Chapter 124: Be Civilized

“Get to the point.”……

Under Emperor Hongzhi’s gaze, Fang Jifan stopped making polite remarks and instead spoke confidently. “The matter of military farming is very important. Although the Crown Prince oversees everything, I still fear… that it may not be handled well.”

Emperor Hongzhi, who had been in a good mood, immediately frowned. This was a major issue concerning the state altars and the people’s livelihood. It absolutely could not be taken lightly. Fang Jifan, you rascal, a moment ago you were full of confidence, and now you say you’re afraid it won’t be done properly?

So he pulled a long face, showing some seriousness, and said, “Minister Fang…”

What a quick change! Just a moment ago it was Jifan, and now… he turns his back and doesn’t recognize anyone! Emperor Hongzhi continued, “Minister Fang, just do your best.”

“Of course.” Fang Jifan had a purpose this time. He said with a sincere expression, “The Fang family has been loyal for generations, and I am no exception. What I mean is… I heard that the youngest son of the Duke of Yingguo, Zhang Xin, the Battalion Commander of the Jinwu Guard, is exceptionally capable. If he could assist, that would be perfect.”

“…”

Zhang Xin…

Emperor Hongzhi did have an impression of him.

This person was the son-in-law of the Prince of Zhou, and also the youngest son of the Duke of Yingguo, Zhang Mao. He was awarded a Silver Belt and currently served in the Jinwu Guard, on duty in the imperial palace. Several times when Emperor Hongzhi moved around the palace, he was escorted by him.

That young man was indeed a sincere person, just a bit too honest.

Right at that moment, a eunuch came in from outside and said, “Your Majesty, the Duke of Yingguo has arrived.”

“Summon him.”

Zhang Mao felt that Fang Jifan was really too rude. As soon as he saw him, he just ran away. Running was one thing, but he ran straight to the Warm Pavilion. This kid was asking for trouble!

But… official business was more important. Zhang Mao was just trying to scare Fang Jifan. Inside the palace, how dare he lay a hand on Fang Jifan?

At this moment, he wore a ceremonial headdress. Under his Bullfighting Ceremonial Attire was a fox fur lining, just visible at the round collar. He wore a Golden Belt around his waist. His body was slightly plump, and his clothing looked bulky, but under his thick brows, his eyes still shone brightly, giving him an exceptionally robust and heroic aura.

Entering the Warm Pavilion, he knelt down and said clearly, “Your old minister pays respects to Your Majesty. Your Majesty ordered me to offer sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The sacrificial rites are complete. I have come specifically to…”

“Minister, you’ve come just in time.” Emperor Hongzhi looked at Zhang Mao with a smile.

This confused Zhang Mao. What did ‘just in time’ mean? Was something wrong? Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Fang Jifan.

Emperor Hongzhi said slowly, “Is your son, Zhang Xin, currently serving in the Jinwu Guard?”

“Yes.” Zhang Mao felt puzzled and said, “Has my worthless son…”

“He is very good.” Emperor Hongzhi said calmly. “Effective immediately, by imperial decree, Zhang Xin is assigned to the Tuntian Hundred-Household Office of the Imperial Forest Guard, appointed as Deputy Hundred-Household Commander!”

With this casual remark, Zhang Mao almost spat out blood.

A transfer from the Jinwu Guard to the Imperial Forest Guard was a lateral move. That wasn’t the issue, as both the Jinwu Guard and the Imperial Forest Guard were elite forces within the Imperial Guard, of equal status, and more honorable than ordinary Imperial Guard units.

But… Zhang Mao really wanted to remind Emperor Hongzhi that his son was a Battalion Commander.

Originally, after all this time of training his son, theoretically, the next step should be seeking a position, either going to Nanjing for garrison duty or getting more experience at a border garrison, and then he should be promoted to Qian Hu. This was the career path that nobles like Zhang Mao planned for their sons and nephews. How could it be that in the blink of an eye, he went from being a Battalion Commander in the Jinwu Guard to becoming a Deputy Hundred-Household Commander in the Imperial Forest Guard? The military did have Deputy Battalion Commander positions, but there was no such thing as a Deputy Hundred-Household Commander. Adding ‘Deputy’ before ‘Hundred-Household Commander’ sounded just like the eunuchs in this Warm Pavilion, like something was missing.

Zhang Mao felt that something was very wrong. His face turned ashen. He wanted to explain things on his son’s behalf, but this sudden imperial decree caught him completely off guard. He didn’t even know what had happened.

So he carefully thought over His Majesty’s words and suddenly realized: the Imperial Forest Guard, why would they need military farming? And where did this Tuntian Hundred-Household Office come from?

“Tuntian Hundred-Household Office…”

Emperor Hongzhi smiled and said, “It should be the Western Hills Tuntian Hundred-Household Office. The Hundred-Household Commander is Jifan. He recommended your son!”

“…” Zhang Mao’s eyes widened larger than bronze bells. Instantly, he felt a deep regret for not having strangled Fang Jifan, this troublemaker, back then.

People always tend to favor their youngest sons a little. Zhang Mao had quite a few children. Although he was strict with this youngest son and often beat him until he howled, a father is still a father after all.

He… felt heartache.

“Uncle…” Fang Jifan smiled at Zhang Mao, very happily, his voice full of pleasure. “Please rest assured, your nephew will take good care of Big Brother Zhang Xin.”

This was a hostage! From today onwards, I, Fang Jifan, am Zhang Xin’s direct superior. Do you still dare to hit me?

But to prevent any problems, Fang Jifan decided it was best to slip away first. He absolutely could not leave the palace together with Zhang Mao, since this Uncle Zhang was currently furious and probably not very rational.

…

Meanwhile, at the Wang Family Residence.

Wang Shouren was under house arrest. These past few days, he had no choice but to obediently stay in his study and read.

However… he was clearly not a person who could easily settle down. Although he was already disappointed with that Fang Jifan, two things still weighed on his mind.

This Fang Jifan, acting so contrary to common sense, actually planting melons in such weather… Could it be… that this person was truly mad?

It was too irrational. If he were mad, why was it said that his five disciples reportedly greatly admired him, even prostrating themselves before him in utmost respect? These five were not ordinary people. They were among the top ranks in the Metropolitan Examination. Their future prospects were certainly bright.

He felt very restless. Pushing open the window, the outside was still bitterly cold and windy, the scenery desolate. His thin, gaunt face looked preoccupied.

His eyes seemed to gaze into the distance, lost in thought.

The other matter… that Fang Jifan believed the campaign to suppress bandits in Guizhou was bound to fail… But…

Wang Shouren couldn’t help but feel a bitter smile tug at his heart. He studied the strategy for the Guizhou pacification army again. It truly was the most reliable method. Failure… was out of the question.

Wang Shouren had quite some confidence in his own military strategy. Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but let out a wry laugh.

Just then, a commotion arose within the residence.

Wang Shouren frowned slightly. He saw the steward hurrying over, carrying something carefully on a tray. The steward said cautiously, “Young Lord, Young Lord… look, look, a rare item.”

A rare item?

When the steward came closer and pulled back the red silk cloth on the tray, it revealed a slice of watermelon.

The watermelon was bright red. Seeing it, a flicker of astonishment passed through Wang Shouren’s eyes. “This… this is…”

“It’s watermelon!” the steward said, his face beaming with excitement. “This morning, the Crown Prince bestowed these upon the officials of the House of the Crown Prince, one slice each. The Master, being the Junior Supervisor of the Household, naturally received this favor. However, the Master was somewhat reluctant to eat it and had someone from the House of the Crown Prince deliver the melon for the Young Lord to eat. Young Lord, this melon… it’s very rare! It’s said to even have health benefits. They say outside, it costs ten taels for one, but now, it’s priceless even if you have the money.”

Wang Shouren’s face suddenly turned pale. He stared wide-eyed at the melon as if he had seen a ghost. For a long time, he was unable to collect himself. After a considerable while, he finally said, “This melon… is it from the Crown Prince and Fang Jifan…”

He couldn’t finish the rest of his sentence.

Abruptly, Wang Shouren felt a strong impulse. He wanted to know, just what kind of person was that Fang Jifan?

…

Fang Jifan felt that life was beautiful. He got a promotion, was about to make a huge fortune, and next, his Tuntian Hundred-Household Office would be formally established.

This was an exciting day. Fang Jifan woke early, dressed in the Qilin robe bestowed by the Emperor, carrying the Imperial Sword, and wearing the Golden Belt. He first went to the House of the Crown Prince. Later, he needed to go to the Hundred-Household Office in the Western Hills.

Seeing Fang Jifan, Zhu Houzhao seemed very happy. He waved at Fang Jifan and also noticed Deng Jian timidly following, obediently waiting outside the hall.

“Old Fang, when are we heading to the Western Hills?”

Fang Jifan smiled and said, “Your Highness can decide everything. However, since we are doing military farming in the Western Hills, we should have some plan.”

Fang Jifan had a sudden idea. He ordered Liu Jin to bring ink and brush. Then, with a beaming smile, he said, “Besides watermelon, what else interests Your Highness?”

Zhu Houzhao thought for a long time and uttered one word: “Scallions.”

“Very good.” Fang Jifan gave Zhu Houzhao an appreciative look, then picked up the brush and made a note.

For matters like this, it’s best to gather ideas from everyone. Fang Jifan was quite particular about democratic procedures, so he treated everyone equally. He then looked at Liu Jin. “Liu Jin, what about you? Tell us.”

Liu Jin scratched his head and flattered Fang Jifan with a smile. “Battalion Commander Fang, your servant likes to eat cucumbers.”

What are called ‘cucumbers’ here are actually what we know as cucumbers. They were brought back from the Western Regions by Zhang Qian during the Western Han Dynasty.

Cucumbers are good! They can beautify the skin. I wonder if they can also nourish the kidneys? Fang Jifan nodded. “Not bad, not bad. Liu Jin has good taste.” He noted it down again.

The other companions around Zhu Houzhao also started chattering. “Radishes.” “Your servant only likes to eat rice. Can we plant rice?”

Rice?

Fang Jifan shook his head. Rice requires too much water; it’s not suitable for the north. Some things still need to be practical. So he said, “Pick something else.”

…

So, in a short while, the paper was filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables.

At this moment, Fang Jifan remembered someone. He glanced outside and yelled, “Deng Jian! Deng Jian!”

Deng Jian was waiting for his young lord outside the hall. Hearing his young lord call him, he quickly hurried into the hall. “What does Young Lord command?”

Fang Jifan looked at him with a smile, unusually kind and pleasant. “What do you like to eat?”

“Ah…” Deng Jian scratched his head, thought for a long time, and finally said, “This humble one loves to eat chicken.”

“…” Fang Jifan’s face instantly fell. Suddenly, he felt an urge to hit someone.

Take a deep breath. Be civilized…