of astonishment. Fang Jifan… why would he do this? It would be enough if he just refrained from his usual mischief… but to show such courage?
Even Xie Qian, who had found it hilarious a moment ago, turned serious. Regardless, Fang Jifan’s actions today demanded attention and deserved respect in Xie Qian’s view.
This interruption made Emperor Hongzhi even more agitated. He thought the matter closed, but the eunuch returned, kneeling anxiously. “Your Majesty, Fang Jifan… will not leave.”
“Then ignore him! Hmph!” Emperor Hongzhi glowered.
The eunuch hesitated, then forced himself to say, “That is what I thought… But… he has knelt down outside the Meridian Gate. He doesn’t say a word, but… many officials coming and going, courtiers, and Imperial Guards are gathered there watching… whispering… I fear… I fear… if he’s allowed to kneel there making a disturbance… it will damage the dignity of the Court…”
Huff…
This finally pushed Emperor Hongzhi over the edge. He fumed, “That Fang Jifan has rebelled!”
He stood up abruptly, puffing with indignation, and began pacing furiously back and forth, his face contorted with uncontrolled anger.
Fang Jifan’s words and actions had clearly struck a nerve, probing Emperor Hongzhi’s deep-seated guilt. This was extremely dangerous. As the saying goes, humiliation breeds fury. The Son of Heaven’s word was law. If he lost reason in this state and gave an order, Fang Jifan’s life would be forfeit.
Seeing this, Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian exchanged glances. If even someone like Fang Jifan dared to speak out, what sort of ministers would they be to hold their tongues? They would lose all standing in the imperial court.
Liu Jian spoke solemnly, “Your Majesty, perhaps summon him here? Hear what he has to say.”
“Exactly,” Xie Qian added quickly. “Why would Your Majesty bother getting angry with a young fellow?”
Li Dongyang seemed thoughtful. He had a latent feeling that Fang Jifan was extremely intelligent beneath the surface absurdity. He surely would not do something so foolish without reason!
But why would he do this?
“Hmph!” Emperor Hongzhi remained incensed. “Fine! I want to hear exactly what ‘brilliant’ arguments he has! Summon him!”
The eunuch rushed out again. Deathly silence returned to the Warm Pavilion.
The sovereign and his ministers pondered their own thoughts. Liu Jian’s brow furrowed with worry. He held no grudge against Fang Jifan; today’s actions even made the young man seem commendable. But…
Liu Jian understood the complex considerations surrounding the fraud case. His Majesty had his difficulties. If Fang Jifan pushed recklessly, wouldn’t he be courting death?
Moments later, Fang Jifan entered the Warm Pavilion.
He had come prepared. For instance… inspired by the Crown Prince, he had inserted a steel plate inside his undergarment.
Fang Jifan stepped forward. “Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty. Long Live the Emperor!”
Emperor Hongzhi’s face was stony. His sharp eyes swept coldly over Fang Jifan. His voice was icy. “Why are you here, instead of attending to your duties at the House of the Crown Prince?”
Fang Jifan could hear the lingering fury in the Emperor’s tone.
Fang Jifan adopted a serious expression. “I have come to report a matter, Your Honor.”
Emperor Hongzhi was curt. “What matter? Don’t mince words.”
Fang Jifan took a deep breath. “I have heard that in the Imperial Examination fraud case, no solid evidence was actually found against Cheng Minzheng, the Right Vice Minister of Rites, nor the Tribute Scholar, Xu Jing.”
If one looked closely, they might have noticed a faint tremor in Emperor Hongzhi’s hand.
Truly, the thing he feared most had come. Fang Jifan, haven’t I treated you well? Haven’t I shown favor to your Fang family? How many times have you been impeached for all the things you’ve done, only for me to protect you? Now your wings must be hardened! Now you come playing the righteous Qingliu official, pointing fingers and questioning me?
Emperor Hongzhi said coldly, “Fang Jifan, can you count just how many impeachment memorials concerning you I have withheld, left unread?”
“…”
Eh? That wasn’t the script Fang had prepared for!
Given the case’s importance, Fang Jifan had meticulously rehearsed possible scenarios beforehand. Like in the opera, his plan was straightforward: he would mention the fraud case, the Emperor would ask “What business is it of yours?”, and then Fang Jifan would launch into an eloquent presentation of his views.
But… reality unfolded quite differently.
Instead, he heard Emperor Hongzhi enunciate each word deliberately, “Shall I list them out for you, one by one?”
The Emperor’s voice remained calm, yet each word struck Fang Jifan like a blow to his vital spots.
This… was rather awkward.
Emperor Hongzhi regarded him with a mocking, almost challenging look – practically saying, ‘Bring it on. Let’s air all the dirty laundry.’
Fang Jifan’s initial fervor instantly waned. Deflated, he said, “Your Majesty, the matter I wish to report concerns… the present. Could Your Majesty allow me to finish my memorial… before You settle scores?”
“Settle scores!”?
Emperor Hongzhi snorted. The scoundrel! He actually dared to say those words aloud! Was that not implying His Majesty was petty, holding a grudge?
Seizing this small opening, Fang Jifan quickly continued, “Your Majesty, since this case has no leads and no solid evidence, why not rehabilitate Cheng Minzheng and Xu Jing? Both are pillars of talent! Yet Your Majesty stripped them of their official positions and revoked their scholarly status. This truly should not be! In my heart, Your Majesty is a Sage Monarch. How could You possibly act this way?”
In truth, Fang Jifan was unsure how to properly advise the Emperor. His phrasing was clumsy and blunt.
Hearing this, Liu Jian and the other two sighed inwardly. This wasn’t offering advice; this was outright challenging the Emperor to a fight!