Chapter 116: Five Tribute Scholars

Fang Jifan originally felt he should say something, but clearly, these words… made people somewhat uncomfortable.

Having someone by your ear, constantly telling you every day that your skills are subpar, that you’re embarrassing yourself, and so on—for a young master like Xu Jing from a prestigious family, it inevitably hurt his confidence somewhat.

However, it was quite necessary to dent his confidence; he couldn’t be allowed to act too arrogantly. Who knew what kind of trouble he might stir up for Fang Jifan otherwise.

Five disciples gathered before Fang Jifan. These five nearly swept the top three places in the Metropolitan Examination, while the other two also achieved above-average results. It was almost as if they had captured all the top talents of this year’s exam.

It was important to know that only about three hundred candidates in total passed the imperial examination in the entire Metropolitan Examination. Held once every three years, it attracted the most outstanding scholars from across the world during that period.

Yet, Fang Jifan really couldn’t bring himself to be happy, because he now had to arrange accommodation for them.

The Fang Family’s estate was very large, thanks to Fang Jifan’s great-grandfather. He had enthusiastically followed Zhu Di from Beiping to Nanjing, was granted a noble title, and then eagerly moved back to Beijing with Emperor Wen, Zhu Di, when the capital was relocated. Throughout this process, he maintained an optimistic and upward-looking spirit. Look—while others followed the imperial court, his great-grandfather followed Zhu Di. Many people died, but he survived. After crawling out from mountains of corpses and seas of blood, his life became legendary and joyful. He believed that the Fang Family, having obtained a hereditary Earldom, would surely have a smooth-sailing future like his own life, with descendants flourishing abundantly. Therefore, when building this residence, he never bothered with fine details, having only one goal… size.

However, the outcome wasn’t as wonderful as he had expected. At least, Fang Jifan was now the third-generation only son, meaning the Fang Family’s lineage wasn’t thriving.

Thus, many areas in the estate were left vacant, and even in the rear courtyards, many places were overgrown with moss and weeds.

Now… several disciples certainly had to move in. All five were Tribute Scholars, and Fang Jifan was counting on them to support him in his old age. Although these five were older than him, there would be disciples’ disciples in the future.

So, the matter of constructing a study and a row of fine rooms was put on the agenda. Along the way, the front courtyard and other buildings of the Fang Family also needed repairs. It was a major project.

As for money, Fang Jifan had it. He wasn’t afraid to spend money—wasn’t that what money was for?

In terms of design, Fang Jifan had his own ideas too. He needed a separate courtyard for himself, with a row of side rooms, all in preparation for taking a wife and concubines in the future.

As for the study and fine rooms—well, no cutting corners…

After drawing up the plans, he began recruiting artisans and preparing building materials. Such matters were best entrusted to Manager Yang. Although Manager Yang often made a fuss, Fang Jifan trusted him deeply. He was a dependable man who had already served two generations of the Fang Family.

Everything was ready; all that was needed was the east wind.

By early March, Fang Jifan arrived at the House of the Crown Prince early in the morning. The watermelons were almost ripe. Zhu Houzhao, who had been waiting for a long time, was so excited he danced around, yet remained extremely cautious. Looking at the watermelon, he felt as if it were a treasure. No eunuchs or other personnel were allowed into the greenhouse—only Fang Jifan and Zhu Houzhao crouched there. Zhu Houzhao gently stroked the fruit produced by the Champion Marquis, tears welling up in his eyes.

A noble person seeks revenge even after ten years, but a son seeking revenge—this was setting the stage for bloodshed within five steps.

Fang Jifan thought to himself, if I had a son who treated a watermelon as his life just to avenge a humiliation, I’d surely strangle him.

The two emerged from the greenhouse. Zhu Houzhao seemed in high spirits but suddenly said, “Right, there’s one thing—have you seen the Capital Gazette?”

“Not seen it.”

“You don’t even read the Capital Gazette?”

“Too lazy!” Fang Jifan said very seriously.

“That makes sense.” Zhu Houzhao laughed. “This Palace is lazy too, but… This Palace pays more attention to border affairs, so occasionally I take a look. The day before yesterday, the Capital Gazette reported that after Mi Lu’s rebellion, Wang Shi, the Minister of Revenue of Nanjing and Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Left, was ordered by decree to command the military affairs of Yunnan-Guizhou. He has arrived in Guiyang and gathered fifty thousand elite troops, aiming to press on and directly crush Mi Lu’s rebel base in the two regions of Pu’an and Annam. His memorial has already reached the palace. This Wang Shi is quite skilled in using troops. After the Imperial Father saw the memorial, he personally wrote instructions to inform all quarters, encouraging Wang Shi in advance. This Palace has studied his battle plan: gathering elite soldiers and strong generals as the main force, advancing steadily and entrenching at each step, absolutely avoiding Qian Yue’s mistakes. It seems Mi Lu’s rebel army will soon be pacified.”

He blinked animatedly, then added, “This Palace is very knowledgeable about Horse Administration and military affairs. In this battle, the imperial court is sure to win. This Wang Shi is quite a talented commander; This Palace had actually overlooked him.”

When Zhu Houzhao said he understood military matters, he really wasn’t boasting. Historically, Zhu Houzhao had illustrious military achievements. In battles against the Tatars, his tactical abilities were outstanding. In fact, if not for the Great Ming’s emphasis on civil over military affairs, Emperor Wuzong of Ming, as his posthumous title, probably wouldn’t have such a poor reputation in history.

Zhu Houzhao clearly was quite satisfied with Wang Shi’s tactics. Many of his own views coincidentally aligned with Wang Shi’s, hence his many exclamations.

However…

Fang Jifan shook his head.

Seeing Fang Jifan shake his head, Zhu Houzhao flushed and said, “What, you don’t agree?”

“Hard to say.” Fang Jifan replied with a smile.

Actually, the tactic of advancing steadily and entrenching at each step was theoretically good for dealing with Mi Lu’s rebels. When Fang Jifan read history, he also agreed with Wang Shi’s strategy. The problem was, Wang Shi still failed because Mi Lu was even more cunning. Using the advantage of Guizhou’s rugged mountains, she fragmented her forces, never engaging Wang Shi in decisive battles but constantly harassing. The final outcome was that although Wang Shi’s tactics were steady, he suffered repeated setbacks and ultimately failed.

It was currently the twelfth year of Hongzhi. Historically, it wasn’t until the fifteenth year of Hongzhi that Wang Shi’s army completely quelled Mi Lu’s rebellion. In those three years, the first two saw heavy losses.

This strategy had already been proven wrong in history.

Zhu Houzhao had a strong competitive streak. In other matters, he usually heeded Fang Jifan’s advice, but regarding marching and warfare, he didn’t agree with Fang Jifan at all. He had his own opinions and insights!

Zhu Houzhao couldn’t help saying, “Why is it hard to say?”

Fang Jifan thought for a moment and said, “Wang Shi is bound to suffer setbacks. Mi Lu is no ordinary person. Back when she defeated Qian Yue, overcoming the strong with the weak, it already proved she was different from other rebellious chieftains. She would never confront Wang Shi head-on. Lord Wang’s strategy of advancing steadily merely wastes military strength. Once the large army can’t locate Mi Lu’s main force and Mi Lu’s rebels cut off their supply route, the losses are bound to be heavy.”

Zhu Houzhao was stunned, then frowned and said, “That’s all just empty talk from you.”

Fang Jifan sighed inwardly. Actually, he really wished his knowledge of history could alert the imperial court. The problem was, he found that many people seemed skeptical of his words.

It seemed only when events from history actually occurred would everyone suddenly realize, but by then it was already too late.

Ultimately, the reason… was that a person of low status speaking lightly carries little weight.

“Isn’t Your Highness also speaking emptily?” Fang Jifan smiled at him.

Zhu Houzhao was taken aback, immediately displeased, and said angrily, “That’s different. This Palace has been reading military manuals since childhood. How many military manuals have you read?”

“Does The Art of War count?” Fang Jifan thought about it.

“…” Zhu Houzhao suddenly chuckled. “The Art of War is certainly good, but it doesn’t really count as true military strategy. It’s like if you only read the Analects while studying—the Analects are excellent, but they’re too broad and generalized. No wonder you don’t understand anything. Come, This Palace will teach you. Real military strategy isn’t as simple as the Thirty-Six Stratagems. It involves military provisions and supplies, the training of each soldier, and also…”

“Not interested!” Fang Jifan shook his head. Learning military strategy… was too tiring…

“Then, shouldn’t you admit now that Wang Shi’s tactics…”

Before Zhu Houzhao could finish, Fang Jifan shook his head and said, “I don’t admit it. Wang Shi is bound to fail.”

“You…” Zhu Houzhao was somewhat exasperated by him, especially by Fang Jifan’s attitude of a dead pig fearlessly facing boiling water, which made him angry. After all, no one dared to provoke This Palace. This Palace usually treats you, Old Fang, quite well, right? This Palace is such a good friend, why are you so stubborn?”

Fang Jifan wasn’t afraid of Zhu Houzhao. This Young Lord has the Imperial Sword! Although Wang Shi wouldn’t be utterly defeated, heavy losses were certain to occur. Why should he admit it?

Zhu Houzhao snorted coldly and couldn’t help saying, “This Palace ignores you.”

Hah, could that scare Fang Jifan?

Fang Jifan said, “Oh. Then your servant takes his leave.”

Zhu Houzhao was half-furious with anger and said irritably, “You’re too stubborn.”

“The stubborn one is Your Highness.”

Zhu Houzhao glared at Fang Jifan. “This Palace has studied countless military manuals, received guidance from many old generals, and examined numerous military maps. You clearly don’t understand. Go on, This Palace will tend to his own watermelons.”

“Oh.” Fang Jifan sighed inwardly. He knew he couldn’t admit defeat. He sighed again inwardly and merely said, “Your Highness, farewell.”

Seeing Fang Jifan really leave, Zhu Houzhao immediately flared up, gnashing his teeth in anger. But seeing that Fang Jifan showed no intention of turning back, he actually felt a bit regretful.

This argument left Zhu Houzhao very unhappy, so much so that Liu Jin, Zhang Yong, and several others nearby were terrified out of their wits, afraid of drawing the Crown Prince’s wrath.

“What are you looking at?”

Sure enough, Zhu Houzhao stormed over to Liu Jin and directly kicked him in the chest.

Liu Jin staggered, cried out in pain, hurriedly prostrated again, and said fearfully, “Your Servant deserves ten thousand deaths.”

Zhu Houzhao was taken aback, his face slightly pale, and he couldn’t help muttering to himself.

Looking at Liu Jin trembling at his feet, he couldn’t help thinking, if only Old Fang were as submissive as Liu Banban.

But immediately… he shook his head again. If that were truly the case, would Old Fang still be Old Fang?

Ah… ignore him. This Palace will amuse himself.